CONVERGE Announces New Plans with CONVERGE X4U

Despite the insane weather, folks have flocked to the Trioma Activity Center for XLOUNGE MNL for us to Xperience the Amped Up Life with Converge FiberX. Their loyal customers, and media intently listened to what changes will be made in new X4U plans, something that would make connections accessible and prices more affordable.

JP Aguilar SVP Consumer and SME Group Head says "The Filipino spirit is really stronger than typhoons. The Christmas season is upon us, and at Converge it is a season for connection, being with the people who matters most. Last year, we launched our Super FiberX plans. You got to earn and learn with our fiber network, and stronger ever since, we expanded and listened to our customers. We are guided by Dennis and Grace Uy to make your experience better than ever. To startup, you got to live to the power of X. This season we will introduce X4U, each one reflects what you deserve most. More speed, faster, more connected than ever. It's all for you!'

We need options and that's exactly what they are getting us with these new plans. Rated number one in OOKLA speedtests, they unveil these:

Max is 400mbps for 1599

Prime is 80bps for 2099

Ultra is 1000mbps for 2599

X4U Super Fiber X Ultra is 1 Gbps is now 2599. This is the most affordable gigabit speedplan in the country. This includes skypremium plans, so if you stream, multitask and use a lot of devices, the plan is good for you!

Homes that need more Super Fiber X Prime is Php 2099 for those who want 800 Mbps which comes with WiFi 6, Xperience Hub, and SkyTV. This is an all new plan and this outperforms other networks, you get more speed for less. Fast enough is not enough anymore for them, so it is for you!

Senior Product Manager Anthony Esporlas days "Super Fiber X has been a breakthrough for Filipino homes and has been embraced by more folks. How fast is fast? More connected devices, bandwidth needs is growing fast. Gaming and uploading content is part of the game, X4U will future proof your lifestyle."

Head of Consumer Marketing Sandra Dingal says "Game Changer is the first ever fixed pure fiber broadband plan in the country..Back then it was 2500 pesos, made and built for gamers. We see that it is very expensive, and based on statistics folks spend 1200 pesos internet spend usually. We want to level up, and do it for the community. From grass roots tournaments, to big ones, and we supported them all. From small ones, CHED, ASUS, realme, PBA ESports, all who have shaped gaming in the Philippines. Gamers require speed, low latency, low packet loss, and less jittery connections which is what Converge provides. Network Gaming Prioritization is something the company does embedded in the network. In all of our plans we want to do it for everyone, we made it accessible and Converge Game Changer EZ is priced at 1800 pesos. Lower than launched 2500 price tag. Better connection but lower price, and doesn't compromise gameplay, that's a 39% price reduction and 25% faster."

In a nutshell, they're offering these:

EZ plans cost Php 1,800 and will have 400mbps of speed.

For first 100 signups you get Free TUF gaming mouse, Razer Gold worth 250 pesos (during the event in Trinoma)

There will also be plans with ASUS ROG XBOX Ally soon.

Orange Ramirez the VP for Brand Marketing says "We have a 4th gift for you guys because of X4U. Our call has always been faster, stronger and made for what's next. We are excited because we always listen to customers. We evolve because of it. Made for what is next means a raffle, Christmas to the power of X. We are giving away 300 TV's. They will be all 55 inch Samsung QLED TV worth Php 34,000. This will be for new customers and subscribers from November 11- December 31, 2025.

Try the upgraded plans or get the new ones as signing up is easy, faster and better! Congratulations CONVERGE!

38th AWIT AWARDS Gets Powered by VIBE PH at MERALCO Theater

The 38th Awit Awards is very near and this year is going to be a LOT different as it is going to be powered by the folks from VIBE, the awesome OPM lovin online and TV show on TV5, Cignal and their partner platforms. 

I've been watching them almost everyday and the fans of not just the artists actually follow their antics especially on weekends where they obviously prepare a whole lot of performances indie or mainstream fans would enjoy. Doing the Awit Awards would be something really fun as the organization partner up with MQuest Ventures, and poke a little youthful energy in the 38 year old body. 

It's going to be a huge celebration for OPM and PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) which holds this show every year. With the mission to push OPM forward, they'll be preparing to showcase some of the country's hottest acts, including some of the year's awardees and generations of performers the country has produced. 

The show will also be directed by newly joined legendary star maker Johnny Manahan, and Vibe jocks Dylan, Elijah, Joao, Ana, Maxie, Paulo, Kych, Queenay and favorite boy Ryle Santiago. Telling folks about side quests, red carpet and backstage happenings will be the Vibe Gen V guys and gals who have in recent episodes have gotten a huge following too. This will all happen on November 16th at the newly renovated Meralco Theater. It'll be streamed live on Vibe PH, TV5, MQuest Ventures and Awit Awards Facebook pages and their affiliates. This is going to be heck of a lot of fun!

ZELLE Sets Ablaze Her Comeback with New Single MARTIR

After a grueling 13 years in Sweden, OPM artist Zelle is back in the country for new music, a new perspective with empowerment, her truth and the process of healing. Her single "Martir" talks about the trials and tribulations of love and the complexities of relationships.  

This resurgence didn't come easy as it stemmed from her own life experiences which happened recently, a matter that compelled her to go back to the country. 

She admits experiencing depression, but realized how she could use music as an expression. It was something that she knew was important, to use it to heal. Her gift is now being used with intention and fervor, which is why her music feels more genuine than ever. A way to show her truth, and strength which she hopes to also inspire other women. 

Love certainly is still part of her songs creative process, but says she uses a more psychological aspect in writing about it. She shares how one shouldn't lose their identity while experiencing love. That's a pretty strong statement!

She now is doing gigs and tours with a dependable band. With John Abiathar De Leon on drums, Archie Salvador on guitar, Chester Ventura on violin, and Jing Gonzales on bass plus a few more people in charge of production, she's ready to perform in different stages, here or elsewhere. She's also preparing a release for another single "Liberate Me" which she's doing soon. In the meantime, listen download and stream "Martir" on all streaming platforms and take that awesome healing and feisty journey with Zelle.

Majestic Views, Art and More at the Santa Maria MUSIC and FILM Festivall

The Sierra Madre mountain range has once again been the talk of the town as it played a part in slowing the track of the recent Super Typhoon. This starts from the province of Cagayan to the south in Quezon, but did you know that the Santa Maria Music and Film Festival (SMMFF) is also happening here? I distinctly remember the 2023 run when they featured various films, musical acts while nestled in the great outdoors! With the  theme "See What Others Can't" they've managed to celebrate year after year with the 2025 edition happening at the founder Jennifer Maliwanag's family mountain property in Santa Maria, Laguna (which is also part of the range). 

It's pretty remote and atop clouds in the morning, but this didn't stop them from featuring even more participants this year. Imagine, having 39 films from 17 different countries Australia , EU, Canada, South America, the US and a few from Southeast Asia) all to be showcased in this year's SMMFF. All of which are being celebrated, and to make this platform be their voice, and allow us to experience their different stories (and See What Others Can't). 

Quarter Finalists include Cotton Candy by Jesse Klick of USA, To Be Anders Widmark by Peter Östlund of Sweden, Image Dance by John Dawson also from the USA, First Refusal by Courtney Sanello from the USA, American Pot Story: Oaksterdam by Ravit Markus & Dan Katzir from the USA, Reborn by Ken Izumisawa of Japan, Castle in the Air by Jess D'Aguanno of Australia, Clout Chaser by Lubomir Atan of the USA, The World of UConn Stamford’s Campus Library by Dorian Robinson of the USA, Inspire Me by Geoffrey Fighiera of France, Chance Encounters by Hasi Eldib of Canada, Guiding Light by India Anne Mitchell of the USA, Life in Tandem by Joseph Litzinge & Mia Grimes who are also from the USA.

This will happen on my birthday December 6th from 4-8:30PM at the Santa Maria Open Air Cinema located at 143 Summit Barangay Pao-o in Santa Maria Laguna. If you want to experience it, visit their official website santamariafestival.com and register for a seat. It'll be one awesome day to see and feel music, film under the sky and stars!

This is organized by Jennifer Maliwanag (Festival Director), Rex Lopez the Producer and Creative Lead, and Jerico Maliwanag a Film Creator and Communications Lead for this year's SMMFF.