Just think—if you had an extra ₱1,000+ in your monthly budget, what would you do? Here are five awesome ways to enjoy that extra cash:

1. Upgrade Your On-the-Go Gadget Essentials

Always on the move, but your phone’s battery can’t keep up? That extra budget could go towards a high-capacity power bank, wireless charger, or travel-friendly charging hub. Whether you’re saving up or finally buying that must-have gadget, that extra P1,000 can go a long way for your next gadget upgrade.

2. Level Up Your Entertainment Experience

Free internet means unlimited streaming, but how about upgrading your setup? Use the extra cash for smart speakers to boost your audio or invest in accessories to enhance your smart TV. Into gaming? Spend your monthly savings on in-game currency, character upgrades, or even new titles you’ve been eyeing.

3. Invest in Your Passion Projects

Have a hobby you’ve been meaning to explore? Free up funds for online courses, art materials, a new musical instrument, or parts for building that dream PC. A little extra each month can help turn a side passion into a serious project.

4. Boost Your Savings or Investment Fund

It might not sound exciting, but it’s surely a smart move. Channel that internet bill money into your savings account or investment portfolio. Over time, that extra P1,000 a month can grow and be able to fund a big-ticket dream, like a vacation or a future goal.

5. Treat Yourself—You Deserve It!

Sometimes, a simple self-care goes a long way. Whether it’s a fancy dinner, a weekend getaway, an online shopping spree, or just more trips to your favorite café, that extra monthly cushion lets you enjoy the little luxuries that make life sweeter.

Good News: These Awesome Perks Could Be Yours

All these possibilities (and more!) could be within reach with PLDT Home’s One Mega Giveaway (OMG) Promo. Ten lucky winners will get free PLDT Home broadband for a whole year, while one grand winner will enjoy free broadband for life.

To join, simply apply for a PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1399 or higher plan and you’ll get an automatic raffle entry to the OMG promo.

Don't miss out—start living the OMG life now! Visit www.pldthome.com/omg2025.

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.

PH’s top balladeer Jed Madela and rising P-pop group Eleven11 are set to headline PLDT Home’s exclusive Fiber Fest 2025. This highly anticipated event is happening this Saturday, April 5, at Tanauan City in Batangas, offering a unique experience for all attendees.

Fiber Fest, the pioneering broadband festival by PLDT Home, is now in its second year. This year, it’s bigger, better, and more exciting, bringing the best broadband deals and exclusive digital experiences to Filipinos nationwide.

“I’m thrilled to be part of PLDT Home’s biggest Fiber Fest again. This year will be bigger and better, and we promise to make the experience memorable, rewarding, and exciting for everyone,” says Jed Madela.

“It’s exciting to celebrate all the great things that fiber connection brings to barangays and individual households,” he adds.

The all-female P-pop group Eleven11 also joined in the fun at this year’s Fiber Fest. Eleven11’s members Swaggy, Audrey, Barbie, CJ, Ivy, and Jade debuted recently and were part of the Fiber Fest’s kick-off at Pasig City last March.

The group was formed through a former noontime segment, “Tahanang Pinakamasaya”, and has been making rounds in the entertainment industry for two (2) years. The group’s name has a meaningful story from the lucky number 11:11 which was believed to be a magical time to “make a wish.” Fiber Fest goers will surely enjoy Eleven11’s charm and enchanting performances.

Fiber Fest also launched the first-ever Search for the next TikTok star to showcase the best local talents and connect them with wider online audiences in partnership with TikTok.

PLDT Home brings the best broadband deals and rewards available exclusively at Fiber Fest. Apply or upgrade to PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plan 1599 and get unli entertainment and unli mobile calls. Also, existing Netflix subscribers save P249 per month when logging in using their current Netflix account. You’ll also enjoy same-day installation, free installation and activation fees worth P3,600, and a free Speedboost up to 300 Mbps for six (6) months. For subscribers who switch to PLDT Home Fiber plans from other brands, enjoy a 50% discount on monthly service fees for the first six (6) months. Now that’s a sweet deal!

PLDT Home Fiber Fest 2025 aims to provide communities nationwide with reliable fiber connectivity. By bringing world-class fiber technology and unforgettable experiences to local neighborhoods, the Fiber Fest enables families by making the internet more accessible so they can enjoy opportunities to work, learn, and entertain seamlessly at home.

Check out PLDT Home’s official pages for the full schedule of Fiber Fest 2025.

PLDT Home’s pioneering broadband festival is back for its second year—with bigger surprises in more areas nationwide. Fiber Fest widens its reach in 2025, bringing same-day fiber installations, ultra-fast broadband, and exclusive digital experiences to more communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Bringing Fiber Connectivity, One Barangay at a Time

With PLDT Home’s ever-expanding fiber network, more Filipino families can now enjoy next-level connectivity with Wi-Fi 6-ready plans supporting speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Whether for remote work, streaming, gaming, or smart home setups, these high-speed fiber plans ensure seamless performance.

“Fiber Fest aims to make reliable internet more accessible to broader communities,” said Patrick Tang, First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Acquisition Marketing. “By bringing PLDT Home’s broadband and digital services to more barangays across the country, we promote digital transformation, encourage community development, and create growth opportunities.”

Building on its success, Fiber Fest is expanding to even more barangays, accelerating the rollout of PLDT Home’s reliable fiber network—especially in underserved communities.

What to Expect at the Fiber Fest

Here’s what Fiber Fest-goers can look forward to:

· Exclusive Deals: Get the best broadband deals and rewards available exclusively at Fiber Fest. Enjoy free speedboost and save up to P3,600 waived installation and activation fees for new subscribers. Switching to PLDT Home Fiber plan? Then enjoy a 50% off monthly service fees for six months. Existing PLDT Home subscribers upgrading to Fiber Netflix Plan, Fiber Unli All, or Fiber Unli Plan also get free speedboost and exclusive rewards.

· Same-day Installation: Customers will enjoy same-day installation of their PLDT Home Fiber plan when they apply at the Fiber Fest.

· Exciting Rewards: Sign up for Home Rewards program and receive 120 free Rewards Crystals which can be redeemed for bill rebates, discounts, and exclusive treats.

· The Best Digital Offers, All in One Place: PLDT Home has partnered with Smart, Maya, mWell and Next Upgrade to bring exciting promos for the best digital experiences – mobile connectivity, seamless cashless payment, health and wellness services, and smart home solutions.

· Local talent and Interactive Entertainment: Experience an action-packed day of games and entertainment, featuring Netflix-inspired activities and the Barangay Olympics. PLDT Home has also partnered with TikTok to showcase the best local talents and connect them with wider online audiences with the country’s first-ever TikTok Star Search at the Fiber Fest.

· Live Celebrity Performances: Enjoy electrifying performances from Eleven11, and special guest appearances from PLDT High Speed Hitters.

First Stop: Pasig City

Kicking off in Pasig, Pasigueños enjoyed activities and surprises from PLDT Home. Celebrities and guest performers including Dylan Menor, Eleven11, and PLDT High Speed Hitters including Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Jessey de Leon, and Rachel Austero also joined in the fun.

Catch the next runs of Fiber Fest in Batangas, Bulacan, Pasay, Cavite, and more! The full schedule of Barangay Fiber Fest locations and events will be announced soon on PLDT Home’s official pages.

Stay tuned and be part of the country’s biggest fiber festival.

During the forum at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) awards, (From Left) Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines,led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Ahyee Campos, GoDigitalPilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines, Agnes Gervacio, Connected Women CEO, Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, NEDA Undersecretary and Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)

Madiskarte Moms PH, the online community of women and mompreneurs in the Philippines, took centerstage at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards. The forum and awards ceremony celebrated companies championing gender equality in the region, and highlighted critical topics such as women entrepreneurship and digital inclusivity.  

Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH); Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines; NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy; and Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio.

  Women in business

When people think of “women in business,” they immediately think of women executives working for big companies in finance or retail rather than the grassroots entrepreneurs and community leaders who are often the driving forces behind local economies.  

  Women in business take center stage at UN Women WEPs Awards forum

(From left) Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Ahyee Campos, GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines, Agnes Gervacio, Connected Women CEO, Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, NEDA Undersecretary and Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)

The pandemic revealed the untapped potential of these women through Madiskarte Moms PH. And four years after its inception, this online community of almost 200,000 mompreneurs continues to promote digital upskilling, enhance entrepreneurial skills, and expand access to community support for its members to start and grow their home-based businesses. 

PLDT Home, which supported the online community of moms from its founding, helped these small businesses not just to survive but to flourish during their most challenging times.

PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios highlights the creativity and innovation of mompreneurs in the Madiskarte Moms PH community, emphasizing how PLDT Home supports their small business growth.

PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH Melissa Vergel de Dios shared that it is “all about the creativity and innovation of mompreneurs.”

Vergel de Dios relates the story of an awardee at the 2024 Gawad Madiskarte, PLDT Home’s annual recognition and awards for the best businesses by mompreneurs. “This mom needed to buy milk for her child, which cost her the only money she had—P3,000. Not only was her budget just enough, but it was also unfortunately stolen or lost. Instead of being overcome by helplessness, this clever mom sold her old clothes and made P7,000. This mom turned an unfortunate incident into the beginning of her business called HTP or Half the Price. Now that she had capital for a business, she called up all her friends to put their unwanted clothes together and sell them. From that P7,000, her income is now seven figures.”

PLDT Home’s advocacy for inclusivity for women in business and in tech goes hand in hand with the continuous expansion of its fiber network across the country and support for programs on internet education for the whole family. 

“We’ve given masterclasses and lessons that teach women how to create their own websites, how to avoid scams and fraud. But, as I say, it takes a whole nation. Now, the Madiskarte Moms teach new members so that they can go forward as well,” Vergel de Dios added.

  Breaking gender stereotypes

Breaking conventional gender roles and mindsets has also allowed the government to map out an inclusivity plan for women. NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy said the Philippine Development Plan or “the nation’s blueprint” includes strategies to mainstream gender equality in government. 

  Moderator and Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines Athena Denise Galao raised a valid point on women who work from home still bearing increased domestic responsibilities. “How do we prevent housework from becoming another barrier for women’s advancement?”

Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys said, “We need to take away the mindset that home care is only for women. Unpaid home care is not allowing women in that kind of working model to really succeed. And so participation of the husband in those conversations needs to be more active and the women need to be more forthcoming—it cannot be assumed that it’s understood.”

Will AI take away jobs?

As AI becomes more intelligent—by learning from humans! — the inevitable question for every employee is: will my employer replace me with a computer program?

Not likely, according to Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio. “When you embark on digital transformation and your goal is to do headcount reduction, you’re doing it all wrong. Because the goal of digital transformation is to make sure that you deliver efficiencies as well as ensure that your business is competitive.”

That future may not always be in the office, according to Vergel de Dios. “Sometimes success is not being an executive in the office but being an entrepreneur. Today’s success is defined differently. We can be role models to the little girls that look up to us, and we can show them that they can dream. It also starts with education so that at a young stage the stereotypes are broken at the formation stage.”

PLDT’s wireless subsidiary, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), is upgrading the 5G experience for ordinary Filipinos through its value mobile brand, TNT, with the launch of 5G Max—a boosted network experience that delivers faster speeds and more reliable connectivity for subscribers.

A big step toward TNT’s thrust to bring the many benefits of 5G technology to the masses, the TNT 5G Max experience is initially available at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and its surrounding areas - a bustling area of people from all walks of life, including office workers, college students, entrepreneurs, and tourists, among others.

Powered by TNT 5G Max, subscribers can experience seamless connectivity as they go about their daily online activities like upload and download heavy files instantly, staying active on their productivity apps, streaming their favorite shows in ultra-high definition without interruption,and play high-bandwidth mobile games without lag.

“Ramdam ko talaga ang bilis ng TNT sa Taguig kasi di ako nag-la-lag sa app. Mahalaga ito sa trabaho ko bilang rider para tuluy-tuloy ang biyahe," said Aaron Blanquera, 39, a ride-hailing app driver who has been a TNT user for two years now.

"Mahilig talaga ako mag-FB at TikTok tuwing break, at napansin ko na mas mabilis nang mag-load ang videos sa phone ko," said Krissian Levi Sindico, 28, who works in a BPO company in Taguig and has been a TNT user for five years.

“TNT 5G Max strengthens our mission of bringing ‘saya’ to the masses powered by the latest innovations. We look forward to rolling this out to more areas across the country so more Filipinos can benefit from our superior 5G experience. It will be simply amazing,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, TNT Group Head.

TNT 5G Panalo Phone for only P3,990

To make the 5G Max experience even more accessible, TNT unveiled the new TNT 5G Panalo Phone, the most affordable 5G smartphone in the Philippines for only Php3,990.

Now available at accredited retailers nationwide, the TNT 5G Panalo Phone is compatible with 5G to provide users with faster speeds, more reliable connectivity, and better quality of service.

Built for everyday use, the TNT 5G Panalo Phone runs on Android 14 and is powered by an Octa-Core processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, expandable up to 512GB, ensuring smooth multitasking for work, school, and entertainment. It also has a 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera for taking sharp photos and clear video calls.

The TNT 5G Panalo Phone is perfect for Filipinos from all walks of life to enjoy a faster, smoother, and reliable mobile experience at a very affordable price. Young professionals, call center agents, riders, and college students can rely on it to stay productive and entertained - from streaming high-resolution movies and series on the go, navigating online maps in real time, or attending online classes and virtual meetings.

Best Paired with Saya All 99 and Unli 5G 75

Subscribers who plan to purchase the TNT 5G Panalo Phone can unlock its full potential by topping up with TNT’s Saya All 99 or Unli 5G 75 promos.

With TNT Saya All 99, users get 6GB of open access data, unlimited access to Facebook, Messenger, TikTok, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, as well as unlimited calls and texts to all networks, all valid for 7 days.

Subscribers can also rely on TNT Unli 5G 75, which offers unlimited 5G data for 1 day.

TNT is powered by Smart’s award-winning mobile network.To learn more about TNT’s affordable offers, follow TNT’s official accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok..

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and PLDT Home Ambassador Chelsea Manalo talks about staying connected with her loved ones and being her best self in Metro.Style’s latest digital cover story.

Chelsea impressed the whole nation with her performance in Miss Universe Philippines’ swimwear and eveningwear segments. But it was her Q&A about overcoming restrictive beauty standards that captured the hearts of Filipinos and ultimately secured her the win.

Speaking to Metro.Style, Chelsea candidly talks about being away from her family in Bulacan, especially now that her Miss Universe journey is running at full speed. A lesson that she learned from her Miss Universe Philippines stint is the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones.

“(I always) value the time with the people who are really close to my heart,” she tells Metro.Style. When away from home, Chelsea makes sure to keep in touch with loved ones via landline, mobile, or the internet with reliable connection powered by PLDT Home. The new PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 with speeds of up to 100 Mbps and unlimited landline and mobile calls covering 5 Smart/TNT numbers in the family allows her to go all out with stories and updates for her loved ones – providing her no limits as she inches closer to her dream.

During her Q&A at Miss Universe Philippines 2024 most especially, Chelsea mentioned her mom to be instrumental in building her self-confidence – with constant reminders to believe in herself. Being the first Filipina of African descent to represent the Philippines, Chelsea not only aims to bring representation and diversity to the international pageant, but also to inspire women as her mom did.

Chelsea shows that staying connected with people who lift you up will bring out your best self. It’s also proof that your best self starts at home – with family and friends who have always been there since the beginning. Now, it’s her turn to use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to empower women not just in the Philippines but from around the world.

Read Metro.Style’s cover story on Chelsea Manalo here. Know more on who have always been there for her through her journey — and how she relies on PLDT Home to connect with her loved ones, fulfill her advocacies, and ultimately conquer her dreams here:

Just like Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and PLDT Home Ambassador Chelsea Manalo, you too can be your best self at home by subscribing to PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399, designed to give customers the best value for their money. Go super charged as you enjoy unlimited Fiber connection with speeds of up to 100Mbps, unlimited entertainment with Cignal, and unlimited calls to Smart/TNT all in one plan!

Never miss a connection with your friends and family. To know more about the PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399, visit pldthome.com/fiber for more details.

Speaking at PLDT’s DigiHub session were (from left) PLDT FVP and Chief Information Security Officer Angel Redoble, PLDT Home ambassador Roxanne Montealegre-Luz, PLDT VP and Head of Home Digital Services Evert Chris Miranda, Microsoft Philippines PR and Communications Head Joshua Aquino, PLDT FVP, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Head of Investor Relations Melissa Vergel de Dios, eufy and Anker Assistant Brand Manager Marinel Pascual, former PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head Ramon Isberto, PLDT Home ambassadors Edric and Joy Mendoza

As PLDT ushers in the transformation of the Philippines into a Smart Nation by enabling the creation of Smart Cities, the conversation inevitably turns to the Smart Home and various consumer applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

PLDT FVP and Chief Information Security Officer Angel Redoble reiterated the PLDT Group’s commitment to ensure the cyber security and safety of customers.

PLDT VP Evert Miranda demonstrated how PLDT Home is enabling Filipino families to build sustainable and Smart Homes.

Advancing further in terms of adoption and usage, Smart Home and AI continue to headline conversations on digital transformation and breakthroughs in the tech industry. These were among the highlights of the recently concluded Philippine Digital Convention (DigiCon) 2023 presented by PLDT Enterprise at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. 

PLDT FVP and Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios talked about PLDT’s strategic direction towards sustainability and thrust to enable a digital and sustainable future.

PLDT Home showed Digicon attendees a glimpse of the near future with AI-powered Smart Home and security solutions, and showcased how people can use new technologies responsibly at home.

In a DigiCon session called “Family Perspectives on Smart Home and Artificial Intelligence”, PLDT brought together thought leaders on technology and parenting, and emphasized the importance of fostering meaningful connections and responsible use of technology.

Smart Home solutions and AI offer a variety of benefits to consumers, including convenience, comfort, productivity, and security. These breakthroughs are seen to further diversify and continuously impact people’s lives standard of living.

As access to Smart Home technology and AI applications increasingly becomes universal, consumer education on responsible use gains greater importance. Consumers need to understand these technologies, particularly digital solutions that connect into their homes and interact with their families and loved ones.

Recognizing its role in enabling families to foster meaningful connections at home and in line with its commitment to do business responsibly, PLDT held a session called “Family Perspectives on Smart Home and Artificial Intelligence” at this year’s Philippine Digital Convention at the Manila Marriott Hotel.

Together with PLDT Home ambassadors Edric and Joy Mendoza, industry partners Microsoft Philippines’ PR and Communications Head Josh Aquino and eufy and Anker’s Assistant Brand Manager Marinel Emeres Pascual, as well as technology advocate Ramon Isberto, PLDT Home’s Evert Miranda led conversations about the impact of Smart Home technology and AI to family life, parenting, and home security. 

The brand also talked about their 24/7 cyber security operations and highlighted the importance of responsible use of these technologies.

“As we enable access to these evolving digital solutions, our thrust at PLDT is to ensure that each connecting customer and end-user gets to fully maximize the benefits of technology, while being safe and protected from potential threats and harms online,” said Angel Redoble, First Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at PLDT.

This session aligns with the PLDT Group’s agenda for Sustainability, particularly supporting focus areas on digital inclusion, cyber security, customer welfare, and child protection.

“Sustainability for PLDT is not just about managing our environmental impact and taking action on climate, it is also about staying true to our purpose of delivering meaningful connections to our customers, helping narrow the digital divide among Filipinos, and doing business responsibly,” said Melissa Vergel de Dios, First Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Head of Investor Relations at PLDT.

“A digital and sustainable future is one that makes use of technology to enhance our way of living, fosters responsible use of our shared natural and digital resources, and thrives on collaboration among generations and across sectors,” she added.

The PLDT Group continues to enable the transformation of the Philippines into a Smart Nation, by building smart cities and starting with one smart home at a time.

Executives of Bayad and Go VIP Center meet for the signing of the partnership to provide customers with more bills payment options. Seen in the photo are (from L-R) Go VIP Center Chief Finance Officer Paul Wilson A. Gardon, Go VIP Center President and CEO Julie M. Estares, Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer, and Bayad Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer Dennis S. Gatuslao.

Bayad, the pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system, has partnered with Go VIP Center, a leading business solutions and financial services provider, to enable customers with more convenient ways to pay their bills.

Under the partnership, more than 1,000 Go VIP payment centers can now accept bills payments for different utilities and government contributions including the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), PLDT, and Metro Manila Development Authority.

The new feature is on top of the usual money transfer, remittance, airtime loading, delivery, and microinsurance services offered in Go VIP payment centers.

Go VIP Center President and CEO Julie M. Estares said the partnership with Bayad is aligned with their mission to deliver innovative and convenient financial solutions to Filipinos.

“By integrating Bayad's payment collection system into our services, we can enhance the convenience and accessibility of bill payments for our customers, further streamlining their financial transaction,” she said.

For his part, Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer said the partnership aims to provide customers with more accessible physical touchpoints for bills payment.

“Partnering with Go VIP Center continuously inspires us to rethink the level of convenience we can provide to the customers that we both serve. This is why we’re proactively expanding our biller ecosystem as we maximize a one-stop-shop payment experience especially for our kababayans who are always on the go. Our goal has always been centered on elevating the financial experience of Filipinos,” he said.

A wholly owned unit of Meralco, Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

Small business owners, especially women entrepreneurs, are important to both their immediate communities and the local economy. Research shows that there are around 28,000 Women’s SMEs (WSMEs) in the country or around one in four of all SMEs in the Philippines.

Entrepreneurs who are also mothers at home—the so-called mompreneurs—founded their businesses with the goal of improving their family’s lives. These businesses encourage creativity and empower women to be financially independent.

The online community Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) is one such support group for moms who are starting their own businesses or scaling up their existing ones. MMPH has its own Facebook group and YouTube channel that feature posts and videos of moms sharing advice and best practices in online marketing and selling. It’s very inspiring to see moms telling their own stories of how they started small and eventually scaled up.

These mompreneurs have created intensely personal businesses and, as such, their dedication shows in their products — proudly handcrafted, each one never the exact same copy of another. In a world of fast production, there is value in products made with skilled hands, passion, and care.

Mompreneurs are some of the most madiskarte and hardworking Filipinos hustling their way toward their financial goals. They deserve our support and applause for starting businesses from nothing, but more importantly, their products deserve our attention. Here are four of the best handcrafted products from the mompreneurs of Madiskarte Moms PH:

1. Bible journals by Love, Mama V

For those who like to write down their thoughts and prayers during their regular Bible readings, Madiskarte Mom Vannie Roxas’ Bible journals are a great get. Initially made for her own use, she started her business this year when her workload as a freelance social media manager became less demanding.

She joined a crafting workshop to learn how to print, and her husband’s T-shirt printing business made it easier for her to start since they already had the equipment. “At the workshop I learned that there are so many products we can do—it was a bit overwhelming,” Vannie says. “But I thank God because he led me to create products that are aligned with my passion and faith. I really use Bible journals to help my faith grow and I wanted to share it with fellow devotees who want to jot down their meditations.”

Vannie also now offers a Prayer Journal, Biblical Affirmations notebook and other products to help her customers in their faith journey. She says she feels very blessed as the business gives them additional income. “It’s not that big yet since we just started. We’re in the process of studying how we can grow it and expand to create more jobs in the community. I hope we get bulk orders for this year’s Christmas season so we can share the blessings that our products have showered upon us.”

Vannie’s journals are simple, usable, thick and long-lasting. They’re also truly affordable at P220 per journal.

2. Handmade relief balms and salves by Nurture Moms Balms

Our skin could always use some extra TLC—which is why this idea from mompreneur Christine Joy Llameg is one of the more enticing products in the Madiskarte Moms PH community. Christine sells homemade balms and salves that help treat annoying skin conditions such as rashes and dry skin. The healing salves are made with all-natural ingredients, such as essential oils and botanical extracts, and they also avoid the potentially dangerous chemical camphor.

The idea of making balms came to the mompreneur when she wanted to make one for a friend’s son with G6pd or the lack of an enzyme (glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase) in the blood. “Anything minty is not allowed to touch his skin so I first made a salve for him, and that sparked the idea of eventually selling them.”

The business also helps fund therapy sessions for Christine’s four-year-old daughter Irie, who’s in the autism spectrum. “I had my first big order during my second month—100 pcs of aromatherapy balm as a wedding favor and that paid for two months of therapy sessions. Currently my sales are at a slow phase but I’m still fighting for it because I have to give the best life for my family, especially my daughter,” she says.

Christine personifies the mom who never gives up no matter the odds. She shares that this is her third business idea after two failed ventures. “Life is really hard but when I think about my daughter, I feel like I can do anything.”

3. Realistic paper flowers by ICreate-paper flowers

Need floral decor for your events and spaces? Mompreneur April Baltazar’s paper flower designs, which imitate popular flowers such as roses and daisies, give off a very realistic feel. A Madiskarte Mom since 2015, she proudly shares that her home business has taken her to different places across the country to set up paper flowers for various clients.

April started her business eight years ago after she stumbled on a Facebook post about giant paper flowers. “I was intrigued and quickly became interested, so I decided to try making them myself. Since then, I have been exploring various social media platforms in search of creative ideas and online tutorials to gain inspiration. The positive feedback and encouragement I received from my friends, family, and early clients played a significant role in shaping my current path,” she says.

Madikarte Moms’ support motivated her to channel her creativity into a profitable business while social media helped her discover her target market. “Business has become our primary source of income. With it, we are able to pay our bills every month and even have some savings. Since I have been practicing my art for many years, I have seen significant improvement in my skills. As a result, I now conduct workshops to share my knowledge and expertise, which serve as an additional source of income for my family.”

April admits that the market is now saturated with numerous competitors, but “we are able to meet all our needs and wants solely by selling giant paper flowers. This business has truly helped my family financially.”

4. Polymer clay earrings by Cess’s Official

Want to change up your personal style? These handcrafted floral-themed polymer clay earrings by mompreneur Cess Tordes are colorful and vibrant, perfect to either accentuate a subtle outfit or complete a larger-than-life look. They’re also great for all ages! Mommy Cess offers a large collection of earrings, which she makes when she’s feeling stressed from her day job.

“I got the idea from Pinterest. I saw earrings that were so beautiful that I made some for myself. When I posted them on Facebook, a lot of people inquired where they could get them or if I was selling them. I couldn’t do it full time because I work full time for an AU-based company. Making polymer clay earrings is both a side business and a hobby,” Cess says.

She shares that the profit from the business goes to the schooling of her four-year-old daughter. “The income from the business is not a lot yet because I sell them at low prices, especially to momshies. But the fulfillment I get from creating them and seeing them worn by women to important occasions in their lives like their birthday, graduation or wedding is very satisfying.”

These awesome products by mompreneurs from the Madiskarte Moms PH community show that there’s no limit to the creativity and ingenuity of the Filipina. There are a lot more handmade products and items waiting to be discovered.

If you’re also a madiskarte mom who’s looking to touch base with like-minded mompreneurs, or if you’re an aspiring mompreneur who wants to channel your creativity and productivity into a small business, the Madiskarte Moms PH community is more than welcoming to new members.

To check out more unique products, connect with fellow mompreneurs, or start your journey to becoming a mompreneur yourself, you can join the Facebook group here.