DDB Group Philippines Rebrands as GGC Group Asia

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Advertising agency powerhouse DDB Group Philippines has announced its rebranding as “GGC Group Asia,” marking its evolution into an independent creative force.

The move follows the decision of Omnicom Group, the holding company of marketing communications network DDB Worldwide, to retire the DDB brand globally by the end of the first half of 2026, following its acquisition of Interpublic Group in November last year.

Gil G. Chua, Group Chairman and CEO, GGC Group Asia (formerly DDB Group Philippines)

Established in 1992 through a groundbreaking partnership between New York-based DDB Worldwide and pioneering Filipino-owned agency Advertising Marketing and Associates (AMA), DDB Group Philippines had served as the local office of the DDB network in the country for more than three decades until the brand’s dissolution this year.

As GGC Group Asia, the company will continue to collaborate with Omnicom Group as needed, ensuring clients’ continued access to global marketing communications tools and resources.

Legacy and a Bold New Beginning

According to GGC Group Asia Chairman and CEO Gil G. Chua, whose initials inspired the company’s new name, the organization welcomed Omnicom’s global direction to retire the 75-year-old DDB brand while honoring the legacy built through decades of partnership.

“GGC Group Asia moves forward with deep gratitude for our long-standing partnership with Omnicom and DDB Worldwide — a relationship that elevated our standards, sharpened our thinking, and gave Filipino talent a global stage,” he said. "We are entering a defining chapter not by leaving something behind, but by fully coming into our own. We are embracing our future with full independence, full responsibility, and a renewed commitment to shared prosperity."

On a personal note, Chua said this new chapter also allows him to continue building a legacy in an industry to which he has dedicated much of his life.

“This rebrand is more than a change in name — it is a proud affirmation of the legacy, leadership, and vision that have guided our businesses through the years. It is incredibly rewarding and humbling to see my own initials become synonymous with the businesses that my family, our business partners, and I have passionately built, nurtured, and grown together over the years,” Chua said.

Further Rebranding and Integration of businesses

As part of this development, three of the group's integrated marketing communications (IMC) companies that also carry the DDB brand name, or that of its digital arm Tribal Worldwide, have also rebranded: DDB Philippines is now Velocity+, DDB MNL is now Alab MNL, and Tribal Worldwide Philippines is now The Tribe.

The group's other advertising-related companies shall continue to operate under their current names as follows: Optimax Communications (IMC), Agile Intelligence (data analytics), Ripple8 (PR), Touch XDA (media planning and buying), and Bent and Buzz (content and events management).

Alongside this transition, being integrated into GGC Group Asia are DDB Group's sister companies from the FCT Group, comprising business solutions firms, namely, FOSA, Caishen, Track Mnl, Xpress Move, Strawberry Jam, and PhilMovers.

With this integration, the GGC Group Asia will comprise 14 companies across 18 office locations nationwide, with a combined workforce of over 7,500 employees.

This strengthens the group's ability to deliver a full spectrum of solutions—from advertising, public relations, and media planning and buying to logistics and other marketing and sales support services. It also reflects the group’s growing capability to serve markets beyond the Philippines and throughout Asia.

No Changes to Leadership and Operations

The group clarifies that the rebrand will not affect leadership, talent, client relationships, or ongoing operations. All contracts and service agreements will remain fully in place.

“While our name evolves, our commitment to creativity, effectiveness, and strong client partnerships remains unwavering. Our clients and partners can expect seamless continuity of service and the same standard of creative and strategic excellence that has defined the organization from the very start," Chua said.

GGC Group Asia shall also continue to be guided by a commitment to building businesses that create not only profit, but also lasting impact — ensuring that business growth is aligned with the greater good of clients, talent, and the communities it serves.

Carrying Forward a Tradition of Excellence

Prior to the rebrand, DDB Group Philippines had established a strong track record, with the group and its agencies earning local and international recognition for creativity, effectiveness, and advocacy-driven campaigns developed in partnership with clients and non-profit organizations.

Among the group’s most notable achievements are the Philippines' first Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions and first Gold at the Advertising and Marketing Effectiveness (AME) Awards, both won in 2013; the Philippines’ only Gold award at Spikes Asia 2025; the “Best in Management of Business-Network Agency of the Year” award at the 4As Philippines AOY Awards in 2022; and multiple “Agency of the Year” recognitions at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards (2013, 2014, and 2019), and the PRSP Anvil Awards (2024).

DDB Group Philippines also received numerous accolades and certifications recognizing it as a "great place to work" or one of the “best companies to work for” from both local and international award-giving bodies, including the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards–Asia Pacific and Global, HR Asia, the International Stevies, Great Place To Work®, and the BusinessWorld Best Places to Work Awards.

This tradition of excellence and award-winning work will continue into its next chapter as GGC Group Asia.

Small Sips, Big Shifts: How Filipino Vitalisers Are Turning Ordinary Pauses Into Zest Moments

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Mornings today rarely ease you in. They begin with alarms that feel too early, inboxes already filling up, and to-do lists that seem to stretch endlessly. For many Filipinos, especially young professionals and students, this pace has morning and midday slumps feel like part of the routine.

But instead of simply pushing through midday slumps, a growing number are turning to small, intentional rituals to reset their mood and regain momentum. Simple pleasures like enjoying a zesty glass of Minute Maid Nutri+ are becoming part of how people reclaim their day, one moment at a time.

For this generation of vitalisers, wellness now comes in the form of smaller, more human-sized terms that are actually doable. No more lifestyle overhauls. Instead, small rituals like quick walk breaks or a few minutes of journaling is all they need to create space and regain a sense of control in otherwise packed schedules.

In these in-between moments, a new kind of habit is taking shape: the “zest moment.” It’s the little pause that refreshes, gently breaks the day’s monotony, and helps shift one’s mindset. It might happen in the morning before the day fully picks up, during an afternoon lull when boredom hits, or even in the middle of a busy stretch when everything starts to feel overwhelming. What makes it powerful is its simplicity. A brief reset can be enough to turn dull mornings into microments.

For many, these moments are anchored by something familiar and enjoyable—like a drink that feels both refreshing and uplifting. This is where Minute Maid Nutri+ naturally fits in. With its bright, zesty taste and the added boost of Vitamin C and fiber, it complements these small rituals without demanding extra effort. It becomes part of a routine that feels easy to maintain, whether paired with breakfast, enjoyed alongside meals, or taken as a quick break in between tasks.

“I used to rush through everything,” shared Bianca, a young marker in Quezon City. “Now, I make it a point to slow down, even just for a few minutes in the morning. I’ll play music, take a sip of something refreshing, and ease into the day. It sounds simple, but it really changes how I feel.”

That same idea carries through the day. A student describes stepping away from their screen during long study sessions to reset, while a freelance creative shared how brief pauses help restore clarity when ideas stall. Across different routines, the pattern is the same: small, consistent habits can create a noticeable shift in both mood and motivation.

In a world that often celebrates constant motion, these moments of pause are quietly becoming essential. They’re a reminder that staying productive is more than pushing harder; it’s also about knowing when to take a step back, even briefly, and recharge.

With Minute Maid Nutri+, those moments become easier to find and turn even the dullest mornings into something brighter. Perk up your vibe and feel the zest with Minute Maid Nutri+, now available in supermarkets near you.

Here's How the OPPO A6s Stays Fast and Smooth All Day

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A slow phone can disrupt more than just your day—it can interrupt work, break your focus, and turn simple tasks into frustrating experiences. As apps become more demanding and users spend more time on their devices than ever before, reliable performance is no longer a premium feature; it's an everyday necessity.

With the OPPO A6s, OPPO brings a performance-focused experience to the A Series lineup, combining intelligent system optimization, and advanced cooling technology to help users stay productive, entertained, and connected throughout the day.

Built for Everyday Performance

The OPPO A6s is designed to deliver smooth and reliable performance throughout the day, keeping up with the demands of modern lifestyles. It is capable of allowing you to attend virtual meetings, work on school projects, stream their favorite shows, stay connected with friends, or unwind with a few rounds of mobile gaming. It’s basically a smartphone built to provide a consistently responsive experience from morning to night.

The OPPO A6s also has a generous memory configuration and RAM Expansion, allowing users to convert unused storage into virtual RAM when needed. This helps improve multitasking performance, enabling smoother app switching and better responsiveness, particularly for users who frequently keep multiple applications running in the background. This allows you to switch between video calls, editing photos, managing work documents, or simply keeping several tabs open.

Staying Cool Under Pressure with the SuperCool VC System

Powerful performance is important, but maintaining that performance throughout the day is what truly makes a difference. From back-to-back video calls and hours of streaming to endless scrolling and juggling multiple apps, today's smartphones are expected to keep pace with increasingly demanding routines.

To help deliver a consistently smooth experience, the OPPO A6s is equipped with the SuperCool VC System, an advanced cooling solution designed to effectively manage heat during extended use. By keeping temperatures under control, the device can sustain its performance for longer, helping users stay productive, entertained, and connected without interruptions.

Intelligent Optimization with AI GameBoost 2.0

Beyond everyday productivity and entertainment, the OPPO A6s also caters to users who enjoy mobile gaming in their downtime. The device comes equipped with AI GameBoost 2.0, an intelligent optimization system that dynamically allocates resources to help stabilize frame rates, reduce lag, and maintain smoother gameplay. By analyzing device performance in real time, AI GameBoost 2.0 helps ensure that gaming sessions remain responsive, even during demanding moments.

While mobile gaming serves as a bonus for many users, the technology behind AI GameBoost 2.0 contributes to overall system optimization, helping deliver smoother interactions across a variety of applications.

A More Reliable Experience from Morning to Night

The OPPO A6 Series is available nationwide in OPPO Stores, partner retailers, and online via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the OPPO Online Store. It comes in a range of variants and finishes suited to different lifestyles. The OPPO A6s 5G is available in Ice White and Cappuccino Brown, while the OPPO A6 comes in Sakura Pink, Sapphire Blue, and Aurora Gold.

Pricing starts at Php 17,999 for the OPPO A6 (4GB + 256GB) and Php 20,999 for the OPPO A6 (8GB + 256GB). The OPPO A6s 5G is priced at Php 22,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant and Php 25,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant.

For more updates, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

 

Lisa Macuja Elizalde brings creative vision to Ballet Manila’s first full-length Paquita in the Philippines

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Ballet Manila's artistic director and CEO Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s unparalleled creative vision takes center stage as Ballet Manila presents the Philippines’ first ever, full-length production of Paquita – a bold and historic move that reflects her unwavering commitment to elevate classical ballet in the country. The production will star two pairs alternating in the lead roles, principal dancers Mark Sumaylo and Abigail Oliveiro; and soloists Shamira Drapete and Jos David Andes.

Paquita's historic run is set to take place at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City on June 19 at 8:00 p.m. followed by 5:00 p.m. shows on June 20 and 21.

(L-R) Ballet Manila principal dancers Romeo Peralta and Mark Sumaylo; soloist Shamira Drapete; artistic director and CEO Lisa Macuja-Elizalde; soloist Jos David Andes; principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro; and soloist John Balagot

The journey to this full-length production began last March 2025, when Paquita’s divertissement was performed during Ballet Manila’s Pearl Gala celebration. The performance sparked a deeper curiosity in Macuja Elizalde as she recalled, “I have always wondered where this beautiful ballet excerpt comes from in the context with the story of Paquita. The ballet excerpt is always described as the culmination of the love story of a gypsy girl Paquita with a French officer Lucien.”

At its core, Paquita is a story of love, self-discovery, and triumph that Macuja Elizalde believes will deeply resonate with local audiences. The narrative follows a young Romani woman in Spain who saves the life of a French officer, Lucien, from a governor’s assassination plot. Along the way, she discovers her own noble heritage, allowing the couple to overcome rigid social barriers and marry in a happy ending that many Filipinos love.

Ballet Manila artistic director and CEO Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

When Macuja Elizalde started to dig into the story behind the ballet excerpt, reading it in full, did she decide to present the production in its full-length form: “I concluded that it would be exciting and perfectly manageable to present a two-act classical ballet to the Filipino audience.”

While Ballet Manila’s production honors Paquita’s classical roots, Macuja Elizalde deliberately avoided watching existing versions of the ballet to ensure her choreography remained entirely original. Instead, she immersed herself in research and music to shape her own interpretation.

“I read the lengthy text in a book about rare Russian ballets that included Paquita. I listened to the music of the full-length ballet by Anna-Marie Holmes, Kevin Gaile, and Li-Mei Liang. I started to build the ballet chapter by chapter in my head,” she shared.

Drawing from these materials, Macuja Elizalde crafted a version that merges tradition with her own artistic sensibilities. “I combined and interchanged music pieces. Included some of the famous variations but to be danced in the beginning and middle portions of the ballet, instead of having all the variations in the end divertissement the way it is normally performed.”

Still, she admitted that the true creative process only fully came alive inside the studio, in collaboration with her dancers. Working closely with her team has reinforced Ballet Manila’s strong Russian Vaganova foundation. Macuja Elizalde noted that the company's 40-member ensemble is the perfect size for executing the demanding classical choreography. She also expressed immense gratitude for her leading ladies, Abigail Oliveiro and Shamira Drapete, who are both debuting in the titular role and "dancing her so well."

(L-R) Ballet Manila principal dancers Romeo Peralta, Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo

For Oliveiro, debuting as Paquita under Macuja Elizalde's guidance has been both an exciting and collaborative experience. “It is always a good experience, and she is very clear in what she wants while keeping an open mind," Oliveiro shared. "I try to listen and observe what Ma'am Lisa wants from the ballet, character, or scene so I can understand her vision and fulfill it.”

The role also offers Oliveiro a rare chance to showcase a different side of her artistry. “I realized I had to tap into my more playful side which, dare I say, is not a common theme in a lot of my repertoire," she added. "So I’m certainly enjoying being playful.”

Ultimately, Macuja Elizalde regards Paquita as far more than a performance; she considers it part of her 40-year legacy in Philippine ballet. And much like the fiery performance, she believes it can ignite Filipinos’ appreciation for the art. “Personally, this particular world premiere of Paquita is like a baby of mine. When you create a new full-length ballet almost from scratch, it is like giving birth to a living, breathing creation. It is a ballet that will be uniquely Ballet Manila’s. A part of our classical ballet legacy!”

Ballet Manila soloists Jos David Andes and Shamira Drapete

Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph

Globe spotlights affordable AI access through Go+99 PLUS AI

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Globe is making AI tools more accessible to young Filipinos through Go+ PLUS AI, reinforcing its commitment to helping the next generation learn, create, and pursue opportunities in everyday life.

As Gen Zs and Gen Alphas increasingly integrate AI into school, work, creativity, and self-expression, Globe Prepaid continues to evolve its Go+ portfolio to match how young people live and connect today. Through Go+ PLUS AI, subscribers can access Canva AI within GoSHARE and GoLEARN content freebies, alongside data for all sites, 5G access, and lifestyle vouchers.

The move reinforces Globe Prepaid’s broader push to champion AI as an enabler of everyday life, empowering users to work smarter, express ideas more easily, and focus on what matters most.

AI In Practical, Meaningful Ways

“Today’s generation is already using AI in practical and meaningful ways, from school requirements and creative projects to small businesses and job applications,” said Givielle Florida, Senior Director for Globe Prepaid. “With Go+ PLUS AI, we want to make these tools more available and relevant to the everyday experiences of young Filipinos while encouraging responsible and purposeful AI use.”

The Go+ PLUS AI portfolio gives subscribers access to Canva AI through GoSHARE and GoLEARN freebies. Canva AI features tools that help users generate visuals, draft copy, and automate repetitive creative tasks through simple prompts, making design and content creation more accessible even for non-designers. Go+ also offers a free voucher for a 45-day Canva Pro trial, unlocking premium features such as AI-powered design tools, one-click background remover, Magic Resize, and access to millions of templates and creative assets that can help users with school, content creation, and passion projects.

Among the available offers is Go+99, which comes with 8GB for all sites, 4GB of free 5G data, 8GB for GoSHARE or GoLEARN apps including access to Canva AI, and unlimited texts to all networks, valid for seven days, plus a free voucher.

Other Go+ PLUS AI variants include Go+109, Go+129, Go+149, Go+179, Go+250, and Go+400, giving users more flexibility depending on their digital lifestyle and connectivity needs.

EverydAI Stories

To further promote awareness and responsible AI use, Globe Prepaid launched “EverydAI Stories,” a campaign highlighting real students and young creators using Go+99 PLUS AI to support their passions and daily goals.

The video series features fresh graduate Russco Jarviña, who uses AI tools to create standout resumes and streamline job applications in his search for career opportunities, student entrepreneur Ysa Buenaventura who shares how AI helps her balance school responsibilities and support her growing business through easier creation of marketing and branding materials, and student-creator Gift Boiser who demonstrates how AI can support learning and content creation through the development of effective and creative study and teaching materials.

Through these stories, Globe Prepaid aims to show how AI can become a practical companion for productivity, creativity, and self-development when used responsibly.

Florida said more AI-powered experiences and app access will soon be introduced as part of its continuing efforts to make AI within reach and useful for subscribers.

To learn more about Go+ PLUS AI and Globe Prepaid’s latest offers, visit Globe’s official channels. Follow these Everyday Stories from Globe's Youtube and other social media channels. For more information, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.