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March 19, 2026

vivo V70 now available nationwide starting at Php 31,999

The vivo V70 is now officially available in the Philippines, bringing its advanced imaging system and AI-powered features to Filipino consumers starting at Php 31,999.

Beginning March 14, the smartphone can be purchased in vivo concept stores nationwide and through online platforms such as the vivo e-store, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Customers who missed the pre-order period can still enjoy exclusive savings during the official launch promo on vivo Philippines’ Shopee store from March 14 to 15, with discounts of up to Php 5,000.

During the two-day promotion, buyers can receive a Php 3,500 shop voucher for the 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB variants of the vivo V70. An additional 10% platform voucher capped at Php 1,500 may also be applied, allowing customers to maximize savings. A limited number of buyers will also receive a free V70 x POP MART Zsiga phone pouch and vivo VIP Card, while 0% interest installment options for up to three months via SPayLater are available for flexible payment.

Built for content creation and everyday photography

Designed for Gen Z and young Millennials, the vivo V70 introduces enhanced camera capabilities to support photography, video recording, and social media content creation.

The device features a 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera with AI Stage Mode, enabling users to capture subjects from mid-to-long distances with improved clarity and stability. With 10x Super Clear Zoom, the camera allows users to capture detailed facial expressions and moments during concerts, events, and performances.

The smartphone also supports 4K 60fps video recording paired with AI Audio Noise Eraser, which helps reduce background noise and produce clearer audio even in crowded or noisy environments.

AI imaging tools enhance everyday photos

The vivo V70 integrates several AI-powered editing tools designed to simplify mobile photography.

Features such as AI Magic Weather allow users to adjust weather conditions in photos, transforming cloudy scenes into bright daylight or sunset environments.


Meanwhile, AI Retouch enables users to remove unwanted objects or passersby from images with a single tap, helping create cleaner and more polished photos for sharing online.

These tools provide practical support for travel photography, daily content creation, and social media storytelling.

Smoother smartphone experience with OriginOS 6

The vivo V70 runs on OriginOS 6, which introduces system-level AI features designed to improve efficiency and everyday usability.

Through deeper integration of artificial intelligence into the operating system, the smartphone supports tools such as local AI Search, quick note-taking, and AI Creation, helping users manage tasks, organize information, and capture ideas more efficiently.

Collaboration with POP MART Zsiga


The vivo V70 also features a creative collaboration with POP MART and its character Zsiga, highlighting vivo’s focus on creative expression and youth culture.

The partnership introduces exclusive smartphone accessories and aligns with the brand’s goal of encouraging users to capture meaningful moments and express their personal style through photography.

The vivo V70 is now available nationwide in stores and online, starting March 14. A limited-time Shopee launch promotion from March 14 to 15 offers discounts of up to Php 5,000. Get yours now!

vivo V70’s AI Stage Mode brings concert moments closer at music fest


The energy of a live concert is unforgettable: flashing stage lights, fans singing in unison, and artists commanding the spotlight. Capturing those moments clearly from the middle of a crowd can be challenging, but the vivo V70 makes it easier with its powerful AI Stage Mode and 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera.

During the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2026 in Pampanga, the V70 proved its capabilities in a real concert setting.

CLTV36 of RBC Media Group used the smartphone to capture performances from some of the Philippines’ biggest OPM acts, including Parokya ni Edgar, Bamboo, Rico Blanco, and Kamikazee. Even from the crowd, the device produced clear and vibrant images that brought performers closer to the lens.

From crowd view to center stage

Concert photography often involves difficult conditions. Performers appear distant, lighting constantly shifts, and fast movements can blur important moments. The vivo V70’s AI Stage Mode is designed to address these challenges by enhancing clarity, exposure, and detail when shooting performers from afar.

CLTV36 demonstrated this by photographing Jay Contreras, lead vocalist of Kamikazee. The first photo, captured at 23mm (1x), showed the scale of the stage and the sea of fans gathered for the performance.

A quick zoom to 243mm (10x) transformed the same scene into a crisp close-up. Jay’s facial expression and stage presence became clearly visible, creating an image that felt almost like it was taken from the front row.



The V70 also captured memorable moments from the performance of Parokya ni Edgar. Wide shots showcased the band performing under bright stage lights while the crowd sang along to their hits.

Using the same 10x zoom, the camera produced detailed close-ups of frontman Chito Miranda, highlighting facial expressions and stage details despite the challenging lighting conditions common in concerts.
The 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera enables the vivo V70 to maintain strong detail even at higher zoom levels. Combined with AI Stage Mode, the smartphone intelligently enhances lighting, sharpness, and color balance to overcome bright stage lights and darker surroundings.

This allows concertgoers to capture both sweeping stage shots and detailed close-ups without losing clarity, preserving the excitement and atmosphere of live performances.

From cheering crowds to glowing stage lights, the vivo V70 helps fans document the full concert experience. With AI Stage Mode and its 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, every performance can be captured with clarity, even from a distance.

Starting at Php 31,999, 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.

Don’t just watch from afar, pre-order your vivo V70 and feel the concert energy closer than ever. Learn more about the vivo V70 on the vivo website.


LG InstaView™ leads Refrigerator Innovation since 2018 with its Patented Knok-to-View Design


LG Electronics continues to transform the way Filipino households experience kitchen innovation with LG InstaView™ refrigerators, featuring the brand’s patented knock-to-view glass panel design that allows users to see inside without opening the door.
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LG InstaView™ is the patented refrigerator design that lets users see inside without opening the door

Glass panel illuminates with two quick knocks, reducing cold air loss

Available in French Door, Side-by-Side, and Bottom Freezer models in the Philippines

Available Models include RVF-X208MC, RVS-X238MC, RVS-G245PZ, and RJB-V127BG
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With two quick knocks, the sleek glass panel illuminates, letting homeowners check what’s inside their refrigerator instantly. By reducing the need to open the door, InstaView™ helps minimize cold air loss and supports better temperature retention for stored food.


Originally introduced globally as the next evolution of LG’s Door-in-Door innovation, InstaView™ has since become one of LG’s signature refrigerator technologies. Now available across select models in the Philippines, the feature blends everyday practicality with modern kitchen aesthetics.

Changhee Doh, Product Director of Home Solutions, LG Electronics Philippines, said, “LG InstaView™ reflects our commitment to meaningful innovation. It’s a simple idea with a real impact—allowing families to look inside their refrigerator instantly while helping maintain optimal cooling conditions.”

Designed for Modern Filipino Kitchens

In many Filipino homes, the refrigerator is one of the most frequently opened appliances in the kitchen. InstaView™ offers a more efficient way to check contents—whether it’s confirming ingredients for dinner, spotting beverages, or planning the next grocery run.

The illuminated panel adds both function and style, complementing contemporary kitchen interiors while offering everyday convenience.

Beyond the signature InstaView™ panel, LG refrigerators are also designed with features that support everyday convenience in the kitchen. Select models include an Auto Ice Maker, ensuring ice is always ready when needed, along with the SpacePlus™ Ice System, a built-in design that efficiently makes and stores ice while maximizing usable freezer space. To help maintain a clean and hygienic refrigerator environment, Hygiene Fresh deodorizes bacteria inside the fridge, while DoorCooling+ helps distribute cold air more evenly—including the shelves near the door—so beverages and frequently accessed items stay refreshingly cool.

Freshness and food preservation are also supported through features such as the Fresh Converter, which helps maintain optimal humidity to preserve the crispness of vegetables and fruits. Meanwhile, select models equipped with UVnano™ Water Filtration help sterilize bacteria from the dispenser nozzle, providing cleaner water for everyday hydration.

Available InstaView™ Models in the Philippines


LG InstaView™ refrigerators are available via the LG Online Brand Shop (OBS) and authorized LG dealers nationwide, bringing added convenience to everyday kitchen living.

They are currently available in the following refrigerator categories:

French Door
RVF-X208MC – 20.8 Cu. Ft. LG Black Glass InstaView™, French Door Fridge, Essence Matte Black

Side-by-Side
RVS-X238MC – 23.8 Cu. Ft. InstaView™ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Ice & Water Dispenser
RVS-G245PZ – 24.5 Cu. Ft. InstaView™ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Ice & Water Dispenser

Bottom Freezer
RJB-V127BG – 12.7 Cu. Ft. Objet Collection™ Bottom Freezer InstaView™ Smart Inverter Refrigerator with Auto Ice Maker in Beige Glass, this is a new addition to the InstaView™ series in a two‑door model

Each model integrates LG’s InstaView™ panel while offering distinct configurations suited for different kitchen layouts and household needs.

A Smarter Way to Preserve Freshness

By allowing users to check the contents without fully opening the door, InstaView™ supports more efficient cooling performance and helps maintain food freshness. The design reflects LG’s continued focus on blending innovation, energy efficiency, and everyday practicality.

From busy weekday mornings to weekend family gatherings, LG InstaView™ refrigerators offer a thoughtful way to manage food storage while enhancing kitchen aesthetics.

Financial Independence Is the Real Power Move This Women’s Month and Maya Is Here to Help


Women’s Month this year opened with a clear message: women are done settling for less. Across social media, conversations about respect and accountability have been louder than ever.

But empowerment isn’t just about calling things out. For many, it’s also about making sure they never feel financially stuck in the first place. Because independence doesn’t only show up in conversations or personal choices. It shows up in everyday decisions, including how we manage our money.

As the country’s #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform in the Philippines, Maya is helping more Filipinos take control of their finances with tools that make saving, spending, and borrowing easier to manage.

If you’re thinking about strengthening your own financial independence, here are a few places to start:

Start by Building Your Own Safety Net

One of the most empowering things you can do for yourself financially is having a buffer.

Life happens: a medical bill, an urgent repair, or a sudden trip. And when those things come up, having savings means you don’t have to rely on anyone else or scramble for solutions.

With Maya Personal Goals, you can create up to five savings targets for things like emergencies, travel, or future plans. Each goal earns 4% interest per annum immediately, and every ₱20,000 added increases the rate, reaching up to 8% p.a. on deposits of up to ₱100,000.

If you prefer a more structured way to grow your savings, Time Deposit Plus allows you to lock in funds for 3, 6, or 12 months, earning up to 6% p.a. on deposits of up to ₱1 million per account. With up to five accounts available, that’s as much as ₱5 million growing through disciplined saving.


Spend for Yourself. Not for Expectations.

Another part of financial independence is deciding what your money should actually go toward.

Used responsibly, credit cards can make everyday spending work in your favor. The Maya Black Credit Card, for example, turns routine purchases into rewards. Cardholders earn instant Maya Miles on all transactions — from groceries and bills to flights, hotel bookings, dining, and more.

At Maya Black Preferred merchants, you can earn up to 10X Maya Miles, helping rewards build faster on select purchases. Those Miles can later be used to offset future travel and lifestyle expenses.

With no annual fees for life, Maya Black also comes with premium perks like complimentary quarterly global lounge access, making travels more comfortable without the typical annual costs associated with premium cards.

For those who prioritize everyday savings, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card offers a practical way to make the most of your spending. Cardholders can enjoy up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% cashback on dining, and 1% cashback on other transactions, turning routine expenses into real savings.


Borrow When You Need To — But Borrow Smart

Independence doesn’t mean never seeking help. It means knowing your options.

For short-term needs, Maya Easy Credit offers a revolving credit line of up to ₱50,000, payable up to 30 days, helping bridge temporary cash flow gaps while giving you clear visibility into repayment.

For big goals or unexpected expenses, Maya Personal Loan provides up to ₱250,000 with flexible repayment terms of up to 24 months, making it easier to manage obligations without unpredictable balances.

Having a variety of borrowing options means you can stay in control of the situation, not the other way around.


Let Your Money Grow Alongside Your Goals

Financial independence rarely comes from one big move. More often, it’s built through small decisions like saving consistently, spending intentionally, and making sure your money is working for you.

Keeping funds in Maya Savings can earn up to 15% interest per annum, credited daily, helping balances grow steadily while remaining accessible when needed.

Women’s Month is often about celebrating progress. But it’s also a reminder of something important: Independence isn’t just social or cultural. It’s financial too. And increasingly, more Filipinas are making sure they have both.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor. 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.

March 18, 2026

Alsons Dev, DoubleDragon Break Ground on Mindanao’s First CentralHub


The groundbreaking ceremony for CentralHub Davao was led by (L-R) Lorenzo Ang Bue Te, Alsons Dev President and CEO Miguel A. Dominguez, DoubleDragon Vice Chairman Ferdinand J. Sia, Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo S. Duterte II, DoubleDragon President Atty. Rodolfo Ponferrada, and MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro.

Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), in partnership with DoubleDragon Properties Corporation (DoubleDragon) through its industrial leasing subsidiary, CentralHub Industrial Centers Inc., broke ground on CentralHub Davao on March 5, 2026 in Barangay Lasang, Davao City. This milestone marks the start of construction of the first CentralHub in Mindanao, a 6.2-hectare industrial warehouse complex that will support the region’s growing logistics and distribution needs.

Once completed, CentralHub Davao will feature a projected leasable space of 40,392 sqm, designed to support a range of uses including warehousing, cold storage, commissaries, light manufacturing, and other related services. Strategically located along the Pan-Philippine Highway near the Lasang Public Market, the site provides convenient access to key logistics gateways such as Sasa Port, Davao International Container Terminal Inc., and Francisco Bangoy International Airport, enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods across Mindanao.

Alsons Dev President and CEO Miguel A. Dominguez highlighted that CentralHub Davao reflects the shared commitment of Alsons Dev and DoubleDragon to delivering infrastructure that supports economic growth in Mindanao. The project builds on the companies’ previous collaboration on CityMall Northtown within Alsons Dev’s Northtown township in Cabantian.

With an estimated total project value of ₱1.2 billion, CentralHub Davao is expected to meet the increasing demand for modern industrial facilities across Mindanao, supporting the region’s manufacturing, export, and distribution sectors. Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo S. Duterte II highlighted its potential to create jobs, improve business efficiency, and reinforce the city’s role as a regional economic hub.

CentralHub Davao underscores Alsons Dev’s commitment to driving Mindanao’s growth through strategic developments that support businesses and strengthen the region’s investment profile. Through projects like this, the company is reinforcing its vision of building communities and opportunities across Davao City and Mindanao.

For more information on Alsons Dev’s partnerships and projects, visit www.alsonsdev.com.

March 16, 2026

Jean Henri Lhuillier Leads Araw Hospitality–NCIP Initiative Expanding Batangas Relief into Nationwide Indigenous Recovery Program


Jean Henri Lhuillier


Araw Hospitality Group and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples scale their partnership to support Indigenous Cultural Communities across multiple regions in 2026.

After the initial relief deployment on April 25, 2025, for fire-affected Badjao families in Batangas City, Araw Hospitality Group, in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, is launching a 2026 national replication of the Batangas recovery model to support Indigenous cultural communities across the Philippines.

On April 25, 2025, private and public partners responded to a devastating fire that displaced nearly 100 Badjao families in Sitio Badjaoan, Barangay Malitam, Batangas City. That emergency response, in-kind donations, and financial assistance are now the pilot for a larger, national initiative.

In 2026, Araw Hospitality Group will work with NCIP and local government units to roll out a standardized, culturally sensitive recovery package that can be adapted to other Indigenous Cultural Communities.

The package includes livelihood and skills training, education scholarships, and primary health missions, including psychosocial care, cultural preservation programs, and community disaster preparedness.

“The April 25, 2025, relief was only the first step. We are taking the lessons learned in Batangas to shape a national approach that respects culture, restores livelihoods, and builds long-term resilience for Indigenous communities,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, Chairman. “This is about giving communities tools to move from recovery to upward mobility.”

Field validations and community consultations begin Q2 2026 with phased rollouts scheduled in pilot regions through Q4 2026. Media who wish to cover training sessions, housing assessments, or community turnovers can contact the CSR office for schedules.

Araw Hospitality Group is a Philippine hospitality company committed to responsible tourism and community development. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples is the government agency mandated to protect the rights and welfare of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples.