May 16, 2026

Toshiba Lifestyle Leads the Way in Elevated Summer Living with Tips on Freshness and Energy Efficiency

Living in a tropical country, Filipinos are no strangers to heat. The summer season brings high temperatures and fuller fridges with more frequent door openings—factors that can accelerate food spoilage and drive-up electricity bills. Toshiba Lifestyle, the world's leading manufacturer of artisanal home appliance solutions, is addressing these challenges with its newest Nature Pure Top-Mount Refrigerator Series

By combining advanced preservation technology with superior energy efficiency, Toshiba shares three key tips to maintain food freshness and manage household electricity costs this summer.

Tip #1: Mind your refrigerator’s odor

Foul odor inside the refrigerator is often a sign of food spoilage and can cause cross-contamination between other items in your fridge. To avoid this, consider using proper food storage like airtight containers, foil, or wraps.

Food freshness is more guaranteed if your refrigerator has a built-in filter. Toshiba's Nature Pure Top  sponge and a platinum-ion catalyst to trap odor and decompose bacteria and ethylene gas.-Mount No Frost Refrigerator has a Dual Zone Dual Deodorization feature, which uses a honeycomb sponge and a platinum-ion catalyst to trap odor and decompose bacteria and ethylene gas.

With Citrus Bliss Freshness, your fridge and freezer are infused with a crisp and uplifting citrus scent, neutralizing odor and keeping every corner of your fridge naturally clean and refreshing. It's the first feature of its kind in the market, delivering freshness you can see and smell all day, every day.

The fridge’s built-in color-fade indicator acts as a visual cue, transitioning from vibrant orange to pure white to signal the end of the fragrance module’s six-month lifespan and the optimal time for replacement—ensuring continuous freshness protection.


Tip #2: Find the ideal temperature for food storage

Food spoils faster when it is exposed to heat as bacteria easily multiplies in warm conditions. Leaving your food on the table for even just a few hours in the summer season can cause it to spoil. It is most ideal to place cooled-down dishes in your refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Toshiba Lifestyle’s newest top-mount freezer is equipped with Pure Bio Go technology, which is designed to help keep food fresher for longer, even during the toughest Philippine summers. Pure Bio Go preserves the natural quality of ingredients through optimal temperature control, minimizing bacterial growth and unwanted odors—so freshness lasts longer, nutrients are protected, and spoilage is slowed.

Tip #3: Smartly use the freezer and refrigerator zones

To keep your food items or ingredients fresh, each must be stored properly, whether in the freezer or the refrigerator. For example, a piece of ginger can stay fresh longer in the freezer than in the refrigerator. Green leafy vegetables, on the other hand, are best stored in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer to maintain their freshness.

Toshiba Lifestyle’s Nature Pure Top-Mount No Frost Refrigerator offers spacious storage and precise temperature control for foods with varying storage temperature needs. The new series features a sleek, modern design finished in a premium matte black panel, adding a luxurious feel to your home. The ample storage capacity gives you the confidence to stock up on supplies without worrying about spoilage, while also promoting sustainability by minimizing food waste and reducing the need for frequent grocery runs.

Experience freshness you can see and smell

In response to the need for sustainable home solutions, the Toshiba Nature Pure Series are engineered to keep energy costs low even during the toughest Philippine summers. The refrigerator is equipped with Origin Inverter technology which optimizes power consumption, earning the series a 3-star energy rating for its 8.5 and 9.6 Cu.Ft models.

The Toshiba Nature Pure Top-Mount Refrigerator doesn’t just preserve food, it elevates every fridge moment. Its visible fragrance module is the first in the market to provide freshness throughout both the fridge and freezer, keeping ingredients naturally crisp, clean, and ready to enjoy.

Relax and enjoy the summer season with your family through good food. Experience freshness that outlasts the heat with Toshiba’s Nature Pure Top-Mount Refrigerator Series, available in 7.3, 8.5, and 9.6 Cu.Ft models to complete your dream home setup.

For more information on Toshiba’s brand-new Nature Pure refrigerator series, visit https://www.toshiba-lifestyle.com/ph or visit any authorized Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines dealer nationwide. You may also follow Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

TECNO Unveils Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 Jointly with Lonely Planet in Philippines

Calling on TECNO CAMON users nationwide to capture real life moments under the theme "Seeing is Believing" — with global travel awards and filipino special prizes up for grabs

TECNO, the AI-driven innovative technology brand, and Lonely Planet, the globally recognized travel guidance leader, today jointly announced the co-hosted Shot On CAMON Contest 2026, the third edition of TECNO's annual global photography competition. Rooted in a shared spirit of exploration and expression, the collaboration expands the contest beyond technology alone to celebrate the people, places and stories behind every image. Through expert co-judging, co-branded content, and photo-essay-style storytelling, TECNO and Lonely Planet aim to inspire users around the world to see more, feel more and tell richer visual stories. Three Lonely Planet photographers will contribute original imagery shot on the CAMON 50 Series, while one Lonely Planet photographer will serve on the final-round jury panel alongside TECNO’s imaging team.

“Great photos are not just about equipment – they are about how deeply the photographer can immerse themselves in a destination,” said Melissa Killian, Vice President of Integrated Marketing at Lonely Planet. “TECNO’s technology makes that immersion easier, helping users stay present, observe more closely and capture meaningful moments as they happen. We are excited to partner on Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 and look forward to seeing how photographers around the world bring their journeys to life.”


Under the theme “Seeing is Believing,” this year's contest runs from May 15 to October 11, 2026, inviting smartphone photographers worldwide to capture real, beautiful and unrepeatable moments using the TECNO CAMON 50 Series. In a year increasingly shaped by AI, the theme is TECNO’s call to celebrate the authenticity of real life through photography, honoring diverse skin tones, fleeting emotions, and real-world observations. Even the contest’s AI category starts with a real photograph, encouraging users to start from authentic observation and personal expression.

TECNO Philippines Welcomes Kelvinmarkulit as CAMON Photography Ambassador

To further ignite local passion for authentic mobile photography, TECNO Philippines has appointed Kelvinmarkulit – a highly respected Filipino visual storyteller known for his raw, unfiltered depictions of everyday Filipino life – as the official CAMON Photography Ambassador for the Philippine leg of the contest. Kelvin will play a multi-faceted role: from co-creating a call-out video that rallies Filipino creators to join the competition, to serving as a regional judge in selecting the country's most compelling entries, and joining the exclusive winner's journey. His partnership with TECNO goes beyond a celebrity endorsement; it is a powerful signal to Filipino photography enthusiasts that local stories, captured with honesty and heart, can stand on a global stage. Kelvin’s own journey – from shooting candid street moments to earning international recognition – inspires a new generation to believe that with observation, emotion, and the right tool, anyone can transform the ordinary into the unforgettable.


Five Creative Categories That Celebrate New Ways of Seeing

The five categories of Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 are designed to inspire different ways of seeing, encouraging participants to capture real moments, emotions and perspectives from everyday life and travel.

Faces·Unfiltered – This category celebrates authentic portraits that reflect people as they really are, capturing diverse skin tones and individuality in a quiet close-up, a candid street portrait, or a moment shared between friends.

Night·Unveiled – This category invites participants to capture the atmosphere, mystery and emotion that emerge after dark, from neon-lit streets and reflections after rain to still moonlit scenes and late-night city life.

Culture·Unscripted – This category focuses on capturing the rhythm of a place as it naturally unfolds, whether through festivals, crafts, food moments or unplanned interactions between people.

Snapshot·Unspotted (Telephoto Special) – Participants are invited to capture distant details that reveal something surprising, intimate or easily overlooked, from textures on far-off peaks to a fleeting expression within a crowd.

AI·Unimagined (AI Gallery Special) – First capture a real-world photo with a TECNO phone, then transform it into an artistic style using TECNO’s AI Gallery. Both the original photograph and the AI-styled image must be submitted together. This category is designed to explore how AI can extend creative expression while keeping real-world photography as the starting point.


“‘Seeing is Believing’ is both a creative brief for our contestants and a reminder that the most powerful images begin with real life,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. “Through Shot On CAMON Contest 2026, we hope to inspire users around the world to observe more closely, express themselves more freely and celebrate the beauty of authentic moments through photography.”

Awards, Honors and How to Enter

To recognize exceptional creativity, Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 will reward outstanding work across its major award tiers with both cash prizes and exclusive travel prizes sponsored by Lonely Planet. Selected winners will embark on a curated journey to explore the wonders — to experience is to believe, and only by witnessing can miracles truly be seen.

As rewards for the competition, one outstanding photographer will be awarded the TECNO Photography Master prize ($8,000). Additionally, there will be five winners for the Gold Prize ($3,000), five winners for the Silver Prize ($2,000), and five winners for the Bronze Prize ($1,000). Ten participants will also be selected as a TECNO Friend and will receive a CAMON 50 Series Smartphone. As an exclusive bonus, the TECNO Photography Master and the five Gold Prize winners will also be invited to a bespoke trip to the Philippines.


Special "Filipino Special Award" – Exclusive for Philippine Participants

In addition to the global prizes, TECNO Philippines is introducing the Filipino Special Award to recognize and reward local creative talent. Philippine users may submit either images (standard entry) or videos (via Instagram/Facebook Reels, and TikTok). While video submissions are considered informal entries and are not eligible for global awards, they will automatically be considered for the Filipino Special Award. A total of six additional winners will be chosen as CAMON Photography Endorsers in Philippines, each receiving a Lonely Planet Bespoke Trip and a CAMON 50 Series Smartphone. The breakdown is as follows: five winners from image submissions (across any of the five contest categories) and one winner from video submissions. This special award underscores TECNO Philippines' commitment to celebrating homegrown visual storytellers, whether they freeze a moment in time or bring it to life through motion.


How to Enter

To enter, participants should post photos with a visible TECNO device watermark on Instagram using the hashtags #ShotOnCAMON2026 #TECNOCAMON50Series and #TECNOPhilippines, then submit high-resolution versions via email at shotoncamon@tecnomobile.com or through the ShotOnCAMON Gallery on TECNO’s Philippines official website. All entries must be original content and duplicate submissions will be disqualified. Winning works will be showcased in global media exhibitions, the TECNO annual photo book, and across TECNO’s official platforms.

For full contest rules and details, visit Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 or follow @tecnomobileph on Instagram.


May 15, 2026

Compact flagship vivo X300 FE previews pro shots, coming on May 23


After revealing the impressive camera capabilities of the upcoming vivo X300 Ultra, vivo is now turning the spotlight to another exciting addition to its flagship lineup: the compact yet powerful vivo X300 FE.

Set to launch in the Philippines on May 23, the vivo X300 FE is designed for users who want flagship-level photography in a more compact form. Slim, lightweight, and built for life on the move, it combines everyday comfort with imaging capabilities that punch far above its size.

At just 7.99mm thin and weighing only 191g, the vivo X300 FE slips easily into your pocket, bag, or hand, but behind its streamlined design is a camera system made to capture moments with depth, detail, and a distinctly cinematic feel.

Compact flagship, serious camera power

Leading the vivo X300 FE’s camera setup is its 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, powered by the Sony IMX882 Super Sensitive Sensor and a large 1/1.95-inch sensor for sharper detail and improved light capture.

Here are some portraits shot on vivo X300 FE captured by the vivo Philippines team.





With a 73mm equivalent focal length, OIS, and f/2.65 aperture, it delivers clear portraits and crisp zoomed shots with natural depth. Its 50MP telephoto lens supports 3x optical zoom and up to 100x zoom, making distant subjects feel strikingly close.

From portraits to stage moments and sweeping landscapes, the vivo X300 FE turns everyday shots into more vivid, cinematic captures, all within a compact flagship design.

Bring the stage closer

Further elevating the experience is the 200mm Equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2, a lighter, more refined accessory that transforms how users interact with distance.


Featuring a 2.35x teleconverter with an equivalent 200mm focal length, the accessory allows users to achieve farther and clearer zoom shots for portraits, stage moments, concerts, and distant subjects.

The vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 also supports photography, video recording, Stage Mode, and capture functions, transforming the vivo X300 FE into a compact imaging companion users can conveniently carry every day.

The vivo X300 FE reflects a clear philosophy: a smartphone can remain light in form while delivering depth in creative capability. It is built for users who value mobility, but refuse to compromise on how their moments are captured.

As everyday experiences continue to evolve into content worth capturing, the vivo X300 FE is designed to meet that demand with a more balanced approach to portability and imaging performance.

The vivo X300 FE will officially launch in the Philippines on May 23, 2026 along with the vivo X300 Ultra. Updates will be available via vivo Philippines' website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Westlife release landmark 25th anniversary album 25 - The Ultimate Collection

Global tour dates announced for Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour


Globally renowned pop group Westlife today release their monumental era-defining album 25 - The Ultimate Collection, a celebration of their record-breaking 25-year journey at the very top of global pop. The album is available across multiple formats including 1CD, 2CD deluxe, 1LP, Amazon Exclusive 1LP picture disc and cassette.

The release follows “Chariot”, written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Will Reynolds, and co-written and produced by Steve Mac, which was instantly added to the BBC Radio 2 New Music Playlist (A List). The track features on the new album alongside recent release “Your Love Amazes Me”, with the collection bringing together 21 of the band’s most beloved songs including “You Raise Me Up,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Flying Without Wings” alongside brand-new material recorded by all four members: Shane, Nicky, Kian and Mark.

To mark the release, the group have also announced the global expansion of their highly anticipated Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour with dates across Asia, Mexico, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand. The tour promises a euphoric, hit-filled set spanning their extraordinary career, featuring timeless ballads and global chart-toppers. It kicks off with a 13-date residency in Dublin this September before heading across the UK and Europe, marking their first headline continental run in two decades. On-sale timings for new dates can be found on westlife.com/live/, with further international shows to be announced soon.

Westlife said: “What better way to mark 25 years of Westlife than with an album that brings together our biggest hits alongside new music we’re so proud of. We’re beyond excited to head out on a global tour and celebrate these songs with the fans who’ve made it all possible.”




Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour

10 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

11 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

12 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

15 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

16 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

18 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

19 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

20 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

22 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

23 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

24 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

25 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

26 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

29 September 2026 – Aberdeen – P&J Live

30 September 2026 – Glasgow – OVO Hydro

1 October 2026 – Glasgow – OVO Hydro

3 October 2026 – Newcastle – Utilita Arena

4 October 2026 – Newcastle – Utilita Arena

6 October 2026 – Leeds – First Direct Bank Arena

7 October – Sheffield – Utilita Arena

9 October – London – The O2

10 October – London – The O2

11 October – London – The O2

13 October – Brighton – Centre

14 October – Bournemouth – International Centre

16 October – Birmingham – Utilita Arena

17 October – Birmingham – Utilita Arena

18 October – Birmingham – Utilita Arena

19 October – Cardiff – Utilita Arena

20 October – Cardiff – Utilita Arena

23 October – Manchester – Co-op Live

24 October – Manchester – Co-op Live

25 October – Manchester – Co-op Live

27 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

28 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

29 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

30 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

31 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

2 November – Sheffield – Utilita Arena

3 November 2026 – Aberdeen – P&J Live

5 November 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

6 November 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

15 November 2026 – Paris, France – Zenith

17 November 2026 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena

19 November 2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena

20 November 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena

21 November 2026 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum

23 November 2026 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome

24 November 2026 – Antwerp, Belgium – Lotto Arena

25 November 2026 – Cologne, Germany – LanxessArena

26 November 2026 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion


2027 

14 January 2027 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Unifi Arena

16 January 2027 – Singapore – Indoor Stadium

20 January 2027 – Manila, Philippines – Mall of Asia

23 January 2027 – Jakarta, Indonesia – Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium

25 January 2027 – Bangkok, Thailand – Impact Arena

30 January 2027 – Hong Kong – AWE Arena

24 February 2027 – Monterrey, Mexico – Arena Monterrey

25 February 2027 – Guadalajara, Mexico – Arena Guadalajara

27 February 2027 – Mexico City, Mexico – Arena CDMX

11 June 2027 – Kaunas, Lithuania – Zalgiris Arena

12 June 2027 – Riga, Latvia – Xiaomi Arena

14 June 2027 – Helsinki, Finland – Veikkaus Arena

16 June 2027 – Gothenborg, Sweden – Scandinavium

20 June 2027 – Trondheim, Norway – Sverresborg Museum

16 July 2027 – Perth, Australia – Perth RAC Arena

18 July 2027 – Adelaide, Australia – Adelaide Entertainment Centre

20 July 2027 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena

23 July 2027 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena

26 July 2027 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

28 July 2027 – Auckland, New Zealand, Spark Arena

30 July 2027 – Christchurch, New Zealand – Wolfbrook Arena




ABOUT WESTLIFE

Over the last 25 years, Westlife have become one of the most successful pop groups of all time. Their music has been streamed over 3 billion times globally; they’ve achieved 36 No.1 albums worldwide, 14 UK No.1 singles (ranking only behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles), sold over 55 million records, surpassed 1 billion YouTube views, and sold more than 6 million concert tickets around the world. The Wild Dreams Tour sold over 1.2 million tickets alone. The band have performed over 200 shows since their reunion in 2019 across 30 countries. Westlife remain the UK & Ireland’s top-selling album group of the 21st century.







Security Bank reports 24% growth in pre-provision operating profit in Q1-2026

Revenues reach PHP 17 billion, up 10% year-on-year; net profit at PHP 2.7 billion.
Security Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) delivered strong core operating performance in the first quarter of 2026, with pre-provision operating profit rising 24% year-on-year to PHP7.5 billion, supported by disciplined cost management. Total revenues reached PHP17.0 billion, up 10% year-on-year. Net income was PHP2.7 billion, up 6% quarter-on-quarter, despite higher provisions amid evolving operating conditions.

Net interest income grew to PHP15.2 billion and total non-interest income was PHP1.9 billion. Operating expenses were well-managed, increasing 2% year-on-year and decreasing 13% quarter-on-quarter, resulting in an improved cost-to-income ratio of 56% from 61% a year ago.

The Bank set aside PHP3.9 billion in provisions for credit and impairment losses, higher year-on-year as part of its prudent risk management approach. Asset quality metrics remain manageable, with gross non-performing loan ratio at 3.08% and NPL reserve cover at 81%.

Balance sheet remains strong

Total deposits increased 12% year-on-year to PHP938.0 billion, with CASA deposits growing 13% year-on-year and 4% quarter-on-quarter, accounting for 51% of total deposits.

Net loans stood at PHP679.4 billion, up 5% year-on-year as the Bank continued to rebalance its portfolio toward higher-quality segments. Total investment securities stood at PHP370.4 billion.

The Bank maintains healthy liquidity, with Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) at 198% and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) at 145% as of March 31, 2026.

Security Bank’s capital ratios remain healthy, with Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio at 12.2% and Total Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) at 13.1%. Shareholders’ capital increased to PHP153.5 billion, up 7% year-on-year. Total assets increased to PHP1.2 trillion, up 10% year-on-year.

The Bank expanded its branch network to 390 branches to-date, opening 9 new branches in first quarter 2026 and four additional branches in April and May 2026.

Recently, Moody’s Ratings affirmed Security Bank’s investment-grade credit rating of Baa2 and revised the rating outlook to stable.

On April 8, 2026, the Bank declared a regular cash dividend of PHP1.50 per common share representing regular semestral cash dividend, with payment date on May 8, 2026.

“We had a solid start to the year, driven by stronger core earnings and disciplined cost management. We remain focused on sustaining operational discipline, growing responsibly, and making banking simpler, faster, and more responsive for our customers,” said Victor Lee Meng Teck, President and CEO of Security Bank.

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