First in SOX: Alsons Dev Brings The Mind Museum’s Mind Rover Museum-on-Wheels to Avia Estate

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Alsons Dev, in partnership with Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) and the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc. (CLAFI), brings The Mind Rover to Avia Estate, giving public school students in Sarangani an immersive, hands-on science learning experience.

On February 25, 2025, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) partnered with Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI), the organization behind The Mind Museum, to bring The Mind Rover to Avia Estate, Alsons Dev’s 121-hectare township in Alabel, Sarangani. This initiative makes the multi-awarded, globally recognized science museum experience accessible to public school students at no cost.

Through the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation (CLAFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Alcantara Group, the Avia Estate leg welcomed around 200 students from IP-integrated schools (IS) in the Sarangani Province such as Datal Basak IS and Lebe IS in Maasim; Malandag Central Elementary School, Pulatana IS, and Malungon National High School in Malungon; Policarpo H. Millona Central Integrated School and Lun Padidu National High School in Malapatan; and Paraiso IS and Sofan IS in Alabel.

During their visit, the students explored interactive exhibits in the Mind Rover representing The Mind Museum's five unique galleries: Atom, Life, Earth, Universe, and Technology. They also enjoyed special screenings of Mind S-Cool TV, a family-friendly show that makes science and the arts fun and engaging.

To make the most of their learning experience, the students also toured the Alabel Public Safety and Security Complex, home to a Fire Substation, Community Police Assistance Center, and Emergency Operations Center built and donated by Alsons Dev to the Alabel LGU. While waiting, the students enjoyed reading CLAFI's Flalok Big Books, a collection of illustrated folklore of the Blaan Indigenous Peoples in Sarangani Province and General Santos. These books preserve traditional Blaan stories, originally passed down orally, by presenting them in written and illustrated forms that reflect Blaan culture.

Through this initiative, Alsons Dev strengthened the company’s commitment to empowering Sarangani communities by making transformative learning experiences more accessible and by advocating for education as a cornerstone of community development.

The Mind Rover Avia Estate leg, the first of three stops in the SOX Region, was made possible by BAFI and 2Go with local partners Alsons Dev and CLAFI, with the support of the Malungon, Malapatan, and Alabel LGUs, Sarangani Energy Corporation, Department of Education - Sarangani Division, and NutriAsia.

Empowering Women and Girls Through Softball: Join ASA-PHIL's International Women's Day Softball Clinic on March 8, 2025 in Imus City

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In celebration of International Women's Day, the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASA-PHIL) is excited to announce the upcoming International Women's Day Softball Clinic on March 8, 2025, at the Imus Truck Oval, Imus City, Cavite. 

This free clinic is designed to engage women and girls of all ages and skill levels who are eager to explore the sport of softball, with the goal of fostering empowerment, gender equality, and physical wellness. 

The clinic is open to all participants, from beginners to advanced players, and will feature expert instruction, hands-on drills, and friendly competition. ASA-PHIL aims to use this event as a platform to inspire more women to get involved in sports and highlight the incredible potential women have in excelling in athletic fields traditionally dominated by men. 

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President of ASA-PHIL, emphasized the importance of empowering women through sports: "Softball is more than just a game—it is a tool for empowerment. This clinic is not only about improving skills but also about building confidence, fostering teamwork, and promoting gender equality in sports. The women and girls who participate will not only gain valuable skills but will also become part of a larger movement that champions inclusivity and wellness for all." 

This initiative also aims to spotlight the growing success of the RP Blu Girls, the national women's softball team, who have made remarkable strides in international competitions. Their recent victories in various regional tournaments have made them a source of national pride and an inspiration for young women aspiring to pursue sports at the highest level. 

In addition to the clinic, ASA-PHIL is committed to boosting the popularity of softball across the country. The association is dedicated to creating more opportunities for women and girls to develop their athletic potential, leading to a stronger presence of Filipino female athletes in regional and international sports arenas.

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Event Details: 

Date: March 8, 2025 Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

Location: Imus Truck Oval, Imus City, Cavite 

Who Can Join: Women and girls of all ages and skill levels 

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Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable sports attire, water, and a positive attitude. The event is free of charge, and no prior experience in softball is required to join.

DOT highlights farm tourism’s transformative potential at 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco reaffirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth through the promotion of farm tourism at the 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference (PIFTC), held Tuesday (Feb. 25) at the KCC Mall in General Santos City, South Cotabato.

The ceremonial turnover of hosting duties from General Santos City to Baguio City for the next Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, International School of Sustainable Tourism Chair Mina Gabor, and General Santos Councilor Virgie Tiongson Llido.

The three-day conference, organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) in partnership with the DOT, brought together local and international experts, policymakers, farmers, and tourism stakeholders. The event aimed to highlight General Santos City’s potential as a leading destination for sustainable and innovative farm tourism practices.

In her keynote address, Secretary Frasco underscored the transformative potential of farm tourism in driving rural development, ensuring food security, and preserving the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage.

“At the heart of farm tourism lies a simple yet powerful idea: our farms are more than just places of production. They are living landscapes of culture, history, and sustainability—where traditions are passed down, innovation takes root, and communities find new pathways to prosperity,” Secretary Frasco said.

“Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we recognize farm tourism’s vital role in contributing to our nation’s prosperity. Guided by the National Tourism Development Plan, the DOT is committed to strengthening this sector through programs that empower local communities and promote sustainable agricultural practices,” she added.

With the theme “Innovations in Farm Tourism: Cultivating Growth and Sustainability,” the conference spotlighted success stories from across the country, including bio-diversified farming initiatives that have revitalized rural communities, such as General Santos City's grapes farming as an emerging industry.

Secretary Frasco reaffirmed the DOT’s dedication to positioning farm tourism as a vital pillar of the country’s tourism strategy. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and private stakeholders to ensure the sector’s sustainability and growth.

“By embracing our agricultural heritage and unlocking new opportunities in farm tourism, we cultivate a future where agriculture and tourism bring prosperity to our rural communities—while preserving these vital livelihoods for generations to come,” she remarked.

Passing the torch: General Santos City to Baguio City

One of the conference’s highlights was the turnover of hosting duties from General Santos City to Baguio City for the next PIFTC installment.

Secretary Frasco, alongside ISST Chairperson and former DOT Secretary Mina Gabor and General Santos Councilor Virgie Tiongson Llido, presided over the ceremonial handover of hosting duties, underscoring the importance of continuity in the promotion of sustainable farm tourism across the Philippines.

HONOR Wins 50 Media Awards at MWC 2025 with the Groundbreaking HONOR ALPHA PLAN

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Discover HONOR’s Ambitious Vision for the Future of AI Devices

Global technology brand HONOR unveiled its transformative HONOR ALPHA PLAN at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, signaling its ambition to evolve from a smartphone maker to a global leader in AI device ecosystems. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in HONOR’s journey toward innovation and excellence in the AI era.

The HONOR ALPHA PLAN introduces a USD 10 billion+ AI investment strategy and a commitment to provide seven years of Android OS and security updates for its HONOR Magic series. These initiatives highlight HONOR’s dedication to creating an open, value-sharing AI ecosystem and setting a new benchmark in long-term software support.

“AI is the future, and HONOR is ready to embrace it with cutting-edge innovation and collaboration. Through the HONOR ALPHA PLAN, we aim to empower individuals and industries to realize their full potential in the intelligent world,” said James Li, CEO of HONOR.

A Royal Endorsement of Innovation

During MWC 2025, HONOR’s AI advancements captured the attention of notable figures, including King Felipe VI of Spain. The King expressed his admiration for HONOR’s AI Deepfake Detection technology, which addresses the growing concerns of online identity fraud fueled by AI-generated filters. King Felipe VI praised the technology for its potential to protect users against digital threats and highlighted its importance in today’s interconnected world.

Accompanied by Diana Morán, Spain’s Minister of Science and Innovation, King Felipe VI also explored HONOR’s revolutionary AI Agent, the world’s first GUI-based personal mobile AI assistant. A live demonstration showcased its ability to seamlessly interact with third-party applications and perform advanced tasks, such as booking restaurants via voice commands. The King commended HONOR’s commitment to creating practical and user-friendly AI solutions that align with its vision of an inclusive AI ecosystem.

Recognized for Excellence at MWC 2025

HONOR’s innovations earned over 50 media awards for their outstanding technological advancements and products. Highlights include:

• HONOR Watch 5 Ultra: Named “Best Smartwatch” by TechRadar for its titanium shell, 1.5-inch AMOLED screen, and 15-day battery life.

• HONOR Pad V9: Praised for its sleek design, AI-infused user interface, and powerful performance by Android Authority and Tom’s Guide.

• HONOR Earbuds Open: Awarded “Best Earbuds” by TechRadar for exceptional sound quality, AI live translation, active noise cancellation, and comfort.

• HONOR MagicBook Pro 14: Celebrated for its OLED display, powerful processors, and sleek design, making it an ideal choice for professionals.

Looking Ahead

With the HONOR ALPHA PLAN, the company reaffirms its vision of becoming a leader in the global AI race. By investing in transformative technologies and long-term customer support, HONOR continues to redefine the role of AI in everyday life, empowering users and industries worldwide.

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/.

CHERRY Philippines collaborates with SANRIO characters to offer exciting products

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CHERRY continues to make waves in the tech world with its latest collaboration, joining forces with Sanrio, Japan’s renowned company known for creating iconic characters. This exciting partnership promises to deliver a delightful range of products that combine both functionality and charm. By merging technology with the beloved nostalgia of Sanrio characters, CHERRY aims to capture the hearts of both tech enthusiasts and fans of these adorable creations.

In this delightful collaboration, CHERRY Philippines is bringing to life some of Sanrio’s most cherished characters in an entirely new way. As a company known and trusted for its innovation, CHERRY is a natural fit for this partnership, offering a unique twist on Sanrio’s timeless characters through their products.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Sanrio to bring a touch of delightful nostalgia and charm to our products,” says Michelle Ngu, COO of CHERRY Philippines. “This collaboration gives us the opportunity to blend our technology with the warmth and appeal of Sanrio’s iconic characters, creating products that are both functional and fun. It’s truly a perfect match.”

The Dream Team

The partnership features three beloved Sanrio characters that bring their own distinct personalities and charm to the collaboration: Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, and Kuromi. These characters have a universal appeal, loved by fans of all ages for their unique traits and timeless design.

1. Cinnamoroll – This fluffy, white puppy is known for his gentle personality and inviting energy. With his sweet and kind nature, Cinnamoroll represents comfort and warmth, qualities that align perfectly with CHERRY’s focus on lifestyle and user comfort.

2. Pochacco – The energetic and cheerful dog with a love for sports, Pochacco brings a playful, optimistic spirit to the mix. His adventurous nature and love for joyful activities resonate with CHERRY’s active and positive lifestyle focus.

3. Kuromi – With her edgy skull motif, Kuromi exudes a bold and mischievous vibe, yet also has a soft and relatable side that appeals to individuals who embrace fun and individuality. Her vibrant personality complements CHERRY’s trendy and dynamic style.

The Goal

This collaboration aims to create a collection of products that seamlessly blend fashion, functionality, and fun. By incorporating Sanrio's iconic characters into CHERRY's gadgets, the partnership aims to offer consumers a unique experience that combines practicality with delightful designs. Here are the following products:

· Turbo Fan

· Bluetooth Speaker

· Karaoke Duet Medley

· Core Flask

· 100W Universal Travel Adapter

· Bluetooth Headphones

· Power bank 5000mAh/10000mAh

· Hair Dryer

· Smart Watch

The Expectation

The CHERRY and Sanrio characters collaboration brings forth a variety of charming yet functional products, including the Sanrio characters Turbo Fan, Bluetooth Speaker, Karaoke Duet Medley, and the 100W Universal Travel Adapter. Whether you're traveling with the Sanrio characters Power Bank or enjoying music on the go with the Sanrio characters Bluetooth Headphones, this collection offers something for everyone. These products provide the perfect combination of affordability, practicality, and whimsical charm, making them must-haves for both tech lovers and Sanrio character fans.

The Community

This partnership is set to enchant and inspire people, as it merges the magic of Sanrio’s characters with CHERRY’s innovative technology. Not only does this collaboration highlight the appeal of these lovable characters, but it also underscores CHERRY Philippines’ commitment to creating products that resonate with their customers. Stay tuned for an exciting tech launch that is sure to be as adorable as it is functional!

About Sanrio:

Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty who was created in 1974, and home to many other beloved character brands such as My Melody, Kuromi, LittleTwinStars, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, gudetama, Aggretsuko, Chococat, Bad Badtz-Maru and Kerokerokeroppi. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that promote communication and inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio’s business extends into the entertainment industry with several content series, gaming offerings and theme parks. Sanrio boasts an extensive product lineup which is available in over 130 countries. Sanrio hopes to bring smiles to everyone’s faces with their vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles.”

To learn more about Sanrio, please visit https://sanrio-sea.com and follow @sanriophilippines on Instagram and Facebook.

For more information, visit:

CHERRY Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph

Shopee: https://bit.ly/CherryPhShopee

Lazada: https://bit.ly/CherryPhLazada