Mang Inasal named 2025 Top Brand in PH by Influential Brands®

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Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, continues to solidify its leadership in the quick service restaurant (QSR) space after being recognized as the 2025 Top Brand in the Philippines under the QSR Grilled Category by Influential Brands®.

The prestigious recognition highlights Mang Inasal’s strong connection with Filipino consumers and its lasting influence on dining culture—especially in bringing grilled favorites to everyday meals and celebrations.

“We are truly honored for Mang Inasal to be recognized as the 2025 Top Brand for the QSR Grilled category. This recognition reflects the continued trust and love of our customers who have made Mang Inasal part of their everyday celebrations—from simple meals to meaningful moments shared with family and friends,” said Mike V. Castro, President of Mang Inasal.

He added that beyond being a brand milestone, the award is a testament to the dedication of Mang Inasal’s team members nationwide. “This award represents the passion and commitment of our team who work hard every day—despite evolving business challenges—to deliver the Ihaw-Sarap flavors and Unli-Saya dining experience that Filipinos have come to know and love.”

Looking ahead, Mang Inasal remains focused on expanding its reach while staying true to its roots. The brand is committed to bringing more delicious, affordable, and proudly Filipino meals to communities across the country, while continuing to innovate and elevate its offerings.

With an awardee portfolio of over 500 of Asia’s most influential companies, Influential Brands® presents the Top Influential Brand award annually to honor companies from countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and China among others, that have significantly shaped consumer preferences and industry benchmarks. The recognition is given to brands that demonstrate strong brand equity, innovation, and sustained customer engagement across a wide range of sectors, making it a meaningful benchmark of brand strength and influence.

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Quick Kitchen Wins for Busy Filipinos, Powered by LG NeoChef™

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For many busy Filipinos, cooking at home is something they want to do more often—but time does not always cooperate. Between work, errands, commutes, and everyday responsibilities, preparing meals can easily feel like one more thing squeezed into an already full day.

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• The LG NeoChef™ Smart Inverter Microwave Oven with Grill (MH6565DIS) is designed to support faster, easier, and more intuitive everyday cooking.
• Its Smart Inverter Magnetron supports precise temperature control for faster and more even cooking.
• The appliance also features Microwave Oven + Grill (Combination), Touch and Dial Control, EasyClean™, a Stable Turntable, and a White LED display.
• With a Black Smog Glass Finish and a 10-year warranty on magnetron parts, it is designed to fit naturally into modern kitchens and everyday routines.

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That is where smarter kitchen habits can make a difference. With features designed for faster, easier, and more intuitive everyday cooking, the LG NeoChef™ Smart Inverter Microwave Oven with Grill (MH6565DIS) helps make home meal preparation feel more manageable—even on busy weekdays.

Here are some time-saving kitchen tips that can help simplify everyday cooking:

1. Make the most of faster everyday cooking

When you get home tired and hungry, speed matters. The LG NeoChef™ Smart Inverter Microwave Oven features a Smart Inverter Magnetron, which offers precise temperature control for faster and more even cooking.

For busy households, this means less waiting and a more efficient way to get meals on the table.

2. Use microwave + grill for easy after-work meal upgrades

For quick after-work meals, using both microwave and grill functions can help make simple food feel a little more complete. LG NeoChef’s Microwave Oven + Grill (Combination) function combines microwave and grill cooking, making it useful for people who want meals that are both convenient and satisfying.

It is a practical option for nights when there is no time for a full cooking session, but there is still a desire for something warm and freshly prepared.

3. Simplify prep with intuitive controls

When time is tight, kitchen appliances should feel easy to use. The Touch and Dial Control of the LG NeoChef™ Smart Inverter Microwave Oven combines a one-body tempered glass design with a clean, modern control interface for a sleek and simple experience. It also features a White LED display, making settings easier to view while preparing meals.

For busy users, intuitive controls can help make everyday cooking feel less complicated.

4. Keep your microwave easier to manage between meals

The LG NeoChef™ Smart Inverter Microwave Oven is built with 99.99% Anti-Bacterial EasyClean™ coating, designed to help keep the inside of the microwave clean. For people using the microwave regularly throughout the week, this can make routine maintenance feel more manageable.

A cleaner microwave also helps support a smoother everyday cooking routine—especially in homes where the kitchen is in constant use.

5. Maximize cooking space with more stability

The LG NeoChef™ Smart Inverter Microwave Oven features a Stable Turntablewith a hexagonal-shaped turntable designed to provide more stable cooking space.

Combined with a 25-liter capacity, this gives users room for everyday meal prep and reheating while helping support steadier placement inside the unit.

For people juggling multiple tasks at home, that extra stability can make a difference in day-to-day use.

6. Make your kitchen routine feel brighter and easier

Cooking after sunset or preparing food early in the morning often means relying on good visibility. LG NeoChef’s LED White Lamp is three times brighter than conventional lighting, helping make the interior easier to see while cooking or reheating.

Small details like this can make a familiar routine feel more convenient, especially on packed weekdays.

7. Choose a kitchen appliance that fits everyday living

With its Black Smog Glass Finish, slim look, and practical features, the LG NeoChef™ Smart Inverter Microwave Oven with Grill (MH6565DIS) is designed to fit naturally into modern kitchens. Behind the design is a set of features meant to support real-life cooking needs: Smart Inverter, multi-functional cooking, Touch and Dial Control, and Microwave Oven + Grill (Combination).

It also comes with a 10-year warranty on magnetron parts, supporting long-term everyday use.

For busy Filipinos, smarter cooking is not always about doing more in the kitchen—it is about making everyday meals easier, faster, and more intuitive.

For more information on the LG NeoChef™ Smart Inverter Microwave Oven with Grill (MH6565DIS), visit the product page here: https://www.lg.com/ph/cooking-appliances/mh6565dis.

Thinking of Going Home This Summer? Here’s How to Make It More Manageable

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There’s something about summer that naturally makes you think of home. It’s in the longer days, the school breaks, the fiestas, and those familiar moments that feel best shared with family.

But let’s be honest, traveling home to the province isn’t as easy as it used to be. Rising costs and day-to-day expenses have turned what was once a simple “Uwi ako this weekend” into something that needs a bit more planning.

The good news is that going home is still possible. With the right preparation and a little help when you need it, those summer plans don’t have to stay as “sana.” They can turn into something you can actually look forward to. Because at the end of the day, going home isn’t about spending big. It’s about being there.

Making Essential Trips More Manageable

1. Start with a clear, realistic budget

Planning your trip early can make a big difference. List down your expected expenses, from transportation and meals to small extras, so you know exactly what to prepare for. If you're flying back home to visit the family, you don’t have to shoulder the ticket cost all at once. GGives lets you book your flights now and pay in lighter, split payments, so you can manage the cost more comfortably over time.

2.  Prepare for unexpected gastos

Even simple trips home can come with surprise costs like extra rides or pasalubong. Whether you’re heading home via bus or taking a ferry to the province, you can stay flexible by using GCredit to book your tickets via QR. You can travel now and pay later, with a limit of up to 50K. If you’re driving, you can also use GCredit via GBills to top up your RFID on the go, for an uninterrupted road trip.

3.  Space out your expenses when you can

Booking early, watching for seat sales, or planning ahead can help spread costs over time. And when timing matters, especially during peak travel seasons, GLoan offers instant cash access to give you the flexibility you need. Easily manage fares across different modes of transport as needed, and keep your journey moving without the stress

4.  Focus on what truly matters

A meaningful trip home doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes, it’s the simplest moments, like sharing meals, catching up, or just being present, that make it worthwhile. With the right support to help manage costs, you can focus less on the stress and more on the time spent together.

A Little Help Goes a Long Way

Sometimes, all it takes is the right kind of support to turn plans into reality, especially during summer when being home feels even more important.

● GLoan – Instant Cash for Your Travel: For moments that can’t wait, whether it’s a family gathering, a special occasion, or a much-needed visit, GLoan helps you secure your trip with quick access to funds.

● GCredit – Pay Later for Everyday Travel Expenses: From terminal fares to food along the way, GCredit lets you cover essential travel expenses instantly and pay later, helping reduce hassle when your GCash balance is running low.

● GGives – Split Payments for Heavier Travel Expenses: For bigger commitments like airfare, hotels, or planned trips, GGives lets you break payments into more manageable installments, helping you plan ahead without the pressure of paying everything upfront.

This summer, going home can still be something to look forward to. With a bit of planning and the right support, it becomes less about “Kung kaya ba?” and more about “Kailan ako uuwi?” Because sometimes, the journey home to the province is exactly what you need, and now it’s closer within reach.

So if it’s been on your mind, take it as a sign. Baka kaya na. Baka pwede na. And this time, going home can feel a little more within reach.

Bacolod City Modernizes Public Safety with Unified 911 Solution from PLDT Enterprise

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Bacolod City, Philippines — The City Government of Bacolod has formally partnered with PLDT Enterprise to deploy the Unified 911 system, with the city serving as the pilot site for the enhanced nationwide 911 platform powered by the Genesys cloud-based system.

PLDT Enterprise and the City Government of Bacolod formalize their partnership to deploy the Unified 911 solution, supporting enhanced public safety and emergency response systems. Atty. Marty Go, City Executive Secretary; Mae Agnes Legaspina, Relationship Manager Executive – NIR, PLDT Enterprise; Dr. Anna Marie Pornan, DRRMO Head; Hazel Amoyan, CRM Head – Visayas, PLDT Enterprise; Hon. Greg Gatasaya, City Mayor, Bacolod City; Sarah Jane Martin, Business Head – Western Visayas, PLDT Enterprise; and Edrian Robete, City MIS.

The partnership marks a significant step in Bacolod City’s ongoing digital transformation and smart city initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to modern, technology-enabled public safety systems.

“Through this partnership, we seek to empower and equip local government units with reliable and secure digital infrastructure, in order to protect, serve, and help save lives,” said Hazel Amoyan, Customer Relationship Management Head – Visayas, PLDT Enterprise. “With Bacolod City as the pilot site for the enhanced 911 platform powered by Genesys, we are supporting a more responsive and coordinated public safety system that aligns with the city’s smart governance vision.”

A Commitment to Supporting Smart and Resilient Local Governments

Bacolod City has been actively modernizing its services through smart city initiatives such as upgraded command centers, e-governance platforms, intelligent infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning.

The city’s objective is to become a future-ready, data-driven, and highly efficient smart city—enhancing public safety, streamlining government services, strengthening connectivity, and ensuring transparent and reliable delivery of public services.

The deployment of the Unified 911 system directly supports this vision.

Mayor Greg Gasataya of Bacolod City shared that PLDT Enterprise has been a reliable partner in modernizing the city’s emergency communications and strengthening fiber connectivity across government sites. “We thank the PLDT for going the extra mile to provide our requirements for this initiative. We value their continued support as Bacolod serves as the pilot city for the upgraded 911 platform.”

Addressing Fragmented Emergency Response Systems

As Bacolod City continues to strengthen its emergency response capabilities, the local government is prioritizing enhancements to existing systems. These aim at improving response times, streamlining coordination, and enabling more efficient and reliable public safety services.

Through its collaboration with PLDT Enterprise, Bacolod City implemented:

• A Unified 911 system for seamless and centralized emergency call handling
• A cloud-based Genesys contact center platform to support command and dispatch operations
• GPS tracking, video streaming, and integrated incident reporting capabilities
• iGate Premium and FiberBiz connectivity across 30 sites to ensure reliable and stable network infrastructure supporting emergency operation

The solution forms part of the national initiative to modernize and unify the Philippines’ 911 system, with Bacolod’s adoption aligned with the broader rollout strategy.

Enabling Faster and More Reliable Emergency Response

The upgraded 911 platform strengthens Bacolod City’s emergency response capabilities by enabling faster call handling, improved coordination among emergency units, reliable nationwide 911 connectivity, and a scalable cloud-based system designed to support evolving operational requirements.

By integrating secure connectivity and centralized dispatch capabilities, the city enhances its ability to respond efficiently to emergencies while reinforcing its broader smart city goals.

Through the Unified 911 deployment and strengthened connectivity infrastructure, the partnership between PLDT Enterprise and Bacolod City reinforces a shared vision of building safer, smarter, and more resilient communities.

To learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s solutions, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-bacolod-city-unified-911-pr.

vivo X300 Ultra unveils stunning portraits ahead of May 23 launch

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As excitement builds for its May 23 debut, vivo X300 Ultra offers a preview of its next-generation imaging power through exclusive portrait shots captured by the vivo Philippines team.

Taken by the vivo Philippines team, the images offer an early glimpse of what the flagship can do when its Triple ZEISS Master Prime Lenses meet a creative eye.

Portraits powered by Triple ZEISS Master Prime Lenses

At the core of these images is the camera system that makes them possible. The vivo X300 Ultra features three flagship imaging lenses, each built for a different visual style.

The 14mm ZEISS Ultra Wide-Angle Camera captures expansive scenes while preserving clarity edge to edge. With a large Sony LYTIA 818 sensor and ZEISS T* coating, it reduces glare and keeps colors accurate even under mixed lighting.

The 35mm ZEISS Documentary Camera handles natural portraits and storytelling shots. This focal length creates the familiar perspective often used in street photography and editorial work, making every frame feel more intimate and lifelike.

The 85mm ZEISS Gimbal-Grade Telephoto Camera brings the portrait magic seen in the sample photos. It compresses perspective beautifully, enhances facial details, and delivers soft, natural subject separation. Combined with 200MP resolution and gimbal-grade stabilization, it makes handheld portrait shooting look effortless.

Zoom beyond the ordinary

For creators who want to stretch farther, the X300 Ultra also supports two optical telephoto extenders.

The 200mm vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 expands reach for travel and candid subjects, while the 400mm vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra transforms the phone into a long-range imaging tool for concerts, sports, and distant scenes.

That means the X300 Ultra is not just aiming for better close-ups. It wants the skyline, the concert stage, and the face in the last row.

A flagship built for creators

The sample portraits reveal a clear direction for the X300 Ultra: it is designed for users who see photography as more than pressing a shutter.

From controlled highlights to natural background blur and striking low-light retention, the images suggest a camera tuned for creators who care about mood, composition, and realism.

With its official launch set for May 23 via vivo Philippines Facebook livestream, the vivo X300 Ultra is already proving one thing: some phones launch with promises, but this one is arriving with receipts.

Follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the official vivo website to stay updated.