A New Milestone: Parqal Officially Recognized as a DOT Tourism Recreation Center

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An aerial view of Parqal, a vibrant lifestyle and tourism destination in the heart of Aseana City.

As the Philippine tourism industry continues to gain global recognition, destinations that offer meaningful, accessible, and sustainable visitor experiences are becoming increasingly important. According to the latest World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact Report, the Philippines has emerged as one of ASEAN's strongest tourism economies – ranking first in tourism GDP at US$91.8 billion. This thriving sector supports roughly more than 11 million tourism-related jobs, highlighting its vital role in driving inclusive economic growth and community development.

Supporting this growth is Parqal in Aseana City, now officially accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a Tourism Recreation Center. This recognition underscores Parqal’s role in advancing DOT’s vision of developing quality tourism infrastructure and world-class visitor destinations across the country.

Designed as a vibrant mixed-used destination, Parqal offers diverse spaces for shopping, dining, fitness, leisure, and social interaction. More than a lifestyle destination, it strengthened Aseana City’s position as one of the country’s leading hubs for tourism, business, and urban living.

A Destination Built for Wellness and Recreation

 

Fitness enthusiasts embrace an active lifestyle at Parqal through community workouts and outdoor recreation.

At the heart of Parqal's appeal is its commitment to wellness, recreation, and active living. Visitors can enjoy expansive walkways, jogging paths, and bike-friendly routes that encourage movement, exploration, and meaningful connections within the community.

Parqal is also home to Bounce, an outdoor recreational hub featuring basketball courts, a football field, pickleball courts, and volleyball courts. These facilities support sports tourism and community wellness by hosting tournaments, fitness programs, fun runs, and recreational activities for people of all ages.

Championing Sustainable Urban Tourism

Cyclists navigate Parqal's dedicated bike lanes, highlighting the development's pedestrian-friendly

design and commitment to promoting active and sustainable lifestyles 

As travelers increasingly seek environmentally responsible destinations, Parqal distinguishes itself through sustainability-driven design.

The development features landscaped open spaces, pocket parks, and green corridors that create a pedestrian-friendly environment while enhancing the overall visitor experience. Its common areas are designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and cooling systems.

These thoughtful design elements reflect Parqal's commitment to responsible urban development while aligning with evolving tourism standards that prioritize environmental sustainability, accessibility, and quality of life.

A Hub for Community and Cultural Experiences

Parqal's open spaces come alive through community events and cultural

activities that bring people together and strengthen social connections.

Beyond recreation and leisure, Parqal serves as a vibrant venue for community engagement and cultural activities. Throughout the year, it hosts public events, seasonal celebrations, wellness activities, and family-friendly experiences that bring together residents, visitors, and local businesses.

These initiatives continue to strengthen Parqal’s identity as more than a lifestyle destination – it is a community-centered space where meaningful experiences and lasting connections are created.

The development also provides valuable opportunities for local entrepreneurs, retailers, and tourism-related businesses to reach a broader and more diverse audience contributing to local economic growth while supporting the continued expansion of the country’s tourism sector.

As Parqal celebrates this important milestone, it remains committed to creating experiences that bring people together and enrich everyday life. Through its seamless integration of recreation, sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement, Parqal continues to redefine what an urban destination can be – creating experiences that foster connection, well-being, and memorable moments for both visitors and the communities it serves.

Article Reference: Philippines Emerges as ASEAN’s Tourism Leader

ABOUT PARQAL

Parqal is a five-hectare mixed-use development by D.M. Wenceslao & Associates, Inc. in the heart of Aseana City. Inspired by the fusion of the words "park" and kalye (street), Parqal is designed as a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly destination where retail, dining, offices, wellness, and open public spaces come together in one seamlessly connected environment. By integrating accessibility, convenience, and thoughtfully curated experiences, Parqal fosters a dynamic community where people can live, work, dine, shop, and connect. Recognized for its innovative design and placemaking, Parqal continues to redefine modern urban living in the Philippines. To learn more, visit www.parqal.com.

ABOUT D.M. WENCESLAO & ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED

DMWAI is an integrated property developer with expertise in land reclamation, construction, and real estate development. It is the master developer and primary owner of Aseana City, a development project with a total land area of 107.5 hectares located along the coastal waters of Manila Bay. Since 1965, DMWAI has reclaimed more than 2.4 million square meters of land, leased or developed 250,000 square meters of land and buildings, and completed over 140 construction and infrastructure projects including large, complex government developments throughout the Philippines. For further information, visit dmwai.com or contact iro@dmwai.com.

Canon Launches Creator Camp and Campus Tour at Creator Experience Day

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Canon Philippines official launch two new initiatives, Canon Creator Camp and the Canon Campus Tour, both designed to support Filipino creators from passion to profession, as bringing together the country’s growing creator community for Creator Experience Day held on July 16, 2026 at Bigger Pictures, Mandaluyong City.

Built around the theme "One Canon. Many Stories," and gave an exclusive first look at the Canon Creator Camp and Canon Campus Tour, explore Canon's latest V Series cameras and Megatank printers.

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As a total imaging brand, Canon places two of its newest creator tools at the center of the experience. The Canon EOS R6 V, a hybrid camera built for content creation, features a 32.5-megapixel sensor, open-gate recording, and active cooling for longer shoots. The Canon PIXMA MegaTank printers deliver versatile printing with ink- and paper-saving technology, wireless printing, smart app connectivity, and touchscreen displays, making them well suited to schools, homes, studios, and offices. Both are open for guests to try firsthand across the event’s experience zones.

The event also introduces two programs that carry Canon’s support beyond a single day. The Canon Campus Tour brings the brand’s creator tools, hands-on product experiences, and learning sessions directly to schools and campuses across the country, giving students and aspiring creators the chance to explore Canon gear closer to home. Canon Creator Camp complements it with community-driven sessions that help creators sharpen their craft and grow their creative pursuits.

Bringing these tools to life, a panel of four Filipino creators shares how Canon fits into their work. Creators and filmmakers Karl Patacsil and Magic Liwanag explore the capabilities of the Canon EOS R6 V and the craft of visual storytelling, while host and educator Nicole Shane Gonzales and digital illustrator James ‘Squeegool’ Claridades share how the Canon PIXMA MegaTank printers support their creative and everyday output. Alongside the talks, fireside discussions, interactive zones, networking, and raffle prizes give the community more ways to connect, create, and share their work across photo, video, and print.

Creator Experience Day marks one chapter in a larger story. Canon continues to roll out more creator activations that empower Filipino creatives, students, and storytellers nationwide, bringing its tools and community closer to everyone with a story to tell.

For more information on Canon’s latest initiatives and imaging solutions, visit https://ph.canon or download the Canon PH Delightful app.

Mio & Sons Opens at The Manila Hotel, Bringing Fine Art and Antiques to the Grand Dame

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Patrons of The Manila Hotel now have another reason to visit the historic hotel with the opening of Mio & Sons, a boutique specializing in selling fine art and antiques that brings a refined cultural and lifestyle experience.

Located at the lobby level beside the Champagne Room, the boutique showcases a carefully curated collection of paintings, decorative items, high-end jewelry, and rare collectibles. Among its highlights are porcelain pieces discovered in the Philippines, alongside artworks personally selected by owner Benjamin C. Yap, offering collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire distinctive pieces with history, character, and enduring value.

Owned by jewelry designer, arts and antiques dealer Benjamin C. Yap, Mio & Sons reflects his lifelong appreciation for fine art, heritage, and craftsmanship. Benjamin C. Yap is also a respected businessman and philanthropist who serves as Chairman of the House of Refuge Foundation and sits on the boards of several Philippine corporations, including The Manila Hotel, Manila Prince Hotel, Manila Bulletin, Centro Escolar University, and Philtrust Bank, among others.

“The Manila Hotel has been long a symbol of Philippine history and culture, making it the perfect home of Mio & Sons,” said Benjamin C. Yap. “We envisioned a space where guests, collectors, and art enthusiasts can discover exceptional pieces, from fine art and antique porcelain to timeless collectibles, and appreciate the stories and craftsmanship behind each one for years to come.”

The opening of Mio & Sons complements The Manila Hotel’s longstanding commitment to celebrating Filipino heritage and providing guests with experiences that extend beyond hospitality. The boutique offers a unique stop for visitors looking to discover fine art, antiques, and high-end collectible pieces while exploring one of the country’s most celebrated heritage landmarks.

Mio & Sons is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at the lobby level of The Manila Hotel.

For more information, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email info@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.

Aerospace Engineering in Your Pocket: Why the OPPO Find N6 is the World's Most Durable Foldable

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Foldable smartphones have come a long way in recent years. While users once questioned their durability and reliability, today's innovations have transformed foldables into everyday productivity companions that are built to last.

Leading this evolution is the OPPO Find N6, a foldable smartphone engineered to withstand the demands of modern life without compromising on design, performance, or portability. Built around OPPO's Armour Shield Architecture, the Find N6 combines aerospace-inspired engineering, industry-leading durability, and flagship innovations to prove that foldables can be just as dependable as they are sophisticated.

Engineered to Go Further

At the heart of the OPPO Find N6 is its Armour Shield Architecture, an advanced structural design that reinforces the device using premium materials while maintaining an ultra-slim profile.

Despite its refined form factor and the industry's thinnest bezels on a book-style foldable, the OPPO Find N6 is designed to withstand the realities of everyday use. Whether it's navigating unpredictable weather, working outdoors, or simply enduring the wear and tear of daily commutes, the device delivers durability without sacrificing elegance.

Setting a new benchmark for foldable smartphones, the OPPO Find N6 carries IP56, IP58, and IP59 ratings, allowing it to withstand dust, water immersion, and even high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. From unexpected downpours to accidental spills and more demanding environments, users can stay productive with confidence knowing their device is built to handle more than everyday challenges.

A Foldable Built for the Long Run

A foldable is only as reliable as its hinge, and OPPO has reimagined this critical component with the 2nd-Generation Titanium Flexion Hinge.

Manufactured using aerospace-grade titanium alloy, the hinge delivers greater strength while remaining remarkably lightweight. Together with Auto-Smoothing Flex Glass, it enables the industry's first Zero-Feel Crease, creating a display that feels smooth and immersive whether you're reviewing reports, reading documents, editing presentations, or watching videos.

The hinge is also certified to withstand one million folds, demonstrating the Find N6's ability to support years of daily opening and closing without compromising performance. It's an engineering milestone that reinforces the device's position as one of the most dependable foldables available today.

Slim, Lightweight, Yet Surprisingly Tough

Durability doesn't have to come at the expense of portability.

The OPPO Find N6 pairs its robust construction with an ultra-slim design, making it comfortable to carry from the boardroom to the airport. Folded, it slips easily into a pocket or bag. Opened, it transforms into an expansive workspace that supports everything from multitasking to content consumption.

Its Snap Key provides instant access to frequently used tools and shortcuts, helping users navigate busy schedules more efficiently without interrupting their workflow.

Reliability That Extends Beyond the Hardware

The OPPO Find N6 is designed not only to survive demanding environments but also to keep up with demanding workloads.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, the device delivers smooth performance across multitasking, productivity apps, video conferencing, and content editing. Whether managing multiple projects or switching between work and entertainment, users can expect fast, responsive performance throughout the day.

Complementing this is the 6000mAh OPPO Silicon-Carbon Battery, which provides reliable all-day power for professionals who spend long hours away from a charger. Combined with OPPO's fast-charging technology, the Find N6 minimizes downtime so users can focus on what matters most.

Built for Work, Ready for Creativity

Durability is only valuable when paired with capability.

The Find N6's expansive foldable display unlocks desktop-like productivity through Free-Flow Window, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously and move seamlessly between tasks. Reviewing presentations while responding to emails, taking notes during virtual meetings, or organizing travel plans all become more intuitive on the larger display.

Meanwhile, Cross-Ecosystem Connect enables users to transfer files, photos, presentations, and documents effortlessly between OPPO and Apple devices, helping professionals maintain uninterrupted workflows across multiple platforms.

Beyond productivity, the OPPO Find N6 is also equipped for creativity. Its 200MP Hasselblad Ultra-Clear Camera, enhanced by the LUMO Image Engine and True Color Camera, captures professional-quality images with natural color reproduction and impressive detail. Whether documenting site visits, capturing campaign assets, or preserving travel memories, the camera delivers results that are as dependable as the rest of the device.

Raising the Bar for Foldable Smartphones

The OPPO Find N6 demonstrates that durability and premium design no longer have to exist at opposite ends of the spectrum.

By combining Armour Shield Architecture, industry-leading water and dust resistance, a titanium hinge certified for one million folds, flagship performance, intelligent productivity features, and professional imaging capabilities, the Find N6 sets a new benchmark for what users should expect from a foldable smartphone.

For professionals who need a device that can keep pace with their ambitions, the OPPO Find N6 proves that the future of foldables isn't just more innovative. It's stronger, smarter, and more reliable than ever before.

The OPPO Find N6 is priced at PHP 139,999. Customers can also enjoy exclusive offers and freebies available for a limited time. Globe subscribers can avail of the Find N6 through GPlan 2499 with PHP 73,600 cashout, while Smart users can purchase the device under Smart Infinity Plan 5000, with exclusive benefits.

To know more about the OPPO Find Series, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

From adversity to action: Get to know the Pinoy changemakers honored at CIMB Advancing Societies 2026

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Many people want to make a difference, but only a few choose to turn that desire into action. For two social advocates in the Philippines, however, helping others became more than an aspiration – it became a lifelong mission shaped by their own experiences.

(Left to right) CIMB Bank Philippines Head of Marketing Communications Nikki Constantino, Empower and Transform Founder Salve Ibañez, and Promoting Awareness and Victors Empowerment Founder Phoebe Fructuoso.

Their stories were recently honored at the first-ever CIMB Advancing Societies 2026 program, an initiative that recognized individuals and organizations across Southeast Asia that are making a positive and lasting difference in their communities. CIMB believes that meaningful progress is also measured by the strength of the communities it serves, which is why these two organizations truly bring to life the Group’s commitment to Advancing Customers and Society.

This year, two Pinoy organizations were recognized: Empower and Transform, founded by financial literacy champion Salve Ibañez, and Promoting Awareness and Victors Empowerment (PAVE) Philippines, led by Phoebe Fructuoso, a gender-based violence survivor advocate.

Though their advocacies may differ, both women share a common belief: that no one should be defined or limited by the circumstances they were born into or the hardships they endured.

Empower and Transform: Advancing financial inclusion through education

For Ibañez, inspiration came early in life. Growing up in a small town in Bicol, she was supported by her single mother who worked hard to stretch a public school teacher’s meager salary to make ends meet and provide for her five children. She and her siblings were taught by their mother not to let their financial situation prevent them from pursuing a good education and career. From then on, she worked tirelessly to become a prominent figure in the Philippine financial literacy industry and established EAT.

Through EAT, Filipinos of all income levels both here and abroad are provided access to financial education and affordable financial advisory. EAT has also partnered with CIMB Bank PH in the past for a community outreach event and free financial literacy webinar as part of the Bank’s corporate social responsibility efforts. Their advocacy to help ordinary Filipinos handle their money better earned them a nod in the Education and Financial Inclusion category.

PAVE Philippines: Empowering survivors of sexual violence

For Fructuoso, the conviction grew from a dark chapter in her life. As a gang rape survivor, she chose not to let her story end in silence. Instead, she turned her painful experience into a platform for healing, education, and advocacy, helping other survivors find their voices while challenging rape culture and raising awareness about gender-based violence through PAVE Philippines.

Fructuoso has become a beacon of hope and resilience, transforming personal trauma into a powerful force for social change. Her story also inspired many when she became one of the winners of CIMB Bank PH’s inaugural Pinoy Mavericks Awards back in 2024. Through the organization’s inspiring efforts, PAVE Philippines was honored under the Social Inclusion and Equity category.

Turning adversity into action

Their journeys demonstrate that meaningful social change often begins with deep personal experiences. Rather than allowing hardship to define them, both women chose to let it shape the way they uplift others, creating a ripple effect that aids in strengthening communities.

Through the positive impact they bring to the communities they serve, PAVE Philippines and EAT both embody what the CIMB Advancing Societies program aims to honor and celebrate. Anchored in CIMB’s core purpose of advancing customers and society, CIMB Advancing Societies is a manifestation of CIMB Group’s commitment to empowering individuals and communities across ASEAN to continue moving forward in their lives and enable them to achieve their ambitions.