DTI Gears Up for the 2025 National Trade Fair, Championing Green Innovation and Filipino MSMEs

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Get ready to experience Filipino innovation at its finest! The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) proudly announces the much-anticipated return of the DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair, happening from July 23 to 27, 2025, at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Now in its latest edition, the fair brings together close to 300 carefully selected exhibitors from across the Philippines. These enterprises will showcase a dynamic range of proudly local products—from heirloom crafts and wellness essentials to upcycled home décor, contemporary fashion, and environmentally responsible solutions. This year’s lineup promises not just variety but excellence, as each exhibitor has been chosen for their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

More Than a Trade Event

What sets the National Trade Fair apart is its deeper mission. It isn’t just about displaying and selling goods; it’s about celebrating the stories, cultures, and communities that shape them. Supporting the Tatak Pinoy Strategy, the 2025 edition reinforces DTI’s push to build a dynamic domestic economy where homegrown brands and products can flourish, not only locally but also on the global stage. Through innovation, creative design, and responsible production, these MSMEs are showing how Filipino enterprises can lead in a fast-evolving world.

What’s New This Year

“The National Trade Fair is more than a marketplace—it’s a national platform for promoting Filipino excellence, innovation, and sustainability. This 2025 edition goes even further, introducing new features to spotlight game-changing green technologies,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, who heads the Competitiveness and Innovation Group.

She further explained that unlike the National Food Fair, which focuses on culinary enterprises, the National Trade Fair highlights a wider spectrum of Filipino creativity. From fashion and home furnishings to digital innovations and natural wellness products, the NTF offers a rich and immersive experience. Assistant Secretary Bautista emphasized that this year’s fair continues to promote the use of Philippine natural raw materials and highlights the potential of green technologies in helping MSMEs scale up and compete more effectively.

Spotlight on Sustainability and Innovation

One of the major highlights of this year’s fair is the Philippine Sustainability Pavilion. Here, visitors will find breakthrough eco-innovations and green technologies taking center stage. The pavilion brings to light how indigenous and natural materials—such as bamboo, abaca, and native grasses—are transformed into high-value products suitable for both local consumption and international markets. It is a striking example of how environmental consciousness and cultural heritage can be woven together to create products that are beautiful, functional, and sustainable.

But the fair offers more than just shopping and exhibits. Attendees will also enjoy a rich learning environment through business development seminars, live skills demonstrations, and themed exhibit zones. These are designed to help MSMEs improve their market access, develop innovative products, and accelerate their growth. Whether you’re a buyer, a budding entrepreneur, or simply someone who values Filipino craftsmanship, there is something to learn and appreciate at every corner of the event.

A Legacy of Success

The National Trade Fair has consistently proven to be a powerful platform for MSMEs. In 2024, it featured 273 MSMEs and welcomed 27,909 visitors. The event generated Php 73.2 million in total sales, including Php 62.12 million in cash sales and booked orders. These numbers reflect not only the public’s growing support for locally made products but also the strategic value of this event in helping small businesses grow.

As the 2025 edition unfolds, it carries the momentum of past successes while pushing toward new heights. With growing interest in sustainability, quality local goods, and proudly Filipino innovations, the fair is expected to deliver even greater impact this year.

Everyone’s Invited

The 2025 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair will run for five days, from July 23 to 27, at SM Megamall. Admission is free and open to all. This is your chance to discover the latest in proudly local design, support MSMEs from all over the country, and take part in a movement that’s building a more sustainable and globally competitive Philippine economy.

Stay Connected

For more information, you may reach out to DTI by emailing BMDPO@dti.gov.ph. You can also stay updated on event highlights and exhibitor features by following DTI-BMDPO on social media. Find them on Facebook (@DTI.BMDPO), X (@DTI_BMDPO), Instagram (@dti.bmdpo), YouTube (@dti_bmdpo), and TikTok (@dti.bmdpo).

Teacher wins big at BJ Pascual's vivo V50 Masterclass

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In a crowd buzzing with energy and creativity at BJ Pascual’s exclusive photography masterclass at One Ayala, one attendee walked away with more than just knowledge and inspiration. He left with a new vision, a game-changing device, and a massive 50% discount on the vivo V50.

Meet Johann Rabino, a passionate educator and school paper mentor whose dedication to storytelling has always gone beyond the classroom walls.

A proud vivo user for nearly five years, Johann’s eyes lit up when his name was called for the exclusive 50% V50 discount. It was a reward, he says, that felt like destiny.

A Portrait of Loyalty

Johann, a school paper adviser and photography hobbyist, has been a vivo loyalist for years. When asked what made him stay with the brand, his answer was simple yet powerful: consistency and reliability.

“Yung battery life, yung app na hindi nagla-lag, consistent talaga. As a teacher, kailangan ko ng phone na hindi ako bibiguin. Kaya dito ako nag-stay,” he shared.

His active engagement on vivo's Facebook page showcased not only his loyalty but also his creative flair. That thoughtful entry helped secure his spot as the exclusive 50% discount winner. It was a testament to how vivo celebrates and uplifts its passionate community.

Known in his school as the go-to guy for event photos, Johann’s love for photography goes beyond hobby. It’s a tool for connection, creativity, and education. He regularly contributes to his school’s publication, seamlessly blending visuals with compelling narratives.

“Sabi nga nila, ako lagi ang tinatawag pag may pictorial. I combine photography and writing para mas impactful. Kaya sobrang meaningful ng experience na ‘to.”

Attending BJ Pascual’s masterclass reignited Johann’s passion for photography, especially when he discovered the advanced bokeh capabilities of the vivo V50.

“Akala ko dati isang type lang ng bokeh. Pero ngayon ko lang nalaman na ang dami palang variations. Ang daming possibilities. Nakaka-inspire,” he said beaming.

He was especially struck by the idea that what once required bulky, expensive camera gear is now possible with a phone. “Yung ZEISS lenses, mahal talaga 'yun. Yung B-Speed, nasa Php 200,000 pataas. Pero andito na lahat sa vivo V50. Wala ka nang kailangan dalhin na mabigat. Kaya sobrang amazed talaga ako.”

Now, Johann plans to pass on this new knowledge to his students by making them a subject and having mini-lessons, encouraging them to explore storytelling through the lens of mobile photography.

Unlock Your Story with vivo V50

The vivo V50 is the perfect upgrade for storytellers who don’t want to miss a moment. It delivers professional-grade photography, exceptional performance, and sleek style all in one smart device.

Get it now with Php 2,000 off at all vivo physical stores nationwide or online via vivo website, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Stay connected and stay inspired. For more exclusive events, stories, and promos, follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X or visit vivoglobal.ph.

PascualLab Receives Its First Medal of Recognition at the League of Corporate Foundations’ 2025 CSR Expo

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Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab), one of the well-loved Filipino-owned pharmaceutical companies,¹ inspired with a vision for Strong, Healthy families, recently received its first-ever Medal of Recognition from the prestigious League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) at the Dusit Thani in Makati. For helping pursue the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Productivity for all through its own CSR program Sowing to Empower, Educate, and Develop (S.E.E.D.) - the LCF - the Filipino network of organizations supporting sectors in need, bestowed PascualLab a Medal of Recognition for excellence in CSR focus areas, including the environment and sustainable agriculture. Anchored on the theme, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity for Shared Prosperity”, this year’s expo awarded member-organizations the Guild Award and non-member organizations the Medal of Recognition which PascualLab received alongside Fluor Daniels Foundation. 

From left to right: Ramon Derige, League of Corporate Foundations Treasurer & SEAOIL Foundation, Inc. Executive Director; Ana Carlos Chair, League of Corporate Foundations Environment Committee - Chair & TELUS International CSR Team Leader, TELUS International Philippines Foundation, Inc.; German Camigla Fluor Daniel Inc., Philippines Executive Director, Information Technology and Executive Sponsor, Philippines Community Affairs ; Marianne Johanna Ferrer de Vera, PascualLab Corporate Communications Manager; andNathaniel George Hipolito Manila Water Foundation, Inc. Environment Committee - Vice-Chair, League of Corporate Foundations & Program Operations Manager

While PascualLab has been pushing for Environmental, Social, and Environmental Goals (ESGs) long before the concept came to fore, this is the first external validation that PascualLab is on the right track in its health, education, and environment initiatives which include eco-friendly & inclusive agricultural practices. According to LCF Chairperson Shem Jose Garcia, the CSR Expo awards “creates space for collaboration and leveraging our collective strengths, especially in today’s society, where true success goes beyond efficiency and optimization to nurturing people and the communities we affect. That is how we achieve shared prosperity.” PascualLab is the home of family-friendly and quality products as

Poten-Cee, Ascof Lagundi, C-Lium Fibre, and OraCare Mouthrinse.

2GO Moves The Mind Museum’s Mind Rover to Puerto Princesa

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The Mind Rover travels to Palawan via 2GO.

2GO, the Philippines’ largest logistics and sea travel provider, has once again partnered with The Mind Museum to bring the wonders of science closer to the islands. This time, the collaboration takes the Mind Rover to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

As part of this initiative, and ahead of the Mind Rover’s arrival in Palawan, passengers aboard MV 2GO St. Francis Xavier sailing from Manila to Puerto Princesa and Coron over the weekend enjoyed a series of exciting, science-themed activities onboard. Curated by The Mind Museum, these interactive sessions brought STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning to life. They turn sea travel into a fun, meaningful, and enriching experience for both kids and adults onboard.

This unique initiative brought logistics and learning together to move not just people and goods but also spark curiosity and imagination across the sea.

“We are thrilled to partner with 2GO. Through its shipping capabilities, the Mind Rover gets to visit provinces in the Philippines where it would have taken weeks if traveled by land and would have been difficult to transport without 2GO’s direct link from Manila. Through this partnership, we are able to impact more communities and hopefully encourage more kids to have an inspired engagement and view of science or maybe, even take up STEM in the future. We even get to reach more audiences as we also do science shows on board 2GO!,” said Maria Isabel Garcia, Managing Director and Curator of The Mind Museum.

Now on its third leg, the Mind Rover has successfully crossed Philippine seas through 2GO, following activations in Bacolod and General Santos. It now reaches Puerto Princesa with the same mission: to reimagine science, make it more exciting, and spark inspiration among Filipino children to become the country’s next generation of scientists and innovators.

"We are delighted to be part of this meaningful partnership. It is an honor to bring science closer to Filipino families through a unique onboard experience. By mounting the Mind Rover exhibit aboard our ships, in partnership with The Mind Museum, we’re creating a space for families to explore themes of sea travel, sustainability, and basic science while in transit. We believe that part of appreciating sea travel is understanding how it works — and through this experience, we hope to spark curiosity, awareness, and a deeper connection with our oceans," said Francis Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel.

The Mind Rover is a 12-meter museum-on-wheels packed with interactive and hands-on exhibits, and live science shows and demonstrations. It continues to fulfill its mission of bringing science beyond museum walls and into underserved island communities. The Puerto Princesa leg is the latest in a growing series of island activations made possible through collaborations like this.

With operations across 19 ports nationwide and a firm commitment to moving communities forward, 2GO’s partnership with The Mind Museum underscores its role not just as a logistics provider, but as a bridge to learning, creativity, and nation-building.

This collaboration reflects the power of purposeful partnerships in delivering meaningful, mind-moving experiences both at sea and on land.

To learn more about 2GO’s travel and shipping solutions, visit travel.2go.com.ph or email 2go_freight@2go.com.ph.

TechLife Officially Launches Pad Lite 8” for P4,999 SRP

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Combining portability, power, and practicality, the latest addition to the TechLife lineup makes learning more accessible and everyday tasks easier

Learning doesn't just happen in classrooms anymore. It unfolds in coffee shops, on public commutes, in quiet corners of the house, or during late-night deep dives on new hobbies. From schoolwork and self-improvement to casual curiosity and creative exploration, learning is an integral part of everyday life today.

With this mind shift, TechLife officially launches the newest addition to its Pad lineup, the TechLife Pad Lite 8”, available in elegant Champagne Gold and vibrant Lilac Purple for only PHP 4,999. These stylish color options are perfect for complementing any OOTD, blending function with flair wherever you go.

Designed to keep up with the curious, the busy, the ever-learning, the Pad Lite 8” offers just the right balance of performance, portability, and practicality, all wrapped in a sleek and compact build.

Made for the Flow of Real Life

With an 8” HD screen and a slim, lightweight body, the Pad Lite 8” doesn’t feel like carrying a device. It’s simply there when needed, resting on a stand beside the stove during a cooking video, on the bed during a journaling session, or tucked in a tote on the way to class or work.

Its detachable stand makes switching from active use to passive viewing effortless. No need to prop it up with a pillow or book. It fits in perfectly, regardless of the setting.

Steady Power Through Long Days

Battery life matters more during busy weeks than it does on paper. The Pad Lite 8” runs quietly in the background, handling streaming, browsing, note-taking, and multitasking without frequent charging breaks. With a 6000mAh battery, it remains active even when everything else starts to slow down.

At night, it still has enough charge left to finish a video, read one more article, or play music until sleep comes. No cords, no interruptions, just time well spent.

Connection That Doesn’t Rely on the Nearest Outlet

With 4G LTE connectivity, the Pad Lite 8” works in places where Wi-Fi doesn’t. It becomes a source of music on a walk, a quick hotspot during a group project, or a steady stream of productivity when the usual setup isn’t available.

Dual SIM support and VoLTE calling add even more utility, especially for those who switch between tasks and locations often.

Fitting into Routines Without Disrupting Them

This isn’t a device that replaces larger screens or more powerful setups. It complements them. It steps in during the quiet parts of the day, while making lists, checking content, skimming through ideas, or finding small ways to unwind.

Inside is a reliable octa-core processor, expandable RAM up to 8GB, and Android 15, enough to run smoothly without being complicated. Whether for media, messaging, notes, or inspiration, the Pad Lite 8” handles light to moderate multitasking comfortably.

And with up to 1TB expandable storage, it carries memories, materials, and media collections without asking what to delete next.

Designed for Those Who Learn by Living

The TechLife Pad Lite 8” isn’t about performance metrics or feature overload. It’s about presence - being there when curiosity strikes, when a task needs to be done, or when a quick break between work or class turns into a new discovery.

Because sometimes, the most meaningful lessons show up in the little moments, not in classrooms, but in everyday life.

Local Availability

From July 12 to 19, the TechLife Fam can enjoy special deals on Shopee, featuring exclusive freebies and platform voucher discounts. During these dates, the first orders will receive a FREE Folio Case and Globe 5G SIM card until supplies last. Fans are encouraged to redeem platform vouchers to score the lowest checkout price possible.

Similarly on TikTok, the TechLife Pad Lite 8” will be available starting July 14, with a promo running until July 19. Early buyers will receive a free Folio Case and Globe 5G SIM card, valid while supplies last.

To receive exclusive offers and news about TechLife, follow its official social media pages on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.