Philippines

Smart brings True 5G to Iloilo with music, games

Next-level speeds

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Smart True 5G Iloilo

Smart Communications has switched on the country’s first 5G Standalone (SA) network in Iloilo City, marking a big leap in mobile connectivity.

The launch came with a free concert at the K-Town Festive Walk Parade last August 30, drawing more than 5,200 Ilonggos. The night featured local bands Kreonz and First Edition, DJ Young, and rap star Flow G. Hosts Jackie Gonzaga and Jordan Toledo kept the energy up with games and prizes.

What True 5G brings

Also called True 5G, the SA network runs on a dedicated 5G core. That means lower latency, faster speeds, and higher capacity for everything from streaming to gaming. It also paves the way for future tech and advanced digital services.

Smart says the Iloilo rollout includes major upgrades to expand coverage and capacity across the city. To make the switch easier, the company offered exclusive deals on 5G-ready phones from brands like Honor, OPPO, Samsung, vivo, and ZTE.

Why it matters to users

For gamers like John Gallo, the upgrade is a game-changer: “I always play Mobile Legends, and it’s a huge advantage to have a faster and more reliable connection powered by Smart 5G.”

Anne, another Smart subscriber, was just as eager: “I spend most of my time watching YouTube and sharing Instagram updates. With Smart 5G SA, I look forward to streaming without buffering and posting instantly.”

First in the Philippines

This launch makes Iloilo the first city in the Philippines to experience Smart’s 5G SA network. It’s part of PLDT Group’s broader effort to upgrade the country’s digital backbone and make high-speed access more inclusive for Filipinos.

 

Philippines

Globe, Starlink provide free data, messaging for customers affected by Mindanao earthquake

Globe deploys Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile technology for disaster response

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Globe has partnered with Starlink to deploy its satellite-to-mobile service in Mindanao areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on Monday. Provinces affected include South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani.

Deploying the service to support emergency communications and disaster response in the badly hit areas had demo permit approval from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

This deployment marks Globe’s first use of Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology for disaster  and emergency response.

Over 700,000 Globe and TM customers stand to benefit from the deployment, providing them with messaging through WhatsApp and SMS at a time when it is needed most.

Globe will offer the service for free for up to 30 days as critical support to affected communities until the provider’s network is fully restored.

The network provider will reach out directly to customers to provide them with instructions to connect to the satellite service using their existing Globe SIMs and LTE-enabled phones.

The earthquake, one of the strongest in the country in decades, prompted tsunami warnings for several coastal communities in Southern Mindanao. It also caused network disruptions across multiple provinces, as commercial power interruptions impacted telco facilities.

As of posting time, Globe is working closely with local government units and local electric cooperatives to fully restore its services.

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News

realme launches P4 Series 5G, including Power with 10,001mAh battery

realme P4 Power becomes 1st smartphone with 10,001mAh battery

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realme has officially launched the realme P4 Series 5G in the Philippines. This marks the first time consumers in the market can avail of the devices. In the past, realme has offered just models from the C, numbered, and GT Series.

The P4 Series 5G is a new lineup built around long-lasting battery life, along with reliable performance and 5G connectivity. Products under the roster are designed for users who need power throughout the day — and beyond.

The lineup consists of the realme P4 Power 5G, realme P4x, and realme P4 Lite.

The series headliner is the realme P4 Power 5G, which becomes the first smartphone in the country to bring a 10,001mAh battery.

This battery supports 80W Ultra Charging, 27W wired reverse charging, and a TÜV Rheinland 5-Star Battery Rating.

The device is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra and comes with a 144Hz 1.5K HyperGlow 4D Curve+ Display and 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera. It is likewise rated IP66/IP68/IP69 for water and dust resistance.

This variant is offered at a special promo price of just PhP 19,999, exclusively on the realme Official Shopee Store.

Meanwhile, the realme P4x comes with an 8,000mAh Titan Battery, 45W Fast Charging, and reverse charging support. It is available for pre-order via Shopee.

Lastly, the realme P4 Lite has a 7,000mAh Titan Battery. It also has a Military Grade Standard shock resistance (MIL-STD-810H).

The P4 Lite is readily available on TikTok for the 4GB+64GB variant at PhP 4,897 (SRP: PhP 7,499) and on Shopee for the 4GB+128GB variant at PhP 6,136 (SRP: Php 8,999).

The published introductory prices are available until June 10.

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Deals

Win a trip to Shanghai Disney Resort with this Disney+ raffle promo

Subscribe for a chance to win

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Disney+ is giving fans and families more reasons to subscribe to the streaming platform with an exciting raffle promo.

Consumers who subscribe to a Disney+ Annual Plan (Basic or Premium) from June 2 to July 21 will get a chance to win a fully paid trip to Shanghai Disney Resort, which happens to turn 10 years this year.

There will be a total of 15 winners, which can bring along up to three loved ones. Each winner will win these prizes:

  • three days/two nights stay at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel for four
  • Shanghai Disneyland General Admission park tickets for four (for three days)
  • Roundtrip economy class flight tickets between Manila and Shanghai for four

Do note that Visa fees and other incidental travel expenses are excluded. Terms and conditions apply.

Beyond the chance to win in the Shanghai Disney Resort promo, subscribers can also enjoy fan favorite titles such as High Potential and Perfect Crown.

An exciting slate of show are also coming to Disney+ in 2026: the NBA Finals, Lollapalooza, Avatar: Fire & Ash, Hoppers, The Bear (Season 5), and X-Men ’97 (Season 2).

K-drama fans can also look forward to a compelling lineup, including Doctor on the Edge, A Shop for Killers (Season 2), Made in Korea (Season 2), Portraits of Delusion, and The Remarried Empress.

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