Schneider Electric: Ensuring Power Security Is the New Competitive Advantage for Philippine MSMEs

Manila, Philippines – The next disruption to a Filipino Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise’s (MSME) bottom line may not come from a slow sales day. It may come from five hours without power.

With recurring power alerts and weather-related disruptions continuing across the Philippines, staying operational is becoming a growing concern for MSMEs. During the rainy season, storms can trigger power interruptions, while El Niño-driven demand surges place additional strain on the power grid. According to the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, even when supply is officially adequate, thin reserve margins worsened by plant outages and spikes in demand continue to leave the grid vulnerable to alerts and rotating brownouts,

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader with 190 years of innovation expertise, says the difference is not whether an outage hits. It is whether a business is ready when it does.

For a digitally run MSME, unstable power no longer just means lost lighting; even a brief flicker can pause a transaction mid-checkout, delay an order, or damage the equipment behind both. It is a cost often noticed only after revenue is already lost.

Business Continuity Becomes a Competitive Advantage

Schneider Electric sees that risk differently. "Disruptions are becoming more frequent, and digital operations are now central to how MSMEs run their business," said Harold Lim, Country Solutions Head, Schneider Electric Philippines. "That shift is changing how we think about resilience; it's no longer a contingency measure. It's becoming a competitive advantage."

Point-of-sale terminals, routers, computers, servers, CCTV systems, and communication devices now run the daily operations of a typical MSME. Losing power to any of them, even briefly, can interrupt a transaction, corrupt data, or damage the hardware outright.

Schneider Electric addresses that exposure with its APC Smart Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) On-Line, built for businesses running equipment that needs stable, reliable power.

Unlike standby units that only switch to battery once the power goes out, Smart-UPS On-Line keeps equipment running continuously, filtering out voltage dips and surges before they ever reach connected devices, even outside a full outage. This is made possible by double-conversion technology: incoming power is continuously converted and cleaned before it reaches connected devices, rather than being passed through directly and only corrected after a problem occurs.

At full load, it provides around 4 to 6 minutes of battery backup — enough time for equipment to shut down safely or switch to another power source. This runtime gets longer as the load on connected devices decreases, guarding critical electronics and data against dangerous power conditions and disturbances. Multiple protected outlets mean several devices can stay covered at once.

Business owners can check battery and system status at a glance through an easy-to-read display. Available in either rack or tower design, it is well suited for point-of-sale terminals, computers, network equipment, servers, and other critical electronics that need protection during unexpected power disruptions.

“A UPS protects critical systems from outages and other power abnormalities that can damage sensitive equipment. It also gives businesses time to shut down safely in case of prolonged outages,” Lim added.

Resilience for Growing Businesses

As Philippine MSMEs continue to grow, reliable power protection is becoming part of what it means to run a resilient workplace: equipment safeguarded, downtime reduced, customer service uninterrupted. For Schneider Electric, empowering MSMEs means making business continuity practical and accessible, so business owners can focus on growth with protection already built in.

That commitment extends to its products. Schneider Electric also manufactures UPS units in the Philippines, which accounts for 60% of the company's global UPS supply. The APC Smart Factory in Cavite positions the country as a key part of Schneider Electric's global operations and puts locally made power protection technology within closer reach of Philippine businesses.

Additionally, the company is working toward Net Zero by 2050 by using better materials and helping customers use products longer through its "Use Better, Use Longer, Use Again" campaign. It also publishes detailed environmental data — like carbon footprint and recyclability — for 120,000 products online.

Vivo V80 Lite Brings a Massive 10,000mAh Battery to Filipino Users

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Vivo is set to introduce the Vivo V80 Lite, a smartphone featuring a massive 10,000mAh BlueVolt Battery—the largest battery capacity ever offered by Vivo globally. Designed for Filipinos who depend on their smartphones throughout the day, the device aims to provide longer usage between charges without the added bulk commonly associated with high-capacity batteries.

The V80 Lite is powered by 4th Gen Silicon Anode Technology, which allows its large battery to deliver extended endurance while maintaining a practical smartphone design. But beyond battery capacity, Vivo is focusing on how much actual usage consumers can get from a single charge.

According to Vivo laboratory tests, the V80 Lite can deliver up to 30 hours of video streaming, 30 hours of TikTok playback, 68 hours of phone calls, and 14 hours of MLBB gaming under single-app usage scenarios. The tests were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions at an ambient temperature of 25±2°C, with the smartphone starting at 100% charge.

Vivo is also preparing to put the V80 Lite through a record-setting endurance test, with details of the upcoming feat expected to be revealed soon.

“Battery capacity only matters if it translates into time people can actually use their phones,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director at Vivo Philippines.

Built for Long-Term Battery Health

The V80 Lite is designed not only to provide longer usage between charges but also to maintain battery performance over time. Vivo says the battery is engineered to retain at least 80% of its battery health after 1,400 charging cycles.

Based on Vivo's laboratory-simulated daily usage pattern of approximately 1.83 days per full charge and discharge, this is equivalent to roughly seven years of use.

The smartphone is also designed to operate across temperatures ranging from -30°C to 45°C. Its semi-solid electrolyte is engineered to help maintain stable power delivery in high-heat environments. In laboratory testing at 45°C, the V80 Lite reportedly achieved up to 45 hours of continuous calls and 16 hours of navigation.

For Filipinos using their smartphones for work, communication, navigation, gaming, entertainment, and social media, the Vivo V80 Lite offers a straightforward proposition: more time powered on and a battery designed for the long run.

The Vivo V80 Lite will be arriving soon. Filipino consumers can follow Vivo Philippines on social media for updates about its local availability, launch details, and upcoming endurance milestone.

Cebu Pacific Accelerates Its Enterprise AI Strategy in Collaboration With Thinking Machines Data Science and OpenAI

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific, the Philippines' leading airline, is collaborating with Thinking Machines Data Science and OpenAI in executing its enterprise AI strategy, establishing a practical model for transforming workflows, capturing measurable value, and scaling AI responsibly across the business.

The challenge for enterprises is no longer whether AI can create value. It is how to move beyond access and isolated pilots to redesign work, overcome adoption barriers, apply governance proportionate to risk, and make the right technology choices for each opportunity.

Cebu Pacific decided to work with Thinking Machines Data Science, an official Advanced and Services Partner for OpenAI in the Asia Pacific region, to tackle these challenges.

Cebu Pacific brought leaders and business teams together to prioritise valuable workflows and test solutions in real operating conditions. Governance and evaluation were calibrated to the risk of each workflow, while hands-on co-creation built ownership across the business. This allowed Cebu Pacific to demonstrate value quickly, remove practical blockers, and establish the evidence and buy-in needed for further investment. Since the roll-out of ChatGPT Enterprise, several departments have shared positive impact.

• Legal contract review time fell by approximately half, from an average of 2.5 hours to around 1.2 hours.
• Project intake and triage turnaround fell from five days to around one day, with approximately 80% less manual review effort.
• Engineering reference searches fell from 10 to 15 minutes to under 10 seconds.
• Following the programme, 86% of surveyed users said AI supported more than one-third of their daily work.

"At Cebu Pacific, we see AI as a practical way to make every customer's journey simpler and our operations more reliable. It helps our people solve problems faster, make better decisions, and focus on higher-value work. Working with OpenAI technology and Thinking Machines, we are turning experimentation into real workflows that create value for our people and customers.”

“What impressed me was how quickly Thinking Machines Data Science turned broad interest in AI into real momentum across the business. They were able to activate the business and create excitement across the organisation. For a company that puts its customers at the center of its operations, AI helps Cebu Pacific work smarter by taking friction out of everyday processes, reducing manual work, speeding up processes, and enabling our teams to make better decisions. Our partnership with Thinking Machines Data helps make our operations more efficient, so our people can focus on delivering a better experience for our passengers.” Fabricio Ibáñez, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Cebu Pacific

Cebu Pacific now has a roadmap for the next stage of its AI strategy. It is embarking on a roadmap to expand ChatGPT-enabled work, develop innovative solutions using OpenAI APIs, strengthen change support, and pursue agentic applications that connect with enterprise data and systems. These investments are intended to improve both employee and customer experiences while creating lasting operational value.

GLOBE AT HOME Expands GFiber Lineup With More Choices, Added Value for Filipino Homes

Globe AT HOME is expanding its GFiber portfolio to give Filipino households more options across different budgets and needs, from more accessible plans to premium offers, with plans designed around the way Filipinos live, stream, work, and connect. More than speed, Globe is building its GFiber plans around a broader view of value, pairing connectivity with rewards, features, and services that reflect how households actually stay connected every day.

At the center of the lineup is GFiber 1499 UNLI, a value-led plan that delivers internet speeds of up to 300 Mbps and is designed for streaming shows, video calls, and gaming. It comes with no lock-up, unlimited internet, a WiFi 6 modem that can connect up to 15 devices with low latency, access to Blast TV, and a Choose Your Own freebie worth up to ₱2,000. The plan also comes with an installation fee of ₱2,400 amortized over 24 months and just a ₱1 upfront fee, making it a more accessible entry point for households that want fiber internet without the high upfront cost.

For households that want more from their home internet, Globe AT HOME’s GFiber lineup also includes premium offers built around speed, service, and intelligent-home value. The company has positioned GFiber Plans as a stronger fit for connected homes that rely on high-speed fiber for work, entertainment, gaming, and multiple devices running at once. With plans that can go up to 2.5 Gbps, Globe AT HOME is pairing speed with WiFi 7, AI-powered modems, and added inclusions that help customers get more value from their subscription. These plans are designed not only to connect homes, but to support the way families actually use the internet every day.

One of the key value drivers is Globe AT HOME’s Choose Your Own Voucher program, which gives subscribers up to ₱9,000 in vouchers from partner brands in tech and gaming, wellness and travel, and home improvements.

For customers looking for premium care alongside premium performance, GFiber Plan 2499 brings together 1 Gbps connectivity, VIP Hotline access, Care Squad in-home support, and a Service Guarantee that includes GFiber Protect and a 12-month device warranty. Globe AT HOME is positioning this plan for households that want a more dependable and more personalized support experience, in addition to fast internet.

The value becomes even stronger through The Perfect Pair: Mobile + Home Advantage, which combines Globe Mobile and GFiber AT HOME into one ecosystem. Customers can unlock up to ₱500 in monthly savings or prepaid promos for a year, or enjoy up to 12 months of GFiber AT HOME internet free. Globe says the bundle is its way of recognizing customer trust across both mobile and home connectivity while making the whole experience more rewarding.

Beyond plan inclusions, Globe AT HOME is also putting greater emphasis on consistency as part of the broadband experience. Both Globe Mobile and GFiber AT HOME have been recognized by Ookla® as the Philippines’ Most Consistent Network for Mobile and Fixed Broadband. This means giving customers more ways to choose a plan based not only on speed, but on connectivity, service, flexibility, and added benefits that matter to their household.

Customers can explore Globe AT HOME GFiber Plans and find an option suited to their household's connectivity needs at https://glbe.com.ph/GAH-PR.

Vivo Y31d: Built to Keep Up With Life on the Move

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – No two lifestyles are exactly alike. Some days are spent behind a camera, others on the road, traveling to new destinations, or moving from one booking to the next. Despite these differences, one need remains constant: having a smartphone that can keep up with the demands of everyday life.

For business owner, content creator, and actress Kate Yalung, a typical day involves balancing multiple responsibilities. From long drives and filming days to business calls, messages, photos, and videos, her smartphone needs to stay ready throughout her busy schedule.

After using the Vivo Y31d for two days, Kate shared, “I can't believe the Vivo Y31d kept up with everything on my schedule for 2 days straight.” She particularly appreciated not having to constantly worry about finding a charger. Equipped with a 7200mAh BlueVolt Battery and 44W FlashCharge, the smartphone is designed to provide extended battery life while allowing users to quickly recharge when needed.

For travel content creator Kero Fernando, the Vivo Y31d became part of a three-day trip to China. From taking photos and videos to scrolling during downtime, the device helped keep Kero connected while exploring a new destination.

Her experience demonstrates how a smartphone can become an everyday travel companion—whether capturing memorable moments, sharing content, or simply staying entertained between adventures.

For riders and other professionals who spend most of their working hours outdoors, reliability is equally important. One rider highlighted how the Vivo Y31d became a companion throughout the working day, from bookings and calls to long rides, traffic, and waiting periods.

The smartphone's IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance provide added protection for users who encounter unpredictable outdoor conditions, while the 7200mAh BlueVolt Battery helps them stay connected throughout demanding workdays.

Different Lifestyles, One Reliable Companion

From creators balancing multiple careers and travelers documenting new experiences to riders working on the road, every Vivo Y31d user has a different routine and set of priorities. What connects these experiences is the need for a device that can adapt to the way they live and work.

With long-lasting battery power, fast charging, and a durable design, the Vivo Y31d is built to stay connected through packed schedules, spontaneous adventures, and long days on the road.

The Vivo Y31d is available in Glow White and Starlight Grey, starting at PHP 13,999. It comes in variants offering up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage and is available through Vivo's stores and online channels.