Changemakers: Principled, passionate and purpose-driven
What do top Filipino achievers like world-class furniture designer and advocate of design entrepreneurship Kenneth Cobonpue, world-renowned accessory designer and advocate of slow design and conscious craft Bea Valdes, Filip + Inna creative director and advocate of local artisans Len Cabili, and Philux Inc. managing director and advocate of WWF and Habitat for Humanity Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez have in common?
They are Filipinos who are principled, passionate and purpose-driven. Technology and their smartphones have kept them, during these lockdowns, focused on their mission to drive the country to do better, whatever the obstacles may be.
They are Smart Communications’ principled, passionate, and purpose-driven “Changemakers.”
Technology and lockdown
"Technology was everything during the lockdown," said Kenneth Cobonpue. "We had to be interconnected in order for the design teams to produce things and to come up with creative ideas. Connectivity allowed us to relax in spite of the very hectic environment outside."
Cobonpue said that several designers had been in touch with him and many of them had tried to put up their own businesses, but they struggled because of the lack of aesthetic, financial and business mentorship needed to support them.
"I would like to help these entrepreneurs reach their goals and dreams by providing that support and hand-holding until they can fly out on their own," Cobonpue said. "Design entrepreneurs are rarely concerned about becoming rich through their business. They tend to get more satisfaction when they see that the meaning of their solutions are recognized, appreciated and supported by others and when it can be seen as representative of them."
When Len Cabili started Filip + Inna in 2009, she knew it had to be a brand that would point back to the Philippines. “The ‘+’ in the middle (of the logo) literally shows for us that there are two things working together: whether it is tradition with contemporary or us with the artisan, it was really a way to celebrate our culture because we have a very rich tradition in embroidery and weaving," she says.
Technology continued to help Cabili stay in touch with all the people she was working with.
"I was concerned with really creating harmony between our work and the way we live,” she says. “I wanted and continue to want to make an impact on the artisans that we work with; it is really all about a healthy balance between work and how they live. As a result, we relaunched our online platform: one was for the local market and the other for the global.”
For globally renowned accessory designer Bea Valdes, technology was key during the pandemic.
"It showed the importance of work and our team’s safety, and to continue the conversation with our clients, and most especially with our families," she shared. "Our connectivity helped us to keep in touch even when we were physically apart. Imagine what that experience would have been like if we were without our phones."
Amid the pandemic she keeps her focus on “slow fashion” — the value that products can be reworked and be given a second life is vital so that products can live beyond a season, beyond trends and hopefully cross into generations, this way reinsuring that the craft and craftsmen continue to live on. It is the place where ethics and aesthetics can align.
Technology helped Philux Inc. managing director Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez stay in touch with her team members, clients and family. “While it was not the same as face-to-face, it was still some form of human connection, which was so important for everyone's emotional being and sanity," the WWF and Habitat for Humanity advocate said. "I was also able to continue a lot of purposeful projects through that. Technology resolved a lot of issues, including waste production, for one, simply by eliminating paper bills with electronic bills, or working on energy conservation by doing most of our work on one device and really conserving energy resources that way."
The Smart way
Smart Communications Inc. continues to be relevant by reintroducing its premium postpaid brand, Smart Infinity, with enhanced customer-care experiences, a revitalized suite of perks and privileges, and a new brand promise to empower members to become change makers and create infinite legacies for a better world.
“We believe that impact is infinite,” says Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications president and CEO. “I believe that in our finite time here on earth, we have an infinite ability to make an impact and leave a legacy. I am excited for you to see our latest big move as we mobilize our premium lifestyle brand. Through our limitless support and dedicated service, we give every Smart Infinity customer the power to keep making the world a better place through simple yet impactful ways.”
The Smart brand stands for amazing experiences through cutting-edge technology made simple, according to Jane J. Basas, SVP and head of Consumer Wireless Business. “This essence has actually set in motion our ‘Simple, Smart Ako’ campaign and Smart Infinity is the pinnacle of this brand promise. At the highest level, change makers are able to drive change in society aided by our Smart Technology. Even simple deeds from change makers produce powerful legacies.”
She believes that impact is infinite, and Smart Infinity partners with various organizations that make a difference in the lives of people.
“Smart Infinity encourages its customers to get involved by joining us in making the world a better place through programs that inspire purpose, like its ‘Live Smarter for a Better World’ campaign,” adds Panlilio.
Customer services & perks
Smart Infinity brings enhanced services plus other benefits to customers via its Limitless and Traveler plans. Services include a personal Relationship Manager (RM), Infinity Concierge, dedicated 24/7 hotline, exclusive UX in the GigaLife App, and VIP handling in Smart stores so members get hassle-free experiences, allowing them to focus more on their goals.
Smart Infinity also offers unlimited 5G data for infinite connectivity, complemented by a variety of plan options, including curated flagship phones and top-of-the-line devices with advanced features for better productivity.
Members are also entitled to receive exclusive welcome, retention, and meaningful milestone gifts, privileges with partner brands such as luxury retail group SSI and auction house Casa De Memoria, access to a Worldwide Lifestyle Concierge, and exclusive invitations to Infinity events and trunk shows.
Smart Infinity is also collaborating with Cibo, the Loggia, Grace Park, and Lusso by Margarita Fores, and Manila House Private Club for more intimate dining experiences; The OneLife Studio for Pilates; and Spanish bridal brand Rosa Clara for your wedding milestones.
These Smart Changemakers continue to inspire me as I listened to them share their thoughts and ideas about the importance of being who we are.
“We are trying to push for our being Filipino and that really comes from deep down inside," said Cabili. “There is a way for us to look out collectively, consciously, and in a way that will make our culture very strong in our everyday lives. When we are being Filipino, authenticity comes out, our creativity comes out and it naturally manifests in our everyday lives. We are encouraging everyone to be Filipino. I think the effect of that is there a natural support for local brands, local artisans and it goes across all the different segments.”
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Learn more about the Smart Infinity Limitless and Traveler Plans at Smart.com.ph/infinity. Sign up as a new subscriber or upgrade your current Smart Postpaid Plan at Smart Stores nationwide or the Smart Online Store at store.smart.com.ph.
