TECHNOLOGY
Online celebs share Smart ways to parent your kids in the digital age
11:43 p.m. March 21, 2025
While the internet provides kids with access to a wealth of educational materials, creative tools, and opportunities for connection, parents still need to guide their children to safely navigate the online world.
This is why Smart is strengthening its campaign for responsible digital parenting and child protection. Recently, it gathered parents who are also content creators for a ‘Family Day’ at its flagship store in Mandaluyong City to discuss and share their best practices when it comes to guiding their kids every time they go online.
The event coincided with the launch of the Smart Junior Plan, a first-of-its-kind postpaid plan designed to enable parents and their children to stay connected while providing access to a curated suite of kid-friendly apps and a safer browsing experience with PLDT and Smart’s Child Protection Platform.
Here are some insightful parenting tips mommies and daddies can adopt to keep their children safe in the digital space:
1. Set limits to screentime and guide them on what sites are safe to visit.
Louise Santos(@mommypracticality) has sons aged 8, 14, and 21. While her two boys in high school and college can now discern which sites are safe and not, her youngest son’s use of gadgets is still regulated.
“We really talk about the sites that they can visit or not,” she shares. “That also applies to us because we have to teach by example.”
For her part, preschool teacher Celine Cornejo (@teachercelineph), who has two boys and one girl aged 2, 10, and 12, restricts her children from using their mobile phones during school nights and only allows them access on a Friday, after school, until the weekend. “Kaya kapag Friday, excited na sila.”
Meanwhile, model-turned-host Kelly Misa-Fernandez (@kellymisa) shares her nine-year-old son has had access to the Internet since he was five “but very restricted.” “We would always be watching what he would consume online and nowadays since he has school and we want him to focus on school, weekends lang pwede, unless it’s a chill week,” she says.
2. Tell kids not to talk to strangers online.
Celine also taught her children not to share their personal information such as their names, address, contact details, and passwords. On top of this, she told them her boys, who are old enough to use gadgets to “never ever talk to strangers.”
“I always remind my kids that there are people out there, they pretend to be kids, that chat with you, but in reality, they are adults,” Celine shares.
3. Teach kids that not everything they read online is true.
Celine also had a tough discussion with her kids about looking up online on her health condition. “When I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, my husband and I talked to our kids. We told them that, ‘I know you guys are smart kids, but I know you tend to consult Dr. Google’,” she recalls.
“So, I told them that whatever you read online, it doesn’t mean that it will apply with my condition because each patient is unique. And Dr. Google, of course, is not my doctor. I have the best oncologist that they can talk to or consult with, or if they have any questions, they can ask us, their parents, so for our family, our digital measure also overlaps with our social net and emotional support,” she adds.
4. Connect before you correct.
Louise also underscored the importance of building trust with her children. “We go back to having a very honest, open communication where they see us, as parents, as their safety net. Parang tayo ‘yung safe place nila na they can call us on anything, everything kasi before you correct your children, you should first connect,” she said.
Events host Eri Neeman (@erineeman), who has an eight-year-old son, echoes Louise. “Kasi how can your children come to you kung takot siyang pumunta sa’yo? Like kung may masamang mangyari kasi parati mo siyang pinapagalitan, walang connection, walang relationship, how would I feel confident na pwedeng kausapin si Mommy, si Daddy?” Eri says.
He adds that parents also need to be self-aware and assess the parenting styles they might have inherited from their parents. “How can we heal and nurture this person kung ‘yung inner child natin hindi pa healed? Kasi you can’t pour from an empty cup, ‘di ba?”
5. Embrace technology and have fun with your kid in the digital world.
Robin Cruz, one half of the father-and-son duo of @anythingarticulated on TikTok, says that he uses the digital world to strengthen his bond with his eight-year-old kid, Gabe. “We do unboxing ng mga toys, ‘yun yung bonding namin. Ang rule lang namin, during lunch and dinner, no gadgets are allowed,” he shares.
“Na-su-supervise naman namin ano ‘yung nilalaro niya at pinapanood sa YouTube,” Robin says, who adds that him being an Elementary Education graduate also has prepared him for teaching his child, not only in academics, but also in having discipline for following rules.
Kelly relates to Robin, saying that she also geeks out with her kid. “So, when it comes to the games he plays, he likes Mario Bros. and I grew up with Mario Bros. ‘Buti na lang he likes it, hindi ko talaga pinilit, but he’s like obsessed,” she happily shares. Kelly also learned that her son is into ’80s music when she checked her Spotify playlist, another shared interest with her kid. “So parang it’s a positive spin for me, I take it in a very positive way, but I am aware na may mga scary things out there.”
Mommy content creator Ulya Nikita (@ulyanikitaa), who is navigating parenting as a young mom using digital tools, loves the idea that her six-year-old son can now chat with her online. “Parang kinikilig ako when I get a notification – what? That’s my baby!”
Ulya admits that she found playing with her son challenging at first. “As an adult, kids’ games can be repetitive, so I always look for different ways to enjoy playtime, like instead of traditional play I like looking for video games we can play together instead.
She also emphasizes having a direct line with your kid can give you peace of mind while recalling the time she could not contact her son’s adult companion. “There was a time I could not contact his companion, and it sent me panicking. So for your small child to be able to have access to a mode of communication to you, the parent, I feel like it is so, so important,” Ulya says.
Sign up for a Junior Plan now
Available as a supplementary line to Smart Postpaid subscribers on Plan 999 and up, the Junior Plan comes with monthly 10 GB open access data, Unli All-Net Calls and Texts, and unlimited access to the online learning platform Khan Academy, streaming apps YouTube [Kids] and Spotify, messaging apps Messenger [Kids] and Viber, and popular mobile gaming app Mobile Legends – all for only P499 per month.
The Junior Plan is made safer with Smart’s Child Protection Platform, a cybersecurity solution that works 24/7 to block access to illegal sites and links with inappropriate and abusive material, ensuring a more secure online experience for children.
In 2024, the Child Protection Platform blocked 1.6 million malicious sites and 1 million attempts by the users to try to access those sites. Smart has also blocked more than 1 million mobile numbers involved in phishing, SMShing, and Vishing activities.
“Technology is ever-evolving, and we recognize that Internet access comes with both benefits and risks, especially to children as vulnerable end-users. As a responsible provider of connectivity, we aim to undertake safety-by-design in our products. With our Smart Junior Plan, our goal is to keep families connected, while continuously promoting child protection and helping parents ensure a safer and better digital experience for their kids.”, said PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios.
The Junior Plan is backed by Smart’s superior mobile network, which empowers subscribers to upload and download heavy files in seconds, browse the web instantly, stream videos seamlessly, and enjoy lag-free mobile games. Know more about the Junior Plan at www.smart.com.ph/Postpaid.#
TECHNOLOGY
inDrive is 4th most downloaded travel app in PH
2:11 p.m. February 12, 2026
WITH over four million installations in 2025 alone, inDrive ranked fourth among the most downloaded travel apps in the Philippines, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower.
This ranking underscores Filipino users’ growing demand for inDrive to expand beyond ride-hailing as it evolves into a mobility super app.
inDrive also remained the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app for the fourth straight year. It also climbed from fifth to fourth place among the top travel apps globally and topped this category in Pakistan, Peru, Egypt, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, and Zimbabwe.
Reflecting on this milestone, inDrive Founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky said, “This recognition reflects the trust people place in our platform and the continued dedication of our global team. As inDrive evolves into a super app, we remain focused on our core principles of fairness, transparency, and user choice while expanding access to services that make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.”
Full Speed Ahead as inDrive Evolves into a SuperApp
With inDrive growing its user base year-on-year, the app has begun expanding its services beyond ride-hailing in other key markets. Among these new offerings is inDrive.Ads, an in-app advertising platform. By generating new income streams, inDrive can keep its take rate among the lowest in the industry while supporting long-term sustainability for riders, drivers, and local communities.
Now live in 20 countries, including the Philippines, inDrive.Ads plans to expand to all global markets within this year. On inDrive.Ads, ads appear across various screens in the funnel and include multiple-dimension banners featuring graphics and animation, with transparent measurement tools built in.
Tomsky said in a statement, “Diversifying our business with a high-margin stream like Ads is an important step for inDrive. This new line gives us more flexibility to fund affordability at scale.”
Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines Country Representative, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “inDrive.Ads is our way of championing fairness and accessibility on all facets of our SuperApp. Through this, we can maintain fares that are both affordable for passengers and lucrative for our drivers and create equal opportunities for more people and brands.”
Beyond its global launch of inDrive.Ads, inDrive has also expanded into intercity transportation, courier and grocery delivery, and financial services in other global markets. These new services utilize artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to fix mapping gaps, improve ETA accuracy, anticipate user needs, and personalize solutions. Through these AI-powered offerings, inDrive continues to drive innovation while still giving users the freedom of choice in every ride.
Throughout the rest of 2026, inDrive will continue to update its features and grow its user base, becoming a true mobility superapp. Amid this shift, it ensures that all rollouts will be built around fairness, opportunity, and people’s real needs. For more updates on inDrive’s new offerings available in the Philippines, visit www.inDrive.com or follow @inDrive.ph on social media.
TECHNOLOGY
Google AI Tools open new frontiers for wildlife conservation in PH, Southeast Asia
2:22 p.m. February 5, 2026
The endangered hog deer was once plentiful throughout South and in Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Burma and Thailand. The species now faces serious decline and a loss in genetic diversity.
As the Philippines continues to battle biodiversity loss, Google has announced a major step forward in using AI to preserve endangered species. Through a partnership with the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP), Google is providing advanced AI tools and funding to sequence the genetic codes of threatened animals, a move that holds significant promise for conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots like the Philippines.
Scientists predict that up to one million species globally face extinction. To combat this, Google is deploying AI technologies—including DeepPolisher, DeepVariant, and DeepConsensus—to make genomic sequencing faster, more accurate, and more affordable.
This process allows researchers to create a “biological instruction manual” for species, vital for designing effective conservation strategies.
Regional Impact for Southeast Asia. The initiative has already successfully sequenced 13 endangered species, several of which are native to the broader Southeast Asian region, highlighting the technology’s relevance to local ecosystems:
● The Elongated Tortoise: A critically endangered reptile native to Southeast Asia, currently the focus of captive breeding and reintroduction efforts.
● The Hog Deer: Once plentiful across South and Southeast Asia, this species now faces serious decline and loss of genetic diversity.
● Eld’s Deer: An endangered deer species indigenous to the region that requires breeding and conservation plan to survive.
Expanding the Safety Net. In addition to the initial species, Google.org has awarded the AI for Science fund to The Rockefeller University to expand this work to 150 additional species. This expansion opens the door for more unique wildlife—potentially including species found in the Philippines—to benefit from genomic preservation.
TECHNOLOGY
Infinix unveils XPAD Edge, its first 13.2-inch PC-level tablet redefining workplace productivity
12:01 p.m. February 2, 2026
Infinix today announced the launch of its first 13.2-inch ultra-slim productivity tablet, Infinix XPAD Edge. Featuring a 13.2-inch FHD+ (Full High Definition Plus) display, a sleek 6.19 mm metallic body, and a lightweight 588g design, XPAD Edge delivers the ideal balance of mobility and performance.With all-scenario 4G connectivity, the tablet redefines mobile productivity for modern creators, professionals, and learners.
Its detachable keyboard with touchpad transforms it into a true PC-level device, delivering a seamless workplace productivity experience, while combining cutting-edge technology and accessibility to give users greater freedom and efficiency everywhere.
Large Display, Ultra-Slim Design, and Productivity on the Go
Designed for today’s dynamic hybrid workforce, XPAD Edge enables users to work and learn efficiently anywhere. Measuring only 6.19mm thin and weighing 588g, it slips easily into a backpack or briefcase. Its 8000 mAh battery and all-scenario 4G connectivity provide lasting power and reliable access whether in a café, during travel, or at a remote worksite.
Furthermore, the expansive 13.2-inch 3:2 aspect-ratio display mirrors the proportions of a traditional PC screen, offering a broad workspace for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
With rich color reproduction and optimized contrast, every detail appears vivid and clear. Certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue light and flicker-free performance, the XPAD Edge display filters up to 70% of harmful short-wave blue light and addresses the often-overlooked issue of screen flicker—helping to reduce eye fatigue during long working hours.
Inspired by the colors and light of the cosmos, the XPAD Edge is presented in the “Celestial Ink” colorway, refined metallic finish combines deep hues with a matte texture, blending technology with elegance in a minimalist design that suits both professional and personal settings.
PC-Level Experience for Smarter Workflows
Building on its ultra-slim design, XPAD Edge transforms mobile work into a truly PC-level experience. Designed as a versatile productivity hub, it brings together portability and power for efficient hybrid work and learning. Pre-installed WPS Office and an optimized task interface allow users to edit documents, manage files, and collaborate with ease. Whether preparing presentations, reviewing reports, or managing creative projects, XPAD Edge delivers a fast, intuitive, and professional workflow in every environment.
XPAD Edge supports split-screen, Parallel Windows, and multi-task drag-and-drop operations, maximizing the 13.2-inch large display for parallel applications. Within a single interface, users can browse data, take notes, and edit webpages effortlessly.
For external productivity, XPAD Edge supports Wireless Second Screen for PC*, enabling content mirroring or extension for meetings, design work, or entertainment. Users can also connect keyboards, mice, and other peripherals for a smooth, desktop-like experience that enhances both comfort and control.
In addition, XPAD Edge pairs seamlessly with the X Keyboard 20 to provide a flexible and natural writing experience. The magnetic keyboard and stylus combine precision with comfort, allowing users to take notes, sketch, or edit content with accuracy. Whether working in a café, classroom, or creative studio, XPAD Edge enables users to enjoy the freedom and efficiency of a complete mobile office anywhere.
COA files 4 fraud audit reports worth over ₱275 million for Bulacan flood control projects
inDrive is 4th most downloaded travel app in PH
ILO study says TNVS drivers earn way above minimum wage
