Big 70% Off on Selected HONOR Devices from August 1 to 10!
Manila, Philippines, August 8, 2025 — HONOR Philippines is back with another exciting treat for its fans! From August 1 to 10, enjoy unbeatable discounts of up to 70% off on selected HONOR devices across Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop during the much-awaited HONOR 8.8 Crazy Deals.
Filipinos can now grab their favorite HONOR gadgets at jaw-dropping prices, including the flagship-level HONOR 90 Lite, powerful tablets like the HONOR Pad X9, and value-packed smartphones such as the HONOR X5 Plus and HONOR
Promo Highlights (UPDATED):
HONOR X5b Plus – Now only ₱4,499 (₱500 off)
HONOR Pad X9 – Just ₱10,990 or ₱61/day for 6 months
HONOR 90 Lite – Huge 30% off, now at ₱7,799
HONOR X9b 5G – Only ₱83/day for 6 months with FREE HONOR Gift Box
HONOR 200 Series – Save up to 5k off
HONOR 400 Pro – Available at ₱183/day for 12 months installment via BDO credit cards
Don’t miss this limited-time offer and get your hands on your dream HONOR device while supplies last.
For more information, visit www.hihonor.com/ph and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
There is fun in everything—even in styling your own tumblers. At SM City Baliwag, hydration takes on a different level with the arrival of Sunnies Flask, one of the trending, most customizable flasks in the market today.
Made for individuals with a flair for style and functionality, Sunnies Flask offers interesting features that let anyone be creative with their tumblers, as it comes with sleek, eye-catching designs to complement every vibe.
Play mix and match as Sunnies Flask comes with 42 colors available for the bottle, cap, strap, and boot to bring excitement to each part of the bottle. To make it more personalized, you could get your bottles engraved at any Sunnies Flask store or on their website.
In terms of quality, Sunnies Flask is definitely a steal, as it is crafted with double-walled and vacuum-insulated material that can hold cold water for 24 hours and hot water for 12 hours. Aside from being leakproof and odor and stain resistant, Sunnies Flask is guaranteed safe, as it’s free from lead, BPA, and phthalate.
Say hello to joyful hydration and let your imagination take over! Visit Sunnies Flask conveniently located at the ground level of SM City Baliwag.
(L-R) GCash vice president and group head of new businesses Winsley Bangit, RCBC president and CEO Reginaldo Cariaso, UnionBank of the Philippines president and CEO Ana Maria Aboitiz-Delgado, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Dr. Eli Remolona Jr., and ATRAM Trust Corporation president and chief investor engagement officer Phillip Hagedorn.
With the latest innovation from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, millions of Filipinos can now open a retirement savings account via ATRAM, using GCash as a signup option
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) enables more Filipinos to easily sign up for the government’s voluntary retirement savings program called Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA), with its integration to the Open Finance Pilot in the Philippines.
The voluntary retirement savings plan offers tax perks, investment options, and long-term financial security for account holders. It is designed to allow local contributors to invest up to P200,000 per year (P400,000 for Overseas Filipino Workers) and enjoy a 5% income tax credit on these contributions, with their investments growing tax-free until retirement.
As part of the first phase of BSP’s Open Finance pilot, several financial institutions have come together to explore more inclusive ways of improving the PERA account opening process. Among initial participants are PERA Administrator ATRAM and e-wallet platform GCash, whose strong collaboration is paving the way for a more accessible PERA onboarding experience.
Fully verified GCash users can now open a PERA account more quickly and easily by consenting to share their information with the PERA Administrator. ATRAM, a leading independent asset and wealth manager in the country, is the first participating administrator for the pilot program.
In the past, those interested in creating their own PERA had to complete a lengthy account opening process with manual paperwork requirements.
Commencing with PERA, the Open Finance Project is a collaboration among financial institutions under the central bank’s framework. The initiative aims to explore how banks and other financial services providers can work more closely together to improve the ease of accessing financial services for more Filipinos.
“GCash supports the agenda of the Bankgo Sentral ng Pilipinas to strengthen financial inclusion,” said GCash vice president and group head for new businesses Winsley Bangit. “By helping democratize access to investment and savings products like PERA, we can help more Filipinos plan for their future and take advantage of more rewarding opportunities with ease.”
“This pilot reflects our ongoing commitment to improving access to long-term financial solutions like PERA,” said Deanno Basas, chief experience officer of ATRAM. “By working with BSP and platforms like GCash, we’re making the process of starting a PERA more straightforward and aligned with how Filipinos manage their finances today towards their financial future.” said ATRAM chief experience officer, Deanno Basas.
GCash joined the multiparty framework created by the BSP to ensure compliance throughout the Open Finance PH Project.
As part of this exclusive fan campaign, two lucky fans will be selected to receive an all-expenses-paid trip to London including round-trip flights, hotel accommodation, exclusive Westlife merchandise, and tickets to see the band live at one of the world’s most iconic venues.
“Asia has always held a special place in our hearts,” says Westlife.
“This is our way of saying thank you for the love you’ve shown us over the years and we’d love to see you in London.”
The campaign runs from August 4 to September 30, 2025, and is open to fans in Asia. Fans can sign up via a dedicated link, with winners announced on October 3.
Why Asia? A Region That’s Been There for Westlife Since the Start
Westlife’s connection with Asia runs deep – from airwaves to karaoke nights, their music has become a part of everyday life across the region. With countless number-one hits and sold-out concerts, their songs are not just popular but also personal to their fans. This campaign is a tribute to the fans who’ve been with them through it all.
Recent Tour Highlights: Wild Dreams Tour 2023
Indonesia
Tangerang City, ICE BSD – 9 February 2023
Jakarta, Stadion Madya, Gelora Bung Karno –11 February 2023
Bandung, Play List Festival – 12 February 2023
Hong Kong
AsiaWorld Arena – 14 &15 February 2023
Singapore
Singapore Indoor Stadium – 16, 17 & 18 February 2023
Philippines
Metro Manila, Araneta Coliseum – 20 & 21 February 2023
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Axiata Arena –23 & 24 February 2023
Taiwan
Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung Arena – 26 February 2023
Thailand
Bangkok, Impact Arena – 28 February 2023
Don’t miss out! This is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of a legacy shared with millions of fans across Asia. Whether you’ve been there since the beginning or recently discovered their music, this is your chance to be part of Westlife history.
As tradition calls, a day wouldn’t be complete without the nostalgic Filipino food favorites often associated with merienda. More than the food, memories of merienda often remind us of the time spent with friends and loved ones over a meal, of comfort eating during a long day, of a harmony of flavors bursting into the mouth, and sometimes, just of the simple taste that reminds us of home.
At SM City Marilao, home is just a few steps away as Merienda by Pan de Manila officially opens its door to Bulakenyos. The latest food venue offers a wide range of menus that includes Crunchy Beef Tapa, Aligue Pasta, Vegetarian Tofu Sisig, or Lechon Belly Batchoy for a heartwarming delight.
Merienda by Pan de Manila also offers unique sandwich recipes such as Grilled Pandesal with Kesong Puti and classic Pinoy desserts such as Ginataang Bilo-bilo, Trio Suman, and Bibingka Espesyal, among others.
Every meal’s a remembrance at Merienda by Pan de Manila. Visit them now at the ground level of SM City Marilao.
With HITMAKERS ENTERTAINMENT and a new partnership with Symphonic Distribution, Feist sets sights on shaping tomorrow’s streaming-era superstars
Acclaimed Filipino-Australian producer Mark Feist—renowned for his work with global icons like Destiny’s Child, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige,Celine Dion, John Legend, The Spice Girls, Outkast, Brian McKnight, Kelly Rowland, Regine Velasquez, and many more—is back in the Philippines to bring with him a wave of exciting musical projects and industry-shaping collaborations.
Leading the charge are two new tracks produced by Feist, in collaboration with the Philippines’ R&B King, Jay R. Their first release, “Tunay,” which dropped on Friday, July 25, 2025, delivers a refreshing New Jack Swing-inspired beat paired with a slick R&B hook, capturing the effortless cool of a laid-back summer anthem. The second one, still under wraps, is a duet between Jay R and rising pop newcomer Shanice.
“Jay R is an artist who truly inspired me,” says the multi-platinum producer. “His talent, his voice, and his work ethic are world-class. Our collaboration on Tunay came from deep creative conversations, and what we created together is something I genuinely believe can sit alongside today’s biggest global releases. At this point in my career, I only work on music that can compete at the highest level, and Jay R absolutely meets that standard.”
A proud nephew of OPM legend Pilita Corrales, Mark has built an impressive international career as a producer and composer, contributing to albums and singles that have collectively sold over 35 million units worldwide, including the worldwide no. 1 hit “Emotions” by Destiny’s Child. He recently started HITMAKERS ENTERTAINMENT, a full-service label/production/publishing company. One of their success stories so far is Australian pop artist Tash, whose music continues to rack up more than 80 million streams across different platforms.
“Real artist development in the streaming era is our core mission at Hitmakers Entertainment, and TASH is the perfect example of that,” shares Mark Feist. “We signed her at 15 with zero fanbase—now she’s built a formidable catalog, amassed millions of streams, and is selling out shows with fans flying in from around the world. TASH is a once-in-a-generation artist, and she’s just getting started.”
Further cementing Hitmakers’ forward-thinking approach, Feist recently announced a strategic partnership with Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists. The partnership, according to a recent press release, “marks the beginning of a broader relationship between Symphonic and Hitmakers, with future initiatives planned to support emerging and established artists from Australia and Southeast Asia.”
Mark sees the alliance as a game-changing initiative to develop and support some of the most promising new talents in Asia and the Pacific.
“Symphonic Asia’s Guji Lorenzana is a rare kind of music executive: he brings together sharp instincts, profound industry experience, and a forward-thinking approach to tech and streaming,” explains Mark. “His perspective allows him to see opportunities others might miss. Jorge [Brea], as CEO, is a true visionary—he builds exceptional teams and has a clear sense of where the music industry is headed. Together, Symphonic and HME form a powerhouse partnership that’s poised to break barriers, set new standards, and create the next generation of post-streaming superstars.”
They came from opposite ends of the Philippines, united by one dream.
At the EastWest Dream Run 2025 in Manila, two extraordinary groups stood out, not for breaking records, but for breaking barriers. A team of determined runners from the Balingasag, Misamis Oriental traveled more than 1,000 kilometers to be part of the race. Meanwhile, a group of first-time runners from Young Focus Philippines, a non-government organization supporting the youth of Tondo, Manila, laced up their shoes for their very first run.
Though they ran different distances and came from different worlds, both groups embodied the heart of the Dream Run’s message: “Dreams don’t know distance.”
From Mindanao to Manila: The Balingasag Steady Pace Runners
For Reinhurd B. Ipan and his fellow runners from the Balingasag Steady Pace Runners, the journey to the Dream Run began long before race day. “We saw a post about a running event that happened at Davao. The participants were so happy, the event was well organized, and most especially, the medal is so unique,” shared Ipan. After missing the Cebu leg, they decided to go all in for Manila: booking plane tickets, clearing schedules, and bringing their families with them.
Their training included a series of local and regional races across Mindanao, from 10Ks to a 50-kilometer ultramarathon. “We had to adjust a lot of factors, especially our schedules at our shops and had to spare some money for it too. We had to, because we’ve been looking forward to it.”
Runners from the Balingasag Running Community in Misamis Oriental pose proudly after completing the EastWest Dream Run in Manila. Traveling over 1,000 kilometers to be part of the race, the group embodied the event’s spirit that “Dreams Don’t Know Distance.” Their grit, unity, and passion turned each step into a powerful statement of purpose and perseverance.
Race day, however, came with surprises. “We didn’t expect any uphills and downhills, not to mention we had to go through it three times. We thought it would be just a walk in the park!” Ipan laughed. “When we finally saw the finish line, I told myself, ‘Finally, we did it, we did what we came for.’ The crowd was amazing, and the medal speaks for it: the Dream Catcher.”
Their journey did not go unnoticed back home. “It was all congratulations from them,” said Ipan. “After we got back home, we wore the race singlet during our recovery run and it stood out! They told us, ‘Grabe, pumunta pa kayong Manila para diyan?’ Of course…it was our Dream Run.”
His message to fellow runners across the country? “Believe me…you’ll be surprised to see what you are capable of. It will be made more special when you run with your family and friends and finish together.”
First-Time Runners with Big Dreams
From Tondo, Manila, more than a dozen students from Young Focus Philippines also joined the EastWest Dream Run. Though their race was shorter at just 2 kilometers, their journey was equally meaningful.
“I felt super happy,” said Charm, one of the participants. “I just told myself, ‘Okay, it’s fine to get slow, as long as I won’t get lost.’ Someone shouted ‘1K more!’ and I had to stop, grab some water, and pray. But by God’s grace, I finished.”
It was also a moment of personal growth for Leslie: “This experience really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I found myself trying things I used to be afraid of, especially when it comes to socializing. It reminded me that growth often starts with discomfort.”
Young, rising runners from Young Focus Philippines beam with pride after finishing their first-ever fun run at the EastWest Dream Run Manila. Coming from the Smokey Mountain communities of Tondo, these young dreamers proved that no distance is too great when hope, courage, and opportunity lead the way. Following the run, a special program was held where EastWest presented a donation to Young Focus.
For many, the run was a symbol of resilience. “Even though it was exhausting, you could feel that everyone wanted to finish strong,” said Marc. “That energy was contagious.”
Several students shared their dreams for the future. Solomon, an IT student, wants to give back to his family and community, while Owen dreams of working for a well-known car company. Clarence, who’s still figuring out his path, simply wants to graduate and make his family proud. Each one expressed a shared hope: that no matter how hard life gets, they’ll keep running, one step at a time.
A Race That Goes Beyond the Finish Line
EastWest’s Dream Run promotes determination, and a sense of community. “We believe in creating moments that go beyond medals,” said EastWest Head of Marketing and Cash Management Martin Reyes. “This run brought people together from all walks of life, proving that no dream is too distant.”
For both groups, those who crossed islands and those who crossed comfort zones, it was a race that marked not just distance, but destiny.
Because sometimes, the bravest step you take isn’t the one on the podium, it’s the one that gets you to the starting line.
A song spanning many years to complete, finally makes its moment
Following the renewed success of his solo catalog—particularly “Your Universe,” which recently broke into Spotify Philippines’ Top 10—Rico Blanco returns with “Paalam,” a hauntingly spare but exquisitely crafted ballad that captures the enduring imprint of goodbyes in all its bittersweet and hopeful glory.
Equal parts love song and meditation on loss, “Paalam” contemplates the emotional weight of parting, whether from a person, a chapter, a place, or a former self. In Blanco’s hands, goodbye becomes not only an act of release and reawakening, but also a gift that offers clarity, grounding, and ultimately, healing.
“Out of all the songs I’ve released, Paalam is the song that took me the longest to finish,” the multi-awarded music hyphenate admits. “Some songs I finish in minutes, days, or weeks, but this one has been a work in progress for many, many years.”
Originally inspired by a former bandmate’s departure in the ‘90s, the song evolved over time and took deeper shape following the recent passing of Blanco’s brother. For years, he hesitated to record it for himself and was convinced another voice might better serve its purpose. “All these years, I kept waiting for the right singer to come along,” he reveals.
But with its kundiman arrangements and intricate orchestral builds, the song taps into something powerful and primal, as if unlocking something personal from Rico without completely giving away the story.
“Production-wise, I always knew how I wanted the song to sound,” shares Rico. “I wanted it to have a timeless arrangement, or some would say a bit traditional.”
Rico Blanco’s “Paalam” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
The Mangrove at Solaire Resort North stands as an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title Holder as the Largest Glass Tube Installation
Manila, Philippines, 31 July 2025:
Solaire Resort North is proud to announce that they are the record holder for the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD title the Largest Glass Tube Installation, The Mangrove. The event was witnessed by hundreds of employees and guests who gathered in the resort’s grand lobby to celebrate this momentous achievement.
(From L-R) Bloomberry Resorts Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer, Gregory Hawkins and Solaire Resort North Chief Operating Officer Damian Quayle holding the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ certificate for The Largest Glass Tube Installation
A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS official adjudicator was present to validate the record, confirming that The Mangrove, measuring 25.396 meters high, officially holds the world title.
Gregory Hawkins, Board Director, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry Resorts Corporation, expressed his excitement, saying, “As we commemorate Solaire Resort North’s first anniversary, we are honored to officially hold a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. This achievement underscores our commitment to excellence, and we take immense pride in being recognized on a global scale.”
(From L-R) Bloomberry Resorts Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer, Gregory Hawkins and Solaire Resort North Chief Operating Officer Damian Quayle holding the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ certificate for The Largest Glass Tube Installation
Designed by renowned sculptor Nikolas Weinstein, The Mangrove is a monumental glass installation that redefines architectural art. Taking over four years of meticulous planning, engineering, and craftsmanship, it stands as a breathtaking symbol of the intersection of nature, art, and innovation.
Visitors to Solaire Resort North in Quezon City can marvel at this awe-inspiring work of art, now officially recognized as a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS record holder, and experience a destination that blends luxury, creativity, and world-class hospitality.
(From L-R) President and Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry Resorts Corp., Gregory Hawkins, Bloomberry Resorts Corp. Vice Chairman of Construction and Regulatory Affairs Donato Almeda, Solaire Resort North Chief Operating Officer Damian Quayle, Habitus Design Group Founder Samantha Drummond, and the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Adjudicator Emi Saito
For more details, visit sn.solaireresort.com, call us at +632 8888 8888, or email sn.reservations@solaireresort.com.
Manila, Philippines — GCash continues to bring future-forward innovations to the Philippines with the official launch of GCash Tap to Pay, a contactless payment system that lets users of the app pay merchants with just one tap of their smartphone. Now available to Android users, GCash becomes the first e-wallet in the country to enable NFC-powered payments, allowing users to log in to the GCash app, tap and pay at any Mastercard accepting POS terminal nationwide.
While Tap to Pay technology has long been the norm in major cities around the world, offering speed and convenience, this marks the first time such a seamless, NFC-based payment experience is being made widely accessible in the Philippines through a local e-wallet. With this innovation, GCash not only brings global payment standards to Filipinos but also reinforces its position as the country’s top fintech platform, continuously innovating to allow its users to level up their lives.
Tap into quicker – and safer – payments, accepted at millions of local and international stores through GCash and its partner, Mastercard.
From navigating morning grocery runs, commuting around the metro, to late-night dinner runs, errands, and schedules can already be difficult enough to manage, the last thing you need is the added burden of figuring out if you have enough cash to last you through the day.
GCash Tap to Pay is designed for ultimate convenience with quicker payments powered by Near Field Communications (NFC) technology. This allows devices in close proximity to exchange data securely. Each payment uses authentication protocols to verify user identity, while all transmitted data is encrypted, making transactions resistant to tampering and fraud. With this, GCash ensures that users enjoy a frictionless and protected payment experience every time.
Tap to Pay works at any terminal that accepts Mastercard payments, both locally and abroad. This partnership allows users to enjoy the same seamless tap-and-go experience wherever they go, even when traveling internationally, where it can be a huge hassle to be weighed down by a wallet filled with foreign coins, bills, and multiple cards.
Through this innovation, GCash eliminates the various everyday hassles by simplifying the payment process; just tap your phone, and you’re good to go. There’s no need to scan a QR code or fumble through your spare change, because all you need to pay for your morning cup of coffee or your unexpected grocery run is your smartphone – and no additional fees!
Experience payments in a tap today
Ready to experience effortless and secure payments? Activate GCash Tap to Pay and enjoy transactions in just one tap. Here’s how you can activate and use GCash with your phone:
One-Time Setup: How to Activate GCash Tap to Pay
Under “Settings”, open “Connections”.
Enable “NFC and contactless payments”.
Log in to your GCash app.
Tap “Tap To Pay”.
Agree to the stated terms and conditions.
Your “Tap To Pay” feature should now be activated!
How to use GCash Tap To Pay
Log in to your GCash app
Tap your phone on the store’s POS terminal. Done!
Experience it for yourself today and download the GCash app on the App Store or Google Play Store.
