The Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card Just Dropped—Here’s Why Everyone’s Obsessed

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ICYMI: Maya, the #1 Fintech Ecosystem and #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, just dropped its newest Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card, and everyone is raving about it. This isn’t just another card in your wallet, it’s the card you’ll want to carry, use, and show off every single day.

 

All glitter. No filler.

The Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card delivers on all fronts: design, function, and benefits. Its matte glitter finish gives it a premium, polished look while ensuring it slides smoothly into ATMs and payment terminals for easy, worry-free transactions.

 

It’s the perfect mix of style and smarts: cool enough to match your everyday aesthetic, practical enough to keep your finances on track, and designed so that even the little things including your daily coffee run, a grocery haul, or weekend shopping spree, actually work for you.

 

And it’s not just about looks. This globally accepted debit card lets you pay, shop, and withdraw anywhere Visa is accepted, all while helping your money grow with up to 15% p.a. interest on Maya Savings.

 

Your Ticket to Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments

Using the Pink Glitter Maya Visa Card doesn’t just reward you financially, it could literally take you places. From October 1 to November 11, every swipe with this glittery card could take you straight to the BLACKPINK [DEADLINE] World Tour in Manila. Thanks to Visa and Maya, your everyday spending might just score you VIP fan packages or even daily ticket giveaways! 

 

The Pink Glitter Maya Visa Card isn’t your only way in. You can also use:

·         The Maya Black Visa Credit Card —   a sleek, numberless card that gives you instant miles and global airport lounge access for no annual fees. Perfect for travelers and lifestyle enthusiasts[1].

·         The Maya Visa Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card — your cashback card for everyday purchases. Earn 5% at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% on everything else every time you swipe.

 

Here’s how to join:

1.      Open the Maya app and go to the Tickets tab.

2.      Tap “Join today’s giveaway” to start earning entries for the monthly and daily giveaways.

3.      Get and/or use your Maya Visa Landers Credit Card, Maya Black Visa Credit Card, or Maya Visa Debit Card to earn raffle entries

 

A minimum spend of ₱500 in a single transaction qualifies you for one daily entry.

 

With Maya, your everyday doesn’t have to stay ordinary. It’s your go-to that makes spending smarter, saving easier, and moments more rewarding, whether you’re chasing miles, cashback, or the concert of your dreams.

 

Stay updated by visiting maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

 

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[1] Monthly inactivity fees are waived with at least 1 Maya Black transaction each month.

Dare to Switch: LIFT — The New Drink for the Always‑On Generation

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Made for all the go-getters who need to switch modes with a refreshing boost!

Life these days? It’s a constant switch up. One minute you’re grinding on school or work, next you’re vibing with your crew, then jumping into an all-night game or passion project. Filipinos are pros at shifting modes—and now there’s a new drink in town made exactly for that: LIFT!

Meet LIFT—Coca-Cola Philippines’ newest drink for the modern-day challengers. It isn’t your usual fizzy drink. LIFT Is like a mindset in a can, a new invigorating drink made to match your pace, your flow, your hustle, and your chill. It’s for the go-getters who are always in motion, whether they’re students owning a new semester, professionals chasing a promotion, or creators building their passion projects on the side.

Made with Vitamin B3, Zinc, and Caffeine, LIFT is more than a quick pick-me-up. It’s crafted to help you lock in and stay sharp, giving you the focus and extra push to own your every mode. It’s not about chasing energy; it’s about owning your (“LIFT”) mode. The newest, coolest drink in town isn’t here to play it safe. It’s bold, versatile, and built for multi-hyphenates—people who run the show in different arenas and still find time to show up.

“With LIFT, we’re giving today’s generation a drink that’s as adaptable as they are,” said Frenissa Mae Lagman, Frontline Marketing Senior Director of Coca-Cola Philippines. “It’s for people who play different roles and still find a way to make every moment count. LIFT is here to help you get int your zone and make a statement with every step you take.”

Actor and performer Ruru Madrid joins the Coca-Cola Philippines team at the official launch of LIFT last August 9 in Bacolod City.

Leading the charge is Ruru Madrid—actor, performer, and a true multi-mode player. Whether he’s on set, on stage, or just hanging out with friends, Ruru embodies the “LIFT” Vibe: always ready, always in motion, and always bringing his A-game.

Whatever your mode—study mode, hustle mode, game mode, barkada mode—switch it up with LIFT. Get your first taste for just PHP 11 SRP at sari-sari stores across Western Visayas.

Ready to conquer what’s next? Dare to switch to LIFT.

Want in on more “LIFT” Mode stories? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join the convo or visit https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en. #LIFTModeNaYan

vivo Unveils OriginOS Globally, Defining Smoothness Mastery for the Next Mobile Era

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SHANGHAI, China, October, 2025 – vivo today announced the global launch of vivo OriginOS, the company’s most advanced operating system, redefining human-computer interaction in the AI era.

“For years, vivo has deepened its global presence under the principle of ‘More Local, More Global,’ and continues to create products and experiences that stay true to users’ needs,” said SHI Yujian, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at vivo. “As we celebrate vivo’s 30th anniversary, we are taking the next step with the global debut of OriginOS. Guided by our ‘Origin Design’ philosophy and built on three core pillars of smoothness, design and AI, the brand new OriginOS 6 reimagines the way people connect with the digital world.”

Smoothness Mastery: Look Smooth, Feel Smooth, Stay Smooth

Smoothness lies at the heart of OriginOS 6— more than a feature, it represents a new standard of mastery. The new Origin Smooth Engine enables seamless collaboration among the system’s core modules, computing, storage, and display, and delivers an all-around experience that looks smooth, feels smooth, and stays smooth over time.

The 8+1 Ultra-Core Computing keeps critical tasks running first, improving app cold-start speed by 18.5% and frame-rate stability by 10.5%. Memory Fusion accelerates data loading by 106%, while Dual Rendering boosts animation performance by 35% and keeps frame rates 11% steadier under heavy loads.

Smoothness is first seen on screen through the Origin Animation system, which enhances the visual experience with motion effects such as Spring Animation, Blur Transition, Morphing Animation, and One Shot Animation, giving each touch a natural rhythm and visual coherence.

It’s also smooth to the touch. vivo’s industry-first Snap-Up Engine prioritizes computing power for high-demand actions such as ticketing, keeping users one step ahead. Paired with faster app launches, up to 16% quicker when opening 50 consecutive apps, and a refined touch response that’s 41% faster, every tap and swipe feels effortlessly smooth.

Beyond the moment, smoothness endures. The latest vivo X300 Pro with OriginOS 6 has earned SGS certification for sustained smoothness, simulating five years of heavy use. Together, these innovations define vivo’s mastery of smoothness—an experience users can see, feel, and rely on every day.

Intuitive Design Inspired by Nature

Inspired by nature and grounded in how people experience the world, OriginOS 6 is designed to make digital life more intuitive, effortless, and delightful. 

The Origin Design system unifies visual elements including color, shape, icon, image, font, layout, material and depth, with simplicity and precision. The new brand font, vivo Sans, supports over 40 languages, and the symbols now feature fully variable and adjustable weight for the first time. With Dynamic Glow and Translucent Color, light flows across materials, adding depth and immersive vibrancy to every interaction.

Bringing life’s sensibilities into the digital world, vivo has also reimagined app design. From checking device status in iManager to tracking well-being in Origin Health, users can focus on ongoing tasks and get things done with ease. The new Immersive Weather further allows users to explore weather in an innovative digital form.

OriginOS 6 also inspires personal expression. The new Lock Screen Grid allows users to arrange and resize widgets freely, customize fonts, and combine photos for instant updates. A reimagined Home Screen Grid introduces a sleek 4×7 layout and adaptive folders, and the Flip Cards bring everyday photos to life with dynamic, living display that shifts naturally as you tilt the device.

vivo AI Empowering A New Personal Intelligence Experience

vivo AI propels OriginOS 6 into a new chapter of personal intelligence. In close collaboration with Google, it brings the upgraded Gemini and Circle to Search, delivering a smarter and more intuitive experience. 

Further, as a new, natural and intuitive form of interaction, the new Origin Island surfaces real-time status at the top of the screen and remains visible when you leave apps, integrated with Android 16’s Live Updates integration. It offers contextual suggestions you can act on instantly, enabling Copy & Go—copy a phone number to call, text or save as a new contact, or copy meeting details to create a calendar item, and Drag & Go—edit a photo, for example, and drag it to Origin Island to continue in the suggested app without switching.

vivo AI transforms both creativity and productivity across everyday scenarios. In imaging capabilities, the new AI Retouch integrates AI Erase, AI Image Expander, and AI Photo Enhance into a single, seamless workflow for effortless enhancement. In everyday productivity, vivo AI empowers communication, document handling, content creation, and information search through intelligent tools such as Smart Call Assistant, DocMaster, AI Creation, and AI Search—making daily work simpler and more efficient.

Extending beyond a single device, vivo AI enables seamless collaboration through features such as the Office Kit and One-Tap Transfer, to keep work and creativity flowing effortlessly across devices and platforms.

Security and Endurance to Rely On

OriginOS 6 strengthens protection with the vivo Security brand to safeguard data security and privacy, ensuring transparency and control, on-device intelligence, and data minimization. The upgraded BlueVolt technology further improves power efficiency and charging stability, keeping performance cool, stable and long-lasting.

Availability

OriginOS 6 will begin rolling out globally in phases starting from November 2025. Further upgrade plan may vary by markets.

Your Next-Generation Galaxy is Here: The Galaxy S25 FE, Tab S11, and Buds3 FE Offer a Total Ecosystem Upgrade

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Work, play, and connect  — the latest Galaxy devices brings flagship features and a seamless ecosystem experience within reach

Elevate your every day with Samsung's latest innovations: the Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Tab S11, and Galaxy Buds3 FE. These powerful Galaxy devices create a seamless Galaxy ecosystem which combines  the latest technology with convenient connectivity - and is easy on the wallet!

The Power of the Galaxy Ecosystem: Seamlessly Integrated to Your Daily Living

These new Samsung devices don't just work well individually—they work brilliantly together. The Galaxy ecosystem is built to handle the natural rhythm of your day, giving you a smooth, uninterrupted experience whether you're working, playing, or relaxing.

This deep integration is all about seamless, uninterrupted flow between your devices, significantly enhancing both communication and productivity.

This efficiency is exemplified by features like the effortless Flow from Phone to Tablet, which allows you to start a video call on your Galaxy S25 FE while on the go and instantaneously switch it to the larger Galaxy Tab S11 screen upon arriving at your desk, all without interruption; you can even copy text on the S25 FE and paste it directly into a Tab S11 document.

The experience is further streamlined by Intuitive Audio Switching, ensuring your Galaxy Buds3 FE automatically recognizes the active device. For instance, if you're listening to music on the Tab S11 and a call comes in on your S25 FE, the audio will automatically switch to your phone and then seamlessly revert back to your tablet once the call ends.

Finally, Simplified File Sharing is made easy with Quick Share, providing a rapid and secure way to transfer photos, videos, and large documents among your Samsung devices, allowing a smooth transition from capturing an image to editing and sharing it.

This level of connectivity means less hassle and more focus on what matters to you.

Next-Level Performance: Power and Efficiency Across All Galaxy Devices

The Galaxy S25 FE puts true flagship power right in your hand. Take beautiful, social-media-worthy pictures with a triple rear camera system (50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto) and a 12MP front camera, and scroll feeds or watch movies in rich, vivid color with fluid motion over a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen, an Exynos 2400 chipset and 8GB of RAM on a 4900mAh battery.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S11 allows you uninterrupted entertainment and productivity.  Binge-watch your favorite show or scribble down that big idea with the improved S Pen  that comes with Galaxy Tab S11. It also comes with a new Samsung DeX Extended Mode with a progressive multi-screen arrangements and customizable workstations, enabling movies to come to life, as well as an 3nm processor that allows you to multitask all day long without any trouble.

Then tune out the noise with the Galaxy Buds3 FE. Designed for all-day comfort, they feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to silence the buzz of commute or office chatter, letting you enjoy rich, balanced sound. They even provide as much as 8 hours of playtime (6 hours with ANC) and accept Bluetooth 5.4. You can also enjoy features such as real-time translation, thanks to Galaxy AI. Clear call quality ensures you’re always heard, no matter where life takes you.

Availability and Pricing

Now is the moment to trade in your old devices and enter an entirely connected world with these latest Galaxy devices that makes the flagship experience more accessible than ever! The Galaxy S25 FE,  Tab S11 and Galaxy Buds FE are already available for purchase through the Samsung online store, authorized retailers, and carrier partners. Pricing starts at Php 39,990 for the Galaxy S25 FE, Php 52,990 for the Galaxy Tab S11, and Php 6,990 for the Galaxy Buds3 FE.

Don’t miss out and make the switch by visiting https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s25/buy/, https://www.samsung.com/ph/tablets/galaxy-tab-s11/buy/, https://www.samsung.com/ph/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-gray-sm-r420nzaaasa/.

For more info, visit Samsung Philippines Newsroom or Samsung.com.

Security Bank joins Bacoor’s growth story with new full-service branch

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Security Bank continues to bring its BetterBanking experience closer to customers with the opening of its newest branch in Bacoor, Cavite, one of Southern Luzon’s fastest-developing cities. The new site marks the Bank’s 362nd branch nationwide and 11th in Cavite, reinforcing its commitment to serve more communities beyond Metro Manila.

Security Bank executives and guests at the opening of the Bank’s 362nd branch in Bacoor, Cavite (From left): Hannah Anonuevo, FVP and Area Head; Jet Rabe, Director/ Owner, SSMC Group of Hospitals and Clinics; Engr. Emillie Ronquillo, President/Owner, Rizhle Construction and Development Corp; Leslie Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head; Myrna Bernardino, Vice President of Agri Commercial Inc.; Flordeliza Llave, Business Manager of Bacoor Branch; Rolly Papagayo, President/Owner, Rotating Machines Rewinding Inc; Yves Guevarra, President/OwnerYS Prealtech Waterproofing and Painting Solution; Kaye Sanchez, Representative from Office of the Mayor; Suzette Pineda, FVP and Region 5 Head; and Ronald Austria, SVP and Branch Banking Luzon Distribution Head

Strategically located in a high-traffic commercial area, the Bacoor Branch offers easy access to a full range of financial solutions for individuals and businesses. As Bacoor continues to evolve into a vibrant hub for commerce and residential growth, the new branch aims to support the city’s dynamic entrepreneurs, professionals, and families with the personalized service and digital convenience that define BetterBanking.

“We've reimagined the traditional branch experience to provide a seamless blend of personal and digital interactions. From welcoming, low counters that encourage conversations to integrated digital tools that make transactions faster and more secure– every detail reflects our commitment to putting customers first,” says Leslie Y. Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head of Security Bank.

The Bacoor Branch blends human connection and digital efficiency, offering clients a seamless experience whether they visit in person or transact online. The Bacoor Branch is open Mondays to Fridays, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

For more information on Security Bank’s products, services, and branch locations, visit www.securitybank.com or follow Security Bank on social media.

Train Smarter, Live Healthier with 21-Day Battery Life: HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series Now in the Philippines from PHP 13,999

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HUAWEI officially launches the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series in the Philippines available starting October 10. Combining advanced technology, comprehensive all-day wellness tracking, and an exceptional 21-day battery life, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series offers a seamless blend of performance, durability, and elegance—making it the ultimate companion for a modern, active lifestyle.

With these latest innovations, HUAWEI continues to redefine how Filipinos approach fitness, wellness, and personal style, empowering users to lead smarter, more connected lives. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 is available starting at PHP 13,999, while the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro is priced starting at PHP 18,999.

Next-Level Wellness and Elite Fitness Tracking Technology

Whether you’re hitting the trails, cycling through city streets, or staying active in any way, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series helps you reach your fitness goals with smarter, more precise tracking. Powered by the new TruSense System, it delivers upgraded accuracy across sleep, heart rate, SpO₂, ECG (Pro only), stress, and women’s cycle tracking.

The enhanced TruSleep™ technology goes beyond basic monitoring — analyzing sleep stages, HRV, breathing, and interruptions to provide personalized recovery insights. For added relaxation, enjoy stress-relief music and custom playlists designed to help you unwind. The watch also automatically tracks your emotional wellbeing, keeping you mindful of your mood throughout the day.

Built for athletes and outdoor explorers, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series features the Sunflower Positioning System 2.0 with 99% accuracy, comparable to professional navigation tools used in aviation and surveying. Users can also benefit from the Trail Run Altitude Trend for real-time route and pacing insights. Altitude Monitoring 2.0 tracks vital signs up to 4,500m with safety alerts,, while the IMU Sensor refines running form by analyzing ground contact, balance, and movement. Cyclists also benefit from the industry’s first Virtual Power Meter and FTP Metrics, delivering precise power data without external gadgets needed.

Luxury Craftsmanship Paired with Uncompromising Durability

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series fuses luxury craftsmanship with enduring strength. The WATCH GT 6 Pro features an aerospace-grade titanium body, sapphire glass lens, nanocrystal ceramic back, and an ultra-bright 3000-nit AMOLED display—engineered to withstand the elements while radiating sophistication. With 40m freediving-grade water resistance and premium strap options, it transitions seamlessly from sport to style.

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 mirrors this elegance in a lighter, more compact form, featuring pivoting loop lugs designed for smaller wrists and enhanced all-day comfort. Together, they embody the perfect balance of toughness, comfort, and luxury.

Uninterrupted Power with Seamless Connectivity Solutions

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series delivers up to 21 days of battery life, so you can focus on your fitness and adventures without worrying about charging.

Both the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 and HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro come equipped with GCash Watch Pay compatibility across iOS, Android, and select HUAWEI smartwatches. Helping you make secure, cashless payments directly from your wrist, no wallet or phone needed.

Available Now with Exclusive Launch Offers

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series is now available nationwide starting at PHP 13,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 and PHP 18,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro.

Early buyers shopping online can unlock exclusive perks on the HUAWEI Online Store, claiming a ₱3,000 Early Bird Voucher. While on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, enjoy a ₱2,000 Early Bird Voucher. For all offline stores, customers receive an automatic ₱1,000 discount plus a ₱2,000 trade-in token on top of their gadget’s value.

Every purchase of the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series comes with a free 3-month HUAWEI Health+ membership that offers personalized fitness plans, progress tracking, and guided meditation tools worth ₱387.

Available across both online and offline channels are free gifts, including a HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 worth ₱1,599 and a Stainless Steel Thermos Cup worth ₱999. Flexible payment options include 0% interest for up to 18 months with Home Credit or 24 months with a credit card.

Get yourself or your loved ones the perfect gift for better health and style with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series. Visit your nearest HUAWEI Experience Store or shop online today to get your HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 or HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro and experience the next level of smart living. Buy the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 (46mm and 41mm) now via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, HUAWEI Experience Stores, and the HUAWEI Online Store.

Play until nighttime with chic gaming phone, vivo V60 Lite

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A new chic smartphone built for nonstop gamers is about to shake up the mobile scene. The vivo V60 Lite, set to launch on October 19, 2025, is designed for players who grind hard, stream longer, and stay connected from sunrise to midnight.

The vivo V60 Lite packs a 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, a powerhouse built to last through every match and mission. This advanced battery technology delivers incredible endurance, letting players enjoy up to 12 hours of continuous Honor of Kings gameplay on one full charge. It’s a dream come true for gamers who demand both performance and reliability.

Charging is equally impressive. With 90W FlashCharge, the vivo V60 Lite powers up from 1 percent to 100 percent in only 52 minutes. A quick 10-minute charge provides enough energy for 6.6 hours of YouTube, while a 20-minute boost gives hours of uninterrupted gameplay or streaming.

Each charge is protected by 24-Dimension Security Protection, which ensures safe and stable charging. For moments when the battery dips low, the Super Battery Saver mode extends standby time up to 39.6 hours, keeping essential apps like calls and messages running, so you never lose touch.

Built for the new generation of gamers, the vivo V60 Lite combines style, speed, and strength. It’s a phone that looks as good as it performs — sleek, modern, and ready for long hours of play.

Get ready to experience power that lasts from morning to night with the vivo V60 Lite, launching on October 19, 2025. Stay tuned by following vivo Philippines' Facebook page or visiting vivoglobal.ph for the official reveal.

Jolianne and Arthur Nery reconnect in “Palayo Sa Mundo”

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Following their 2024 collaboration, the pair deliver another heartfelt tune steeped in emotion, chemistry, and grace 

Filipino singer-songwriter Jolianne reunites with chart-topping R&B star Arthur Nery on their collaborative single “Palayo Sa Mundo”—released under Sony Music Entertainment. The smooth yet soulful pop track paints a picture of romantic love that is strong enough to make the world wait.

Marking their second collaboration following “Lullaby,” from Arthur Nery’s 2024 album, II: The Second, “Palayo Sa Mundo” finds the two Bisaya artists seamlessly blending their voices in a tender duet that feels both effortlessly captivating and intimate.

“Working with Arthur came so naturally,” Jolianne shares. “For one, we’re both Bisaya, so that was an effortless connection. Musically, we also speak the same language. We share a lot of the same influences, and we’re both deeply rooted in R&B.”

Written during a songwriting camp with producer Luke April (James Reid, Playertwo), the song evolved from an English concept titled “The World Can Wait” into an emotionally arresting Tagalog piece that pays homage to classic OPM romance.

“Arthur is a real poet,” the rising newcomer recalls. “And he wrote the song so quickly. It felt like a masterclass watching him in his element.”

Arthur Nery reveals that the song wasn’t intentionally written as a love song at first. “Joli wanted a track about self-reflection or identity crisis,” he shares. “The direction of the song changed after I wrote the first two lines. While Luke let us listen to his guitar sample and production, I wrote and arranged the lyrics freely and we just let the song take us to where it is now. It was a fun experience.”

For what it is, “Palayo Sa Mundo” reflects on the bittersweet nature of love that persists even when fate intervenes.

“This song is about that bittersweet feeling of loving somebody you know loves you too,” Jolianne explains. “But sometimes fate has its own plans, and things don’t turn out as we hope. Still, love in its purest form is worth offering, because love isn’t about guarantees. It’s, I love you because I do, not because I expect it back.”

The track’s stripped-down but warm arrangements highlight the duo’s vocal chemistry while retaining the melodic pop appeal of the material.

Jolianne adds, “We paid homage to ‘Lullaby’ by going the acoustic pop route. We wanted something that felt intimate and timeless. When Arthur and I sing together, it’s never a sing-off; it’s a duet.”

Jolianne and Arthur Nery’s “Palayo Sa Mundo” is out now on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Entertainment.

vivo Y21d: Toughest smartphone for rainy days

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As rain continues to pour across the country, Filipinos once again prove their resilience with umbrellas in hand and phones carefully tucked away for protection. This time, vivo makes sure that your phone no longer needs to hide from the storm. Introducing the vivo Y21d, a smartphone built for all-weather use, is now available nationwide starting at Php 6,999.

The Philippines has already experienced 16 tropical cyclones in 2025, with Typhoon Matmo, locally known as Paolo, recently making landfall and bringing heavy rains and flooding to northern Luzon. This season has tested not just infrastructure but also devices that keep people connected every day.

For those who constantly brave the downpour, commute through wet streets, or capture photos amid gloomy skies, the vivo Y21d is a reliable companion designed to endure any weather condition while keeping you connected and protected.

Highest protection made even stronger

The vivo Y21d comes with IP68, IP69, and IP69+ rating, offering the highest level of water and dust resistance available on smartphones. The IP69+ rating means it has successfully passed three rounds of IP69 water resistance tests, proving it can handle high-pressure water jets and submersion without fail.

Even in heavy rain, the Wet Hand Touch feature ensures the screen remains responsive, allowing you to swipe, tap, and scroll even with wet fingers. If water seeps into the speaker, the One-Tap Water Ejection function removes it instantly through a gentle vibration, so there is no need to shake your phone or reach for a bowl of rice.

Tough inside and out

Accidents are unavoidable, especially when pavements are slippery. The vivo Y21d is built to survive falls and impact, carrying SGS Gold Five-Star certification and Military Grade (MIL-STD 810H) durability. In vivo laboratory tests, the device endured 42,000 drops from small heights and remained fully functional.

This impressive strength comes from its dual ion-strengthened Guardian Glass screen, reinforced core, and cushioning structure, which together provide more than 100 percent puncture resistance against sharp objects and more than 100 percent drop resistance on rough surfaces.

Each part of the phone, from the charging port to the buttons, is designed with waterproofing in mind to provide complete confidence during rainy days. Every detail is engineered to keep the phone intact through real-life bumps and scrapes.

A battery built to last

The 6,500mAh battery of the vivo Y21d is designed for longevity. In vivo laboratory tests, it retained more than 80 percent of its original capacity after 1,600 full charge cycles, which is approximately equal to five years of typical use.

With 44W FlashCharge, charging is also worry-free thanks to 29-Dimension Security Protection, a comprehensive safety system that guards the device from power surges, heat, static, and other charging risks. This ensures that every charge is both fast and safe.

Durable, water-resistant, and intelligently built, the vivo Y21d is the perfect smartphone for Filipinos who live life without pause. From navigating flooded streets to capturing moments in the rain, it offers unmatched peace of mind at an affordable price.

The vivo Y21d is now available for as low as Php 6,999 in all vivo concept stores, kiosks, authorized dealers, and online platforms on vivo e-store and Shopee. With Shopee, you can get it for as low as Php 5,669 from October 9 to 16, 2025.

NBA China and Alibaba Cloud announce multiyear collaboration to reimagine fan engagement

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Proprietary AI Model Based on Alibaba’s Qwen Foundational Model Will Enhance

Fan Experience on the NBA App in China

NBA China and Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, recently announced a multiyear collaboration to reimagine the ways fans in China experience and engage with the NBA through AI and cloud technologies.

Through the collaboration, which makes Alibaba Cloud an Official Cloud Computing and AI Partner of NBA China, Alibaba Cloud will develop innovative applications to enhance live game viewing and other fan engagement experiences, including in conjunction with the NBA All-Star, the NBA Playoffs, and the Finals.

The announcement was made by Alibaba Group Chairman and Brooklyn Nets Governor Joe Tsai and NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum prior to The NBA China Games 2025 presented by Taobao 88VIP, which will feature the Nets and the Phoenix Suns playing preseason games on Friday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. CST and Sunday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. CST at The Venetian Arena in Macao.

“It is an exciting time at the intersection of sports and technology,” said Tsai. “AI and cloud technologies are enablers of connection—between player and fan, brand and consumer, global vision and local culture. By collaborating with NBA China and introducing Alibaba’s latest innovations, we are here to excite NBA fans through the enablement of exceptional experiences that they’ve never seen before.”

“Our collaboration with Alibaba Cloud reflects our commitment to using the latest technology to engage the hundreds of millions of NBA fans in China in new and creative ways,” said Tatum. “We look forward to working with Alibaba Cloud to transform how fans across the country watch and experience the game in the years to come.”

NBA China will utilize Alibaba Cloud’s AI and cloud computing services to support a wide range of digital fan engagement initiatives, including the development of a proprietary AI model for NBA China based on Alibaba’s Qwen series of foundational models. The proprietary AI model, fine-tuned with the league’s range of digital assets, will provide NBA App users in China with engaging content including real-time game highlights, historical basketball data, player insights and interactive discussions on trending basketball topics.

In addition, Alibaba Cloud will debut a Real-Time 360 Replay Solution at The NBA China Games 2025, providing fans with AI-powered visual enhancements to replay highlights. Powered by Alibaba’s AI algorithms, the system tracks player movements and generates a visual presentation of high-quality frames to highlight key plays through a spherical view.

This year’s NBA China Games will also showcase innovative and interactive fan experiences powered by Alibaba Cloud’s AI capabilities. At NBA House, fans can create personalized NBA-themed avatars and generate iconic game commentary clips in a voice replicated from a sample of their own using AI technologies powered by Qwen.

As part of the multiyear collaboration, NBA China will also leverage Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure to host its digital destinations, including the NBA App, the league’s official website in China, and NBA China mini-programs. In addition, NBA China will utilize Alibaba Cloud’s intelligent analytical tools to generate data-driven insights to enhance its fan engagement efforts. Quark and the Tongyi App, Alibaba’s consumer-facing AI applications, will also become Official Marketing Partners of NBA China and engage with fans across the country.