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Tuesday, October 13, 2026
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Teachers in Muntinlupa are exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can help make everyday learning more accessible to students with disabilities, from communicating with a nonverbal learner to providing real-time captions and creating visual materials for young children.
Through ‘AI for Accessibility’, a training initiative under PLDT and Smart’s #KonektedforInclusionprogram, Special Needs Education and general education teachers from schools and institutions across Muntinlupa learned how AI-powered accessibility tools can address some of the challenges they encounter in their classrooms and communities.
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“Technology becomes more meaningful when it responds to real needs,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “By working with teachers who understand the day-to-day realities of students with disabilities, we can help bring digital tools closer to the classroom and, ultimately, to the students and families who can benefit from them.”
Conducted by PLDT and Smart together with ATRIEV, in partnership with The Birthright Educators Foundation Inc., the workshop introduced participants to assistive technology such as Seeing AI, Live Transcribe, Speech Assistant AAC, Avaz AAC, Gemini Notebook and other applications that can support communication, learning and everyday activities.
Rather than treating AI as simply another technology to learn, participants were encouraged to look at how these tools could respond to specific needs among their students.
“I have a student who is nonverbal and has difficulty communicating,” said Mary Ann Dalo, a Special Needs Education teacher. “Speech Assistant could give that student another way to express themselves.”
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She also saw potential in Live Transcribe, which converts spoken words into text in real time and could help students who are deaf or hard of hearing, particularly in situations where teachers or classmates may not know sign language.
The workshop also broadened the teachers’ understanding of who can benefit from accessible technology. Zenith Gofredo of the DepEd Inclusive Learning Resource Center in Muntinlupa said AI can provide additional support not only to people with visual disabilities but to anyone who encounters barriers in learning or communication.
“One of the things I learned is that AI is not only for people who are blind. It can also help anyone who is struggling and needs additional support,” she said. Gofredo plans to share the lessons with fellow teachers and emphasizes the importance of bringing parents into the conversation.
For preschool teacher Danielle Abrasaldo, AI can also help address a more basic classroom need – creating visual learning materials for young children, “I realized that we can really use AI to teach children, not just children with special needs, but children in general. Preschoolers are very visual learners, so these tools can help us make our lessons more engaging and accessible.”
She also said that using AI can create templates that can be saved and reused when needed instead of repeatedly drawing and photocopying materials.
Other participants saw applications beyond the classroom. Jb Alexis Alambro, who works in early childhood education in Muntinlupa, explored how NotebookLM could help create visual materials for young learners, while Live Transcribe could provide real-time captions during meetings with parents and families.
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The experience also encouraged participants to introduce accessibility tools to their students and help them understand how technology can support people with different needs.
“I was amazed by the tools we learned, especially Seeing AI, because I saw how it can help people with visual disabilities in their daily lives,” said Kimberly Raye Fernandez of The Birthright Educators Foundation Inc. “I want to explore these tools further and introduce them to my students so they can become more aware of technology that can also help their classmates.”
The participants also recognized that introducing AI in schools requires teachers to first understand the tools themselves. They plan to test these innovations, identify which ones are most useful for their students, and share their experiences with fellow educators and parents.
The initiative is part of PLDT and Smart’s #KonektedforInclusion program, which harnesses technology to help underrepresented sectors gain greater access to learning and livelihood opportunities. It also reinforces the PLDT Group’s commitment to helping the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly SDG 10 on reducing inequality. [END]
Manila, Philippines (October 9, 2026) — HUAWEI’s newest wearables, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series and HUAWEI WATCH D3, are now officially available in the Philippines, starting at PHP 14,999. This latest lineup brings smarter sports performance, proactive health management, and AI-powered insights to daily routines.
Built for different needs and lifestyles, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series helps users train smarter, stay active, and get more out of outdoor adventures. The HUAWEI WATCH D3, meanwhile, supports a more proactive approach to cardiovascular health with 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and easy-to-understand health insights.
Both wearables are now available with exclusive first-sales offers and flexible payment options. This gives users more ways to choose the device that fits their routines, goals, and priorities–or the thoughtful tech gift for someone special this holiday season.
HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series: Advanced Sports and Health Performance Companion
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series brings accurate tracking, comprehensive sports and health features, and AI-powered insights together to help users train smarter and better understand their performance. Delivering accurate outdoor tracking, its Sunflower Positioning System and AI-XDR Positioning provide reliable GPS route tracking, even in challenging environments. For a more comprehensive view of performance and health, the series supports more than 100 sports modes, alongside intuitive features like climb reminders and climb planning.
Beyond fitness, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series also supports physical readiness and health insights, including Diabetes Risk Study across the series and Coronary Heart Disease Study on the Pro model. With AI-powered Workout Analysis, users can turn their training data into personalized coaching, recovery insights, and recommendations to help guide their next workout.
HUAWEI WATCH D3: Staying on Top of Heart Health Every Day
For those seeking a proactive approach to cardiovascular health, the HUAWEI WATCH D3 brings blood pressure monitoring into everyday life.
Its ultra-narrow airbag strap supports comfortable 24/7 Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), while an upgraded schedule reduces daily cuff inflations from 27 to just seven for fewer disruptions.
Daily Blood Pressure Summary and reminders help users track patterns, while Health Glance brings key health indicators together in one view. CE-certified ECG and PPG measurements offer additional cardiovascular insights, while its Coronary Heart Disease and Diabetes Risk Studies provide proactive health awareness to its users.
Winding Down While the Watch Keeps Watch
The HUAWEI WATCH D3 continues monitoring as users rest, with fewer interruptions. AI-powered Health Insights helps make daily blood pressure patterns easier to understand, while the On-wrist Health Community lets users follow loved ones’ health alongside their own.
A Wearable That Fits From Morning to Night
HUAWEI’s latest wearables are made to transition naturally through different parts of the day, from morning workouts and office hours to evenings out.
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series combines performance and premium design, while HUAWEI’s first EasyCross strap features an innovative tuck-under design for a cleaner profile and comfortable fit.
The HUAWEI WATCH D3 is similarly designed with everyday comfort in mind. Its all-new slim profile adds a more refined look while supporting accurate wrist-based 24/7 blood pressure monitoring.
Get More Out of a New HUAWEI Wearable
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series and HUAWEI WATCH D3 are now available with exclusive first-sales offers until November 11, 2026, with benefits worth up to PHP 8,416.
First Sale Offers
PHP 4,000 discount (applied to promo price)
Free HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 (worth PHP 1,999)
Free 1-Month HUAWEI Health+ Membership (worth PHP 129)
Free 1-Month HUAWEI Watch Face VIP (worth PHP 289)
2-Year Warranty (1-year standard + 1-year extended) worth PHP 1,999
HUAWEI Online Store
Up to PHP 5,500 early bird discount (October 2-31), HUAWEI WATCH GT 7, HUAWEI WATCH D3.
Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop
mWell Health Pass Gift Code
The first 100 customers at each participating HUAWEI Experience Store to claim their HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series or HUAWEI WATCH D3 orders will receive a free PHP 399 mWell Health Pass Gift Code. The code may be redeemed until December 31, 2026, and will remain valid for three months from the date of redemption.
Each mWell Health Pass Gift Code includes a free 24/7 online doctor consultation, along with a free prescription, medical certificate, and lab referral, accessible through the user’s mWell Health ID.
This offer is available at select stores:
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Megamall
HUAWEI Experience Store Market Market
HUAWEI Experience Store Glorietta
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Cebu
HUAWEI Experience Store SM MOA
HUAWEI Experience Store SM North EDSA
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Marikina
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Davao Ecoland
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Sta Rosa
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Pampanga
To learn more, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).
The October 16 benefit show brings together friends and fellow musicians to help cover Echo’s medical expenses and rehabilitation following a stroke
MANILA, Philippines — The Filipino music community is coming together for “Alingawngaw Para Kay Echo,” a fundraising gig for Echo Singson, a longtime fixture in the local music scene who is recovering from a stroke.
Echo has long been part of the Itchyworms family, with ties dating back to when his older brother, Chino, joined. In 1999, he co-founded Boldstar with Jazz Nicolas, Marie Jamora, and Justin Sunico.
Over the years, Echo has worn many hats in the industry, including host, sound technician, production assistant, and lighting crew member. Apart from his behind-the-scenes work, he has remained a valued presence in the Filipino indie music community as both an active participant and supporter.
On September 19, Echo suffered a stroke while hosting a March of the Penguins gig at Mow’s. He was rushed to East Avenue Medical Center, where he received medical care before being discharged. As he continues his recovery, he has shown small signs of improvement, offering hope to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Official poster
In response, members of the music community have teamed up for “Alingawngaw Para Kay Echo,” a benefit gig on October 16 at 123 Block in Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City. Ebe Dancel, Urbandub, The Itchyworms, The Ronnies, and The Revisors are joining forces for an evening of music in support of someone who has given so much to the industry.
All proceeds from the fundraising gig will go directly to Echo for his medical expenses and rehabilitation. Every contribution, every presence, and every expression of encouragement can make a meaningful difference.
As Echo continues his fight toward recovery, his friends and colleagues are rallying around him with one shared message: he is not alone.
Tickets to Alingawngaw Para Kay Echo are available at the venue on the day of the event.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (October 2026) – Filipinos are taking a more intentional approach to legacy planning, viewing it as more than simply passing on wealth. According to Sun Life Asia’s latest study, Passing the Torch: When Legacy Means More Than Money, many Filipinos now see legacy as a combination of financial security, family values, and educational opportunities for future generations.
Legacy is about purpose, not just wealth
While 92% of Filipinos intend to leave financial assets or wealth to future generations, the study found that what they hope to leave behind goes beyond money. Educational opportunities emerged as the top legacy priority, cited by 56% of respondents, ahead of wealth and family traditions at 45% each.
Among those planning to transfer wealth, 61% want their assets invested for long-term growth, while 55% want them to support essential family needs and 53% want them to help fund education.
“Filipinos are increasingly viewing legacy through a broader lens,” said JJ Moreno, Country Head and CEO of Sun Life Philippines. “The goal is no longer just to pass on wealth, but to create opportunities, share values, and give future generations the tools they need to succeed. That’s a meaningful shift in how families think about long-term financial planning.”
More Filipinos are turning intentions into plans
The research points to significant progress in legacy planning over the past year. Only 8% of respondents said they have no legacy plan in place, down from 25% in 2025. Meanwhile, 36% now have a fully documented and communicated legacy plan, a sharp increase from just 6% a year ago.
The Philippines also ranks among the strongest markets in Asia when it comes to formalized legacy planning, with the country’s 36% rate of fully documented and communicated plans exceeding the regional average of 22%.
These gains are reflected in rising confidence, with 53% of respondents saying they feel fully or mostly prepared for their legacy, compared to 38% in 2025.
Preparing heirs is now a bigger concern than protecting assets
Despite greater planning activity, many respondents remain concerned about whether their wealth will endure across generations. More than eight in ten Filipinos (82%) worry that their wealth may not survive beyond the next generation.
Notably, the biggest concern is no longer market performance. Half of respondents (50%) said their primary worry is that beneficiaries may not be financially prepared to manage inherited wealth, surpassing concerns about market volatility (46%).
The findings were particularly pronounced among younger generations. While 71% of Gen Z and 73% of Millennials believe their wealth can positively impact future generations, 86% and 84%, respectively, also worry that it may not last beyond the next generation.
“The findings suggest that families recognize wealth preservation is not only about growing assets but also about preparing the people who will inherit them,” Moreno said. “Financial knowledge, open conversations, and clear plans are becoming just as important as investment performance when building a lasting legacy.”
Legacy conversations are happening, but many remain unfinished
The study found that 70% of respondents have had at least some legacy-related discussions within their families. However, only 25% said these plans have been communicated fully, highlighting a gap between starting the conversation and ensuring everyone understands the long-term plan.
At the same time, professional guidance is becoming increasingly important. While only 34% have already sought legacy-planning advice, another 50% said they would like to do so in the future. Trustworthiness and integrity emerged as the most important qualities when selecting an adviser, ranking even higher than expert knowledge.
Turning legacy intentions into lasting impact
Legacy planning is ultimately about more than transferring assets. The findings suggest that families can strengthen their plans by documenting their intentions, involving loved ones in meaningful discussions, and preparing future beneficiaries with the knowledge and confidence to manage what they will inherit. Starting these conversations and planning efforts early also gives families more time to align their goals, clarify responsibilities, and ensure their legacy can endure across generations.
“The strongest legacies are not defined by the wealth that is passed on, but by how well future generations are prepared to carry that legacy forward,” Moreno added. “When families take the time to prepare heirs, they give their legacy the best chance to endure for generations.”
The full report of the key findings in the Philippines is available upon request.
To learn more about Sun Life Philippines’ products and services, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following @sunlifeph on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
October is for the kids, and at your most loved SM City Valenzuela, it is also a perfect excuse for the whole family to play, discover, eat, and make memories together.
The best family days do not always need a carefully planned itinerary.
Sometimes, all it takes is a favorite place to play, something delicious to eat, a little shopping, and an afternoon where everyone can simply enjoy being together. With the Ber months bringing unpredictable weather, having all these family favorites under one roof makes every outing easier.
WHERE LIL IMAGINATIONS TAKE THE LEAD
For kids, the best part of a mall day is rarely the errands. It is the adventure in between.
At Kidzoona, little ones can let their imaginations run wild through pretend play, colorful activities, and plenty of opportunities to explore. While the kids create their own adventures, parents get to enjoy watching them learn, play, and simply have fun.
And because October is all about celebrating childhood, there is even more reason to make playtime the highlight of the day.
For kids who love stories, drawing, and creating, National Book Store offers another kind of adventure. From books and stationery to creative finds, it is a place where young readers and budding artists can discover something that sparks their imagination. Parents may even find themselves browsing a little longer, too.
A LIL TREAT MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER
Of course, no kid-approved family day is complete without something delicious.
After a busy afternoon of play and exploring, Popeyes is a tasty stop for crispy favorites the whole family can enjoy. For something equally familiar and satisfying, KFC and Mang Inasal offer crowd-pleasing meals that make it easy for everyone to find a favorite.
And for the kids-at-heart, a stop at Starbucks gives parents and grown-ups a chance to recharge while the family slows down, shares stories, and decides what to do next.
Because sometimes, the best part of a family day is simple: good food, happy kids, and everyone gathered around the same table.
October would not be complete without a little bit of spooky fun.
This Halloween, kids ages 4 to 12 can take center stage at the Spooktacular Halloween Costume Contest at SM City Valenzuela. Little boos are invited to come dressed in their cutest, spookiest, or most creative Halloween looks for a chance to win fang-tastic prizes.
Happening on October 31, Saturday, at 2:00 PM at the Ground Level, the celebration gives kids one more reason to get excited about their favorite month of costumes, candy, and make-believe.
Families can register through SM Malls Online: https://me-l.co/k5ta43as and let their little monsters bring their Halloween best.
FOR KIDS AND THE KIDS AT HEART
What makes a family day memorable is not necessarily how much gets accomplished. It is the laughter between activities, the excitement over a new discovery, the meal everyone agrees on, and the spontaneous moments that turn an ordinary afternoon into a favorite memory.
At SM City Valenzuela, kids can play, explore, eat, create, and celebrate, all while parents enjoy the simple pleasure of seeing their children have a good time.
So, whether the skies are sunny or the rain suddenly rolls in, there is always a reason to keep the family day going.
This October, celebrate the little things kids love and the moments family’s treasure. From playtime and favorite meals to creative discoveries and a spooktacular Halloween celebration, All Your Faves Here at your most loved SM City Valenzuela.
Get ready for a moment of fun, play, and imagination as SM Supermalls brings Entertoyment Fest to your most-loved SM City Baliwag and SM City Marilao until October 15, 2026, giving kids and the young at heart more reasons to enjoy a playful mall experience.
In partnership with Toy Kingdom, both malls feature Funko Pop, celebrating the joy of toys, collecting, and play. From avid collectors searching for their next favorite find to families looking for a fun way to spend time together, Entertoyment Fest offers an exciting experience for kids and kidults alike.
Entertoyment Fest is part of SM Supermalls' continuing commitment to creating engaging Gala to the Max experiences that bring families and communities together. Visit your most-loved SM malls and let the fun begin!
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