October 30, 2026

Expecto Patronum: realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition Debuts with Hogwarts Four-House Color-Changing Cres

The limited-edition smartphone comes in Magic Brown, with a color-changing Hogwarts crest, a Hogwarts-themed UI, and a trunk of HP collectibles



From its Hogwarts-inspired crest to details paying tribute to Harry Potter’s loyal companion, the realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition brings elements of the beloved franchise to its design, interface, and special-edition packaging.

Details inspired by the Wizarding World

The device comes in Magic Brown, featuring an Enchanted Texture Leather back with a three-dimensional diamond pattern inspired by the wizard chessboard. At its center is the Hogwarts Four-House Crest, which reveals the signature colors of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff when exposed to direct sunlight or UV light. This effect is made possible by realme’s Quadra Light-Sensing Color-changing Tech.

A Hedwig-inspired camera deco in gold frames the lenses, and the same gold runs along the edges of the phone. The words “Welcome to Hogwarts,” are laser-engraved along the side.


Hogwarts follows onto the screen

Beyond its exterior, the phone carries the Harry Potter theme into its interface. Exclusive wallpapers feature Hogwarts Castle in two settings: Golden Dawn for daytime and Mystic Dusk for nighttime. The theme extends to the boot-up and fingerprint animations inspired by Hogwarts acceptance letters, along with more than 30 redesigned app icons. Photos taken with the phone can also feature watermarks inspired by the four Hogwarts houses.


Inside the Hogwarts trunk

The limited-edition gift box is a Harry Potter-inspired trunk, with the Hogwarts crest and the realme 16 Pro Harry Potter Edition name on its lid. The surprise realme kept under wraps during the teaser turns out to be what is inside.

Fans will find a Hogwarts acceptance letter addressed to Mr. Potter, a set of Harry Potter character postcards featuring Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and bookmarks for the four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. The package also contains Hogwarts Crest pins and a ticket inspired by the Hogwarts Express, with the route marked from London to Hogwarts via Platform 9¾.

Priced at PHP 39,999, the realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition joins the realme 16 Pro 5G Series as a limited release for fans and collectors. Fewer than 200 units will be available nationwide, with Hogwarts-inspired store displays at SM Fairview, SM North EDSA, and SM Calamba. The device will also be available at kiosks in SM Clark, SM DasmariƱas, and SM Megamall.

For more updates on the realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition, follow realme’s official Facebook page.

Pet Pals theme brings playful touch to vivo V80 with OriginOS 7

What if your phone had a little companion waiting to greet you every time you unlocked the screen? With the upcoming vivo V80, powered by OriginOS 7, users can add a playful touch to their screens with Pet Pals, a wallpaper theme featuring virtual pets that move and interact with users.

More than just static wallpaper, Pet Pals brings a little character to the lock screen, turning everyday moments like checking notifications or glancing at the time into something more delightful. For pet lovers, it is a charming way to add a touch of cuteness to a device they reach for throughout the day.

More ways to personalize the vivo V80

Pet Pals is just one of the ways OriginOS 7 makes personalization more fun.

The vivo V80 also features Wiggle, which brings movement to wallpaper through motion-responsive effects; Glint, which adds shimmering visual details; and StickIt, which lets users decorate their system with playful stickers.

Wiggle                           

Glint
                              


StickIt

From adorable companions to eye-catching effects, these themes make the vivo V80 experience feel more personal, turning everyday phone interactions into opportunities for self-expression.

With Pet Pals and the other OriginOS 7 themes, the vivo V80 brings personality to these everyday interactions, showing how even a simple screen unlock can become an opportunity for self-expression.

Curious to see these playful features in action? Discover Pet Pals and more of the vivo V80 experience by tuning in to the vivo V80 launch livestream on vivo Philippines’ official Facebook page on October 30 at 6 PM

On Running Lands Exclusively on LazMall Philippines and Thailand

Filipino runners and movement enthusiasts can now access On's Swiss-engineered product through its official flagship store on LazMall


Filipino runners and movement enthusiasts will soon have a new way to shop one of the world's fastest-growing premium sportswear brands, as On officially launches its flagship store exclusively on LazMall Philippines, alongside LazMall Thailand, marking a significant milestone in the brand's Southeast Asian eCommerce expansion.

The launch also marks a major milestone for both brands, with Lazada becoming the first marketplace platform in Southeast Asia to launch an official On flagship store. For the Philippines, the launch brings On's Swiss-engineered approach to performance and movement together with Lazada's established eCommerce ecosystem, giving Filipino consumers a trusted digital destination to discover and shop the brand through an official LazMall flagship store.

The partnership also reflects the growing role of eCommerce platforms in how global brands build their presence in Southeast Asia. For On, Lazada provides a platform to reach and engage consumers at scale in two important regional markets while retaining a strong official brand presence on its trusted shopping environment. For Lazada, the launch further strengthens LazMall as a destination where consumers can discover sought-after global brands and access authentic products directly from official brand stores.

"This partnership is a significant milestone not only for Lazada Philippines, but for the region's eCommerce landscape," said Carlos Barrera, CEO at Lazada Philippines. "On is a globally recognized brand with a strong and growing community of runners and movement enthusiasts. We are proud to be the first marketplace platform in Southeast Asia to launch an official On flagship store and to make the brand's products more accessible to Filipino consumers through LazMall.”

The On Official Flagship Store will initially introduce a curated selection of essential running and training footwear and accessories, giving consumers an accessible introduction to the brand and its approach to performance and movement. Among the products planned for the launch assortment are the Cloudmonster, Cloudrunner and Cloudsurfer running franchises, alongside other training and lifestyle models.

As the partnership develops, the assortment will expand throughout 2027 to include more of On's performance and everyday footwear innovations, offering products designed for different movement needs, from everyday and long-distance running to performance training and all-day wear.

This phased approach allows Filipino consumers to discover the brand through Lazada today while creating opportunities to explore a broader range of On products as their running, training and everyday movement needs evolve.

"The Philippines is an exciting market for On, and we see strong potential to connect with more consumers through Lazada's digital ecosystem,” said Rebecca Cai, Chief Global Markets Officer at On. "This partnership gives consumers another convenient way to discover On and experience our products, while allowing us to build a deeper connection with the local movement community.”

Visit the On Official Flagship Store only on LazMall Philippines https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/on.

Award-winning horror movies to stream this Halloween on HBO Max

Enhance your movie nights with these critically acclaimed hits on HBO Max, best experienced with your PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1499

(Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures l HBO Max)

In the Philippines, Halloween movie nights are serious business for horror fans. While jump scares and slasher flicks are fun, sometimes you need a movie with real backbone: critically acclaimed, award-winning horror that lingers long after the credits roll.

If you are looking for top-tier cinematic frights, HBO Max is home to some of the most celebrated and award-winning horror movies. Best experienced with your PLDT Home Fiber, here are some titles streaming on HBO Max that promise the ultimate spine-chilling binge session.


IT (2017)

(Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Starring Bill SkarsgĆ„rd as Pennywise, New Line Cinema’s horror thriller IT is based on the hugely popular Stephen King novel of the same name, which has been terrifying readers for decades. It is the highest-grossing horror film of all time, being nominated for and winning film and genre awards, including the MTV Movie & TV Awards and the IGN Awards for Best Horror Movie of 2017, as well as earning a high Rotten Tomatoes score.

When children begin to disappear in the town of Derry, Maine, a group of young kids are faced with their biggest fears when they square off against an evil clown named Pennywise, whose history of murder and violence dates back for centuries.


Weapons (2025)

(Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at 2:17 am, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.

From Zach Cregger, the director behind Barbarian, Weapons is an intricate, sprawling horror epic that keeps viewers guessing until the final frame. Amy Madigan, who plays the film’s antagonist Aunt Gladys, earned the movie an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, among other awards and nominations, including the Actor Awards (Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role), the AACTA International Awards, and the Astra Film Awards (also Best Supporting Actress).


The Exorcist (1973)
(Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Modern horror has come a long way, but sometimes, you can’t go wrong with the classics like The Exorcist, available to stream on HBO Max.

This one barely needs an introduction: the classic story of possession and its legacy of unforgettable scares is a proven winner. When a charming 12-year-old girl takes on the characteristics and voices of others, doctors say there is nothing they can do. As people begin to die, the girl's mother realizes her daughter has been possessed by the devil – and that her daughter's only possible hope lies with two priests and the ancient rite of demonic exorcism. The Exorcist has garnered prestigious accolades, including awards like the Oscars and the Golden Globes.


Doctor Sleep (2019)

(Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

The sequel to horror and Stanley Kubrick classic The Shining brings the familiar feeling of eerieness and dread. Ewan McGregor plays the grown-up Danny Torrance, the son of Jack Nicholson’s iconic character Jack Torrance from the 1980 original – and he must deal with the trauma and supernatural threats seeking his psychic power.

Horror master Mike Flanagan directed the highly acclaimed work, and Doctor Sleep garnered much praise from critics and a slew of nominations in the 2021 Saturn Awards, with supporting actress Kyliegh Curran winning Best Performance by a Younger Actor.

Stream more iconic and award-winning movies and enjoy unli entertainment when you apply for PLDT Home Fiber Unli All 1499, which comes bundled with an HBO Max Standard subscription, on top of high-speed fiber internet, Cignal TV, 9GB Smart data, and unlimited calls. Upgrade your home entertainment setup today and experience premium horror streaming and more at its best!

Norfund and Impact Fund Denmark to Invest in Vena Energy's 500 MWp Ixus Bugallon Solar Power Project in the Philippines

Vena Energy’s existing 550 MWp Bugallon Solar Power Project in Pangasinan, Philippines, which is next to the 500 MWp Ixus Bugallon Solar Power Project now under construction. Image credit: Vena Energy

Singapore, October 2026 – Vena Energy, Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, and Impact Fund Denmark announced that they have signed agreements on investing a combined 49% equity interest in the 500 MWp Ixus Bugallon Solar Power Project in Bugallon, Pangasinan, Philippines.

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  • Norfund and Impact Fund Denmark have signed agreements to invest a combined 49% equity interest in the 500 MWp Ixus Bugallon Solar Power Project in Bugallon, Pangasinan, Philippines.
  • The transaction remains subject to the approval of the Philippine Competition Commission ("PCC") and other customary closing conditions.
  • The project is expected to supply the equivalent annual electricity needs of approximately 650,000 Philippine households and avoid approximately 570,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually once operational.
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Completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), and other customary closing conditions. The Ixus Bugallon Solar Power Project represents a significant addition to the Philippines’ growing renewable energy capacity.

Awarded under the Philippine Department of Energy’s second Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP 2), the Ixus Bugallon Solar Power Project is expected to generate enough renewable power to supply the equivalent annual electricity needs of approximately 650,000 Philippine households once operational, while avoiding around 570,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

The project reached financial close in July 2026, securing approximately USD 310 million in senior debt financing from a syndicate of eight international banks. This reflects strong international lender appetite for quality large-scale renewable energy infrastructure in the Philippines.

The transaction is expected to contribute to the continued growth of renewable energy generation capacity in the country while supporting long term sustainability objectives.

Nitin Apte, Chief Executive Officer of Vena Group, said, “We are pleased to partner with Norfund and Impact Fund Denmark for the Ixus Bugallon Solar Power Project. The Philippines is an important market for Vena Energy, and this project demonstrates the scale of renewable energy infrastructure that can be delivered by bringing together strong development capabilities and long-term institutional capital. Together we look forward to supporting the Philippines’ energy transition and contributing to sustainable economic development as we continue to engineer a greener future across Asia-Pacific.”

Simone Grasso, Chief Investment Officer of Vena Group and Global Head of Vena Nexus, said, “This transaction represents another important milestone in our institutional partnership strategy. Once complete, it will bring Norfund and Impact Fund Denmark alongside Vena Energy, allowing us to retain long-term ownership and operational involvement while rotating capital into our construction programmes and future growth. We look forward to progressing the transaction towards completion.”

Erik Sandersen, Chief Executive Officer of Norfund, said, “Norfund’s Climate Investment Fund is set up to avoid emissions in emerging markets, and the Ixus Bugallon Solar Power Project is a great example of what what we want to do more of. The project is expected to avoid more than half a million tonnes of CO2 every year. We are very happy to partner with Vena Energy and Impact Fund Denmark to contribute to the renewable energy transition in the Philippines.”

Lars Bo Bertram, Chief Executive Officer of Impact Fund Denmark, said, “The Philippines is a growing economy, and demand for electricity is rising rapidly. Today, however, a large share of the country’s electricity is generated from coal. To ensure that economic growth does not lead to even higher emissions, significant investment in renewable energy is needed. This project demonstrates how economic growth and the green transition can go hand in hand.”


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About Vena Group

Vena Global Group Pte Ltd (“Vena Group”) is a leading green solutions provider driving the energy and digital infrastructure transition across the Asia-Pacific region. Through its renewable energy arm, Vena Energy, and digital infrastructure platform, Vena Nexus, Vena Group develops, owns and operates integrated, sustainable and cost-effective solutions that support the region’s transition to a low-carbon and AI-enabled future.

For more information, please visit www.venagroup.com.


About Norfund

Norfund is the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries with a mission to create jobs and improve lives by investing in businesses that drive sustainable development. Owned and funded by the Norwegian Government, Norfund is the Government’s most important tool for strengthening the private sector in developing countries and reducing poverty. Norfund’s committed portfolio amounts to USD 4.5 billion, with investments across Sub-Saharan Africa, South/Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Additionally, Norfund manages the Norwegian Climate Investment Fund, which focuses on reducing or avoiding greenhouse gas emissions by investing in renewable energy in developing countries with large emissions from coal and other fossil fuel production.

For more information, please visit: www.norfund.no.

About Impact Fund Denmark

Impact Fund Denmark is a Danish impact investor and Denmarks' Development Finance Institution contributing to green, just and inclusive societies as well as supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. Impact Fund Denmark provides risk capital to companies operating in developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Ukraine. Investments are made on commercial terms in the form of equity, loans and guarantees. In addition, through Public Infrastructure, Impact Fund Denmark offers concessional finance through loans and grants to secure access to financing for major public infrastructure projects in developing countries that cannot be financed on market terms.

Read more at www.impactfund.dk

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