Philippines

TNT wins gold at SMARTIES Philippines

Ed Caluag campaign earns marketing award

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TNT, the value brand of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), has won gold at SMARTIES Philippines for its collaboration with paranormal investigator and content creator Ed Caluag.

The campaign won in the Creator/Influencer/Celebrity Marketing (Impact Marketing) category. SMARTIES Philippines recognizes innovative marketing campaigns that deliver meaningful impact for brands and businesses.

Launched in February 2026, the campaign was developed with Ace Saatchi & Saatchi, with Wavemaker Philippines under WPP Media serving as the media agency. It used Caluag’s popular ghost-hunting content to highlight TNT’s mobile network performance through a humorous take on network lag.

In the campaign video, Caluag investigates paranormal activity while livestreaming inside a haunted house. His encounters with ghosts are repeatedly interrupted by lag, frustrating both Caluag and the spirits. The unexpected twist turns a common mobile connectivity issue into an entertaining story.

The campaign drew on TNT’s recognition for having the Best Mobile Latency in the Philippines in the Ookla Speedtest Awards. By placing the technical benefit of low latency in a familiar entertainment setting, TNT made the network feature more relatable to mobile users.

“This recognition reflects how we continue to find fresh and engaging ways to bring TNT’s brand promise to life. By combining the authenticity and entertainment value of creator content with the strength of our network, we were able to turn a common frustration into a story that Filipinos could relate to and enjoy,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and OIC for Smart.

The campaign premiered on Caluag’s digital platforms before expanding across Meta, Google, YouTube, and TikTok. It generated more than 659 million impressions, extending its reach among mobile-first Filipinos.

The SMARTIES Gold adds to TNT’s efforts to combine its entertainment-focused brand personality with messages about its products and services. The campaign also highlights how creator partnerships can help translate technical features into accessible, engaging stories.

The recognition comes as TNT and Smart continue to expand their 5G network across the Philippines. Smart also recently received Ookla’s Best Mobile Video Experience award in the country, recognizing its performance in delivering mobile video experiences for streaming, entertainment, and other digital activities.

Apps

GrabCar Group Ride now splits the fare automatically

Passengers stand to save up to 50% compared with booking a solo ride

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GrabCar Group Ride now splits the fare automatically among passengers, making it simpler to book such ride types.

Each rider can save up to 50% on fare as well when using a group ride, compared with booking a solo ride.

The ride type lets the ride host and up to two friends share one GrabCar, with up to three drop-off points along the way. The more people join, the more affordable the ride becomes for everyone.

Regular ride buddies can also be saved as a group, together with frequent pickup and drop-off pins. This way, repeat bookings take just a few taps.

Such a system is ideal for officemates headed the same way or friends coming home from a night out, as well as plenty of other scenarios.

To book a Group Ride, follow these steps:

  • Open the Grab app, tap GrabCar, then select Group Ride
  • Enter your pickup point and drop-off
  • Share the invite link with up to two friends
  • Your friends can add their own drop-off points
  • Confirm the booking to split the fare automatically

The GrabCar Group Ride feature is now available in all GrabCar cities nationwide.

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Buyer's Guide

iPhone Duo Philippines: Prices, installments, and where to buy

Compare prices and payment options

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The iPhone Duo is now available for pre-order in the Philippines. Apple’s first foldable iPhone comes in four storage configurations, with promotional prices ranging from PhP 159,990 to PhP 254,990.

But which model should you buy, and where should you get it?

Several authorized retailers offer discounted launch prices, 0% credit card installments, and pre-order bundles. Eligible bank promotions can also reduce the price by thousands of pesos.

Here’s what you need to know before ordering.

iPhone Duo Philippines price list

Storage Regular SRP Promotional price
256GB PhP 170,990 PhP 159,990
512GB PhP 187,990 PhP 175,990
1TB PhP 221,990 PhP 207,990
2TB PhP 271,990 PhP 254,990

The promotional prices are based on Power Mac Center’s published exclusive launch offer. Other retailers may have different payment requirements or participating bank promotions.

Prices reflect Power Mac Center’s published exclusive launch offer and may differ across retailers. We’ll update this guide as we verify each store’s latest offers.

Pre-orders run from October 16 to 29, 2026, ahead of the October 30 launch.

Which storage should you buy? Get the 512GB

Our recommendation is simple: skip the 256GB and get the 512GB iPhone Duo.

At PhP 159,990, the 256GB version is already an expensive purchase. While it offers enough storage for everyday tasks, it could become restrictive as your photo library, videos, games, and downloaded files grow.

The 512GB model costs PhP 16,000 more under the promotional pricing. That buys twice the storage capacity without the significantly larger price jump to 1TB.

Spread across 24 months, the difference is approximately PhP 667 per month.

For a phone this expensive, we’d rather pay that difference than constantly manage storage or rely on cloud subscriptions.

The 1TB and 2TB configurations remain options for people who regularly shoot large amounts of video or need substantial offline storage. However, most buyers won’t need to spend that much.

The 512GB iPhone Duo offers the best balance of storage and price.

Where to buy the iPhone Duo in the Philippines

Power Mac Center

Power Mac Center offers the iPhone Duo 512GB at an exclusive launch price of PhP 175,990.

Its published installment options include:

Term Monthly payment
24 months at 0% PhP 7,332.92
36 months at 0% PhP 4,888.61

The 24-month option is available with credit cards and Home Credit under the published offer. The 36-month option is subject to eligible bank cards and promotional periods.

Installment amounts are based on Power Mac Center’s published promotional pricing and applicable 0% installment terms. Actual payments depend on the eligible card and transaction. We’ll update this section as we verify the latest terms.

Power Mac Center also operates UpTrade, which lets customers trade in eligible devices toward a new purchase.

Beyond the Box

Beyond the Box offers iPhone Duo pre-orders with installment options of 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months at participating physical stores. Online payment options differ.

Using the PhP 175,990 promotional price as a comparison, a 0% installment would cost:

Term Monthly payment
12 months PhP 14,665.83
24 months PhP 7,332.92
36 months PhP 4,888.61
Monthly payments are illustrative calculations based on the PhP 175,990 promotional price, assuming 0% interest and no additional fees. Confirm the final price and available installment terms with Beyond the Box before purchasing. We’ll update this section once the retailer confirms its current offers.

Beyond the Box also advertises a pre-order accessory bundle worth over PhP 22,000 at listed retail prices. It includes a Speck case, Urbanista speaker, Function101 charger, Momax speaker flask, Bellroy tech kit, and other accessories.

The retailer says qualifying pre-orders receive the gift bundle, subject to availability. Buyers can also explore its BoxTrade program.

Digital Walker

Digital Walker participates in iPhone Duo pre-orders and selected bank promotions.

Using the PhP 175,990 promotional price as a comparison, the illustrative monthly payments would be:

Term Monthly payment
12 months at 0% PhP 14,665.83
24 months at 0% PhP 7,332.92
These are calculated examples, not confirmed Digital Walker quotations. Actual pricing depends on the final transaction, participating bank, and installment terms. We’ll update this section when the retailer confirms its current offers.

Digital Walker also participates in the Live Beyond Grand Raffle, which gives qualifying iPhone Duo purchases a chance to win an exclusive dinner for two at Toyo Eatery. The raffle is a chance to win, not a guaranteed purchase benefit.

Digimap

Digimap offers the iPhone Duo through its retail channels, with participating bank promotions and its DigiTrade program.

Metrobank lists Digimap among its participating retailers offering special iPhone Duo cash pricing.

For the 512GB model, the reference promotional price is PhP 175,990. At 0% interest, that would equal PhP 14,665.83 monthly over 12 months or PhP 7,332.92 over 24 months.

These amounts are illustrative calculations, not verified Digimap installment quotations. Digimap’s exact installment amounts and applicable terms have not yet been independently verified. We’ll update this section once the retailer confirms its current offers.

Buyers should compare the final cash price against available credit card installment offers. Trade-in credits may also reduce the amount payable, depending on the assessed value of the device.

The Loop

The Loop participates in several iPhone Duo bank promotions, including an offer from Security Bank.

The retailer’s reference promotional price for the 512GB model is PhP 175,990. At 0% interest, the illustrative payments would be:

Term Monthly payment
12 months PhP 14,665.83
24 months PhP 7,332.92
These are calculated examples based on the reference promotional price, not confirmed quotations from The Loop. Actual payments depend on eligible bank cards and transaction terms. We’ll update this section as we verify the latest offers.

The Loop also participates in bank-specific discounts. Buyers should check whether their card qualifies and whether the discount can be combined with other retailer offers.

Bank discounts can make a difference

Security Bank currently advertises a PhP 5,000 discount on qualifying iPhone Duo purchases at participating retailers, including Power Mac Center, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, and The Loop.

For the 512GB model, that brings the promotional reference price from PhP 175,990 to PhP 170,990.

Installment term Monthly payment
12 months at 0% PhP 14,249.17
24 months at 0% PhP 7,124.58
36 months at 0% PhP 4,749.72
Monthly payments are calculated from the PhP 170,990 discounted price, assuming an eligible 0% installment transaction with no additional fees. The discount is subject to the bank’s promotional terms and participating merchant conditions. We’ll update this section if the offer changes.

EastWest also advertises savings of up to PhP 17,000 on qualifying iPhone Duo purchases at Power Mac Center and The Loop. Its promotion includes 0% installment options for 12 or 24 months, with the final discount depending on the applicable terms.

Metrobank separately lists iPhone Duo offers at Power Mac Center, The Loop, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, and Digimap. Benefits differ by merchant and transaction.

Before choosing a payment method, check the final amount payable. Some bank offers cannot be combined with other promotions.

iPhone Duo

Postpaid options: Smart and Globe

Smart Communications

Smart offers the iPhone Duo through Postpaid Plans+ 1999, with advertised monthly payments starting at PhP 6,304.

The offer includes an open-line device, a choice of Unli App bundle, 12 months of UNLI 5G, and high-priority network access.

Customers who qualify for the pre-order promotion can also receive 18GB of additional Open Access Data valid for three months, a PhP 5,000 voucher for select Smart accessories, and 18% off select Digimap accessories.

Online pre-orders also qualify for a complimentary AirTag, subject to the offer’s conditions.

Smart supports zero-interest credit card installments over 24 months with select banks. Renewing subscribers may qualify for 36-month device payments charged to their postpaid bill.

Advertised monthly payments and promotional benefits are subject to Smart’s eligibility requirements and offer conditions. The total cost depends on the selected device configuration and plan. We’ll update this section as we verify the complete cost breakdown.

Globe Telecom

Globe also offers Apple devices through its postpaid channels.

However, we have not independently verified a complete iPhone Duo price and installment breakdown for its current GPlan offers.

Buyers considering Globe should compare the device cashout, monthly plan fee, contract duration, and total payable amount against the outright retail price.

Globe’s current iPhone Duo device pricing and installment terms have not yet been independently verified. We’ll update this section when the relevant details are available.

Should you trade in your old phone?

Trading in an existing device can reduce the cost of upgrading.

Power Mac Center, Beyond the Box, and Digimap operate trade-in programs. However, final valuations depend on the device’s condition, storage, and assessment results.

Before committing, compare the assessed trade-in value against potential private-sale prices. Also check whether a trade-in bonus can be combined with the promotional price and bank discounts.

What should you check before buying?

Before placing an order, keep these points in mind:

  • Final price: Confirm the amount you’ll actually pay after eligible discounts.
  • Installments: Compare total cost, monthly payments, and any additional fees.
  • Freebies: Check which gifts are guaranteed and whether they’re subject to availability.
  • Stock: Confirm the availability of your preferred storage configuration and color.
  • Trade-ins: Ask for the final assessed value and any promotional bonus.
  • Warranty: Understand the standard warranty and any optional protection plan.
  • Network compatibility: Confirm eSIM support if you’re keeping your existing number.
  • Delivery: Ask when your order is expected to arrive, particularly if the model is on back order.

Is the iPhone Duo worth buying?

The iPhone Duo starts at PhP 159,990, putting it firmly in premium flagship territory. Its foldable design offers a larger screen for viewing content, gaming, and multitasking while retaining a compact outer display when closed.

For most buyers, we’d recommend the 512GB model at PhP 175,990. It offers twice the base storage for PhP 16,000 more, without the much larger price jump to 1TB.

Power Mac Center currently provides one of the clearest published installment schedules, while Beyond the Box offers a substantial pre-order accessory bundle.

Security Bank cardholders should pay particular attention to the PhP 5,000 discount available at participating retailers. Smart is another option for buyers who already want a postpaid subscription, although its total contract cost deserves closer examination.

Ultimately, compare the final amount payable, not just the advertised monthly payment. The right offer should give you the storage you need without unnecessary charges or restrictions.

Last updated: October 17, 2026. We are verifying retailer-specific prices, installment terms, trade-in offers, and freebies. This guide will be updated as additional details are confirmed.
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Philippines

TECNO CAMON Slim 5G gets launch discounts, free MagBadge

TECNO’s launch offers are here

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TECNO Camon Slim 5G with MagBadge

The smartphone gets up to PhP 3,000 off at participating stores until October 18.

TECNO is offering launch discounts and freebies for the CAMON Slim 5G in the Philippines. Buyers can get up to ₱3,000 off the smartphone at participating offline stores from October 16 to 18, 2026.

Eligible customers can also receive a free TECNO MagBadge worth ₱5,999 during the first-month sale, subject to promotional terms and availability.

TECNO CAMON Slim 5G launch promos

TECNO is offering the CAMON Slim 5G for PhP 24,999 on October 16 and 17. The price increases to PhP 25,499 on October 18, compared with its regular PhP 27,999 price.

The MagBadge features a 1.73-inch display, rear-camera preview, wireless media sync, and remote-shutter control. It lets users preview selfies and control the phone’s camera remotely.

TECNO is also offering additional gifts to eligible customers at selected stores. From October 16 to 18, the first 20 eligible pre-order customers who claim and purchase their phones during the designated period at SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, and SM Fairview can receive a gift set containing earbuds, a tumbler, and a speaker. The offer runs while supplies last and follows the applicable promotional mechanics.

TECNO CAMON Slim 5G features

The CAMON Slim 5G combines its 6.39mm-thin body with a 6,000mAh battery and a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate.

Its 50-megapixel Sony LYTIA 700C main camera supports Super-Zoom FlashSnap, which helps capture fast-moving subjects. The phone also carries IP69K, IP69, and IP68 water and dust resistance ratings.

TECNO offers the phone in Burgundy Red, Matisse Black, and Rebel Pink. Gossamer White is expected to become available toward the end of October.

TECNO CAMON Slim 5G price and availability

The TECNO CAMON Slim 5G retails for PhP 27,999 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, with up to 16GB of extended RAM.

Customers can purchase the phone at TECNO stores nationwide and through its official Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Lazada stores.

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