NYE at the 5th seen up-close with vivo X300 Series

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New Year’s Eve has a way of pulling people together. On December 31, thousands gathered at NYE at the 5th in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), waiting for the final seconds of the year 2025 with phones in hand, eyes on the stage, and hearts set on new beginnings.

In a crowd that large, not every moment happens within arm’s reach. The performers are on elevated stages, the fireworks burst far above the skyline, and the countdown clock feels just out of view. But that night, the vivo X300 Series changed how the celebration was seen.

vivo X300 Series brought it all closer

As live performances filled the air, the vivo X300’s 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera captured artists like KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde mid-song, G22 dancers in motion, and every movement of Apl de Ap that usually disappears into the lights from afar.

Close-up shots revealed details often missed in a packed crowd, the intensity on a singer’s face, and the movement of hands during Dionela's guitar solo. It felt less like standing at the back and more like being right on stage with them.

Zooming in on the lead

The night was more than performances; it was about the shared experience. With a simple zoom, the vivo X300 Series captured candid performances of Parokya ni Edgar live on stage.

Two photos highlight the difference the Telephoto King makes: one from afar showing the full band on stage, and a second zoomed-in shot of Chito Miranda, revealing expression and stage presence otherwise lost in the distance.

When midnight arrived, fireworks lit up the BGC skyline, signaling the start of a new year. From sweeping views of the crowd to tight frames of bursts in the night sky, the vivo X300 Series captured it all, proving that even distant moments can be seen up close.

New Year’s Eve is about looking ahead, but it’s also about remembering how it felt when the year turned. At NYE at the 5th 2025, the vivo X300 Series made it possible to hold on to every moment, near or far, exactly as it happened.

Starting at Php 67,999, the vivo X300 Series is available in vivo concept stores nationwide and online via the vivo e-store and Shopee. Capture your 2026 closer with vivo X300 Series!

From Local Tailoring to International Custom Sportswear: The Caster Global Sports Inc. Journey

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In the dynamic world of sports apparel, success demands more than quality—it calls for vision, innovation, and the courage to push boundaries. These values have been at the heart of Caster Global Sports Inc.’s journey to becoming a trusted name in the industry.

Second-generation leader Butch Atienza continues the legacy of Caster Global Sports Inc.,

transforming a family tailoring business into an international custom sportswear brand

Founded in the early 1980s by Carlito Atienza, a master tailor in Metro Manila, Caster Sportswear began with a clear mission: to fill the gap for affordable yet high-quality customizable sportswear. Carlito’s craftsmanship and commitment quickly earned the brand a reputation among discerning clients, including major banks and universities.

For decades, Caster thrived locally, but it was the fresh perspective of the second generation that unlocked its global potential—transforming a homegrown brand into an international player.

Going global

The turning point came with the next generation. Butch Atienza, vice president, Caster Global Sports, brought a global perspective from his experience at a multinational company. He saw that there was a growing demand overseas for the personalized kits his family has been producing for decades. At that time, Caster was well-known for making uniforms for local corporate clients. But expanding internationally meant rethinking logistics and embracing a bigger vision for growth.

Butch researched logistics providers and found FedEx. "We began shipping with FedEx in the early 2000s after finding the promotional box rates really attractive," Butch shares. "Back then,we were sending five to nine packages a week, until a FedEx representative noticed our volume and visited us to open an account."

Success in the sports apparel industry demands more than quality—it requires a vision that knows no boundaries. By bridging the gap between traditional family values and modern logistics, Caster Global Sports is bringing bespoke Filipino designs to athletes worldwide.

This collaboration, now spanning more than 20 years, lowered the barrier to exporting and helped Caster Global test foreign markets without overcommitting resources. Shipments to the U.S. now take two to five days, shortening the feedback loop between customer and manufacturer.

Standing out in a crowded market

Caster’s competitive edge isn’t simply speed. In a market crowded with about 20 local competitors, the company leans into craftsmanship and customization for differentiation. While many suppliers focus on basic sublimated prints, Caster offers embroidery, tailored designs and one-off recreations. Customers can send a photo and receive bespoke sportswear. This service resonates with buyers in the U.S. and Europe who seek distinctiveness over off-the-rack sameness.

Behind the promise is a disciplined production process. Every order begins with a specifications sheet and sample production before mass rollout- a simple quality-control step that reduces costly mistakes. Investment in new equipment like full-body printers and modern embroidery machines , further improves consistency and throughput. Typical lead times range from two to three weeks for small runs (50–100 pieces) to three to six weeks for larger orders (around 1,000 pieces), allowing the company to serve both grassroots clubs and larger teams.

When errors occur, Caster communicates costs and options clearly, ensuring transparency to customers who have generally accepted the need to cover replacement shipping because of the service’s perceived value. This trust, coupled with responsive customer support, has turnedone-time orders into repeat business.

Scaling a manufacturing business means jugglingcash flow, balancing bespoke work with high volume production, and maintaining consistent quality as demand rises. These challenges shaped Caster’sstrategic decisions: standardizing specifications, documenting workflows, and partnering with a logistics provider that can scale with them.

Lessons from the past, and hopes for the future

Looking ahead, Butch is exploring international franchising and partnerships. Interest has come from clients in Australia, Malaysia, the United States and Switzerland, and the company is studying franchising models and assessing options. Locally, discussions have begun about sponsorships and collaborations with larger sports organizations, including talks around the Philippine Basketball Association.

For Philippine entrepreneurs watching from the sidelines, Butch’s advice is pragmatic: focus on product quality, invest in customer service, and build partnerships that reduce friction when expanding abroad. “Shipping reliably was a game-changer for us,” he says, noting that logistical confidence made it possible to sell beyond the Philippines without compromising service.

From Carlito Atienza’s vision in the 1980s to Butch’s global expansion in the 2000s, Caster Global Sports Inc. proves that Philippine craftsmanship, family values, and strong partnerships can push businesses to thrive in the global market. As they look to 2026 and beyond, this family business built on skills, quality, and innovation is only getting started.

Discover more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs across Asia Pacific on FedEx Business Insights.

Security Bank Foundation delivers strong education gains in 2025

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In 2025, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) strengthened its commitment to education as a powerful equalizer, delivering measurable, nationwide impact amid persistent classroom shortages, disaster-damaged school facilities, and nearly 11 million out-of-school Filipino children.

Through a holistic approach—building and repairing classrooms, supporting scholars, empowering educators, and partnering with communities—the Foundation helped improve access to safe, inclusive, and quality learning environments across the country.

Under the Build a School, Build a Nation program, the Foundation has delivered 901 classrooms in 153 schools across 92 cities and municipalities nationwide and rehabilitated earlier donations to ensure long-term use. Beyond infrastructure, the Foundation invested in people—training nearly 170 principals and teachers, supporting over 300 scholars, and providing eyeglasses to more than 1,000 learners. This impact was strengthened through multi-sector partnerships with government, universities, corporations, and employees, including a 2025 Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education granting nationwide recognition to SBFI’s training program, and contributions to Senate discussions on improving public classrooms delivery.

Expanding learning spaces nationwide

In 2025, SBFI turned over 62 new classrooms, equivalent to nine school buildings, including:

• · Sta. Cruz Central Elementary School, Laguna, a pilot site for the Department of Education’s Inclusive Learning Resource Center serving learners with special needs

• · Tarlac National High School, supporting its Special Program in Sports

• · Zamboanga City High School Main, equipped with technical-vocational laboratories for Caregiving, Cookery, Drafting, and Dressmaking.

The Foundation also repaired 80 classrooms and rehabilitated 48 disaster- or termite-damaged facilities, ensuring safer and more resilient learning spaces for students and teachers.

To date, SBFI has donated 901 classrooms to 153 schools nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to education infrastructure.

Investing in educators and scholars

Through its Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building program, SBFI strengthened school leadership and teaching systems by training 79 principals and 88 teachers in leadership and mentoring, and school governance.

Program participants include Carlo Medrano, who went on to develop a science mentoring initiative now adopted in multiple communities—demonstrating how teacher empowerment creates ripple effects across the education system.

SBFI also supported 302 scholars for Academic Year 2025–2026 and celebrated 103 graduates, including 31 college degree holders.

Addressing barriers beyond academics, SBFI distributed 1,170 eyeglasses in partnership with Ideal Vision Center and the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of San Francisco del Monte, helping students—like Jake Prades—improve classroom performance through better vision.

Partnerships that multiply impact

SBFI’s education programs were strengthened through collaboration with corporate partners, government agencies, and Security Bank employees, enabling sustained support for classrooms, scholarships, and teacher development. Key partners include FWD Life Insurance, Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Signify Philippines, and the Department of Education.

Recognition and the road ahead

SBFI’s education initiatives and efforts earned national recognition at the 21st Philippine Quill and 60th Anvil Awards. Among the accolades are:

• · IABC Philippines’ 21st Quill Award of Excellence for Employee Engagement – “Paint a Classroom, Paint a Brighter Future – Security Bank Foundation's School Painting Activity”

• · IABC Philippines’ 21st Quill Award of Merit for Corporate Social Responsibility – “Hand in Hand: Partnerships for Transforming the Country's Future, One Classroom at a Time”

• · IABC Philippines’ 21st Quill Award of Merit for Communication Management – “Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building – Principals Training Track”

• · PRSP’s 60th Anvil Silver Award for Employee Engagement – “Paint a Classroom, Paint a Brighter Future – Security Bank Foundation’s School Painting Activity”

• · PRSP’s 60th Anvil Silver Award for Change Communication – “School Building Ko, Aalagaan Ko” Campaign

Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to build 60 new classrooms, repair 100 additional classrooms, expand educator training and scholar programs, and continue nationwide vision screening initiatives.

“Every classroom we build, every teacher we empower, and every scholar we support brings us closer to a Philippines where progress is inclusive and sustainable,” Simpao added.

Learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s education initiatives at https://www.securitybank.com/foundation/.

Francis Libiran redefines elegance as Toshiba’s Takumi Master of Visionary Style

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Toshiba, a global leader in premium home appliances, proudly announces its Takumi Master of Visionary Style, renowned fashion designer Francis Libiran. This collaboration celebrates the harmony of craftsmanship, modern design, and meticulous attention to detail, core values reflected in both Libiran’s artistry and Toshiba’s design philosophy.

Francis Libiran is Toshiba’s Takumi Master of Visionary Style

A visionary in the fashion industry, Francis Libiran is a celebrated Filipino designer and the creative force behind some of the country’s most iconic and forward-thinking fashion collections. Honored as one of PeopleAsia’s People of the Year 2026, he is recognized for his refined approach to design, blending meticulous craftsmanship with artistic expression to redefine modern style.

Francis Libiran,Toshiba’s Takumi Master of Visionary Style, with the new

 Toshiba Japandi Washing Machine

“Like Toshiba, I believe in precision, mastery, and excellence in everything I create. For me, true luxury lies in simplicity and intention. The Japandi philosophy reflects my approach to design, respect for materials, harmony in form, and the pursuit of understated elegance,” said Francis Libiran. For him, this partnership promises to redefine the standards of home luxury, proving that style and substance can harmonize perfectly in the modern living space with Toshiba.

As Francis transforms contemporary fashion with vision and craftsmanship, Toshiba’s Japandi Washing Machine exemplifies the same dedication to thoughtful design and functional excellence.

The Toshiba Japandi Washing Machine

The Japandi Washing Machine is crafted for those seeking contemporary and timeless solutions for their homes. It combines powerful cleaning performance with sophisticated style, offering convenient smart dosing, effortless loading, and superior stain removal, all within a sleek, space-enhancing design.

Its Japandi-inspired aesthetics allow it to blend seamlessly into any interior style, where minimalistic grace and Japanese-Scandinavian harmony create balance and understated elegance in every space.

“Working with Francis Libiran is truly inspiring. His visionary approach to design, attention to detail, and commitment to craftsmanship perfectly reflect Toshiba’s own philosophy of creating products that combine elegance, innovation, and purpose. Partnering with someone of his caliber allows us to showcase how artistry and technology can come together to elevate everyday living,” shared Ms. Anna Marie Alejandro, General Manager of Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines.

For Francis, design is about creating harmony between form, function, and beauty. This same philosophy guides Toshiba Lifestyle, bringing innovation and elegance together to transform everyday tasks into experiences of refinement and purpose.

Watch the flawless blend of vision and technology that Francis Libiran and Toshiba have crafted here: https://bit.ly/ToshibaxFrancisLibiran

For more information on Toshiba’s newest product line-ups and campaign, visit

https://www.toshiba-lifestyle.com/ph and follow Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines on Facebook,

Instagram, and TikTok.