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Manila, Philippines – Filipino beauty brand Sugar Dolls Inc. PH, in partnership with the Shunammite Ministry Group and JHOW Christian Church, organized a gift-giving drive for more than 300 children from underprivileged communities in San Mateo, Rizal. Guided by the brand’s philosophy of using beauty as a powerful way to give back, the initiative aims the make the kids feel seen, valued, and celebrated during the holiday season.

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition alumna Ashley Ortega also took part in the gift-giving activity despite her busy schedule. She was joined by fellow celebrities and online influencers Ralph Malibunas, Jan Silva, Mark Cruz, Kate Jalipa, Juliana Villafuerte, Neron Mendiola, and RJ Perkins, who spent time with the children and distributed gifts.

The afternoon program opened with live performances and a clown show that hyped the basketball court with laughter and anticipation. During the gift distribution, smiles spread across every child’s face as more than 760 loot bags and gifts were handed out, along with 300 packed meals.

The event was led by Ms. Chardy Baldoza a.k.a. Cha Canicosa, the event organizer and Marketing Director, in collaboration with Sugar Dolls Inc. PH. The initiative was made possible through the support of the Core Management Team, Ana Lusong, Hazelyn Perez, Carlo Villanueva, Pastor Vhern, and Ms. LA Marquez, whose collective efforts guaranteed the program’s success.

As expected, the charity drive reflected Sugar Dolls’ vision of using beauty as a force for good. By spreading love, joy, and care, especially to children, the brand is committed to strengthen its community ties and inspire kindness beyond the holiday season. As the celebration concluded, what remained was a shared sense of compassion and connection: a reminder that the most beautiful impact is created when a brand chooses to give back.

Last year, Maya, the #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform in the Philippines, changed how people looked at saving, literally. With the world’s first ever Savings Calendar featuring Julia Barretto, Maya turned daily interest earnings into something you could see, track, and feel motivated by.

Now, it’s back, and this time, it’s bigger, bolder, and built for every kind of saver.

Introducing Maya’s 2026 Savings Calendar, featuring three of the country’s biggest stars—Julia Barretto, Maris Racal, and Jericho Rosales—each with their own dedicated calendar layout and striking visual identity. Whether you’re inspired by intention, ambition, or living fully in the moment, there’s a calendar that matches your saving style.

Three Stars. Different Ways to Stay Motivated
With Maya’s 2026 Savings Calendar, you can watch your money grow every day as daily interest builds your balance. No complicated math. Just the confidence of knowing your money is working for you, day after day, month after month.

For Jericho Rosales, saving is about experiences. “You can never bring back time,” he shares. “I make it a point to save for exciting things that I’ll always treasure.” For him, saving isn’t about holding back. It’s about being able to say yes to travel, good food, and moments worth remembering.

Julia Barretto represents the thoughtful planner. She believes in thinking purchases through and making sure money never sits idle. “I plan ahead so I can reach my goals and feel financially secure,” she says. The motivation comes from seeing steady progress and knowing each day brings her closer to what she’s building.

Then there’s Maris Racal, the goal-driven saver. From new spaces to new ventures, her savings journey is fueled by ambition and inspiration. “I feel happy and motivated because it’s so easy to see my money grow every day,” she says. That daily visibility turns saving into something intentional, not limiting.

Different priorities, different mindsets, same realization: saving feels better when you can actually see it working.

Why Seeing Your Money Grow Changes Everything
There’s power in visibility. When growth is something you can actually see, saving stops feeling abstract and starts feeling personal.

With up to 15% per annum credited daily, Maya Savings makes progress feel real. No waiting, no guesswork. Just small wins adding up.

Maya also offers tools that make saving feel structured without feeling restrictive. With Maya Personal Goals, you can create up to five goals, whether it’s travel, gadgets, emergency funds, or celebrations, and earn 4% p.a. right away, with the potential to grow your rate up to 8% p.a. There are no lock-ups or penalties. For longer-term commitments, Time Deposit Plus lets you lock in your savings for 3, 6, or 12 months with rates of up to 6% p.a.

It’s not about having a perfect system. It’s about starting, staying consistent, and feeling encouraged along the way. Because once you get used to seeing your money grow every day, saving stops feeling like something you should do. It becomes something you actually want to keep doing.

And just like Echo, Julia, and Maris, no matter what you’re saving for, whether it’s experiences, long-term security, or big personal goals, the point is the same: saving works best when it fits your life and lets you see your progress as it happens.

Get your hands on Maya’s 2026 Savings Calendar once it drops! Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

Latest Swift AI series of thin-and-light laptops showcases sleek new designs, advanced features, and next-generation AI performance

Summary

• The Acer Swift 16 AI is powered by up to Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3 processors with built-in Intel Arc graphics and upgraded hardware features – featuring the world’s largest haptic touchpad, up to 120 Hz 3K OLED touch displays, and larger keys with per-key backlighting in a sleek 14.9 mm thin chassis.
• Weighing as light as under 1 kg yet with military-grade durability, the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI and Swift Edge 16 AI are powered by up to Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processors and offer up to 3K OLED touch displays and Acer Multi-Control Touchpads for intuitive media and conferencing control. 
• The versatile and performance-driven Acer Swift Go 14 AI and Swift Go 16 AI provide high value in the premium thin and light segment with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, OLED displays, and AI-enhanced features for everyday productivity.
• All models enable unique Copilot+ PC experiences on Windows 11 and are complemented with a full suite of Acer’s AI tools for enhanced productivity, creativity, and utility.

Acer today introduced its latest Swift AI laptop portfolio, a new generation of Copilot+ PCs on Windows 11 designed to deliver powerful on-device AI capabilities for creators, on-the-go-professionals, and tech-savvy users. The new lineup includes the Swift 16 AI, along with the Swift Edge AI, weighing as light as under 1 kg, and the versatile thin-and-light Swift Go AI in 14- and 16-inch variants. 

Each model in the Swift AI series is purpose-built with cutting-edge hardware and complemented with Acer’s suite of proprietary AI features. These include productivity enhancements like Acer PurifiedVoice, PurifiedView, and User Sensing, while additional tools for AI-enhanced creativity and entertainment can be downloaded via the Acer Intelligence Space hub. The customizable Acer My Key is a programmable hotkey for launching apps, websites, and Windows 11 features with a single press, providing additional convenience.

Acer Swift 16 AI – Premium Performance Meets Precision Design

The Acer Swift 16 AI (SF16-71T) is Acer’s latest flagship AI laptop, crafted from aluminum for users who demand premium performance and refined design. Powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor with built-in Intel Arc B390 graphics, it is the perfect choice for digital creators to handle computing intensive tasks and large files.

At its center sits the world’s largest haptic touchpad (16:10 aspect ratio, 175.5 mm X 109.7 mm), which supports up to MPP 2.5 stylus input. As a result, the Acer Swift 16 AI gives creators the ability to interact with AI creativity tools by sketching, animating, modeling, and editing directly on the touchpad. It provides precise, satisfying feedback and enhanced durability with less moving parts, and a Corning® Gorilla Glass cover offers sleek protection.  

Its VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 500 certified 16-inch 3K OLED WQXGA+ touch display with elegant edge-to-edge glass features a 120 Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut to deliver smooth, vivid visuals with accuracy. Audio is powered by dual DTS®:X Ultra speakers with anti-vibration technology, ensuring clear, immersive sound. The FHD IR camera supports secure facial login via Windows Hello.

The Acer Swift 16 AI features a full suite of ports and connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 or above, dual Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C ports, USB Type-A, HDMI 2.1, and a MicroSD slot. 

Acer Swift Edge AI – Light, Durable, and Capable

The Acer Swift Edge 14 AI (SFE14-I51/T) and Acer Swift Edge 16 AI (SFE16-I51/T) combine striking thin and lightweight designs with MIL-STD 810H U.S. military-grade durability, making them great options for mobile professionals who need ultra-portable devices that do not compromise on performance and battery life. Built with a stainless steel-magnesium alloy chassis, the Swift Edge 14 AI weighs under 1 kg and measures just 13.95 mm, making it one of the lightest AI laptops in its class. 

Both are powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 386H with built-in Intel Graphics, with support for up to 32 GB of LPDDR5x memory and up to 1 TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, ensuring smooth performance and multi-day battery life. 

The models feature up to 3K WQXGA+ OLED touch displays with 120 Hz refresh rates and vibrant color reproduction for immersive visual work and entertainment viewing. The inclusion of Acer’s latest multi-control touchpads allows users to seamlessly manage media, presentations, and conferencing tools. Bulit-in FHD IR cameras with Human Presence Detection enhance security and convenience, while dual DTS:X Ultra speakers with anti-vibration technology produce clear-cut audio. The teleconferencing experience is further enhanced by Acer’s PurifiedVoice technology through AI-aided noise cancelation. The Swift Edge AI models also support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 and come with vital ports including Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C, Type-A, and HDMI 2.1. 

Acer Swift Go 14/16 AI – Everyday Versatile AI Performer 

For users who need a balance of performance, portability, and value, the new Acer Swift Go 14 AI (SFG14-I71/T) and Acer Swift Go 16 AI (SFG16-I71/T) offer appealing options with premium features. They are equipped with up to an Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor with built-in Intel Arc B390 graphics and backed by up to 32 GB of LPDDR5x memory and up to 1 TB of M.2 SSD storage. 

These two Swift Go AI models feature a sleek laser-etched aluminum chassis and ultra-thin designs that open a full 180 degrees. Display options include 2K WUXGA and 3K WQXGA+ OLED touch panels, with wide color gamut support and smooth refresh rates. Their 5M IR cameras with High Dynamic Range and Human Presence Detection Technology enhance video calls and privacy, while dual DTS:X Ultra speakers with anti-vibration technology and Acer Multi-control touchpads round out their user-centric features. Fast connection speeds are ensured thanks to Wi-Fi 7 and up to Bluetooth 6.0, while an array of I/O ports, including dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB Type-A ports, and HDMI 2.1, provide convenient data transfer. 

As Copilot+ PCs on Windows 11, the Swift AI lineup delivers AI experiences designed to boost productivity and creativity. Powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, these devices unlock unique Copilot+ PC features like Click to Do, enabling quick, context-aware actions based on what’s on your screen – whether it’s text or images – so tasks can be accomplished faster. Beyond these unique experiences, users get the full breadth of Windows 11 intelligence through Copilot on Windows, a personal AI companion. Copilot Voice enables natural, hands-free interaction through advanced speech recognition while Copilot Vision when opted in provides contextual insights by understanding your active applications and screen content, enabling voice-driven navigation and interaction.

Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications, and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

Specifications

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs nearly 12,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

© 2026 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.

The Municipality of San Juan in La Union, in partnership with GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, is rolling out a digital Fund Disbursement Service and issuing free GCash Visa Cards to ensure faster, safer, and more timely delivery of financial assistance—particularly as the community prepares for the increased financial needs of the holiday season.

For years, beneficiaries in San Juan have relied on manual payout processes that required long queues and in-person verification at crowded disbursement venues, often causing delays during peak periods such as year-end.

San Juan, La Union Mayor Mariquita P. Ortega underscored how the initiative strengthens the LGU’s commitment to efficient public service delivery. “The Municipality of San Juan is committed to modernizing the way we deliver public service, and this initiative with GCash is a major step toward faster and more transparent financial assistance distribution,” she said. “By adopting digital disbursement, we are reducing long queues, eliminating risks associated with manual cash handling, and ensuring that every eligible citizen receives support quickly and securely.”

With GCash as its digital partner, the LGU is now shifting to a streamlined distribution model that reduces wait times and physical movement for both residents and LGU staff. Through the GCash Fund Disbursement Service, financial assistance can be released digitally, allowing beneficiaries to receive support more quickly and with fewer steps using the free GCash Visa Card. The card also enables residents without mobile data, or bank accounts to securely access their aid—making the system especially beneficial during the busy holiday period.

From a tourism and long-term development perspective, Sangguniang Bayan member Mitos Magsaysay, chairman of the Tourism Committee, highlighted how digital payments support both residents and visitors during peak travel months. “As the surfing capital of Northern Luzon, San Juan welcomes both local and international tourists, and digital payment options like GCash make their experience more seamless,” Magsaysay said. “Beyond convenience, this initiative helps improve digital financial literacy among our residents as we prepare for a more technology-driven future and work toward becoming a world-class municipality.”

Emphasizing the partnership as a broader strategy to make public service delivery more inclusive and efficient, GCash vice president and head for public sector Cleo Celeste Santos said, “By providing free GCash Visa Cards and conducting financial literacy sessions, we aim to empower communities with stronger financial tools and knowledge—helping families better manage their finances during the holiday season and beyond.”

GCash assistant vice president for public sector pre-sales Nikki Serquiña added that the initiative also responds to San Juan’s need for reliable and timely financial access. “San Juan, La Union frequently faces strong typhoons, making fast and dependable financial assistance crucial. Through this partnership, residents can receive support quickly, safely, and without unnecessary delays—even during challenging times.”

Residents who have experienced the new system shared how it will make a difference in their daily lives. One beneficiary said, “The GCash Visa Card has been a huge help because we can now receive financial assistance faster, even if we don’t have time to go to the municipal office. From the financial literacy session, I learned how to better manage my budget and use the GCash card for safer transactions better than cash, especially this Christmas and New Year.”

This partnership program aims to benefit key sectors in LGU San Juan – from public and private employees, to vendors and business operators, transport groups, students, and farmers. Through this collaboration, GCash supports San Juan’s transition from manual processes to a more efficient and citizen-centered digital system—helping ensure that financial assistance reaches residents on time, when it matters most.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

MANILA, Philippines, 07 January 2025 — Grab Philippines honored the country’s top-performing restaurants and retailers at the Golden Grab Awards 2025, recognizing merchants that have set the “Gold Standard” in an increasingly integrated online-to-offline economy.

Top honors for the night went to homegrown milk tea giant Serenitea, which was named GrabFood Merchant of the Year for National Brands, alongside JT’s Manukan Grille, which secured the title for Nationwide Chains, and Oh Mango, which took home the award for Citywide Merchants in Metro Manila.

GrabFood Merchant of the Year for Citywide Merchants in Metro Manila: Oh Mango!

The awards ceremony, attended by hundreds of Grab merchant-partners from across the Philippines, highlighted the evolution of the superapp from an on-demand delivery service into a broader ecosystem that drives growth across both digital and physical storefronts.

This shared trajectory of growth was highlighted by EJ dela Vega, Grab Philippines Head of Deliveries and Chief Commercial Officer, who emphasized the platform’s role as an active, dedicated ally of merchant-partners as they vie for business growth.

“We know that trust is earned day by day, order by order. And the only way we can repay that trust is by remaining steadfast in our commitment to be the unwavering force behind the growth ambition of our merchant-partners,” Dela Vega shared during the Golden Grab Awards night. “Our pledge is simple: to be the partner that ensures when you dream big, you have the tools and the commercial business to achieve it”

GrabFood Merchant of the Year for Nationwide Chains: JT’s Manukan

A defining standard of excellence
The ceremony underscored the importance of consistency and quality across the board.

In the category of GrabFood Quality, Caramia Cakes & Gelato was honored as the Best Rated National Brand, while 24 Chicken was awarded Most Reliable National Brand for its operational efficiency. For GrabMart, Ever Supermarket and Cion’s Meat Shop were recognized as the Most Reliable merchants, ensuring consistent product availability and exceptional customer experience.

The awards also highlighted the “5-Star Eats” winners — top-performing city and community merchants maintaining the highest ratings. The roster included local favorites Mylene’s Ensaymada and Banana Cake, Paya Street Coffee, Quarantea, and CBS Kitchen.

Retail growth leaders were acknowledged as “Category Captains” for GrabMart, with Pet Express (Pets), Watsons (Pharmacies), and Robinsons Supermarket (Supermarkets) recognized as top sales performers setting the standard for excellence.

Innovation in marketing was also a key focus. Southstar Drug and Davao Central Convenience Store were named Adoption Leaders for effectively maximizing Grab Marketing Solutions. Meanwhile, McDonald’s was awarded the Data-Driven Impact Trailblazer for its precision campaigns, and Chowking took home the Loyalty Innovation Trailblazer award.

Setting the Gold Standard forward
The event also spotlighted the industry’s shift toward “hybrid” dining. JT’s Manukan Grille, Zhenbao Hotpot, and Feta Mediterranean were recognized as Best Dine-Out Merchants for maximizing deals to drive foot traffic.

Greg Camacho, Director for Off-Platform Solutions, emphasized that the future lies in ensuring a gold-standard experience for consumers – whether in-app or in physical stores. “Together, we are changing what it means to be a Grab merchant. Together, we are redefining what it means to be an omnichannel enterprise that’s fully capable of growing sales through both online and offline channels. Together, we are rewriting the playbook on how to win in an ever-evolving F&B industry.”

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MANILA, Philippines – The freelance life comes with a lot of freedom – working your own hours, choosing your clients, setting your own pace. But behind that freedom are the financial responsibilities that many people don’t talk about. Suddenly, you’re not just a virtual assistant or social media manager. You’re also your own accountant, tax filer, insurance planner, and many more all at once.

Many freelancers quickly discover that financial literacy is a non-negotiable part of the freelancing life. As long-timers in the game, April Villacin, Lyle Tanciano, Lyn Cepillo, and Coach Abby Maravilla know that managing their finances is important to stay stable through the unpredictable world of freelance work. Here are their three tips for mastering the balancing act of growing their careers as professional freelancers and managing their finances.

1. Track your cash flow and set up a system
   Knowing how much you will be earning and spending each month is especially important for freelancers who are typically paid per project or contract. Because freelance income is irregular, cash flow monitoring is a lifeline.

One of the simplest ways to add structure to your finances is by separating your money into different accounts: for taxes, savings, personal spending, and business-related expenses like software, monthly subscriptions, and new equipment. It’s also important to list down your expected expenses each month, such as for utilities, phone bills, water, and housing.

According to April Villacin, who has been a professional virtual assistant for 8 years, many freelancers overlook the importance of a good cash flow strategy. “In freelancing, you need good skills and good clients, but you also need a good cash flow system to make sure that you’re running your business sustainably,” she says.

Staying on top of your cash flow prepares you for slow months or the moments when a client unexpectedly pauses a project. It’s a safety net that helps you make decisions confidently. So, try out this simple habit: set aside at least one day a week to update your financial records to prevent surprises and reduce money-related stress.

2. Get your payments in order—fast, secure, and on time
   A strong client base means very little if payments arrive late. This is something freelancing coach Abby Maravilla sees all too often among the freelancers she mentors each day.

For those working with international clients, there are several unavoidable delays with payments, but one area where it often occurs is when withdrawing to your local e-wallets or bank accounts.

“That’s why choosing the right payment method matters. You want something that charges minimal fees, processes payments quickly, and doesn’t leave you guessing when your money will arrive. Payment delays directly impact essentials like rent, utilities, groceries, and savings – so reliability is a must,” Abby explains.

“Bills don’t wait for days, so it’s important to have a platform that gives us access to our money as soon as possible,” adds Lyn Cepillo, who has been a social media manager since January 2021.

This is where GCash is most reliable. GCash now offers improved cash-in support for USD payments through its partnerships with Payoneer and PayPal, giving freelancers faster and easier ways to get paid. Freelancers paid via Payoneer can withdraw directly to GCash for free, with no minimum or maximum amount. Meanwhile, PayPal users now enjoy significantly lower fees, capped at only PHP 200 for 1% charges, with funds arriving in real time. This means more earnings stay with freelancers.

3. Use tools that simplify financial management
   As freelancers’ workload grows, handling payments becomes more complex. This is why tools that remove friction are invaluable.

“There are many platforms out there, but for me, GCash is the clear choice, because it’s an all-in-one app,” says Lyle Tanciano.

Beyond payments, GCash helps freelancers with their financial routines, with instant cash-ins and seamless bill payments to savings features and many more. The less time you spend worrying about money, the more time you can spend doing well at work.

Whether you’re freelancing full-time or running a passion project on the side, managing your finances is about progress not perfection. It’s the small habits like tracking your cash flow, staying on top of payments, and using smart tools – like GCash – that help you build a system that works for you, even on the most unpredictable days. Download GCash today and get more out of every payday.

Jollibee, the Philippines’ no. 1 fastfood chain, has brought back Mix & Match, giving customers new ways to enjoy its best-tasting favorites in a single meal. Starting at ₱78, diners can pair popular mains and sides, showing how the brand’s Best sa Sarap items are meant to be enjoyed together.
 
With the return of Mix&Match, Jollibee puts the spotlight back on the taste of its core products while giving customers the freedom to enjoy them their way. By bringing together popular mains and sides in one offering, the brand aims to make it easier for customers to enjoy their Best sa Sarap favorites in combinations they prefer.
 
“Mix&Match is all about bringing people together over the Jollibee favorites they love,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “It lets everyone enjoy our best-tasting products in a way that feels personal, letting them choose the combinations that make their meal the perfect match.”
 
Under Mix & Match, customers select one main and one side. Main options priced at ₱78 include the Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti, and 1-piece Burger Steak, while ₱88 mains include the Cheesy Yumburger, Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, and Jolly Hotdog. Side choices include Soda Float, Peach Mango Pie, Choco Sundae, Jolly Crispy Fries, and the newly introduced Iced Mocha.
 

This 2026, Jollibee Mix&Match is endorsed by the Nation’s Girl Group BINI, whose strong group dynamic reflects the spirit of the offering. Each member brings her own personality, and together they show how different favorites can come together to create a more enjoyable experience.
 
“BINI reflects what Mix&Match stands for,” Ching added. “Just like with food, life is better when everything you love comes together. Kahit anong piliin mo, masarap. Kahit sinong kasama mo, mas masaya!”

Watch the latest ad here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/870310422408342
 
Fans are encouraged to share their favorite Mix&Match combinations online, turning everyday meals into moments of connection. With the message “Maraming match. At lahat, Best sa Sarap,” Jollibee Mix&Match underscores the joy of choice and the pleasure of enjoying great-tasting food together.
 
Jollibee Mix & Match is available nationwide for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru.
 
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!
 

Manila, Philippines — Global home appliance brand Haier welcomed the new year by bringing the spirit of world-class football to Filipino audiences, as a New Year television commercial featuring stars of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was showcased on a prominent EDSA billboard in Metro Manila.   

The local activation forms part of Haier’s global campaign with PSG, which saw landmark outdoor screens light up across major cities worldwide on December 31, 2025. The campaign highlights the shared values of excellence, innovation, and leadership that define both Haier and one of football’s most successful clubs.

Haier became an Official Partner of Paris Saint-Germain in September 2025 through a multi-year agreement running until 2028. The partnership aims to integrate football passion into everyday life by connecting PSG’s champion mindset with Haier’s smart home technologies and user-centric innovations.

The New Year TVC, now visible to thousands of daily commuters along EDSA, features PSG players delivering a festive greeting while reinforcing a champion spirit that resonates with Filipino fans, as global football continues to grow in popularity in the Philippines.

Driven by the same pursuit of excellence seen on the pitch, Haier designs its products around people—powered by technology and proven in daily use. This philosophy is supported by Haier’s global localization strategy, ensuring solutions are tailored to the needs and lifestyles of consumers in different markets, including the Philippines.

Through high-impact outdoor placements, digital campaigns, and global sports partnerships, Haier continues to strengthen emotional connections with consumers worldwide. As 2026 begins, Haier remains committed to delivering champion experiences through innovation, technology, and shared values—bringing global inspiration closer to Filipino homes.

Building on its presence in the Philippines, Haier’s New Year activation brings global football excitement closer to Filipino fans. By lighting up a key EDSA billboard, the brand connects world-class innovation with everyday life, reaching commuters and households alike.

The activation highlights Haier’s commitment to smart, user-focused solutions that make modern living easier and more enjoyable. From energy-efficient appliances to connected home technologies, Haier continues to design products that fit seamlessly into Filipino lifestyles.

With football growing in popularity in the Philippines, Haier’s partnership with Paris Saint-Germain inspires teamwork, passion, and excellence—values that the brand brings to homes across the country as 2026 kicks off.

 Summary

• The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is a premium OLED gaming laptop with up to the new Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 386H and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 50 Series Laptop GPUs housed in a sleek metal chassis. 
• The Acer Nitro V AI series welcomes two new members including the Nitro V 16 AI and the slimmer Nitro V 16S AI for mobile gamers.
• All models support Copilot+ PC experiences on Windows 11 and Acer Intelligence Space for AI-enhanced creativity, productivity, and gaming.
  

Acer today introduced its newest lineup of versatile gaming laptops powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, paired with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 50 Series Laptop GPUs, delivering great performance, premium graphics, and AI-enabled capabilities across the board. The lineup features the Predator Helios Neo 16S AI, Acer Nitro V 16 AI, and Acer Nitro V 16S AI gaming laptops, offering various processor and design options for every type of gamer. 

In addition, Acer announced the new Predator Galea 570 gaming headset and the Predator Cestus gaming mouse for a complete premium gaming experience.

Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Power Meets Portability

Leading the pack, the Predator Helios Neo 16S AI (PHN16S-I51) is equipped with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 386H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU housed in an 18.9 mm slim metal chassis, fusing durability with a premium aesthetic design. Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs bring game-changing capabilities to gamers and creators. Equipped with a massive level of AI horsepower, the RTX 50 Series enables new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity. Multiply performance with NVIDIA DLSS 4 and generates images at unprecedented speed.

The new Predator laptop sports a 16-inch WQXGA OLED display, delivering stunning contrast and vibrant colors with true HDR imaging support, and accurate pixel clarity for gameplay and creative projects.  

Cooling of crucial internals is managed by its state-of-the-art thermal system, with a 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fan and liquid metal thermal grease. It packs up to 64 GB DDR5 6400MT/s memory and up to 2 TB of PCIe storage, ensuring lightning-fast load times and effortless computing. 

The device’s FHD IR webcam and DTS:X Ultra-infused speakers bring clear-cut audio when in-game, streaming or conferencing. The gaming laptop enhances play with Copilot+ PC experiences1 on Windows 11 like Live Captions for in-game communication, in addition to Acer Intelligence Space that supports creative and productivity workflows alongside gaming. It is coupled with premium connectivity support including Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro Wi-Fi 6E and Thunderbolt™ 4, and high speed I/O ports for flexible use of peripherals and external displays.

Acer Nitro Series: Versatile Gaming for Every User 

The new Nitro devices offer a range of performance and portability options for casual gamers and value-conscious users. 

The Acer Nitro V 16 AI (ANV16-I51) is powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 355 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU. It supports up to 32 GB DDR5 RAM and up to 2 TB of SSD storage and offers immersive audiovisuals for gamers and creators. It comes with DTS:X Ultra audio and a FHD IR webcam with a camera shutter in a streamlined design. 

Acer also introduced the Nitro V 16S AI (ANV16S-I51), a thin gaming laptop measuring less than 17.9 mm powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 355 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU (798 AI TOPS). It is a great option for casual or on-the-go gamers seeking modern features at an accessible price point. It features a 16-inch WUXGA display, a 4-zone RGB keyboard, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E, and a FHD IR webcam with a camera shutter. 

All new Predator and Nitro gaming laptops pair powerful hardware with Acer Intelligence Space, a suite of AI-enhanced tools for creativity, productivity, and gaming. As Copilot+ PCs powered by Windows 11, they feature an NPU capable of performing over 45 AI TOPS to accelerate on-device AI, enabling unique experiences like Live Captions for real-time translations and Image Creator for custom content enhancing play and creation beyond gaming.

Predator Galea 570 Gaming Headset

The Predator Galea 570 gaming headset features 50 mm drivers that deliver deep bass and crisp highs, and the sound and mic settings can be tailored with the Predator QuarterMaster app. ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) technology allows for clear communications, whether using the detachable omnidirectional boom mic or the built-in mic, as it continuously suppresses ambient noise to highlight the user’s voice. It provides three modes of flexible connectivity, including 2.4 GHz (via USB-A/C dongle), Bluetooth 5.4, or wired, allowing up to 30 hours of lag-free use.

Predator Cestus 530 Gaming Mouse

The Predator Cestus 530 gaming mouse features a PixArt PAW3395 sensor that delivers unmatched precision and lightning-fast response with up to 26,000 DPI, 650 IPS tracking, and 8,000 Hz polling rate. Triple connectivity modes allow users to seamlessly switch between wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless. It is rated for 80 million clicks, while the Predator QuarterMaster app lets users tweak performance, buttons, and lighting.

Price and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications, and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

Specifications

The pupils under the care of Marikina City Social Welfare and Development happily show off their own SM Besties of Joy

SM Supermalls brought the spirit of the holidays to life as shoppers and employees came together to share joy with children through SM Besties of Joy and ChriSMiles, transforming holiday generosity into meaningful community impact through SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, and SM City San Mateo.

For SM City Masinag, SM Besties of Joy benefited children of Barangay Pintong Bukawe, San Mateo, Rizal, while SM employee volunteers celebrated the season with children from Precious Heritage Children’s Home for ChriSMiles. For SM City Marikina, SM Besties of Joy reached children under the care of the City Social Welfare and Development of Marikina City.

Meanwhile, employee volunteers spent a meaningful day with children from Marikina Kids Town, sharing gifts, snacks, and holiday activities. For SM City San Mateo, both SM Besties of Joy and ChriSMiles were dedicated to children from the San Mateo Day Care Center, where SM employees led a cheerful program filled with gift-giving, games, and shared moments of joy at SM City San Mateo’s activity area.

These initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ commitment to uplifting communities and nurturing a culture of compassion and volunteerism. From the generosity of shoppers to the dedication of employee volunteers, each contribution helped make the holidays brighter for children across East Metro.

SM Supermalls in the East Metro extends its heartfelt gratitude to all shoppers who shared a little extra and donated through SM Besties of Joy, helping spread smiles, hope, and joy this Christmas season.