Art Meets Innovation with the Arrival of the OPPO Find X9

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Artistry and innovation converge as OPPO teases the arrival of its most cultured flagship yet,. the OPPO Find X9. Coming soon to the Philippines, the device blends design, craftsmanship, and intelligence into one refined experience.

Building on OPPO’s legacy of artistry and precision, the OPPO Find X9 advances mobile imaging with the Hasselblad Master Camera System. With a 50MP True Color Camera, 120x zoom capability, and the advanced LUMO Imaging Engine, it delivers studio-grade detail and true-to-life tones. From vibrant cityscapes to quiet creative moments,everyday scenes become gallery-worthy visuals.

Design that defines sophistication

A refined flat-edged silhouette, an ultra-thin 7.99mm frame, and premium finishes in Titanium Grey and Space Black reflects balance — minimalist yet expressive, modern yet timeless. Every curve, contour, and material choice reflects beauty with purpose.

Innovation for the modern creator

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset and OPPO’s Trinity Engine, the OPPO Find X9 delivers ultra-smooth performance while optimizing energy efficiency. The third-generation 7,025mAh silicon-carbon battery offers power that endures, while AI MindSpace and productivity tools streamline creativity, allowing users to think, create, and connect effortlessly.

From fast 80W SUPERVOOC™ charging to 50W AIRVOOC™ wireless charging, every detail of the OPPO Find X9 is designed to keep up with the dynamic lifestyles of Filipinos.

Coming Soon on the Philippines

Designed for modern Filipino visionaries who value artistry, purpose, and excellence, the OPPO Find X9 is coming soon to the Philippines. The global launch is set for October 28 in Barcelona, Spain.

To know more about the OPPO Find X9, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises Brings Honor to the Country at The Gold Standard Awards 2025 in Singapore

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Global award-winning and powerhouse communications group COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises is among the organizations in the Asia-Pacific honored at the recently held The Gold Standard Awards 2025 in Singapore. COMCO Mundo, the lone winner from the Philippines, shares the much-acclaimed regional recognition in Public Affairs with the other finalists from the country.

The Gold Standard Awards recognition was received by (from left): COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises’ Justin Harvey Llamosa, Chief of Staff to the Interregional President & Group Chief Executive and Associate Director for Executive Initiatives & Strategic Communications / Partner and Ferdinand L. Bondoy, Interregional President & Group Chief Executive and Head of Global & Strategic Communications / Partner & Co-Founder; and COMCO Southeast Asia’s Ampy Corpus, Managing Director and Business Administrator / Partner.

Bagging the Gold Standard Award for Corporate Citizenship, "The Communications Olympiad: Rewriting Climate Change with the Next Gen Communication Practitioners," highlighted the launch of The Communications Olympiad - a nationwide communications training program and competition spearheaded by the COMCO School of Communications, the communication training and professional development arm of COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, in partnership with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, co-presented by One Meralco Foundation, and supported by Gold Sponsors Globe, Goodness Graze, Midea, TP in the Philippines; Silver Sponsors Jollibee Foods Corporation and Personal Collection; and Bronze Sponsors Sony, Sustainability PH, and Uratex Monoblock.

The Communications Olympiad gathered students of communications and related disciplines from colleges and universities across the country to prepare them to become the next generation of communicators. The initiative included online training camp sessions for the qualifiers, facilitated by communication experts and leaders in the industry across the country and the region. The intense training of the students prepared them for 24+ hour hackathon challenge where they developed communications plans based on a climate change related case study, highlighting the importance of reshaping the narrative and practices surrounding the environmental concern. Top 15 finalists made it to The Grand Championship, where the top 3 schools underwent live pitch presentations and a question & answer session with the jury. After a fierce competition, Mindoro State University emerged as the Grand Champion, followed by University of the Cordilleras as 1st Runner-Up, and University of the Philippines-Visayas as 2nd Runner-Up. Meanwhile, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila received the Highly Commended Award, and Far Eastern University brought home the Special Jury Prize.

"Empowering the Country’s Next Gen Heroes: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024," by Samsung Philippines and supported by TARO AOX Inc., the specialist digital and integrated communications agency of COMCO Mundo, was also recognized for being among the top 3 finalists in the Corporate Citizenship: CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and Sustainability category.

“We are grateful for the recognition, and for the support of our co-organizers, sponsors, and partners who have made this landmark initiative possible. As a group dedicated to the craftsmanship of meaningful storytelling, winning this award is the showcase of our commitment to brand purpose, social change, talent growth and multi-sectoral collaboration. We are thankful to the schools and students who joined the initiative, and we hope that they will be able to apply the learnings they acquired from the training and the competition, to strive for excellence, and to make a positive impact in the communities,” said Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, Interregional President & Group Chief Executive and Head of Global & Strategic Communications / Partner & Co-Founder of COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises.

Stay updated with COMCO Mundo by visiting comcomundo.com or following fb.com/comcomundo on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcomundo on LinkedIn, and @comcomundo on Instagram.

A Living Tapestry: Inside the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair

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The air inside the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall hums with the sound of weaving looms, soft laughter, and lively conversation. The scent of freshly polished wood mingles with the faint aroma of local coffee from one of the nearby booths. In every direction, color and texture fill the space — from hand-dyed fabrics and finely carved wooden furniture to delicate beadwork and handwoven baskets that carry the mark of both tradition and modern design.

This is the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF), a celebration of Filipino creativity that brings together more than 300 exhibitors from across the country. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO) in partnership with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the NACF has once again transformed the Megatrade Halls into a living museum of Philippine artistry.

The Country’s Creative Heartbeat

From opening day, visitors—families, students, collectors, and buyers—have come to experience how Filipino artisans are redefining tradition. In one corner, weavers from Kalinga demonstrate backstrap weaving as vivid geometric patterns come to life on the loom. Nearby, the T’boli of South Cotabato display their distinctive t’nalak cloth dyed with natural pigments. The Maranaw artisans present their brassware and torogan-inspired designs, while exhibitors from Antique proudly showcase patadyong weaves that carry the legacy of their province’s women’s cooperatives.

Every booth tells a story. Each artisan represents a community, a heritage, and a continuing dialogue between the past and the future.

Honoring the Masters

At the heart of the fair are the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees — the National Living Treasures whose mastery preserves the Philippines’ intangible cultural heritage. Their presence lends the event both prestige and purpose. Visitors gravitate towards them, amazed at the generational knowledge being preserved and passed down for future generations.

During the daily program, Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) offer demonstrations of traditional crafts passed down through generations. Young apprentices share how their elders are teaching them to weave, carve, or mold clay by hand.

These cultural bearers remind everyone that heritage is not frozen in the past but continues to grow, adapt, and thrive.

Tradition Meets Modern Design

This year’s fair also shines a spotlight on innovation. Curated by the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), several exhibits explore how traditional materials can take on new life through design collaboration. Modern furniture made from rattan, bamboo, and wood stand beside minimalist lighting fixtures crafted by artisans from Pampanga. Jewelry and fashion accessories reinvent indigenous motifs for the contemporary market.

Visitors can see how form and function coexist in the works on display. Even familiar crafts are reimagined through the creative use of color, pattern, and material.

Workshops and Live Demonstrations

Beyond the exhibits, the NACF’s daily schedule includes workshops, live performances, and business talks. Resource persons from partner agencies share insights on branding, product innovation, and intellectual property. Potters, weavers, and woodcarvers hold live demonstrations that captivate visitors and inspire future artisans.

For participants, the NACF is both an opportunity to connect with buyers and a venue for learning new ideas that can sustain their craft.

Partnerships that Empower Communities

The success of the NACF lies in the strong collaboration between government agencies and creative communities. The DTI-BMDPO continues to play a key role in helping artisans reach new markets through trade promotion and product development support. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) ensures that traditional knowledge is preserved, while the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) bridges heritage and innovation through design thinking.

The Office of Senator Loren Legarda remains a steadfast partner in this endeavor. Since its inception, Legarda has envisioned the NACF as both a cultural and economic platform — one that recognizes the artistry of Filipino communities while providing them with opportunities for growth.

Senator Legarda has long supported the empowerment of local artisans, particularly women’s cooperatives and weaving centers that sustain families through traditional crafts. Many of these groups are once again part of this year’s fair, sharing not only their products but also their stories of resilience and creativity.

“Every artisan who joins the fair brings with them the story of a community. Through their hands, we see how creativity can transform lives and how culture remains our strongest foundation for progress,” Legarda said.

A Celebration for All Filipinos

As the 7-day fair continues, the energy inside the Megatrade Halls buzz with energy and enthusiasm. Every day brings new faces, conversations, and discoveries. Students observe weaving techniques. Entrepreneurs explore partnerships. Tourists bring home handmade pieces that carry the spirit of the islands.

The NACF has grown beyond being a marketplace. It has become a meeting place for ideas, cultures, and generations. It invites visitors to see the beauty of Filipino craftsmanship not just as art to be admired, but as a living tradition to be supported and shared.

Visit the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair

The 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair runs from October 23 to 29, 2025, at the Megatrade Halls 1–3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Admission is free.

Experience the artistry of Filipino weavers, carvers, potters, and designers from all over the country. Discover handcrafted products that carry the stories of our communities and celebrate the creativity that continues to shape the nation’s identity.

For updates, follow DTI.BMDPO on Facebook and Instagram or email bmdpo@dti.gov.ph.

The NACF stands as a living testament to what happens when tradition, innovation, and community come together — a true tapestry of Filipino pride and craftsmanship.

Kathryn Bernardo, the latest Filipino to get Madame Tussauds Hongkong wax figure

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The Hong Kong branch of Madame Tussauds has tapped actress Kathryn Bernardo to join its hall of celebrity statues, with Bernardo becoming the latest Filipino to get a wax figure.

In a statement, Kathryn shared that having her own wax figure was a dream come true and expressed her gratitude to the Madame Tussauds Hong Kong team for their trust.

"I'm excited for my fans worldwide to visit and interact with my twin, especially in Hong Kong since it's such a meaningful milestone for me," added Kathryn, who had her measurements taken last August.

Kathryn Bernardo getting her measurements taken for her Madame Tussauds wax figure

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong hosts the wax replicas of Filipinos Manny Pacquiao, Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, and "It's Showtime" host Anne Curtis. A wax figure of Lea Salonga, meanwhile, can be viewed at the Singapore branch on Sentosa island.

Forbes Asia recognized Kathryn as one of the most influential celebrities on social media in the Asia-Pacific region in 2020, with her fan base reaching Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea. Known as the ‘Phenomenal Box-Office Queen,’ Bernardo starred in the first Filipino film to hit 1 billion pesos globally!

Madame Tussauds has confirmed that Kathryn Bernardo is set to be immortalized in wax at the world-famous museum in 2026. Kathryn's statue is currently being sculpted and is slated to be unveiled next year, joining the likes of Rihanna, Timothée Chalamet, Chris Hemsworth, Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Soo-hyun, Bae Suzy and Hyun Bin.

ColorOS 16 Set for Global Unveil: A New Era of Smoothness, Intelligence, and Seamless Connectivity

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OPPO has revealed its first look at ColorOS 16, the latest version of its mobile operating system, launching with the upcoming Find X9 Series. The update sets a new standard across smoothness, intelligence and connectivity, delivering world-class responsiveness and game-changing cross-platform features for OPPO users worldwide.

Silky Smoothness Everywhere

Building upon the foundation of ColorOS 15’s Parallel Animation, ColorOS 16 introduces Seamless Animation, allowing every interaction to feel instantaneous and perfectly connected across the entire operating system.

This next-level fluidity is noticeable across various user scenarios, such as quickly opening and closing apps from the Home Screen, App Drawer, or Global Search, as well as switching between apps with gestures or navigating through multiple widgets. Within OPPO’s native apps, animations now start from the point of touch and return smoothly when dismissed. This creates a cohesive visual flow intended to make the entire system feel more intuitive.

Powering this next-generation smoothness are two core technologies: the All-New Luminous Rendering Engine and the All-New Trinity Engine.

The All-New Luminous Rendering Engine takes control of all visual components and renders them in parallel. This eliminates jarring between animations, ensuring the OS stays perfectly smooth—no matter how much is happening on your screen.

To address the needs of heavy-load scenarios like intensive gaming and heavy multitasking, the All-New Trinity Engine is introduced. It combines chip-level enhancements with smart resource allocation, ensuring sustained speed and power efficiency.

Beyond flagships, ColorOS 16 brings superior performance to entry-level devices through “Project Breeze,” a dedicated optimisation initiative that ensures a consistently smooth and more responsive experience even on hardware with more modest specifications.

Refined Design Inspired by Nature

ColorOS 16 introduces a refreshed design inspired by the interplay of light and shadow in natural scenarios, creating a cleaner, more intuitive interface that feels fresh.

Users can personalise their phones by setting Motion Photos or videos as wallpapers, choosing from a wide range of fonts, or letting AI suggest text styles that match their wallpaper.

Beyond traditional Always-On Display (AOD) capabilities, ColorOS 16 introduces full-screen AOD, enabling users to view their lock screen wallpaper alongside key information. A single tap transitions the AOD smoothly into the full lock screen for ultimate cohesion.

With Flux Home Screen, users can now long-press any folder or app icon to resize it into various shapes, such as tall, wide, or large formats. As a folder is resized, the surrounding home screen layout dynamically adapts to the new shape, accompanied by fluid animations powered by the All-New Luminous Rendering Engine.

AI-Powered Editing to Enhance your Creativity

ColorOS 16 adds AI Portrait Glow to its suite of photo editing solutions. This improves portraits taken in poor lighting by optimising skin tones and balancing light with a single tap.

AI Portrait Glow joins OPPO’s powerful suite of AI editing tools, including AI Eraser, AI Unblur, and AI Reflection Remover, giving users quick, one-tap ways to refine their photos.

The built-in video editor has been upgraded with Master Cut, offering trimming, speed controls, music integration, cropping, text, filters and manual adjustments for contrast, brightness and saturation.

Seamless Connectivity Across Ecosystems

OPPO continues to make it easier to use devices across ecosystems. Last year’s Touch to Share introduced smooth transfers between OPPO ColorOS 15 devices and iOS devices, followed by O+ Connect for advanced Mac integration with Find N5.

With ColorOS 16, O+ Connect supports both Mac and Windows PCs. Users can manage phone files from their computer or remotely control their computer from their phone.

Screen Mirroring lets users cast up to five apps from their phone and control them using a mouse and keyboard, particularly useful for situations where handling the phone directly is inconvenient, such as during a meeting or a lecture.

Availability

ColorOS 16 combines smoother performance, smarter features and superior connectivity in a single platform, reflecting OPPO’s vision for a smarter mobile experience for all.

OPPO will debut ColorOS 16 on its upcoming Find X9 Series. Stay tuned for the upcoming unveiling of ColorOS 16’s full potential to global markets.