Philippines
Check out this cell tower disguising itself as a palm tree
It’s called a Mono-Palm
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.
OPPO has also introduced the OPPO Find X9s in the Philippines, offering a more accessible premium experience for everyday users.
The device is priced at PHP 69,999.
Pre-order and availability
Pre-orders begin April 24 at select OPPO Brand Stores. Early buyers will receive a Portable Power Gift Box.
The Find X9s officially goes on sale on May 15, available through:
- OPPO Online Store
- Select OPPO Brand Stores
Online store purchases include the Portable Power Gift Box and Enco X3s earbuds, while Shopee offers the gift box bundle.
Key highlights
The OPPO Find X9s features a 50MP Hasselblad co-developed triple camera system with 4K recording across all lenses. It also packs a 7025mAh battery, slim 7.99mm design, and durability ratings up to IP69, making it a balanced daily driver.
OPPO is bringing its camera-focused flagship, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra, to the Philippines with a strong push toward creators and mobile imaging.
The device is priced at PHP 99,999.
Pre-order and availability
Pre-orders open April 24 at select OPPO Brand Stores nationwide. Customers will receive a Flagship Imaging Photography Box as a freebie.
The Find X9 Ultra becomes widely available on May 15 via:
- OPPO Online Store
- Shopee
- Select OPPO Brand Stores
Online purchases include additional perks such as the Photography Box and Enco X3s earbuds, while Shopee buyers get the Photography Box bundle.
Key highlights
Built for creators, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra features a 200MP Hasselblad main camera with advanced zoom capabilities. It supports 4K and 8K video recording with Dolby Vision, paired with a large 7050mAh battery and fast wired and wireless charging.
OPPO has officially launched the OPPO Find N6 in the Philippines, positioning it as its premium foldable built for productivity and multitasking.
The device is priced at PHP 139,999.
Pre-order and availability
Pre-orders begin April 24 at select OPPO Brand Stores nationwide. Customers who pre-order get a 1-year extended warranty and a chance to join a DJI raffle.
Early availability rolls out on May 1 via telco partners:
Globe GPlan 2499 with PHP 73,600 cashout
Smart Infinity Plan 5000
Both plans include a 1-year extended warranty.
The official retail release happens on May 15, available through:
- OPPO Brand Stores
- OPPO Online Store
- Shopee
Online store buyers may receive an AI Pen Kit (limited) alongside the extended warranty.
Key highlights
The OPPO Find N6 features an 8.12-inch foldable inner display designed for tablet-like productivity. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and packs a 6000mAh battery for all-day use.
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