Converge Global Business Clinches B2B Client Initiative of the Year at the 2026 Asian Telecom Awards

Manila, Philippines — Converge Global Business, the corporate and large enterprise unit of leading fixed broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. (Converge), has been honored with the B2B Client Initiative of the Year - Philippines at the prestigious Asian Telecom Awards 2026.

Recognized for its Elevating Connections series, this initiative continues to set the standard for customer engagement by bridging the gap between advanced technology and public service. The award reflects documented success across lead generation, event attendance, and high client satisfaction for activities conducted in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“Accepting this award on behalf of the team is a deeply proud moment for us,” said Valery Briones, VP and Head of Global Marketing. “The success of Elevating Connections is a result of the seamless collaboration with our Global Business Sales partners nationwide. This award validates our shared commitment to turning ICT into a strategic advantage for enterprises and government units alike, empowering them to thrive in a digital-first economy.”

The Elevating Connections series was developed as a structured series of enterprise engagements focused on direct interaction with decision-makers, offering industry-specific discussions on topics such as cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and infrastructure planning tailored for sectors including manufacturing, education, and hospitality.

The program exceeded engagement benchmarks, with attendance surpassing targets and achieving a high volume of prospective partners. Post-event feedback demonstrated exceptional client satisfaction, with attendees praising the relevance of topics and the value of direct exchanges with subject-matter specialists.

“Receiving this award is a testament to our dedicated approach in understanding and meeting the evolving needs of the Philippine enterprise sector,” said Grace Jarin-Castillo, Senior Vice President and Head for Sales and Marketing of Converge Global Business Group. “Elevating Connections was built to be more than just a series of events; it is a platform for meaningful collaboration. By providing industry-specific insights and tailored technology solutions, we are empowering businesses to navigate their digital transformation successfully.”

Converge continues to solidify its status as a leader in the technology and ICT industry with this win, following the standout achievement of being named the Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Philippines at the Asian Telecom Awards for four consecutive years (2022–2025).

The Asian Telecom Awards recognize leading ICT companies across the Asia Pacific for their contributions to industry advancement, technological innovation, and digital infrastructure development.

Amid AI Data Center Boom, Schneider Electric Philippines and Digital Edge Deliver Sea’s First Dual-Certified Facility With NARRA1

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippines’ data center market is expanding quickly as Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption drives the need for faster, more resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. To meet this rising demand, Schneider Electric, a global technology leader, and Digital Edge, a leading data center platform, are accelerating the rollout of next-generation facilities, with NARRA1 emerging as Southeast Asia’s first data center to earn dual global certifications—setting a new benchmark for performance and sustainability in the region. 

Driven by the rapid adoption of AI, cloud computing, and data-intensive services, the Philippine data center colocation market is projected to grow at a 36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2028, making the market increasingly energy-intensive and driving up electricity costs for operators. As global players turn their attention to the Philippines, facilities that can demonstrate reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable operations are becoming central to the country’s competitiveness and appeal to investors.

“At Schneider Electric, we equip operators with advanced energy management and infrastructure solutions, helping make the Philippines a competitive destination for data center investment and enabling facilities like NARRA1 to meet the high standards of enterprises and hyperscale customers,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines.

Positioned within Laguna Technopark in Biñan, Laguna, NARRA1 was modernized and scaled by Schneider Electric in partnership with Digital Edge, using efficient systems. Leveraging its global expertise in mission-critical environments, Schneider Electric integrated automatic transfer switches (ATS), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and transformers to ensure stable power, built-in redundancy, and reliable operations. These solutions gave operators greater visibility, control, and predictability over energy use, enabling them to optimize efficiency, maintain uptime, and confidently scale operations to support growing AI and cloud workloads.

Aside from operational resilience and efficiency, sustainability is built into NARRA1’s design, which runs on 100% renewable energy and Schneider Electric-enabled high-efficiency electrical systems. With a market-leading annualized design Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.19, far below the global average of 1.6, the facility cuts electricity use by 16 million kilowatt-hours annually, lowering operational costs and carbon emissions. Water efficiency measures further cut usage by 44 million gallons per year, equivalent to nearly 80 Olympic-size swimming pools, allowing to conserve local resources while helping customers meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments without compromising performance.

As a result, NARRA1 became the first facility in Southeast Asia to secure two globally recognized certifications:

• ANSI/TIA-942-C Rated 3 Certification, recognizing world-class resilience, security, and operational quality; and
• EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), awarded to facilities achieving more than 20% efficiency in energy, water, and embodied carbon.

NARRA1 also earned LEED Gold certification, an internationally recognized standard by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the Philippines’ first triple-green-certified data center with EDGE, LEED, and BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence).

“Five years ago, we were building in the middle of a global pandemic amid uncertainty, supply-chain disruptions, and lockdowns,” said Vic Barrios, President of Digital Edge DC Philippines. “We needed partners who could deliver on time, uphold quality, and adapt with us in an environmentally complex market—one that embeds sustainability in their operations and that we could rely on end-to-end to build future-ready facilities.”

NARRA1 is the country’s only true carrier-neutral regional data center, hosting all major telecommunications providers and internet service providers.

With a globally benchmarked design, NARRA1 demonstrates the country’s capability to provide reliable data center solutions that meet the needs of enterprises and hyperscale operators. Supported by a digital population, growing data demand, and its strategic location in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is poised to become a regional hub for digital infrastructure.

Schneider Electric works with businesses, operators, and developers to build energy-efficient and sustainable data centers, positioning the Philippines to lead the next wave of AI-driven growth in Southeast Asia.

PLDT Group Extends Free Calls for OFWs, Expands Support in Malls

Pursuant to the directive of President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. to provide accessible lifelines for OFWs and their families during the crisis in the Middle East, the PLDT Group has expanded its communication assistance for overseas Filipinos, extending all free call services and setting up additional free call stations in select PLDT and Smart stores located in major malls.

This expanded effort builds on the initial order from PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, who earlier instructed the Group to activate emergency communication support for Filipinos in affected countries.

Free calls to the Philippines through TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing), powered by PLDT Global, also remain available for users in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE until March 15. TinBo can be accessed through Google Play, the Apple App Store, and www.tinbo.ph.

In the Philippines, PLDT Home and Enterprise customers may continue making free IDD calls to the Gulf States, Israel, and Iran until March 15, while this service is available to Smart and TNT subscribers until March 14.

Smart subscribers in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen may also call the Smart Crisis Hotline at +632 8845 7799 toll‑free for urgent coordination with family in the Philippines.

The PLDT Group encourages Filipinos in affected regions to stay vigilant, follow local advisories, and stay in touch with Philippine embassies and consulates. These efforts are in line with the PLDT Group’s mission to deliver meaningful connections that uplift lives and empower every Filipino, and its support for the government’s overall digitalization and nation-building agenda.

Bloomberry’s Megafunalo! Launches First-Ever 100% Transparent Live Studio Games to Expand Live Entertainment Footprint

Manila, Philippines — PAGCOR-licensed online gaming platform megaFUNalo! is redefining the Philippine iGaming landscape by launching the country’s first 100% transparent live studio games. Featuring an industry-first complete glass table and a floor-to-ceiling LED backdrop, the move addresses a global surge in player demand for authentic, verifiable, and immersive gaming experiences.

Live dealer formats have emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding categories in online gambling worldwide, with 25% annual growth rate. This is driven by players’ increasing preference for real-time interactive play and visible game mechanics. This trend is particularly evident in Southeast Asia, which saw a 27% uptick in live dealer engagement between April and September 2025. With smartphone penetration exceeding 80% in the Philippines, mobile-first users are now the primary drivers of this digital evolution.

In response to these shifts, megaFUNalo! has introduced a suite of fully transparent Live Studio Games, including Classic Roulette, Transparent Baccarat, and Dragon Tiger. The 100% transparent setup allows players to observe every card shuffle, wheel spin, and dealer movement with unprecedented clarity. For mobile users, the high-definition feed creates a three-dimensional effect, making game elements appear as if they are floating on the screen.

“We are building the blueprint for the future of live studio gaming in the Philippines,” said Cyrus Sherafat, Executive Vice President and Head of Gaming at megaFUNalo!. “By merging cutting-edge studio technology with real-time hosting, we aren't just launching a product—we're establishing a new standard for transparency. Our glass-table environment and integrated studio are designed specifically to elevate user trust and deliver an immersive experience that hasn't been seen in this market before.”

Central to this expansion is the commitment to regulatory excellence. All megaFUNalo! Live Studio Games operate under strict mandates from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), incorporating robust Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols, data protection, and responsible gaming tools to ensure a secure environment for all players.

With a mission centered on accessibility and integrity, megaFUNalo! is positioned to lead the local industry's transition toward trustworthy, mobile-optimized iGaming.

For more information, you may visit https://www.megafunalo.com/ or their Facebook page.

Content Creators Share How Vivo V70 Fits Their Lifestyle

The Vivo V70 is quickly gaining attention among lifestyle influencers, photographers, and content creators in the Philippines. With its premium design, powerful imaging capabilities, and smooth software performance, the device is becoming a popular choice for users who rely on their smartphones for both productivity and creative expression.

One of the most noticeable features of the Vivo V70 is its stylish and sophisticated design. The smartphone is available in striking colorways such as Golden Hour and Alpine Gray, which appeal to users who value aesthetics as much as performance. Actress and model Kate Yalung shared her appreciation for the Golden Hour variant, noting how its warm, luminous finish perfectly complements lifestyle and fashion content. Meanwhile, content creator and Mr. Philippine Youth Tourism 2026 Clyvine Urbano prefers the understated elegance of the Alpine Gray version. Both variants highlight the phone’s refined appearance, enhanced by a flat display with rounded corners and an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame that offers durability without sacrificing style.

For creators who focus on photography and visual storytelling, the Vivo V70’s 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera stands out as one of its most impressive features. Award-winning photographer and tech influencer Mikee Bernabe highlighted how the camera allows him to capture professional-quality images straight from the device without heavy editing. Co-engineered with ZEISS, the camera system enables users to take sharp portraits, detailed zoom shots, and vibrant everyday photos with ease. This powerful imaging capability helps creators spend less time editing and more time producing engaging content.

Performance is another area where the Vivo V70 excels. Powered by OriginOS 6, the smartphone delivers smooth and responsive performance throughout the day. Fashion and lifestyle creator Ericka Marie Alvior shared how the device keeps up with her fast-paced routine, allowing her to quickly open the camera, switch between apps, and capture content even when she’s on the move. Features such as Origin Island for quick notifications, the Vivo Office Kit for productivity, and the V70 x POP MART ZSIGA Flip Card for a personalized lock screen experience further enhance the device’s functionality.

In addition to its performance and design, the Vivo V70 offers long-term reliability with up to six years of security updates. Currently available for pre-order nationwide and online through Shopee, the device also comes with exclusive bundle offers, making it an attractive upgrade for creators, professionals, and style-conscious users alike.