Living in Harmony: How Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines Curated the Ultimate Takumi Experience

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Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines recently hosted The Takumi Experience, an exclusive two-day luxury immersion designed to celebrate Japanese craftsmanship, elevated living, and consumer loyalty. Following a nationwide promotion running from July 1 to August 15, 2026—where every single-receipt purchase of Toshiba appliances earned a chance to win—lucky promo winners gathered from across the regions to join top lifestyle Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) for an exclusive, full day of luxury. The event curated master-led experiences that mirror the precision, aesthetic harmony, and performance built into Toshiba’s premier suite of home appliances.

Takumi Experience Promo Winners with Takumi Master Chef Josh Boutwood at Helm

For modern homeowners and design-conscious consumers, home appliances have evolved from simple utilities into core lifestyle investments. Toshiba reinforced its identity as a lifestyle partner that transforms routine daily moments into extraordinary living rituals by pairing fine dining and high culture with home inspiration.

Toshiba KOLs with Toshiba Executives and Takumi Master Chef Josh Boutwood at Helm

Across two back-to-back days, Toshiba curated tailored luxury immersions for both promo winners and top lifestyle creators. The Takumi Experience featured exclusive dining experiences at Helm—a Two-Michelin-Star restaurant—where guests enjoyed master-led culinary creations and meet-and-greets with Toshiba’s Takumi Master Chef Josh Boutwood.

Takumi Experience Promo Winners with Takumi Master Chef Josh Boutwood dining at Helm

Both groups were also treated to performance art at its highest level, attending Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi in Concert. The breathtaking evening brought the iconic epic to life through a live orchestral performance masterfully conducted by Toshiba’s Takumi Master Gerard Salonga, captivating guests with every sweep of the baton and seamlessly blending cinematic nostalgia with classical elegance.

Takumi Master Gerard Salonga at Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert at the Theatre at Solaire

To round out the ultimate luxury experience, promo winners enjoyed an exclusive staycation at Solaire Resort. The lavish stay provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation, allowing guests to immerse themselves in five-star comfort and world-class hospitality throughout their getaway.

Derived from the Japanese concept of Takumi—which honors dedicated master artisans—the campaign highlights Toshiba’s heritage of meticulous attention to detail. Just as Chef Josh curates flavors with precision and Maestro Gerard directs complex musical scores, Toshiba designs appliances that blend Japanese-inspired aesthetics with high-performance technology.

The Toshiba Booth at the Theatre at Solaire

"True luxury lies in the details," said Ms. Anna Marie Alejandro, General Manager of Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines. "Whether it is technology that preserves the freshness of fine ingredients or intuitive design that enhances a room's aesthetic harmony, Toshiba appliances are crafted to fit seamlessly into a modern, elevated lifestyle."

By connecting culinary mastery and orchestral performance to home living, Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines inspires consumers to elevate their kitchens and living spaces into functional works of art.

For more information on Toshiba Lifestyle’s newest product line-ups and campaigns, visit https://www.toshiba-lifestyle.com/ph, follow @toshiba_lifestyle_philippines on Instagram and @toshibalifestyleph on TikTok, subscribe to Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines on YouTube, and like @ToshibaLifestylePhilippines on Facebook.

From screen to street: 4 new HBO Max shows to inspire your style

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This Fashion Month, take cues from these characters in series you can binge and more with your PLDT Home Fiber Unli All 1499 – that comes with an HBO Max Standard subscription

Photo credit: Lionsgate

What you wear versus what you watch on TV. Life does imitate art and vice versa, but which follows which when it comes to fashion and streaming?

Quite often, costume designers and stylists working on a show often borrow from the streets to visualize the cultural mood of the moment. On the other hand, audiences absorb these looks and bring it back into the real world.

Ever since Giorgio Armani made cinema elegant and costume designer Patricia Field influenced global trends with every season of the HBO Original series Sex and the City, fashion on-screen has done more than expound a character’s story. It has given us ideas about how we might want to dress in real life. This transcended further over time, with the likes of costume designer Eric Daman molding Manhattan’s sensibilities into the 2007-2012 run of Gossip Girl and then the series’ 2021-2023 reboot.

Today, fashion is less about a single prevailing look and more about finding an aesthetic to call our own. Gen Z and millennials increasingly draw style inspo from one of their favorite pastimes: Streaming. The shows they binge become virtual mood boards, offering a steady stream of characters and wardrobes to borrow from.

Customers of PLDT Home’s new Fiber Unli All Plan 1499, which bundles fast and reliable fiber internet with an HBO Max Standard subscription, can tap easily into these shows turned style inspirations. The plan offers even more unlimited entertainment, along with access to Cignal TV channels, 9GB of Smart mobile data, and unlimited landline calls.

This Fashion Month, there’s a whole wardrobe of ideas on HBO Max waiting to make the jump from screen to your closet!

Photo credit: Reality MM Studios

Power dress à la Andrea Manuel on Call My Manager

Adapted from the French series Dix pour cent, Call My Manager is a comedy series that follows the managers and employees of the fictional talent agency Shine Artist Management. Starring Judy Ann Santos, Edu Manzano, and RK Bagatsing, the Erik Matti-directed HBO Original Philippine series looks to differ from the French original in terms of pacing.

Santos as talent manager Andrea Manuel rocks tailored power suits in monochromatic gray, black, and navy. Unlike corporate power suits, the talent managers portrayed by Manzano and Bagatsing prefer a more relaxed style that still exudes boss energy – even as they scramble to deal with the drama of their artists.

New episodes of Call My Manager drop weekly on HBO Max every Thursday.

Photo credit: DC Studios

Pull off punk like Kara Zor-El on Supergirl

Outside of the Supergirl costume, Kara Zor-El – played by Milly Alcock – showcases a rugged, punk-edged, and rebellious civilian aesthetic. The key pieces? Tan-brown hooded trench coat, Miu Miu boots, jeans, and a Blondie T-shirt. The look says she just rolled out of bed looking like this: weary yet somehow put together, and with the attitude that she sure won’t be doing a GRWM video.

Supergirl costume designers Anna B. Sheppard and Michael Mooney created a wardrobe that resonated with Gen Z so much that after the movie came out, the tan trench trended on online retailers.

Supergirl is now streaming on HBO Max.

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Reinvent retro to the tune of MJ in Michael

In Antoine Fuqua’s 2026 biopic starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s clothes help recreate the eras of the singer. Costume designer Marci Rodgers retraces Jackson’s evolution from the colorful looks of the Jackson 5 years to the distinctive wardrobe of his solo career.

Channeling the 80s, the jackets are easily the highlight. There are plenty of iconic looks represented: the red leather jacket with V-shaped piping from Thriller; the sparkly jacket, glove, and socks from Michael’s Billie Jean performance at Motown 25; the belts-and-buckles jacket from Bad; and the white suit and hat from Smooth Criminal.

Michael premieres on HBO Max on September 25.

Photo credit: SHOWTIME

Aim for an arresting style like the MobLand Season 2 gangsters

Even when the characters are doing terrible things, their wardrobes look terribly good. MobLand – starring Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, and Tom Hardy – brings the mob chic sartorial language into the present. Still expensive, just not outwardly expensive.

Standing out is Anglo-Italian tailoring in labels like Ralph Lauren, Salomon shoes, Barbour silhouettes for the men; and always all black for Mirren’s character Maeve Harrigan. As for accessories, expensive Swiss watches seal the statement.

MobLand Season 2 premieres on HBO Max on September 19.

Stream Call My Manager, Supergirl, Michael, and MobLand Season 2 only on HBO Max, bundled with your PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1499. Enjoy unlimited fiber internet, entertainment, and more plan benefits all in one – making it a smart choice in keeping your home connected and entertained.

Brave Ahead: Bimby Aquino Takes Charge of Family Care as iCare HMO Brand Ambassador

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Filipinos have watched Bimby Aquino grow up in the public eye. Now stepping into adulthood at 19, he is making a major milestone: choosing his first official brand endorsement as an adult - partnering with iCare, an HMO with one of the country’s widest healthcare provider networks.

For Bimby, choosing healthcare for his entry into adulthood is deeply personal. Raised in a household that navigated his mother Kris Aquino’s ongoing battle with autoimmune illnesses, he developed an early understanding of health protection and medical accessibility.

“But health should not be a privilege, nor should it be a struggle. It should be a given,” he says. “I’m partnering with iCare because every family deserves the care we fought so hard for.”

Having experienced firsthand what access to healthcare can mean for a family, Bimby believes it should not be limited to those who can easily afford it.

From Cared For to Provider

For years, Filipinos saw Bimby as the child being protected by those around him. Today, adulthood means having the agency to give that protection back.

As part of his new chapter, Bimby secured iCare HMO coverage not only for himself and his brother, but also for members of their household staff who helped raise him over the years

“Even if we’re not blood-related, they took care of us. They’re really part of my family and they deserve to have that right to be healthy. “I love having freedom to provide for my mom and brother. It feels nice to be a responsible member of the family,” he furthered.

The decision makes his first adult endorsement more than a career milestone. It reflects the kind of adult Bimby wants to become: a loving son and brother who remembers the people who helped raise him and, when given the opportunity, chooses to care for them in return.

Brave Ahead into the Future

The partnership anchors iCare’s “Brave Ahead” campaign, encouraging young Filipinos taking their first career steps - whether earning their first paycheck or assuming family responsibilities - to prioritize health security early.

“My mom always told me that if you don’t take care of your health at an early age, your health problems might catch up to you. So, I believe that as early as you can, make sure that your health is well taken care of,” he reflects.

iCare HMO Individual and Family Plans allow principal enrollment starting at age 18, offering coverage for outpatient check-ups, annual physical exams, inpatient hospitalization and accredited emergency care based on plan selection,

For Bimby, being Brave Ahead isn’t about having everything figured out, it's about having the foresight to protect the people who matter most.

HONOR 600S Confirmed to Launch in the Philippines on October 1

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HONOR’s latest smartphone brings key experiences from the HONOR 600 Series to a wider audience, with AI-powered creativity, 5G connectivity, and long-lasting battery life.

Following the success of the HONOR 600 Series, global AI devices provider HONOR Philippines has officially confirmed the arrival of the HONOR 600S, coming to the Philippines on October 1, 2026.

As a more accessible addition to the HONOR 600 Series, the HONOR 600S is designed to bring the experiences that users value from the series to a wider audience. Built for young professionals, creators, and digital-savvy users, it combines entertainment, content creation, work, business, and connectivity in a smartphone made for everyday life.

The HONOR 600S is set to bring more of the HONOR 600 Series experience to a wider audience, with a combination of entertainment, creativity, connectivity, and everyday performance. Among its highlights is HONOR AI Image to Video 2.0, giving users a glimpse of the creative experiences they can expect from the new device.

It also comes with 5G connectivity, allowing users to stay connected and enjoy their digital experiences wherever the day takes them. It is built to keep up with users who are always on the go, featuring a massive 8,100mAh battery designed to provide the power needed for long days of streaming, scrolling, creating, and getting things done.

“Following the strong response to the HONOR 600 Series, we wanted to continue giving our consumers more of the experiences they value while making them accessible to even more users,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “The HONOR 600S carries forward the AI-powered creativity and connectivity that our consumers enjoy, while offering an option that fits the needs of a wider audience. We’re excited to officially introduce it to the Philippines this October.”

The HONOR 600S officially launches in the Philippines on October 1, 2026. More details, including pricing, availability, and other launch offers, will be revealed soon. Watch the live launch here: https://bit.ly/H600S_GrandLaunch_PR.

For more information about HONOR Philippines, you may visit: https://www.honor.com/ph/. To stay updated on launch announcements, product information, and exclusive offers, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive launch updates, product information, and more. #HONOR600S #AnythingIsPossible #HONORPhilippines #HONOR600Series

From EastWest WAIS to wise choices: Credit card habits to strengthen your finances

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Practical lessons on turning credit into a tool for financial well-being

Despite wider access to financial services, many Filipinos still struggle with financial literacy and resilience. According to the 2025 National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) Annual Report, while 85% of Filipino households now have financial accounts, only 74% demonstrate basic financial literacy, and just 30% have enough savings to withstand financial shocks.

These figures show that access alone is not enough. Filipinos also need practical financial education that helps them use financial products confidently and responsibly.

EastWest is responding to this need through EastWest WAIS (Wise Approach to Income and Savings), its financial empowerment platform under the Bank's sustainability agenda. Designed to turn financial education into practical, everyday guidance, WAIS helps employees, educators, and communities build stronger money habits through discussions on saving, budgeting, responsible borrowing, and credit management.

One recent session, Credit Card 101, focused on helping participants better understand how credit cards work and how they can be used as tools for building financial wellness rather than sources of financial stress.

"Credit cards are a very powerful tool," said Oscar Navidad, Head of Credit Card Direct Sales at EastWest. "But it depends on how we use it. We have a choice in using it for the better or for the worse."

Pay in full whenever possible

One of the session's key takeaways was understanding the true cost of carrying unpaid balances. While credit cards offer convenience and flexibility, interest charges can quickly accumulate when balances are not paid in full.

"The revolving interest will only kick in if we have unpaid balances," Navidad explained. "If you pay your balance in full on or before the due date, there is no interest."

Don't treat credit limit as extra income

Navidad also emphasized the importance of managing credit utilization, or the percentage of available credit being used. As a general rule, keeping utilization below 30% can help consumers maintain healthier spending habits and build a stronger credit profile.

Let rewards follow your spending

Cashback, discounts, and rewards points can add value, but they should not become the reason for spending. "Don't chase the rewards. When the rewards come to you because that's your lifestyle, use the rewards well," Navidad advised.

Instead, consumers should choose credit cards that match their regular spending habits and financial needs.

Build a credit record that works for you

Responsible card use can help build a positive credit history, an important factor when applying for loans in the future.

"It's important that you're able to prudently use the credit line extended to you," Navidad said. "It will not only affect your credit card but all your other loans as well."

The session reinforced a simple message: financial wellness is not about avoiding credit, but about knowing how to use it wisely.

Through WAIS, EastWest brings this guidance closer to the people and communities it serves, supporting better everyday decisions and long-term financial well-being and empowerment.

"True financial well-being comes from understanding how to use financial tools wisely. WAIS teaches more than saving money—it also forms habits that build wealth and protects the wealth and assets you acquired in your financial wellness journey that ultimately leads to responsible spending, which in turn leads to a sustainable lifestyle i.e. mindful consumption, less resource-intensive," said Dave Devilles, EastWest Head of Sustainability.

To learn more about EastWest's sustainability initiatives and financial literacy programs, visit https://www.eastwestbanker.com/sustainability.