Jollibee and DreamWorks team up for global ‘Forgotten Island’ campaign celebrating friendship and Filipino culture

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Jollibee and DreamWorks Animation are teaming up for a global partnership tied to the worldwide theatrical release of Forgotten Island, a new original animated feature that celebrates friendship, family, and Filipino-inspired storytelling.

The collaboration brings together DreamWorks, the studio behind globally recognized films including Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Wild Robot, and Jollibee, the beloved Filipino restaurant brand that makes your favorite Chickenjoy, Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti and Burger Steak.

The partnership also brings together shared themes of friendship and togetherness. Forgotten Island draws inspiration from Filipino mythology and stories passed down through Filipino families, while Jollibee has long brought people together through shared meals and everyday moments of joy. In the Philippines, the collaboration offers fans an opportunity to experience the film’s themes and Filipino cultural elements through Jollibee.

At the heart of Forgotten Island, from the filmmakers of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, are lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R. and Filipino actress Liza Soberano. The story follows the two friends as they discover a mysterious portal leading to Nakali, a magical island inhabited by mythical creatures inspired by stories from their Filipino families.

Their adventure takes a turn when they discover that returning home comes at the cost of losing their memories of each other. Joined by a group of allies, Jo and Raissa must navigate the challenges of Nakali while finding a way to preserve their friendship.

The film features an international voice cast that includes Dave Franco, Lea Salonga, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng, bringing together global talent and Filipino voices in a story rooted in Filipino-inspired mythology.

“At Jollibee, we've always believed that some of life's best memories are made around the dining table. Forgotten Island is a beautiful and moving story that reminds us of the power and importance of friendship, something that has always been at the heart of our brand,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “Through this partnership with DreamWorks, we're excited to give Filipinos another meaningful way to celebrate friendship, create lasting memories, and share the joy of eating together.”

To bring the partnership closer to Filipino fans, Jollibee Philippines will introduce the limited-time Forgotten Island Adventure Bundle launching September 16 in Metro Manila and September 23 in all other regions, available until October 31 at participating stores nationwide.

The Adventure Bundle includes Jollibee's 1-pc. Chickenjoy with rice and Pineapple Quencher, the new Peach Mango Pie à la Mode with Vanilla Soft Serve, Jollibee's Peach Mango Pie with Chocolate Sauce, and an exclusive Forgotten Island Friendship Charm Bracelet. The bundle is priced at ₱389.

Inspired by the film, the exclusive Friendship Charm Bracelet serves as a collectible that fans can take home as a memento of the partnership and the friendships celebrated in Forgotten Island.

The Forgotten Island Adventure Bundle will be available through dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru, while supplies last.

Forgotten Island, distributed by Universal Pictures, opens in Philippine cinemas on September 23, 2026.

BEACON Expo 2026 Exhibitors Gain Competitive Advantage with 2GO's End-to-End Logistics Support

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2GO hosting the BEACON Expo 2026 exhibitors and contractors event briefing

2GO, the Philippines’ largest and most integrated end-to-end transportation and logistics solutions provider, is set to be the official logistics partner of around 300 maritime businesses participating in the BEACON Expo 2026.

The event's exhibitors and contractors are set to benefit from a more seamless and efficient event experience through 2GO-SMX Events Logistics, the centralized permit and logistics facilitation system established by 2GO Group, SMX Convention Center, Central Business Park, and SM Estates. This initiative builds on the recently signed partnership among the four organizations to streamline event operations within the SMX Convention Center and the Mall of Asia Complex.

As the official event forwarder for the country's premier maritime trade exhibition, 2GO hosted an exhibitors' briefing to help participants prepare for the event and ensure smooth coordination among key stakeholders responsible for venue operations.

Carrying the theme “Empowering Maritime Excellence: Advancing a Sustainable Blue Economy,” BEACON Expo 2026 is expected to gather maritime industry leaders, regulatory partners, and suppliers across the country. Through the enhanced logistics framework, exhibitors can now experience a more convenient process for transporting exhibit materials, securing permits, and coordinating ingress and egress activities.

"By simplifying logistics and permit facilitation, we allow exhibitors to focus on what matters most: showcasing their products, engaging with customers, and contributing to industry development," said Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding. "Through 2GO-SMX Events Logistics, we are providing a single point of coordination that streamlines processes and supports exhibitors from preparation through event completion."

The exhibitors' briefing brought together the event organizer Maritime League of the Philippines, exhibitors, contractors, SMX venue managers, media representatives, and 2GO logistics teams to align expectations ahead of the expo. The session provided guidance on event requirements, booth protocols, logistics procedures, venue operations, and timelines, enabling exhibitors to plan more effectively and avoid operational delays.

Through the partnership, 2GO facilitates permit applications on behalf of contractors and exhibitors, coordinates endorsements with SM Estates, processes submissions with CBP, and delivers end-to-end logistics support covering ingress, event operations, and pull-out activities. The integrated approach reduces administrative burden while ensuring compliance with venue and estate requirements.

The initiative also supports a more collaborative environment among all parties involved in event execution. By strengthening coordination between exhibitors, contractors, venue operators, and regulatory authorities, the partnership helps create a smoother and more organized event experience for everyone involved.

As preparations continue for BEACON Expo & Conference 2026, the collaboration demonstrates how integrated logistics solutions can help elevate industry events and support the growing needs of the Philippine maritime sector.

For more information about 2GO and its services, visit www.2go.com.ph.

vivo V80 Lite challenges the look of big-battery phones

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A 10,000mAh battery may be the headline feature of the upcoming vivo V80 Lite, but it does not define the phone’s physical design. Set to launch in the Philippines on October 4, 2026, the smartphone pairs vivo’s largest battery capacity globally with a slim profile, premium finishes, and an expansive display, challenging the usual bulky look associated with large-capacity batteries.

The V80 Lite will be available in three colorways — Afterglow Pink, Emerald Green, and Dawn Black — each with a distinct finish.

Afterglow Pink features a Chromatic Meteor Finish that creates a subtle, iridescent effect across the surface. Golden light moves across pink waves and blush-toned hues, with the finish changing as the phone is tilted.

Emerald Green takes its cue from raw emerald, using a deep, understated green designed to evoke the appearance of a natural gemstone.

Dawn Black combines a deep base with a cool-toned metallic sheen, creating a restrained finish reminiscent of the first light breaking through darkness.

The design continues at the back with a floating crystal camera module, where the lenses appear to sit beneath a crystal-clear layer. A precision-machined metal ring frames the module and catches light as the phone moves.

Despite housing a 10,000mAh BlueVolt Battery, the V80 Lite is also designed to maintain a streamlined appearance. Its 1.35mm ultra-slim bezels help maximize the viewing area around its 6.83-inch display, resulting in a 94.47% screen-to-body ratio that brings content closer to the edges of the screen.

“Large battery capacity and refined design do not have to be opposing priorities,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines. “With the V80 Lite, we wanted to give users the freedom of a 10,000mAh battery while creating a device they would also want to carry and use every day. From the finishes and camera module to the slim bezels, every element was designed to balance function with a premium look.”

The result is a smartphone that puts substantial battery capacity into a form designed for everyday carry, while giving users a choice of finishes that range from iridescent pink to deep green and understated black.

The vivo V80 Lite will officially launch in the Philippines on October 4, 2026, at 10 am in Market! Market! by Ayala Malls. Follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the vivo website and vivo Store app for updates and launch details.

La Viña: Allegations vs Legarda, Leviste ‘baseless,’ ‘ridiculous’; questions Ombudsman probe, urges DOE to correct records and withdraw cases vs Leviste

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Atty. Antonio “Tony” La Viña, spokesperson of Senator Loren Legarda, rejected the allegations against the Senator and her son, Batangas First District Representative Leandro Leviste, as baseless and ridiculous, maintaining that the accusations are contradicted by the documentary and financial records. 

Speaking before members of the digital media on Wednesday, La Viña challenged the Department of Energy (DOE) to review its own correspondence, distinguish the companies involved, and correct what he described as fundamental errors underlying the complaint against Legarda and Leviste. He also questioned the Office of the Ombudsman's basis for pursuing the allegations of plunder and graft, urging it to examine the documentary evidence. 

“Una sa lahat, walang pera galing sa gobyerno na kinuha at binulsa ni Senator Loren o ni Representative Leandro. Walang plunder, walang government funds na kinuha in any of the projects. Dapat very clear sa atin yan,” La Viña said. 

He emphasized that the renewable energy projects under scrutiny were privately funded and that the failure of a project to proceed does not, by itself, constitute plunder or graft. 

Addressing the multibillion-peso financial obligations publicly attributed to Leviste, La Viña clarified that the amounts involved different corporate entities. He maintained that the financial obligations legitimately assessed against Leviste's companies had already been fully settled. 

La Viña identified a DOE demand letter addressed to Mr. Emmanuel Rubio of SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), which has been majority-owned and controlled by Meralco's generation company, MGen, since 2024. He urged the DOE to distinguish SPNEC from Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation and the other Solar Philippines companies, emphasizing that the financial obligations of one corporate entity cannot simply be attributed to another. 

“Malinaw naman ang resibo na yung letter nila asking for twenty-four billion to be paid, na later binago nila to ten billion, ay doon sa kay Mr. Emmanuel Rubio at hindi kay Leandro Leviste, hindi sa kanyang mga kumpanya,” La Viña said. 

He also clarified that the Solar Para sa Bayan franchise was non-exclusive and had ceased to exist under the law's automatic revocation provision after it failed to become operational. He attributed its non-implementation to the DOE's failure to issue the necessary implementing rules and identify the areas where the franchise could operate. 

“Hindi siya na-implement dahil sa gobyerno. Hindi naglabas yung Department of Energy ng rules and regulations to implement the solar franchise. Hindi rin naglabas ang gobyerno, ang DOE, ng mga lugar kung saan siya pwedeng i-implement,” La Viña said. 

He further rejected allegations that Leviste had monopolized renewable energy service contracts, explaining that the 42 solar contracts awarded to him represented only a portion of the 518 solar service contracts nationwide. 

La Viña emphasized that a renewable energy service contract involves exploration and pre-development and that projects may not proceed because of land availability, grid connectivity, and other feasibility concerns. Investors bear the financial risks and must settle applicable obligations when projects do not proceed. 

He questioned whether the failure of a privately funded renewable energy project to proceed could constitute plunder or graft, stressing that the nature of service contracts must be properly understood in evaluating the allegations before the Ombudsman. 

La Viña separately rejected allegations linking Legarda to her son's renewable energy ventures, maintaining that the senator neither participated in the management of Leviste's companies nor used her public office to advance their business interests. 

He stressed that Legarda's relationship with her son does not establish her participation in the transactions or contractual obligations of his companies. 

“There’s nothing in the charges of the Ombudsman na kasama si Senator Loren Legarda. So, yun, bakit siya nakasama?” La Viña said, questioning the basis for including the senator in the complaint. 

He questioned the basis for including Legarda in the complaint and challenged the authorities to identify evidence establishing her personal participation in any alleged wrongdoing. 

La Viña also described the proceedings against Legarda and Leviste as unfair, saying the allegations have subjected the senator to serious accusations despite what he maintained was the absence of evidence connecting her to the business transactions under scrutiny. 

He confirmed that both had submitted their counter-affidavits within the prescribed period, disputing claims that their submissions had been delayed. 

La Viña maintained that the matter should be resolved through the legal process, with the allegations examined against the documentary evidence and the respective responsibilities of the parties involved. He concluded by urging the public to examine the records rather than rely solely on accusations.

“For those na hindi naniniwala o skeptical, I ask lang for an open mind, di ba? Humingi naman kayo ng resibo. Kami, may resibo kami,” La Viña said. 

For more info, visit FB links here

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1072357025517482

https://www.facebook.com/reel/962344286904099

https://www.facebook.com/reel/951142191397651

Anne Curtis joins global unveiling of vivo X500 Series

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SHANGHAI, CHINA - Filipino actress and vivo Philippines ambassador Anne Curtis attended the global launch of the vivo X500 Series in Shanghai on September 21, 2026, where the company introduced its latest imaging flagship lineup.

The event presented the vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max as part of vivo’s strategy to develop what it describes as dynamic imaging, which extends smartphone imaging beyond still photography to video and live content. The series uses vivo’s BlueImage Dynamic Imaging Technology Stack, which combines developments in sensors, imaging chips, and software algorithms.

Curtis attended the event ahead of the series’ planned launch in the Philippines.

“Anne’s presence at the global launch in Shanghai gives Filipino consumers a closer look at where vivo’s imaging technology is heading,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines. “The X500 Series brings together technologies designed not only for professional creators, but also for people who want to capture everyday moments through photos, video, and live content.”

About vivo X500 Series

The X500 Pro Max features the vivo × Sony LYTIA L910 sensor, which vivo says provides up to 17 EV of dynamic range. It also includes a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera and support for the 400mm Equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra. Other features include 4K 240 fps Cinematic Slow-Mo Video and 8K Native Live.

The X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max support video features including 17 EV TrueDynamic Log Video, 10-bit 4:2:2 encoding, ACES support, and 4K 120 fps Log video. The series also includes six cinematic video color styles and 4K Cinematic Portrait Video. Its Cinema mode offers options such as Auto Framing Video, Vortex Shot, Super Slow-Mo, and Dual View.

According to vivo, the BlueImage Dynamic Imaging Technology Stack covers five areas: high dynamic range, professional image quality, cinematic color, professional stabilization, and dynamic consistency.

The X500 Pro Max is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro platform and includes vivo’s V3+ and VS1+ imaging chips, a 2K ZEISS Master Color Display, and an 8,000mAh BlueVolt Battery. The X500 Pro has a 6,510mAh battery, while the standard X500 has a 7,500mAh BlueVolt Battery.

All three models run OriginOS 7. vivo said the imaging features will be available across the lineup, including 8K Native Live and high-specification video recording on the standard X500.

vivo has confirmed that the series will also launch in the Philippines, although local availability details have not yet been announced.

Filipinos can follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the vivo website and vivo Store app for official announcements.