Caltex Partners with PICKUP COFFEE to Drive Growth and Elevate Customer Experience at Service Stations

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Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), is strengthening its non-fuel retail (NFR) offerings alongside its continuous retail presence growth. The fuel brand recently partnered with PICKUP COFFEE, a brand proudly founded in the Philippines, with the mission to Uplift everyone with fast, delicious, and surprisingly affordable beverages – everywhere.

Executives from Caltex and PICKUP COFFEE come together to finalize their partnership with a contract signing. (From left to right: Arnel Reniedo, Marketing Manager of Caltex Philippines; Roel Faustino, Retail Fuels Manager of Caltex Philippines; Billy Liu, General Manager and Country Chair of Chevron Philippines; Francis Flores, Chief Executive Officer of PICKUP COFFEE, Bien Lee, Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of PICKUP COFFEE and Rami Chahwan, Chief Operating Officer of PICKUP COFFEE)

This partnership presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen Caltex’s NFR strategy. By teaming up with PICKUP COFFEE, known for its premium, espresso-based coffee and exceptional customer service, Caltex can offer customers a rewarding coffee experience while they refuel. This collaboration is expected to drive more foot traffic to Caltex stations, increase revenue, and enhance the Caltex brand image. Additionally, the partnership aligns with the brand’s commitment to providing value-added services that improve the overall customer experience at Caltex.

Caltex is focused on building long-term partnerships based on trust and shared goals, understanding that lasting success comes from collaboration. The company believes that strong partnerships are crucial for creating value, encouraging innovation, and supporting sustainable growth. 

PICKUP COFFEE aligns with this philosophy, sharing Caltex’s commitment to working together for mutual success and creating a meaningful, long-term impact.

“PICKUP COFFEE is thrilled to partner with Caltex, as we both prioritize long-term relationships grounded in trust and shared success. This partnership reflects our commitment to working together to deliver exceptional value to our customers. We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration holds and eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on the customer experience,” said Francis Flores, Chief Executive Officer of PICKUP COFFEE.

“We truly believe that this partnership will help strengthen the brand's presence and reputation even more, which is why we are excited for this partnership with PICKUP COFFEE. This collaboration will not only strengthen our presence but also provide customers with a more rewarding and seamless experience, showcasing our dedication to innovation, value, and sustainable growth,” added Billy Liu, General Manager and Country Chair CPI.

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About Chevron

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. We are focused on lowering the carbon intensity in our operations and growing lower carbon businesses along with our traditional business lines. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

About PICKUP COFFEE

PICKUP COFFEE is a tech-enabled coffee company founded in the Philippines, focused on Uplifting everyone with fast, delicious, and surprisingly affordable beverages, everywhere – one PICKUP at a time.

Since its inception in 2022, the company has grown its store network to over 320+ branches nationwide with over 40 million cups sold. This locally grown company has remained committed to achieving its vision of becoming the #1 fast beverage brand in the Philippines – with a 3-year growth rate unprecedented by any other F&B chain. To learn more about PICKUP COFFEE, visit www.pickup-coffee.com.

The Manila Hotel Unveils Special Offers this March

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This March, The Manila Hotel invites guests to embark on a culinary journey, featuring the Alimango Festival, refreshing summer delights, and exquisite seasonal offerings.

The Alimango Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang

The Manila Hotel is excited to present the Alimango Festival, a celebration of the rich and succulent flavors of mud crab. Available throughout March, guests can savor a delectable spread of alimango dishes, available exclusively during dinner from Thursday to Saturday at Café Ilang-Ilang. “We are delighted to bring the Alimango Festival. Our culinary team has prepared a selection of dishes that highlights the flavors of this beloved seafood, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for our guests,” said EJ Yap, assistant director for food and beverage.

Diners can indulge in both classic and innovative preparations of alimango as part of Café Ilang-Ilang lavish dinner buffet, offering an extensive selection of international and local cuisine.

Cool Off with Summer Delights at the Lobby Lounge and Pool Bar

As summer heat hints at its arrival, Lobby Lounge and Pool Bar offer a selection of desserts and refreshing frozen treats, perfect for beating the heat while indulging in sweet, tropical flavors. Guests can enjoy familiar favorites such as Buko Halo-Halo, Tropical Banana Split, Thai-inspired Mango Delight with sticky rice pudding, Minatamis na Saging at Mantecado Sorbetes, Kit Kat Crepes, and Dreamy Dizzle—ten flavors of ice cream with toppings of barquillos, chocolate candies, and more. These summer treats are available throughout March at the Lobby Lounge and Pool Bar.

Savor the Art of Raclette

Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Raclette at the Lobby Lounge. Throughout March, diners can gather with family and friends for an indulgent cheese experience, featuring a selection of Raclette variations: Traditional Swiss Raclette, Prawn Raclette, Italian Raclette, Sausage Raclette, and Vegetable Raclette. Prices start at Php 1,380 per order.

A Delightful Treat: Walnut Fig Bread at the Delicatessen

For those who appreciate a balance of wholesome and indulgent flavors, the Delicatessen introduces its Walnut Fig Bread, a delightful combination of crunchy walnuts and sweet, juicy figs. Available daily for Php 480 per piece, this artisanal bread is a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a satisfying treat on its own.

For inquiries, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

How OPPO and Google Are Redefining Mobile AI with Seamless Integration and Enhanced Security

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In just a few short years, AI has evolved from a novel buzzword to a game-changing, essential tool that shapes how we work, connect, and live every day.

As a global leader in smart devices, OPPO has fully embraced this transformative power of AI, believing that smartphones are not just vehicles for AI, but the very engines that drive it. Key to OPPO’s ability to stay at the forefront of mobile AI innovation is strategic partnerships with tech innovators like Google that have set new benchmarks for what’s possible in AI on smartphones through versatile tools and powerful system-wide AI models.

Now, OPPO and Google are taking their partnership even further, working together to bring Gemini Vertex to the core of three main areas of Oppo's AI development — AI applications, AI models, and AI security — to bring users a secure, all-encompassing mobile AI experience that is constantly evolving every step of the way.

Advancing AI Through Open Collaboration

In today’s fast-paced world, users are not just waiting for the next big thing — they are expecting and demanding it, especially when it comes to mobile AI. The future of AI is about providing experiences that are truly intuitive, deeply personalized, and always up to date. But with such a broad range of expertise needed to cater to these diverse demands, a more open form of collaboration is essential to delivering these breakthroughs.

At the heart of OPPO and Google’s collaboration is the seamless integration of AI experiences across multiple applications in a way that simplifies everyday tasks and empowers users to reach their full productivity potential. Take Circle to Search with Google for example. This standout feature is now seamlessly woven into OPPO’s ColorOS operating system, making it possible to search by simply circling text or images on screen without switching apps. But it doesn’t stop there. Google Gemini, your truly helpful personal AI assistant from Google, can help you supercharge your ideas and productivity. Gemini can now pull information and help you take action across OPPO applications like Notes and Calendar. Without having to switch applications, you can now complete tasks all in one place, directly in Gemini.

Making these AI experiences possible is the collaboration between OPPO and Google to integrate individual AI algorithms, particularly the large language models (LLMs) that power these innovations, into OPPO devices. Among these is Gemini — Google’s most capable and general model, which is incredibly flexible. Through the integration of Gemini 1.5 Pro and Gemini 1.5 Flash, OPPO AI Phones have reached new levels of performance, responsiveness, and intelligence, unlocking an unparalleled AI experience and setting the stage for even greater possibilities ahead.

Ensuring a More Secure Experience with Private Computing Cloud

With both the rise of generative AI tools as an integral part of our daily lives and the need for cloud computing support to deliver these more powerful AI features, user privacy and data security have never been more critical. Through its partnership with Google, OPPO is committed to not only offering a comprehensive suite of AI tools but also prioritizing user security and privacy to create a safer AI experience.

OPPO is one of the first smartphone manufacturers to implement Private Computing Cloud (PCC), which leverages Confidential Computing by Google Cloud for private AI data processing. This approach guarantees that information from user devices and the cloud is handled in a confidential environment where neither OPPO nor third-party cloud service providers can access user data, offering users end-to-end security and peace of mind in an AI-driven world.

Starting with AI Recording Summary and AI Studio, OPPO will be using PCC to further enhance user productivity and creativity through powerful cloud-based AI processing without compromising its highest standards of security and privacy.

Delivering the Next Generation of AI, Now

AI technology is advancing faster than ever. But even with the breakneck pace of innovation, users are still hungry for smarter, smoother, more intuitive, and more personalized AI experiences.

To meet this seemingly insatiable appetite for the latest AI features, OPPO is answering the call by promising to roll out new AI experiences every month on average throughout the year.

OPPO is also gearing up to introduce the Gemini Nano model to its smartphones, enabling features like Magic Compose on the Find X8 Series helping users to generate messages in a range of different styles directly within Google Messages. Alongside this, the introduction of Gemini 2.0, Google’s most capable model yet built for the agentic era, is set to redefine the future of mobile AI experiences. All of these innovations ultimately aim to make AI feel like an integral part of the system, unobtrusively embedded into every aspect of the device. 

The upcoming AI Search feature, for instance, will transform how users interact with their device by enabling natural language searches across Settings, Documents, and Notes, for quicker results without trawling through multiple apps or pages. With more applications like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Calendar also making their way to OPPO devices, OPPO AI is set to become a true partner to refine the mobile experience even more.

By fostering a deep, open ecosystem with partners like Google, OPPO is paving the way for the next generation of mobile AI. Packed with features, reliably secure, and constantly evolving, the role of OPPO AI is to be both everywhere and nowhere at once, quietly working in the background but always there ready to be called upon when needed.

Unilab Launches New Marvel-themed PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW to Safeguard Your Kids’ Nutrition

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Philippines’ first Marvel-themed vitamin supplements for the young heroes

With raising a child comes great responsibility. That much is clear for every mom who hopes to nurture aspiring young heroes-at-heart. Regular vitamin supplementation, for one, on top of proper diet and healthy lifestyle, ensures a child’s overall growth, development, and immunity defense. It helps pave the way to safeguard their nutrition to help them reach their full potential.

L-R: Nerissa V. Innumerable, Unilab United Home Marketing Director; Anelle A. Forbes, Unilab Division Vice President and Consumer Cluster Head; Isabel Oli-Prats; Dr. Emaluz Parian De Los Angeles, Diplomate of Philippine Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition; Yasmin Mallari, Head of Unilab Corporate Media Group; Samantha Tengco, Unilab United Home Product Associate

Celebrating its 80th year of providing quality medicine and innovating to meet consumers’ evolving needs, UNILAB continues to make Alagang Unilab felt through its products as it proudly unveils its two new vitamins—PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW,with packaging designs inspired by Marvel Super Heroes. Packed with essential nutrients for your growing heroes aged 4-12 years old, these quality vitamins help support children’s growth, development, and immunity alongside proper diet and a healthy lifestyle. These products empower parents to help their children unlock their limitless potential, all while having the comfort and stability of iconic superhero characters from their childhood.

PowerCEEZ swings in with immune-boosting power with Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Zinc. With packaging designs featuring fan-favourite Marvel characters Spider-Man and Ghost Spider, PowerCEEZ helps to boost the immune system and protects kids, the young superheroes-at-heart, from illnesses.

Meanwhile, UHP SuperGROW’s packaging design features Captain America and Captain Marvel and comes with a collectible Captain America-themed measuring cup. UHP SuperGROW has a powerful blend of Vitamins A, B Complex, C, D, and Zinc plus Taurine, Lysine, Zinc, and Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), that is specifically formulated to support children's growth, development, and overall well-being.

KOLs and their children along with Isabel Oli-Prats and son, Daniel Freedom Prats

UNILAB’s Superhero Headquarters transforms into an action-packed hall as kids gather in their Marvel-inspired costumes for the launch of the two new vitamins – UHP SuperGROW and PowerCEEZ.

UNILAB introduces the first Marvel-themed vitamins in the Philippines through engaging conversations on parenting and importance of choosing the right vitamins for kids and childhood nutrition with (L-R) Jackie Go, Host; Dr. Emaluz Parian de los Angeles, Diplomate of Philippine Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition; Isabel Oli-Prats, Celebrity Mom Influencer; Samantha Tengco, Unilab United Home Product Associate

UNILAB upholds its commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring that all its products meet the four marks of its Quality Alaga standards: Subok at Napatunayan, Ayon sa Standards, Sinuring Mabuti, and Gawang World-Class.

Extensive research and studies are conducted to formulate products that meet the highest standards, using carefully selected materials and processes, along with top-tier facilities and capabilities to ensure world-class quality. This commitment applies to all UNILAB products, guaranteeing that PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW carry the Quality Alaga promise.

The new range was introduced at Unilab’s “Super Hero Headquarters”, a themed launch event for PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW

“Consistent nutrition is key to a child’s growth and immunity. With the right vitamins, parents can help boost their little ones’ development and defense against everyday health challenges” - Pediatrician said at the Unilab event.

Guests were also given a first look at the TV commercials of PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW.

“Our mission has always been to support the health and well-being of Filipino kids, empowering them to grow strong and thrive," shares Nerissa Inumerable, UHP Marketing Director. "With the launch of PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW, we are giving parents the confidence that their little heroes have the right daily nutrition to fuel their growth, strengthen their immunity, and unlock their full potential. This is more than just providing vitamins—it’s about setting up the next generation for a healthier, brighter future."

The Whack the Germs at the PowerCEEZ game zone where kids show off their speed and reflexes as they fight germs and boost their immunity in this fun and interactive game

The launch of PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW wasn’t just about fun — it was a celebration of every child’s strength, resilience, and potential. Like their favorite superheroes, kids need the right support to grow, thrive, and stay strong against daily challenges.

The UHP SuperGROW game zone where little heroes put their strength and agility to the test, aiming for every shot as they power up for growth and development.

UNILAB continues to live out its purpose of working towards a healthier Philippines, one quality medicine at a time – with PowerCEEZ boosting their immune defenses and UHP SuperGROW providing essential nutrients for overall health and development, , parents can equip their little heroes with the power they need to take on every adventure. Try the new Marvel-themed vitamins, PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW, and unlock your child’s limitless potential now! Available in leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

See how Anne Curtis and BJ Pascual brought the vivo V50 shoot to life!

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Beyond social media interactions and fun events, vivo ambassador Anne Curtis and BJ Pascual share a bond rooted in their passion for creativity.

With BJ framing the shots and Anne embodying the vision, their collaboration beautifully merges friendship and art.

The vivo V50 shoot was extra special, with BJ—who has worked on multiple projects for vivo—now joining Anne to spotlight the latest flagship smartphone.

Ahead, get a glimpse of the lively behind-the-scenes moments with this dynamic duo!

The power of perfect synergy

It’s clear that Anne and BJ shared a natural comfort on set, complemented by their mutual confidence in each other. Playing to her strengths, Anne served stunning angles in every layout while BJ hyped her up and captured the shots.

Best believe, the shoot was a perfect balance of work and fun, with smiles and laughter spreading to everyone present, from the glam squad to the whole production team!

Keeping the vibes high during a debrief

Caught on camera: that universally relatable pause while carefully reviewing every shot.

This brief moment of quiet review quickly turned into shared excitement, with Anne and BJ exchanging high-fives and laughter after nailing a series of perfect shots!

Featuring a powerful 50MP ZEISS All Main Camera, the vivo V50 raises the bar for portrait photography, producing crisp, high-quality images with ease.

Even better, designed for long hours of creativity, its powerful 6000mAh BlueVolt Battery keeps it running through extended photo sessions—just like this one with Anne and BJ!

High-fashion portraits—secured

Using the vivo V50's Photo Mode, BJ photographed Anne as she struck editorial-style poses for an edgy layout.

For enhanced precision, its focal length can be easily adjusted to suit any creative style. BJ worked with the 48mm to expertly capture these portraits of Anne.

What sealed the deal for him was the vivo V50's AI Aura Light Portrait 2.0, offering adjustable warmth and brightness to create the perfect lighting for these stunning shots of Anne, suitable for a fashion spread!

BJ's new ally for portrait perfection

Precision matters to BJ as a photographer. His keen eye for detail extends to his choice of camera lenses, ensuring every shot meets his high standards.

He highlighted how the vivo V50 exceeded his expectations throughout the dynamic shoot with Anne, thanks to its ZEISS co-engineered camera that redefines portrait photography.

Recognizing ZEISS' excellence, BJ acknowledged its status as a leader in high-quality optics, edging imagery closer to real life.

Combining style with a powerhouse camera system, the vivo V50 starts at PHP 27,999—bringing pro-level photography within reach. Pre-order now until March 14, 2025, via the vivo website, Shopee, and Lazada.