AXA Philippines clinches double win at 2025 Insurance Asia Awards

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As one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, AXA Philippines took home a significant double victory at the 2025 Insurance Asia Awards, winning Health Insurance Initiative of the Year for its superior critical illness plan, Health Max Elite and International General Insurer of the Year for its expansive general insurance solutions, including the AXA Smart Traveller, which was also recently recognized with a Platinum Seal by the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2024. These back-to-back accolades underscore AXA’s stronghold as a trusted, innovative, and all-around insurance provider, protecting over a million Filipinos through accessible, relevant, and customer-first products.

The Insurance Asia Awards recognizes the best of the best in Asia’s insurance industry, celebrating insurance companies that rise above market challenges while delivering customer satisfaction and sustainable growth. AXA’s double recognition underscores its leadership in both life and general insurance, driven by standout initiatives such as first-in-market health coverage, award-winning travel protection, and strategic partnerships that make insurance more accessible to every Filipino.

Gear Up for Another Fierce Season of the World’s Biggest Streetball Tournament as Red Bull Half Court Returns to the Philippines

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Get your squads ready as Red Bull Half Court returns to the Philippines for a brand-new season filled with unmatched energy, raw determination, and high-stakes action. The biggest 3-on-3 streetball tournament is the ultimate battlefield for rising local talent to prove their skills for a chance to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Final, set to take place in the UAE in November.

Photo Credit: Ezra Acayan / Red Bull Content Pool

The Ultimate Streetball Tournament is Back in the Philippines

Red Bull Half Court brings the fastest version of 3-on-3 streetball to players across the globe. In partnership with FILA and Spalding, Red Bull Half Court will hold qualifier rounds across five continents and over 20 participating countries, including South Africa, Norway, and Kosovo as the rookies.

Legendary NBA shooting coach Chris ‘Lethal Shooter’ Matthews shared his excitement for this year’s tournament, saying, “Year after year, Red Bull Half court continues to push the game forward. Seeing the sport grow in new countries and watching these athletes bring their best is truly special. I can’t wait to see who makes it to the World FInal in the UAE.”

Photo Credit: Markus Berger / Red Bull Content Pool

Unlike traditional basketball, Red Bull Half Court games only take up half the court, with teams of 3 players. Games follow FIBA rules and are played with a regulation time of 10 minutes and a maximum of 21 points. Winners of each match are determined by who reaches the highest score within the regulation time or who reaches the maximum number of points first.

To add a surprising twist to the game, teams who accumulate the most scoring points across all games will receive the “Own the Court” bonus that will help them advance to the next stage. Making the game faster and more intense, 3-point shots can be made from two special circles located behind the arc.

Red Bull Half Court, in partnership with 7-Eleven, ups the intensity for its 2025 season in the Philippines with a new 2-day competition structure for qualifier rounds. Regional qualifiers will take place in Davao on August 30 and 31, Cebu on September 13 and 14, and Manila on September 27 and 28. Elimination rounds are set to take place on the first day, while the qualifier showdown will happen on the second day. Winning teams from each regional qualifier will advance to the Red Bull Half Court National Final in Manila, happening on October 18, where each team, along with select wildcard teams, will face off for a chance to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Final in UAE.

Photo Credit: Ezra Acayan / Red Bull Content Pool

Own the Court at Red Bull Half Court Philippines

Think your squad has what it takes to run the court? Gather a team of 3 to 4 players, who are 18 years old and above. Players must be residents of the Philippines, with at least 3 holding valid Philippine passports.

To register, simply purchase four cans of Red Bull from any 7-Eleven store and upload the receipt upon signing up through the official Red Bull Half Court website. Registered teams automatically get a set of light and dark Red Bull Half Court jerseys.

Lace up and register for the Red Bull Half Court qualifiers today! Catch the first qualifier round in Davao on August 30 and 31. Don’t miss the Red Bull Half Court National Final, happening in Manila on October 18.

For more information and updates, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok )

Hitmaker on a Mission: Mark Feist returns to Manila with collabs, strategic partnerships, and industry-backed initiatives

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With HITMAKERS ENTERTAINMENT and a new partnership with Symphonic Distribution, Feist sets sights on shaping tomorrow’s streaming-era superstars

Philippines’ R&B King, Jay R and Filipino-Australian producer Mark Feist

Acclaimed Filipino-Australian producer Mark Feist—renowned for his work with global icons like Destiny’s Child, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, John Legend, The Spice Girls, Outkast, Brian McKnight, Kelly Rowland, Regine Velasquez, and many more—is back in the Philippines to bring with him a wave of exciting musical projects and industry-shaping collaborations.

Leading the charge are two new tracks produced by Feist, in collaboration with the Philippines’ R&B King, Jay R. Their first release, “Tunay,” which dropped on Friday, July 25, 2025, delivers a refreshing New Jack Swing-inspired beat paired with a slick R&B hook, capturing the effortless cool of a laid-back summer anthem. The second one, still under wraps, is a duet between Jay R and rising pop newcomer Shanice.

“Jay R is an artist who truly inspired me,” says the multi-platinum producer. “His talent, his voice, and his work ethic are world-class. Our collaboration on Tunay came from deep creative conversations, and what we created together is something I genuinely believe can sit alongside today’s biggest global releases. At this point in my career, I only work on music that can compete at the highest level, and Jay R absolutely meets that standard.”

A proud nephew of OPM legend Pilita Corrales, Mark has built an impressive international career as a producer and composer, contributing to albums and singles that have collectively sold over 35 million units worldwide, including the worldwide no. 1 hit “Emotions” by Destiny’s Child. He recently started HITMAKERS ENTERTAINMENT, a full-service label/production/publishing company. One of their success stories so far is Australian pop artist Tash, whose music continues to rack up more than 80 million streams across different platforms.

“Real artist development in the streaming era is our core mission at Hitmakers Entertainment, and TASH is the perfect example of that,” shares Mark Feist. “We signed her at 15 with zero fanbase—now she’s built a formidable catalog, amassed millions of streams, and is selling out shows with fans flying in from around the world. TASH is a once-in-a-generation artist, and she’s just getting started.”

Further cementing Hitmakers’ forward-thinking approach, Feist recently announced a strategic partnership with Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists. The partnership, according to a recent press release, “marks the beginning of a broader relationship between Symphonic and Hitmakers, with future initiatives planned to support emerging and established artists from Australia and Southeast Asia.”

Mark sees the alliance as a game-changing initiative to develop and support some of the most promising new talents in Asia and the Pacific.

“Symphonic Asia’s Guji Lorenzana is a rare kind of music executive: he brings together sharp instincts, profound industry experience, and a forward-thinking approach to tech and streaming,” explains Mark. “His perspective allows him to see opportunities others might miss. Jorge [Brea], as CEO, is a true visionary—he builds exceptional teams and has a clear sense of where the music industry is headed. Together, Symphonic and HME form a powerhouse partnership that’s poised to break barriers, set new standards, and create the next generation of post-streaming superstars.”

Heads Up! There’s a New Way to Pay in the Philippines — And It Happens with One Tap of Your Smartphone

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GCash continues to bring future-forward innovations to the Philippines with the official launch of GCash Tap to Pay, a contactless payment system that lets users of the app pay merchants with just one tap of their smartphone. Now available to Android users, GCash becomes the first e-wallet in the country to enable NFC-powered payments, allowing users to log in to the GCash app, tap and pay at any Mastercard accepting POS terminal nationwide.

While Tap to Pay technology has long been the norm in major cities around the world, offering speed and convenience, this marks the first time such a seamless, NFC-based payment experience is being made widely accessible in the Philippines through a local e-wallet. With this innovation, GCash not only brings global payment standards to Filipinos but also reinforces its position as the country's top fintech platform, continuously innovating to allow its users to level up their lives.

Tap into quicker - and safer - payments, accepted at millions of local and international stores through GCash and its partner, Mastercard.

From navigating morning grocery runs, commuting around the metro, to late-night dinner runs, errands, and schedules can already be difficult enough to manage, the last thing you need is the added burden of figuring out if you have enough cash to last you through the day.

GCash Tap to Pay is designed for ultimate convenience with quicker payments powered by Near Field Communications (NFC) technology. This allows devices in close proximity to exchange data securely. Each payment uses authentication protocols to verify user identity, while all transmitted data is encrypted, making transactions resistant to tampering and fraud. With this, GCash ensures that users enjoy a frictionless and protected payment experience every time.

Tap to Pay works at any terminal that accepts Mastercard payments, both locally and abroad. This partnership allows users to enjoy the same seamless tap-and-go experience wherever they go, even when traveling internationally, where it can be a huge hassle to be weighed down by a wallet filled with foreign coins, bills, and multiple cards.

Through this innovation, GCash eliminates the various everyday hassles by simplifying the payment process; just tap your phone, and you’re good to go. There’s no need to scan a QR code or fumble through your spare change, because all you need to pay for your morning cup of coffee or your unexpected grocery run is your smartphone – and no additional fees!

Experience payments in a tap today

Ready to experience effortless and secure payments? Activate GCash Tap to Pay and enjoy transactions in just one tap. Here’s how you can activate and use GCash with your phone:

One-Time Setup: How to Activate GCash Tap to Pay

1. Under “Settings”, open “Connections”
2. Enable “NFC and contactless payments”.
3. Log in to your GCash app.
4. Tap “Tap To Pay”.
5. Agree to the stated terms and conditions.
6. Your “Tap To Pay” feature should now be activated!

How to use GCash Tap To Pay

1. Log in to your GCash app
2. Tap your phone on the store's POS terminal. Done!

Experience it for yourself today and download the GCash app on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Zoom beyond expectations with vivo X200 FE's 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera

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In a world of next-level content, is your camera up to the challenge?

These days, photography isn’t just about what fits in the frame. It’s about what the power of zoom unveils through crisp detail, true depth, and striking focus. And that’s exactly what the vivo X200 FE was made for!

Engineered for precision at a distance, this smartphone makes faraway moments feel up close, without having to move a single step.

With its powerful 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, it can lock in every detail. Whether you're shooting from the back of the crowd or across the street, best believe, every shot stays sharp and share-worthy.

Designed for creators who demand absolute clarity from extreme distances, the vivo X200 FE combines professional-grade optics and intelligent imaging technologies in a compact, lifestyle-friendly design.

Discover the city with every zoom

Every city tells a story through its towering skyscrapers, striking architecture, and the raw energy of everyday street life.

From across the lane or high above, the vivo X200 FE that can zoom up to 100x makes every shot look like you're just right there! You can capture the skyline from afar, focus on the fine details of architectural design, or freeze a fleeting moment on a bustling corner, all without losing clarity or aesthetic.

Even better? Its AI Telephoto Enhance feature boosts every photo with richer colors and sharper details!

So whether you're an urban explorer or a casual shooter, the vivo X200 FE's telephoto power lets you see the city your way, one focused frame at a time.

Front-row feels, wherever you are

Concerts, live shows, festivals — these moments are fast, bright, and full of energy. Now, so are your photos.

With the vivo X200 FE’s Stage Mode, capturing live performances is a breeze. Whether you're in the crowd or seated far back, you can still shoot like you’re front row.

1x

3x

10x

Thanks to an advanced telephoto sensor, self-developed algorithms, and custom tuning, the X200 FE captures facial features with lifelike precision, even from a distance.

Expect accurate colors, soft tones, and just the right pop of saturation. From dramatic lighting to bold stage outfits, every scene comes through with striking realism.

The X200 FE effectively retains the stage's vibe while preventing overexposure. From spotlight shots to ambient lighting, it preserves the emotion and excitement, just as you felt it.

From everyday to extraordinary, see it all with the vivo X200 FE. Get this now for Php 44,999 at all vivo physical stores nationwide or online via vivo website.