PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have launched their newest Experience Hub with a Smart Home concept at the SM Mall of Asia to respond to the growing demand for future-ready homes in Pasay City.

“The importance of innovation and the need to be adaptive and responsive is fresh in our minds and this store is a great illustration of those key points becoming a reality. With this new store, our consumers, especially our Pasayenyos, are given the opportunity to experience innovation right at the palm of their hands,” said Pasay City Mayor Hon. Emi G. Calixto-Rubiano in a message during the launch read by her Chief of Staff, Chief Peter Pardo.

Customers in Pasay City and nearby cities can visit the newly launched PLDT and Smart Experience Hub at the Cyberzone of SM Mall of Asia. The store demonstrates how various Internet of Things-powered devices and appliances can be supported seamlessly by the fastest home broadband PLDT Home Fiber and mobile solutions backed by the fastest mobile network of Smart.

“We see and understand how the power of technology and digital services can impact the lives of Filipinos, with smart home innovations bridging convenience, comfort, productivity, and security to improve overall quality of life whether they are at home or on the go,” said Alex O. Caeg, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.  

"Our customers can look forward to an integrated and meaningful experience when they visit our store, we want every customer to walk out happy " said Eden Techico, VP and Head of Retail Operations & Transformation at PLDT and Smart.

Experience the benefits of a Smart Home, one room at a time

The Smart Home concept inside the PLDT and Smart Experience Hub showcases four main areas in the home that are key to every family.

The gaming or productivity area features a work-from-home or gaming desktop, with smart lamps and wall-mounted smart accent lights to help boost the mood in the room. For the health buff in the family, the gym or workout area has smart fitness equipment to help keep track of exercise results and comes equipped with a smart TV and smart lights to boost fitness sessions. They can also enjoy a kitchen space with smart ovens and tablets, while the entertainment area showcases a 65-inch smart television, an audio system, and other devices to help customers reimagine their family time at home. Smart home control is conveniently at their fingertips and can also be controlled using voice commands.

This launch also follows PLDT’s initiative to open the discussion on advanced technology like artificial intelligence in the home, at an event held as one of the highlights of the Philippine Digital Convention 2023 (PH Digicon 2023) organized by PLDT Enterprise. During the session, “Family Perspectives on Smart Home and Artificial Intelligence,” PLDT brought together thought leaders on technology and parenting, and emphasized the importance of fostering meaningful connections and responsible use of technology.

PLDT Home Vice President Evert Miranda shared that the journey to a Smart Home can be overwhelming, and some people might think of it as a novelty. “This is why we are trying to educate the market that this is the most cost-effective choice in the long term. You can start with the room in your house where you spend the most time in. Start small and enjoy the benefits, one room at a time.”

These initiatives are aligned with the PLDT Group's aspirational multi-year transformation, with elevating customer experience as one of the key priorities, and contribute to the Group’s endeavors to provide connectivity to all.