Philippines
Power Mac Center’s iconic midnight launch makes a comeback
For iPhone 14
Power Mac Center brings back its iconic midnight launch to welcome the iPhone 14 in the Philippines. The premium reseller for everything Apple delivered huge deals and freebies for early bird stoppers.
At midnight of October 14, the main party took place at Power Mac Center in Greenbelt 3. Simultaneously, branches in Robinsons Magnolia, Eastwood, SM Aura Premiere, and The Loop in UP Town Center opened at 12:01 AM.
Customers who got the first dibs on the latest iPhone were able to take home up to PhP 28,000 worth of premium accessories from partner brands such as Adam Elements, Anker, Belkin, PanzerGlass, Ventev, Aukey, Cygnett, Itskins, Laut, OtterBox, Before Anything Else, Catalyst, JTLegend, QDos, STM, and UAG.
A star-studded affair
Power Mac Center truly delivered an iconic launch, with top celebrities gracing the countdown. Headlining the event were Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo, and rising OPM stars Zack Tabudlo and Paolo Sandejas.
Celebrities Vanessa and Daniel Matsunaga, athletes Jeron Teng and Kim Kianna Dy, drag queens Precious Paula Nicole and Pura Luka Vega, and content creators Marj Maroket and Katt Valdez joined the midnight launch.
TV Personalities Ai dela Cruz and Sam YG hosted the event, which was also live-streamed on an LED screen in other open stores.
Get the new iPhone
Power Mac Center has also partnered with major banks and credit card providers, together with emerging FinTech players, to offer the widest payment options for customers to choose from. There are cash and straight payment available with exclusive offers, and easy installment terms for up to 24 months.
The new iPhone 14 family is now available in all Power Mac Center and The Loop stores nationwide, with a starting price of PhP 61,990. For more details, follow Power Mac Center’s official Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube accounts.
Smart Infinity has launched PureVoice, an AI-powered service that filters background noise during calls. The service aims to deliver clearer conversations, even in noisy environments.
Launched on November 6, 2026, PureVoice reduces distractions from traffic, crowds, and music. It supports everyday conversations, from important business calls to catching up with family and friends.
PureVoice also works on smartphones without built-in noise cancellation. Users don’t need to install an app or configure additional settings.
Subscribers can simply press 8# during a call to enable or disable the service. Smart Infinity members get first access, with a wider rollout planned for other Smart subscribers.
Smart continues to improve voice calling
PureVoice builds on Smart’s investments in network expansion and modernization.
In 2020, Smart completed its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) rollout. The technology enables high-quality voice calls while allowing subscribers to use mobile data simultaneously.
Smart also introduced Video over LTE (ViLTE). The technology lets subscribers make video calls through their phone’s dialer without third-party applications.
The company also highlighted its performance in quality-of-service tests conducted by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in Metro Manila. Smart recorded zero dropped calls in the latest tests, meeting the regulator’s prescribed threshold.
Smart Infinity members can learn more about PureVoice by calling *800.
Philippines
Lazada kicks off 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year ahead of holiday rush
With up to 90% off deals
Lazada Philippines is kicking off its 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year ahead of the holiday shopping rush. The sale runs from 8 PM on November 6 to November 13, 2026.
Shoppers can enjoy up to 90% off LazFlash Deals and additional Lazada vouchers worth up to PHP 3,000. The promotions cover gifts, household essentials, personal technology, fashion, and everyday lifestyle products.
Featured brands include SharkNinja, Jo Malone, CAROTE Global, Tempur, HONOR, Scrub Daddy, Karat World, and FitFlop.
Filipino shoppers become more discerning
The 2026 eCommerce Savvy Shopper Report by Cube, in partnership with Lazada, highlights changing Filipino shopping habits. The report found that 36% of Filipino online shoppers qualify as “Savvy Shoppers.”
This represents the highest proportion among six Southeast Asian markets surveyed. Another 22% of Filipino respondents fall under the “Near-Savvy” category.
The study measures shopping habits across four dimensions: Verification, Value Optimisation, Confidence & Protection, and Digital Fluency. These dimensions examine how consumers evaluate products and sellers, find better deals, and navigate digital shopping tools.
They also consider how shoppers assess safeguards throughout their online purchasing journey. The findings show that Filipinos now consider more than price when shopping online.
Product authenticity, seller credibility, buyer protection, and reliable information also influence their purchasing decisions.
Lazada aims to address these priorities through its shopping features and services. LazMall offers an authenticity guarantee, while AI chatbot LazzieChat helps shoppers make informed purchasing decisions.
Other in-app tools also help consumers navigate their online shopping experience with greater confidence.
Start holiday shopping early with Lazada
Lazada Philippines brings together trusted global brands and promotional offers to help shoppers prepare for the holidays.Consumers can explore gifts, home essentials, and everyday lifestyle products for the season and beyond.
Shoppers can access the 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year through the Lazada Philippines app. The sale runs from 8 PM on November 6 to November 13, 2026.
Philippines
Smart boosts 5G network in Siargao for World Surf League event
Smart expands 5G coverage across Siargao.
Smart Communications is strengthening its 5G network in Siargao ahead of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, which is being held at Cloud 9 in General Luna until November 10.
The network enhancements aim to provide faster mobile connectivity for residents, tourists, athletes, media practitioners, and spectators attending the competition.
As the event’s official telecommunications partner, Smart has expanded its existing 5G coverage and capacity in key areas of the island. These include Cloud 9, Siargao Airport, Siargao Seaport, and other strategic locations.
The competition marks the first time the Philippines is hosting a stop on the prestigious WSL Championship Tour, bringing international surfing talent and visitors to the island.
“Siargao is an important tourism destination, and we are committed to supporting its continued growth through reliable connectivity,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, Smart’s First Vice President and officer-in-charge.
He added that the partnership with WSL provides an opportunity to deliver better digital experiences to athletes, visitors, and local communities.
Beyond the competition, Smart says improved mobile connectivity can help residents and tourists with digital payments, accommodation and transportation bookings, real-time communication, and sharing their travel experiences online. It can also help local businesses facilitate transactions and engage customers.
Smart 5G offers for WSL visitors
Visitors attending the WSL Championship Tour can access select Smart Unli 5G offers, which include unlimited 5G data and non-stop 4G data starting at PHP 90 for three days.
Smart Postpaid subscribers can also take advantage of plans with Smart Device Link, allowing them to share their primary mobile number and plan with a smartwatch for calls, texts, and mobile data even when their iPhone is not nearby.
Smart subscribers who avail of select offers at designated booths and partner stores in Siargao may also receive freebies.
The network improvements are part of Smart’s continued investment in mobile connectivity across the Philippines. The company also highlighted its recognition from Ookla for Best Mobile Latency and Best Mobile Video Experience.
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