PLDT Enterprise Takes The First Step in Transitioning Beyond OTPs for the Philippines

For millions of Filipinos who rely on their phones for banking, shopping, and connecting every day, the fear of falling victim to online scams is real. Industry leader PLDT Enterprise is introducing a breakthrough that will make digital transactions safer and simpler — protecting Filipinos from OTP-related fraud, while ensuring that security never gets in the way of convenience. The corporate business arm of PLDT Inc. (PLDT) is set to launch SmartSafe SilentAccess, a groundbreaking enterprise solution offering the safest, next-generation alternative to one-time passwords (OTP).

This milestone makes PLDT the first and leading Philippine telco to pioneer network-powered silent authentication, a globally certified innovation that sets a new standard for digital safety in the country. The technology aims to completely eliminate scams stemming from OTP fraud, significantly strengthening consumer protection in the country’s fast-growing digital economy.

“We envision PLDT to be the first to transition beyond OTPs in the country,” said Blums Pineda, Senior Vice President and Head of the Enterprise Business Group at PLDT and Smart. “With SmartSafe, we are not just protecting enterprises and their end-users – we are shaping the future of digital trust in the Philippines.”

A New Era of Authentication

SilentAccess, the flagship of the soon-to-be-launched SmartSafe fraud management API suite, authenticates users directly and in real-time through the nation-widest network of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). This enables frictionless logins and transactions without relying on SMS-based OTPs, which are increasingly vulnerable to phishing, vishing, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

“SmartSafe SilentAccess delivers certified authentication without OTPs, working invisibly in the background,” said Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management at PLDT Enterprise. “It is about making security effortless for end-users, while giving enterprises the strongest and safest possible defense against digital fraud.”

Anchored on Safety and Trust for all Filipinos

As the wireless subsidiary of PLDT, Smart is the first Philippine telco to achieve GSMA certification for its Open Gateway APIs, including Number Verification offered to B2B users by PLDT Enterprise. This global recognition strengthens Smart’s role as a network authority for digital safety.

SmartSafe SilentAccess also aligns with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular No. 1213, which calls on financial institutions to move beyond SMS-based OTPs, as well as directives from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and National Privacy Commission (NPC) to strengthen consumer protection in the digital space.

SilentAccess is just the beginning

Beyond SilentAccess, the SmartSafe fraud management API suite will expand protection across multiple fronts – from solutions that guard against SIM swap fraud, verify network location, enable safer digital access while roaming, and allow network-powered Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks.

“SilentAccess is just the beginning,” Pineda declared. “As the first telco to bring this level of authentication to the market, we are taking the lead in building the safest digital environment for every Filipino.”

“Our broad suite of fraud management solutions will safeguard billions of digital moments – because as we provide these technologies to banks, retailers, healthcare providers, and government agencies, we also protect their end-users every time they log in, shop online, access records, or complete transactions,” he detailed.

Strengthening the Foundation of the Digital Economy

As mobile transactions continue to surge — with over 60% of digital interactions in the Philippines happening via mobile — the stakes for fraud prevention have never been higher. By removing friction for end-users while closing doors to scammers, Smart Safe creates value for enterprises, consumers, and the broader society.

“This is about more than just telco innovation: it is about ensuring the Philippines becomes one of the safest digital economies in the region,” Pineda added. “By strengthening the security of every digital interaction, SmartSafe helps safeguard critical services, protects businesses and consumers, and ensures the continuity of our digital economy. We at PLDT Enterprise will enable a safer, more inclusive digital future for all Filipinos.”

Vivo V60 Captures the Magic of Filipino Music Awards 2025 with ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – A night that celebrated the power and beauty of Filipino music deserved a camera just as extraordinary. At the inaugural Filipino Music Awards (FMA) 2025, held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Vivo V60’s 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera brought every fan closer to the heart of the action—transforming each performance, pose, and emotion into a visual masterpiece.

The first-ever FMA 2025 was more than an awards night; it was a grand showcase of artistry, passion, and culture. Over 500 artists, industry professionals, and thousands of fans gathered to honor the evolving sounds of Original Pilipino Music (OPM)—from pop and R&B to hip-hop, rock, and beyond. As a proud co-presenter, Vivo ensured that every electrifying moment was captured in professional-grade clarity through the Vivo V60, co-engineered with ZEISS.

Capturing iconic moments onstage

From heartfelt acceptance speeches to powerhouse performances, the Vivo V60’s 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera proved its excellence. Its 10x Telephoto Stage Portrait lens highlighted every expression and movement in stunning detail, making fans feel like they were front-row at every act.

Dynamic performances from stars like drag queen Maxie Andreison came to life, with every motion captured sharply and vividly thanks to the device’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Even under dazzling lights and intense movement, the Vivo V60 delivered perfectly crisp and steady shots.

The brand also proudly presented several major awards, celebrating the artists who continue to elevate OPM to global recognition:

• Tour of the Year: “Simula at Wakas” World Tour – SB19

• Concert of the Year: “Simula at Wakas” World Tour Kickoff – SB19

• Music Company of the Year: Sony Music Philippines

• Album of the Year: Silakbo – Cup of Joe

• Song of the Year: “Multo” – Cup of Joe

• Artist of the Year: SB19

Capturing red carpet glamor

Before the performances lit up the stage, the red carpet glowed with the country’s brightest stars. With the Vivo V60’s 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, every red carpet look—from Michelle Dee to Yeng Constantino—was captured with stunning clarity and elegance. P-pop groups showed off their signature flair, bringing bold fashion and individuality to every shot.

With the Vivo V60, capturing star-quality photos is effortless—every frame radiates artistry.

Bring every spotlight moment closer. Own the Vivo V60 today for as low as Php 28,999, available in Berry Purple, Summer Blue, or Mist Gray at Vivo concept stores, kiosks, and authorized dealers.

Arsène Wenger Highlights AI’s Transformative Role in Football at Lenovo 360 Accelerate Event

 At the Lenovo 360 Accelerate event in Monaco, Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, shared his insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to reshape the world of football—just as it continues to transform society. Speaking before an audience of over 500 senior leaders from Lenovo’s top EMEA channel partners and executives, Wenger expressed strong optimism about the partnership between FIFA and Lenovo, describing it as a major step forward in merging technology with the beautiful game.

According to Wenger, AI will soon play a pivotal role in how football is analyzed, coached, and experienced by fans. He explained that artificial intelligence will assist coaches by processing and interpreting live match data, offering valuable insights that can influence tactical decisions. While real-time strategic advice from AI systems is still under development, Wenger believes it’s only a matter of time before these innovations become a staple in professional football.

The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is expected to mark a new era of AI integration in sports. It is projected to be the most technologically advanced tournament ever, with Lenovo providing end-to-end AI-powered solutions designed to enhance every aspect of the event.

Lenovo’s cutting-edge technology—including ThinkPad laptops, Motorola smartphones, tablets, and powerful server systems—will be instrumental in supporting FIFA’s digital transformation. These tools will not only streamline data management and analytics for teams and organizers but also elevate the experience for millions of fans worldwide.

Spectators can expect smarter and more interactive viewing experiences, both inside the stadiums and through global broadcasts. From AI-driven performance tracking and match predictions to immersive fan engagement features, the collaboration between FIFA and Lenovo represents a glimpse into the future of sports innovation.

Wenger’s vision reinforces a growing belief that AI’s role in football extends far beyond statistics. It’s about enhancing understanding, improving fairness, and deepening the emotional connection between players, teams, and fans. As FIFA and Lenovo continue to develop AI-driven systems ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the world of football is on the brink of a major transformation—one where data and technology meet passion and creativity on the global stage.

E-Wallet Use Jumps 75% in Sari-Sari Stores, Fueling Digital Transformation - Packworks Report

Manila, Philippines — Sari-sari stores are rapidly digitalizing their operations, driven by a significant increase in e-wallet use, according to a new report from Filipino tech startup Packworks.

The report used their internal transaction records as the starting point to conduct a direct survey of more than 2,000 sari-sari store owners within Packworks' nationwide network of 300,000+ stores from January to August 2025.

According to the data, half of the store owners surveyed reported a 75% increase in e-wallet usage in their store operations between January and August. The remaining respondents also saw substantial growth: 20% experienced a 100% increase in usage, another 20% saw a 50% increase, and 10% reported a 10% rise.

Store owners largely attribute this growing adoption to increased consumer demand, as their customers are also turning to e-wallets to buy goods, access funds, and settle bills at their local stores.

“Maraming nang nagpapa-cash-in at cash-out at bumibili gamit ang mga e-wallet. Dahil dumarami, gusto namin masabayan ang pangangailangan nila. Nakakatulong din naman ito sa amin para magkaroon kami ng dagdag kita,” (A lot of our customers are making cash-in and cash-out transactions aside from buying products with e-wallets. Since more customers are using them, we want to keep up with their needs. It also helps us earn a little extra), said Marijane Rea, a sari-sari store owner from Laguna.

Store owners are using e-wallets for a variety of business operations. About 40% use the platforms for in-store payments, 30% for bill payments, and the remaining 30% for cash-in and cash-out transactions.

This digital shift is quickly becoming a critical source of revenue. Around 13% of store owners say their e-wallet earnings equal their revenue from physical goods. Among the rest of the respondents, e-wallets still contribute significantly: 66% say that about 20% of their revenues come from e-wallet use, and the remaining 21% say their e-wallet earnings account for 10% of their total revenue.

GCash and Maya are the widely used e-wallets, with 85% of store owners reporting using GCash for their business transactions and 15% using Maya.

“Bukod sa kita namin sa tindahan, nagkaroon kami ng dagdag kita sa paggamit sa mga e-wallet kasi meron kaming tubo na PHP 10 hanggang PHP 20 sa pag-cash-in at cash-out, o di kaya tuwing nagbabayad ng kuryente, tubig, o internet ang mga customer,” (Besides the income we earn from the store, we also get extra earnings from using e-wallets because we earn a profit of PHP 10 to PHP 20 from cash-in and cash-out transactions, or whenever customers pay for electricity, water, or internet bills), said Rachel Miguel, a store owner from Bacolod.

To increase their transaction capacity and meet surging customer demand, sari-sari stores are strategically using up to five e-wallet accounts. According to the report, with each account having a monthly limit of PHP 100,000 to PHP 500,000, the combined monthly transaction capacity is up to PHP 3.5 million.

This trend supports the 30% of store owners’ interest in upgrading their e-wallets to business accounts to maintain a higher monthly limit of PHP 1 million.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas indicated that approximately 57% of total retail transactions were cashless in 2024, highlighting the increasing use of digital payments for everyday purchases and financial transactions.

Packworks Chief Platform Officer Hubert Yap highlights that sari-sari stores are rapidly embracing digital tools such as e-wallets to diversify their services and grow their businesses.

“The surge in e-wallet use proves that sari-sari stores are rapidly evolving into vital digital hubs for their communities. Aside from simply selling 'tingi' physical items, they are now diversifying their product range, offering high-margin, value-added financial services and integrating digital tools such as our app to fundamentally improve their operations and function as near-frictionless nano-banks for the neighborhoods they serve. These findings show that sari-sari stores have been at the forefront leading this digital transformation at the grassroots level,” cited Yap, “And there's an urgent need to support these micro-entrepreneurs with the right fintech to ensure they can fully capitalize on this opportunity, as they often say in sari-stores, a peso saved is a peso earned!”

For more studies and data trends insights in sari-sari stores, you may visit http://packworks.io/ or Packworks’ Facebook page to learn more.

Basketball Icons Chris and Charles Tiu Challenge Fans to ‘Tius Your Play’ as Daily Fantasy’s Newest Ambassadors

Manila, Philippines — Daily Fantasy, the Philippines’ first licensed fantasy sports provider, is strengthening its connection with Filipino basketball fans by announcing the launch of its newest campaign, “Tius Your Play,” featuring popular basketball figures Chris and Charles Tiu as its ambassadors.

The Tiu brothers will serve as the new faces of fantasy basketball gaming in the Philippines, leveraging their extensive experience to promote the platform’s latest campaign. It allows fans to get an insider experience through the Tiu brothers' expertise. By learning from Chris and Charles Tiu, both known for their basketball IQ and strategic mindset, fans can sharpen their skills and make smarter decisions in fantasy basketball.

The "Tius Your Play" campaign stems from Daily Fantasy's core message, "Build Your Play," which encourages participants to make strategic, skill-based decisions using real-time player performance data. This campaign gives the passionate sports community a thrilling opportunity to test their basketball IQ and knowledge of the country’s basketball landscape.

"Our latest campaign reinforces Daily Fantasy's core belief in skill-based play that is brought to life through Chris and Charles Tiu, who perfectly embody that mindset. They are known for their basketball intelligence, strategic thinking, and discipline — the same qualities that define success in Daily Fantasy," said Jeff Chao, Business Development Manager at Daily Fantasy.

Aside from the opportunity to compete with or against the Tiu brothers by drafting their own teams on the platform, fans will be treated with upcoming exclusive content, including 'Tiu-torials,' 'Tiu-Nament,' and 'Fantasy with a Heart,' all designed to bring fans closer to how the Tiu Brothers think, play, and approach the court with Daily Fantasy.

Chris Tiu, a former professional basketball player and current TV host, is best remembered as the heart and leader of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, guiding the team to the 2008 UAAP championship. His professional success continued with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA, where his sharp shooting and discipline helped secure the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup championship.

“Charles and I are really excited for this new experience as ambassadors for Daily Fantasy. We've seen how the platform continues to elevate the basketball experience for fans through its innovative and exciting features, as well as community events. Fantasy sports, after all, are about strategy and decision-making; it’s where players get to think like a coach and put their basketball knowledge into action,” said Chris Tiu.

Meanwhile, Charles Tiu has made his mark in Philippine basketball as both a successful coach and respected sports analyst. He recently served as head coach of the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) team and the College of Saint Benilde Blazers, famously leading the Blazers to their first NCAA Finals appearance in over two decades. Beyond the sidelines, Charles is an established voice in basketball commentary and player development, continuing to shape and contribute to the sport’s growth.

“Just as Chris said, we're really excited for this new opportunity as we get to put our experiences on display. Fantasy sports are different because you’re the one calling the shots, building your team, studying the matchups, and deciding who to put in. It’s not about luck; it’s about using your basketball IQ to make the right moves," Charles Tiu added.

To further share the excitement, basketball fans can now invite friends to join the thrill of fantasy sports through Daily Fantasy’s new Referral Program. When a player successfully invites a friend, both the inviter and the invitee receive 100 coins, providing extra entry credits to join upcoming contests and start competing alongside Chris and Charles right away.

For more information on joining the Daily Fantasy community and creating one’s own fantasy team, fans may visit https://laki.playdailyfantasy.com/.