Your Health At a Glance: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9

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Bring smarter wellness into your everyday with up to 15% savings and 0 installment for up to 36 months

Some days start with a morning run, others with a packed schedule and a much-needed hot drink. Whether it’s chasing new trails, winding down, or getting better sleep, the small choices we make each day can shape how we feel, perform, and recover. Samsung is bringing this next step in wearable health to Filipinos with the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9. Built to fit seamlessly into everyday life, the latest lineup brings together advanced health tracking, meaningful insights and powerful performance to help users understand their bodies and make more informed choices throughout the day.

When your everyday routine reveals more with Samsung Health

The small things we do every day can say a lot about our health – how well you slept, how much you moved, how your body responded to a workout, etc. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 bring these details together through Samsung Health and the smartwatches’ advanced BioActive Sensor, turning complex health data into meaningful guidance.

The Sleep Apnea feature provides insights into potential breathing disruptions during sleep, while Vitals establishes a personal health baseline and can alert users to significant deviations. Heart Health Score provides an easy-to-understand view of cardiovascular wellness, while Daily Cardio Load and Fitness Index help users better understand training, recovery, and overall fitness. The new Hearing feature also helps users stay aware of potentially unsafe noise exposure through alerts and reports.

Hit your everyday goals with the Galaxy Watch9

Wellness is also about staying consistent with healthier habits. The Galaxy Watch9 combines comprehensive health tracking with a lightweight, comfortable design made for continuous wear. Its refined aluminum casing and signature cushion silhouette provide a natural fit. Meanwhile, its range of soft-touch bands makes it easy to move from workouts and workdays to nighttime routines.

Powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, the latest Galaxy Watch lineup delivers smooth and efficient performance for uninterrupted health monitoring. The 390mAh battery on the 40mm model and 445mAh battery on the 44mm model of the Galaxy Watch9 support dependable all-day tracking, while its up to 3,000-nit display keeps information easy to see, especially outdoors.

Make the weekend an adventure with the Galaxy Watch Ultra2

For those who see a free weekend as an invitation to go somewhere new, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is built to keep pace, from the trail to the water and everywhere in between. Its Trail Run mode tracks elevation, climbing progress and terrain impact, helping runners better understand their performance and pace their efforts. Nutrition Alert provides hydration guidance by estimating sweat loss relative to body weight, helping users stay aware of their hydration needs during demanding activities.

And when the adventure moves to the water, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is 10ATM, IP69K and EN13319 certified, with automatic tracking of diving data such as depth, time and water temperature. It is engineered to support these ambitions with an 800mAh battery and a 5,000-nit display for extended endurance, responsive performance, and clear visibility in bright outdoor conditions. 

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has been refined for everyday wear, offering a slimmer design, lighter and softer bands, and a shock-resistant titanium casing.

Two Galaxy Watches, different ways to move

Wellness looks different for everyone. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 are designed to meet users where they are and keep up as their goals evolve.

The Galaxy Watch9 is available in 40mm in Cream and Graphite, starting at ₱22,990, and 44mm in Graphite and Silver, starting at ₱24,990. LTE variants are also available at ₱25,990 for 40mm and ₱27,990 for 44mm. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is available in 47mm in Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray, starting at ₱44,990.

Both are now available at Samsung Authorized Stores nationwide, Samsung.com/ph and participating online retailers. To make the upgrade even more rewarding, you can enjoy exclusive launch offers with savings of up to 15% and flexible 0% installment options. Get up to 15% savings with 0% installment for up to 36 months using UnionBank or Metrobank Credit Cards, or enjoy up to 11% savings with 0% installment for up to 24 months using EastWest, BDO, BPI, Security Bank, PNB, HSBC, and Chinabank Credit Cards.

With Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9, Samsung brings health insights, advanced technology and performance closer to everyday life, helping users make more informed choices, one day and one move at a time.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-262261 Series of 2026

To learn more about Galaxy Watch Ultra2, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/ph/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch-ultra2-titanium-silver-lte-sm-l715fzsaxtc/buy/

To learn more about Galaxy Watch9, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/ph/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch9-40mm-cream-bluetooth-sm-l340nzeaasa/buy/

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

Capture Next-Level Travel Moments with the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G, Now Available in the Philippines

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There’s a certain magic to traveling with your barkada for the first time. Long before the bags are packed, the trip has already begun in a group chat filled with flight screenshots, restaurant recommendations, itinerary debates, and plans that will inevitably change once everyone arrives. Then come the surprising moments during the trip like a tucked-away food spot discovered by chance, an unexpected detour that becomes the highlight of the day, or a sunset that brings everyone together just as the light turns golden. These are the moments that give a trip its story and naturally, they’re the ones you’ll want to capture.

Arriving just in time for the next barkada getaway, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is now available nationwide, bringing its Pocket Studio imaging experience to travelers across the Philippines. More than a camera for documenting where you’ve been, the latest OPPO AI Phone is designed to capture the people, atmosphere, and spontaneous moments that make getting there memorable in the first place.

With professional-level imaging, intelligent creative tools, and smarter ways to create together, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G turns the everyday rhythm of travel from sweeping landscapes and golden-hour portraits to candid group photos and after-dark discoveries into images and stories worth returning to long after the trip is over.

Turn every destination into your Pocket Studio

No great travel story is told from just one perspective. There’s the wide, postcard-worthy view that calls for the complete barkada photo, the close-up of the local dish everyone agreed they had to try, and the candid moments in between, including the details and discoveries that give every destination its character. With the Pocket Studio experience of the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G, travelers have a versatile camera system built to capture the trip in all its dimensions.

At the heart of the OPPO Reno16 Pro 5G is a 200MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera, designed to preserve the intricate details that make a destination worth remembering. When the scene calls for a wider perspective, the 50MP Ultra Wide Camera opens up the frame for sweeping landscapes, striking architecture, and, of course, more of the barkada. Up front, the 50MP Ultra-Wide Selfie Camera gives groufies more room to breathe, keeping both the people and the places they traveled to see in the story.

Some of the most interesting moments, however, aren’t always within arm’s reach. The 50MP Telephoto Portrait Camera brings those details closer through Zoom Into The Vibe, offering up to 3.5x Optical Zoom and 120x Digital Zoom. This lets travelers reframe the destination from afar, whether it’s a landmark on the horizon, the energy of a local performance, an architectural detail that catches the eye, or a candid portrait unfolding across the street.

Together, these different perspectives turn the camera roll into something more than a collection of vacation photos. They capture the scale, the details, the people, and the atmosphere that made the trip one to remember, from wide destination views to moments that are far beyond arm’s reach.

Photo courtesy of Rafael Sydiangco (@rafbeh_on Instagram)

Make sure the whole barkada gets into the shot

The best group photo shouldn't require choosing which friend has to stay behind the camera. With OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G introduces a smarter way to capture travel moments together. Users can remotely preview the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G camera frame and control the shot from a distance, making it easier to set up barkada photos against scenic views without repeatedly running back to the phone to beat the timer. That’s why each groufie or barkada photo can be taken with a breeze. The Camera Remote View helps make sure everyone gets to be part of the memory.

When one perspective isn't enough, DualCam 2.0 gives travelers a more dynamic way to document an experience by capturing different sides of a moment at once. From recording the view ahead while preserving your reaction to it to documenting your barkada's excitement during a new experience, it gives travel stories an added layer of personality.

Keep the adventure steady, even when you aren't

Some of the best travel moments happen in motion. It’s the rush of weaving through a busy night market, the view unfolding outside the car window, or the barkada walking ahead as you make your way to the next stop. These are the scenes that bring a travel story to life and they rarely wait for you to set up the perfect shot.

With StableCam’s 4K Auto Straighten Video, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G helps keep footage smoother even while users are on the move, making it easier to capture dynamic travel videos and social-ready clips without the need for a complicated camera setup.

Paired with the Pocket Studio imaging experience, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G gives travelers the freedom to follow wherever the story leads. From sweeping landscapes and portraits to food discoveries and spontaneous moments, users can shift seamlessly between different ways of capturing a trip, all from one device that fits right in their pocket.

Photo courtesy of Angela Ken (@anqelaken on Tiktok)

Explore more of the Philippines with #FirstBarkadaGala

Marking the nationwide arrival of the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G, OPPO is taking the celebration beyond the usual barkada hangouts and across the Philippines with #FirstBarkadaGala, a nationwide travel campaign in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) that puts Filipino destinations, stories, and barkada adventures in the spotlight.

The campaign calls on Filipinos to get out, explore, and share the moments that make traveling with their barkada unforgettable. Through #FirstBarkadaGala, OPPO and the DOT are encouraging Filipinos to discover the destinations, flavors, experiences, and hidden gems waiting across the archipelago and share their journeys for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid barkada trip worth ₱200,000, plus Reno16 loaner units to capture the experience.

Because a gala can be more than just another trip. It can be the barkada’s first road trip together, a long-awaited return to a place you love, or a spontaneous detour that unexpectedly becomes the story of the year!

Wherever the next adventure leads, #FirstBarkadaGala is an invitation to see more of the Philippines, experience it together, and capture the moments you’ll still be talking about long after you’ve made it home.

Create your ultimate fan art with #FandomBarkada

Fans can also get creative with the #FandomBarkada AI Remix Collage! Create your ultimate fan art featuring you or your barkada, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G, and your favorite BABYMONSTER member for a chance to win exclusive OPPO x BABYMONSTER merch. Plus, four Grand Winners will also receive tickets to the BABYMONSTER Global Fan Meet Up in Jakarta, Indonesia!

How to Join:

1. Create your AI Remix Collage #MonthlyDump using an OPPO Reno16 Series 5G.

3. Post your fan art on Facebook, TikTok, or X. In your caption, share your favorite BABYMONSTER song and tell us why.

4. Tag @OPPOPhilippines and use #OPPOReno16SeriesxBABYMONSTER #FandomBarkada #OPPOReno16Series #MonthlyDump.

4. Make your post public and submit your entry through the Google Form: https://forms.gle/xdpsyYvhC7Cm6LEq8

50 winners will be selected to win OPPO x BABYMONSTER merch and have their Ultimate Fan Art featured on OPPO Philippines’ social media channels!

Your next adventure starts with the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is now available in the Philippines. Visit the OPPO Online Store or your nearest OPPO Store nationwide to get yours and start capturing your next adventure.

OPPO Reno16 Series 5G Pricing:

OPPO Reno16 F 5G

Pop White, Twilight Violet; Dream Purple available offline starting September 11, 2026

● 8GB + 128GB – ₱44,999

● 8GB + 256GB – ₱49,999

OPPO Reno16 5G

Pop White, Twilight Violet

● 8GB + 256GB – ₱59,999

OPPO Reno16 Pro 5G

Pop White

● 12GB + 256GB – ₱74,999

OPPO Online Store

1.  The Reno16 F 5G (8GB + 256GB) in Dream Purple is exclusively available on the OPPO Online Store until September 10, 2026.

2.  Until September 17, OPPO online store buyers can avail of the following benefits:

• PHP 3,000 OFF
• FREE Enco Buds3 Pro
• FREE OPPO Reno16 Series x BABYMONSTER Limited Edition Photocards (until stocks last)
• Charm Phone Case or Drawstring Bag (until stocks last) for Reno16 F 5G buyers
• OPPO Reno16 Series x BABYMONSTER Limited Edition Drawstring Bag (until stocks last) for Reno16 5G or Reno16 Pro 5G buyers

Shopee/Lazada/TikTok

1.  ₱3,000 OFF

2.  ₱1500 OFF platform voucher

     FREE OPPO Reno16 Series x BABYMONSTER Limited Edition Photocards (until stocks last)

3.  FREE Tango Jet 10000mah PowerBank (until stocks last)

4.  Up to 0% Interest installments with SPayLater/LazPaylater/Tiktok PayLater

Offline Offers (OPPO Concept Stores)

From August 21 to September 17, 2026, walk-in customers can enjoy a ₱3,000 discount on the Reno16 F 5G (8GB + 128GB), Reno16 F 5G (8GB + 256GB), Reno16 5G (8GB + 256GB), and Reno16 Pro 5G (12GB + 256GB). Customers who already pre-ordered and picked up a unit with the ₱3,000 discount are not eligible to avail of the same discount again.

Additional ₱2,000 MY OPPO App Discount

From August 18 to August 31, 2026, MY OPPO App users can enjoy an additional ₱2,000 discount on the Reno16 F 5G (8GB + 128GB) and Reno16 F 5G (8GB + 256GB). The additional discount is on top of the ₱3,000 discount and requires a valid MY OPPO account and applicable voucher.

Flexible Payment Options

● Home Credit: Up to 18 months at 0% interest

● Credit Cards: 6, 12, or 24 months at 0% interest

To know more about the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Easy-to-use GCash payment solutions help Filipino MSMEs grow their businesses

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Across the Philippines, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—from online sellers and cafés to neighborhood retail shops—are thriving not only through grit, but also with the help of digital tools that make operations easier and support business growth. Going digital, indeed, is the ideal path for merchants of all sizes as the economy pivots to a cash-lite society.

G-Xchange Inc. president and CEO Ren-ren Reyes shared how digital payment tools enable MSMEs to grow their operations in the long-term.

G-Xchange Inc. President and CEO Ren-ren Reyes, in a speaking engagement at the ANT Mo:Ments summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stressed that digital tools must not only enable micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to access digital payments but also improve the way they run their businesses.

GCash for Business is doing so with a suite of next-generation payment systems built to help Filipino merchants move faster, serve more customers, and grow their businesses more efficiently.

A seamless and inclusive payment ecosystem

For many MSMEs, going digital remains easier said than done. While studies show that 77% of MSMEs are interested in digital tools, only 20% have fully adopted them due to costs and technical skill gaps.

GCash for Business is making digitalization more accessible for them. The fintech leader offers easy-to-use payment solutions. These enable tap-to-pay and card transactions, giving merchants a faster and simpler way to accept payments.

More than these, merchants can access tools that help automate operations, attract customers through promos, and improve business management. The goal is to help businesses spend less time dealing with manual processes and more time growing their operations.

“We are helping merchants transition from manual roadblocks to digital efficiency, transforming everyday payments into engines for growth. With these devices and platforms, we are bridging the connectivity gap and ensuring that every Filipino entrepreneur—regardless of their location—has a seat at the table of the formal economy,” Reyes said.

Building a digital track record for financial growth

Reyes further highlighted how digital transactions can help merchants build financial credibility.

Today, 55% of MSMEs have never applied for a formal loan, often because of fear of debt, high interest rates, and complicated application requirements. Many small business owners still rely on informal borrowing or personal savings, limiting their ability to expand operations, manage cash flow, or recover from unexpected expenses.

With GCash for Business, merchants can create a digital track record that may help them access financing options that are faster, fairer, and more inclusive. The lending arm of GCash, Fuse Financing Inc., has disbursed P406 billion worth of loans to 11.1 million unique borrowers to date. One in three borrowers is a small business owner.

By helping small businesses overcome barriers to digital adoption, GCash is turning everyday transactions into opportunities for growth, inclusion, and long-term financial progress for merchants across the country.

To get started, merchants can sign up via the GCash for Business Portal at business.gcash.com to gain access to affordable payment solutions and an easy to use all in one dashboard.

Warm Each Soul and Home with Artisanal Pastries from Solaire Resort Quezon City

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Take a piece of crowd-favorite breads and more made fresh daily

by Solaire Resort Quezon City’s own Chief Baker, Chef Edwin Himson.

Whether it be for a quick break or an intentional moment of respite, the light ambiance and welcoming atmosphere at Solaire Resort Quezon City beckons guests to stay a while. Warmth courses throughout the halls of Solaire in many ways, but settles comfortably in the delectable artisanal breads and pastries prepared by the resort’s Chief Baker, Chef Edwin Himson.

Chief Baker Chef Edwin Himson brings Solaire Resort Quezon City’s Bakery and Pastry Room to life through the warm creations he prepares on the daily

Regular guests may be familiar with Chef Edwin and his team’s creations through the classic pandesal trio platter at Manyaman, or the complimentary bread basket at Finestra featuring fluffy bites of focaccia and ciabatta before each meal. With decades of expertise he’s built as a pâtissier in both international and local luxury hotels, Chef Edwin infuses his baked goods with care and love that breathe life into each diner’s palate.

Chef Edwin’s steadfast heart and soul remain prominent amidst his multi-faceted experience, adding a hint of nostalgia into each bite. No matter what he creates, the resort’s Chief Baker imparts a taste of home and familiarity that each person can reminisce their childhood over.

Today, the enticing aroma and pillowy softness of Chef Edwin’s sweet and savory baked blends await at Lobby Lounge and The Bakery at the Food Court, where even the busiest guests can pause to take a piece of Solaire home. Rushed schedules and homebound days can become more special with a wide array of puff pastries, artisan breads, and mouthwatering treats to choose from.

 Visit Lobby Lounge and The Bakery at Solaire Resort Quezon City for fresh baked goods 

available every day

Indulgent pastries spanning from sweet or savory croissants, gluten-free loaves, sourdough variations, and classic banana breads invite guests to pocket Solaire’s signature warmth for any given day. Whether it be traditional baked goods or an elevated take on classic treats, each person is sure to have something for them at Solaire Resort Quezon City with Chef Edwin’s heartwarming delicacies.

Enjoy more of Solaire Resort Quezon City’s signature goods made special by Chef Edwin Himson and his team with the Solaire Rewards program. Across the property, members have up to 20% off dining, while new members may receive 30% off their first bill.

Sign up for the Solaire Rewards program, and make the most of each visit with a basket of happiness. For inquiries and reservations, visit sn.solaireresort.com, call +632 8888 8888, or email sn.reservation@solaireresort.com.

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About Solaire Resort Quezon City

Solaire Resort Quezon City is Solaire’s second integrated luxury resort in the Philippines and the first five-star integrated resort in Quezon City. Located in the heart of Metro Manila’s largest city, it brings together luxury hospitality, world-class gaming, exceptional dining, vibrant entertainment, and family-friendly experiences, and stands among Quezon City’s premier lifestyle destinations.

The resort features 526 elegantly designed rooms and suites, four gaming levels catering to both mass and VIP guests, 14 restaurants and bars, and versatile meeting and event spaces spanning 1,700 square meters. Guests can unwind at the expansive wellness center, 50-meter L-shaped swimming pool and water park, enjoy pickleball and basketball at the Outdoor Fitness Deck, or spend quality family time at the multi-level Kids Club. As day turns to night, the resort comes alive with dynamic entertainment experiences, from live performances at Quezon Club to panoramic evenings at Skybar.

Renowned for its warm Filipino hospitality and thoughtfully curated experiences, Solaire Resort Quezon City continues to redefine luxury entertainment, and leisure in the heart of Quezon City.

For more information, visit sn.solaireresort.com.

Your Moneymaxxing Guide to Help You Weather the Rainy Season

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The rainy season can bring unexpected changes—not just to our routines, but also to our finances. From transportation and household needs to urgent repairs and other unforeseen expenses, costs can quickly add up when severe weather hits.

While not every situation can be anticipated, being financially prepared can help make unexpected expenses more manageable. Here are a few ways to build more flexibility into your finances for the rainy season and beyond.

Keep your emergency money within reach

Whether it's an urgent home repair, a car problem after a particularly rough commute, or an unexpected bill that lands at the wrong time, having money set aside can make these situations easier to manage without disrupting the rest of your finances.

With Maya Personal Goals, users can create up to five personalized savings goals, making it easier to keep an emergency fund separate from other priorities. Each goal can earn up to 8% interest p.a., which means your emergency savings can have its own dedicated place instead of being mixed in with money you're saving for a trip, a major purchase, or your everyday expenses.

Prepare for the expenses ahead

Some rainy-season expenses are easier to anticipate than others. You may not know exactly when your car will need maintenance, when your home might need repairs, or when you'll need to replace something damaged by the weather. But knowing that these expenses could come up gives you an opportunity to prepare for them ahead of time.

For money that can be set aside for a fixed period, Maya Time Deposit Plus offers 3-, 6-, and 12-month terms with rates of up to 6% p.a. Users can also top up their funds along the way.

It can be another way to build a financial cushion for expenses that aren't urgent today but could become important in the months ahead.

Have a plan when savings aren't enough

Even the best preparation can't account for everything. An unexpected expense may be bigger than what you've set aside, or several bills may happen to arrive at once.

For eligible users, Maya Easy Credit[1] provides access to up to ₱50,000, repayable within 30 days, which can come in handy for short-term needs such as an unexpected bill, urgent repair, or other expense that needs to be covered quickly.

For bigger expenses that require more time to pay, whether it's replacing a major appliance, covering a larger home repair, or managing another significant expense, Maya Personal Loan[2] offers up to ₱400,000 with flexible repayment terms of up to 48 months.

Having these options doesn't mean expecting something to go wrong. It simply means knowing what resources are available if an expense turns out to be bigger than expected.

And then there are the little expenses

Not every rainy-season expense is an emergency. Sometimes, it's simply the extra cost of adapting to the weather: more rides because of heavy traffic, extra fuel, food delivery after a long commute, or replacing the umbrella that didn't make it through the season.

These costs may seem small, but they can add up quickly. Leaving some room in your budget for them can make rainy days a little easier to manage.

So, prepare for what it might bring: Keep an emergency fund. Set aside money for expenses you know are coming. And know what options are available when an unexpected cost is bigger than expected.

Because rainy-day money isn't about expecting the worst. It's about making sure one unexpected expense doesn't derail everything else.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

[1] Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation.

[2] Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation.

WANTAWSAN: Kwento ng mga Pilipinong Nasa Laylayan

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Isang pelikulang hindi lamang basta maghahatid ng kuwento, kundi magbubukas ng mga mata sa realidad na araw-araw na kinakaharap ng maraming Pilipinong nasa laylayan.

Ang “WANTAWSAN” ay isang pelikulang naglalayong ipakita ang mga katotohanan, sakripisyo at pakikibaka ng mga ordinaryong Pilipino na patuloy na humaharap sa mabibigat na hamon ng buhay.

Sa likod ng bawat eksena ay mga kuwentong puno ng emosyon, pagsisikap at pag-asa—mga kuwentong maaaring pamilyar sa marami dahil bahagi ito ng tunay na mukha ng lipunan.

Ilan lamang ito sa mga behind-the-scenes photos mula sa paggawa ng WANTAWSAN, na nagbibigay ng sulyap sa pagsisikap ng buong production team at cast upang mabigyang-buhay ang isang kuwentong may puso at mensahe.

Sa bawat kuha, makikita ang dedikasyon ng mga taong nasa likod ng pelikula upang maiparating sa manonood ang isang realidad na madalas ay hindi napapansin.

“WANTAWSAN” — isang pelikulang hindi lamang dapat panoorin, kundi dapat pakinggan at damhin. Isang kuwento ng mga Pilipinong patuloy na lumalaban, nangangarap at umaasa sa kabila ng hirap ng buhay.

Pagbibidahan nina Joross Gamboa, Rita Daniela, Zion Cruz kasama sina Raffy Tejada, Gillian Vicencio at marami pang iba.

"WANTAWSAN", an official full-length film entry to 2026 Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival.

Coming soon in Cinema. 

The Real Magic Is About to Unfold: HONOR Magic V6 Takes the Spotlight on August 24

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HONOR’s latest flagship foldable is set to redefine the premium smartphone experience with next-generation AI, exceptional durability, and powerful performance

Global AI devices provider HONOR Philippines is set to launch its next flagship foldable smartphone, the HONOR Magic V6, on August 24, 2026, promising a new chapter in premium mobile innovation.

Following a series of teasers highlighting its durability and innovation, the HONOR Magic V6 is set to reveal what lies beyond the fold. With advanced AI capabilities and flagship performance, the latest foldable is poised to raise the bar for what consumers can expect from the next generation of foldable smartphones.

“With the HONOR Magic V6, we’re bringing together intelligent AI experiences, powerful performance, and durability designed for everyday demands. We’re excited for Filipinos to discover what’s beyond the fold on August 24,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

The HONOR Magic V6 will be officially unveiled on August 24. For launch updates, product information, and exclusive announcements, visit www.honor.com/ph and following HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive launch updates, product information, and more.

2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair to showcase the modern Philippine coconut industry

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The Philippine coconut industry takes center stage at the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair, which will bring together approximately 300 coconut micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the country from August 26 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.

More than a marketplace for traditional coconut products, the five-day fair will showcase how Filipino entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, government agencies, and industry partners are transforming one of the country's most important agricultural resources into innovative, sustainable, and increasingly diverse products and business opportunities.

The fair will bring greater visibility to initiatives supporting the development of the coconut industry and promote closer collaboration among government agencies and industry stakeholders.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry's Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (DTI-BMDPO), the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair will feature 300 coconut MSMEs offering food and non-food products from different regions of the country.

From familiar coconut-based food products to new applications in health and wellness, personal care, home and lifestyle, the exhibition will demonstrate how enterprises are moving further into value-added production, product innovation, improved packaging, and new markets.

The fair also brings together implementing agencies of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), led by the Philippine Coconut Authority, to highlight programs, services, technologies, research outputs, and accomplishments supporting coconut farmers and other industry stakeholders.

CFIDP implementing agencies will maintain information desks throughout the event, providing visitors and beneficiaries with opportunities to learn about government programs and engage directly with the agencies involved in coconut industry development.

Special features will offer visitors different ways to discover the versatility and potential of the Philippine coconut industry. The CocoBar Café will showcase innovative coconut-based food and beverages, while the CFIDP Selling and Showcase Area and Product Pavilions will feature diverse, value-added coconut products from participating MSMEs. The CFIDP Pavilion and CFIDP Implementing Agencies area will highlight government programs, services, and support for farmers, MSMEs, and other industry stakeholders, demonstrating the many opportunities across the coconut value chain.

Four days of business talks and cooking demonstrations will complement the exhibition, bringing industry knowledge, entrepreneurship, product applications, and market trends to the fair stage.

Market development will also be a key part of the event. Through Business Connect, participating cocopreneurs will have opportunities to meet institutional buyers and prospective market partners in targeted business-matching sessions designed to turn product exposure into potential orders and longer-term commercial relationships.

The 2026 edition builds on last year's performance. The 2025 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair generated Php96.9 million in total sales for 213 participating cocopreneurs. This year, participation expands to 300 coconut MSMEs, giving more enterprises access to consumers, buyers, market information, and potential business partners.

For visitors, the fair is a chance to see, taste, and discover just how far the Philippine coconut industry has come. From innovative products and new technologies to the enterprises and communities behind them, the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair brings the industry’s possibilities to life and invites the public to be part of its continuing growth.

2GO Strengthens Connections to Support Mindanao’s Next Chapter of Growth

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — 2GO, the Philippines’ largest and most integrated end-to-end transportation and logistics solutions provider, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Mindanao’s economic growth by strengthening connectivity by helping businesses access markets and travelers reach their destinations across the country.

2GO Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer William Howell delivering his presentation during the Mindanao Business Conference in Cagayan de Oro City

Speaking at the 35th Mindanao Business Conference on August 12, 2GO Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer William Howell highlighted connectivity as a critical enabler of a more future-proof and inclusive Mindanao economy. The conference, held in Cagayan de Oro City from August 11 to 13, carries the theme “Accelerating Inclusive Growth through Innovation and Sustainability: Bridging the Gap, Scaling the Future.”

“When we talk about the future of the Philippine economy, Mindanao is not a peripheral story,” Howell said, noting the region’s vital role in agriculture and fisheries, energy, manufacturing, mining, exports, and tourism. Howell emphasized that the region’s economic potential can be further unlocked by strengthening the connections that allow goods, people, and opportunities to move efficiently across markets.

Connecting Mindanao’s industries to wider markets, Howell outlined four strategic pillars underpinning Mindanao’s economic advantage: industry, growth engines, connectivity, and tourism. While the region continues to produce globally competitive agricultural and manufactured products and attract investments across industries, he emphasized that connectivity ties these growth drivers together by linking farmers to markets, manufacturers to customers, exporters to gateways, and communities to new economic opportunities.

“Connectivity is not merely about moving goods and passengers. It is about enabling commerce, expanding access, attracting investments, and strengthening communities,” Howell said.

As Mindanao’s industries expand, 2GO is supporting businesses through an integrated network of freight, logistics, and travel solutions. The company’s Forwarding network includes 93 distribution hubs and warehouses nationwide, with 18 located in Mindanao. In the region, 2GO Forwarding handles approximately 1.5 million packages, or 150,000 transactions, annually.

Through 2GO Sea Solutions, the company connects Mindanao to key commercial hubs across the Philippines. 2GO serves ports located in Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, Butuan, Dipolog, Davao, General Santos, and Zamboanga, as part of its 20-port network nationally, while transporting 2.5 million metric tons of cargo to, from, and within Mindanao in 2025.

Beyond regular sea freight, 2GO provides specialized logistics solutions designed to address the evolving requirements of Mindanao’s industries, including project logistics for large-scale developments, cold chain for agricultural and food products, e-commerce logistics, and cross-docking solutions that support faster movement of goods.

Connectivity also extends beyond the movement of cargo. Through 2GO Travel, the company supports the mobility of entrepreneurs, workers, tourists, and communities, helping connect Mindanao with key destinations across Luzon and the Visayas.

2GO Travel currently operates 36 active passenger routes nationwide, including 18 with a Mindanao connection. The network supports 37 weekly voyages connecting Mindanao to Luzon and the Visayas, strengthening access to markets, employment, tourism, and other economic opportunities.

These integrated services reinforce 2GO’s role beyond that of a transportation provider. By combining sea freight, forwarding, specialized logistics, and passenger travel, the company helps businesses move products from production sites to markets while connecting people and communities across the archipelago.

The company’s participation in the 35th Mindanao Business Conference builds on its continued engagement with government, chambers, and business stakeholders in the region. Earlier this year, 2GO, the Mindanao Development Authority, and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. convened regional industry leaders to discuss logistics challenges and opportunities for strengthening supply chain connectivity across Mindanao.

The conference program likewise placed connectivity at the center of discussions on Mindanao’s economic future, with sessions covering the region’s economic strategic foresight, connectivity and resilience, smart industrial development, energy transition, digital infrastructure, trade, climate-smart business, tourism, and MSME financing.

Through its integrated network of sea freight, forwarding, and passenger travel, 2GO continues to support the next chapter of Mindanao’s growth by connecting people, markets, and opportunities across the Philippines.

For more information about 2GO’s end-to-end logistics and transportation solutions, visit www.2GO.com.ph.

Mindanao’s EMCOR and GCash bring flexible and seamless cashless payment solutions to over 170 stores nationwide

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Mindanao’s largest homegrown retailer integrates the GCash digital payment ecosystem across 174 branches nationwide, empowering millions of Filipinos with flexible, cashless shopping for appliances, furniture, motorcycles, and more.

(L-R) EMCOR CFO and treasurer Jocelyn S. Monungolh; president and COO Nelson M. Aparejo; GCash regional business unit head Maria Tania Kathrina G. Padilla; and EMCOR EVP administration Guilbert R. Olbez

EMCOR (Engineering and Machinery Corporation) and GCash have partnered to launch Scan-to-Pay options across the retailer's network and GBills, enabling monthly installments for customer purchases. For over 60 years, EMCOR has been a trusted name in helping Filipino families build better homes, offering an extensive range of home appliances, furniture, motorcycles, e-bikes, smartphones, laptops, and three-wheelers.

The partnership enables flexible financing for major purchases like furniture, appliances, and gadgets, making quality home essentials more accessible across income levels. By integrating embedded credit solutions into EMCOR’s customer base, the partnership helps more Filipinos invest in their homes and livelihoods with greater ease and less financial strain.

This shift toward digital payments not only improves the shopping experience but also enhances operational efficiency and security across all EMCOR outlets.

“Our mission at GCash is to bring safe, accessible digital finance to every household. This partnership with EMCOR ensures that paying for home essentials and settling monthly installments is effortless. We are proud to back EMCOR’s digital transformation and expand financial inclusion across Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao." said Tania G. Padilla, GCash regional business unit head.

Further, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to modernizing Philippine retail and accelerating the nation’s shift toward a cashless economy. The initiative is part of a broader GCash strategy to embed digital payment infrastructure into the everyday lives of Filipinos, driving habitual use of cashless transactions and expanding access to financial services in communities across Mindanao and beyond.

“EMCOR has always believed that the Filipino family deserves access to quality products and a stress-free shopping experience. Partnering with GCash is a natural extension of that commitment—our customers across 174 branches can now pay instantly through Scan-to-Pay or manage their installments remotely through GBills, right from their phones. This is more than a payment upgrade; it is about making the lives of Filipino families easier and giving them more time and peace of mind. We are excited to bring this seamless digital experience to our loyal customers in Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao,” shares EMCOR president and COO, Nelson M. Aparejo.

By combining EMCOR’s six-decade legacy of serving Filipino households with the strong digital ecosystem of GCash, the collaboration creates a retail experience that is not only more convenient but also safer, smarter, and more inclusive.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at The Manila Hotel

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As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, tables become gathering places once again for family reunions, friendly catch-ups, and celebrations with colleagues. The Manila Hotel welcomes the season with thoughtfully prepared dining experience and handcrafted mooncakes that honor one of the year’s most cherished traditions.

Available at Red Jade from August 1 to September 30, 2026, the Mid-Autumn Festival Set Menu invites guests to gather over a sumptuous feast that celebrates abundance and togetherness. Served for both lunch and dinner, the menu is priced at Php 3,588 nett per person, with a minimum of five diners.

The menu features an assortment of Dim Sum, Braised Pit Lobster, Fried Whole Lapu-Lapu with Zhenjiang Honey Glazed Sauce, and other Chinese specialties prepared for the occasion, culminating with The Manila Hotel’s handcrafted mooncakes—a sweet finale to the festive meal. Prestige Card holders may also enjoy 20% off the set menu for groups of five to ten diners. To complete the celebration, guests may add Php 1,800 for a bottle of Suntana Summer Rosé to complement the menu’s rich yet balanced flavors.

Beyond the dining table, the celebration continues with The Manila Hotel’s signature mooncakes, available at Red Jade and Delicatessen. A seasonal favorite symbolizing gratitude and good fortune, this year’s selection features Single Yolk Red Bean, Single Yolk Pure White Lotus, Milk Golden Sand House, Black Sesame with XO Dried Conpoy.

Presented in an elegant gift box containing four pieces of mooncakes, the Mooncake Box is priced at Php 3,888 nett. Inspired by the iconic facade and architecture of the Grand Dame, the beautifully designed box serves as a keepsake long after the festivities have ended. Guests who pre-order a Mooncake Box on or before September 15, 2026 may enjoy the 30% Early Bird Offer, reducing the price to Php 2,721.60 nett. Pre-ordered boxes may be claimed beginning September 16, 2026. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-263867, Series of 2026.

Individual mooncakes are also available for Php 388 nett each starting September 1, 2026.

"The Mid-Autumn Festival is about bringing people closer together. Through our festive set menu and signature mooncakes, we hope to create meaningful moments for families and friends while honoring a tradition that has been cherished for generations," said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

For orders and reservations, guests may call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, message +63998 950 1912, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

Jollibee wants Filipinos to taste the thrill of spice

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For Filipinos who believe fried chicken tastes even better with a little kick, Jollibee is turning up the heat with Spicy Chickenjoy, putting the spotlight on a familiar favorite with a flavor profile designed to deliver more than just the sting of spice.

Jollibee Spicy Chickenjoy combines its signature crispy, juicy chicken with a blend of spices, bringing a noticeable kick to every bite. Rather than treating spiciness as a test of endurance, the brand is framing it as another layer of flavor to enjoy.

“Spiciness should not simply be about tolerating the heat. It should be about enjoying what the spice brings to the overall flavor experience. With Spicy Chickenjoy, we want Filipinos to discover that spicy can be exciting, flavorful and, most importantly, delicious,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines.

The move also comes as spicy flavors continue to gain a place among Filipino food preferences. According to research, 13 percent of surveyed adult Filipinos, or roughly one in eight, identified spicy as a taste preference. While the findings do not suggest that spicy food appeals to everyone, they point to a notable group of consumers who enjoy the added flavor and heat that spicy food brings.

Jollibee is bringing that flavor story to life with Alexa Ilacad, an actress, singer and performer known for her energetic personality and strong connection with younger Filipino audiences. Her naturally lively and expressive persona makes her a fitting face for Spicy Chickenjoy, particularly for a campaign that seeks to portray spice not as something intimidating, but as something fun, exciting and full of character.

For Ilacad, whose public persona often combines confidence, playfulness and youthful energy, the partnership gives Jollibee a way to personify the product's fiery personality while keeping the focus on the enjoyment that comes with every bite.

With Spicy Chickenjoy, Jollibee is ultimately asking consumers to look at spicy food beyond the question of how much heat they can handle. The bigger question, it suggests, is how much flavor they can enjoy.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!