PLDT Home Life Upgrades Bahay ni Kuya with Smart Innovations
Introduction to Smart Living with PLDT Home Life
The world of smart home technology has finally made its way to the Big Brother House in the Philippines, courtesy of a partnership between PLDT Home Life and Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the franchise’s 20-year history in the Philippines, bringing the most modern upgrade to the iconic yellow-and-blue house on Eugenio Lopez Drive in Quezon City.
Upgrading the Big Brother House
The house has been equipped with a full suite of smart home technology, including voice-enabled appliances, sensors, lighting systems, cameras, vacuum cleaners, kitchen devices, and air humidifiers, all connected through PLDT’s fiber internet. This integration aims to showcase how connected living can work seamlessly in everyday Filipino homes. Although the housemates remain cut off from the outside world and cannot use smartphones, they will utilize the smart home devices in their daily tasks and activities, giving viewers a glimpse into the potential of smart living.
Showcasing Smart Technology
The show will feature in-program challenges and digital games that highlight the technology, with QR codes on screen allowing viewers to learn about or purchase featured products. The setup includes TP-Link WiFi Mesh Systems for wider coverage, video-on-demand and PayTV services, IGV Game Pass access to AAA games on Steam, and PLDT’s Smart Home Starter Kit with a chime, smart plug, cameras, and sensors. Devices from Amazon, Xiaomi, Lasco, and Tapo round out the ecosystem, providing a comprehensive smart home experience.
Democratizing Access to Smart Home Technology
According to John Y. Palanca, PLDT senior vice president and head of consumer business, “this partnership highlights how smart technology can bring greater ease and comfort to every Filipino home.” PLDT Home Life devices are available as add-ons to fiber subscriptions, payable over 12 to 36 months, making it more accessible to a wider range of consumers. For instance, a Tapo indoor security camera costs P89 per month for 24 months, demonstrating the affordability of these smart home solutions.
Partnership and Availability
The rollout of this partnership was attended by key executives, including PLDT Home vice president Evert Miranda, ABS-CBN creative head and PBB supervising producer Markus Vinuya, GMA senior vice president Annette Gozon-Valdes, ABS-CBN broadcast COO Cory Vidanes, and GMA chief marketing officer Lizelle Maralag. The availability of these smart home devices and services is expected to revolutionize the way Filipinos live and interact with their homes, bringing the concept of connected living to the forefront of everyday life.
