Leading fiber internet and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. stabilized services quickly following a Friday submarine cable disruption between the Philippines and Singapore by immediately rerouting traffic to alternative paths, mostly through the new Bifrost international cable system.

Converge is the official landing party in the Philippines for the Bifrost Cable Landing System. The Davao branch of the cable made landfall in Davao in August 2025.

“This allowed none to minimal disruption in our services to both our residential and enterprise customers due to the cable issue between Singapore and the Philippines,” said Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy. Following last Friday's disruption, some customers experienced difficulties accessing applications and websites hosted in Singapore. 

“We have planned our investments in these international cable systems as early as five years ago precisely in anticipation of these incidents. Our investments in Bifrost along with SEA-H2X (Southeast Asia - Hainan - Hong Kong Express Cable) have allowed us to achieve international network redundancy that’s most important at a time like this,” he said. 

Spanning over 20,000-kilometers, the Trans-Pacific Bifrost Cable System links the Philippines to Singapore, Indonesia, Guam, and the US, delivering a total design capacity of over 240 Terabits per second (Tbps). Converge serves as the Philippine landing party via its landing station in Davao and owns one fiber pair in the trunk. 

The 6,000-kilometer SEA-H2X is the submarine cable connecting China (Hongkong), China (Lingshui, Hainan), the Philippines (La Union), Thailand (Songkhla), and Singapore, with a system design capacity of over 200 Tbps. Converge is part of the consortium that owns SEA-H2X that includes China United Network Communications Group Company Limited and China Mobile International. 

Another significant cable system investment is the SEA-H2X, an Inter-Asia subsea cable co-owned by Converge, the CLS of which is in La Union.

“With the additional information of from these two new cables, Converge not only has the youngest but it also has the most resilient international network among Philippine operators today,” said Uy.

“With the current high demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, international data traffic will just continue to rise. This is the reason we have invested early in these international cable systems and data centers and we will continue to do so given the growing demand,” said Uy. “This is part of our vision to make the Philippines into a digital gateway between Asia and the rest of the world. 

Recognizing the capital that hurdles aspiring entrepreneurs face, proudly Filipino brand Condura, under Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC), launched Condura Pangarappliances. The initiative empowers negosyo owners by providing a tangible pathway to start their ventures.

Robert C. Hechanova, VP for Marketing of Concepcion Durables, Inc. (CDI), shares how Condura Pangarappliances helps turn Filipino entrepreneurs’ dreams into possibilities.

At the heart of this initiative is the belief that every Filipino deserves the opportunity to turn possibility into progress. This reflects Condura’s overarching purpose of “Buksan ang Posible para sa Bawat Pilipino,” and its long-standing commitment to supporting Filipino businesses.

“Ang daming Pinoy may pangarap magsimula ng sarili nilang negosyo, pero ang hirap talaga magsimula. Condura Pangarappliances was created to turn that first dream into a real first step," shared Robert G. Hechanova, Vice President for Marketing at Concepcion Durables, Inc. (CDI), “Ang pagnenegosyo ay hindi lang para kumita. It opens up endless possibilities not just for the individual but also for the entire family. It's about making that big dream of a better future possible and attainable."

For generations, entrepreneurship has played a vital role in supporting Filipino families and strengthening communities. Yet, limited capital can often prevent future entrepreneurs from moving forward. Condura Pangarappliances was launched to bridge that gap, not just by providing an appliance, but by recognizing the ambition and potential behind every Filipino vision.

Through the program, aspiring business owners submitted a drawing of their dream negosyo as part of the down payment for selected Condura Negosyo appliances. Whether they envisioned a sari-sari store, a frozen goods business, a café, or a small food venture, participants were given the opportunity to turn their vision on paper into a concrete step toward making it a reality.

	CDI VP for Marketing Robert C. Hechanova (left) looks on while a Condura representative walks an attendee through company materials.

The program journey was CDI VP for Marketing Robert C. Hechanova (left) looks on while a Condura representative walks an attendee through company materials. 

 to life through key phases, beginning with driving social awareness to encourage aspiring negosyo owners to share their visions, followed by registration and the submission of their dream negosyo drawings.

Following a call for entries, the campaign culminated in a recognition event at the Condura Experience Studio. Selected business owners finalized their appliance choices, with delivery options to kickstart business immediately.

To further ensure viability and ease the initial financial burden, Condura subsidized a percentage of the chosen appliance's cost. The remaining balance was made manageable through flexible payment options via Grab and Maya, solidifying the brand's commitment to supporting sustainable livelihood generation.

More than an initiative centered on appliances, Pangarappliances reflects Condura’s understanding of what Filipino entrepreneurs need at the very beginning of their journey: a line of negosyo solutions and a partner willing to believe in their potential and help make that first move possible.

“We believe na mahalaga ang bawat pangarap ng isang Pilipino. We don't want this dream to just stay on paper,” Hechanova added. “Condura started with a simple dream of providing solutions for every Filipino home and business, grounded on Filipino excellence. That's why we want to help turn these aspirations into reality. By  transforming dreams into livelihoods, we hope to create lasting progress that not only uplifts families but also inspires others to start their journey.”

This commitment builds on Condura’s own roots. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of Concepcion, the brand continues to champion the power of Filipino enterprise to drive progress for families and the communities they call home, staying ‘strong for the Filipino’ by helping turn pangarap into possibilities.

With Pangarappliances, Condura has successfully moved Filipino dreams from “balang araw” to “ngayon na,” translating drawings into actual businesses. Because every pangarap deserves a chance to begin.

In celebration of World Smile Day, Smile Train brought its “Smile Wall” activation to select high-foot-traffic stations along LRT-1 EDSA, Vito Cruz, and FPJ Station, transforming everyday commuter spaces into places where Filipinos could pause, connect, and share a smile.

Designed as an interactive space where people can leave messages, drawings, and personal reflections on what makes them smile, the Smile Wall transforms an ordinary public space into a collective expression of joy and connection. The campaign builds on Smile Train’s global initiative, which celebrates the power of a smile while raising awareness and support for children born with cleft lips and palates.

More than just a moment of positivity, the Smile Wall carries a deeper message. For children born with cleft lip and/or palate, challenges can go beyond physical concerns. Stigma, bullying, and self-consciousness can shape how children see themselves and how comfortable they feel interacting with others.

For commuters rushing to work, school, appointments, or home, Biyaheng Ngiti offered a simple invitation: stop, smile, and share what brings you joy.

The LRT-1 activation in EDSA, Vito Cruz, and FPJ Stations brought this message into one of the country’s most familiar everyday settings: commute. By meeting people where they are, Smile Train sought to make cleft awareness part of everyday conversations and encourage more people to look beyond a smile and recognize the experiences and possibilities behind it.

Beyond marking World Smile Day, the campaign takes on added significance with the observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10. This year, the World Health Organization’s theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” highlights the importance of listening to people’s lived experiences and ensuring that their voices help shape the communities and support systems around them.

“A smile can be something we all share, but for a child born with a cleft, feeling confident enough to smile can be influenced by how the people around them see and treat them,” said John Manuel Flores, Area Director for Southeast Asia, Smile Train. “Through the Smile Wall, we want to remind everyone that creating a more accepting world begins with small acts of empathy like listening, understanding, and making space for every child to feel that they belong.”

As Smile Train continues to raise awareness for people born with clefts, the campaign reminds Filipinos that smiles can mean many things: a moment of joy, a connection with another person, a sign of confidence, or a reflection of a brighter future.

To learn more about Smile Train’s work and how to help create a more accepting and supportive world for children born with clefts, visit Smile Train Philippines’ social media pages (Facebook & Instagram) and send a message to find out how you can get involved. Anyone may also refer patients to Smile Train and help connect them to comprehensive cleft care and the support they need throughout their treatment journey.

Coca-Cola Philippines continues its expansion of the Tapon to Ipon PET bottle collection program to Biñan City, Laguna through a new partnership with the City Government, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Laguna, and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST Inc.).

The launch was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signing, followed by an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) and registration activity in Barangay Canlalay. The program’s initial rollout onboarded 50 store owners across 10 barangays, with five participating stores from each barangay.

Officials from DILG Laguna, the City Government of Biñan, Coca-Cola Philippines, and BEST Inc. during the MOU signing for the Tapon to Ipon program.

Present at the event were DILG Laguna Provincial Director Jay-Ar Beltran, Biñan City Mayor Angelo Along with nte, Coca-Cola Philippines Senior Director for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Ma. Christine Ponce-Garcia, Senior Manager for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Misha Rabat, and BEST Inc. Senior Vice President for Business Development Jan Vincent.

Bringing Tapon to Ipon to more communities

The partnership aims to make PET bottle collection more accessible within communities by bringing collection points closer to residents. Under Tapon to Ipon, participating sari-sari stores and local retailers serve as community-based collection hubs where residents can bring their used clear PET bottles of any brand.

Participating retailers collect and consolidate PET bottles brought by members of their communities. Store owners can earn points based on the PET bottles they collect, which can then be redeemed for a range of rewards, including Coca-Cola products, online shopping vouchers, food products, and credits toward utility bill payments.

The program aims to collect and divert recovered PET bottles for recycling, with the goal of bringing collected materials to PETValue Philippines in Cavite, the country’s first bottle-to-bottle, food-grade PET recycling facility.

An IEC and registration activity was also held to orient partner retailers on the Tapon to Ipon program and proper PET bottle collection. Retailers also received their Cashback Cards, collection bins, and other program materials to equip them as community-based collection hubs.

Each partner brings a distinct role to the program. The City Government of Biñan will help mobilize city and barangay officials and communities, while Coca-Cola Philippines will provide collection tools and Tapon to Ipon kits to partner retailers. BEST Inc. will support program operations and collection activities, with the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO) supporting engagement with participating store owners and the local retail community as well as the DILG taking lead in monitoring the program’s outcomes.

“We assure that the city government of Biñan is committed to this project and ensure that our communities will be deeply involved in the program. The community’s active participation is key to bringing this project to life and ensuring its success,” said Alonte.

Ma. Christine Ponce-Garcia, Coca-Cola Philippines Senior Director for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, echoed the importance of collaboration in strengthening local collection systems.

“We know that strong and effective recycling value chains cannot be built by one organization alone. It takes collaboration. We look forward to seeing this partnership grow, and more importantly, become part of the habits and practices of communities across the city of Biñan. May this partnership inspire more communities to see every bottle returned. It is an opportunity to create lasting environmental and social impact,” Ponce-Garcia noted.

The rollout in Biñan City marks Tapon to Ipon’s expansion into South Luzon, adding to a program that has reached more than 170 cities and municipalities nationwide since its launch in 2021.

Equipping more store owners on the ground

The Tapon to Ipon team oriented participating retailers on the program, proper PET bottle disposal and collection, and their role as community collection hubs. The activity also distributed Tapon to Ipon kits and tools to help store owners participate in the collection effort.

For Coca-Cola Philippines, the partnership demonstrates how LGUs, government agencies, retailers, and private-sector organizations can work together to strengthen local PET bottle collection and support a more organized recycling value chain. The company will continue working with partners to expand community-based collection efforts and explore opportunities to bring Tapon to Ipon to more cities and communities.

To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ packaging collection and recycling efforts, visit the Coca-Cola Sustainability Hub at https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability.

Global AI device provider HONOR Philippines, in partnership with Globe, is making it easier for Filipinos to power up their everyday with HONOR X6e, now available through select Globe plans designd to give users more value, connectivity, and flexibility. 

With the HONOR X6e via Globe, customers can choose between GPlan Plus 999, which offers the device for PHP 550 per month for 24 months or a one-time cash-out of PHP 13,200, and GPlan 1799, where the device comes with no cash-out.

GPlan Plus 999 

For users looking for flexibility without a long-term lock-in, GPlan Plus 999 comes with the HONOR X6e for PHP 550 per month for 24 months, or a one-time cash-out of PHP 13,200. The plan includes 20GB Swappable Data, unlimited all-net calls and texts plus landline calls, and unlimited 5G for 12 months in key areas nationwide, with no lock-up. Customers can also enjoy exclusive perks via the GlobeOne app. 

GPlan 1799 

For customers looking for an all-in-one connectivity package, GPlan 1799 comes with the HONOR X6e for free with no cash-out. The plan includes 13GB All-Access Data, unlimited all-net calls and texts plus unlimited landline calls, as well as free Globe Starlink access for six months and Globe Scam Protect access for 12 months. 

Whether staying connected throughout the day, keeping up with social media, streaming content, or getting things done on the go, the HONOR X6e via Globe gives users the flexibility to choose a plan that fits their everyday needs. 

“Our partnership with Globe gives more Filipinos the opportunity to experience the HONOR X6e while enjoying flexible connectivity options that fit their lifestyle,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “For today’s consumers, having a smartphone that can keep up with their everyday needs is important, and we’re excited to make the HONOR X6e more accessible through these Globe plans.” 

With flexible payment options, generous connectivity inclusions, and added perks, the HONOR X6e via Globe brings together a smartphone experience and connectivity package designed for everyday use. Get the HONOR X6e via Globe at https://bit.ly/Globe_X6e_PR. 

For more information about HONOR Philippines, you may visit: https://www.honor.com/ph/. To stay updated on launch announcements, product information, and exclusive offers, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive launch updates, product information, and more.