Upgrade for the New Year: Lenovo Offers Up to ₱5,000 Pluxee Vouchers This Chinese New Year

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Welcome the new year with smarter technology as Lenovo ushers in the season with its Lenovo Chinese New Year Promo 2026, offering exciting rewards for customers upgrading their devices.

From February 1 to March 31, 2026, customers who purchase select Lenovo laptops and desktops can enjoy corresponding freebies, including Pluxee vouchers worth up to ₱5,000 or a Canon Pixma MG2570S multifunction printer, depending on the model purchased.

Upgrade for the New Year and Get Rewarded

Designed to help users start the year on a smarter note, the promo covers a wide range of Lenovo devices across the IdeaPad, Yoga, LOQ, and Legion series. Customers who purchase participating models are entitled to Pluxee gift cards ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱5,000, which will be sent via SMS upon successful redemption.

Meanwhile, customers purchasing select IdeaCentre desktops and AIO models will receive a Canon Pixma MG2570S multifunction printer, provided instantly upon purchase from participating authorized Lenovo resellers.

How to Redeem

To redeem the Pluxee voucher, customers must register at https://promotions.lenovo.com/ph/en and submit the following details:

• Full name (as indicated on a valid ID)
• Contact number
• Valid ID
• Proof of purchase (invoice name must match the valid ID)
• MTM of the device
• Serial number of the device

Once a redemption request is submitted, customers will receive an email within 7–14 business days confirming whether the request has been accepted, rejected, or requires further clarification. Successful redemptions will receive the Pluxee voucher via SMS within 7–14 business days.

Each customer may redeem the promo up to five (5) times and must complete redemption within 60 days after the promo period ends. Unclaimed freebies after this period will be forfeited.

Start the Year Smarter with Lenovo

With the Lenovo Chinese New Year Promo 2026, upgrading your tech becomes part of welcoming new possibilities for the year ahead. Whether for work, creativity, or play, Lenovo’s range of powerful devices helps you step into the new year smarter, better, and more inspired.

Promo runs from February 1 to March 31, 2026.

Terms and conditions apply.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-247119 Series of 2026.

Richmonde Hotels Introduce Value-Driven Extended Stay Packages for Work and Leisure

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Recognizing the growing need of city travelers for stays that allow not just flexibility in terms of length of stay, but also provide the best value for their money, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel have created extended stay packages designed for guests staying a minimum of two nights that offer greater savings, enhanced perks, and the comforts and convenience of a true home away from home whether visiting for business or leisure.

In addition to its regular guest rooms, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas has options for suite rooms equipped with lounging areas, dining tables, and even a functional kitchenette, which are ideal for long stays for business and leisure travelers. 

A SMARTER WAY TO STAY IN THE CITY

At Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, strategically located at the heart of Ortigas Center, guests enjoy the convenience of being within close proximity to key corporate offices, medical institutions, and some of Manila’s most popular shopping malls, with easy accessibility to other cities in the metro, making it an ideal address for both business and leisure stays. Guests staying a minimum of two nights can avail themselves of package rates starting at PhP 3,900 nett per night (room only) and PhP 5,500 nett per night (with daily breakfast buffet for two). Aside from these competitive rates, the package comes with value-added perks such as dining and massage discounts, access to the Health Club’s facilities, and the ease of settling in without the pressure of a short, overnight stay.

For guests planning a longer visit, the long-stay package delivers even greater savings and convenience, with rates from PhP 3,800 nett per night (room only) or PhP 5,400 nett per night (with daily breakfast buffet for two) if staying for at least five nights. Inclusive of daily laundry privileges, dining discounts, Wi-Fi access, and complimentary use of the gym and sauna, the package supports extended work assignments and unhurried city breaks, allowing guests to balance productivity, retail therapy, and relaxation with ease.

EFFORTLESS CITY LIVING

Meanwhile, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel delivers a seamless extended-stay experience within the metro’s pioneer master-planned development, the vibrant mixed-use township of Eastwood City where corporate offices, branded retail shops, diverse dining spots, and entertainment venues are all within easy walking distance. Ideal for guests who value safety, accessibility, and efficiency, the hotel lets both business and leisure travelers move through their day with ease, eliminating long commutes and maximizing time for productivity and recreation.

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, located in the heart of Eastwood City with direct access to Eastwood Mall, offers long-stay guests spacious guest rooms and recreational facilities like a rooftop pool, to provide a most comfortable and convenient home away from home.  

Guests staying a minimum of two nights can enjoy rates as low as PhP 4,400 nett per night (room only) and PhP 6,000 nett per night (with daily breakfast buffet for two). Perfect for short business trips or quick city escapes, the package includes access to the hotel’s gym and pool, as well as convenient parking to ensure a balanced stay that blends work commitments with moments of relaxation.

For longer visits, the hotel’s five-night package offers even greater value, with rates from PhP 4,300 nett per night (room only) and PhP 5,900 nett per night (with daily breakfast buffet for two). Designed for guests who want to fully settle in, the package includes daily laundry privileges, parking benefits, and lifestyle conveniences that support both work schedules and downtime. With everything from offices to entertainment just steps away, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel transforms extended city stays into an effortless and rewarding experience.

EXTENDED COMFORT, PURPOSEFUL HOSPITALITY

Committed to thoughtful and inclusive hospitality, Richmonde Hotels aim to offer service that goes beyond comfort and convenience. Both Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel are DOT certified Muslim-friendly establishments, providing considerate services that respect diverse guest needs, while championing sustainable practices that support responsible tourism. Guided by its signature Sampaguita brand of Filipino service—marked by genuine warmth, care, and attention to detail—Richmonde Hotels continue to enrich everyday stays with experiences that are comfortable, meaningful, and distinctly welcoming.

To book or get more information about Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, call (632) 8638 7777 / (63) 917 534 4352, email stay@richmondeortigas.com.ph, or log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph. For inquiries on Eastwood Richmomde Hotel or to make a reservation, call (632) 8570 7777 / (63) 917 531 6867, email stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com, or visit www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph.  

SB19 turns monumental concert into lasting legacy in Simula At Wakas: Kickoff Concert Album

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Recorded across the two-day concert in Philippine arena, the 19-track live album captures a defining moment in P-Pop history

P-Pop phenomenon SB19 has released Simula At Wakas: Kickoff Concert Album, a live recording of tracks from their two-day concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on May 31 and June 1, 2025. The album redefines a new era of boldness and ambition in SB19’s music, further elevated by the group’s undeniable world-class performance.

Mixed and mastered by Radkidz, with live arrangements by Jem Florendo, the 19-track album features live performances of songs from Simula At Wakas (2025), Pagtatag! (2023), and Pagsibol (2021), alongside the concert version of the fan-favorite single “Moonlight.”

Originally featuring US-based producer/DJ Ian Asher and Chinese electronic producer Terry Zhong, “Moonlight” takes a more restrained, but more soulful direction in its live iteration. For this version, the subdued arrangement places SB19’s vocals front and center, offering a more intimate take on the track.

“The live version of Moonlight is absolutely one of our favorites from the new record,” SB19 shares. “By keeping the production minimal and letting our voices lead, we found something more honest and human. Sometimes, less is more.”

Recorded during the opening stops of their Simula At Wakas world tour, the concert album reflects the Filipino group’s evolution on an artistic and emotional level. The two-night spectacle set the tone for a 21-show tour spanning cities and territories across the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and more.

“These versions reveal who we are now,” the P-Pop powerhouse adds. “Everything was done with intention, but also with openness, allowing the moment to shape the performance. This album represents years of hard work, discipline, and belief, and we wanted it to feel alive and heartfelt.

Check out the track list:

1. WHAT? (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

2. MANA (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

3. GENTO (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

4. MOONLIGHT (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

5. I WANT YOU (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

6. WYAT (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

7. DUNGKA! (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

8. BAZINGA (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

9. 8TONBALL (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

10. CRIMZONE (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

11. NYEBE (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

12. TIME (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

13. ILAW (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

14. QUIT (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

15. MAPA (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

16. SHOOTING FOR THE STARS (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

17. FREEDOM (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

18. SLMT (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

19. DAM (Simula At Wakas Tour Kickoff)

In addition to the album release, SB19 announced the official conclusion of their landmark world tour with “Wakas At Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale,” happening on April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds. Tickets are anticipated to go on sale in February 2026.

SB19’s Simula At Wakas: Kickoff Concert Album is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Follow SB19 on their socials:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SB19Official/

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

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Addressing the brain drain: SM group brings higher education to the region

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Home to more than 84,000 students, National University’s (NU) presence in seven cities outside of Metro Manila has not only expanded access to higher quality education but also access to professional opportunities.

NU Cebu

These seven provincial areas include NU Bacolod, the university’s first campus in the Visayas, which has 96% local employees and the remaining are from other campuses who moved to Bacolod. NU Laguna has 99% local employees; NU Baliwag has 98% local employees; NU Dasmarinas has 96% with 4% transferees; NU Lipa has 98% local employees, and NU Clark has 97% local employees. NU Cebu, which opened this academic year, has 100% local hires.

NU’s presence especially in the provinces allows professors and students to access quality education and employment without leaving their hometown. The university’s standardized compensation package across its campuses attracts talent while helping address brain drain in the provinces.

“We bring talent back to the provinces. NU offers a standardized salary matrix applicable to all our employees across the country. This approach has helped NU make our recruitment more appealing to applicants in provincial regions,” NU President and CEO Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita said.

NU President and CEO Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita

Strengthening local ecosystems for work and enterprise by aligning education, labor, and development policies is necessary in combating the deepening inequality between urban and rural areas. SM’s expanding social footprint, in which most NU campuses are located, helps local communities retain their education talent, reinforcing access and contribution to the social economy. This underscores SM’s vision of responsible development of its host communities.

“NU is part of SM’s corporate social responsibility. By allowing the campus to be a part of the SM community, accessibility is achieved and affordability is maintained. Transportation hubs are also located near most of the mall-based campuses, allowing safety and convenience for the students and employees,” Dr. Ermita further shared.

Back home

In NU Cebu, one of Cebu’s returning locals is the campus’ Executive Director Johanna Minglana who shared, “We have all local hires, with three of us returnees from NU Manila where we were based when NU Cebu was not yet opened. NU Cebu gave me the opportunity to come full circle in my birthplace after decades of growing up in Manila while continuing my academic career.”

She shared how her sentiment also resonates with the faculty and employees, “they shared how working at NU Cebu has allowed them to pursue meaningful careers without having to leave their families or communities. They speak of a better sense of purpose—being able to contribute to nation-building through education while remaining rooted in the culture and values of their hometown. Our stories are not isolated—they reflect a broader impact of NU Cebu’s commitment to regional development and talent retention.”

The Cebu campus, according to Executive Director Minglana, is a testament to how NU embodies SM’s vision of being a catalyst for community development. “Having been in the NU system since 2012, I’ve seen how our goals align with SM’s broader purpose. What keeps me here is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students and to contribute meaningfully to the development of my hometown. It’s a privilege to be part of a transformative journey that uplifts not just individuals, but entire communities.”

For Executive Director Minglana, NU Cebu’s presence in a local community like Cebu goes beyond education. “It stimulates the local economy by creating jobs—not only within the university but also in surrounding businesses such as food establishments, boarding houses, transportation services, and retail. Our students, faculty, and employees contribute to the vibrancy of the local economy through their daily needs and activities in a fun, safe, and secure place.

As the university celebrated its 125th founding anniversary, its quasquicentennial year, recently at the SM MOA Sky, thousands of NU alumni attended the event. This, as NU aims to continue providing its students, eventually graduates, with world class and life-ready education to enable them to be competitive in whatever arena they are in, provincial or otherwise.

Canon Philippines Launches Canon PhotoMarathon 2026, Camera Prizes Up for Grab

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Canon Marketing Philippines, Inc. brought together media partners, brand ambassadors, and the professional creator community to recognize shared milestones and usher in a new chapter of creative possibilities during its annual Thanksgiving Celebration held on January 27, 2026. The event also marked the official launch of Canon PhotoMarathon 2026.

The Canon PhotoMarathon, a photography competition originally launched in Singapore in 2003, has since grown into a regional phenomenon across multiple countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Now in its 19th year in the Philippines, the Canon PhotoMarathon continues its legacy, challenging participants to create compelling visuals under time pressure and based on assigned themes.

This year, Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 also spotlights its video category, which encourages participants to express their stories through motion, sound, and narrative.

Ace Porlet, Manager of CII Marcom and Activations at Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc., presents the Canon Photomarathon 2026 mechanics to media and community partners.

Anuj Aggarwal, President & CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc., delivers opening remarks at the Canon Photomarathon 2026 launch and thanksgiving event on January 27, 2026, at Revel at the Palace, BGC.

The competition, scheduled for April 18, 2026, at BGC Amphitheater, Taguig City, is open to professionals, hybrid creators, camera club members, students, and photography enthusiasts. Various categories are also open to non-Canon users.

Media, past Photomarathon winners, and members of the Canon community celebrate new creative possibilities at the official launch of the Canon Photomarathon 2026.

How to join:

1. Download the Canon PH Delightful app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Create an account.
3. Go to the Events tab and select the Canon PhotoMarathon banner.
4. Tap Register and wait for the confirmation prompt.

Contest categories and prizes:

● Main Category (Photo)

○ Open to: Canon users only

○ Prize: Canon EOS R6 Mark III with RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

● Open Category (Photo)

○ Open to: All camera brands

○ Prize: Canon EOS R8 w 24-50MM

● Video Category

○ Open to: All camera brands

○ Canon Prize Winner: Canon EOS R50 V

○ Non-Canon Prize Winner: Canon Powershot V1

To gear up for PhotoMarathon 2026, creators are invited to visit the Canon booth at PhotoWorld Asia 2026, happening from January 29 to February 1. Attendees can enjoy exclusive deals and freebies worth up to ₱20,000 on select Canon camera products.

Along with this, from February to March 2026, Canon will host photowalks, school tours, and regional tours leading up to the main PhotoMarathon event, all designed to engage photographers at every skill level. Admission is free and open to all digital camera users.

For more details on upcoming PhotoMarathon activities, follow Canon Philippines at https://www.facebook.com/canonphils/.

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About Canon in the Philippines

Canon is a multibillion-dollar company with one of the most extensive product lines of digital imaging devices. 2020 marks the company’s 35th consecutive year it has been ranked among the top five U.S. patent holders and the 16th consecutive year it has been ranked first among Japanese companies for the number of U.S. patents granted. It continues to enrich lives through technological innovation.

Guided by its commitment to its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon provides total imaging solutions to improve personal and professional lives. The brand ranks as one of the top 20 brands in the region according to a 2018 study conducted by Campaign Asia-Pacific and Nielsen thanks to its strong reputation on performance and good corporate citizenship.

Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has offices spread across the Philippine archipelago supported by its vast network of authorized service centers. Recognitions and awards received include the Corporate Award and Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence for providing distinctive service to customers.

Canon Marketing Philippines reaffirms its dedication to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across all its operations and product lifecycle, striving for a greener future for generations to come.

More information and images are available at the Press Center section at https://ph.canon/en/consumer/press. For any queries about products and services, you may call our customer care hotline at 63-2-884 9000.