PlayTime Wins Best Newcomer Award at the Asia Gaming Awards 2025

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Revolutionizing online entertainment in the Philippines, PlayTime was awarded the Best Newcomer Award at the recently concluded Asia Gaming Awards at the ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025, held from March 17 to 19, 2025 at Shangri-La, The Fort.

PlayTime Public Relations Director Krizia Cortez receiving the Best Newcomer Award from Asia Gaming Brief Managing Director Luis Pereira at the Asia Gaming Awards held on March 18, 2025 at Shangri-La, The Fort.

The award recognizes a new provider launched into the market within an 18-month period highlighting exceptional user experience (UX) design, seamless systems integration and innovativeness, platform reliability and support, impactful aesthetics and player experience, and overall performance.

“PlayTime’s commitment is to provide a revolutionary and innovative online entertainment experience to the Filipino market. Receiving the Best Newcomer Award at the Asia Gaming Awards reinforces our competitive edge in the local online gaming industry and highlights the rapid growth we’ve achieved in our first full year of operations. We look forward to bringing more excitement and entertainment into the online gaming space as we grow and introduce our offerings into the market,” say Krizia Cortez, Public Relations Director of PlayTime.

The Asia Gaming Awards is produced by Asia Gaming Brief, an intelligence service provider of the latest market information on relevant gaming topics in Asia. The Awards recognize significant achievements within the Asian gaming industry and celebrate operators, regulators, suppliers, and service providers for their outstanding contributions to the industry in their respective fields, in both the online and land-based spheres.

Welcome to Team Galaxy! Ashtine Olviga and Andres Muhlach share their latest Awesome experience

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Experience Awesome Intelligence with the latest Samsung Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G, allowing you to juggle your work, school, and lifestyle seamlessly in one device.

Samsung has finally dropped the new Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G phones, powered by Samsung’s groundbreaking Awesome Intelligence feature, making mobile AI for everyone via the Galaxy A Series.

Joining the Awesome release of the Galaxy A56 and A36, stars of the hit web series Ang Mutya ng Section E, Ashtine Olviga and Andres Muhlach, reveal how Awesome Intelligence has helped them juggle their newfound celebrity status with their everyday lives, showcasing how the Galaxy A series is the ultimate tool for keeping everything in balance.

With cutting-edge AI features like Circle to Search by Google, Enhanced Object Eraser, and Best Face (exclusive to the Galaxy A56), these latest devices in the Galaxy A series are designed to empower the youth in countless ways—whether it's for content creation like Ashtine or boosting productivity like Andres.

Uncover exciting ways to empower creativity and a balanced lifestyle

After the immediate impact of their web series, Ashtine and Andres are now getting new projects left and right, and with that, new challenges to face. As a young actress, singer, former P-pop idol, and content creator – Ashtine is the definition of this era’s multi-talented it-girl. Meanwhile, Andres, an up-and-coming leading man, has taken his time carving out his unique path as the nation’s newest heartthrob. Many wonder: how are they handling everything?

Ashtine and Andres reveal their latest secret: Awesome Intelligence from Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G’s star AI features. Powered by One UI 7.0, Awesome Intelligence packs the standard of cool, easy-to-use AI tools that anyone can use in their daily tasks.

For our dream boy Andres, his favorite Awesome Intelligence feature is Circle to Search with Google. “Since I’d like to improve my Filipino, whenever I read my script I can circle it and get the translation instantly. I wouldn’t have to go on Google Translate to find the translation. I can just search it right on the spot,” he shared.

Capture a new era of content creation with Awesomeness

With her busy schedule and other showbiz commitments, fans are able to get a peek into Ashtine’s life offscreen through her daily vlogs. When it comes to capturing those moments, she’s all about the new camera experience in the Galaxy A series, with its powerful triple-camera system, including a 50MP main lens, 10-bit HDR front lens for bright, crisp selfies, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens on the Galaxy A56 5G.

Best Face, an exclusive Galaxy A56 AI feature, makes group photos a breeze by picking the best expressions from a motion photo. “I really like the Best Face feature because that’s really the problem with group photos, especially when I’m there. I can choose a better face angle for my photo,” Ashtine shared.

Ashtine expressed her amazement with the Enhanced Object Eraser, saying goodbye to unwanted objects in pictures just by circling them on the phone and erasing them. “I also liked the Enhanced Object Eraser because I like to take pictures wherever I can, so it's a big deal to be able to edit out those things,” she commented.

Unleash peak performance and enjoy a longer battery life

Andres, a mobile gamer, was impressed by how much his gameplay is now smoother than ever with the Galaxy A56 5G’s Exynos 1580 chipset and the Galaxy A36’s Snapdragon® 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform.

Both Ashtine and Andres were also impressed with the Galaxy A56 and A36’s Super Fast Charge 2.0 technology support for 45W faster charging.

“Of course, because the battery is also long-lasting. I can use it for everyday use, especially when our schedule is busy. It's so perfect that I don't even think about running out of power,” Ashtine said.

Both the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G also have an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, along with advanced Corning® Glass, making them tougher and more durable than ever.

Aesthetic colors and safer browsing perfect for Gen Zs

For young people like Ashtine and Andres, it’s all about the #aesthetic. Ashtine was blown away by the new slim design of the Galaxy A56 and A36. Meanwhile, Andres loves that the edges are not too round, making it seamless to the touch.

Aside from the phone’s new design, the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G are also equipped with One UI 7.0 security and privacy upgrades, along with Samsung Knox, which provides security and protection for your sensitive data.

Ecstatic to be the new #TeamGalaxy members in class, Ashtine and Andres can’t wait to dive in and see what’s ahead. “I'm thrilled to be part of Team Galaxy, and experiencing Awesome Intelligence first hand with the latest Galaxy A series. I’m very excited, especially knowing that Samsung is leading the way for mobile AI to be accessible to all, ” said Andres.

Ashtine also couldn’t hide her excitement as she spoke about this milestone moment in her career. “It’s honestly such a big moment for me since this is my first endorsement, and I’m just so happy to be here. The support has been unreal, and I’m ready to take on this new chapter with the Galaxy A series, especially its Awesome Intelligence features!”

Find out how you can balance your busy schedule with the new Galaxy A series. The Galaxy A56 5G is available in Awesome Light Gray, Awesome Graphite, and Awesome Pink while you can grab the Galaxy A36 5G in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Black, and Awesome White at Samsung Experience Stores and partner retailers, and in the Samsung Online Store.

You may also purchase a P250 e-voucher to get a P1,500 discount on the Galaxy A56 and A36 through Samsung Reservation+. Vouchers are selling only until March 28, 2025, and can be redeemed at samsung.com starting March 28. For more information visit: http://smsng.co/ASeries-ReservationPlus (DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-217776 Series of 2025)

To find out more about Galaxy A56 5G, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a56-5g-awesome-lightgray-128gb-sm-a566bzasphl.

To find out more about the Galaxy A36 5G, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a36-5g-awesome-black-128gb-sm-a366bzksphl.

Mega Prime Foods Takes a Bold Step into the Global Market with Dubai Launch

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Mega Prime Foods Inc. (MPFI) is strengthening its global footprint with a strategic expansion into Dubai, introducing its leading product categories—including Mega Sardines, the Number 1 Sardines in the Philippines, Mega Mackerel, Mega Squid, Mega Prime Corn & Mushroom, and Mega Prime Nata—to the Middle Eastern market.

Led by President & CEO Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan, alongside the Export Sales and Marketing teams, Mega Prime Foods Inc. expands internationally with its official launch in Dubai, UAE, in partnership with Baqer Mohebi Enterprises.

As part of this exciting move, MPFI participated in Gulfood 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the world’s largest food and beverage exhibitions, alongside the Export Sales and Marketing teams, providing a platform to showcase Mega Sardines’ fresh-catch quality, Mega Mackerel’s rich and flavorful taste, Mega Squid’s quality seafood offering, Mega Prime Corn & Mushroom’s kitchen convenience, and Mega Prime Nata’s refreshing versatility. These products were introduced not only to Filipinos in the UAE but also to Dubai’s diverse, multicultural community, reinforcing the company’s vision: “To bring pride to Filipinos by providing world-class brands that uplift people's lives.”

MPFI also took part in Barrio Fiesta Dubai and Mega Prime Foods at Kooya Filipino Eatery, where key Filipino influencers in Dubai—such as Love, Josie, Bengs Hyu, Pinay Indian Accent, and Kai Torreflores—joined the celebrations, expanding the brand’s presence in the region.

Strengthening its foothold in the UAE market, MPFI has partnered with Baqer Mohebi Enterprises to make its products widely available in Baqer Mohebi Supermarkets across key locations in Dubai.

“Our entry into Dubai is a milestone that reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality Filipino flavors to the global stage,” said Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan, President and CEO of Mega Prime Foods. “We are excited to connect with international partners and expand our reach, ensuring Mega Prime Foods remains a trusted name in households worldwide.”

This expansion marks a proud step forward in MPFI’s journey to bring authentic Filipino flavors to the world, uplifting Filipino heritage and solidifying its position as a global food player.

Mega Prime Foods Inc. continues to bring world-class quality to international markets. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, the team remains dedicated to delivering high-quality products to Filipino communities worldwide.

Strengthening MPFI’s Global Presence

This expansion comes at a pivotal time as MPFI celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of excellence and innovation in food manufacturing. Establishing a stronger foothold in the UAE is a significant step in the company’s mission to make Filipino products a recognized staple worldwide.

Dubai presents an ideal opportunity for MPFI’s international growth: (1) As a leading culinary hub in the Middle East, it attracts top chefs, restaurateurs, and food innovators from around the world. (2) Its diverse and multicultural population fuels a strong demand for international flavors, including Filipino cuisine. (3) With a well-developed food industry and status as a global trade center, Dubai serves as the perfect launchpad for MPFI’s high-quality products.

Beyond its large Filipino community, Dubai allows MPFI to introduce authentic Filipino flavors to a broader international audience, positioning Filipino cuisine alongside the world’s most celebrated food cultures.

Committed to Global Growth

MPFI’s entry into Dubai is part of its broader international strategy, reinforcing its dedication to food excellence, innovation, and authenticity. As it expands beyond borders, the company remains committed to upholding the quality and heritage that have made Mega a household name for generations.

For more information, visit megaprimefoods.com.ph or shop at its official stores in Shopee,  Lazada and Tiktok Shop.

 

Kicking off a daebak 2025: Bonchon Philippines celebrates 15 Years of Captivating Flavors, Innovation, and Growth

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Bonchon Philippines, the popular Korean Fried Chicken brand that has taken the Filipino fast-casual world by storm, is celebrating its incredible 15-year journey marked by delicious flavors and exciting milestones, including taking home InfluentialBrands® Top Brand 2024 in the Korean Restaurant Category.

As the brand celebrates its 15th anniversary, Bonchon Philippines is not only reflecting on its rich history and this remarkable recognition, but is also gearing up for an exciting 2025 with a refreshed look and ambiance in key locations, new store openings, and a host of exciting new menu items that are sure to keep customers coming back for more.

Named Top Brand 2024

Managing Director Scott Tan is proud to share that Bonchon has been recognized as Most Influential Brand in the Korean Fast Casual category by InfluentialBrands®.

Bonchon Philippines’ commitment to Korean flavors and innovation was recently recognized when it was awarded the prestigious title of Most Influential Brand in the KOREAN RESTAURANT Category by InfluentialBrands®.

Leveraging on more than 20 years of business knowledge, know-how and expertise in Asia, InfluentialBrands® is the premier Catalyst of Growth that celebrates “Champions of Excellence” in Asia. This accolade highlights how Bonchon Philippines has helped popularize the now-beloved Korean fried chicken and other Korean-inspired dishes in the country.

Reaching Philippine shores in 2010, Bonchon Philippines quickly became a favorite among Filipinos by introducing founder Jinduk Seo's passion for Korean comfort food that led him to craft the ultimate crispy, tender, and flavorful Korean Fried Chicken.

Bonchon celebrates 15 years of flavors and milestones in the Philippines with new menu items such as boneless chicken, beef stew, Cafe Koreano, and more..

Bonchon Philippines stays true to its Korean flavors while innovating for the Filipino palate. In 2024, new offerings include Rosé Tteokbokki, a creamy, spicy twist on chewy rice cakes and pasta; and the Sizzling Bibimbowl, a hearty rice dish available in original and spicy flavors. The Beef Stew, now served sizzling, boasts tender short ribs in bold Korean flavors, while the Boneless Chicken delivers effortless, flavor-packed indulgence. For drinks and desserts, Café Koreano blends rich coffee with milky Korean snow ice, while Bingsu offers a refreshing, sweet milky treat.

Bonless Chikin. Premium boneless chicken that is very tender and easy to eat. It comes with different glaze selections; the savory kick of Soy Garlic, the fiery heat of Spicy, the sweet and tangy notes of Honey Citrus, the bold crunch of Crunchy Garlic, or the rich, sweet-spicy balance of YangNyeom.

Sizzling Bibimbowl. A full-packed meal made with a mix of rice, bibimbap sauce, chewy glass noodles, mushrooms, corn, lettuce, and your choice of flavorful meat (beef, chicken, or seafood). Available in Original and Spicy.

Rosé Tteokbokki Pasta. Firm pasta noodles tossed in a creamy rosé sauce with a sweet and spicy kick. Topped with chewy rice cakes and fish cakes, then garnished with nori and sesame seeds.

Café Koreano. A creamy fusion of milky Korean snow ice and rich coffee, elevated with chewy coffee jelly and a drizzle of caramel syrup for the perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Available in Chocolate or Classic Caramel.

Bingsu – A creamy and refreshing Korean dessert made with finely shaved milky snow ice, layered and topped with sweet, indulgent flavors. Available in Honeydew Melon, Strawberry Oreo, Chocolate Brownie, and Mango Cheesecake.

Bonchon Philippines continues to grow, unveiling a refreshed look in 2025. Select revamped spaces enhance the dining experience, blending Korean flair with a relaxed vibe to welcome both loyal customers and new visitors, and as the brand celebrates 15 years in the country, Bonchon stans will be treated to more exciting new dishes that will keep them coming back. Fans can look forward to knowing more in the months ahead.

“Bonchon Philippines’s 15th anniversary isn’t just a celebration of the past; it’s a glimpse into an exciting year filled with even more flavor, growth, and unforgettable dining experiences brought to you by Scottland Food Group. We thank you all for being part of our journey and look forward to sharing more exciting news in the coming months,” said Scott Tan, Managing Director of Scottland Food Group Corp.

SFGC’s growing legacy

Scottland Food Group, founded by Scott Tan, has been a key player in bringing diverse international flavors to the Philippines. Bonchon was introduced to Philippine shores by Scott Tan in 2010, quickly becoming a household name for its signature Korean-style fried chicken. Scottland Food Group also operates other innovative dining concepts, including Japanese fast-casual chain Go Bento, the creative Korean-inspired pizza brand Eat Pizza, and the Singaporean chain of mass-market, retro-ambience cafés selling toast products Ya Kun Kaya Toast.

The group's commitment to introducing new flavors to the Philippines reflects a valuable support for the diversity of cultures and cuisines from around the world — a testament to the warm and welcoming nature of the Filipino palate. Through strategic innovation and a deep understanding of local tastes, Scottland Food Group continues to shape the evolving food scene in the country.

Scottland Food Group Corporation Managing Director Scott Tan, Chief Operating Officer Roel Sun, District Manager Christian Ramirez, and Marketing Director Diane Carcallas celebrate their win as the Most Influential Brand in the Korean Fast Casual category by InfluentialBrands®.

Bonchon chukahamnida! L-R: Scottland Food Group Corporation Marketing Director Diane Carcallas, District Manager Christian Ramirez, Managing Director Scott Tan, Chief Operating Officer Roel Sun, and SM Mall of Asia Mall Manager Erik Jamet during the ribbon cutting of the retrofitted Bonchon SM MOA branch

Scottland Food Group Corporation Marketing Marketing Director Diane Carcallas, District Manager Christian Ramirez, Managing Director Scott Tan, Chief Operating Officer Roel Sun, and SM Mall of Asia Mall Manager Erik Jamet as they take a ceremonial bite of Bonchon’s signature fried chicken.

Scottland Food Group Corporation managing Director Scott Tan talks about the company and its brands, including Korean fast casual restaurant Bonchon, Japanese fast-casual chain Go Bento, creative Korean-inspired pizza brand Eat Pizza, and Singaporean chain of retro-ambience cafés selling toast products Ya Kun Kaya Toast.

15 years of flavors and excellence. Bonchon is hailed as the Most Influential Brand in the Korean Fast Casual category by InfluentialBrands®.

Bonchon SM Mall of Asia branch serves an elevated look! Go and visit now!

With store openings on the horizon, award recognition, and exciting menu launches, the future is bright for this Korean Fast Casual Restaurant, and fans can’t wait to see what’s next! Satisfy your #KoreanCravings and visit the Bonchon brand near you! For more information about Bonchon, just go to www.bonchon.com.ph or visit their social media pages. 

ASUS Zenbook A14: The Lightest Zenbook AI Laptop is in the Philippines

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Experience the lightest Zenbook Copilot+ PC yet—ASUS Zenbook A14, weighing just 899g and powered by the Snapdragon X Series processor!

ASUS Philippines today announced the arrival of the groundbreaking Zenbook A14 (UX3407QA) — the lightest 14-inch Zenbook Copilot+ PC, and also the first all-Ceraluminum™ ASUS laptop. Zenbook A14 is also the first Zenbook model powered by the latest Snapdragon X Series AI-enabled processors.

Zenbook A14 redefines lightweight laptops. Its all-Ceraluminum^™ chassis is ultra-light at under 899g, durable, and low maintenance, designed for everyday use. Snapdragon X Series processors deliver outstanding power efficiency and performance with multi-day battery life, and the dual-fan thermal system ensures optimal cooling at up to 45W with minimal noise. As a Copilot+ PC, it enhances productivity and creativity with advanced AI capabilities.

Unload: 899 g all-Ceraluminum™ design

Weighing in at just 899 g, Zenbook A14 sets the new benchmark for ultraportable Copilot+ PCs. Its elegant, lightweight design is ideal for frequent travelers, allowing them to move effortlessly without being weighed down by their tech.

Additionally, the chassis is crafted entirely from Ceraluminum^™, an innovative and tactile material that's 30% lighter and three times stronger than anodized aluminum. This advanced material ensures durability and portability, making it ideal for everyday use. The nature-inspired color palette adds a sophisticated touch, aligning with the Zenbook tradition of timeless design.

Unplugged: Multi-working-day battery life

Zenbook A14 delivers outstanding multi-day battery life, enabled by the power-efficient Snapdragon X Series processor and a high-capacity 48Wh battery. It can provide over 23 hours of continuous video playback on a single charge, ensuring interruption-free usage over the course of multiple working days.

The innovative thermal solution, featuring dual lightweight fans and a heat pipe, optimizes key component placement for quiet, effective cooling. With performance reaching up to 45W chipset power and a 0dB Whisper Mode for silent operation, the laptop offers exceptional power efficiency. Even when unplugged, Zenbook A14 delivers consistent performance with no drop in capabilities, making it the perfect travel companion for long flights, road trips, or meeting-packed days.

Unlimited: A Copilot+ PC driven by the Snapdragon X Series

With its 45 TOPS Qualcomm Hexagon NPU for AI tasks, Zenbook A14 offers advanced Copilot+ PC experiences, offering real-time insights, performance optimization, and enhanced responsiveness for multi-tasking and productivity. Users can expect seamless video playback, efficient app loading, and rapid task switching.

Zenbook A14 offers a refined user experience with an enlarged touchpad featuring Smart Gesture support for comfortable navigation; smudge-free keycaps on the well-spaced keys that have a comfortable 1.3mm travel; and a full suite of I/O ports that allows users to connect devices and peripherals without the need for adapters or dongles. The user-centric design also includes a precision-designed ASUS EasyLift^™ hinge for stable, wobble-free screen opening and balanced weight distribution.

For an immersive multimedia experience, the Zenbook A14 boasts a 14-inch FHD+ IPS  NanoEdge display that delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts, supported by two powerful speakers for rich audio output. Snapdragon Sound™ features High-Resolution Audio for rich, detailed 24-bit / 192kHz sound; ultra-low latency to ensure audio syncs seamlessly with visuals; and advanced noise cancelation to reduce background noise for clear voice calls and immersive audio.

ASUS Zenbook A14 Price & Availability

The new ASUS Zenbook A14 will be available in both Zabriskie Beige and Iceland Grey at PHP 65,995 within March 2025.  Each purchase also includes a complimentary Office 2024 Home free lifetime license, plus a free 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Basic. The Zenbook A14 is also entitled to ASUS’ sought-after after-sales service, which includes a 2-year International Warranty and ASUS Perfect Warranty with 1-year accidental damage protection.

Visit the nearest ASUS Concept Store now!

ASUS Vivobook 16 All-Day Battery and AI Capabilities

Along with ASUS Zenbook A14, the ever-durable Vivobook 16 (X1607QA) and Vivobook 16 (X1607CA) will also be available in Quiet Blue, in March 2025.

Designed for multitaskers, the Vivobook 16 (X1607QA) Copilot+ PC is powered by the Snapdragon X Series with 45 TOPS NPU, offering up to 27 hours of battery life. It will be available in stores for PHP 45,995.

Meanwhile, the Vivobook 16 (X1607CA), features an Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 225H, delivering a balance of performance and power efficiency for everyday AI tasks. This model will retail for PHP 50,995.

Both models boast 16-inch displays and a full set of I/O ports, ensuring maximum productivity anywhere.

To know more about the ASUS’ AI Laptops and other Always Incredible news and updates, check out the ASUS Philippines website and follow the official Facebook page.