Enjoying Wonderful World: 2025-07-20

July 26, 2025

Home Credit Philippines Makes Pride Month 2025 Truly Makulay at Home

The country’s leading consumer finance company makes Pride Month Makulay at Home through meaningful events and initiatives, creating a space where everyone feels welcome

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, continues to champion a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued and empowered, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. In line with this commitment, HCPH celebrated Pride Month 2025 with vibrant and meaningful activities that fostered genuine empowerment and visibility for every shade of pride.

The celebration centered on the theme Makulay ang PRIDE at HOME #AtHomeKaDito and was led by the Pride Club, HCPH’s employee resource group for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies. Launched in 2022, the Pride Club serves as the official representative body dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within the company.

Celebrating every color of Pride at Home

HCPH’s Pride Month festivities opened with a general assembly for Pride Club members in May, bringing together about 200 employees. The event introduced the new set of officers, showcased the club’s milestones, and outlined plans for the year ahead. Additionally, I am Remarkable Workshop was conducted by Chris Eugenio, board member and advisor for local LGBTQ+ nonprofit Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP), inspired employees to embrace authenticity and lead with Pride.

Following the kickoff, the Pride Club rolled out interactive initiatives to drive engagement and further support HCPH’s DE&I commitment. Among these were Pose with Pride, a mirror installation at the office that encouraged employees to reflect on their Pride stories, and Express Your Pride, a social media invitation to employees to update their profile photos using a dedicated blast frame and share their journeys on Facebook and Instagram.

During discussions of Joie Cortina and Arjhay Puod at HCPH Pride Club Townhall

The highlight of the celebration was the Pride Town Hall, anchored on Makulay ang Pakikibaka. Makulay ang Pagkilala. Makulay ang Pag-ibig. The event featured discussions on advancing LGBTQIA+ rights, inclusion, and advocacy, led by guest speakers Portia La-ab, TQACE Head and ESG Lead at HCPH; Joie Cortina, a queer Filipina feminist researcher and activist; and Arjhay Puod, a human and trans rights advocate.

The town hall also featured the search for the new Pride Club Ambassador. Six employees from various departments showcased their advocacies, talents, and personal stories, culminating in the selection of this year’s Pride Club Ambassador.

More than 200 HCPH employees marching during the LOV3LABAN Pride PH Festival 2025

The celebration concluded with HCPH’s participation in the LOV3LABAN Pride PH Festival 2025 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where 200 employees from Pangasinan, Cavite, and the National Capital Region joined over 407,000 marchers across the country calling for equality.

“Our Pride Month celebration reflects what Home Credit stands for—a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Pride Month is not just a celebration, but a reminder of our commitment to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion every day. Through the Pride Club, we will continue to foster genuine empowerment and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community and help build a culture where everyone feels at home, every voice is heard, and every shade of Pride is celebrated,” said Portia La-ab, HCPH ESG Lead

A true Home for all

Home Credit’s commitment to DE&I goes beyond month-long celebrations. DE&I is deeply embedded in the company’s culture, shaping policies, programs, and everyday practices that create a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered. Guided by the belief that No Small Roles, Everyone is Important, the company works to ensure that employees—regardless of background, gender identity, or orientation—find belonging and purpose.

At the core of this commitment are progressive policies designed to meet the diverse needs of employees. These include enabling eligible workers to enroll same-sex partners as dependents in medical benefits, offering wellness leaves, and providing gender-neutral restrooms across office spaces. HCPH also undergoes regular assessments, such as the Gender Equality Assessment, Results, and Strategies (GEARS) evaluation, to help identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities in its people strategies and programs.

Beyond internal initiatives, Home Credit actively partners with organizations like the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride, the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment. These collaborations help the company align with best practices and strengthen its DE&I efforts.

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph, or get the Home Credit App from Google Play, the App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). 

Young Cocoa and DEMI are a match made in heaven in new track “Cheap Thrills”

This collaboration invites listeners to “let go, lean in, and find joy in life’s simpler pleasures”

Rising Filipino artists Young Cocoa and DEMI have teamed up on their latest single, “Cheap Thrills,” a delightful track that captures the lighthearted rush of young romance.

Released today via Sony Music Entertainment, the smooth jam shines with its captivating sense of ease and simplicity, going for subtlety instead of flashy distractions. What started as a solo demo quickly evolved into a ‘joint’ earworm that invites listeners to let go, lean in, and find joy in life’s simpler pleasures: no frills, just feels.

“I’ve always wondered how a track of mine would sound with a female artist,” shares Young Cocoa. “When JGreg and I finished the demo, we felt like the song was missing a big piece, and that’s when we thought of having DEMI on it. The goal of the collaboration really was to create a compelling sound through contrast, highlighting two distinct styles on this one track—one that DEMI wouldn’t normally be on given her sonic choices historically. We’re similar enough to be on the same wavelength but different enough to be distinct, and that’s how I knew we’d gel well on this.”

For DEMI, the pairing was proved to be an unexpectedly successful match. “Honestly, I have no idea why they thought I was the right fit for this demo,” the chart-topping newcomer laughs. “At first I couldn’t hear myself on this kind of track, but with a little push, I gave it a shot, and surprisingly, I loved how it turned out.”

Despite never sharing a studio space, the two artists found their rhythm remotely. The collaborative process took place online, which unlocked a new skill set for both artists, who each have a different outlook for songwriting and creativity. “Because the production was really playful, we had to get creative with flows and cadences,” Young Cocoa says.

DEMI adds,” It definitely took time. I needed to adjust and explore a bit before I could even send back my demo. A brainstorming session with an artist friend actually helped unlock the direction I wanted to take, and that really sparked my creativity for this one.”

Thematically, “Cheap Thrills” draws on real, lived experiences. For Young Cocoa, it’s rooted in his easygoing personality and dating memories from college. DEMI, on the other hand, echoes the sentiment with her own lens: “I naturally give my all when I fall in love, so writing this was a fun and honest way to express that side of me.”

Helmed by producer JGreg, the soundscape leans toward Y2K R&B/hip-hop with a modern twist: breezy yet rich in texture. “JGreg really brought the sauce,” Young Cocoa admits. “We were aiming for that Neptunes/Tyler-esque sound with a blend of pop.” DEMI hears another layer in the mix: “There’s definitely a Justin Timberlake vibe in the harmonies. Unexpected but welcome!”

The release of the song also comes with a music video that mirrors the song’s carefree spirit. Directed by Naki, the playful concept sees the duo on a road trip that takes an unexpected turn when their cars break down.

“We leaned into cinematography over narrative,” says YC. “It’s more about mood and visual strength, with a lot of stills and dynamic shots.

Young Cocoa and DEMI’s “Cheap Thrills” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video on Young Cocoa's official YouTube channel, set to premiere on July 31.

July 25, 2025

Christian Bautista Signs with Sony Music Philippines

Christian Bautista, continues to chart an extraordinary course in 2025.

Fresh off a series of career highs– including renewing his contract as a Kapuso and earning international recognition at the Telly Awards and The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA)-- Asia’s Romantic Balladeer continues his winning streak. Most recently, Christian Bautista took home two Collision Awards for Matching Outfits: Silver Winner and Audience Choice Winner in the Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle category. Now, he adds another major move to his banner year: officially signing an exclusive recording contract with Sony Music Philippines.

The contract signing took place this July at the label’s Ortigas office, with Sony Music Philippines’ General Manager Roslyn Pineda, Deputy General Manager Maan Atienza, and NYMA COO Kat Bautista.

“This is such an exciting time—2025 has already been incredible,” Christian shared. “I’m deeply grateful to the entire Sony Music Philippines team for their warm welcome, and to my management at NYMA for their unwavering guidance and for constantly opening new doors for me. Even after more than 20 years in the industry, it’s amazing to discover that there is still so much more to explore. I’m surrounded by people and listeners around the world who inspire me and remind me that the opportunities are truly endless.”

The partnership brings together Sony Music Philippines’ team, including Roslyn Pineda (General Manager, Philippines), and Maan Atienza (Deputy General Manager). Working closely with NYMA, the goal is to shape a new season of music and storytelling for one of OPM’s most iconic voices– the one and only Asia’s Romantic Balladeer.

“Christian Bautista’s artistry transcends borders, and we are excited to amplify his voice across Southeast Asia and beyond,” said Roslyn Pineda. “His recent warm welcome at Sony Music Indonesia highlights the strong fanbase he has there, and we look forward to collaborating closely with our colleagues in Indonesia to create new pathways for his music. Together, we are poised to bring his incredible talent to a wider audience.”

While details of new releases are still under wraps, fans can expect something very soon. Christian Bautista is cooking up something exciting with the music label—hinted at by his recent visit to Sony Music Entertainment Indonesia’s office. With Sony’s regional reach and global reputation, this new chapter points to wider rollouts and fresh opportunities for Christian to expand his music not just across Southeast Asia, but globally.

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TechLife Pad Lite 8” Restocked After Selling Out Online

With a sleek design, large battery, and essential features, the PHP 4,999 Pad Lite 8” is now available again in retail and e-commerce platforms

TechLife Pad Lite 8” was met with overwhelming demand from Filipino buyers, quickly selling out on e-commerce platforms like Shopee and TikTok shortly after launch, proving just how much the fans appreciate a reliable and budget-friendly tablet that fits their everyday needs.

Priced at P4,999, the TechLife Pad Lite 8” delivers a competitive feature set designed for casual productivity, learning, entertainment, and leisure.

A Compact Device for Everyday Use

With its 8-inch HD LCD display, smooth 90Hz refresh rate, and slim 8.5mm profile, the TechLife Pad Lite 8” is designed for effortless portability, slipping easily into most bags without adding bulk, which is especially convenient during the rainy season. Weighing just under 338g, it supports one-handed use and includes a detachable stand for hands-free viewing and virtual classes.

Additionally, it comes pre-installed with Google Kids Space, offering curated content and parental controls to ensure a safe and kid-friendly digital experience.

Smooth Performance and Ample Storage

Powered by a UNISOC T606 octa-core processor with 4GB RAM (expandable up to 8GB via RAM Expansion) and 64GB internal storage, the Pad Lite 8” handles everyday tasks with ease, including attending virtual meetings or online classes and watching video tutorials. The tablet supports up to 1TB expansion via microSD cards, and can support external drives at up to 2TB via OTG, making it easy to store documents, media, and even school files.

Stay Charged and Connected Anywhere

A 6000mAh dual-cell battery powers the device for extended use: up to 7.5 hours of streaming, 29.5 hours of music playback, and 6.5 hours of video playback at full brightness. It supports 10W Type-C charging and offers 5W reverse charging, allowing fans to conveniently power accessories such as earbuds or smartwatches. Coupled with dual 4G SIM support and VoLTE capability, the Pad Lite 8” ensures strong, uninterrupted connectivity even in areas without Wi-Fi, making it especially useful for users in both urban and rural environments.

Now Restocked Nationwide

The TechLife Pad Lite 8” is now restocked across its official online stores, including Shopee and TikTok Shop. Also available in TechLife retail stores nationwide, the tablet retails for PHP 4,999 and comes in two stylish colors: Champagne Gold and Lilac Purple, giving customers flexible options to purchase online or in person.

To receive exclusive offers and news about TechLife, follow its official social media pages on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

PUMA unveils the Prime Squared Collection: Elevated Street Style Meets Everyday Statement

PUMA Southeast Asia is proud to launch the Prime Squared collection, a bold new chapter in streetwear designed to meet the demands of fast-paced city life. This latest collection fuses style with cutting-edge fashion, capturing the spirit, energy, and individuality found in the heartbeat of urban streets.

PUMA Prime Squared Collection Drop 1

PUMA Prime Squared Collection Drop 2

The Prime Squared collection represents a fusion of bold expression and urban utility, it’s made for the street — where energy, culture, and motion collide. Every piece is designed to keep up with the relentless rhythm of city life while making a distinct visual statement.

PUMA Prime Squared Collection Drop 1

The collection will roll out in two drops. Drop 1 features a versatile palette of earthy and neutral tones such as Khaki, White, Black, and Muted Green. Drop 2 introduces a more vibrant colour story, including striking hues like Electric Blue, deep Wine Red, and soft Blush Pink.

PUMA Prime Squared Collection Drop 2

These hues are combined with sleek design and performance-driven construction to create pieces as bold as the personalities who wear them. Key design features include structured tailoring, layered textures, technical fabrics, and functional accents, all thoughtfully crafted to allow freedom of movement without compromising style.

PUMA Prime Squared Collection for Men Drop 1

PUMA Prime Squared Collection for Men Drop 2

The PUMA Prime Squared collection will be available on PUMA.com, PUMA stores, and select PUMA stockists starting July 2025 for Drop 1, while Drop 2 lands online and in stores this October 2025.

Top 3 Reasons Why the realme 14 5G Stands Out as a Must-Have for Everyday Use

Experience exceptional power, lightning-fast speed, and unmatched durability with the realme 14 5G. Snag a free realme Buds T01 for a limited time only!

Whether it’s a packed weekday or a busy weekend, users need a device that’s durable, powerful, and built for convenience. This is where the realme 14 5G excels: it's a slim, stylish, high-performance, and reliable daily essential.

Measuring just 7.97mm, it’s light, easy to hold, and perfect for one-handed use. Available in Storm Titanium, Warrior Pink, and Mecha Silver, its Mecha-inspired design blends sleek edges with a modern finish that suits any OOTD.

To demonstrate how it goes beyond the basics, realme highlights some of the core strengths that make the 14 5G a reliable choice for daily use.

Power That Starts Early and Stays Late

At its core is the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 5G processor, which brings a 35% boost in GPU performance and a 15% increase in CPU speeds compared to the previous generation. That means smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and lag-free gameplay, whether fans are editing a reel, hopping between social apps during commutes, or playing graphics-heavy games. Combined with GT Boost and AI Game Optimization, the phone responds instantly and holds steady even during high-pressure moments.

But what’s power if it can’t last? The 6000mAh battery offers up to 10.5 hours of gaming or over 90 hours of music playback on a single charge. And when it’s time to top up, the phone's 45W SUPERVOOC charging brings the battery back to full power quickly. Bypass Charging is also on board, reducing heat during charging, especially useful for gamers or digital hustlers who never unplug.

Heat-Free, Lag-Free, Blur-Free

Multitaskers and gamers alike will appreciate the 6050mm² vapor chamber cooling system, paired with HyperTherm Graphite. It works quietly in the background, preventing overheating even during marathon sessions. With up to 26GB dynamic RAM and 256GB of internal storage, there’s space to breathe and speed to spare. And with all that room, there’s no better way to fill it than with memories (and creativity!). The realme 14 5G comes equipped with a 50MP main camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and SuperOIS, delivering sharper photos and steadier videos in almost any scenario.

Additionally, features like AI Snap Mode (for capturing fast-moving subjects), AI Eraser, and AI Clear Face enable direct photo cleanup in the gallery, eliminating the need for third-party apps.

Ready for Rain, Dust, and Rough Days

All those captured memories and stored files are housed in a device built to withstand more than just everyday wear. It carries IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, making it resistant to dust, accidental splashes, and even high-pressure water. Whether capturing content in unpredictable weather or enduring daily spills and drops, it ensures your creative work stays safe, making it a durable companion for active and accident-prone users.

For fans seeking extra value, realme is offering a free pair of realme Buds T01 with every realme 14 5G purchase from July 19 to August 3. It’s a complete everyday package, all for P17,999.

For the latest news and announcements about the realme 14 Series 5G, visit the brand’s official website and follow its Facebook page.

Keep an Eye While You're Away: Smart CCTV Picks from CHERRY Philippines

Your home deserves the best protection—even when you're not around. Whether you're securing important items or simply want peace of mind, CHERRY Philippines has smart CCTV options that fit your needs and budget.

The CHERRY Smart Dual Lens Camera offers 2X1080P clear video quality, allowing you to live stream and watch recordings anytime. What makes it stand out is its two lenses and dual-screen preview in a single stream—perfect for covering more angles at once. It supports intelligent auto-tracking and connects wirelessly via 2.4GHz WiFi—features that make an excellent choice for monitoring.

If you're looking for even sharper video and outdoor-ready durability, the CHERRY Smart Dome Outdoor Camera steps it up with a 5MP resolution. It also supports intelligent auto-tracking and wireless connectivity, but with enhanced clarity and a build designed for tougher environments. With this product, you’re getting advanced features and higher video quality for added security.

Both options give you reliable coverage—just pick the one that matches your space and needs best. Protect your home and live Smart with CHERRY Philippines!

For more information, visit:

CHERRY Shop: www.cherryshop.com.ph

Shopee: https://bit.ly/CherryPhShopee

Lazada: https://bit.ly/CherryPhLazada

July 24, 2025

Evolving View on Longevity: For Filipinos, Quality of Life Outweighs Lifespan - Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025

● Survey of 1,000 consumers in the Philippines shows Filipinos value independence, quality of life, and purpose over longer life spans.

● Despite rising health concerns, especially among those aged 25-34, most Filipinos surveyed do not take sufficient preventive health actions.

● Amid widening retirement savings gap, Filipinos see the link between finances and health but remain underprepared for retirement.

● Many Filipinos place excessive reliance on cash as a placeholder investment, increasing the risk that they might outlive their savings in the face of potential longer life expectancy.

A shift in how Filipinos view longevity is emerging, as they prioritize quality of life more than simply living longer as they age, according to the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025: "Embracing Longevity: Enjoying a Better Life." The comprehensive study, which surveyed 1,000 Filipinos, revealed that only 13% of respondents chose living a longer life as their top wish when they consider their older years, while 26% prioritize financial independence and 17% value staying physically, mentally, and socially active.

The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, which ran in January and February, explored attitudes around how the region views longevity, as global life expectancies continue to rise.

Among those who value quality of life over lifespan, the respondents’ desired lifespan averages 69 years—below the national life expectancy, which is projected to reach 73.2 by 2050—suggests a preference for a life of purpose, vigor, and independence over sheer longevity.

“Filipinos are redefining what it means to live a good life,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “They are no longer focused solely on longevity. Instead, they want to live better—with freedom, dignity, and the ability to enjoy life on their own terms. This shift challenges us to rethink how we support them—not just with insurance, but with holistic solutions that enhance their quality of life.”

Health concerns continue to rise, especially among younger Filipinos

The survey also revealed that health issues are a growing concern, particularly among Filipinos aged 25-34. Nearly 44% of respondents reported experiencing physical or mental health problems that affect their daily lives. Despite this, most Filipinos surveyed are not taking enough preventive action.

On average, more than half of the survey respondents engage in only 5 out of 17 recommended preventive health measures that can support a longer, healthier life. Critical indicators of long-term health—such as muscle mass and oxygen uptake—are monitored by just 16% of participants. These metrics are scientifically linked to longevity and overall vitality yet remain largely overlooked.

Despite this, 74% believe their current health habits are sufficient to protect their health as they age.

“There is a clear gap between awareness and action. Filipinos understand the importance of health, but many are not taking the necessary steps to protect it,” added Hora. “This disconnect could lead to long-term vulnerabilities, which will be challenging to address later in life. To bridge this gap, we encourage Filipinos to take more proactive steps, such as scheduling regular check-ups, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, to help safeguard their overall health and well-being.”

Filipinos face a retirement savings gap

The survey also highlighted the strong relationship between financial stability and health outcomes. A significant 80% of respondents believe that their financial well-being directly affects how long they can remain physically healthy. Similarly, 76% say it impacts their mental health and emotional resilience.

However, despite this awareness, the average retirement savings among Filipinos is only PHP 630,000—16% of the PHP 3.85 million they estimate they will need to retire comfortably.

“Filipinos recognize that wealth and health are deeply connected,” said Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines. “However, their current savings and investment behaviors do not necessarily reflect this awareness. The gap between what they have saved and what they will need could compromise their ability to live independently and with dignity in later years.”

Retirement planning: A shift in priorities, but gaps remain

When it comes to preparing for retirement, cash remains king for many Filipinos. The survey found that 66% view keeping their money in cash or fixed deposits as one of their top 2 priorities, while 51% express they want to invest in property. However, more than half (54%) also expressed a desire for steady income streams during retirement—something that cash-heavy portfolios may not be able to provide, especially in the face of inflation and rising healthcare costs.

“We are seeing a shift in how Filipinos think about retirement,” Gaspar noted. “While they are starting to realize that relying solely on property or savings may not be enough, many still hold excessive cash, which raises their longevity risk or the risk that they might outlive their savings, particularly in the face of potential longer life expectancy.

Gaspar added, “At Manulife Investments, we empower Filipinos to create more holistic wealth portfolios by giving them diverse and affordable investment choices, which they can use as building blocks to mobilize their savings, receive recurring income streams and achieve financial independence throughout their lifetime. Today, Filipinos can choose from our suite of 22 unit investment trust funds (UITFs), including six income-paying UITFs, spanning multi-asset, fixed income, equity and real estate investment trusts (REITs) asset classes that can be accessed for as little as Php1,000.”

The value of professional financial advice is also evident in the data: 70% of those who work with financial planners believe they will have enough funds for retirement, compared to only 38% of those without such guidance.

Supporting Filipinos’ fresh definition of Longevity

As Philippine life expectancy continues to increase in the coming years, the need for comprehensive health and wealth planning becomes critical.

"The message from Filipinos is clear—they want to age with dignity, maintain their independence, and have the financial freedom to do what matters to them," Hora concluded. "At Manulife, we are committed to evolving our products and services to support this vision. That means offering solutions that go beyond medical and critical illness coverage to address health protection needs and offering investment options that can provide reliable income streams for a better, more fulfilling life.”

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Resources:

● Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025 - https://www.manulife.com.ph/about-us/manulife-studies/asia-care-survey/2025/top-wish-of-filipinos-in-golden-years.html

● National life expectancy - https://population.un.org/wpp/

HONOR PH Officially Awards Rolex Watch and Hermes Bag to HONOR 400 5G Pre-order Giveaway Winners

Here are your HONOR 400 5G Pre-order Giveaway Winners!

Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines officially awarded the Rolex Watch and Hermes Bag to the HONOR 400 5G Pre-order Giveaway Winners. It is remembered that this specific promo contributed to the huge success of the AI Phone. In partnership with Gentry Time Pieces and Purse Maison, HONOR handed over personally the prizes to Michael Salazar and Jonathan Cabreta.

Winning the Hermes Mini Lindy Bright Pink worth Php 420,000, stylist from Maribeles, Bataan Jonathan Cabreta shared that he bought two HONOR 400 5G – one for himself and one for a family member. He said he was very interested in its camera features and the viral image-to-video feature.

On the other hand, Real Estate Engineer from Cainta, Rizal won the Rolex GMT Master II watch worth Php 600,000. Salazar mentioned that he was very impressed with the HONOR Pad he got previously so he decided to upgrade his personal smartphone to HONOR 400 5G. He also commended how HONOR Store at SM East Ortigas handled the overwhelming situation during the first day sale on June 28.

HONOR 400 5G is Still Available in the Market

The HONOR 400 5G boasts a 200MP AI main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and 50MP portrait selfie camera. Features like AI Super Zoom, AI Portrait Snap, and HD Moving Photo ensure high-quality shots, while the Film Simulation and Harcourt Portrait modes add cinematic effects. The AI Editing includes tools like AI Eraser to remove unwanted objects, AI Outpainting to extend images, and AI Face Tune for flawless open-eyed photos. Using Google's state of the art video generation model, Veo 2 on Google Cloud’s Vertex AI, users can explore different possibilities through image to video generations.

Also powered by a 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery with up to 88W HONOR Wired SuperCharge, the HONOR 400 5G offers you all-day power whenever you are on the move. Designed to withstand everyday drops with SGS 5-Star Drop Resistance for overall unit and offers IP66 dust and water resistance, The screen of the HONOR 400 5G can be used easily with wet hands, offering practical usability. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 Mobile Platform ensures a smoother performance and higher graphics rendering for better gaming.

Available in stunning color options—Midnight Black, Tidal Blue and Desert Gold—the HONOR 400 5G is now available across the Philippines for only Php 22,999 (24GB + 512GB)! Get it now at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, and online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_H400_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_H400_PR, and TikTok Shop https://bit.ly/TikTok_H400_PR.

You can also #BringPhotosToLife with #YourAIPhone via Home Credit easy installments of as low as ₱979/month for 18 months! Check the best HONOR products and deals for you here: https://hcph.info/3I2m1gb.

To know more about HONOR 400 5G, head on to: https://bit.ly/Web_H400_PR. For more exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph) and TikTok (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

HONOR 400 Pro 5G Teased: Is the 200MP AI Beast Coming to the Philippines

Leading global technology brand HONOR Philippines released something that might be a teaser for the HONOR 400 Pro 5G. Is it possible that with the success of #YourAIPhone HONOR 400 5G, the tech giant will bring in the Pro version in the Philippines too?

“You should know by now that we love surprising and treating our HONOR fans. They asked for it, and now, we are giving it to them. We are very excited for the coming days so stay tuned” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

In its recent post, HONOR Philippines teased a photo of the upcoming phone with its brand ambassadors Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia. Is the HONOR 400 Pro 5G really coming to the Philippines soon?

Never miss the latest updates and visit HONOR’s official website at www.hihonor.com or follow their social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Funding gold: PH sports leader cites role of online gaming in athlete success

As debates heighten over the future of online gaming in the Philippines, one truth is often overlooked: the industry plays a vital role in funding Filipino athletes’ journeys to the world’s biggest sporting stages. Companies like DigiPlus Interactive Corp., through its sports entertainment brand, ArenaPlus, have quietly fueled the dreams of Olympic hopefuls, making victories for the country possible.

Cynthia Carrion, President of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and manager of Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, emphasized the crucial role of corporate sponsorship in sustaining athletes. “People see the medals, but not the long journey it takes to get there,” Carrion said. “Without sponsors, including those from the online gaming sector, we simply would not have the funds to train, travel, or compete. It’s their support that helps put the Philippine flag on global podiums.”

The gaming industry, now under pressure from calls for tighter regulation or even prohibition, has quietly backed numerous national sports campaigns. Athletes like Eumir Marcial (boxing), Carlos Yulo (gymnastics), Scottie Thompson (basketball), have all benefited from sponsorships funded in part by gaming revenues, support that includes coaching, nutrition, overseas training, and exposure to world-class competition.

Carlos Yulo, speaking after his historic Olympic double gold, echoed this gratitude in an August 2024 press conference, highlighting private partners who stood behind him. “I’m deeply grateful to DigiPlus and ArenaPlus for celebrating this win with me, and recognizing my perseverance. Success does not come overnight, it is made possible with the support of those who believe in you,” Yulo said.

Carrion is no stranger to the demands of high-performance sport. A former Undersecretary for Sports and Wellness at the Department of Tourism and current Chair of the Philippine Retirement Authority, she has long been a leading force in Philippine sports development. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the Asian Gymnastics Union, is a Council Member of the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), and was formerly Treasurer of the Philippine Olympic Committee. Under her leadership, the Philippines earned its first-ever gymnastics Olympic medals and became the most bemedaled sport in the 31st SEA Games.

Carrion underscored that support from private entities fills critical gaps left by government funding. “This industry contributes billions in corporate social responsibility. Part of that goes to sports, where government budgets alone often fall short,” she added.

Beyond elite athletes, gaming revenues have helped bankroll national tournaments, grassroots leagues, and other sports initiatives to discover and develop future champions. For many sports organizations, these contributions have meant the difference between hosting a local competition or canceling it altogether.

As Team Philippines prepares for upcoming global events, supporters and sports managers alike call for a more balanced conversation. “Let’s improve regulation where needed, but let’s also acknowledge the good that legal, compliant operators bring to society,” Carrion said.

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