Paradise Connected: Eastern Communications and Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu Forge Strategic Partnership to Deliver Next-Generation Connectivity

Eastern Communications and Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, have formalized a strategic partnership through a high-level contract signing, naming Eastern as the resort’s official internet and ICT service provider. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in strengthening digital infrastructure at one of Cebu’s most iconic island destinations, underscoring how world-class hospitality today is powered by equally premium digital connectivity.

Beginning January 2026, Eastern Communications will provide Shangri-La Mactan with 1000 Mbps of its Internet Direct Service (IDS), supporting both guest-facing digital experiences and the resort’s internal operations. Designed for large enterprise environments, Eastern IDS is a premium, dedicated internet solution with a 1:1 contention ratio that ensures stable, consistent, and reliable connectivity even during peak usage periods.

In the hospitality sector, especially in regional and island destinations, dependable high-speed internet is a necessity in daily operations. From seamless guest check-ins and uninterrupted in-room connectivity to operational systems that support service excellence, safety, and efficiency, connectivity plays a central role in shaping the modern resort experience. Through this partnership, Shangri-La Mactan enhances its ability to deliver a smooth, digitally enabled stay that meets the expectations of today’s always-connected travelers. According to the Department of Tourism (DoT), Cebu is listed among the top travel destinations in the country, and its capital city drew in 102,124 visitors during the holiday break. This surge was just ahead of Lapu-Lapu City hosting the 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum this January.

“Providing an exceptional guest experience means ensuring that connectivity is effortless and reliable throughout the resort,” said Dave Junker, General Manager of Shangri-La Mactan. “By working with Eastern Communications, we are strengthening our digital capabilities in a way that supports both our guests and our teams, allowing us to consistently deliver the exceptional service Shangri-La is known for.”

The collaboration reinforces Eastern Communications' position as a trusted connectivity partner for enterprises that require robust infrastructure and dependable, personalized support. Bringing enterprise-grade connectivity to a premier island resort demonstrates the telco provider’s commitment to enabling businesses to operate at their best—regardless of location.

“Connectivity is fundamental to how businesses serve their customers and how guests experience a destination,” said Anthony Co, Head of Sales - Regional Operations Groupof Eastern Communications. “Our partnership with Shangri-La Mactan reflects our commitment to ensuring reliable, high-quality internet and digital services to businesses in areas that have high growth potential.”

The partnership reflects a shared vision of helping organizations reach beyond boundaries. As businesses across the country continue to evolve, Eastern Communications remains committed to empowering its partners to move forward with confidence and to dare to soar by building on strong digital foundations supported by responsive, human-centered service.

As Eastern Communications expands its footprint across the Philippines, its partnership with Shangri-La Mactan highlights the company’s continued investment in supporting world-class enterprises with future-ready connectivity solutions—proving that even in island destinations, digital excellence can thrive.

To learn more about Eastern Communications and their upcoming partnerships, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

LG Electronics and will.i.am Redefine Portable Audio with AI-Powered xboom Speakers at CES 2026

LG Electronics is once again pushing the boundaries of portable audio, teaming up with global music icon and tech innovator will.i.am to expand the xboom by will.i.am speaker lineup at CES 2026. Building on the success of last year’s models, the refreshed collection introduces deeper artificial intelligence integration, smarter personalization, and four new speakers designed for different lifestyles and listening environments.

At the heart of the new lineup is FYI.RAiDiO, an advanced AI-powered platform that delivers real-time music curation, contextual recommendations, and interactive AI Personas. This technology transforms the listening experience from passive playback into an intelligent, adaptive interaction that evolves based on user preferences, mood, and environment.

The new lineup includes four distinct models: Stage 501, Blast, Mini, and Rock.

The flagship Stage 501 is engineered for performance and versatility. It features AI Karaoke Master, allowing users to remove vocals, adjust pitch, and customize singing styles without requiring specialized tracks. With up to 25 hours of battery life on a swappable battery and up to 220W of power when plugged in, it is built for both portability and powerful output.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Blast delivers rugged durability and up to 35 hours of playback. Its portable vertical rope handle and reinforced design make it ideal for adventures, while maintaining strong, immersive sound.

The Mini offers a more compact and stylish cube design, perfect for everyday use. Despite its size, it provides clear audio, 10 hours of playtime, IP67 dust and water resistance, a Magic Strap, and even a built-in tripod mount for added flexibility.

Meanwhile, the Rock is designed to meet military-level durability standards. It offers enhanced sound output, wide audio coverage, and LE Audio Auracast support, allowing multiple listeners to share audio seamlessly.

All models feature AI Sound, which automatically optimizes audio settings, and AI Lighting, which synchronizes lighting effects with music for a more immersive experience.

will.i.am emphasized that AI is transforming sound into a more dynamic and culturally connected experience. LG Electronics, for its part, continues to position portable audio as a major growth category in 2026, combining design innovation, performance, and intelligent features.

The new xboom speakers will debut at CES 2026 before launching globally later this year, signaling a new era where AI and audio merge to create smarter, more personal listening experiences.

EDENA Launches Autonomic Financial OS to Transform Sovereign Asset Management

HONG KONG — EDENA Capital Partners has officially unveiled its groundbreaking Autonomic Financial OS, an AI-driven financial operating system designed to automate the issuance, verification, and settlement of sovereign and state-linked assets. The launch took place at the DAT Summit Hong Kong on February 18, 2026, marking a major milestone in the evolution of blockchain-powered capital markets and institutional finance.

The Autonomic Financial OS represents a structural shift from legacy financial infrastructure to a real-time, transparent, and automated environment. Powered by artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, the system removes manual settlement processes and enables faster, more secure transactions for governments and institutions. EDENA CEO Wook Lee described the innovation as the “master rail” for the next generation of global capital markets.

At its core, the Autonomic Financial OS acts as an intelligence layer that connects sovereign assets to global liquidity. EDENA revealed that more than $100 billion worth of energy infrastructure and national projects are already being prepared to operate on the platform. This development highlights the growing trend of asset tokenization and blockchain adoption among governments seeking efficiency, transparency, and capital access.

The platform is supported by a Global Tech Alliance featuring industry leaders. Canton Network provides privacy-focused infrastructure for institutional digital assets, while Cantor8 enables seamless integration between traditional finance and blockchain. ZKsync delivers zero-knowledge settlement technology, ensuring confidential yet verifiable transactions. Chainlink supplies trusted real-world data and cross-chain connectivity, and Athena Dynamics strengthens cybersecurity with advanced threat protection and behavioral analytics.

EDENA has already secured a sovereign pipeline exceeding $20 billion, with major projects underway in Indonesia, South Korea, the Middle East, and Africa. These initiatives focus on energy infrastructure and strategic national assets, accelerating the migration of real-world sovereign investments onto blockchain rails.

This launch signals a broader transformation in financial market infrastructure. By combining artificial intelligence, blockchain, and institutional-grade security, the Autonomic Financial OS enables governments to access global capital with unprecedented speed and integrity. Industry leaders believe this innovation will define the future of sovereign finance, unlocking new levels of efficiency, transparency, and trust.

As sovereign asset tokenization continues to expand, EDENA’s Autonomic Financial OS positions itself at the forefront of the digital finance revolution, bridging traditional capital markets with the blockchain-powered economy.

LG Expands Gaming Portal, Turning Smart TVs Into Full-Scale Gaming Hubs

LG is accelerating its push into cloud gaming by expanding its Gaming Portal with a wide range of new titles that users can play directly on LG Smart TVs—no console or external hardware required. This move reinforces LG’s vision of transforming the television into an all-in-one entertainment and gaming platform.

The Gaming Portal now features more than 4,000 cloud-based games along with 600 casual titles, giving users instant access to diverse genres including racing, adventure, music, and trivia. By eliminating the need for traditional gaming devices, LG is lowering the barrier to entry and making gaming more accessible to a broader audience.

One of the most recognizable additions is Just Dance Now, which brings motion-based gameplay to select LG Smart TVs. Players can use the Magic Remote to follow dance moves and enjoy an interactive fitness and entertainment experience from their living room.

LG has also partnered with Volley to introduce voice-controlled games such as Jeopardy! and Song Quiz. These titles allow players to interact using voice commands, creating a more immersive and social gaming experience tailored for TV users.

Meanwhile, LG’s collaboration with Blacknut has brought Asphalt Legends Unite to the platform. Players can enjoy the full game, including all cars and maps, even using the standard TV remote as a controller. This demonstrates LG’s commitment to simplifying gameplay while maintaining high-quality gaming experiences.

The platform is also expanding its storytelling offerings with My Little Puppy, an emotional adventure title designed to showcase cinematic visuals and narrative depth on the big screen.

To further enhance accessibility, LG introduced the LG Mobile Gamepad Wi-Fi app, which allows users to convert their smartphones into game controllers. This innovation provides more precise control and makes gameplay feel closer to traditional console gaming.

Additionally, award-winning titles from the LG webOS Hackathon—including Quest of Sunflower and Signs of Magic—are now available. These games highlight creative innovation and demonstrate the potential of LG’s TV-based gaming ecosystem.

With these additions, LG is positioning its Smart TVs not just as viewing devices, but as complete gaming platforms. As cloud gaming continues to evolve, LG’s Gaming Portal could play a major role in redefining how and where people play.

Vivo V70 Launches in the Philippines with POP MART ZSIGA Collaboration and Stunning Golden Hour Design

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Vivo has officially confirmed the arrival of the Vivo V70 in the Philippines on February 28, 2026, signaling an exciting new chapter for its popular V Series lineup. This latest release stands out not only for its upgraded design but also for its creative collaboration with POP MART and its well-known intellectual property, ZSIGA. At the center of attention is the exclusive Golden Hour colorway, a finish inspired by warmth, individuality, and modern lifestyle expression.

Built around the concept “Bloom Under the Sun,” the partnership reflects Vivo’s commitment to blending technology with fashion and personal identity. By working with POP MART and ZSIGA, Vivo aims to connect more deeply with the younger generation, combining artistic storytelling with innovative smartphone design. This collaboration reinforces the brand’s evolution beyond technology and into a lifestyle-focused experience.

The Golden Hour colorway takes inspiration from the natural glow of the setting sun, symbolizing authenticity and self-expression. It mirrors the creative spirit of ZSIGA’s “Under The Sun” series while aligning with Vivo’s understanding of how users today value individuality. This unique finish encourages users to celebrate their personality and capture meaningful life moments in their own way. For those who prefer a more understated look, the Vivo V70 will also be available in Alpine Gray, offering a sleek and minimalist alternative.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Vivo V70 introduces a completely refreshed design focused on both elegance and durability. The smartphone features an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame, providing improved resistance against drops, deformation, and corrosion. This ensures the device remains reliable even with daily use.

The camera module has also been upgraded with a premium metal construction, enhancing both durability and aesthetics. Meanwhile, the matte glass back panel is designed to resist fingerprints and stains, keeping the phone looking clean and stylish. On the front, ultra-thin 1.25mm bezels deliver a more immersive viewing experience, giving the device a modern and refined appearance.

With its fashion-forward collaboration, premium materials, and stylish new finishes, the Vivo V70 positions itself as a portrait flagship smartphone built for creativity and self-expression.

Filipino consumers can watch the official launch live on the Vivo Philippines Facebook page on February 28, 2026, at 5 PM, where the brand will showcase how the Vivo V70 brings together technology, art, and lifestyle in one impressive device.