Rap artist Flow G headlines Smart's free concert in Iloilo. Handout
Iloilo’s gaming and music fans got a taste of the future as Smart Communications Inc. switched on the country’s first 5G Standalone (SA) network during a massive free concert at the K-Town Festive Walk Parade.
More than 5,200 people braved the rains to be part of the historic launch, which turned into a festival of music, culture, and next-level connectivity. The night’s biggest thrill came from rap star Flow G, whose explosive performance of his hit song "Rapstar" and new tracks like "247" and "Sargo" had fans rapping and dancing along.
Local talents Kreonz, First Edition, and DJ Young also brought hometown pride to the stage, while hosts Jackie Gonzaga of "It's Showtime" and Jordan Toledo kept the excitement high with games and prizes.
With the theme “Sakses Ka Na!”, the event showcased how Smart’s True 5G SA opens up new possibilities for everyday life. Attendees got to see and feel the difference firsthand: lightning-fast uploads and downloads, seamless video streaming, and lag-free mobile gaming.
“I always play Mobile Legends, and it’s a huge advantage to have a faster and more reliable connection powered by Smart 5G,” said gamer John Gallo, who joined the festivities with his friends.
Another attendee, Anne, shared how the upgrade would change her routine: “I look forward to streaming without buffering and posting updates instantly, wherever I am.”
To make it easier for Ilonggos to experience 5G, Smart rolled out special offers on 5G SA-ready smartphones from top brands like Honor, OPPO, Samsung, vivo, and ZTE.
The Iloilo rollout marks the first time 5G SA has gone live in the Philippines, putting the city at the forefront of digital innovation.