Philippines

Check out this cell tower disguising itself as a palm tree

It’s called a Mono-Palm

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Image source: Reddit via u/projectbear25

You’ve heard of the term “urban jungle” before. Instead of dense foliage, the city is overgrown with towering skyscrapers and steel lampposts. The only real foliage we see is more carefully planned than organically grown. That said, have you ever wondered how else the natural world intersects with our urban life? Check out this cell tower disguising itself as a palm tree in Bonifacio Global City.

Spotted by Reddit user u/projectbear25, the disguised cell tower literally towers everything else in the vicinity. However, if you didn’t know where to look, you might have mistaken the faux foliage for just an ordinary tree.

Before you freak out, this isn’t a freak of nature or an overblown marketing technique. This is actually a legitimate urban planning strategy. If you’ve ever lived in a gated subdivision, you’ve likely heard of several arguments against the building of cell towers anywhere near the area. Though most arguments stem from scientifically ambiguous claims of their cancer-causing properties, cell towers are often eyesores and ruin the look of a community. Arguments like these have gone for as long as the existence of cell towers.

In 1992, Larson Camouflage, an Arizona company specializing in building artificial landscapes in urban areas, transitioned to camouflaging gaudy cell towers as tall trees. From street level, the faux trees look like tree trunks. Of course, because cell towers need all the coverage it can get, they will often tower over normal-sized trees, creating a weird diaspora for those who care enough to look. Regardless, since the first one, the faux tree tower thrived across the United States and now, the rest of the world.

Because Larson’s first faux tree was a pine tree, the cloaking strategy was usually called the Mono-Pine. However, since its inception, other forms popped up. The BGC one is, for example, a Mono-Palm.

The Mono-Palm is just one example from certainly dozens all over the city. The next time you see a suspiciously large tree in the distance, chances are that it’s actually a cell tower in disguise.

SEE ALSO: The new online generation: Explaining 5G internet

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Deals

Lucky Match: Power Mac Center Valentine’s, Lunar New Year deals

Discounts, freebies, and perks for Year of the Horse babies

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February 10, 2026

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This Valentine’s season and Lunar New Year, Power Mac Center is offering exclusive offers under its Lucky Match campaign. This includes huge discounts and lucky freebies on select Apple devices until February 22.

For one, customers can get PhP 18,400 off on the MacBook Air (13-inch M2, 256GB). Meanwhile, select devices get up to PhP 16,000 off with up to 24-month installment terms through select partners.

And with the 1 Infinite loyalty program, customers get points they can use to redeem select premium items, services, and training courses.

Meanwhile, PMC Apple Premium Partner (APP) stores are also holding exclusive promotions. From February 14 to 17, customers can receive a lucky freebie when they spend at least PhP 15,000 at any store.

Moreover, pairing an Apple device with an accessory unlocks an extra 10% discount. The offer is only valid at PMC APP stores until February 22.

Here’s a quick list of PMC stores that are in the Apple Premium Partner tier:

  • Greenbelt 3
  • SM City North EDSA
  • TriNoma
  • Robinsons Magnolia
  • SM Megamall
  • Power Plant Mall
  • SM Mall of Asia
  • Festival Mall
  • Bonifacio High Street
  • SM City Iloilo
  • SM Lanang

In addition, customers can get a free photo at PMC’s exclusive in-store photo booth when they shop with a UnionBank Credit Card at select PMC stores.

The schedule is as follows:

  • February 14 to 15: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  • February 16 to 17: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Customers can likewise get a PhP 2,000 off discount on battery replacement repair at all Mobile Care service centers until February 18. Eligible serviceable models include iPhone 15 and older.

Year of the Horse great deals

Lastly, customers born in the Year of the Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026) can enjoy PhP 2,026 off on transactions with at least one Apple product and one non-Apple accessory.

The minimum purchase amount is PhP 40,000. Simply present a valid ID and proof of birth year to avail. This offer is also valid until February 22.

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News

HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro for golf launches

Professional golf management on your wrist

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February 5, 2026

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The HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro has officially launched. This collaboration between HUAWEI and HONMA Golf, Japan’s prestigious golf house, brings professional golf management to users’ wrists.

Along with advanced smart technology and decades of craftsmanship tailor-made for golf, the premium wearable transforms the way golfers play, track, and enjoy every round.

The limited-edition HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro comes in a Premium Gift Box. It is priced starting PhP 17,999 (~ US$ 307) until March 11 in the Philippines before it reverts to its original price of PhP 19,999 (~ US$ 341).

The Premium Collection Gift Box comes with golf accessories: a commemorative golf ball, divot toll, and special ball marker.

The golf-centric premium smartwatch features professional-grade golf intelligence. It also comes with more than 17,000 zoomable 3D course maps worldwide, including more than 100 local maps.

This allows golfers to visualize fairways, hazards, and landing zones in advance to plan each hole with confidence.

Instead of guessing, players can manage risks better, commit to their shots, and focus on execution.

Moreover, Green Slope Direction gives clearer insight into how a putt will break. Play-Like Distance, meanwhile, factors in elevation changes and wind conditions.

Furthermore, AI Caddie works quietly in the background, analyzing swing history, performance trends, and course layout to offer smarter recommendations moving forward.

Complementing these are Shot Distance Tracking and digital scorecards which automatically capture every swing and score. This way, users can understand their insights and track progress after each round.

And using the HUAWEI Health app, users can also access Through Ball Trajectory Sharing to relive their best shots and review key moments.

Here’s the complete set of on-course tools with the HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro:

  • Greens View
  • Fairway View
  • Fairway Panoramic View
  • Front / Middle / Rear Green Distance
  • Obstacle View Ranging
  • View Obstacle Zone/Target
  • Free Point Ranging
  • Wind Speed/Wind Direction
  • Electronic Scorecard
  • Half-Court Scoring
  • Switch Court function
  • Play-Like Distance

Luxurious designs

Design wise, every detail of the wearable reflects premium Japanese craftsmanship. Its default HONMA Elemental Dial features a traditional Japanese Pine Leaf Pattern.

This is paired with a putter-shaped second hand. There is also another HONMA-exclusive option with a BERES 7S dial in vibrant blue with Mt. Fuji for a truly iconic look.

The HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro has an aerospace-grade titanium case, sapphire crystal glass, and HONMA-engraved gold buckle for a luxurious yet durable build.

In front is a 1.47-inch AMOLED display with 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The watch also lasts up to 21 days on a single charge.

Health features are likewise advanced, including heart rate, HRV, breathing, and interruptions. Stress and emotional wellbeing are also tracked every 10 minutes and integrated into the HUAWEI Health app.

Aside from golf, the watch supports over 100 sports modes, including pro-level activities. There’s also support for freediving for up to 40 meters with depth and duration tracking.

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Globe introduces The Loop, a portable 5G Wi-Fi hotspot

A home WiFi that moves with you

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February 4, 2026

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Globe at Home The Loop

Globe is giving Filipinos a new way to stay connected — whether at home or on the go — with The loop, its latest portable 5G Wi-Fi device.

Globe at Home The Loop

Officially unveiled at The Blueprint event, The loop combines style and function in one compact device. It looks like a sleek mini basket with a handle on top and a touchscreen display in the middle — designed for everyday use, not just tech setups.

While it serves as a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously, Globe also built Theoop to fit right into modern lifestyles. You can stream music, watch videos, and even make video calls directly from the device — perfect for family bonding moments, group trips, or quick catch-ups anywhere.

Globe at Home The Loop

With its built-in battery, The loop keeps your connection running for up to two days even during a power outage, making it a reliable companion at home or outdoors.

Price and availability

Globe at Home The Loop

Available in green, orange,and white and soon in pink! The Loop retails for PhP 10,999.

Available on TikTok Shop! Get the connection you’ll love and feel the 5G energy with exclusive launch deals.

Also available at select Globe The loop stores nationwide — including Alabang Town Center, ICONIC Store BGC, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM City Cebu, and more.

Globe’s The loop is more than a Wi-Fi gadget — it’s an experience built to keep every connection within reach.

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