Globe Supports Faster Telecom Permitting to Bring Connectivity to More Communities

Faster infrastructure approvals can help bring better connectivity to more Filipinos. Globe welcomed the progress made by local government units (LGUs) nationwide in streamlining telecommunications permits, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation between government and the industry to accelerate network expansion, particularly in underserved and remote communities.

Permitting is a critical step between network planning and actual deployment. Reducing administrative delays allows telecommunications providers to move planned cell sites and network upgrades into construction sooner, helping improve services in communities that need them most.

That progress is gaining ground across the country. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that 12,241 permits and clearances for telecommunications infrastructure projects had been approved across 707 cities and municipalities as of September 2026, supported by reforms aimed at simplifying local permitting processes. Executive Order No. 32, issued in 2023, streamlined requirements for telecommunications and internet infrastructure and called on LGUs to process applications within prescribed timelines and prevent backlogs.

“Faster permitting is important in bringing better connectivity to more Filipinos. We appreciate the efforts of LGUs to simplify these processes and help telecommunications providers move forward with their projects. Continued cooperation between government and the industry will help us expand our network and reach more communities, especially those that remain underserved,” said Joel Agustin, SVP and Head of Network Planning and Engineering at Globe.

The development comes as Globe continues to invest in improving its network to meet growing demand for reliable mobile and home internet services. In the first half of 2026, the company recorded ₱26.3 billion in capital expenditures, with 91% allocated to data-related initiatives. During the same period, Globe deployed 878 new 5G sites and 80,052 fiber-to-the-home lines, while its outdoor 5G population coverage exceeded 98% in Metro Manila and key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Sustained network investment, supported by faster and more predictable permitting, can help move infrastructure from planning to deployment sooner. Globe will continue working with national agencies and LGUs to accelerate network rollout and extend reliable connectivity to more communities across the country.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Lenovo Tab Plus Gen 2 Brings Immersive Entertainment and Smarter Features to the Philippines

Lenovo is expanding its tablet lineup in the Philippines with the launch of the Lenovo Tab Plus Gen 2, a next-generation entertainment device designed to deliver immersive audio, vibrant visuals, and greater flexibility. Officially available starting October 28, 2026, the tablet combines premium entertainment features with AI-powered tools to support modern lifestyles.

Powerful Audio Meets Stunning Visuals

At the heart of the Lenovo Tab Plus Gen 2 is a JBL 9-unit Pro speaker system enhanced with Dolby Atmos technology. Designed to deliver cinematic sound, the system offers clearer dialogue, deeper bass, and a more immersive listening experience for movies, music, and streaming content.

The tablet can also function as a standalone Bluetooth speaker, allowing users to play music and podcasts directly from their smartphones. With Dynamic, Movie, and Music audio modes, users can customize sound according to their preferred content.

Complementing its audio capabilities is a 12.1-inch 2.5K LCD display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 support. Its High Brightness Mode reaches up to 800 nits, helping maintain visibility in brighter environments.

Flexible Design for Everyday Use

The Tab Plus Gen 2 features a 360-degree rotating kickstand that supports portrait and landscape orientations. Its adjustable design accommodates different activities, from watching films and following recipes to listening to music with friends. Users can also transform the tablet into a digital picture frame through its built-in standby mode.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 octa-core processor, the device launches with Android 16 and is expected to receive two operating system upgrades through Android 18, alongside security patches until 2030.

AI-powered features include Lenovo AI Live Transcript with real-time translation, Lenovo Smarter Reader, and AI Notes with Lenovo Notepad. A 10,200mAh battery supports up to 15 hours of YouTube video streaming, while 45W fast charging helps reduce downtime.

Philippine Pricing and Availability

The Lenovo Tab Plus Gen 2 will be available in the Philippines beginning October 28, 2026, with a suggested retail price of PHP 25,995.

From October 28 to November 15, 2026, qualifying buyers of model ZAHT0249PH can receive promotional freebies at participating MemoXpress, Joneco, Robinsons Appliances, Thinking Tools, Inc., and Shiritori branches, while supplies last. Rewards range from a free Lenovo Tab One for the first three buyers to in-store vouchers worth PHP 1,000 to PHP 3,000 for subsequent eligible purchasers.

With its combination of cinematic audio, high-resolution visuals, adaptable design, and intelligent features, the Lenovo Tab Plus Gen 2 positions itself as an entertainment-focused tablet for users seeking a more versatile digital experience.

HUAWEI Teases nova 16s Series: The King of AI Selfies with 200MP Camera and 5G

HUAWEI is bringing a new level of smartphone photography to the Philippines with the upcoming HUAWEI nova 16s Series, positioning the lineup as the “King of AI Selfies.” Announced on October 23, 2026, the series combines advanced front and rear cameras, AI-powered editing tools, 5G connectivity, and stylish designs, with promotional prices starting at PHP 29,999.

Designed for a generation that values creativity and self-expression, the nova 16s Series introduces Front and Rear True-to-Color Camera technology. The HUAWEI nova 16s Pro features a 50MP Ultra Portrait Camera and a dedicated multispectral sensor designed to improve color accuracy across challenging lighting conditions. Its 0.8x–5x selfie zoom also gives users flexibility, from group photos to detailed close-ups.

On the rear, the Nova 16s Pro is equipped with a 200MP RYYB main camera featuring a 1/1.28-inch sensor and an F1.8 aperture. The setup is designed to capture detailed images, including in low-light environments, while allowing users to crop photos without sacrificing as much detail.

AI features further enhance the photography experience. AI Composition provides guidance on framing and subject placement, while AI Move helps reposition subjects. AI Remove eliminates unwanted background elements, AI De-Glare reduces reflections, and AI Best Expression selects preferred facial expressions from multiple shots.

Beyond photography, the series offers practical features for everyday use. Its 5G connectivity supports faster uploads and downloads, while an upgraded IceBridge Heat Dissipation Architecture aims to maintain performance during demanding activities. A 7,000mAh battery, 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo, and a 6.84-inch display with an adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate round out the experience.

The Nova 16s Pro also features an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, Kunlun Glass, and an ultra-slim 7.1mm profile. Running EMUI 16, the lineup includes an enhanced Celia AI Assistant and cross-operating-system file transfer with Apple devices.

Official pre-orders open October 30, 2026. The HUAWEI nova 16s will be offered at a promotional price of PHP 29,999, while the nova 16s Pro will cost PHP 39,999, with a limited-time PHP 5,000 discount for early buyers. Pre-orders also include a gift bundle worth up to PHP 14,997, subject to applicable terms and availability.

HUAWEI is also launching the #TrueColorsSelfieChallenge on TikTok, featuring a total prize pool worth PHP 2,249,950.

For updates, visit the official HUAWEI Philippines website.

Vivo V80 Teases AI-Powered Creative Camera Features Ahead of Philippine Launch

MANILA, Philippines — Vivo is bringing a new level of creativity to smartphone photography with the upcoming Vivo V80, introducing AI-powered camera features designed to transform everyday moments into imaginative, shareable content.

Set to launch in the Philippines on October 30, the new smartphone will feature Creative Sticker Collage, a tool that allows users to turn Live Photos into playful, animated compositions. Users can transform their favorite people, pets, and memories into stickers and combine them with other Live Photos to create unique scenes. From placing a friend on a paper plane to turning a beloved pet into a larger-than-life character, the feature encourages users to explore their creativity through photography.

Beyond Creative Sticker Collage, the Vivo V80 will introduce additional AI-powered camera tools that make photo enhancement more accessible. Its AI Creative Camera allows users to change the lighting and atmosphere of their images with a single tap. Options such as Sunlight, Glow, and Top Lighting provide different visual effects, helping users achieve studio-inspired results without complicated adjustments or extensive post-processing.

The smartphone will also feature CCD Flash Portrait, designed for users who appreciate vintage-inspired photography. By combining flash fill-light with CCD-inspired image processing, the feature aims to deliver clear faces, natural-looking skin tones, retro colors, and striking contrast. It is also designed to help subjects stand out against darker backgrounds when shooting at night, creating portraits that capture both the subject and the surrounding atmosphere.

These creative features complement the Vivo V80's imaging system, developed with Vivo's imaging technology and ZEISS optics. The smartphone is equipped with a 50-megapixel ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a 50-megapixel ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera, and a group selfie camera. This combination offers flexibility for capturing detailed portraits, distant subjects, group photos, and wider scenes.

With its blend of ZEISS-powered imaging, AI-assisted enhancements, and playful creative tools, the Vivo V80 aims to offer more than conventional smartphone photography. It gives users new ways to experiment with visual storytelling and express their personalities through memorable images.

The Vivo V80 is scheduled to launch in the Philippines on October 30 at 6 p.m. The event will be livestreamed on the official Vivo Philippines Facebook page. Interested viewers can visit the event page and click “Going” to receive updates and avoid missing the launch.

The upcoming reveal is expected to showcase the smartphone's creative camera capabilities and other features of Vivo's newest portrait-focused device.

Casio to Release Baby Molly × BABY-G Collaboration Watch

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of a new addition to the BABY-G line of shock-resistant watches for active women. The new BGD-10KPM-7 is a special collaboration watch featuring Baby Molly, a popular character from POP MART.

Built on the BGD-10K from the BABY-G+PLUS series, the new BGD-10KPM-7 comes with the watch itself and a special holder with a strap. The playful design begins with a yellow bezel inspired by Baby Molly's hair. When the LED light is activated, vivid blue eyes appear on the LCD, with the entire case depicting the Baby Molly face.

The band features the Baby Molly logo and brings her unique world to life with an illustration of her heading off to kindergarten with her best friend, Baby Tabby cat. Removing the pass-through band reveals a graphic of her kindergarten name tag, for another playful detail. The case back is engraved with the MOLLY 20th anniversary logo, adding a special finishing touch.

The watch comes with a special holder in pink, allowing the watch to be carried like a charm by removing the bezel and band and placing the center case in the holder. The holder can be strapped to a bag as an accessory and decorated with the included original stickers. The special packaging features Baby Molly and Baby Tabby, adding to the excitement of opening the box.

With shock-resistant construction and 10-bar water resistance, the watch can be used with confidence in a variety of everyday settings, whether worn on the wrist or carried in the holder, without having to worry about bumps or rain.

Featuring cute Baby Molly motifs throughout, this special collaboration watch offers versatile styling, used as either a watch or a charm.

The BGD-10KPM-7 (₱8,930) launches exclusively online at the CASIO Philippines website, with the official launch date to be announced, and will then be available at G-SHOCK stores nationwide. Worn on the wrist or carried as a bag charm, this limited-edition collaboration is the trendy watch to look out for. CASIO will post more details on the launch date and retail availability on its website and official social media pages, so watch and collectible lovers can stay tuned.