 |
SAN FRANCISCO and MANILA, Philippines, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of smartphone users in the Philippines is forecasted to grow in the next four years, reaching more than 80 million consumers. To keep up with this demand, mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has partnered with PayJoy, a Public Benefit Corporation focused on bringing responsible financing to underserved customers in emerging markets to provide Filipino consumers, particularly those new to credit, the opportunity to purchase smartphones through PayJoy's financing solutions.
"This collaboration aims to provide Filipino consumers, particularly those with limited budgets and no access to traditional credit, the opportunity to purchase mid to high-end smartphones through innovative financing solutions that will enable them to upgrade their means of communication and easier access to information," said Jac Bocalan, Department Head/VP at Smart.
Customers in the Philippines can now acquire smartphones by simply providing an ID and phone number, without needing a traditional credit card. Payments can be made weekly over a period of four, six, or nine months, making it easier for individuals to own high-quality devices to stay connected at home, work, or school.
"Our partnership with PayJoy aligns with our commitment to serve more Filipinos through innovative solutions. By providing accessible financing options for smartphones, we are helping bridge the digital divide and ensuring that everyone can benefit from our extensive 4G/LTE and 5G network which allows them to access their essential productivity, entertainment, gaming, and other favorite apps on the go. We also encourage our customers to upgrade from 3G to LTE or 5G so that they can enjoy a better experience on their Smart-powered mobile phones," said Christian So, OIC-AVP Sales Head at Smart.
PayJoy, currently serving 66 million low-income consumers in the Philippines, provides responsible financing to underserved populations in emerging markets. Using proprietary phone-security technology and AI-driven underwriting, PayJoy helps borrowers build credit and access digital tools for work, education, and connection.
"Our mission is to unlock financial freedom for the next billion people worldwide. By partnering with Smart, we are enabling more Filipinos to access the technology they need to stay connected and improve their lives," said Rene Payan, Country Manager at PayJoy.
Smart continues to lead the way in expanding 4G/5G connectivity in the Philippines, covering 97% of the population and offering unparalleled coverage and availability. This expansion allows customers to enjoy faster internet speeds, seamless streaming, and improved mobile gaming experiences, further enhancing their digital lifestyle.
Customers who purchase a participating mobile device bundled with a Smart/TNT Prepaid SIM and avail of a nine-month device amortization from PayJoy will be eligible for a free one-month device amortization, applied to the last payment term. This promo runs from April 9, 2025, to February 24, 2026.
This partnership is aligned with PLDT's mission to contribute to the country's achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
About PayJoy
PayJoy is a Public Benefit Corporation providing responsible financing to underserved populations in emerging markets. Using proprietary phone-security technology and AI-driven underwriting, PayJoy helps borrowers build credit and access digital tools for work, education, and connection. Learn more at www.payjoy.com.
About Smart Communications
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT Inc., the Philippines' largest and only integrated telecommunications company. Smart serves approximately 97% of the country's population with its combined 4G/LTE and 5G network, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content, supporting the country's growing digital economy, and providing the best customer experience for an increasingly digital Filipino lifestyle.
SAN FRANCISCO and MANILA, Philippines, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of smartphone users in the Philippines is forecasted to grow in the next four years, reaching more than 80 million consumers. To keep up with this demand, mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has partnered with PayJoy, a Public Benefit Corporation focused on bringing responsible financing to underserved customers in emerging markets to provide Filipino consumers, particularly those new to credit, the opportunity to purchase smartphones through PayJoy's financing solutions.
"This collaboration aims to provide Filipino consumers, particularly those with limited budgets and no access to traditional credit, the opportunity to purchase mid to high-end smartphones through innovative financing solutions that will enable them to upgrade their means of communication and easier access to information," said Jac Bocalan, Department Head/VP at Smart.
Customers in the Philippines can now acquire smartphones by simply providing an ID and phone number, without needing a traditional credit card. Payments can be made weekly over a period of four, six, or nine months, making it easier for individuals to own high-quality devices to stay connected at home, work, or school.
"Our partnership with PayJoy aligns with our commitment to serve more Filipinos through innovative solutions. By providing accessible financing options for smartphones, we are helping bridge the digital divide and ensuring that everyone can benefit from our extensive 4G/LTE and 5G network which allows them to access their essential productivity, entertainment, gaming, and other favorite apps on the go. We also encourage our customers to upgrade from 3G to LTE or 5G so that they can enjoy a better experience on their Smart-powered mobile phones," said Christian So, OIC-AVP Sales Head at Smart.
PayJoy, currently serving 66 million low-income consumers in the Philippines, provides responsible financing to underserved populations in emerging markets. Using proprietary phone-security technology and AI-driven underwriting, PayJoy helps borrowers build credit and access digital tools for work, education, and connection.
"Our mission is to unlock financial freedom for the next billion people worldwide. By partnering with Smart, we are enabling more Filipinos to access the technology they need to stay connected and improve their lives," said Rene Payan, Country Manager at PayJoy.
Smart continues to lead the way in expanding 4G/5G connectivity in the Philippines, covering 97% of the population and offering unparalleled coverage and availability. This expansion allows customers to enjoy faster internet speeds, seamless streaming, and improved mobile gaming experiences, further enhancing their digital lifestyle.
Customers who purchase a participating mobile device bundled with a Smart/TNT Prepaid SIM and avail of a nine-month device amortization from PayJoy will be eligible for a free one-month device amortization, applied to the last payment term. This promo runs from April 9, 2025, to February 24, 2026.
This partnership is aligned with PLDT's mission to contribute to the country's achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
About PayJoy
PayJoy is a Public Benefit Corporation providing responsible financing to underserved populations in emerging markets. Using proprietary phone-security technology and AI-driven underwriting, PayJoy helps borrowers build credit and access digital tools for work, education, and connection. Learn more at www.payjoy.com.
About Smart Communications
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT Inc., the Philippines' largest and only integrated telecommunications company. Smart serves approximately 97% of the country's population with its combined 4G/LTE and 5G network, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content, supporting the country's growing digital economy, and providing the best customer experience for an increasingly digital Filipino lifestyle.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Smart and PayJoy Partner to Expand Access to Credit, Empowering More Filipino Consumers
|
All top five domestic destinations experienced positive growth in accommodation searches compared to previous year
SINGAPORE, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysian travelers are increasingly eyeing domestic destinations for December travel, reveals digital travel platform Agoda. The insight is based on accommodation searches made on the platform between September and November for stays during the holiday month 2025. The five most popular domestic destinations all recorded a higher number of searches compared to previous year, highlighting a growing interest for local trips during the year-end holiday period 2025.
Kuala Lumpur tops the list of domestic searches. Penang came in second, followed by Malacca, Kota Kinabalu, and Johor Bahru. All domestic destinations noted a double-digit increase in accommodation searches, with Kuala Lumpur noting the highest year-on-year increase with 18% more interest, indicating the strong appeal of trips close to home.
For Malaysian travelers looking abroad, Hat Yai, Bangkok, and Tokyo hold the top three ranks as most searched destinations, followed by Singapore and Phuket. The highest year-on-year increase in accommodation searches was noted by Krabi, Thailand (35%). South Korea's capital Seoul followed closely, with 33%.
Fabian Teja, Country Director Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda said, "The increasing enthusiasm among Malaysians for domestic travel is great to witness, considering the variety of incredible destinations right here at home. At the same time, the rising interest in destinations like Seoul and Krabi highlights the dynamic and diverse interest among Malaysian travelers. Whether they are planning a cozy getaway closer to home or getting ready for an exciting adventure abroad, Agoda is committed to offering great value deals to Malaysian travelers."
With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers flexible options and deals to help travelers discover destinations that suit their plans and preferences. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app and visit Agoda.com to plan the perfect year-end trips.
-- ENDS –
All top five domestic destinations experienced positive growth in accommodation searches compared to previous year
SINGAPORE, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysian travelers are increasingly eyeing domestic destinations for December travel, reveals digital travel platform Agoda. The insight is based on accommodation searches made on the platform between September and November for stays during the holiday month 2025. The five most popular domestic destinations all recorded a higher number of searches compared to previous year, highlighting a growing interest for local trips during the year-end holiday period 2025.
Kuala Lumpur tops the list of domestic searches. Penang came in second, followed by Malacca, Kota Kinabalu, and Johor Bahru. All domestic destinations noted a double-digit increase in accommodation searches, with Kuala Lumpur noting the highest year-on-year increase with 18% more interest, indicating the strong appeal of trips close to home.
For Malaysian travelers looking abroad, Hat Yai, Bangkok, and Tokyo hold the top three ranks as most searched destinations, followed by Singapore and Phuket. The highest year-on-year increase in accommodation searches was noted by Krabi, Thailand (35%). South Korea's capital Seoul followed closely, with 33%.
Fabian Teja, Country Director Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda said, "The increasing enthusiasm among Malaysians for domestic travel is great to witness, considering the variety of incredible destinations right here at home. At the same time, the rising interest in destinations like Seoul and Krabi highlights the dynamic and diverse interest among Malaysian travelers. Whether they are planning a cozy getaway closer to home or getting ready for an exciting adventure abroad, Agoda is committed to offering great value deals to Malaysian travelers."
With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers flexible options and deals to help travelers discover destinations that suit their plans and preferences. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app and visit Agoda.com to plan the perfect year-end trips.
-- ENDS –
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Reveals Growing Interest for Year-End Domestic Travel with Kuala Lumpur at the Forefront in 2025
