PSA, Pilipinas Teleserv, GCash Launch First In-App PSAHelpline Service, Making PSA Documents Easier to Request via GCash

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Pilipinas Teleserv, and GCash joined forces to launch the PSAHelpline Mini App, making it easier and more convenient for Filipinos to request civil registry documents anytime, anywhere.

Users can securely request PSA certificates, such as birth, marriage, death, CENOMAR, and CENODEATH, and choose between an e-copy or home delivery, all while paying seamlessly with their GCash e-wallets. The integration brings essential government services closer to millions of Filipinos through a platform they already use daily.

With this launch, GCash becomes the first e-wallet to host PSAHelpline.ph in-app and the first to offer PDF civil registry certificates directly within the app. PSAHelpline is also the first government service available on GLife.

The PSAHelpline Mini App is designed to streamline the end-to-end process of requesting civil registry documents, from placement of requests to payment and delivery, reducing barriers for those in remote areas and ensuring timely, secure, and reliable access to vital records.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, the PSA and Teleserv, for the trust and for being our first government service app to be integrated inside GCash,” said Cleo Celeste Santos, VP and Head of Public Sector at GCash.

“At GCash, we believe financial inclusion starts with identity. By making essential civil registry documents easier to access, we are helping more Filipinos participate in the digital economy and access the opportunities they deserve,” she added.

The partnership between PSA, Pilipinas Teleserv, and GCash set a strong precedent for future digital government initiatives, showing what is possible when the public and private sectors work together.

“The PSA Helpline Mini App within the GCash app simplifies how Filipinos request civil registry documents by integrating secure requests and payments into a trusted digital platform. This partnership reflects our vision of a citizen-centered and digitally enabled government that delivers faster, more convenient public service to every Filipino wherever they may be,” PSA National Statistician, Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa said.

Data privacy and security are critical, as millions of Filipinos rely on PSA-issued documents for various important transactions, including employment, education, travel, benefits, and legal matters. Pilipinas Teleserv, PSA’s long-standing partner for the PSAHelpline service, highlighted that the GCash infrastructure further reinforces the integrity of the document request process.

“GCash has a robust KYC process, which PSAHelpline will fully leverage to ensure that only document owners and properly authorized requesters can apply for PSA certificates”, Pilipinas Teleserv Managing Director and Founder Jun Yupitun said.

The PSAHelpline Mini App streamlines the entire process, from request to payment and delivery, helping reduce barriers, especially for those in remote areas.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Hop Into Easter: Anko Is Hosting Free Kids’ Activities and Dropping Fresh Seasonal Finds Across Metro Manila

Manila, Philippines — Easter is the perfect time for families to slow down, connect, and create lasting memories. To make this season brighter, Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko invites parents and kids to hop into easter fun with thoughtfully designed finds and in-store activities at select stores in Metro Manila through March.
Parents can treat their little ones to free Easter Arts and Craft sessions every weekend from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Anko Glorietta, Alabang Town Center, TriNoma Mall, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Ayala Malls Feliz. Designed as a relaxed, creative break, this activity lets kids dive into the holiday spirit while parents enjoy a fuss-free afternoon. Best of all, little artists who post their completed masterpieces on social media can receive an Easter goodie bag filled with sweet treats. Digital copies of the coloring sheets are also available for download from Anko's website, so kids at home can join in on the creative holiday fun.

When the holiday finally arrives, little ones can fully embrace the festive spirit with Anko’s Easter Face Painting Activity. Running on Easter weekend (April 4 to 5) at the Glorietta Activity Center, this colorful event gives parents and kids the perfect way to make lasting and colorful holiday memories.

Families can register for these Easter activities by downloading the Anko App or signing up at anko.com/anko-club. As part of Anko Club, members enjoy access to seasonal events, creative workshops, and exclusive in-store experiences held year-round, designed to make everyday living brighter.

What’s new in Anko stores

Alongside the in-store fun, Anko has just dropped a fresh Easter collection across its Metro Manila stores. The curated range brings together seasonal toys, egg hunt essentials, and hands-on craft kits, all thoughtfully designed with the brand’s signature balance of quality and affordability.

To keep kids busy before the hunt, Assorted Easter Wind Ups (₱90), Assorted Easter Plush Toys (₱240), and the Easter Fidget Egg (₱240) are tactile, pocket-sized distractions for restless hands during the countdown to Sunday.

For families planning their own egg hunts at home, Gold Look Hunt Eggs (₱90), Novelty Hunt Eggs (₱90), and Chick Hunt Eggs (₱150) are available in a mix of styles that are easy to hide and fun to find. Parents can also grab the Easter Bunny Loot Bags (₱130) and Easter Hunt Gift Bag (₱90) for stashing treats. And the Egg Hunt Grabber (₱150), a claw-style scoop, adds a fun physical challenge that keeps older kids just as entertained as the little ones.

To maximize family bonding well beyond the hunt, set up a hands-on holiday crafternoon where little artists can let their creativity shine with the Easter Craft Your Own Eggs (₱150), design a lasting keepsake with the Easter Paint Your Own Mug (₱150), and keep the festive momentum going all weekend long by filling up the Easter Activity Book (₱240).

This Easter collection is now available for a limited time only, so drop by Anko at Ayala Malls Glorietta 2, TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, Manila Bay, and Feliz to grab these seasonal must-haves before they are gone. For more festive inspiration, follow @anko_philippines on Instagram and TikTok.

LG Unveils the Wallpaper TV: The World’s Thinnest, True Wireless OLED TV

LG has once again pushed the boundaries of television innovation with the unveiling of its latest premium display, the LG OLED evo W6, introduced at CES 2026. The announcement marks the return of LG’s iconic Wallpaper Design, a concept that originally captured global attention for its ultra-slim, wall-hugging profile. This time, the design has been refined even further, featuring a stunning 9mm-class thin form factor that blends seamlessly into modern living spaces while maintaining the premium visual experience OLED technology is known for.

One of the most notable upgrades in the LG OLED evo W6 is the integration of True Wireless connectivity through LG’s Zero Connect Box. This technology enables seamless transmission of 4K video and audio without the need for traditional cable connections between the display and external devices. The result is a cleaner, more minimalist installation where the screen appears almost like a piece of digital artwork mounted directly on the wall. The Zero Connect Box handles input connections and wirelessly sends high-quality signals to the display, maintaining performance without compromising visual clarity or sound synchronization.

Beyond its striking design, the OLED evo W6 introduces several advancements in picture quality. At the heart of the display is LG’s new Hyper Radiant Color Technology, combined with Brightness Booster Ultra. Together, these technologies dramatically enhance luminance, delivering up to 3.9 times brighter visuals compared to standard OLED panels. This improvement ensures more vivid highlights, deeper blacks, and more accurate color reproduction across a wide range of content, from cinematic films to live sports and gaming.

Another key achievement is the display’s Reflection Free Premium certification from Intertek, an industry-first recognition that confirms its ability to significantly reduce screen reflections. This means viewers can enjoy crisp, immersive visuals even in bright environments or rooms with large windows, making the TV suitable for a variety of lighting conditions.

Powering the 2026 OLED evo lineup is the new α11 AI Processor Gen3, which incorporates a Dual AI Engine designed to optimize picture and sound in real time. The system also integrates multiple AI platforms, including Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot, enabling more intelligent voice control, content recommendations, and smart home interactions.

For gaming enthusiasts, the OLED evo W6 delivers advanced performance with support for 4K resolution at 165Hz, along with compatibility for NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium technologies. These features reduce screen tearing and latency, creating smoother gameplay. Complementing these capabilities is LG Shield, a security platform designed to enhance data protection and privacy for connected smart TV environments.

The Pod Network Hits 50 Million Listeners in 2025, Cements Status as PH’s Leading Podcast Group

Manila, Philippines — The Pod Network (TPN), the country’s leading podcast network, announces it surpassed 50 million total listeners in 2025. This milestone reaffirms TPN’s dominance in the local podcast landscape, driven by high-engagement content and a rapidly expanding listener base.

Beyond the 50 million total listenership, TPN reported robust growth in community loyalty, boasting 4 million accumulated followers across its Spotify portfolio and a steady baseline of 3 million weekly listeners.

The network’s growth was fueled by a diverse content slate that resonated across demographics. TPN’s top-performing shows for 2025 included comedy show The KoolPals, Wake Up With Jim and Saab, Ano Ba Talaga? with Kuya Kim, Sitio Bangungot - Pinoy Horror Stories for Sleep Podcast, and Lecheng Pag Ibig ‘To. This mirrors the network’s 2025 data, which identified Comedy, Conversational Talk Shows, and Narrative Horror as the top-performing categories in the local market.

TPN’s continuous growth reflects a study released last year highlighting that more Filipinos are turning to podcasts to cope with emotional fatigue and mental saturation in an increasingly hyperconnected digital landscape.

“Podcasting isn’t just a format. It’s a habit. People don’t just stumble into a podcast — they choose it, they return to it, and they make it part of their day,” said Alan Fontanilla, CEO of The Pod Network.

Fontanilla emphasized that TPN’s 2026 direction focuses on intentionality. “We believe the future belongs to media that people choose with intention, and creators who show up with purpose, not content that fills time, but conversations that mean something. Reach creates awareness; trust creates preference. Podcasting is where we build the latter.”

The network also recognized global audio platform Spotify for its continued investment in the Filipino creator economy, from platform distribution to initiatives like launching the first-ever state-of-the-art podcast studio at TPN headquarters.

TPN unveils 2026 slate, including new show

Building on its 2025 success, TPN unveiled its 2026 content slate at “Press Play: The Pod Network’s 2026 Press Preview” at The Split, BGC. The lineup reinforces TPN’s dominance across comedy, lifestyle, and public affairs, with creators emphasizing that their growth is rooted in authenticity.

TPN’s top creators noted that the network’s high engagement stems from a departure from traditional, polished media. The KoolPals co-host James Caraan attributes their following to “underground” honesty, while Lecheng Pag-Ibig ’To’s Sam YG highlights how his show evolved from a relationship advice channel into a safe space for community-wide discourse on life and burnout.

This intentionality extends to TPN’s public affairs and education slate. Kuya Kim Atienza, host of Ano Ba Talaga?, emphasized the unique intimacy of the medium, noting that podcasting required him to pivot from “broadcasting” to active listening. Similarly, journalist Pia Hontiveros of Let’s Talk noted that the platform offers a vital human connection, stating, “People are looking to feel seen, it’s about making complex issues understandable and meaningful.”

The event also marked the launch of Between Us, a new show hosted by celebrity couple Iza Calzado and Ben Wintle. The series aims to normalize deep, vulnerable conversations on health, identity, and personal growth, offering listeners the “space” to discuss topics often overlooked in the daily grind.

"Our 2025 snapshot proves that today’s Filipino listeners aren't just looking for content but resonance. By fostering an ecosystem of intentional media, we’ve transitioned from being a platform to becoming a trusted companion. Whether it’s through comedy, investigative discourse, or raw personal growth, we are committed to hosting the conversations that matter most to our audience," said Inna Salazar, Head of Content Development of TPN.

For more information about The Pod Network, you may visit www.thepodnetwork.com or their Facebook page.

PLDT, Smart Block 83,000 Attempts to Open Child Abuse Links in Jan ‘26

PLDT and Smart’s Cyber Security Operations Group (CSOG) has blocked 83,000 attempts to open child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) in January, 50% fewer compared to the same period in 2025. At the end of January this year, PLDT and Smart’s blacklisted URLs and illicit online child-related content have grown to two million since the launch of the PLDT Group’s Child Protection Platform in 2021.

“As technology enablers, PLDT and Smart recognize their role in providing a safe digital space that allows children to grow and pursue their passions,” said Roby T. Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “PLDT and Smart’s pioneering CSAEM blocking tool has empowered the Group to clamp down on the accessibility of images depicting online child sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).”

PLDT and Smart champion a whole-of-nation approach to child online safety, anchored on their Child Protection Platform. Unlike traditional filters that block entire websites, the system intercepts illicit material at the specific URL or digital “hash” level, redirecting users to a warning page without disrupting legitimate content.

The platform is strengthened through global partnerships with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s Project Arachnid, giving the Group access to continuously updated intelligence and automated detection tools that expand its ability to block hidden CSAEM across platforms.

PLDT, through its corporate business arm PLDT Enterprise, also supports the Council for the Welfare of Children’s MAKABATA Helpline 1383, the country’s central reporting and referral system for child protection cases. In 2024 alone, the helpline received over a thousand reports involving sexual, physical, and psychological abuse, as well as custody concerns, enabling swift coordination with government agencies and local authorities.

In 2025, PLDT Enterprise also partnered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Bureau of Fire Protection to roll out Unified 911, a cloud-based, technology-enabled emergency response system linking police, fire, medical, and rescue services nationwide. Hosted on ePLDT’s Pilipinas Cloud, the platform integrates voice, digital, and video reporting, GPS-based location tracking, geo-fencing, and CCTV connectivity to enable faster, data-driven crisis response.

“But we go beyond technology in protecting children. We work with parents, schools, communities, and government to raise awareness on OSAEC and collaborate with partners who champion children’s rights and safety,” Alampay added.

Under the #BeCYBERSMART campaign, PLDT and Smart promote digital literacy and practical online safety habits, training nearly 59,000 individuals in 2025 on data protection, scam awareness, and responsible online behavior.

“Technology — when guided by proper safeguards and responsible use — empowers young Filipinos to learn, build skills, and reach their full potential,” Alampay said.

Amid discussions in Congress on limiting children’s gadget use, the Group underscored the need for a balanced and collaborative approach — combining safeguards, digital literacy, and parental guidance — to ensure children benefit from connectivity while remaining protected online.

These initiatives reflect the PLDT Group’s commitment to advancing child protection and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, particularly by ending violence against children.