PLDT and Smart amplify Grand Sinulog 2024

PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) ramped up the splendor at the Philippines’ grandest festival, Sinulog, in support of the local government of Cebu City and Sinulog Foundation, Inc.

Cebuanos and tourists alike celebrated the 459th Fiesta of Señor Santo Niño in full swing, with the city buzzing with parades, concerts, pageantry, and spirited competitions.

“We are committed to honoring the rich heritage and passions of the Cebuanos. We believe in fostering a relationship with our loyal subscribers that extends beyond services - valuing their individuality and catering to their interests. Our aim is to be a part of their journey, not just during the festival, but in all aspects of their digital lifestyle,” said Melvin Consunji Nubla, FVP and Head of Go-To-Market and Subscriber Management at Smart. 

PLDT and Smart fortified their communication and connectivity services in anticipation of Sinulog, enabling attendees to capture and share memorable moments from the festival.

Lovey Genoguin-Ascher, an Overseas Filipino Worker on vacation from Germany expressed her delight due to the reliability of Smart’s signal during the festival. “Smart’s signal was really good. We were able to stay connected and meet with my family members at our designated meeting points. We were also able to share photos and videos on social media,” said Ascher. 

In addition, PLDT and Smart equipped Cebu media entities and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu with fast and reliable wired and data connectivity, facilitating the smooth livestreaming of the festival’s mardi gras, masses, solemn foot processions.

PLDT and Smart also set up booths at designated points around the city, providing immediate assistance to attendees, ensuring connectivity needs were met throughout the festival. 

In collaboration with local partner establishments such as restaurants and bars, Smart also offered exclusive perks and discounts to loyal customers, part of continuing efforts to give back to subscribers and enhance their festival experience. 

Overseeing Smart’s participation in Visayan festivities for nearly a decade, Lloyd Genesiran, Junior Manager and Sinulog Festival Lead of Smart Go-to-Market and Subscriber Management shared, “Our goal has always been to make Smart a meaningful part of Cebu City and its constituents. It's truly rewarding to see our hard work pay off and see the value we add to their Sinulog experience.” 

Melvin Consunji Nubla, FVP and Head of Smart Go-To-Market and Subscriber Management, and Lloyd Genesiran, Junior Manager and Sinulog Festival Lead of Smart Go-to-Market and Subscriber Management pose for a photo during the Sinulog 2024 Grand Festival.

PLDT and Smart ensured the spirit of the Sinulog Festival was shared with everyone, on-site and online, part of broader initiatives connecting Filipinos, and as aligned with the Group's commitment to the Government's overall digitalization thrust.

Smart ignites Grand Sinulog comeback

The Philippines’ grandest festival, Sinulog, returned with a bang after a two-year hiatus with PLDT Inc.’s wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc.’s (Smart) full support and partnership with the local government of Cebu City and Sinulog Foundation, Inc.

In keeping with tradition, Cebuanos honored the 458th Fiesta of Señor Santo Niño with lively parades, concerts, pageantry, and competitions.

Festival goers flock to Cebu City SRP to witness the Sinulog 2023 Ritual Dance Showdown

“We are thankful for our partnership with the Local Government of Cebu City and Sinulog Foundation Inc., which allowed Smart to be part of the grand comeback of Sinulog. This gave us an opportunity to bring an epic festival experience to both locals and tourists, and offer Smart subscribers perks and rewards for their loyalty. We also boosted our SIM Registration efforts by providing on-ground assistance via booths to keep them connected,” said Lloyd Genesiran, Junior Manager and Sinulog Festival Lead of Smart Go-to-Market and Subs Management.

Smart powered up various activities such as the Grand Sinulog 2023 Ritual Showdown, Ms. Sinulog Festival Queen 2023, and the private events at Sinulog Night, among several other lined-up events.

Smart's reliable wireless connectivity also enabled media entities and festival goers to livestream the events, spreading the Sinulog fun and cheer across the world in real-time.

An OFW from California, San Francisco joins Sinulog Festival after 5 years and livestreams the event through Smart’s reliable connectivity.

“It has been five years since I last joined the Sinulog Festival, and the good thing about the availability and reliability of Smart’s network is that it enabled me to relay my experiences through livestreaming. I also got a lot of positive reactions and comments from my friends and family abroad who were unable to personally join the festival. At least they were able to celebrate with us through my real-time video updates,” said Rudolfo Lara, an Overseas Filipino Worker in San Francisco, California.

Anticipating the massive number of festival goers, Smart also seized the opportunity to invite its customers to register their SIMs by putting up more accessible SIM Registration booths around Cebu City.

A senior citizen seeks assistance for SIM registration from a Smart Agent manning the booth at Plaza Independencia.

Delilah Escobar, a senior citizen from barangay Lorega expressed her delight upon completing her SIM registration at Smart’s booth at Plaza Independencia. “I’m happy to find SIM Registration booths around the city to assist senior citizens like me who have a hard time registering their SIMs since no one can help me at home. Thank you, Smart, for this wonderful initiative.”

As mandated by the SIM Registration Act, which aims to curb the proliferation of text scams and other mobile phone-aided criminal activities, Smart and TNT are accelerating the deployment of SIM Registration booths and touchpoints all over the country, by collaborating with LGUs, partner stores, and regional and provincial distributors. The touchpoints offer assistance to Smart and TNT customers needing information on how to register their SIM, as well as provide physical assistance to customers with special circumstances – seniors, persons with disabilities, those still using basic phones.

Smart also made available its SIM Registration portal http://www.smart.com.ph/simreg on December 27, 2022. Through this platform, millions of Smart and TNT customers have been able to conveniently register their SIMs.

Smart is also making SIM Registration more convenient for postpaid subscribers, who simply need to confirm the personal information and IDs they submitted for their postpaid plan application. To do this confirmation, subscribers just need to text YES to 5858. They shall then receive a confirmation message from Smart upon successful SIM Registration.

All Smart and TNT customers are advised to register their SIMs before the deadline set by law, to keep these SIMs active and to help fight against scammers and predators online.

For more information about SIM Registration, visit http://www.smart.com.ph/Pages/simreg-faqs for Smart subscribers, and http://www.tntph.com/sim-reg for TNT subscribers.

PayMaya powers a more exciting, hassle-free and rewarding experience at Sinulog Festival!

As millions of Filipinos gather in Cebu in time to celebrate the annual lively and colorful Sinulog Festival to honor Señor Santo Niño, they can look forward to an exciting, hassle-free, and rewarding experience with the help of PayMaya.