Wolf Gemora Arrives to begin Preparations for the Wolfgang Reunion Concert this February 7

Tweet

Wolf Gemora of Wolfgang

Photo credit: Wolf Gemora/Facebook

Wolf Gemora, the award winning drummer of Wolfgang is arriving this Friday, January 9 from the United States to begin rehearsals for the highly-anticipated Wolfgang Reunion Concert on February 7 at the New Frontier Theater.

The concert is part of the band’s 30th Anniversary celebrations.

Gemora migrated to the United States following the release and initial promotions of Wolfgang’s fifth studio album, Black Mantra in 2002, and the reunion concert will mark his first performance with the band in 23 years.

“I’m going back to Manila," enthused Gemora on the eve of his flight homeward. “It’s going to be four weeks of intense rehearsals for the reunion show. In the meantime, I’m going to watch my favorite local bands and eat my favorite local food.

His other bandmates likewise could not contain their enthusiasm.

“I have been and always will be proud of what Wolfgang has achieved through the years. Wolf was a part of the band’s genesis so there is a lot of history there,” shared guitarist Manuel Legarda. We are going to be revisiting key portions of that history and I am thoroughly excited to be sharing that stage with Wolf after all these years. If Mon (Legaspi, who passed away in 2022) were still around, I am sure he would feel the same way. I’m also excited for the fans who have been wanting this reunion as well.

Added vocalist Basti Artadi, “I’m excited to play and sing along with the fans and hopefully take them back to a time when music was the most important thing in their lives. Like a metal Oasis!”

Gemora was part of the band’s most productive era from 1995-2001 where they released their self-titled debut album followed by Semenelin, Wurm, Serve in Silence, the live album Acoustica, and then, Black Mantra. Aside from being best-sellers, they were critically-acclaimed and nominated for music awards.

The band continued with Francis Aquino behind the drum kit and released one more album in Villains (2008) and the mini-album Ang Bagong Dugo Sa Lumang Ugat – Unang Kabanata (2012).

“We hope to see you at the Wolfgang Reunion Concert this February 7,” concluded Gemora in his final words before boarding his flight from Los Angeles for Manila.

When tickets to the Wolfgang Reunion Concert presented by Ovation Productions with Blast TV as the official media partner were made available last December 8 via ticketnet.com.ph, all these seated sections quickly sold out. As of today, there are still tickets available for the VIP (standing) area closest to the stage with tickets priced AT PHP 5700.

[CES 2026] A Care Companion for Family Health and Safety

Tweet

The Care Companion zone concluded Samsung’s “Your Companion to AI Living” vision at The First Look 2026 — highlighting technology’s most human purpose, care.

For decades, care has been reactive, addressing problems only after they arise. Samsung aims to change that by embedding AI across its product ecosystem to support safety, health and security. The goal is to shift care from response to anticipation — an approach Samsung calls Intelligent Care.

Samsung Newsroom visited the final area of the exhibition to see how Galaxy devices serve as the hub for healthier, safer everyday living.

View of the Care Companion zone

Upon entering, visitors encountered the futuristic Galaxy Z TriFold showcased on a Transparent Micro LED display.

Galaxy Z TriFold

Video Link: https://youtu.be/Y48W42RnTaY

Personalized Health Management: Optimizing Daily Routines

In the Self Care – Good Sleep section, visitors learned how wearables such as Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring track sleep conditions while working in concert with lighting and connected home appliances including the Bespoke AI WindFree Pro air conditioner and Infinite AI Air Purifier. Without user input, the connected home automatically optimizes temperature and airflow to support a more comfortable sleep environment.

Galaxy devices connect with TVs and home appliances to create optimal sleep conditions.

Tristen Menzies

“I love being able to take AI out of my pocket and use it right away,” said Tristen Menzies, a digital content creator from Guam. “What I appreciate about Samsung is that it creates AI that complements your life, rather than interferes. I think that’s the direction we should be heading.”

Family Health Care: Supporting Everyone From Older Adults to Pets

Early Detection and Prevention of Cognitive Health

Healthcare is expanding beyond individual management to encompass every member of the family. Samsung introduced features designed to help detect dementia early in older adults at the Family Care – Brain Health section. By analyzing lifestyle patterns through mobile and wearable devices, the system can identify early signs of cognitive decline and send alerts to designated caregivers, enabling timely intervention.

More important, however, is preventing cognitive decline before it occurs. To that end, Samsung analyzes a wide range of everyday indicators—including speech, typing, walking, sleep and gait—to detect subtle changes in cognitive function. The system also recommends brain-training programs to help older adults reduce concerns about cognitive decline and maintain healthier, more independent lives.

Demonstration of Samsung Health’s cognitive decline detection feature

AI-Enabled Pet Health Monitoring

Samsung’s AI extends to pets as well. The SmartThings Pet Care service helps identify common health conditions such as dental disease, patellar luxation, and cataracts. Using AI, SmartThings Pet Care analyzes photos of household animals with on-screen guidance to help identify potential health concerns.

SmartThings Pet Care checks for cataracts in a pet.

AI Home Monitoring: Smart Detection for a Safer Home

When users are away from home, AI-powered home care monitoring offers greater peace of mind. Vision AI analyzes video and audio collected from connected devices such as refrigerators equipped with cameras and TVs, detecting potentially dangerous situations and sending alerts directly to the user’s smartphone.

When no one is home, TVs and refrigerators with built-in cameras can display summaries of moments flagged as potentially risky. Furthermore, AI home monitoring can compare detected faces with images stored in the user’s photo gallery to determine whether the person is a known contact or a stranger.

With AI home monitoring, users can feel more at ease even when away from home.

Alert activity demonstration

Dr. Rob Longwell

“What I like about Samsung’s AI ecosystem is how everything is connected,” said Dr. Rob Longwell, a member of the media from Beverly Hills, CA. “Home security and safety are especially important to me, and I was impressed by how devices work together to help protect the home.”

Expanded Safety Services: Greater Protection Through Partnerships

The zone concluded with a look at how Samsung’s AI technology works seamlessly with a wide range of partner products, including sensors, cameras and smart door locks, to support safer living.

Wall with compatible devices from partners

With the Care Companion—designed to help everyone live with greater peace of mind, safety and well-being—Samsung concludes the “Your Companion to AI Living” journey presented at The First Look 2026.

Looking ahead, Samsung plans to continue expanding its AI ecosystem to create experiences that users can trust and rely on with confidence.

Get a chance to win a Samsung AI Appliance worth up to ₱52,999!

Sign- up now at https://www.samsung.com/ph/handraiserces/

Terms and conditions apply.

Promo runs from January 2 - 22, 2026 only.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-245240 Series of 2025

New Dual-Screen ASUS Zenbook DUO and Limited-Edition ProArt GoPro Edition Laptops Head Up Innovative New ASUS AI PC Lineup at CES 2026

Tweet

All-new generations of ProArt, Zenbook and Vivobook laptops, plus desktops and AiO PCs deliver a complete Copilot+ PC ecosystem built for creators and everyday users

ASUS showcased its all-new and award-winning 2026 lineup of AI-powered Copilot+ PCs at CES® 2026. These laptops and PCs are built to empower every creator, professional and everyday user. This comprehensive lineup boasts the latest Copilot+ PC experiences, exclusive ASUS AI apps, and the latest CPU platforms from AMD, Intel®, and Qualcomm® to ensure the best AI experiences.

In the realm of AI for creators, the 2026 ProArt family showcases our unwavering commitment to providing a seamless creative ecosystem that merges hardware excellence with software intelligence, and our innovative partnership with GoPro furthers our companies' shared vision to empower and support creators. The 2026 CES Innovation Award-winning ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13), along with the ProArt PX13, and ProArt PZ14 models embody the future of hybrid creativity and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The limited-edition ProArt GoPro Edition convertible transforms the storytelling process with the pre-loaded StoryCube AI-powered app — the first Windows app with GoPro Cloud integration and 360° video support. This co-branded laptop features a GoPro-inspired design and exclusive reusable GoPro-themed packaging. Complementing this flagship device, the standard ProArt PX13 convertible is powered by an AMD Ryzen™ AI Max+ 395 processor and features a 3K OLED touchscreen. Finally, ProArt PZ14 is a powerful 2-in-1 creator tablet based on the 18-core Snapdragon® X2 Elite, with ASUS Pen 3.0 support that allows creators to unlock their creativity when they are on the go.

For everyday AI users, we redefine versatility and power through the 2026 Zenbook and Vivobook series. The 2026 Zenbook DUO — another 2026 CES Innovation Award winner — sets a new benchmark with its dual 14-inch 3K ASUS Lumina Pro OLED displays, Ceraluminum™ chassis, and up to a powerful yet efficient Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3 processor. With a new hideaway hinge to reduce the gap between screens, plus a powerful dual-battery system — totaling 99Wh — to extend runtime, it offers a seamless dual-screen workflow. The 2026 Zenbook A16 and Zenbook A14 are lightweight, powerful and elegant. Zenbook A14 maintains its sub-1kg weight but has upgraded performance from the 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, while Zenbook A16 offers a larger screen with reduced weight and boasts the market's most powerful Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme for unrivaled performance. The redesigned Zenbook S series — including the 2026 CES Innovation Award Zenbook S14 — features the latest AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series or Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, yet runs cooler, offers up to 3K OLED displays and comes with vibrant new nature-inspired finishes. Finally, the 2026 Vivobook S series includes 14-inch and 16-inch models that bring AI-driven performance to mobile, budget-conscious users, offering long battery life and the latest AMD, Intel and Qualcomm processors.

Completing the everyday AI ecosystem are new ASUS desktops and AiOs. These include the ASUS V700 mini tower PC and ASUS V500 mini tower desktop PCs, and the ASUS VM441QA AiO — the world's first Snapdragon-powered all-in-one PC. These devices bring Copilot+ AI benefits to the home and home office in three different desktop form factors, each combining whisper-quiet performance, energy efficiency, and aesthetic integration with next-generation AMD, Intel, and Snapdragon processors.

Together, these innovations form the ASUS Copilot+ PC lineup — a collection of AI-powered devices that combine performance, efficiency, security, and design. Whether creating, coding, collaborating or relaxing, users can now experience AI-enhanced productivity and creativity like never before — unlocking the full potential of intelligent computing for everyone.

Creator AI: ProArt Laptops

ProArt GoPro Edition (PX13)

Designed in collaboration with GoPro, ProArt GoPro Edition features a rugged, GoPro-inspired pattern on the lid and a distinctive blue-accented keyboard backlighting for a bold yet functional aesthetic. Creator-driven insights from GoPro shape the on-the-go sleeve and storage scenarios included in the presentation box — delivering a complete, mobility-focused creative experience.

The device enables a truly seamless workflow through one-touch of GoPro Hotkey that launches the GoPro Player, along with the ASUS-exclusive AI app StoryCube — the first Windows app to integrate both GoPro Cloud media and 360° video. It's also the world’s first app for AI scene categorization in 360° video, a features that helps users categorize popular GoPro activities such as biking, surfing, and snowboarding. AI-powered search and classification allow GoPro users to group files by their favorite activities, by time, or by device and location obtained from GoPro cameras’ GPS information. StoryCube can import GoPro Cloud content so users can instantly sync, organize and edit their GoPro footage. Additionally, AI Album intelligently organizes footage by timeline, device, or activity. Each unit includes a 12-month GoPro Premium+ subscription, offering unlimited cloud storage and advanced editing tools that simplify every stage of the creative process — from capture to final edit.

Powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with a 50 TOPS NPU and up to 128GB of unified memory, ProArt GoPro Edition can run larger AI models in order to do faster on-device frame interpolation, upscaling, denoising, and stabilization for smoother high-resolution video editing. This 13-inch convertible features up to a 3K ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreen with stylus support and ASUS DialPad for fingertip creative app control. ProArt GoPro Edition combines power and portability in a rugged 1.39kg convertible design built for versatile, professional creation anywhere.

ProArt PX13

ProArt PX13 combines cutting-edge AI power with refined design to elevate modern creation. Powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with a 50 TOPS NPU and up to 128GB of unified memory for smooth editing it ensures fast, intelligent processing for high-speed editing and content generation. This processor is capable of running optimized 120B-parameter LLMs locally with quantization and GPU/NPU acceleration support.

The up to 3K ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreen, ASUS DialPad, and stylus support provide exceptional precision across every workflow. Enhanced by advanced AMD Hummingbird video-generation models, ProArt PX13 supports the unique ASUS creator app MuseTree, enabling text-to-video generation, high-quality outputs, and intelligent analysis of surrounding frames to auto-generate video simulations for storyboard use. Together with ProArt Creator Hub, the StoryCube app, and a dedicated Copilot key, PX13 delivers a seamless and efficient creative workflow.

ProArt PZ14

ProArt PZ14 is the most powerful ASUS creator tablet with a detachable keyboard. It redefines mobile creativity with a perfect blend of elegance, strength, and precision. Crafted from CNC-machined aluminum in a striking Nano Black finish with Smudge-Free technology for a cleaner and more premium look, its ultralight 0.79 kg, 9mm-thin unibody chassis offers both portability and military-grade durability. Designed for creators in motion, it features premium cameras, the ASUS Pen 3.0 — an MPP 2.6 stylus with haptic feedback and brush-sound feedback — and a versatile Bluetooth® detachable keyboard, enabling seamless creation in any environment.

Powered by the Snapdragon® X2 Elite processor with 18 cores and up to an 80 TOPS NPU, PZ14 delivers exceptional efficiency and responsiveness with all-day battery life. The Qualcomm® Adreno™ GPU delivers smooth graphics, vibrant visuals, and efficient performance for mobile design, video editing, and creative applications.

Integrated ASUS creator apps including MuseTree for idea generation, StoryCube for automatic GoPro Cloud asset organization, and Creator Hub for color management  — streamline every stage of the creative workflow.

The 14-inch ASUS Lumina Pro OLED Pantone® Validated display provides industry-leading visuals with VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black certification, Delta E < 1 color accuracy, up to 1000 nits peak brightness, 144Hz variable refresh rate (VRR), anti-reflection coating, and TÜV Rheinland eye-care certification, ensuring long-term reliability for professional creators everywhere.

ProArt accessories

For 2026 there's a new collection of exclusive ProArt accessories.  For creators, every detail matters — not just in their work, but in the tools they use. The ProArt Keyboard and ProArt Mouse are designed to elevate both creativity and consistency, while the practical and versatile ProArt Backpack is built to protect hardware in style.

ProArt Backpack (PP2600) is designed for creators on the move, and combines durability and style with its water-repellent and anti-scratch materials. Its lightweight yet rigid polyester fabric offers reliable protection, while multiple compartments keep essentials organized. A padded slot safely fits 16- and 14-inch laptops, and thoughtful details like a secure key clip and water-repellent zipper add extra convenience and peace of mind.

ProArt Mouse (MD301) delivers precision and versatility for creative workflows. Featuring swappable buttons compatible with both micro and optical switches, it adapts to every preference. A high-speed scroll wheel allows swift navigation, while the 8000 DPI sensor ensures pinpoint accuracy. With support for USB, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth connections, the mouse pairs seamlessly with up to five devices for effortless multitasking.

Slim, stylish, and functional, ProArt Keyboard (KD300) is a 26.8mm, 65% low-profile keyboard with a durable aluminum top cover. It supports 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or USB connections and pairs with up to five devices. With customizable touch panel controls via the Gear Link software, ASUS RX Red low-profile optical switches, and two adjustable typing angles, it delivers a personalized and comfortable typing experience.

Everyday AI: Zenbook and Vivobook laptops

Zenbook DUO

The 2026 Zenbook DUO reimagines mobile productivity through intelligent design, robust construction, and immersive dual-screen performance. Built from a full Ceraluminum™ chassis with Smudge-Free anti-fingerprint technology, it balances durability and portability for creators and professionals constantly on the move. The reinforced Bluetooth keyboard, a new hideaway hinge and integrated kickstand, and MagLatch™ keyboard docking system with retractable pogo pins ensure reliable connection and charging for adaptable use in any setting — it's engineered to travel tough and work smooth.

Powered by up the latest Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3 processor and featuring a 99Wh dual-battery layout, Zenbook DUO delivers all-day power and discrete-level graphics performance. Enhanced thermal architecture, featuring dual 97-blade fans and larger vents, provides up to a 45W TDP — a 28% boost compared to the previous generation — that sustains high performance even under demanding workloads.

Its dual 14-inch ASUS Lumina Pro OLED displays, with a 70%-smaller screen gap and upgraded six-speaker audio, offer an immersive, unified workspace. ScreenXpert software now auto-activates cross-screen sharing tools when the laptop is laid completely flat, for a more intuitive way of sharing: a pop-up lets users choose the sharing mode and gives convenient access to annotation tools and screen previews. Zenbook DUO transforms workflows and turns multitasking into a seamless, fluid creative experience within a chassis that's 5% smaller than before.

Zenbook A16

Zenbook A16 redefines portability with a 16-inch 3K OLED display housed in a chassis lighter than many 14-inch laptops. Weighing at 1.2kg, it features a full Ceraluminum body, comprehensive I/O ports, a full-size SD card reader, and six speakers, offering expansive visuals and immersive sound without added bulk.

Powered by the next-generation 18-core Snapdragon® X2 Elite Extreme processor with 80 TOPS of AI performance, Zenbook A16 delivers remarkable CPU and GPU performance, with discrete‑class graphics. Advanced cooling and power efficiency ensures sustained high performance, running cool, quiet, and over 21 hours  of operation on a single charge, so users can work, game, or create anywhere.

Zenbook A14

Zenbook A14 embodies the perfect balance of strength and mobility, featuring a full Ceraluminum chassis that delivers exceptional rigidity while keeping the weight under 1 kilogram. Designed for durability and effortless portability, it sets a new benchmark for ultralight laptops built to last.

With the latest 18-core Snapdragon® X2 Elite processor and 80 TOPS of AI performance, Zenbook A14 delivers next-generation speed and efficiency — outperforming its direct rivals in CPU and GPU performance while maintaining outstanding power efficiency. Capable of up to 35 hours  of offline video playback, it offers enduring performance in an incredibly lightweight form.

Zenbook S series

The 2026 Zenbook S series blends precision engineering with refined aesthetics, featuring a Ceraluminum chassis and CNC-milled geometric grille design with an ultrathin 1.1cm profile. The new Antrim Gray finish enhances its modern, minimalist character while maintaining structural strength and portability.

Performance is driven by the latest AI-enabled processors — the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processor for the 14-inch model and the latest AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series processors for the 16-inch version — supported by advanced cooling, a Copilot key, and a large intelligent touchpad.

Up to a 3K 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display with 1,100-nit peak brightness and a four-speaker (S14) or six-speaker (S16) sound system with front-firing tweeters delivers immersive, theater-grade audiovisual performance.

ASUS ZenMouse (MD202)

ASUS ZenMouse (MD202) is the ideal partner for Zenbook. It combines style and precision with its durable Ceraluminum build, and offers quiet operation and glass-surface tracking for smooth control anywhere. Featuring USB-C charging and dual-mode Bluetooth / RF 2.4Ghz connectivity for up to four devices, it also supports customized shortcuts for effortless productivity.

Vivobook S series

Available in both 16-inch and 14-inch models, Vivobook S14 and Vivobook S16 advance AI computing with the latest AI-enabled processors for faster, more efficient workloads. All models use either the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 or AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series processors, and 16-inch models are also available with the 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite processor that delivers up to 80 TOPS of AI performance. The entire lineup features all the latest Copilot+ PC features, along with integrated AI noise cancelation and ASUS 3DNR video enhancement for superior communication clarity.

Built for productivity, Vivobook S14/S16 feature a high-performance architecture, a 70Wh battery, comprehensive I/O ports, and a large smart-gesture touchpad for effortless interaction. Security is enhanced through an AI camera with Windows Hello, a Microsoft Pluton security processor, and Voice Print Technology, ensuring safe, personalized access.

Immersive visuals are delivered through WUXGA (1920 x 1200) OLED or 2.5K (2560 x 1600) IPS 144Hz displays with Dolby Atmos® audio, offering cinematic depth and precision for work or entertainment.

Starting at just 1.59cm thin and 1.35kg, Vivobook S combines modern metallic styling, CNC-engraved detailing, and military-grade durability, with selected 16-inch models now available in a sleek new Mist Blue finish.

ASUS open cross-device ecosystem with exclusive features

ASUS GlideX redefined cross-screen productivity with a truly open ecosystem for Windows, iOS, and Android — unlike other PC brands limited to Windows. Beyond standard remote access and file transfer, GlideX lets users mirror multiple phone screens to their PC, share their phone camera for video calls, and navigate their photo albums with intelligent organization. A clean concentric-ring interface displays all devices at a glance, while exclusive ASUS optimizations deliver the best PC cross-device experience. ASUS GlideX is a unified workspace, making it effortless to create, collaborate, and stay in sync across devices.

ASUS Desktops and AiOs

ASUS V series desktops

ASUS V series desktops deliver a versatile portfolio of Copilot+ PCs designed to meet a wide range of home computing needs, offering flexible configurations powered by the latest AMD or Intel processors. V series desktops are available in mini tower (V700 / V500) or SFF (V500 SFF) form factors to suit any home environment.

The ASUS Mini Tower V700 (VM701MG) Copilot+ PC reimagines AI-enhanced home computing with the design philosophy of “Less Tech, More Living.” Blending naturally into modern interiors, it features wood-grain finishes, rounded edges, and soft 4000K lighting for a warm, elegant aesthetic. Powered by the latest AMD Ryzen AI 7 processor with over 50 TOPS NPU performance and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 graphics, it delivers seamless AI-enhanced productivity, creativity, and entertainment. An advanced cooling system with copper heat pipes and a rear-mounted fan ensures quiet, efficient performance. Built with premium components and tested to enterprise-grade standards, V700 offers enduring reliability, efficiency, and style for modern living.

ASUS VM441QA AiO

The ASUS VM441QA AiO is the world’s first all-in-one Copilot+ PC powered by the Snapdragon® X platform, combining next-gen efficiency with an elegant, space-saving design. Its ultra-slim profile, narrow stand, and compact base make it perfect for any home setting, while the 23.8-inch FHD anti-glare display delivers crisp, vibrant visuals from any angle. Powered by a Snapdragon X processor with 45 TOPS of AI acceleration, it offers whisper-quiet, instant-on performance for smooth multitasking, creative work, and entertainment. With Copilot+ PC capabilities, a Dolby Atmos® audio system, and AI-enhanced noise cancelation, this AiO redefines quiet, smart, and energy-efficient computing.

AVAILABILITY

For news and updates on these #AlwaysIncredible devices, follow ASUS Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

PH Hosts Asia Workshop on Protecting Oceans, Pushing for Conservation at Scale

Tweet

As the world races to protect 30% of its oceans by 2030, the Philippines hosted the Asia Regional Large-Scale Marine Protected Area (LSMPA) Workshop in Iloilo City, where Zoological Society of London - Philippines (ZSL), in partnership with the Blue Nature Alliance (Alliance), and regional partners from the government, academe, and non-governmental organizations, recently gathered to discuss science-based, community-driven strategies for large-scale marine protection

Representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands — from government, academe, and NGOs — gathered in Iloilo City for the Asia Regional Large-Scale MPA Workshop, organized by ZSL Philippines with the Blue Nature Alliance and Big Ocean, to share insights and advance science-based, community-driven marine conservation. Photo from ZSL Philippines.

Co-hosted by Big Ocean—a peer-learning network designed by and for managers of large-scale marine areas—with technical and financial support from the Alliance, a global partnership aiming to conserve 18 million square kilometers of ocean, the two-day workshop gathered representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands to exchange insights on challenges and opportunities in ocean protection at scale—from policy gaps and governance issues to climate impacts, illegal fishing, and transboundary protection.

"With the highest nearshore marine biodiversity in the world, Asia has long been at the forefront of coastal protection," said Laure Katz, Executive Director of the Alliance. Building on this leadership, the workshop addressed the urgency to extend marine protection to areas beyond 12 nautical miles through advancing science-policy-community interrelationships, preparing the foundations for an Asia Regional LSMPA Community of Practice, and developing a roadmap for large-scale marine protection.

Advancing Regional Collaboration in Conservation

The workshop underscores ZSL Philippines’ leadership in science-based conservation and demonstrates how multi-sector, multi-country collaboration, supported by BNA, can accelerate progress toward the 30x30 target.

The Alliance believes that partnership is key to advancing ocean conservation. “The Blue Nature Alliance is working with over 130 partners globally to advance ocean conservation in 5% of the world’s ocean as a significant contribution to the global 30x30 goal,” said Katz.

Representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands, including government officials, academics, and NGO members, gathered during the Asia Regional Large-Scale MPA Workshop at Courtyard by Marriott in Iloilo City to share insights and discuss science-based, community-driven strategies for large-scale marine conservation. Photo from ZSL Philippines.

Participants collectively agreed that the main pressures on Asia’s marine ecosystems are pollution and climate change, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, sea-level rise, and habitat destruction.

They also emphasized key recommendations, including aligning marine conservation with food security objectives, developing long-term and equitable financing mechanisms with government support, harmonizing ocean-related policies for easier adoption, and enhancing public participation in conservation. These efforts showcase Asia’s ingenuity in building a strong foundation for marine protection.

“The potential for Asia is huge. It can be a trailblazer, creating a ‘Big Ocean 2.0,’ leading the second wave of large-scale protection, and showing the world that fisheries, food security, and conservation can be addressed together,” said Naiʻa Lewis, Director of Big Ocean.

Philippine Rise: 

One of Asia’s Most Ambitious Conservation Efforts

The proposed Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area, implemented by ZSL, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Fisheries Management Area 1, and the Alliance, would span approximately 150,000 square kilometers or 7.5% of the Philippine waters, potentially making it Asia’s largest single marine protected area protecting biodiversity while supporting long-term food security.

During the Asia Regional Large-Scale MPA Workshop held at Courtyard by Marriott in Iloilo City, Edwina Garchitorena, Country Director of ZSL Philippines, emphasized the shift toward large-scale marine protected areas, acknowledging the challenges from community understanding to governance alignment while committing to achieving meaningful impact. Photo from ZSL Philippines.

“The thinking around marine protected areas has long been at a much smaller scale,” said Edwina Garchitorena, Country Director of ZSL Philippines. “We know the challenges remain—from community understanding to governance alignment—but we also know the impact will be there. We are committed to helping make this shift happen.”

“The movement for large-scale protection with comprehensive solutions both nearshore and offshore has started in Asia with governments, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia, taking bold steps in turning commitments into action,” added Katz.

Toward a Collective Path for Ocean Protection

The workshop showed that large-scale marine protection is increasingly feasible when grounded in science, policy, community participation, and global collaboration. “The Asia Regional LSMPA Workshop is the beginning of a meaningful journey to inspire bold action for marine protection for the benefit of people and nature,” shared Katz.

ZSL, together with the Alliance, Big Ocean, and regional partners, will continue advancing efforts to strengthen large-scale marine governance and mobilize collective action toward the achievement of the global 30x30 ocean protection target.

Golden Grab Awards Crown Restaurants and Grocers Setting Gold Standard in Innovation and Service Quality

Tweet

Grab Philippines honored the country’s top-performing restaurants and retailers at the Golden Grab Awards 2025, recognizing merchants that have set the "Gold Standard" in an increasingly integrated online-to-offline economy.

Golden Grab Merchants of the Year Juliet Chen (Serenitea), Gerby Estrella (JT’s Manukan Grille), and Ryan Tan (Oh Mango) with Grab Philippines leaders led by Managing Director Ronald Roda.

Top honors for the night went to homegrown milk tea giant Serenitea, which was named GrabFood Merchant of the Year for National Brands, alongside JT’s Manukan Grille, which secured the title for Nationwide Chains, and Oh Mango, which took home the award for Citywide Merchants in Metro Manila.

GrabFood Merchant of the Year for Citywide Merchants in Metro Manila: Oh Mango!

The awards ceremony, attended by hundreds of Grab merchant-partners from across the Philippines, highlighted the evolution of the superapp from an on-demand delivery service into a broader ecosystem that drives growth across both digital and physical storefronts.

This shared trajectory of growth was highlighted by EJ dela Vega, Grab Philippines Head of Deliveries and Chief Commercial Officer, who emphasized the platform’s role as an active, dedicated ally of merchant-partners as they vie for business growth.

“We know that trust is earned day by day, order by order. And the only way we can repay that trust is by remaining steadfast in our commitment to be the unwavering force behind the growth ambition of our merchant-partners,” Dela Vega shared during the Golden Grab Awards night. “Our pledge is simple: to be the partner that ensures when you dream big, you have the tools and the commercial business to achieve it”

GrabFood Merchant of the Year for  Nationwide Chains: JT’s Manukan

A defining standard of excellence

The ceremony underscored the importance of consistency and quality across the board.

In the category of GrabFood Quality, Caramia Cakes & Gelato was honored as the Best Rated National Brand, while 24 Chicken was awarded Most Reliable National Brand for its operational efficiency. For GrabMart, Ever Supermarket and Cion’s Meat Shop were recognized as the Most Reliable merchants, ensuring consistent product availability and exceptional customer experience.

The awards also highlighted the "5-Star Eats" winners — top-performing city and community merchants maintaining the highest ratings. The roster included local favorites Mylene's Ensaymada and Banana Cake, Paya Street Coffee, Quarantea, and CBS Kitchen.

Retail growth leaders were acknowledged as "Category Captains" for GrabMart, with Pet Express (Pets), Watsons (Pharmacies), and Robinsons Supermarket (Supermarkets) recognized as top sales performers setting the standard for excellence.

Innovation in marketing was also a key focus. Southstar Drug and Davao Central Convenience Store were named Adoption Leaders for effectively maximizing Grab Marketing Solutions. Meanwhile, McDonald's was awarded the Data-Driven Impact Trailblazer for its precision campaigns, and Chowking took home the Loyalty Innovation Trailblazer award.

Setting the Gold Standard forward

The event also spotlighted the industry's shift toward "hybrid" dining. JT’s Manukan Grille, Zhenbao Hotpot, and Feta Mediterranean were recognized as Best Dine-Out Merchants for maximizing deals to drive foot traffic.

Greg Camacho, Director for Off-Platform Solutions, emphasized that the future lies in ensuring a gold-standard experience for consumers – whether in-app or in physical stores. "Together, we are changing what it means to be a Grab merchant. Together, we are redefining what it means to be an omnichannel enterprise that’s fully capable of growing sales through both online and offline channels. Together, we are rewriting the playbook on how to win in an ever-evolving F&B industry.”