Bacolod Goes Lift Mode: Coca-Cola PH Introduces New Beverage Lift with Epic Unveiling

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Bacolod City, Philippines– Coca-Cola Philippines has launched Lift, its newest invigorating drink powered with Vitamin B3, Zinc, and Caffeine to energize today's generation of go-getters. With its vibrant citrus taste and empowering call to Go Lift Mode, the new drink, now available in Western Visayas, is designed to inspire consumers to break from routine and embrace life with boldness.

Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony Del Rosario, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Unit Director Gus Gatuslao, and Lift ambassador Ruru Madrid lead the high-energy launch of Lift in Bacolod.

To celebrate the launch, Coca-Cola Philippines held a high-energy event “UNDO THE USUAL, LIFT MODE NA ‘YAN: Epic Unveiling” at the Bacolod City New Government Center (NGC) on August 9, 2025. The celebration marked Lift’s arrival and kicked off the brand’s mission to energize communities across Western Visayas.

As Coca-Cola Philippines continues its mission to Refresh the World and Make a Difference, Lift serves as a vibrant call to action for consumers to break from routine and embrace their boldest, most energized selves. The brand invites everyone to Go Lift Mode and show up with confidence and choose to stand out.

The launch campaign built momentum across Bacolod with branded Lift crates placed in iconic locations like Bacolod Plaza and CityMall Parola in Iloilo. These teasers sparked curiosity and conversation, setting the stage for the Lift Recorida Caravan from August 7 to 9. The caravan energized key spots in Bacolod and Iloilo with on-ground sampling, street performances, and social media buzz — culminating in the dramatic crate delivery to the NGC for the main event.

Attendees went on full “Lift mode” by joining high-energy challenges and exploring interactive booths for a chance to win exclusive prizes

At the heart of the launch was the Epic Unboxing, where the crowd witnessed the reveal of the new Lift. Thousands gathered for an afternoon of bold flavors and immersive experiences. The venue featured live performances and Lift-themed booths such as the Lift Bar, a Crate Maze, and an interactive Trick Art Wall. These installations encouraged attendees to explore, taste, and share their Lift experience online.

Ruru Madrid, Lift’s official ambassador, brought energy and excitement to the event, as he celebrated with fans and joined the launch festivities.

The brand’s official endorser Ruru Madrid made a special appearance to meet fans and followers of the Lift Philippines Facebook page, energizing the crowd and bringing the brand’s bold and vibrant spirit to life throughout the event.

The event drew in thousands of active consumers across Bacolod and nearby provinces, signaling a strong return for the brand. The excitement extended to the online space, with high engagement on social media and conversations about Lift’s invigorating flavor and feel.

"We’re thrilled by the energy and excitement from Bacolod and the entire Western Visayas,” said Tony Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines. “ The new Lift we’re introducing today offers that great taste — and more. It’s a bold, citrus-flavored drink charged with Vitamin B3, Zinc, and Caffeine, made for today’s youth who switch between multiple modes in a day. It carries a powerful message that dares you to switch — to choose something different, break the routine, and power through with confidence.”

The crowd came together to mark the launch, savoring its bold and energizing taste.

Consumers across Western Visayas can now grab Lift in sari-sari stores and partner retailers. More regional rollouts, pop-ups, and promotions are on the horizon as Lift continues to spread its bold message: Undo the Usual. Go Lift Mode.

To learn more about Lift and upcoming events, visit the official Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/people/Lift-Philippines/61578806605159/ .

CIMB Bank PH taps Ruru Madrid as its newest brand ambassador

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Ruru Madrid is an award-winning actor, entrepreneur, and breadwinner—embodying the qualities that CIMB Bank Philippines’ target market aspires to.

CIMB Bank Philippines, hailed by The Asian Banker as the Best Digital Bank in the country, has recently announced that it has chosen primetime action hero, model, and entrepreneur Ruru Madrid as its newest brand ambassador.

Ruru is the star of the successfully concluded series in GMA 7’s Lolong, Bangis ng Maynila, and he was awarded Best Supporting Actor at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival for the role he played in the movie Green Bones. He is a young entrepreneur (he is co-founder of the company Transcend Studios), an established fashion model, and one who delves in mixed martial arts, marksmanship, and meditation on his days off.

Still at the dawn of his budding entertainment career, Ruru has already earned the trust of the who’s who of show business, and more importantly, he has earned the trust of countless fans through his personal story of hard work and success. He has become a true role model for his generation: responsible, righteous, and purposeful; and he truly is befitting of the brand ambassador role that CIMB has bestowed upon him.

“CIMB Bank stood out to me because it’s not just about promoting a brand, it’s about a purpose,” said Ruru in an interview at the sidelines of his launch event. 

“They’re focused on helping everyday Filipinos build a better future so they can live their purpose. That mission really spoke to me… and I want to be part of that positive change. As someone na nakaranas din ng challenges growing up, alam ko yung halaga ng may tumutulong sa ’yo. And CIMB is like that, tumutulong sa ordinary Filipino na magkaroon ng access to a bank para makapag-start mag ipon patungo sa buhay na sagana.”

For CIMB, it was an easy decision to get Ruru to represent the Bank. “Ruru embodies everything that CIMB stands for: authenticity, purpose, and a deep understanding of the everyday Filipino’s journey,” said D’Artagnan Aguilar, Chief Marketing Officer of CIMB Bank PH. “He’s not just a celebrity; he’s a self-made individual whose story reflects grit, integrity, and a commitment to improvement. That’s why choosing Ruru as our brand ambassador was not just a smart decision. It was the right one. He connects with our mission in a way that’s real, relatable, and inspiring.”

Expect to see more of Ruru in the Bank’s upcoming campaigns and activities very soon.

To know more about CIMB Bank PH, visit https://www.cimbbank.com.ph/en/home.html

First Filipino Anime Series “BARANGAY 143″ to Air in GMA 7

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Barangay 143,  the first-ever Filipino-themed and all-Filipino made Anime TV series will go on air on GMA 7 nationwide starting this October as announced by Synergy88 Entertainment Media Inc.  during the grand media launch held at the Elements at Centris, Quezon City on July 17, 2018. 

The announcement was made today by Jyotirmoy Saha, CEO of August Media Holdings; Jackeline Chua, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Synergy88 Entertainment Media Inc. and Takahiro Kishimoto, Head of Animation, International Business Department of TV Asahi.

Barangay 143 as the series is known as the first-ever Filipino Anime series. Co-produced between Synergy88, TV Asahi (Japan) and August Media Holdings (Singapore), Barangay 143 will feature a glittering celebrity cast including Cherie Gil, Sylvia Sanchez,  and John Arcilla and millennial heartthrobs, Julie Anne San Jose, Kelley Day, Migo Adacer, and Ruru Madrid.

Barangay 143 is a feel-good coming of age story of a young Korean boy whose search for his father brings him to the Philippines. Lost and desperate for answers, is here in this foreign land that he finds an unlikely family in a team of misfits whose only ambition is to bring glory to their hometown. It’s a story about love and family set against the action-packed world of street basketball, where the stakes are always high and life the biggest game you can win.

“Philippines has a vibrant TV and film industry with a rich culture of storytelling. Right from the onset we were determined develop the show right here so that it captures the essence of life in Manila. I am immensely proud of what we have finally created in Barangay 143”, said Jyotirmoy Saha, CEO, August Media Holdings Fans can enjoy Barangay 143 not just as a TV Series but digitally, in print and as consumer products. 

The Barangay 143 Street League mobile game is already available on the Google Play Store for Android and the iOS App Store. The narrative story within the mobile game leads to the suspense and drama that drives the story for the upcoming TV Series.

”Within the series, the comic strip and even the game we have tried to capture the real-life experiences of the Philippines through the art and the sounds,” said Jackeline Chua, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Synergy88 Digital. “With Barangay 143 Street League we also created a unique experience that helps players compete with friends in cyberspace but get their wins rewarded in the real world.”

Set against the backdrop of gritty Tondo, the series also features original music from a whole host of celebrity Filipino singers and musicians. The series is painstakingly designed and produced here in Manila with the help crew from across Japan, South Korea, USA. Malaysia and Singapore.

”When we first came across Barangay 143 during its development phase, it seemed like a natural choice for us to be a part of. We hope that Japanese creativity will bring light into the Filipino story and characters to life.”, said Takahiro Kishimoto, Head of Animation at International Business Department of TV Asahi.

Leading up to the start of the broadcast, fans will be treated to a series on Barangay 143 themed concerts featuring music stars like Gloc-9, Shanti Dope, Julie Ann San Jose and more. We expect to also treat our audiences with many other “GMA has always been known to support anything that champions Filipino talent and promotes our culture. We are immensely proud to be the network carrying the first Filipino anime drama series,” said Joev Abacan, First Vice President. Program Management at GMA.

photo by Elinkterest

Executive Producers of the TV Series have mentioned that they are committed to develop the property further and are already contemplating more content surrounding Barangay 143 the brand.