TP in the Philippines wins double honors at HIMAP Awards 2025: Makabago Award for Innovation and Pamayanan Award for Community Impact

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TP in the Philippines (formerly Teleperformance), a leader in digital business services, continues to fortify its presence and position as an innovation and community-impact leader after earning two of the highest distinctions at the HIMAP Awards 2025, an award giving body recognizing excellence and innovation in the healthcare information management industry, held at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City.

Representing TP in the Philippines at the HIMAP Awards 2025 (from left): Alex Reyes, Senior Director of Process Excellence; Geraldine Balinas, Vice President of Operations – Healthcare; Soumen Nag Choudhury, Executive Vice President for Healthcare; Marick Miraflor, Vice President of Operations – Healthcare; Shimy Shimomachi, Manager of Operations; and Nash Frias, Director of External Relations.

The organization received both the Makabago Award for Excellence in Technology and Innovation and the Pamayanan Award for Excellence in Community Development and Outreach Programs, reflecting TP’s unique ability to blend advanced technology with sustained, institutionalized social impact.

TP.AI wins the Makabago Award for transforming healthcare operations with its proprietary AI ecosystem that has redefined operational excellence across its 8,000-strong healthcare workforce. On the other hand, TP also receives the Pamayanan Award through its TP Healthcare Vertical, emphasizing the organization’s long-term commitment to community empowerment through its advocacy and outreach programs.

Ashley Ortega and other PH celebrities join Sugar Dolls PH in holiday outreach for children

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The initiative reflects the brand’s mission to uplift communities through compassion and care

Filipino beauty brand Sugar Dolls Inc. PH, in partnership with the Shunammite Ministry Group and JHOW Christian Church, organized a gift-giving drive for more than 300 children from underprivileged communities in San Mateo, Rizal. Guided by the brand’s philosophy of using beauty as a powerful way to give back, the initiative aims the make the kids feel seen, valued, and celebrated during the holiday season.

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition alumna Ashley Ortega also took part in the gift-giving activity despite her busy schedule. She was joined by fellow celebrities and online influencers Ralph Malibunas, Jan Silva, Mark Cruz, Kate Jalipa, Juliana Villafuerte, Neron Mendiola, and RJ Perkins, who spent time with the children and distributed gifts.

The afternoon program opened with live performances and a clown show that hyped the basketball court with laughter and anticipation. During the gift distribution, smiles spread across every child’s face as more than 760 loot bags and gifts were handed out, along with 300 packed meals.

The event was led by Ms. Chardy Baldoza a.k.a. Cha Canicosa, the event organizer and Marketing Director, in collaboration with Sugar Dolls Inc. PH. The initiative was made possible through the support of the Core Management Team, Ana Lusong, Hazelyn Perez, Carlo Villanueva, Pastor Vhern, and Ms. LA Marquez, whose collective efforts guaranteed the program’s success.

As expected, the charity drive reflected Sugar Dolls’ vision of using beauty as a force for good. By spreading love, joy, and care, especially to children, the brand is committed to strengthen its community ties and inspire kindness beyond the holiday season. As the celebration concluded, what remained was a shared sense of compassion and connection: a reminder that the most beautiful impact is created when a brand chooses to give back.

Jollibee brings back Mix & Match to let customers enjoy Best sa Sarap favorites together

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Jollibee, the Philippines’ no. 1 fastfood chain, has brought back Mix & Match, giving customers new ways to enjoy its best-tasting favorites in a single meal. Starting at ₱78, diners can pair popular mains and sides, showing how the brand’s Best sa Sarap items are meant to be enjoyed together.

With the return of Mix & Match, Jollibee puts the spotlight back on the taste of its core products while giving customers the freedom to enjoy them their way. By bringing together popular mains and sides in one offering, the brand aims to make it easier for customers to enjoy their Best sa Sarap favorites in combinations they prefer.

“Mix & Match is all about bringing people together over the Jollibee favorites they love,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “It lets everyone enjoy our best-tasting products in a way that feels personal, letting them choose the combinations that make their meal the perfect match.”

Under Mix & Match, customers select one main and one side. Main options priced at ₱78 include the Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti, and 1-piece Burger Steak, while ₱88 mains include the Cheesy Yumburger, Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, and Jolly Hotdog. Side choices include Soda Float, Peach Mango Pie, Choco Sundae, Jolly Crispy Fries, and the newly introduced Iced Mocha.

This 2026, Jollibee Mix & Match is endorsed by the Nation’s Girl Group BINI, whose strong group dynamic reflects the spirit of the offering. Each member brings her own personality, and together they show how different favorites can come together to create a more enjoyable experience.

“BINI reflects what Mix & Match stands for,” Ching added. “Just like with food, life is better when everything you love comes together. Kahit anong piliin mo, masarap. Kahit sinong kasama mo, mas masaya!”

Watch the latest ad here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/870310422408342

Fans are encouraged to share their favorite Mix & Match combinations online, turning everyday meals into moments of connection. With the message “Maraming match. At lahat, Best sa Sarap,” Jollibee Mix & Match underscores the joy of choice and the pleasure of enjoying great-tasting food together.

Jollibee Mix & Match is available nationwide for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

“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.