Personal Collection Champions Women’s Entrepreneurship this Women’s Month Majority of PC dealers are women, with access to low startup costs and quality products

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Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) make up 99.5% of business establishments in the Philippines, driving employment, innovation, and economic growth. But did you know that more than half of them are owned by women?

A report by the Asian Development Bank states that a remarkable 55.8% of MSMEs in the country are owned or led by women. Of which, women entirely own 79%, while 19% are majority-owned by women.

Yet, the same report says that despite their strong presence, women-led businesses face barriers in financing, gender bias, balancing responsibilities, and digital adoption. Despite these challenges, women entrepreneurs continue to thrive and contribute immensely to the economy.

Personal Collection’s commitment to women’s entrepreneurship

Leading Filipino-owned direct selling company Personal Collection (PC) has long been a champion of women’s empowerment through business ownership. Majority of its million-strong dealers being women, PC built a community that uplifts and supports Filipinas in their journey toward financial independence. Their direct selling model provides an accessible, low-risk opportunity for women to start and scale their businesses without the financial and operational barriers of traditional enterprises.

By keeping startup costs low, PC ensures that women can access high-quality, in-demand products, making it easier for them to begin on their entrepreneurial journey.

Aside from providing the opportunity to start a business with minimal capital, PC also empowers women to achieve financial independence by allowing them to earn based on their efforts and strategies. This financial freedom boosts their confidence, enabling them to break through gender biases, pursue personal goals, support their families, and create a better future for themselves and their loved ones.

Moreover, PC offers comprehensive training and mentorship in sales, leadership, and business management, equipping women with essential skills to thrive in a competitive market even in online selling platforms to help them grow and expand their businesses.

Why women’s success is everyone’s success

The success of women is not just about individual achievement—it has a profound impact on families and the society as a whole. When women succeed, their families prosper, their communities thrive, and they inspire younger women to dream bigger and strive for more.

Personal Collection recognizes that women are not just entrepreneurs—they have lives beyond their work. PC promotes flexibility, understanding that women juggle multiple roles, from being mothers to pursuing their passions. By empowering women in all aspects of life, PC drives their success in business and strengthens their roles in the community and the economy.

“At Personal Collection, women are the heart and soul of our business—majority of our dealers are women, and their success is our success. We’ve built more than just a business, we’ve created a movement that empowers women to lead, earn, and achieve their dreams on their own terms. When we uplift women, we uplift families, communities, and ultimately, the entire nation," Personal Collection Chairman, Jun Evangelista said.

To start your entrepreneurial journey with Personal Collection, visit https://www.personalcollection.com.ph/.

Eraserheads surprise fans with an intimate live performance at sold-out ‘Combo On The Run’ screening

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Moviegoers were in for a special treat as the legendary Filipino rock band Eraserheads delivered a surprise live performance during a sold-out screening of Eraserheads: Combo On The Run at a mall last night.

The multi-awarded band wowed the unsuspecting audience with a six-set song, performing some of their biggest hits, including “Superproxy,” “Combo on the Run,” “Alapaap,” “Spoliarium,” “Pare Ko,” and “Magasin.”

The pop-up performance was part of an initiative to reward devoted fans and rekindle the magic of in-theater experiences, encouraging audiences to support moviegoing culture in an era dominated by streaming. 

As previously announced, the band is set to make select appearances in cinemas in the coming days to further fuel the excitement for the documentary film’s nationwide run.

Now open in more than 150 theaters nationwide, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run has received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. Billboard Philippines praised the film for being a “testament to the relatable human experience of finding healing and reconnecting with those who were once close to us.” Meanwhile, Pelikula Mania gave it a 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling it a “perfect tribute to an original Pinoy music icon.”

Directed by Diane Ventura, the documentary offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Ang Huling El Bimbo reunion concert of 2022, unfolding against the turbulent backdrop of political division and the lingering uncertainty of the post-pandemic era. Featuring rare footage and never-before-seen interviews, the film takes audiences on a captivating odyssey through the band’s stories history, challenges, and triumphs.

Adding to the excitement, the film teased the moviegoers and fans during the end credits when it announced details of the band’s upcoming show, ERASERHEADS: ELECTRIC FUN MUSIC FESTIVAL. Set to be staged at SMDC Festival Grounds in Pasay City on May 31, 2025, the upcoming event promises to be another epic celebration of the band’s enduring legacy.

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is brought to you by DVent Pictures and WEU, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

For ticket availability and screening schedules, visit your local cinemas. Eraserheads: Combo On The Run will be available on theaters nationwide from March 21-23, 2025.

Michelin expands its presence in the Philippines, opens new office to enhance customer engagement and support

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Michelin, world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences, proudly announces the opening of its new official office in the Philippines. This milestone reinforces Michelin’s long-term commitment to the country, enhancing support for local partners and strengthening its brand presence in the Filipino market.

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• Michelin has opened its new official office in Manila, Philippines to strengthen its brand presence, improve customer and partner experiences, and develop local talents.

• The new office will provide better resources and expertise to local partners, elevate sales and after-sales services, and ensure high-quality products for Filipino customers.

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The new office in the Polaris Building, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, will serve as a hub for enhanced customer engagement and support, reflecting Michelin’s dedication to the growing Filipino market. This strategic move aims to strengthen the Michelin brand’s presence and elevate the overall customer and partner experience.

“We are excited to open our new office in the Philippines. We recognize the country’s strong market potential, and this move enables us to reinforce our partnerships, enhance customer support, and further establish Michelin as the preferred choice for mobility solutions in the region.” said Jonathan Khong, Managing Director of Michelin Asia Pacific (Singapore) Philippines Branch Office.

The opening of the new office will enable Michelin to:

· Enhance Support for Local Partners: By establishing a physical presence, Michelin will strengthen collaboration with local partners, providing them with better resources, tools, and expertise to enhance their business operations.

· A Stronger Michelin Brand in the Philippines: The new office will bolster the Michelin brand, ensuring greater accessibility, visibility, and engagement in the local market.

· Commitment to the Filipino Market: This move reflects Michelin’s continued dedication to the Philippines, recognizing its growing market potential and its importance in the region.

· Elevate Customer Experience Through Improved Services: The new office will strengthen sales and after-sales services by providing enhanced support to partners, ensuring Filipino customers receive the highest-quality Michelin products and services.

· Develop Filipino Talents: Michelin is committed to investing in developing local talents, fostering growth and expertise within the Filipino workforce.

Michelin has a long-standing history in the Philippines, tracing its presence back to the early 1990s. The company has evolved its operations to serve the market better, currently working with five key importers to distribute its wide range of tire solutions for various applications, including passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, and specialty vehicles.

“Our goal is to be a trusted partner in the Philippines, contributing to the country’s development and providing innovative solutions that meet the needs of our customers. We are committed to building a strong and sustainable presence in the Philippines.” Mr. Khong added.

DigiPlus uplifts communities through ₱100M commitment to community projects

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DigiPlus Interactive, through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, is transforming communities and creating lasting impact with its ₱100 million commitment in 2024 to support education, disaster relief, and livelihood programs, benefitting the lives of over 120,000 Filipinos across the country.

In 2024, DigiPlus launched PLUS Centers across the country, providing free internet access, digital literacy training, and educational resources to underserved communities. These centers serve as safe learning spaces where students and job seekers can develop the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.

At the heart of its education initiatives is the PLUS Factor Scholarship Program, which empowers over 60 students nationwide, providing full scholarships, financial assistance, and mentorship opportunities to deserving Filipino students. By investing in the next generation of leaders in STEM, business, and digital innovation, DigiPlus is helping build a knowledge-driven economy.

Following Typhoon Kristine, DigiPlus allocated ₱37 million in emergency aid, delivering critical relief, rebuilding support, and sustainable livelihood assistance to affected communities. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to long-term resilience and disaster recovery efforts. Additionally,

Beyond disaster relief, DigiPlus invests in sustainable livelihood programs, equipping individuals with resources, training, and tools to achieve economic independence. Through skills development and job readiness initiatives, the company is creating opportunities that uplift families and empower local communities.

“True success is measured not just by business growth, but by the impact we make in people’s lives,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco. “Through the BingoPlus Foundation, we are empowering scholars, bridging the digital divide, rebuilding communities, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. This is how we make a difference.”

With its focus on education, digital access, disaster resilience, and community empowerment, DigiPlus is building a brighter future for Filipinos, one initiative at a time.

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About DigiPlus Interactive Corp.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates SpinPlus and GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.

Hiligaynon full-length film Salum and Mindanaoan short film Champ Green shine bright at the Puregold CinePanalo 2025 awards night

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Hiligaynon full-length film Salum directed by TM Malones and Mindanaoan short film Champ Green were honored the top prizes in their respective categories at the second edition of the wildly successful Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

At the awarding ceremony, held on March 19 at The Elements, Eton Centris in Quezon City, Salum took home four Puregold CinePanalo trophies in the full-length category namely: Panalong Pelikula, Panalo sa Production Design, Panalo sa Sound Design, and Panalo sa Musical Scoring as well as a cash prize of PhP 250,000. Meanwhile, Champ Green received a PhP 100,000 cash prize and five trophies in the student shorts category including Panalong Maikling Pelikula, Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Sol Eugenio, Panalo sa Kwento, Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, and Mowelfund Special Citation.

In addition, Champ Green, being the students shorts winner, also won film equipment including a Black Mist ⅛, a Dream Filter, a Blue Lightstreak Filter from MFP Rentals and Kase Philippines; a Nanlite FC 60B with Merch from MQ Group and Nanlite Philippines; and a Hollyland Lark C1 Wireless Microphone from Sieztech Enterprize and Hollyland Tech Philippines. Champ Green also won an extra PHP25,000 for winning the Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, as did fellow short film G! and full-length film Journeyman who won the same award; as well as Checkmate and Taympers, who similarly tied for Pinakapanalong Promosyon ng Pelikula. Each of these sponsors gladly awarded Champ Green with the equipment in order to support the development of young Filipino filmmakers such as Champ Green director Clyde Cuizon Gamale.

JP Habac was named Panalong Direktor (Best Director) for his work on Olsen’s Day at Puregold CinePanalo 2025.

The Panalong Aktor (Best Actor) for the full-length category was awarded to Khalil Ramos (Olsen’s Day). He shares this award with JP Larroder (Tigkiliwi).

The Mowelfund Special Citation was awarded to Olsen’s Day in the full-length category.

Talented actress Alexa Ilacad, who stars in Co-Love, at the Puregold CinePanalo 2025.

Tigkiliwi takes home the Panalong Karangalan mula sa Hurado for the full-length category. 

Director Tara Illenberger proudly receives the Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado (Jury Prize) for Tigkiliwi at Puregold CinePanalo 2025.

In the full-length category, another Hiligaynon film Tigkiliwi nabbed seven trophies including Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado and Panalo sa Kwento for its writer-director Tara Illenberger. The charming film about a community of misfits swept the acting awards categories including Panalong Aktres for Ruby Ruiz, and Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Jeffrey Jiruma. 

In an interesting turn of events, two ties were declared during the awards night. The Panalong Aktor trophy was shared between JP Larroder as Tigkiliwi’s Tata, and Khalil Ramos as the titular Olsen in Olsen’s Day while both Journeyman and Olsen’s Day were declared the winners of the Panalo sa Cinematography category. Meanwhile, JP Habac of Olsen’s Day bagged the Panalong Direktor award.

Journeyman by the sibling-tandem of Christian Paolo and Dominic Lat took home a total of six trophies namely: Panalo Sa International Jury, Panalo sa Cinematography (tie with Olsen’s Day), Panalo sa Film Poster, the MTRCB Special Award for Responsableng Paglikha, Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, and the Puregold Always Panalo Film which it shared with the romantic-comedy film Fleeting by Catsi Catalan.

For the student shorts, Uwian, directed by Panalong Direktor winner Vhan Marco Molacruz of Colegio de San Juan de Letran crushed the competition, winning five different awards including Panalong Direktor, Panalo sa Musical Scoring, Panalo sa Production Design, Panalong Aktres for Geraldine Villamil, and Panalong Pangalawang Aktres for Uzziel Delamide.

Other notable entries to the student shorts category included Sean Rafael Verdejo’s absurdist dramedy Dela Cruz, Juan P., which took home Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado; as well as Ira Corinne Esguerra’s coming-of-age sibling story SamPie, which took home the Puregold Always Panalo Film award.

Each award was deliberated upon by an impressive lineup of qualified judges, including Festival Director Christopher Cahilig, Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, and Republic Creative Creations, Inc. representative Sonny Bautista, each of whom sat on both the student shorts and full-length jury panels. Joining them on the students shorts panel were directors Emmanuel Dela Cruz and Victor Villanueva, as well as film critic Lito Zulueta. The full-length jury panel, on the other hand, consisted of Cahilig, Hayagan-Piedad, and Bautista, as well as directors Jeffrey Jeturian and Mae Cruz-Alviar, writer and producer Moira Lang, and Estonian filmmaker Tiina Lokk, the festival director of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

This year’s CinePanalo saw increased grants for all entries, with PHP 3,000,000 grants for full-length entries, and P150,000 grants for student shorts. The festival was also supported in large part by its partner organizations ​​Terminal Six Post, CMB Film Services Inc., Gateway Cineplex 18, MFP Rentals, the MTRCB,  and the Mowelfund Film Institute.

Puregold Senior Marketing Manager and Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad and Festival Director Christopher Cahilig

“The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will always be fueled by a deep love for the art of cinema, and an even deeper ambition to show what Philippine talent and passion has to offer,” said Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. “With the CinePanalo having reached a successful second edition, the possibilities are now endless. We can’t wait for all the wonderful films yet to grace the Puregold CinePanalo in all the years to come.”

Salum, Champ Green, and all the other full-length and student short films of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 will continue to screen exclusively at the Gateway Cineplex 18, Cubao, Quezon City until the closing of the festival on March 25. Regular tickets are P250, with discounts available for students, PWDs, seniors, Tindahan ni Aling Puring, and Perks Card members for P200. Meanwhile, festival passes for the entire experience cost P2,000, granting holders entrance to all official movie entries.

Young filmmakers pose with Festival Director and award-winning filmmaker, Chris Cahilig.

 

FULL LIST OF WINNERS:

Pinakapanalong Pelikula

Full-Length: Salum (TM Malones)

Student Shorts: Champ Green (Clyde Cuizon Gamale)

 

Puregold Always Panalo Film

Full-Length: Journeyman (Christian Paolo Lat & Dominic Lat), Fleeting (Catsi Catalan)

Student Shorts: Sampie, (Ira Corinne Esquerra Malit)

 

Panalong Direktor

Full-Length: JP Habac, Olsen’s Day

Student Shorts: Vhan Marco B. Molacruz, Uwian

 

Panalong Aktres

Full-Length: Ruby Ruiz as Nay Pansay, Tigkiliwi

Student Shorts: Geraldine Villamil as Remy, Uwian

 

Panalong Aktor

Full-Length:

Khalil Ramos as Olsen, Olsen’s Day

JP Larroder as Tata, Tigkiliwi

Student Shorts: 

Lucas Martin as Sam, SamPie

Jasper John as Juan Dela Cruz, Dela Cruz, Juan P.

 

Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Mga Hurado

Full-Length: Tigkiliwi (Tara Illenberger)

Student Shorts: Dela Cruz, Juan P. (Sean Rafael A. Verdejo)

 

Panalo Sa Mga Manonood

Full-Length: Co-Love (Jill Singson Urdaneta)

Student Shorts: Sisenta! (Mae Malaya)

 

Panalong Pangalawang Aktres

Full-Length: Gabby Padilla as Marlin, Tigkiliwi

Student Shorts: Uzziel Delamide as Imang, Uwian

 

Panalong Pangalawang Aktor

Full-Length: Jeffrey Jiruma as Pol, Tigkiliwi

Student Shorts: Sol Eugenio as Tekbong, Champ Green

 

Panalong Ensemble

Full-Length: Tigkiliwi (Tara Illenberger)

Student Shorts: Sine-Sine (Roniño Dolim)

 

Panalong Kwento

Full-Length: Tara Illenberger, Tigkiliwi

Student Shorts: Clyde Cuizon Gamale, Champ Green

 

Panalo sa Cinematography

Full-Length: 

Dominic Lat, Journeyman

Kara Moreno, Olsen’s Day

Student Shorts: Lance Lascano, Dan, En Pointe

 

Panalo sa Production Design

Full-Length: Kyle Fermindoza, Salum

Student Shorts: Andrea Jayne Perang, Uwian

 

Panalo sa Musical Scoring

Full-Length: Armor Rapista, Salum

Student Shorts: Len Calvo, Uwian

 

Panalo sa Editing

Full-Length: Vanessa Ubas de Leon, Co-Love

Student Shorts: Jose Andy Sales, G!

 

Panalo sa Sound Design

Full-Length: Fatima Nerikka Salim and Immanuel Verona, Salum

Student Shorts: Elian Idioma, Dela Cruz, Juan P.

 

Panalong Awitin

Full-Length: “DI KO PINILI” by Kiko Salazar, performed by KD Estrada, Co-Love

Student Shorts: “Suga, Camera, Saad” by Jonathan Rey Sartorio and Lloyd Martin Villacortes Arce, performed by Jonathan Rey “ROTT” Sartorio, Sine-Sine

 

Panalo sa Brand Intrusion

Full-Length: Journeyman (555 Sardines and Lucky Me!)

Student Shorts: Champ Green (Bear Brand), G! (Chuckie)

 

Panalo sa Film Poster

Full-Length: Journeyman by Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat

Student Shorts: Checkmate by Alexie Nicole Pardo

 

Pinakapanalong Promosyon ng Pelikula

Student Shorts:

Checkmate by Alexie Nicole Pardo

Taympers by Naiah Nicole Mendoza

 

Responsableng Paglikha

Full-Length: Journeyman by Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat

Student Shorts:

1. Dan, En Pointe by Adelbert Abrigonda
2. Sine-Sine by Roniño Dolim
3. 1… 2… Strike!!! by Kenneth Flores

 

Mowelfund Special Citation

Full-Length: Olsen’s Day

Student Shorts: Champ Green

 

Panalo sa International Jury

Journeyman by Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat

Araneta City moves for the future for Earth Hour 2025

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The City of Firsts takes part in the global Earth Hour movement through meaningful activities.

This March, Araneta City declares unity towards global sustainability by joining the global Earth Hour 2025 celebration.

The City of Firsts once again joins the annual worldwide movement, reaffirming its role as a partner in creating a greener future for everyone. For this year, Araneta City invites everyone to Move for the Future by turning the annual tradition into an immersive experience that highlights environmental responsibility, energy conservation, and biodiversity awareness.

Lights off

From 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM on March 22, Araneta City will power down in sync with millions around the world for the WWF Earth Hour Switch Off. In one hour, the City of Firsts switches off the lights from its famous landmarks, establishments, and streets to signify its commitment to sustainability and a brighter, greener future for future generations.

“For Araneta City, Earth Hour is more than a symbolic switch-off,” Marjorie Go, VP for Marketing, said. “It’s a call to action, a reminder that every small choice we make can add up to real change.”

Interactive displays

In the days leading up to the actual Earth Hour event, action will start to take many forms. At Ali Mall, the Unplug and Play: Geo Quest activation will transport kids and kids at heart into an adventure that blends the thrill of exploration with beloved Filipino childhood games. From March 17 to 20, participants can navigate through an interactive forest trail, passing through the Patintero Clearing, Snake and Ladder Jungle, and Piko Shrub.

At Gateway Mall 2, the attractive LED ceiling of Quantum Skyview will feature Quantum Wildlife: The Flight of Haring Ibon, a visual presentation from March 22 to 30 in collaboration with wildlife photographer and filmmaker Vinz Pascua of Haring Ibon PH. Through breathtaking images and compelling storytelling, the exhibit aims to raise awareness of the country’s endangered bird species and the importance of protecting their natural habitats.

Other events

At Farmers Plaza, sustainability takes center stage with SustainaBILIty: A POP QC Eco Fair from March 21 to 23. This initiative, held in partnership with the local government of Quezon City, will showcase local businesses championing eco-friendly products and responsible consumption.

The fair will also host eco talks on March 22 where discussions on resource efficiency and plastic-free solutions will take place, offering practical insights into how individuals and businesses can reduce waste and embrace sustainability.

Lastly, a special green initiative will be integrated at Araneta City's Sunday run club. On March 16, 23, and 30, the aRUNeta Eco Run Club will encourage participants to run not just for fitness, but also for the environment. Every purchase of an official run club shirt comes with a bamboo sapling pledge to the Green Project, an initiative by the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) that aids in the reforestation of Rizal.

“Beyond simply turning off the lights in Araneta City, we are encouraging everyone to turn on their sense of responsibility. The power to create a brighter future belongs to each of us. So for this year's Earth Hour, we are not just observing. We are moving for the future, and we invite everyone to move with us,” Go concluded.

vivo 3x3 Basketball Challenge returns for year 3 this Saturday, March 22

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Get ready for non-stop hoops as the vivo 3x3 Basketball Challenge storms back for its third season this SATURDAY, March 22, 2025!

The stakes are higher, the competition is tougher, and the action is more explosive than ever with electrifying plays, intense rivalries, and the best ballers in the game. This is where champions are made!

Here’s how the action unfolds on the court!

The vivo 3x3 Basketball Challenge will feature sixteen teams—eight men’s and eight women’s—battling it out on the court.

The teams in each category will be divided into Group A and Group B, competing in a round-robin format.

Every game is do-or-die! Each squad will face every team in their group, with games decided by the first to reach 21 points or the leader when the final buzzer sounds.

The winning four teams per category from every leg will advance to the Grand Finals.

The road to glory begins

The thrilling Year 3 opener this Saturday kicks off at SM MOA Music Hall—setting the stage for an action-packed season!

The excitement heats up with upcoming stops at:

• April 12 – Robinsons Manila

• April 26 – SM City Clark, Pampanga

• May 3 – SM Fairview, Quezon City

For the epic showdown, the Grand Finals return to SM MOA Music Hall on May 9 and 10!

Expect high-flying dunks, clutch three-pointers, and unforgettable buzzer-beaters as the fiercest teams go head-to-head for the championship title.

The NEW vivo V50 in its three colorways: Satin Black, Mist Purple and Ancora Red

Experience the game through vivo V50's ZEISS lenses

See the game unfold in person or LIVE on vivo’s official Facebook, TikTok, and X accounts, brought to life by the NEW vivo V50!

With its 50MP ZEISS All Main Camera, the vivo V50 captures every dribble and shot in stunning clarity, ensuring you never miss a moment of the intense basketball action.

Plus, you feel even more immersed in the action, as this device also features the CIPA 4.0 camera-level stabilization to keep your view steady and immersive—free from unwanted shakes!

With hours of intense tournament action ahead, the vivo V50 keeps up with its powerful 6000mAh BlueVolt battery, lasting from the first play to the final whistle and beyond!

But wait—there’s more!

Fans and spectators are in for a treat with exciting prizes and surprises throughout the tournament. Whether you’re cheering courtside or showing off your skills in on-ground activities, the vivo 3x3 experience is something you don’t want to miss!

So, gather your crew, lock in the dates, and be part of the most electrifying basketball event of the year! Stay updated by visiting the official vivo website and following vivo on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok

Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, and Maine Mendoza go on a special group date with lucky Smart subscribers

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In line with Smart’s commitment to empower subscribers with amazing experiences that go beyond connectivity, select subscribers enjoyed some rare quality time getting to know Smart ambassadors Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, and Maine Mendoza in a series of meet-and-greet sessions.

Through Smart’s Holideals promo, Donny and Belle treated fans like family last February 15 while Maine had an extended bonding session with her supporters last February 22.

Group date with DonBelle

For DonBelle fans who joined the Smart Holideals Meet-and-Greet promo, there was no better way to spend the love month than with the country’s most-sought after on-screen loveteam.

Ten lucky fans—who also participated in getting-to-know games moderated by Rammy Bitong— went all out to prepare personalized gifts for DonBelle and even sang Happy Birthday for Donny who celebrated his birthday last February 10.

SMART brand ambasadors Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano spend a fun afternoon with their supporters at recent Smart meet-and-greet event.

The event also saw DonBelle interacting with each subscriber, taking time to truly talk to each of them about their own personal experiences, and even making video calls for their friends. The winners did not just have their photos with DonBelle taken but were also able to share their stories with the loveteam, who in turn reminisced about their career and personal journey through the years.

HOST Rammy Bitong with Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan

“We really enjoyed spending time with you guys. Thank you for coming out here. We know marami rin kayong agenda sa buhay or pinagdadaanan but you still showed up for us," said Donny.

"Belle and I would not be here without you guys. We consider you guys family. We just hope we all could all continue to lift each other up and spread positivity. Thank you, guys. We love you so much. Thank you, Smart, for this opportunity,” he added.

For her part, Belle said, “It’s rare that we get to have this kind of interaction with you na talagang very intimate. You know so much about us so it’s really nice to have this opportunity for us to know more about you.”

She also echoed Donny’s sentiments by saying, “I agree with Donny na tayong lahat, marami tayong pinagdadaanan but despite all that, we have each other to lift each other up. We have different fan groups but it’s nice that we can create a community and grow together as a family and this event does just that. To our Smart family, thank you so much for doing this. We truly appreciate this!”

The supporters took time to do a group video about the event to collectively thank Smart: “We weren’t expecting this meet-and-greet to be this personal. Thank you so much to Smart!”

A trip down memory lane with Maine

On the other hand, Maine Mendoza immediately took off from her noontime show to surprise nine lucky Smart subscribers having lunch at a restaurant in Quezon City. The fans were in knee-deep conversation with P-Pop Daydream member Denise Silva, hosting the event and reminiscing about Maine’s colorful career.

MAINE MENDOZA at Smart's Holideals mett-and-greet event.

Among them is 36-year-old Elvira Abad, who traveled all the way from Meycauayan, Bulacan to interact with her idol. Elvira has been a Smart subscriber since 2015. “Very relatable siya nung nag-start pa lang siya sa showbiz. As a fellow introvert, medyo naka-relate ako sa part na ‘yun,” Elvira shared.

Another lucky Smart subscriber for 21 years, 52-year-old Leonora Aquino from Navotas, said that like Maine, Smart makes her life easier, especially in her work at school. “As a teacher, ginagamit ko ‘yung PowerAll for my school presentations. Hindi ko na dinadala ang laptop ko; ini-screen mirror ko na lang siya kapag walang Wi-Fi sa school. Ginagamit ko ‘yung mobile data para magpanood ng educational YouTube videos sa klase,” Leonora shared.

Meanwhile, Mary Graze Oalog, a former OFW in Saudi Arabia said it was worth it going back home to meet Maine. “Actually, sumasali kami sa Smart promos dahil kay Maine. Nung nasa abroad ako, siya ‘yung stress reliever namin,” she recalled.

Maine, who is celebrating her 10th anniversary in the entertainment industry this year, also thanked the Smart subscribers for supporting her all this time.

“Ang dami nating firsts today! Ten years na kayong supporters ko at ang dami pa nating nalalaman about each other. Kasi hindi talaga natin ito nagagawa. It’s always fast meetings and encounters. Today, sobrang dami kong nalaman na stories na ngayon ko lang narinig so thank you for sharing, thank you for letting me know, and thank you for the experience,” said Maine.

MAINE MENDOZA and host Denise Silva

To learn more about Smart’s special promos and meet-and-greet rewards, load PowerAll 99 with the following inclusions: Unli Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram or Unli TikTok; 10 GB for all apps; unlimited calls; and unlimited texts—all valid for 7 days.

For more details, follow Smart’s Facebook (Smart Communications, Inc.) and @livesmart on Instagram, and X. 

SM and AirAsia partner to enhance customer value and drive business growth

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SM’s retail loyalty program SMAC has recently partnered with AirAsia rewards to enhance the shopping and travel experiences of its members. In photo are (from left to right): John Patrick Cua, Chief Operating Officer, SMAC; Jonathan Ng, Chief Finance Officer, SM Retail; Herson Sy, Executive Director, SM Group; Nicole Tan, Chief Business Officer, AirAsia rewards; Ricky Isla, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia Philippines, Leong Diyao, Regional Head of Rewards Partnerships, AirAsia rewards.

The SM group’s retail loyalty program, SMAC, has entered a strategic tie-up with AirAsia rewards to offer enhanced shopping and travel experiences. This collaboration expands the value for both SMAC and AirAsia rewards members while strengthening SM’s presence across retail and travel sectors.

As part of the “My SMAC, My MOVE” lifestyle campaign, SMAC members can convert 500 AirAsia points into 125 SMAC Points via the AirAsia MOVE app, integrating the benefits of travel rewards into the SMAC ecosystem. This partnership builds on SMAC’s extensive network and introduces new rewards for frequent travelers and shoppers alike.

“We are excited to launch this collaboration with AirAsia rewards,” said Patrick Cua, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC. “By combining shopping and travel rewards, we’re enhancing the value of our loyalty program and offering more meaningful experiences to our members.”

SMAC Points earned through this partnership can be redeemed across a wide array of SM Retail Stores including SM Store, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Savemore, SM Appliance Center, and other popular brands like ACE Hardware, Our Home, Surplus, and Watsons.

Additionally, members can convert 200 SMAC Points into 300 AirAsia points via the SMAC website (smac.ph), providing more travel benefits and increasing the value for both shoppers and travelers.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to offering greater rewards and a seamless experience for our customers,” said Nicole Tan, Chief Business Officer at AirAsia rewards. “Working with SM allows us to enhance the value we provide to loyal customers in both the retail and travel sectors.”

The partnership brings business benefits to both parties. SM increases engagement and foot traffic across its retail stores while deepening customer loyalty. For AirAsia rewards, the collaboration taps into a new base of active shoppers, further strengthening its position in the Philippine travel market. Together, they create an expansive rewards ecosystem that combines shopping, travel, and lifestyle benefits.

This strategic tie-up aligns with both companies’ goals to drive customer loyalty, expand their reach, and enhance brand visibility. As SM continues to expand its service ecosystem, the partnership with a regional brand like AirAsia rewards marks a significant milestone in delivering lasting value for customers, investors, and both brands.