PBB Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0 Closes with a Historic Finale and a Big Collab Charity Mission

Tweet

The curtain has officially closed on Pinoy Big Brother (PBB): Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0, and the Big Night delivered everything fans hoped for—high-stakes challenges, emotional farewells, and the long-awaited reveal of this season’s Big Winners. 

From an intense live final task given by Big Brother to the emotional crowning moment, the historic finale marked another milestone collaboration between ABS-CBN and GMA Network. Powering this unforgettable season was Maya—the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines and PBB’s official voting partner—giving Mayamayans the power to vote and Housemates the tools to turn their weekly wins into something bigger. 

Saving with Purpose: The Big Collab Charity Mission 

Throughout the season, Housemates faced the Save or Spend Challenge, deciding whether to enjoy small comforts like favorite meals or unli shower time—or choose to save more with Maya. 

Time and again, the Housemates chose to save with Maya. 

By placing their weekly earnings in Maya Savings and growing their funds with up to 15% interest p.a., their money didn’t just sit—it multiplied. Because of Maya’s high interest earnings, their savings steadily increased week after week, allowing them to maximize what they could give back. 

In the end, their commitment to saving resulted in a powerful milestone: ₱ 488,673.04 donated to the charities chosen by the Housemates. What started as weekly task rewards transformed into meaningful contributions that extended far beyond Bahay ni Kuya. 

A Historic Big Night 

Kapamilya housemate Lella Ford, “Ang Blooming Bunso ng Tacloban,” was named the Kapamilya Big Winner, while Kapuso housemate Caprice Cayetano, “Ang Demure Daughter ng Quezon City,” emerged as the Kapuso Big Winner during the highly anticipated Big Night. 

Meanwhile, Kapamilya housemate Krystal Mejes and Kapuso housemate Heath Jornales were named second big placers. Kapamilya housemate Joaquin Arce and Kapuso housemate Ashley Sarmiento clinched third place, while Kapamilya housemate Miguel Vergara and Kapuso housemate Princess Aaliyah placed fourth. 

It was a finale filled with pride, gratitude, and celebration—closing a season that proved collaboration, strategy, and smart choices can create real-world impact. 

The Season May Be Over, But the Saving Continues 

While PBB Celebrity Collab 2.0 has wrapped, Mayamayans can continue to grow their savings with Maya. By using Maya for everyday transactions and keeping funds in Maya Savings, users can earn up to 15% interest p.a.—turning daily moves into long-term wins. 

Because sometimes, the biggest victory is also making your money grow for something meaningful. 

 

Baguio blooms brighter as Jollibee spreads joy at Panagbenga 2026

Tweet

Baguio City came alive as Jollibee, the Philippines' no. 1 fastfood chain, joined the vibrant Panagbenga Festival, delighting locals and tourists alike with a spectacular float, campus treats, and exclusive promos that added extra cheer to the City of Pines’ annual flower celebration.

“Panagbenga shows Baguio at its most beautiful, and Jollibee is proud to fill it with joy,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “Whether it’s a float that amazes or treats that make every day special, our goal was simple, and that was to share joy with every person, everywhere.”

Building on its legacy of festival excellence, Jollibee participated in the large float competition with a spectacular floral masterpiece inspired by Cordilleran artistry. The float featured a miniature Stone Kingdom symbolizing the region’s creativity, a radiant cityscape in full bloom, a rotating Mines View observation deck showcasing Baguio’s scenic landscapes, and a giant Chickenjoy Bucket seemingly blossoming from a flower, capturing the festival’s playful and joyful spirit.

Jollibee also partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to bring its BEE Earth’s Best Friend campaign to Benguet, promoting sustainable practices. Customers who opted not to use plastic utensils for take-out or drive-thru orders from February 27 to March 27 were rewarded with incentives for future visits. Music fans enjoyed a lively appearance from Jollibee and Friends at the Coke Studio Concert at Melvin Jones Football Grounds on February 27.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to share their Jollibee moments on social media using #JolliPanagbenga2026 for a chance to be featured on the brand’s official channels.

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!

 

Rap icon Gloc-9 is re-introducing himself as Aristotle Pollisco, poet.

Tweet

On March 12, 2026, at the Philippine Book Festival in SM Megamall, Gloc-9, going by his real name Aristotle Pollisco, will be launching seven poetry chapbooks under the omnibus title Makata Sa Pinas — a hashtag he has been using the past decade.

While Gloc-9 previously released the poetry book Akin Lang Naman in 2017 with ABS-CBN Publishing, this new project offers a different approach to presenting his work as poetry. This time, Gloc-9 envisioned a series of slimmer volumes—a concept that became the starting point of the project.

In collaboration with the small press Everything’s Fine, the idea grew into a deeper reexamination of his entire discography. By revisiting the recurring themes and subject matter that consistently surface throughout his music, seven chapbooks were developed, each shaped around these enduring ideas and reflections.

The first three chapbooks are personal. "Pagkatao" tracks his development as a poet, talking about his roots in Binangonan, Rizal, and how this formed him into the rapper that we now know as Gloc-9. "Pangarap" includes all the poems about his dreams of becoming a songwriter and a rapper, reaching those aspirations, and reassessing what that means to him. "Pursigi" talks about the kind of hard work and persistence that reaching one's ambitions demands, the clarity of one's goals, and the importance of holding on to one's values.

From the personal, the next two chapbooks slowly shift to Gloc-9's storytelling through poetry. "Pagibig" speaks of love — from the familial to the romantic, and to the ones that unravel and end painfully. "Komunidad" tells the stories of the people that exist in our local neighborhoods — the people we talk to, the ones we care for, the ones we rarely see.

The final two chapbooks turn to the more political dimensions of Gloc-9’s poetry. “Lipunan” reflects on the kind of society we have collectively—and often unconsciously—built, shaped by who we have become as people and by the hate and compassion we choose to nurture within it. "Bayan" is composed of the stories of our nation that few popular songwriters speak of, from the perspective of the struggling majority who suffer in the hands of the wealthy and powerful few.

In totality, the seven chapbooks of Makata Sa Pinas capture the 28 years of Aristotle Pollisco as the poet of the nation. It also reminds us of how much more he can continue to do, given where he comes from, who he has become, and the legacy he has continued to build.

Gloc-9 will be at the Makata Sa Pinas book launch on March 12, 2026, 5PM to 7PM, at the Philippine Book Festival 2026, Megatrade Hall, 5th Level, SM Megamall. Admission is free.

From Rush Hour to Happy Hour: Wind Down After Work at Richmonde

Tweet

For many office workers in the city, the hours after work are less about grand plans and more about finding the perfect place that will let them shift from deadlines to downtime with ease. Conveniently located at the center of the metro’s business hubs, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s bars present reliable after-hours spaces where familiar flavors, fun entertainment, and reasonable prices help guests leave the stress of the day behind. 

The Exchange at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas: 

Trade Meetings to Music for Stress-free Weeknights

Offering a cozy setting that feels instantly welcoming, The Exchange is an inviting refuge for those looking to shake off the workday without the intensity of a frenzied nightlife. Soft lighting, the low hum of conversation, and the occasional bursts of laughter create an atmosphere that is lively without being overwhelming. Open from 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays with no door charge or minimum spend required, guests can switch from office form to relaxation mode without missing a beat.

Each night brings its own rhythm. Open Mic Wednesdays transform the bar into an impromptu stage where guests trade the day’s tension for favorite karaoke anthems. Chill & Jam Thursdays introduce a more relaxed tempo, with pianist Bobbet Bernadas accompanying singers in a way that feels spontaneous yet intimate. By Retro Fridays, the mood lifts with the familiar beats of ’80s classics performed live by the Big Bash Band, drawing smiles, nostalgic sing-alongs, and sometimes even dance floor showdowns.

Happy Hour is served from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at PhP 725 nett with a choice of unlimited local beer or bottomless featured cocktail paired with a comforting bar chow. “We see a lot of guests coming straight from work, still in their office attire,” shares the F&B Manager Ria Rosal. “They don’t want anything complicated—they just want something easy and genuine.”

 “It’s my go-to spot after work because it’s accessible, safe, and the vibe is just right—not too loud, not too formal,” says a regular patron. “You can drop by alone or with colleagues, and the vibe always helps you reset.”

 

Eastwood Café+Bar at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel: 

Clock Out then Chill Out, Alfresco Style

Tucked in the heart of Eastwood City, Eastwood Café+Bar offers a different kind of after-work mood—one that leans into open-air comfort. This restobar’s alfresco area invites guests to settle into the evening breeze, with the gentle clink of glasses and easy conversation creating a laid-back backdrop for relaxation.

 

From Thursdays to Saturdays, the Double Delight Happy Hour, available from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., taps into the natural rhythm of the workweek, when teams begin winding down from deadlines and colleagues look forward to transitioning into the weekend. With Buy 1, Get 1 offers on local beers and well-loved cocktails such as margaritas, mango daiquiris, lychee blanco, and creamy brandy for only PhP 285 nett, the promotion keeps things simple and inexpensive—perfect for spontaneous catch-ups or last-minute plans. Complimentary snacks like kropek and spicy peanuts add to the easygoing atmosphere, encouraging guests to settle in and stay. “We wanted to give guests their own hangout spot,” relays the F&B Manager Dave Bañez. “A place where conversations flow naturally as the evening unfolds without pressure.”

To help organize large, hassle-free gatherings, the bar can serve up an alfresco pica-pica buffet for those customary team dinners, milestone celebrations, or casual bonding nights with officemates during the week. It highlights Filipino pub grub favorites with flavors that feel familiar yet are thoroughly satisfying. A minimum reservation for 30 persons is required for the buffet at rates as low as PhP 1,000 per person.

 

A Comfortable Pause Between Work and Home

In neighborhoods defined by movement and productivity, both bars offer something increasingly valuable: a convenient pause. With accessible locations, relaxed ambiance, and approachable pricing, Richmonde Hotels continue to create after-work experiences that feel less like an occasion—and more like a pleasant habit.

For inquiries and table reservations, contact The Exchange at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas at (632) 8638 7777 or (63) 917 534 4352, and Eastwood Café+Bar at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel at (632) 8570 7777 or (63) 917 821 0333. For more information, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph and www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph.

vivo X Series earns major PH tech awards

Tweet

vivo X Series continues to raise the bar in smartphone innovation, earning top awards from the Philippines’ respected tech media.

The flagship vivo X300 Pro and X200 FE were recognized for excellence in camera technology, performance, and design at the YugaTech Editor’s Choice Awards 2026 and The 2025 Boxies by Unbox PH.

X300 Pro: Smartphone of the Year & Best Smartphone Camera

The vivo X300 Pro emerged as one of the biggest winners at the YugaTech Choice Awards 2026, receiving two Editor’s Choice distinctions: Smartphone of the Year and Best Smartphone Camera.

These recognitions highlight the vivo X300 Pro’s ability to excel not only as an imaging powerhouse but also as a well-rounded flagship designed for daily use, creativity, and performance.

The Smartphone of the Year award reflects the X300 Pro’s ability to deliver a complete premium experience, with a 6.78-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, and a 6510mAh BlueVolt battery with 90W FlashCharge + 40W wireless charging for all-day reliability.

Powering its Best Smartphone Camera win is the X300 Pro’s advanced imaging system, with a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera. This setup delivers exceptional clarity, accurate color reproduction, and refined detail across a wide range of shooting scenarios, from long-range zoom to low-light photography.

This marks a defining moment for vivo X Series, setting the stage for another award-winning device that continues the brand’s momentum in the flagship segment.

X200 FE: Best Compact Flagship Phone

Continuing the X Series’ winning momentum, the vivo X200 FE earned the Best Compact Flagship award at The 2025 Boxies by Unbox PH, recognizing a device that proves smaller smartphones can still deliver flagship-level performance.

Mary Bautista awarded the plaque to vivo PH at The 2025 Boxies by UNBOX PH

Designed for users who prefer a smaller smartphone without compromise, the vivo X200 FE combines a 6.31-inch flat display with a slim, ergonomic build for comfortable one-handed use.

Despite its compact size, the vivo X200 FE delivers flagship-level performance with a 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera and a 6500mAh BlueVolt battery for all-day endurance.

Unbox PH highlighted this balance of size and performance, stating, “The vivo X200 FE is celebrated for packing flagship-level internals, including a high-end camera system and a powerful chipset into a smaller, more ergonomic form factor. It caters to users who want top-tier performance and premium build quality without the bulk of traditional oversized flagship devices.”

These awards reflect not only industry recognition but also the trust of everyday users. From redefining smartphone photography to reimagining what compact flagships can achieve, vivo X Series continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile technology.

The award-winning vivo X300 Pro and vivo X200 FE are currently available through vivo concept stores or online via the vivo e-store, Lazada, and Shopee.

Experience the award-winning X Series and see why it continues to set the standard for smartphone innovation.