Philippines
iPhone 16: Smart offers free monthly 16GB 5G data for preorders
Preorder period begins
Smart has just officially opened the preorder period for the iPhone 16 Series. And the Philippines telco leader is offering those who get the latest Apple devices via Smart Postpaid an additional free 16GB of 5G data per month for 16 weeks.
That’s for those who successfully preorder the new iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max during the preorder period from October 10 to October 13, 2024.
The iPhone 16 Series can be availed starting at Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999. Customers only need to shell out a one-time payment of PhP 21,000. The monthly amortization then costs PhP 1,300 under a 24-month period.
And for re-contracting postpaid subscribers, the iPhone 16 (128GB) can be availed under the same plan for PhP 2,121 per month for 24 months. That’s without a cashout fee.
The device is also open for an even lower monthly amortization of PhP 1,697 for 30 months. Of course, you need to get approved first.
Under Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999, subscribers get the following perks:
- Unlimited 5G for 12 months
- 20GB of open access data
- Netflix mobile subscription
- Unlimited calls to mobile and landline
- Unlimited texts
- Exclusive Smart Perks from select restaurants, shopping, beauty, and travel partners
To get started, visit Smart’s dedicated page for iPhone 16 Series preorders here.
Meanwhile, Smart Prepaid customers who only wish to purchase a device can get the iPhone 16 for as low as PhP 2,313 a month for 24 months. This deal comes with 0% interest installment.
Customers to sign up during the preorder period can get the new iPhone 16, and a Smart Prepaid bundle. This bundle includes a free Smart eSIM, 1.6GB of data per week for 16 weeks, and 16GB data valid for 16 days.
iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max via Smart Infinity
Moreover, Smart Infinity members may get the iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max via their Infinity Plans. These packages come with unlimited data, texts and calls, data roaming packs, and monthly consumable allocations. A suite of exclusive privileges are also included.
In addition, Smart Infinity Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 members enjoy access to a dedicated manager that handles all account-related concerns. They also have 24/7 access to an Infinity Concierge, a dedicated hotline, and access to exclusive lifestyle events.
Easier, more affordable payment terms
Lastly, if you are an existing client of BDO, BPI, RCBC, Security Bank, and UnionBank, the latest iPhones can be available at up to a 24-month installment option via Smart.
Home Credit users may also opt for up to a 24-month plan. That’s as low as PhP 2,345 a month to get the latest iPhone from Smart.
Automotive
The Changan Eado Plus officially lands in the Philippines
Its aggressive launch pricing challenges the compact sedan status quo.
Inchcape Philippines is officially shaking up the compact sedan segment.
The Changan Eado Plus has arrived on local shores, and it’s gunning for the top spot in your driveway.
Available in two trims — Luxe and Lite — the Eado Plus offers the Filipino driver a car that looks like a million bucks without the massive price tag.
Modern aesthetic inside and out
On the outside, the Eado Plus makes a bold statement with its prominent three-dimensional grille and streamlined body lines.
This polished, premium look relies on LED lighting to command a strong presence on the road. Inside, a meticulously curated cabin handles the daily grind with ease.
The Luxe variant carries a massive 10-inch touchscreen equipped with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, the Lite variant keeps you connected with a 7-inch display.
To beat the local climate, Changan included a PM2.5 air filter to keep the cabin air clean, alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that puts all your vital driving data front and center.
Performance and safety without compromise
Under the hood, a 1.5L Bluecore gasoline engine powers both variants. This engine works with a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission (WDCT) to deliver a stable, responsive ride.
For those who want more control, the Luxe variant offers selectable Eco and Normal driving modes to match your mood or the traffic conditions.
Safety remains a top priority, as the Eado Plus houses a comprehensive suite of protection. Beyond the standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the car packs in practical features like rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring, and ISOFIX tethers for families.
Pricing, availability
To celebrate the launch, Changan offers the Eado Plus with aggressive introductory pricing through April 30, 2026.
During this period, the 1.5 Luxe DCT costs only PhP 749,999, while the 1.5 Lite DCT goes for just PhP 699,000. These rates offer a significant discount from the standard prices of PhP 799,999 and PhP 750,000, respectively.
Drivers can choose from four colors: White, Black, Andean Gray, and Titanium Silver Gray (via special order).
Deals
PLDT Home, Samsung team up for exclusive entertainment deals
Enjoy discounts on Samsung TVs, more with your Home Fibr plan
PLDT Home and Samsung have partnered to bring exclusive entertainment deals, making it easier for Filipinos to enjoy premium viewing experiences at home.
New customers who sign up for PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1299 and above can enjoy up to 15% off on select Samsung TVs. Special deals on sound devices are also available.
In addition, subscribers can receive stackable vouchers worth up to PhP 2,000, redeemable through PLDT MyHome.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Plan 1299: 5% discount on all TVs, sound devices, monitors
- Plans 1399, 1599, 1699, 1799, 2099: 10% discount on all TVs
- Plans 2499, 2699, 3199, 7999: 15% discount on all TVs
Meanwhile, existing PLDT Home subscribers who upgrade their plans can also enjoy even more rewards. This includes stackable vouchers worth up to PhP 3,000, on top of Samsung entertainment discounts.
To redeem the Samsung vouchers, simply register or log in via PLDT MyHome. Vouchers can then be used to purchase Samsung Vision AI TVs through the dedicated Samsung online store link.
Whether it’s K-drama, movies, sports, or gaming, customers can upgrade their entertainment setups with Samsung electronics for less.
Finance
Maya waives withdrawal, InstaPay transfer fees for Middle East remittances
Until April 10, for families relying on remittances from loved ones in the region
Maya is extending support to Filipino families receiving remittances from loved ones working in the Middle East. This is through rebates for withdrawal and InstaPay transfer fees until April 10 as developments continue to unfold across parts of the West Asian region.
From March 23 until April 10, Maya users who receive remittances from select Middle Eastern countries can unlock a set of transaction rebates. This is designed to help them access and use the funds more easily.
Select countries include: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan.
The region remains one of the Philippines’ most important remittance corridors. There are an estimated 2.4 million Filipinos residing in the region, based from Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) data.
These overseas-based citizens contribute over US$ 6.4 billion in remittances in 2025 alone, based on preliminary Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data.
Eligible Maya users who activate Maya XP will receive the following rebates:
- ATM withdrawals: PhP 18 credited back per transaction
- InstaPay transfers: PhP 15 credited back per transaction
In addition, eligible users may also enjoy cashback on mobile load purchases. The discount ranges from 1% to 3%, depending on their Maya XP level.
After receiving a qualifying remittance, eligible users will receive an invitation to activate
Maya XP. The invite will pop up within one to three days.
Eligible users can activate their Maya XP directly within the Maya app by accessing the Maya XP section in the Wallet Dashboard or Profile page and completing the quick “Get started” process, including providing the required consent.
Once activated, users can immediately begin enjoying rebates on eligible transactions.
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