“A Weekend of Everything That Flies" All Set on February 13-15 at New Clark City

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Get ready for a thrilling weekend at the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, packed with hot air balloon rides, paragliding adventures, drone races, paper plane battles, high-flying demos, heart-pounding car drifting, and a buzzing fly market—all in one epic celebration of the skies

Mark your calendars as the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta takes flight on February 13 to 15, 2026, bringing three days of color, energy, and sky-high excitement to New Clark City in Tarlac. This upcoming edition is set to be one of the biggest yet, featuring 22 new special-shaped balloons, the highest number in its history, with pilots flying in from the United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Netherlands, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil. Each day of the 2026 edition will close with two crowd favorites: the glowing hot air balloons and a massive 500-drone show lighting up the New Clark City skyline with colorful formations and messages.

(L-R): BCDA Vice President for Public Affairs Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet, BCDA Officer-in-Charge and Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group Engr. Mark P. Torres, PSC Commissioner Edward Hayco, Provincial Government of Tarlac Investment Promotions Officer Frances Canlas, PIHABF Founder and Organizer Capt. Joy Roa, and BCDA Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Kenneth R. Peralta

Guests can enjoy world-class action with Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) sanctioned paragliding and First-Person View (FPV) drone racing competitions, featuring participants from at least six countries, including the UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, and the Philippines. More competitors are registering following the announcement that the Airsports Federation of Asia (AFA) will hold its first 2026 board meeting in New Clark City during the balloon fiesta.

Adding even more energy to the experience is the fast-rising Soccer Drone competition, quickly gaining global popularity, with a demo court for visitors to try it out and hopes for the Fiesta to host a world championship in the future. School teams from Far Eastern Air Transport Incorporated University (FEATI University) and Philippine Air Transport and Training Services College of Aeronautics (PATTS College of Aeronautics) are forming their respective teams to compete, with the winning team set to represent the Philippines in international events and competitions around the world. A Paper Plane competition, open to all ages, invites everyone to join in the fun, while throughout the day, RC airplane demos, aerial dogfights, and kite shows fill the skies with excitement.

Filipino inventor Kyxz Mendiola will also demonstrate his homebuilt manned flying drone, showing himself flying inside it, a glimpse at the future of personal air travel, as it takes flight across the grounds for all to see. Ultralights will do their usual formation flying around the fiesta grounds. On the ground, guests can enjoy car drifting, browse through a lively Fly Market, and savor Pampanga’s well-loved dishes along with other popular food choices.

With the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) stepping in as a strong supporter, these efforts are expected to boost Aero Sports and draw more non-traditional tourism into the country. The PSC has begun supporting our paragliding and paramotor athletes for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, and these same paramotors will be showcasing their skills during the event.

“For over 25 years, this event has been our way of sharing the magic of flight with every Filipino,” shared Capt. Joy Roa, expressing his excitement for the 26th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. “We’re thrilled to bring even more experiences that inspire, amaze, and open doors to the world of aviation.”

Ms. Frances Canlas, Investment Promotions Officer of the Provincial Government of Tarlac, expressed the local government unit’s full support to the Balloon Fiesta. She says, “This stands as a beacon of innovative sporting events and ushers in a renewed vibrancy as it soars once again in the province of Tarlac at New Clark City. This exciting event is expected to catalyze transformative economic growth, drawing thousands of visitors into the province and driving demand across the hospitality, culinary, transportation, and experiential sectors, while strengthening resilient logistics and supply chains province-wide.”

Engr. Mark P. Torres, Senior Vice President and Officer-In-Charge of the Bases Conversion and Development Bases and Development Authority (BCDA), noted, "As we prepare for this return, we envision a festival that is not only bigger and more vibrant, but also more inclusive—one that brings benefit to our communities and highlights Clark's readiness as a premier tourism and investment destination."

For those interested in a career in aviation, Capt. Joy explained that the Fiesta will feature passionate and successful professionals sharing their journeys. “We want to inspire the next generation of aviators by showing them how we started and what it takes to succeed in this industry,” he said. Attendees will learn about the adventures, challenges, and triumphs of working in a fast-paced field that offers strong career potential and high ROI. “Aviation offers excellent opportunities abroad, competitive salaries, and a chance to see the world while doing something you love,” Capt. Joy added. The lineup includes air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, flight attendants, safety inspectors, civilian and military pilots, and many more ready to share their stories.

With every flight and stunt over the years, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta has captivated audiences with unforgettable moments, from the “100 Years of Flying” tribute and aircraft rallies from across Asia to breathtaking performances by the Breitling Jet Team, the Wing Walkers, and the daring aerobatics by Mark Jefferies of the Global Stars team. The Fiesta has also thrilled spectators with annual skydiving exhibitions and tandem jumps, hosted Ms. Aviation competitions, and featured ABS-CBN concerts alongside the iconic hot air balloon night glow. Cultural exchanges with countries like Turkey, complete with traditional dancers, porcelain artists, and carpet weavers, have enriched the experience, while renowned Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor contributed designs for posters and souvenir programs. Indoor aviation career seminars have long inspired students to pursue careers in the industry, providing insights from experienced pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, safety inspectors, and mechanics. These diverse experiences, from high-flying stunts and concerts to educational programs and cultural showcases, have become the very soul and heart of “A Weekend of Everything that Flies.”

Discover more at www.philballoonfest.net and stay connected by following Philippine International Hot Air Balloon (@philballoonfest) on Facebook www.facebook.com/pihabf, Instagram www.instagram.com/philballoonfest, and Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@philballoonfiesta.

vivo X300 Pro's Photographer Kit: Edge or Extra?

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The vivo X300 Pro has earned its reputation as the Telephoto King, powered by the 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, a lens that captures distant scenes with striking clarity and depth. This camera has already proven its strength on the global stage, earning a top score in DxOMark’s telephoto evaluation, positioning the device as a benchmark others now aim to match.

The phone supports 85mm optical zoom, but when paired with the vivo ZEISS 2.35x Telephoto Extender Kit, co-engineered by vivo and ZEISS, its digital zoom reach stretches up to 5400mm, opening new possibilities for photographers who want more creative freedom without carrying traditional camera gear.

Crafted with ZEISS for clarity beyond the horizon

The vivo ZEISS 2.35x Telephoto Extender is based on a Keplerian optical structure composed of 13 high-transmittance lens elements arranged in three groups, including three ultra-low dispersion glass elements that reduce chromatic aberration and refine image accuracy.

Its large-aperture objective lens enhances light intake, allowing clearer captures even when shooting farther or in challenging conditions.

https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7580965850551684370

“The telephoto extender gives photographers a powerful option to explore detail at scale, while keeping the experience mobile, intuitive, and exciting,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines.

Designed for control, built for endurance

To complement the X300 Pro’s imaging strength, vivo also introduced the vivo PGYTECH Imaging Grip Kit, giving photographers and creators improved ergonomics and camera-style physical controls in one compact accessory.

The kit includes a tailored phone case, neck strap, filter adapter ring, quick-release hooks, and the imaging grip, which doubles as a power bank to support longer shoots without interruptions.

The grip features a physical zoom lever and a control dial to adjust exposure, along with a video recording button, charging button, and a multi-function shutter button that supports half-press to focus, focus and exposure lock, burst shooting, and quick single-press capture. This makes it a practical tool for vloggers capturing travel clips, portrait shooters fine-tuning focus before the shot, and sports creators documenting fast-moving moments at basketball courts, concerts, and celebrations.

“We know creators shoot in movement, emotion, and spontaneity,” Liu Lu shared. “This grip was built for them from steadier handling to longer shoots, smarter control, and more confidence in every capture.”

Edge or extra?

The Photographer Kit accessories were designed with different users in mind, but with one shared purpose: to elevate mobile imaging without complicating the process.

The telephoto extender is for photographers who want to capture subjects at extreme distances, whether it’s nature, city skylines, architecture, or live events.

The imaging grip is for creators who want physical control, stability, and longer battery endurance, especially those producing lifestyle, portrait, or sports content where precision and pacing matter.

Both kits are sold separately, allowing users to choose the accessory that best supports their shooting style. The vivo ZEISS 2.35x Telephoto Extender Kit is available for Php 12,999, while the vivo PGYTECH Imaging Grip Kit retails for Php 7,999 in vivo concept stores nationwide. The vivo X300 Pro is also sold separately at Php 79,999, which you can buy online via the vivo e-store and Shopee.

From a Global First to a Bolder Comeback: Maya Unveils the 2026 Savings Calendar Featuring Julia Barretto, Maris Racal, and Jericho Rosales

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Last year, Maya, the #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform in the Philippines, changed how people looked at saving, literally. With the world’s first ever Savings Calendar featuring Julia Barretto, Maya turned daily interest earnings into something you could see, track, and feel motivated by.

Now, it’s back, and this time, it’s bigger, bolder, and built for every kind of saver.

Introducing Maya’s 2026 Savings Calendar, featuring three of the country’s biggest stars—Julia Barretto, Maris Racal, and Jericho Rosales—each with their own dedicated calendar layout and striking visual identity. Whether you’re inspired by intention, ambition, or living fully in the moment, there’s a calendar that matches your saving style.

Three Stars. Different Ways to Stay Motivated

With Maya’s 2026 Savings Calendar, you can watch your money grow every day as daily interest builds your balance. No complicated math. Just the confidence of knowing your money is working for you, day after day, month after month.

For Jericho Rosales, saving is about experiences. “You can never bring back time,” he shares. “I make it a point to save for exciting things that I’ll always treasure.” For him, saving isn’t about holding back. It’s about being able to say yes to travel, good food, and moments worth remembering.

Julia Barretto represents the thoughtful planner. She believes in thinking purchases through and making sure money never sits idle. “I plan ahead so I can reach my goals and feel financially secure,” she says. The motivation comes from seeing steady progress and knowing each day brings her closer to what she’s building.

Then there’s Maris Racal, the goal-driven saver. From new spaces to new ventures, her savings journey is fueled by ambition and inspiration. “I feel happy and motivated because it’s so easy to see my money grow every day,” she says. That daily visibility turns saving into something intentional, not limiting.

Different priorities, different mindsets, same realization: saving feels better when you can actually see it working.

Why Seeing Your Money Grow Changes Everything

There’s power in visibility. When growth is something you can actually see, saving stops feeling abstract and starts feeling personal.

With up to 15% per annum credited daily, Maya Savings makes progress feel real. No waiting, no guesswork. Just small wins adding up.

Maya also offers tools that make saving feel structured without feeling restrictive. With Maya Personal Goals, you can create up to five goals, whether it’s travel, gadgets, emergency funds, or celebrations, and earn 4% p.a. right away, with the potential to grow your rate up to 8% p.a. There are no lock-ups or penalties. For longer-term commitments, Time Deposit Plus lets you lock in your savings for 3, 6, or 12 months with rates of up to 6% p.a.

It’s not about having a perfect system. It’s about starting, staying consistent, and feeling encouraged along the way. Because once you get used to seeing your money grow every day, saving stops feeling like something you should do. It becomes something you actually want to keep doing.

And just like Echo, Julia, and Maris, no matter what you’re saving for, whether it’s experiences, long-term security, or big personal goals, the point is the same: saving works best when it fits your life and lets you see your progress as it happens.

Get your hands on Maya’s 2026 Savings Calendar once it drops! Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

NYE at the 5th seen up-close with vivo X300 Series

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New Year’s Eve has a way of pulling people together. On December 31, thousands gathered at NYE at the 5th in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), waiting for the final seconds of the year 2025 with phones in hand, eyes on the stage, and hearts set on new beginnings.

In a crowd that large, not every moment happens within arm’s reach. The performers are on elevated stages, the fireworks burst far above the skyline, and the countdown clock feels just out of view. But that night, the vivo X300 Series changed how the celebration was seen.

vivo X300 Series brought it all closer

As live performances filled the air, the vivo X300’s 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera captured artists like KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde mid-song, G22 dancers in motion, and every movement of Apl de Ap that usually disappears into the lights from afar.

Close-up shots revealed details often missed in a packed crowd, the intensity on a singer’s face, and the movement of hands during Dionela's guitar solo. It felt less like standing at the back and more like being right on stage with them.

Zooming in on the lead

The night was more than performances; it was about the shared experience. With a simple zoom, the vivo X300 Series captured candid performances of Parokya ni Edgar live on stage.

Two photos highlight the difference the Telephoto King makes: one from afar showing the full band on stage, and a second zoomed-in shot of Chito Miranda, revealing expression and stage presence otherwise lost in the distance.

When midnight arrived, fireworks lit up the BGC skyline, signaling the start of a new year. From sweeping views of the crowd to tight frames of bursts in the night sky, the vivo X300 Series captured it all, proving that even distant moments can be seen up close.

New Year’s Eve is about looking ahead, but it’s also about remembering how it felt when the year turned. At NYE at the 5th 2025, the vivo X300 Series made it possible to hold on to every moment, near or far, exactly as it happened.

Starting at Php 67,999, the vivo X300 Series is available in vivo concept stores nationwide and online via the vivo e-store and Shopee. Capture your 2026 closer with vivo X300 Series!

From Local Tailoring to International Custom Sportswear: The Caster Global Sports Inc. Journey

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In the dynamic world of sports apparel, success demands more than quality—it calls for vision, innovation, and the courage to push boundaries. These values have been at the heart of Caster Global Sports Inc.’s journey to becoming a trusted name in the industry.

Second-generation leader Butch Atienza continues the legacy of Caster Global Sports Inc.,

transforming a family tailoring business into an international custom sportswear brand

Founded in the early 1980s by Carlito Atienza, a master tailor in Metro Manila, Caster Sportswear began with a clear mission: to fill the gap for affordable yet high-quality customizable sportswear. Carlito’s craftsmanship and commitment quickly earned the brand a reputation among discerning clients, including major banks and universities.

For decades, Caster thrived locally, but it was the fresh perspective of the second generation that unlocked its global potential—transforming a homegrown brand into an international player.

Going global

The turning point came with the next generation. Butch Atienza, vice president, Caster Global Sports, brought a global perspective from his experience at a multinational company. He saw that there was a growing demand overseas for the personalized kits his family has been producing for decades. At that time, Caster was well-known for making uniforms for local corporate clients. But expanding internationally meant rethinking logistics and embracing a bigger vision for growth.

Butch researched logistics providers and found FedEx. "We began shipping with FedEx in the early 2000s after finding the promotional box rates really attractive," Butch shares. "Back then,we were sending five to nine packages a week, until a FedEx representative noticed our volume and visited us to open an account."

Success in the sports apparel industry demands more than quality—it requires a vision that knows no boundaries. By bridging the gap between traditional family values and modern logistics, Caster Global Sports is bringing bespoke Filipino designs to athletes worldwide.

This collaboration, now spanning more than 20 years, lowered the barrier to exporting and helped Caster Global test foreign markets without overcommitting resources. Shipments to the U.S. now take two to five days, shortening the feedback loop between customer and manufacturer.

Standing out in a crowded market

Caster’s competitive edge isn’t simply speed. In a market crowded with about 20 local competitors, the company leans into craftsmanship and customization for differentiation. While many suppliers focus on basic sublimated prints, Caster offers embroidery, tailored designs and one-off recreations. Customers can send a photo and receive bespoke sportswear. This service resonates with buyers in the U.S. and Europe who seek distinctiveness over off-the-rack sameness.

Behind the promise is a disciplined production process. Every order begins with a specifications sheet and sample production before mass rollout- a simple quality-control step that reduces costly mistakes. Investment in new equipment like full-body printers and modern embroidery machines , further improves consistency and throughput. Typical lead times range from two to three weeks for small runs (50–100 pieces) to three to six weeks for larger orders (around 1,000 pieces), allowing the company to serve both grassroots clubs and larger teams.

When errors occur, Caster communicates costs and options clearly, ensuring transparency to customers who have generally accepted the need to cover replacement shipping because of the service’s perceived value. This trust, coupled with responsive customer support, has turnedone-time orders into repeat business.

Scaling a manufacturing business means jugglingcash flow, balancing bespoke work with high volume production, and maintaining consistent quality as demand rises. These challenges shaped Caster’sstrategic decisions: standardizing specifications, documenting workflows, and partnering with a logistics provider that can scale with them.

Lessons from the past, and hopes for the future

Looking ahead, Butch is exploring international franchising and partnerships. Interest has come from clients in Australia, Malaysia, the United States and Switzerland, and the company is studying franchising models and assessing options. Locally, discussions have begun about sponsorships and collaborations with larger sports organizations, including talks around the Philippine Basketball Association.

For Philippine entrepreneurs watching from the sidelines, Butch’s advice is pragmatic: focus on product quality, invest in customer service, and build partnerships that reduce friction when expanding abroad. “Shipping reliably was a game-changer for us,” he says, noting that logistical confidence made it possible to sell beyond the Philippines without compromising service.

From Carlito Atienza’s vision in the 1980s to Butch’s global expansion in the 2000s, Caster Global Sports Inc. proves that Philippine craftsmanship, family values, and strong partnerships can push businesses to thrive in the global market. As they look to 2026 and beyond, this family business built on skills, quality, and innovation is only getting started.

Discover more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs across Asia Pacific on FedEx Business Insights.