City of Dreams Manila’s March dual concerts spark summer nostalgia: Gabby Concepcion at Centerplay, and “The Golden Sound of the Platters” at the Grand Ballroom

A celebration of classic hits and unforgettable performances promise to stir fond memories and warm hearts this summer at City of Dreams Manila. Gabby Concepcion, the timeless heartthrob, takes center stage at the CenterPlay Concert Series on March 18 at 9:30 p.m., while the sentimental harmonies of “The Golden Sound of the Platters” fill the Grand Ballroom on March 27 and 28 at 8 pm.

Gabby Concepcion Live at CenterPlay

Concepcion is one of the country’s most enduring and beloved actors who has explored his musicality as a recording artist. He released two albums under Warner Philippines: a self-titled debut album in 2008 featuring interpretations of OPM favorites such as ”Iisa Pa Lamang” and “Nakapagtataka”, and Unforgettable in 2010, which showcased his renditions of classics like ”Moon River”, ”Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, and ”Fly Me to the Moon”. Fans can expect the same warmth, charm, and nostalgia at CenterPlay, where he will serenade guests with well-loved songs in an intimate performance that highlights his signature charisma and star power.

Gabby Concepcion Live at CenterPlay, follows the successful concert of diamond soul siren Nina, and other OPM stars featured at CenterPlay’s Concert Series, which spotlights the country’s top performers to a full house each month. Concepcion’s much-awaited concert also highlights performances from bands Moranos, Highschool Playlist, and Le Chic who are set to perform alternately from 6 pm to 3 am.

Music enthusiasts can reserve a seat or a table starting at P4,000 per person, with consumables comprising of bar nosh, burgers, fries, and beverages. VIP couch seats for a party of eight, and smaller seatings are also available. Designed for the ultimate entertainment experience, CenterPlay is a cool snack and cocktail lounge that opens at 6 pm, offering light meals, signature cocktail concoctions, beers, wines, and other beverages, and is built around the circular stage at the center of the main gaming floor.

“The Golden Sounds of The Platters” at the Grand Ballroom

Music lovers of all ages are invited to relive the elegance and romance of the 1950s and 1960s in a two-night world-class concert entitled “The Golden Sounds of The Platters”. The premier five-man touring ensemble pays tribute to iconic harmonies and timeless love songs of The Platters.

The special tribute concert staged by Steve O’Neal Productions at the sophisticated setting of the Grand Ballroom celebrates the romantic music that defined generations, featuring heartfelt renditions of the group’s most cherished classics including “Only You,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “The Great Pretender,” and “Twilight Time.” Each performance reimagines the signature sound that made The Platters one of the most influential vocal groups in music history.

Tickets are at P3,000, P5,000 and P7,000 for Classic, Golden and VIP, respectively, and available via TicketWorld: https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=TGSOTP26 .

For inquiries and information, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visit the resort’s website: https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/en/whats-on/gabby-live or https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/en/whats-on/the-platters-live. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.

Celebrate Araw ng Davao with an Island Retreat at Discovery Samal

Araw ng Davao is Davao City’s biggest annual celebration, an all-out festival month that turns the city into a moving showcase of culture, community, and hometown pride. It’s when streets come alive with parades, drumbeats, dance performances, pop-up bazaars, concerts, and food finds, and every corner feels like an invitation to join in. Whether you’re coming for the pageantry, the people, or the sheer energy of a city celebrating itself, Araw ng Davao is the kind of celebration that makes a quick flight to Mindanao feel more like a must-do trip than a maybe.

As Araw ng Davao fills the city with parades, performances, and community gatherings, Discovery Samal invites locals and visitors to keep the celebration going by the sea. Minutes away by boat, the resort offers seasonal room packages, festive dining, and easygoing activities that let you stretch the city’s high-energy festivities into a refreshing coastal break.

Island stays with easy summer comforts

For those looking to turn the celebration into a quick getaway, Discovery Samal is offering its Happy Summer Room Package, a simple way to extend the holiday into a laid-back island break. Designed for easy unwinding, the package pairs comfortable accommodations with resort perks that let guests slip into Samal’s slower pace.

Starting at P17,500 per night, the package includes daily breakfast for two at Morning Catch, plus added savings across the resort. Guests enjoy 15% off at food and beverage outlets, 10% off spa treatments and watersports activities, and seasonal inclusions such as a complimentary one-hour crystal kayak or paddle board session and a relaxing foot massage for two. The offer is available for booking until May 31, 2026, with stays from March 1 to June 15, 2026—ideal for travelers looking to cap off the city festivities with a short Samal retreat.

Seafood feasts with Davao flavors and coastal flair

Discovery Samal is also offering a themed lunch buffet at Morning Catch, serving up ocean-fresh seafood prepared with local flavors and a distinct sense of Davao pride. Inspired by the energy of coastal markets and regional culinary traditions, the spread is guided by the day’s catch from local fishermen, vibrant produce, and time-tested cooking techniques—moving from beloved seafood classics to bold, creative takes on coastal specialties. Every plate celebrates the character of the surrounding waters, capturing the richness and unmistakable taste of Davao’s culinary heritage.

The buffet is served from 11 am to 3 pm every weekend in March, priced at P2,600 net per person. The rate includes round-trip boat transfers from the Davao Welcome Center, making it easy for guests to travel seamlessly from the city to Samal Island for the dining experience.

Seaside moments with sun, sea, and slow island time

A visit to Discovery Samal during Araw ng Davao opens the door to a range of leisurely pursuits shaped by the island’s natural setting. Guests may begin the day with a quiet walk along the shore or spend the afternoon swimming in the pool while looking out over the gulf. Others may choose to relax by the beach, paddle across the calm waters, or settle into a shaded corner of the resort with the sound of the waves nearby. Time on the island tends to unfold at a gentler pace. The bustle of the city fades into the background, replaced by wide horizons and open sea air.

A city celebration that flows into island calm

Araw ng Davao honors the heritage and resilience of the city. Discovery Samal offers a fitting continuation of that celebration, inviting guests to cross the water and experience a different side of the region’s charm.

From festive dining to seaside relaxation, the resort presents a simple invitation to celebrate the city first, then escape to the island where the spirit of the occasion lingers a little longer. For inquiries and reservations, email reservations@discoverysamal.com or call +63 84 308 2998.

 

Steady Every Second: How OPPO Reno15’s 4K HDR Ultra-Steady Video Captures Life in Ultra Clarity

In a world where moments move fast, capturing video that’s both clear and stable can make all the difference. Thankfully, the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G makes recording those moments effortless.

Powered by 4K HDR Ultra-Steady Video, the newest Reno delivers ultra-clear footage with advanced stabilization, allowing users to film confidently even while moving. Whether walking through scenic trails or documenting spontaneous moments with friends, the Reno15 Series ensures footage remains smooth and vibrant.

Capture the Moment Immediately

At the heart of the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G’s video experience is its ability to react quickly. In just a few seconds, users can open the camera, switch between the selfie and rear cameras, and start recording steady 4K HDR footage without interruption.

Unlike traditional smartphone cameras that often require stopping a recording to change perspectives, the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G introduces seamless front-to-rear camera switching during video recording. This allows creators to narrate their story face-forward and instantly flip the camera to capture the scene ahead all within the same continuous clip.

Combined with EIS 2.0 stabilization across all cameras and OIS support on key lenses, the result is smoother footage even while walking or filming handheld. Videos maintain balanced lighting, richer color range, and clearer detail from low-light environments to bright outdoor scenes.

More Ways to Capture Every Angle

Beyond stabilization, the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G introduces several creative video tools that make filming more versatile.

The Front Ultra-Wide Portrait Video feature allows users to record immersive selfie videos with a wider field of view. This makes it easier to include more of the background or capture group moments while maintaining natural proportions and flattering framing.

For creators who want multiple perspectives in one clip, Dual-View Video enables simultaneous recording from both the front and rear cameras. This makes it possible to show both the creator’s reaction and the surrounding scene in real time. This is perfect for travel vlogs, event coverage, or reaction-style content.

The OPPO Reno15 Series 5G also introduces Multi-Output Capture, allowing users to take photos while recording video without interrupting the recording session. This flexibility ensures that key moments can be captured as both photos and videos without switching modes.

Edit and Share Without Leaving the Gallery

Once the footage is captured, creators can refine their content directly on the device using Video Editing 2.0, the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G’s  enhanced editing suite built into the album.

The toolset includes clip trimming and merging, speed adjustments, transitions, music beat synchronization, animated stickers, and aspect ratio controls. These features allow users to assemble polished videos quickly without needing third-party editing apps.

High-quality output is also preserved, with support for 4K HDR exports at up to 120 FPS, ensuring videos maintain their clarity even after editing.

Confidence Behind Every Clip

For people who love documenting travel, everyday adventures, and social moments, the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G makes video creation feel natural and flexible. The ability to film face-forward while walking, switch perspectives mid-recording, capture photos while filming, and edit directly on the device allows creators to focus on the moment rather than the process.

Whether it’s capturing the quiet beauty of a landscape, filming a spontaneous vlog, or recording everyday memories, the Reno15 Series ensures every second is captured with clarity and stability.

See More with the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G

Beyond its standout video capabilities, the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G also brings together a suite of features designed to enhance everyday creativity. The device is equipped with a 50MP Ultra-Wide Selfie Camera that makes group selfies and scenic vlogs clearer and wider. For portrait photography, the 3.5x Telephoto Vibe Portrait lens offers a more flattering perspective and natural background compression, giving photos a polished, professional look.

The OPPO Reno15 5G and OPPO Reno15 Pro 5G also introduce AI Motion Photo Popout, a playful editing feature that transforms ordinary photos into layered, animated visuals in seconds. Wrapped in the phone’s distinctive Dancing Aurora Design, these innovations come together to create a smartphone built not only for capturing moments.

Make Your Moment with the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G

Now it’s time to Make Your Moment. The OPPO Reno15 Series 5G is now available nationwide at all authorized OPPO Stores. Customers can also purchase online via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and OPPO Online Store

OPPO Reno15 Series 5G Pricing & Variants

OPPO Reno15 F 5G (Twilight Blue, Aurora Blue)

●     8GB + 128GB – ₱23,999 (Online Exclusive Variant)

●     8GB + 256GB – ₱25,999

●     12GB + 256GB – ₱28,999

OPPO Reno15 5G (Twilight Blue, Aurora White)

●     12GB + 256GB – ₱36,999

●     12GB + 512GB – ₱39,999

OPPO Reno15 Pro 5G (Aurora Blue)

●     12GB + 512GB – ₱49,999

Orders placed via the OPPO Official Online Store before 1:00 PM are eligible for same-day delivery in select Metro Manila areas including Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Taguig (including BGC), Pateros, Marikina, Pasay, Manila, and Quezon City.

Postpaid Plan Offers

All postpaid plans come with a FREE OPPO Enco Buds3 Pro (while stocks last):

Globe:

●     GPlan 1799 – OPPO Reno15 F 5G (8GB + 256GB)

●     GPlan 1999 – OPPO Reno15 5G (12GB + 512GB)

Smart:

●     Plans+ 1499 – OPPO Reno15 F 5G (8GB + 256GB)

●     Plans+ 1999 – OPPO Reno15 5G (12GB + 512GB)

Flexible Payment Options

●     Home Credit: 6, 9, 12, 15, or 18 months at 0% interest

●     Credit Cards: 0% interest for 6 or 12 months on select banks

Best Paired with OPPO Watch S and OPPO Pad 5

Complete your ecosystem with the OPPO Watch S, available in Phantom Black for ₱10,999 and Silver Gleam for ₱11,999, and the OPPO Pad 5, priced at ₱26,999 (WiFi) and ₱29,999 (5G).

Customers who purchase the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G together with these IoT devices can enjoy exclusive bundle perks, including:

●     ₱2,000 off on OPPO Pad 5 (until end of year)

●     ₱1,000 off on OPPO Watch S (until end of year)

●     Exclusive perks available at the OPPO Online Store

 

To know more about the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

 

Cinema in a box: PLDT Home Life unveils StreamTV+ for ultimate entertainment

The top telco brand partners with global tech leaders Sagemcom, Bang & Olufsen, and Dolby to design a breakthrough high-end streaming device

PLDT Home Life raises the bar for home entertainment in the Philippines with the launch of StreamTV+ – a new premium streaming device created in collaboration with Sagemcom, Bang & Olufsen, and Dolby. This powerhouse lineup features global experts in hardware design, cinematic sound, and smart technology to create one sleek device designed for the way Filipino families stream and connect at home.

StreamTV+ is the latest innovation from the country’s leading telco, going beyond fiber-fast internet to deliver the ultimate entertainment experience customers have been waiting for. It’s the dream setup for many: with stunning 4K visuals made richer with Dolby Vision, multi-dimensional sound powered by Dolby Atmos, audio refined by Bang & Olufsen, and voice control of TV and smart home devices powered by Google Assistant, it transforms any living room into a smarter, more cinematic space – without the clutter of multiple gadgets.

‘Cinema in a box’

StreamTV+ packs crisp visuals, expertly tuned audio, and smart technology into one sleek, compact streaming box.

As a global leader in high-end communication solutions, Sagemcom served as PLDT Home Life’s technology partner in designing the core hardware of StreamTV+. This ensures the “cinema in a box” promise is built on world-class reliability and cutting-edge design – delivering a sleek, easily portable hub that brings all major streaming platforms together in stunning 4K clarity.

Thanks to Dolby Atmos technology and audio that is refined by Bang & Olufsen, StreamTV+ delivers clear dialogue, balanced sound, controlled bass, and immersive audio that enhances movies, shows, and live sports – without the need for additional sound equipment. Expect a true, three-dimensional soundstage that brings the roar of a stadium or the subtle whispers of a thriller directly into your living space, no matter the content source: Netflix, HBO Max, Cignal, and more.

Beyond just an entertainment box, StreamTV+ transforms into a hands-free smart home command center with integrated voice control. The device supports Google Assistant, allowing users to control their TV and compatible smart home devices through voice commands. Powered by Wi-Fi 6, StreamTV+ ensures stable, high-quality streaming for everyday use.

The standard in home entertainment

PLDT Home Life launched StreamTV in 2024, redefining home entertainment with the combined capabilities of an Android TV device, an AI‑powered smart speaker, and a virtual assistant in one intuitive unit. The telco brand has consistently focused on initiatives that will provide subscribers with better value and enrich their digital lifestyle.

By recently partnering with global technology leaders for StreamTV+, PLDT Home Life delivers a cinema-grade entertainment experience that remains accessible to modern Filipino homes.

“It’s big sound and crisp movies and videos in a box!” said PLDT Senior Vice President and Consumer Business Head John Y. Palanca.

PLDT Senior Vice President and Consumer Business Head John Y. Palanca

“At PLDT Home, we are committed to delivering best‑in‑class connectivity and digital solutions that push the smart home experience forward. By collaborating with global technology leaders such as Sagemcom, Dolby, Bang & Olufsen, and Google, we’re bringing cutting‑edge innovation directly into Filipino homes. This new offering integrates advanced hardware, immersive audio‑visual technologies, and an intelligent platform designed to deliver a seamless, cinema‑grade entertainment experience. It reflects our goal to empower customers with reliable, high‑performance tools that elevate how they consume content and enjoy their connected lifestyle.”

Duncan McCue, Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Bang & Olufsen, added, “We’re excited to bring Audio by Bang & Olufsen into more homes with the StreamTV+, delivering immersive sound that enhances both TV and music experiences for consumers.”

Olivier Taravel, Senior Executive Vice President of the Audio Video Solutions Business Unit at Sagemcom, stated: "We are proud to stand behind this groundbreaking product and to be PLDT Home Life’s partner in bringing the StreamTV+ to the Filipino market. This all-in-one solution delivers a unique value proposition that is driving higher customer satisfaction, loyalty, and a growing Net Promoter Score."

With StreamTV+, PLDT Home further strengthens its position as a leader in home connectivity and digital innovation. The focus goes beyond speed – it’s about delivering a complete, high-quality entertainment experience designed for Filipino families.

Upgrade your home entertainment and transform any room in your home into a cinema with StreamTV+! PLDT Home Fiber subscribers can purchase their cinema in a box for a one time payment of P10,990 or P399/month for 36 months. Learn more at pldthome.com/streamtv and explore PLDT Home Life’s full suite of digital services at pldthome.com/life.

Grab and MOVE IT partner with ARK, drive urban food security among rider communities

Grab Philippines and MOVE IT have partnered with social impact innovator ARK Solves to launch a community-led food security program aimed at helping gig worker communities build more sustainable and self-reliant food sources.

Nearly 1,000 Grab delivery-partners and MOVE IT rider-partners have signed up in the pilot rollout of the ARK’s flagship community exchange program ‘Feed Back’

At the center of the partnership is Feed Back, ARK Solves’ flagship community exchange program that enables families to grow fresh produce at home and share excess harvests with their neighbors, helping strengthen food access at the community level.

The collaboration comes amid continuing concerns over food security in the Philippines. While government data showed food inflation easing to 0.7 percent in January 2026, down from 1.2 percent in December 2025 and 4.0 percent a year earlier, the Department of Agriculture said the gains remain fragile and could easily be undone by renewed supply disruptions[1].

Grab Philippines Managing Director Ronald Roda shares: “Grab remains committed to helping our driver- and delivery-partners and their families stay resilient in the face of shifting macroeconomic realities. Beyond ensuring that livelihood opportunities on our platform remain viable, we believe it is equally important to introduce support programs that reinforce their long-term well-being. Through our partnership with ARK Solves, we hope to help more gig worker families build more sustainable lives and greater food security for the future.”

The partnership was formally launched with the support of the local government units of Montalban, San Mateo, and Antipolo in Rizal, where the program will be piloted among Grab and MOVE IT’s rider community. So far, almost 700 community leaders and rider-partners from the platforms have signed up and begun receiving seeds, along with training on how to grow food and compost even in small spaces.

“Community has always been at the heart of MOVE IT. Our rider-partners look out for each other, and we see that every day in how they support one another on and off the road,” highlights MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto. “Our role is not just to recognize that strong sense of solidarity, but to help harness it, so riders can come together and co-create sustainable programs that support their everyday needs.”

Over the course of the 16-week program, participating riders will help expand access to fresh produce within their households and communities. Once harvests are ready, they will lead weekly exchange activities in their neighborhoods, allowing families and neighbors to share surplus crops with one another.

“This partnership is a major milestone, as we work with Grab and MOVE IT in showcasing how we can enable Feed Back’s impact to thrive wherever it is needed the most, including urban areas,” says Ayesha Vera-Yu, CEO and Co-Founder of ARK.

By combining behavior-change principles with a market-based approach, Feed Back helps families build and sustain productive home gardens that strengthen access to localized food sources. The program, which gathers multiple partners, has since scaled to 120 communities across the country, benefiting more than 36,000 fishing and farming households.

Following the initial rollout, Grab, MOVE IT and ARK Solves plan to expand the program to more driver- and rider-rich communities in the months ahead, applying lessons from the pilot to improve the model as it scales.

About Grab

Grab is a leading superapp in Southeast Asia, operating across the deliveries, mobility and digital financial services sectors. Serving over 700 cities in eight Southeast Asian countries - Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam - Grab enables millions of people everyday to order food or groceries, send packages, hail a ride or taxi, pay for online purchases or access services such as lending and insurance, all through a single app. Grab was founded in 2012 with the mission to drive Southeast Asia forward by creating economic empowerment for everyone, and strives to serve a triple bottom line: to simultaneously deliver financial sustainability and have a positive social and environmental impact in Southeast Asia.

About ARK Solves

ARK is an award-winning social impact innovator. With over 120+ partner communities and over 200,000 lives impacted, ARK has become the go-to food security solution in the Philippines, proving that hunger can be solved for good.

For more information, email info@arksolves.org and visit fb.com/ARKSolves for latest updates.

[1] https://www.da.gov.ph/da-eyes-supply-fixes-to-head-off-food-inflation-pressure/remains

Home Credit Philippines Encourages Customers to Seek Early Support for Payment Concern

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) is encouraging customers to reach out early if they encounter payment difficulties, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to responsible lending and customer care.

Through its Payment Support Program, Home Credit works with customers experiencing temporary financial challenges to explore practical repayment arrangements suited to their situation. The program is a standing support service available to all customers and forms part of the company’s broader approach to helping Filipinos maintain financial stability throughout their loan journey.

Whether dealing with medical expenses, employment transitions, or unexpected family needs, customers may coordinate directly with Home Credit representatives to discuss available options designed to keep repayment plans manageable.

In 2025 alone, more than 30,000 customers accessed Home Credit’s payment support services, reflecting growing awareness of the importance of early communication in managing financial obligations.

“Behind every payment is effort and commitment,” said Wojciech Krotoszynski, Head of Collections at Home Credit Philippines. “Our role is to listen, understand our customers’ situations, and work with them to find solutions when circumstances change. When customers reach out early, we are better able to support them and help them stay on track.”

Home Credit emphasizes that seeking assistance early can help prevent temporary financial challenges from becoming more difficult burdens. By coordinating proactively, customers may: 

• Discuss flexible payment arrangements for a defined period
• Maintain alignment with their longer-term financial plans
• Identify practical repayment solutions with company support

Customers who wish to learn more about payment assistance options may contact Home Credit through:

• Our official Home Credit website at www.homecredit.ph
• Official customer support channels
• Verified company representatives

As one of the country’s leading consumer finance providers, Home Credit Philippines continues to strengthen programs that promote responsible borrowing, financial resilience, and accessible support for Filipino customers. 

About Home Credit 

Home Credit Philippines is the leading consumer finance company in the country, backed by Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited (Krungsri), the fifth largest bank in Thailand, and Security Bank Corporation, one of the most trusted and leading universal banks in the Philippines. 

Now in its 12th year, Home Credit has served over 12 million Filipinos and financed more than ₱400 billion worth of loans through a diverse portfolio that includes installment financing, cash loans, credit cards, and Qwarta, a virtual spending limit. 

Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Home Credit continues to drive financial inclusion by expanding access to credit and transforming the consumer finance landscape. The company was named Best Finance Company of the Philippines in 2024 by the Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Retail Banking Awards. 

More information on HCPH is available at www.homecredit.ph.  

 

GCash, Careem Pay partnership enables faster remittances for Filipinos in UAE

The Philippines’ leading finance superapp GCash has partnered with Careem Pay, a digital payments service available within the Careem app, to enable faster and more reliable money transfers for overseas Filipinos living in the UAE.

Following the official signing between GCash and Careem Pay at Careem's head office in Dubai, users can now send money directly to GCash wallets in the Philippines, making transfers to family and friends faster and more convenient.

(L-R) general manager for GCash International Arjun Varma, and Careem Pay vice president Mohammad El Saadi

Through this direct integration, users in the UAE can now avoid the delays often associated with traditional bank transfers and the inconvenience of visiting physical remittance centers. Transfers settle within minutes, with funds credited straight to the recipient’s GCash app for immediate access.

Designed for Filipino expats who regularly support loved ones back home, the partnership focuses on making remittances simpler, more dependable, and easier to complete. By enabling direct wallet-to-wallet transfers, Careem Pay and GCash help ensure that funds reach recipients quickly and without unnecessary steps. To send money from the UAE to the Philippines, users simply need to download the latest version of the Careem app, select Pay on the home screen, and follow the steps under the Send Abroad tab.

First transfers made easier for first-time users

To mark the launch of the partnership, Careem Pay is offering a special promotion for transfers to the Philippines. Users can receive AED 20 cashback and enjoy zero fees on their first transfer by entering the code GCASH20, while Careem Plus members can benefit from exclusive rates on Careem Pay.

Arjun Varma, General Manager for GCash International said, “Sending money home is one of the most meaningful things our customers do with Careem Pay. For many Filipino expats, it’s about supporting loved ones, covering school fees, or helping parents with everyday expenses.”

“By integrating directly with GCash and adding cash pickup across nearly 15,000 locations, we’ve made the process simpler, faster, and more reliable, with most transfers now reaching their families in the Philippines within minutes,” said Mohammad El Saadi, Vice President of Careem Pay.

With faster and more reliable digital remittance options, GCash empowers overseas Filipinos in the UAE to send money home with confidence and ease. For more information, please visit www.gcash.com. To learn more about Careem Pay, visit www.careem.com/en-AE/pay.

DITO Offers Free Calls to Help Filipinos Connect with Loved Ones in the Middle East

In response to the ongoing conflict affecting parts of the Middle East, DITO Telecommunity is offering free calls to help Overseas Filipinos and their families stay connected during this time of uncertainty.

The initiative supports the Philippine government’s efforts to ensure Filipinos abroad and their loved ones back home remain connected and informed during times of crisis.

“Filipinos are connected not only by family, but by technology,” said Ernesto R. Alberto,

President and Chief Executive Officer of DITO Telecommunity. “We stand with the Philippine government in supporting and protecting our kababayans abroad. DITO remains committed to weaving Filipino communities together wherever they may be through reliable connectivity.”

From March 9 to 13, 2026, DITO subscribers roaming in select Middle East countries will receive a one-time allocation of up to five (5) minutes of free incoming calls from DITO numbers in the Philippines. Standard roaming call rates will apply after the free five-minute allocation.

The assistance covers Filipinos in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Lebanon.

“Moments like these remind us that access to communication and information should never be out of reach,” said Adel Tamano, Chief Commercial Officer of DITO Telecommunity. “At DITO, we believe connectivity is essential—especially when it allows families to check on one another and stay safe.”

The initiative reflects DITO’s continuing commitment to nation-building and to supporting

Filipinos wherever they may be, ensuring that distance never stands between families when they need each other most.

Customers who may need assistance placing calls may also visit DITO Experience Stores at SM Megamall and SM North EDSA.

Experience no bad weather with vivo V7

Weather and lighting often determine whether a photo captures the perfect mood. A cloudy sky, harsh sunlight, or fading daylight can easily change the atmosphere of a shot. As smartphone photography continues to evolve beyond simple documentation, creators are looking for smarter ways to control these elements.

The vivo V70 removes the waiting game with its AI Magic Weather feature, allowing users to adjust the weather and atmosphere within the same scene, transforming everyday shots into more expressive visual creations.

Thalia turns one portrait into four different stories

Beauty and lifestyle creator Thalia Balmes explored vivo V70's creative flexibility through portrait photography, demonstrating how a single image can tell different visual stories depending on the scene's mood.

“One portrait. Four different moods. Captured with ZEISS Telephoto Portrait and transformed using AI Magic Weather on the vivo V70. Literal na no extra editing apps needed,” she shared.

Morning Glow 

Clear Sky

Evening Glow 

Twilight

For creators like Thalia, the ability to explore multiple moods from one portrait opens up new creative possibilities, without the need for complex editing tools.

Klervin reimagines city with different atmospheres

Beyond portraits, creators are also discovering how AI Magic Weather enhances urban and architectural photography.

Lifestyle and travel creator Klervin Fernando used the vivo V70 to photograph a city building and experimented with different weather settings to reshape the scene’s atmosphere. By adjusting the sky and lighting conditions, the same building can appear under a bright clear sky, a warm sunset glow, or a darker twilight mood.

This flexibility allows photographers to reinterpret everyday locations and experiment with different visual narratives from a single capture.

Turning one scene into multiple creative possibilities

The AI Magic Weather feature offers several atmospheric presets that instantly change the weather of a photo.

Watch this  video: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7615573578515320085?_r=1&_t=ZS-94ZZ7ejy6yt

● Clear Sky creates a bright and refreshing look ideal for outdoor and travel shots.

● Morning Glow adds soft, warm tones that enhance natural light.

● Evening Glow introduces richer shadows and sunset hues for a more cinematic feel.

● Twilight shifts the scene into a darker, more dramatic atmosphere.

With these AI-powered adjustments available directly on the device, creators can transform their photos without relying on additional editing apps, making it easier to experiment with different visual styles anytime, anywhere.

Experience no bad weather with the vivo V70! It is now available for pre-order at vivo stores nationwide and on Shopee until March 13, with savings of up to Php 7,000. Shopee pre-order bundles also include a limited-edition V70 x POP MART Zsiga phone strap and a vivo VIP Card, which comes with extended warranty and screen protection benefits.