South Korean Star Seo In Guk Explores Boracay, Samples Pinoy Sisig and Sinigang

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Seo In Guk receives Love the Philippines token from Tourism Secretary

Shortly after being named the new celebrity Tourism Ambassador for the Philippines, South Korean singer-songwriter and actor Seo In Guk visited the world-renowned Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, marking his first experience on the picturesque shores.

Seo In Guk strolls along shores of Boracay 

During the weekend, Seo In Guk was visibly captivated by the stunning beauty that has made Boracay one of the top island destinations globally. His activities included a round of golf, enjoying the gentle sunset breeze aboard a yacht, and greeting his Filipino fans during boat tours. 

Seo In Guk enjoys a game of golf at Fairways and Bluewater Boracay

He also indulged in local culinary delights, tried famous dishes such as sinigang and sisig, and experienced the famed crystal kayak activity along the shores of Station 1.

Seo In Guk is served elevated Filipino cuisine in Shangri-La Boracay

To recall, Seo In Guk, a beloved figure in the South Korean entertainment landscape, officially partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco last Friday, February 21, 2025, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles and Neocolors Production and Advertising Inc. President and CEO Dr. Christine May Daguno-Canoy as witnesses. This agreement, which will last for one year, allows him to promote the Philippines to the South Korean market and fans worldwide.

Seo In Guk tries crystal kayaking in Boracay

As the new tourism ambassador, Seo In Guk is set to enhance the Philippines’ visibility as a travel destination. His role includes participating in promotional events, sharing experiences on social media, and attending various press engagements. He may also take part in official events organized by the TPB, both in the Philippines and South Korea.

In a heartfelt message before the media during the signing ceremony held at the DOT Central Office in Makati City, the South Korean star expressed his love for the Philippines.

“Thank you and it feels very nice. It is an honor for me to be on this stage. I really feel a big responsibility as a representative of and as a promoter for one country. I really want to thank everyone for making this happen for me and I really want to say that I will give back all the love that you gave to me and I will be someone to promote the Philippines to others in the future. Thank you very much. Mahal ko kayo,” he said.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed gratitude to the celebrity, noting that the partnership will further strengthen the ties of South Korea and the Philippines

Seo In Guk receives Love the Philippines token from Tourism Secretary

“We are very honored to be in the presence of a man who is beloved worldwide for his vast talent, endless creativity, and now, his evident love for the Philippines. We are delighted to formally welcome Mr. Seo In Guk as the Philippine Celebrity Tourism Ambassador for South Korea. This appointment strengthens the cultural and tourism exchanges between the Philippines and Korea,” she said.

The tourism chief emphasized that South Korea has been a consistent top market for the Philippines.

“To Mr. Seo In Guk, welcome to our tourism family. Your dedication and enthusiasm will play a vital role in inspiring more travelers to embrace the many reasons to Love the Philippines. We look forward to the stories you will share and the meaningful experiences that you will create through this partnership,” she said.

In a message, TPB COO Nograles added that the appointment of Seo In Guk as the new celebrity tourism ambassador underscores the commitment of the promotional arm of the DOT to showcasing the unparalleled beauty of the Philippines to South Korea and the world.

“We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this collaboration will have on Philippine tourism, as Seo In Guk embarks on his journey to discover and share the many reasons to love the Philippines. We invite everyone to join him and be inspired to experience the wonders of our nation firsthand,” she said.

South Korean celebrity’s visit highlights passion-driven tourism collaboration

Seo In Guk waits for the iconic Boracay sunset

In a statement dated February 24, 2025, Dr. Christine May Daguno-Canoy, who is handling the activities of Seo In Guk in the country, together with Mr. Choongwon Su, as the Chief Development Officer, shared that the partnership was driven by the South Korean Star’s passion for the Philippines.

“Seo In Guk’s genuine passion for the Philippines was a pivotal factor in his choice to volunteer to be a Philippine tourism ambassador to South Korea. Seo In Guk has shown a heartfelt interest in exploring the Philippines and sharing his experiences with his millions of followers in South Korea and around the world. By leveraging his esteemed status as an actor and singer, he aims to highlight our country’s potential as a tourist destination,” she said.

The foreign celebrity debuted as a singer in 2009 after winning the first season of the South Korean reality show Superstar K. His acting debut was in 2012 in the drama series Reply 1997. He also appeared in the hit series Shopping King Louie and Doom At Your Service as the lead actor.

“It is important to clarify that this partnership was driven by personal motivation rather than financial gain as Seo In Guk waived his professional fees for this partnership. He made this decision independently, without any expectations of financial remuneration, which is why our company, Neocolors collaborated with Story J and Episode Music to bring this initiative to life. Seo In Guk’s recent visit to Boracay is a testament to his commitment, where he actively engaged in creating content that showcases the beauty of our country. This partnership is not only a celebration of our cultural ties but also a strategic effort to enhance the visibility of the Philippines on the global stage,” added the official.

DOT open to more partnerships to strengthen “Love The Philippines” campaign

Seo In Guk experiences world-class hospitality at Shangri-La Boracay

Meanwhile, Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed gratitude to the tourism industry partners who made Seo In Guk’s visit to the Philippines possible, including Philippine Airlines, Shangri-La Boracay, Shangri-La The Fort, and Fairways and Bluewater Boracay.

She emphasized that the DOT remains open to collaborations with celebrities and influencers who genuinely support promoting the Philippines as a top travel destination.

“The Department of Tourism is grateful to those who come forward and volunteer to work with us. That’s why we are extending our sincerest thanks to those who are sharing all the good stories about the Philippines so our numbers will increase in terms of jobs, arrivals, and revenue for the benefit of Filipinos whose livelihoods depend on tourism,” Secretary Frasco said.

Breaking News! HONOR X9c Smart 5G SOLD OUT in Record Time

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HONOR Philippines proudly announces the overwhelming success of its latest innovation, the HONOR X9c Smart 5G. Known for its durability, powerful performance, and stylish design, the smartphone sold out in record time. With your overwhelming support, HONOR keeps Php 10,799 price tag of HONOR X9c Smart 5G until Shopee vouchers last with FREE HONOR Gift Earbuds II.

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The HONOR X9c Smart 5G sets the bar high as it sells out just a few hours after its debut on Shopee’s 3.3 Super Brand Marathon!

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“We are thrilled by the incredible support and enthusiasm for the HONOR X9c Smart 5G. This achievement inspires us to continue delivering high-quality devices that cater to the needs of our valued customers. Don’t miss out, units will be available again starting March 4,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

Key Features of the HONOR X9c Smart 5G

1. Durability: With SGS 5-Star Comprehensive Reliability, the phone withstands drops up to 2 meters, resists scratches with its polycarbonate back, and thrives in extreme temperatures ranging from -30°C to 55°C.

2. Camera: Features a 108MP Main Camera and 5MP Ultra-Wide Camera, enhanced by AI Night Mode and Motion Sensing Capture for brilliant photos and videos.

3. Battery: Powered by a 5800mAh battery with up to 20 hours of video playback and 35W HONOR Super Charge for quick recharging.

4. Storage and Performance: Boasts 24GB RAM (12GB Physical + 12GB HONOR Turbo RAM) and 256GB Storage, complemented by Magic OS 8 for seamless multitasking.

5. Design: Slim and elegant at just 7.88mm thick, available in Midnight Black and Ocean Cyan.

Pricing and Availability

Due to popular demand, HONOR is keeping the HONOR X9c Smart 5G at a special price of Php 10,799 until Shopee vouchers run out, bundled with FREE HONOR Gift Earbuds II.

Starting March 6, you can also get it exclusively on Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9cSmart_PR) for Php 11,799, or opt for SPayLater at just ₱120/day, PLUS enjoy a FREE HONOR Camping Light Speaker with every purchase!

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

2,000+ Filipinos ran for wellness at Home Credit PH’s inaugural fun run—Takbo #ParaSaLife

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Country’s leading consumer finance company inspires people to take a step toward health and wellness

Over 2,000 runners participated in Takbo #ParaSaLife, Home Credit Philippines' first-ever fun run held at Parqal in Aseana City. Organized by WeKenRun, the event offered 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K categories, promoting health and wellness among Filipinos and reinforcing Home Credit's commitment to supporting customers not just financially, but holistically.

More than 2,000 runners took a step toward a healthier lifestyle today as they joined Takbo #ParaSaLife, Home Credit Philippines’ (HCPH) first-ever fun run. As the country’s leading consumer finance company, Home Credit continues its mission of supporting Filipinos—not just financially, but holistically—by promoting physical and mental well-being.

Held at Parqal in Aseana City, and organized in collaboration with WeKenRun, a running group led by renowned marathon coach Ken Mendola, the event featured 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K categories, making it accessible to runners of all fitness levels.

Apart from the fun run participants and the Home Credit executives and team members, guests and personalities, including Lester Cruz, CEO of Singlife Philippines, also graced the event to support Home Credit’s drive for healthier lifestyles. Employees from Boltech and SM, along with valued event partners from Xiaomi, Park Access and Singlife, also joined the race.

Championing holistic wellness

“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 38% of Filipinos are physically inactive, putting them at risk for lifestyle-related diseases. As the Filipinos’ trusted ally, not just in financial inclusion but in overall well-being, Home Credit is committed to encouraging communities to embrace a healthier lifestyle," Petr Lukosz, HCPH Chief CRM Officer and 2x Ironman Philippines Champion said.

“Seeing people of all ages and backgrounds come together for this run is truly inspiring. At Home Credit, we believe that wellness is an essential part of living a fulfilling life. Takbo #ParaSaLife is more than just a race—it’s a movement that we hope will continue beyond today. We look forward to making this an annual tradition to encourage more people to prioritize their health,” he added.

[From L-R]: Home Credit Philippines executives also joined the run. Seen here are Jana Pechouckova, Chief Financial Officer; Pratim Bhattacharya, Head of Operations; Ihor Kruchynenko, Chief Risk Officer; Petr Lukosz, Chief CRM Officer; Teeraphong Mahatham, Deputy Chief Executive Officer; Philips Yu, Chief Digital Officer; and Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer

A successful turnout and exciting rewards

The event welcomed Home Credit team members, first-time runners, and seasoned running enthusiasts, all united by a shared commitment to health and wellness. Participants received running shirts, race bibs, and loot bags from event partners, and finisher medals will also be shipped to them. Additionally, podium finishers in the 10K, 5K, and 3K categories took home exciting cash prizes—including a ₱10,000 grand prize for the fastest runner in the 10K distance.

Additionally, Home Credit and its partners made the event even more rewarding with exciting prizes, including gift certificates for ON Running Shoes and Suunto, Park Access vouchers, and smart home gadgets from Xiaomi. Podium finishers also took home insurance vouchers from Singlife—₱7,500, ₱5,000, and ₱2,500 for both male and female first placers of the 10KM, 5KM, and 3KM categories respectively. These winnings are just one of the many ways Takbo #ParaSaLife continues to champion holistic well-being while making every stride even more worthwhile.

Joma Unabia, a first-time fun run participant and 10K finisher, shared his excitement about joining Takbo #ParaSaLife. “This was my first time joining a fun run, and I never imagined I could complete the 10K category—but I did! It was such an incredible experience. Thanks to Home Credit, I got to challenge myself and achieve something I never thought possible. This event has inspired me to stay active, set bigger fitness goals, and make running a part of my lifestyle. I hope to join again next year and push myself even further!”

Looking Ahead

With the success of Takbo #ParaSaLife, Home Credit Philippines is already gearing up for next year’s edition—promising an even bigger, better, and more exciting event.

As WHO data highlights that nearly 40% of Filipinos remain physically inactive, initiatives like this serve as a vital reminder that small steps lead to big changes. Beyond financial empowerment, Home Credit remains committed to championing holistic well-being, ensuring that every Filipino can live their best, healthiest life—one run at a time.

This event would not have been possible without the support of Home Credit’s valued partners—WeKenRun, Aseana City, Parqal, Sip (Hydration Partner) and Sip Plus (Electrolytes), Singlife, Surge Lifestyle, Suunto, Xiaomi Philippines, Park Access (Official Nike Store Partner), Skintech, Dole, Silka, Corbridge, Oishi—who share the same commitment to promoting health and well-being. Their support helped make Takbo #ParaSaLife a truly memorable and rewarding experience for all participants.

To know more about the latest updates from HCPH, check out its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

HONOR to Provide 7 Years of Android OS and Security Updates for HONOR Magic Series

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HONOR ALPHA PLAN makes flagship smartphones secure, durable, and future proof

 

Leading smart device provider HONOR proudly announced today its industry-leading initiative to provide 7 years of Android OS and security updates for its flagship HONOR Magic series. This revolutionary move reflects HONOR’s unwavering commitment to delivering enhanced user experience, security, and innovation.

 

“We are thrilled to learn about the HONOR ALPHA PLAN which will start with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. By extending software and security support to an unprecedented seven years, we empower our users to enjoy a safe, reliable, and innovative smartphone experience for much longer, all while supporting sustainability by reducing e-waste.” Said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

 

What is the HONOR ALPHA PLAN?

 

The HONOR ALPHA PLAN is a bold three-step corporate strategy aiming to elevate HONOR from a smartphone manufacturer to a global leader in AI-powered ecosystems. It encourages collaboration within the tech industry to co-create value-driven solutions and improve device longevity while benefiting all mankind.

 

Why It Matters

HONOR’s extended support for its flagship Magic series ensures users enjoy unparalleled value from their smartphones.

·     Maximized Investment: Consumers can stretch their budget further with flagship devices that remain secure and up to date for seven years, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

·     Cutting-Edge Technology: Users gain access to the latest AI innovations, enabling them to stay ahead in productivity, gaming, photography, and more.

·     Eco-Friendly Commitment: By extending the lifespan of devices, HONOR contributes to reducing electronic waste, aligning with sustainability goals.

This initiative starts with the HONOR Magic7 Pro, available in the Philippines in 2025, and will expand to more HONOR flagship phones and foldable devices.

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Explore new horizons with the OPPO Reno13 F, now available in the Philippines

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Life is filled with great moments that deserve to be captured in every way possible, whether it’s just taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a cup of coffee or going to new places that you’ve been planning on for a long while.

And the best way to see the world in a different light and capture core memories is by having a device like the all-new OPPO Reno13 F, the newest addition to OPPO’s renowned Reno13  Series.

Capture life’s best moments in style

Powered by a 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera supported by a 76° field of view and a 32MP Front Camera with an 82° field of view , the latest addition to the Reno Series empower its users to discover new horizons and document every step of the way as it also has an 8MP Ultra-Wide Angle Camera and a 2MP Macro Camera.

Level up each scene with cutting-edge AI imaging tools

Complementing the OPPO Reno13 F’s camera system are game-changing AI features. Similar to its predecessors launched earlier this year, the OPPO Reno13 F features a suite of AI imaging tools that spark creativity.

The AI Clarity Enhancer can improve image resolutions which makes distant objects appear as clear as if they are just a few meters away from you. You can also capture fast-moving objects and be assured that you can still sharpen it by using AI Unblur. The AI Eraser 2.0 will turn your fingertips into magic wands that can remove any unwanted elements in your pictures.

Big fan of taking mirror selfies but tends to keep it to yourself because of unwanted reflections on the background? The OPPO Reno13 F 4G’s AI Reflection Remover is made just for you and it can remove glares from the window or mirror, giving you more freedom to share mirror shots on your social media channels.

Get the right scene at the right time

Following the footsteps of the other OPPO Reno13 Series 5G devices, the OPPO Reno13 F also has AI Livephoto which allows you to frame the perfect shot. This unmatched feature at the device’s price point records 1.5 seconds of video before and after you press the shutter which automatically adjusts clips to remove any camera shake, leaving you with perfectly framed shots.

Dive into the fun of freshwater adventures

Summer season is just right around the corner and it calls for bonding time with your friends in nearby resorts or rivers and lakes.

Built with an IP69 water and dust resistance, the OPPO Reno13 F also has an Underwater Photography Mode, giving you a powerful companion when you dive into freshwater to capture fun times in the middle of the summer heat. You can snap underwater photos of your friends for up to 30 minutes to depths of up to two meters.

Style your way to your journey

While it is the most accessible OPPO Reno13 Series 5G device, the OPPO Reno13 F exudes class and sophistication with its design, showcasing OPPO’s Butterfly Shadow Design.

The OPPO Reno13 F comes in three breathtaking colorways - Plume Purple, Skyline Blue and Graphite Grey.

Each colorway is designed to match your attitude and style, making the OPPO Reno13 F the ideal partner for your everyday journey.

Reno13 F in Plume Purple. Also available in Graphite Gray, and Skyline Blue.

Power through the day with a sturdy device

Don’t let the OPPO Reno13 F’s elegant looks deceive you. This device is equipped with the long-lasting battery life which will help you conquer everyday with a large 5,800mAh battery. It is complemented by a 45W SUPERVOOC^TM Flash Charge that can get you back up in no time whenever you need to recharge.

The OPPO Reno13 F is powered by a MediaTek Helio G100 4G Platform, featuring an 8-core CPU crafted with advanced 6nm process, a true tried-and-tested workhorse, the platform ensures smooth processing of video, audio, and games to provide a solid foundation for everyday use.

Enjoy life’s best moments with an accessible yet equally powerful Reno device!

Get started on your journey to self-discovery with the OPPO Reno13 F, available for pre-order starting today at Php 17,999 in all official OPPO stores nationwide! Pre-orderers can get a free OPPO Enco Buds2, OPPO Care Elite, and a P1,000 discount on top of their reservation fee.

You can also enjoy the following perks when you buy your all-new OPPO Reno13 F through OPPO’s e-commerce platforms on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok:

●     OPPO Enco Buds2

●     OPPO Care Elite

●     Php 1000 OPPO Product Voucher

●     0% Interest Installment Payment

●     100% Free Shipping

It’s also available via HomeCredit, at 6/9/12/15/18 month installments at 0% interest starting March 1, 2025.

To know more about the OPPO Reno13 F, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.