GIVĒON’s award-winning and globally regarded R&B prowess has made its grand and official return today with the release of the singer’s sophomore album, BELOVED, available now via Epic Records. The album, led by “Twenties” and “Rather Be,” is a 14-track opus featuring a stable of producers that includes Jahaan Sweet and Sevn Thomas; the latter executive-produced the album.
“BELOVED is a complete encapsulation of the very transformative growth I experienced over the past 3 years. My trials and tribulations, the good and the bad, all helped formed this album. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed creating” GIVĒON says of his new album, his first full-length project since 2022’s Give or Take. Prior to its release, Rolling Stone awarded BELOVED with its rare and coveted ‘4-star’ rating, noting its commitment to ‘orchestral’ R&B. “Rich and authentic, Beloved feels indebted to Al Green, Philly soul, the Jackson 5 and Blaxploitation soundtracks.”
GCash VP and Head of New Businesses Winsley Bangit discusses how businesses can build a robust product roadmap and turn vision into value by innovating with customers in mind at the 1st Mansmith Product Masters Summit
Innovation must serve a purpose or risk becoming noise—and that purpose is your customer. This was the key message of GCash VP and head of new businesses Winsley Bangit during the 1st Mansmith Product Masters Summit held at the RCBC Plaza Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati City.
A pioneering thought leadership event, the 1st Mansmith Product Masters Summit convenes business leaders to tackle the full spectrum of product development from ideation to execution. Designed to offer both strategic insights and actionable frameworks, the summit serves as a platform for cross-industry learning and innovation.
In his session, “Building a Robust Product Roadmap,” Bangit, who leads strategy and partnerships for the super app’s emerging growth areas like MadTech, insuretech, wealth management, and sustainability, challenged the race toward speed and merely for speed. During his talk he emphasized intentional innovation—the practice of designing products with real user problems in mind, guided by clarity and continuous validation.
“I’ve always believed that the best products are built when we listen closely to real customer needs—and when we learn from one another across industries,” said Bangit. “Products shouldn’t be built just because they can be, they should be built because someone genuinely needs them.”
Citing the journey of GCash from e-wallet to inclusive digital finance platform, Bangit emphasized that true differentiation lies not in tech alone, but in building ecosystems that uplift everyone in them.
“We started as a payments solution, but we did not stop there. We tried to identify where we can enhance things, enable users, and enable merchants and we evolved into an ecosystem with much more.”
The event gathered a diverse group of product managers, entrepreneurs, designers, and marketers to equip the country’s sharpest builders with the mindset and tools to create products that resonate. Alongside Bangit, the event featured leaders from Nestlé, JS Unitrade, and Ipsos, offering cross-industry insights on innovation, research, and vision-driven product development.
The summit is organized by Mansmith and Fielders Inc., the Philippines’ leading marketing and entrepreneurship training and consulting firm, known for equipping professionals and enterprises with tools for breakthrough thinking.
MANILA, Philippines – Miming and Friends, the beloved animated YouTube miniseries, has released its fourth episode, continuing its journey of educating children and families about environmental sustainability through songs and animated characters.
Miming and Friends is a collaboration between Mondelēz International in the Philippines, and husband-and-wife tandem, Ramon del Prado and Meryll Yan – the local animated content creators behind the Miming and Friends YouTube channel. The series is dedicated to promoting sustainable snacking and responsible waste management practices through engaging and educational content. Partnered with the latter is Save Philippine Seas (SPS), a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving coastal and marine resources for collective action and behavior change.
The latest episode tackles the pressing issue of waste mismanagement and its relationship with climate change, bringing the characters together to learn about greenhouse gases and their impact on the world. “Episode 4 touches into the critical topic of climate change,” said Miming and Friends co-creator, Meryll Yan. “We believe that by understanding the causes and effects of greenhouse gases, we can empower the next generation to become proactive environmental stewards.”
The episode also introduces a new character – one who has a lot to say about greenhouse gas emissions and where they come from. Named Ghregoryo, the character is painted as a villain and has a very compelling song in the episode, which hopefully shines a light on the importance of individual actions.
“This episode dives into how our choices can affect the ocean and our climate in many unexpected ways,” explained Anna Oposa, Chief Mermaid and Executive Director of SPS. “We hope to help the youth connect their everyday actions like energy consumption or accumulating too much waste to the larger issue of greenhouse gases and the urgent need for responsible stewardship.”
“This newest adventure on greenhouse gases reminds us that building a sustainable future is a shared responsibility, and that everyone has a role to play,” shared Caitlin Punzalan, Corporate and Government Affairs Lead at Mondelēz International in the Philippines. “We are proud to engage with communities across the Philippines and inspire collective action towards a healthier planet.”
Since the release of Episode 3 in 2024, the channel has experienced consistent growth, climbing to over 42,800 total subscribers. This surge in viewership and engagement reflects the series’ ability to resonate with kiddie and family audiences and its effectiveness in delivering important messages about environmental stewardship.
Mondelēz International has been instrumental in supporting the series, aligning with their commitment to sustainability and waste management. Through the adventures of anthropomorphic cat-fish Miming and her friends, the series aims to inspire young viewers to take action and make a positive impact on the environment.
“At Mondelēz International, we believe that #SustainableSnacking starts at home,” adds Punzalan. “Miming and Friends provides a creative platform for reaching the right audiences with engaging content that inspires real and sustainable change. Sustainability can sometimes seem complex, especially for children. We want to help break down these concepts to show how our daily actions can have a positive impact.”
Beyond the success of the series, Mondelēz International also achieved key sustainability milestones, including the receipt of Plastic Credit Exchange’s (PCX) Plastic Cleanup Partner seal, recognizing the company’s efforts to not only meet but exceed the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) law requirement of collecting post-consumer plastic packaging. Through its partnership with waste diverters, the company collects the equivalent weight of the plastic packaging it uses for its snack products and ensures this is diverted through recycling and other means to avoid being marine litter or landfill.
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, SM Supermalls, through its flagship literacy program SM Book Nook, is calling on communities nationwide to help spark the joy of reading by donating pre-loved books as part of the SM Book Nook Book Donation Drive, starting July 7, 2025 in all SM malls across the country.
Anchored on the theme “Under the Same Sky: Share the Magic of Stories,” this initiative encourages mallgoers, tenants, partners, and communities to donate quality books that will benefit children, families, and readers from all walks of life.
A portion of the books will be turned over to the National Library of the Philippines and its affiliate libraries, while others will support the expansion of SM Book Nook reading hubs to more SM malls and partner institutions nationwide.
“SM Book Nook was created to be more than a space—it’s a movement. With every book donated, we create ripples of knowledge, imagination, and inclusion. We believe that stories can bridge generations and uplift communities,” said Ms. Shereen T. Sy, pioneer of the SM Book Nook program under SM Cares.
The campaign aims to collect 40,000 books in line with SM’s 40th anniversary milestone. Each SM mall will serve as an official drop-off point, where specially designed donation boxes will be placed in strategic in-malllocations. Starting July 7, 2025, mall communities are invited to drop off pre-loved books in good condition—complete, clean, dry, and free from major damage.
Empower Communities Through Your Book Donations
Accepted books include fiction and non-fiction titles, children’s books and young adult literature, academic and reference books, as well as magazines and comics in good condition.
Beyond donations, the campaign also highlights SM Cares’ long-term vision to make every SM mall a hub for inclusive learning, community engagement, and shared hope—especially for young readers and future leaders.
This initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Visit. Drop Off. Share a Story.
Gather your pre-loved books and bring them to the book donation booth located at SM Center Sangandaan, SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela. Through this collective effort, we aim to nurture a culture of learning, promote literacy, and inspire future generations—one story, one reader, and one community at a time.
To learn more about the SM Book Nook and its community programs, stay tuned and visit https://linktr.ee/smbooknook or follow @OfficialSMCares and @SMBookNook on social media.
Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving with Every You
SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 88 malls in the Philippines and 8 in China—marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously redefining the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences.
Share-worthy News: Busog sa Sulit-Sarap Meals for Only ₱99!
Jollibee fans have more reasons to celebrate their favorite meals. Starting July 9, the new Jolly Meal Savers is here—featuring Busog sa Sulit-Sarap meals for only ₱99! It’s a feel-good deal that’s just too good to keep to yourself.
Making its exciting debut in this sulit-sarap line-up is the NEW 1-pc. Burger Steak with Double Rice— the classic fan-favorite meal, made even more filling with an extra serving of rice.
Your Favorite Meals, Now in a Sulit Line-Up
The new Jolly Meal Savers line-up delivers unbeatable value and satisfaction through full meals that include sides and drinks.
Each option is a complete and flavorful experience built around best-loved Jollibee favorites:
NEW: 1-pc. Burger Steak with Double Rice and Drink
1-pc. Chickenjoy with Rice and Drink
Jolly Spaghetti with Fries and Drink
With generous servings and sulit prices, these meals are designed to hit that sweet spot of sarap and busog— good news you’ll want to share with family and friends.
“These Jolly Meal Savers were designed to give customers that joyful busog feeling with their favorite go-to meals at a sulit price,” said Luis Berba, Assistant Vice President, Jollibee. “Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, treating yourself after work, or simply craving your Jollibee favorites—there’s now a sulit-sarap option that fits your everyday.”
Your Go-To Meals, Ready Anytime
Craving comfort food that satisfies without breaking the bank, or a complete meal that will make you full for the day? The Jolly Meal Savers are your everyday go-to: Busog. Sulit. Sarap.
Available nationwide via Dine-In, Take Out, Drive-Thru, and Delivery, this line-up makes it easier than ever to enjoy and share the joy of your favorite Jollibee meals.
For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X, Instagram, and TikTok.
Ms. Sharon Burgos, PCPPI’s Environment, Health, Safety, and Security Manager (leftmost); Atty. Senando Santiago, Acting General Manager of LLDA (center); Atty. Carina Sumilong Bayon, PCPPI’s Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer; and Engr. Fernando Ramos, PCPPI’s Head of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security.
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the joint initiative, “Abot-Kamay Para sa Laguna de Bay – Mission in Action: Solid Waste Recovery.”
The partnership reinforces the two organizations’ commitment to protect and preserve the Laguna de Bay through collaborative solid waste recovery efforts and pollution control, in line with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law. PCPPI also remains an active member of the Muntinlupa Watershed Management Council and has adopted the Magdaong River under LLDA’s Adopt-a-River project—underscoring its long-term dedication to the health of local water ecosystems.
This year’s month-long celebration returns with intimate shows, music talks, and a message of unity through music
This year marks an incredible milestone for Filipino music as Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) celebrates its 11th anniversary with a robust slate of events and programs designed to put a spotlight on the vibrant and evolving landscape of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
With the theme “LMP25: Ikaw. Ako. Tayo,” the month-long celebration honors the spirit of the community and collaboration that defines the Filipino musical identity.
Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit’s (OPM) Executive Director Gab Cabangon emphasizes that this edition aims to embrace the culture of community and collaboration while celebrating how integral music is to the lives of the Filipino people. “This is why we have a mix of OPM Spotlight performances in different areas of Metro Manila that retained the ‘back-to-basics’ approach we had for LMP 2024 and the music talk series designed to inspire music artists to pursue artistic excellence and to create an accessible learning space for artists aspiring to become professionals in their field. It’s about bringing everyone in spaces to celebrate music together.”
He adds, “Apart from the learning opportunities that we included this year, this is also the first time that we have a lineup of artists who are all part of the membership of OPM. We have around 50 artists who will be performing for this year’s Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino.”
Organized by the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), LMP25 brings together more than 50 artists across multiple venues in Metro Manila for a month-long series of performances, discussions, and workshops. The initiative aims to entertain and empower the next generation of Filipino music creators and deepen public appreciation for OPM in all its diversity.
OPM Spotlight: LMP25
From July 1 to August 1, audiences can look forward to a curated series of live shows across key venues in Metro Manila. The OPM Spotlight performances will showcase artists from OPM’s growing membership roster, each delivering sets comprised of original works and beloved OPM covers. The lineup brings together indie acts, rising stars, and iconic performers, offering a powerful cross-section of the Filipino music movement today.
Cabangon believes that celebrating Filipino music also means creating spaces for aspiring songwriters and artists to learn and expand their knowledge in music. Since the membership grew significantly this year, the focus was to provide as many opportunities as they can for OPM members. “This is probably the first time that our lineup is 100% made of artists who are part of the membership. We factored in style/genre, their music and storytelling approach, and, of course, their readiness and availability in the building of the lineup and schedule of activities for LMP. We’re happy that we have legends like Color It Red and Noel Cabangon who are going to perform during the LMP25 Celebrations. We also have rising OPM artists such as dwata, Solace Out the Door, and PhilPop Himig Handog Grand Champion Tiara Shaye among others as part of the lineup.”
LMP25: Music Talk Series
Set for July 26 (Saturday) at Greenhills Cinema, the LMP25: Music Talk Series is a half-day program designed to foster education and dialogue among music industry professionals, students, and aspiring artists. Featuring respected figures such as Paolo and Miguel Guico of Ben&Ben, Shadiel Chan, Jeli Mateo of Flip Music, and OPM legend Jim Paredes among others, the talks will tackle songwriting, music production from the label’s perspective, arrangement, licensing, and publishing. The sessions will provide rare but tried-and-tested insights into both the creative and commercial sides of music-making.
Cabangon explains that the LMP25 Music Talk Series will be a good start or stepping stone for artists to at least get a better grasp of the intricacies of our industry that go beyond the songwriting and performance. “We also want to be able to equip as many aspiring artists as possible with the knowledge and the tools to help them succeed and protect their rights as artists. We’ve also started discussing with other brands and organizations about possibly organizing more talks and connecting our members to programs that will help them expand their music industry knowledge. Hopefully in the long run, the LMP Music Talk Series is something we can expand and make more accessible to other artists.”
LMP25: Rockwell Series
From July 24 to 30, the LMP25 Rockwell Series presents a series of acoustic pop and singer-songwriter performances at the Power Plant Mall, Makati City. Held daily at 12:00 NN and 5:00 PM, the shows provide an intimate setting for audiences to connect with music and the artists behind it. All featured performers are OPM members, underscoring the organization’s commitment to supporting its growing community.
Celebrating progress, honoring roots
First established in 2014 through Proclamation No. 933 by the late former President Benigno Aquino III, the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) was conceived as a national week-long celebration of Filipino music. Over the past 11 years, the OPM organization has played a crucial role in elevating the event into a cultural institution.
“We believe the objectives and the goals of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) have always been the same, which is to champion and to celebrate Filipino music,” says OPM Board Member Ogie Alcasid. “As an organization, OPM has always made efforts to try to be as inclusive as possible with the shows and programs that we organize for LMP. This is why the lineup of artists that we have is a mix of independent artists, rising OPM acts, and respected legends in our industry. We believe our efforts to try and be more inclusive, especially of our members, have helped in the evolution of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino.”
Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) presents LMP25 in collaboration with the following partners:
LMP25 Co-presenter & LMP25 Music Talk Series Co-organizer: Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP).
LMP25 Co-presenter & LMP25 Rockwell Series Co-organizer: Rockwell Land Corporation and Power Plant Mall Makati.
LMP25 Promotional Partners: Philippines Recorded Music Rights, Inc. (PRM), Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and PhilPop Musicfest Foundation, Inc.
Official Music Media Partner of LMP25: Billboard Music Philippines.
LMP25 Venue Partners: JT’s Manukan Katipunan Ave. QC and JT’s Manukan Kalayaan Ave. QC, Kubo Bar Kalayaan Ave. QC, UNWND Boutique Hotel Makati, Burnt Edges by The Shrimp Bucket Glorietta Mall Makati, Beach House Bar & Grill Marikina, The Backdoor Maginhawa QC.
Ahead of their stint at Fuji Rock Festival in Japan this month, the acclaimed quartet will be gracing Manila with their signature garage-punk energy and captivating sound
Manila, Philippines —Indonesia’s acclaimed surf rock quartet, The Panturas, is set to bring their high-octane energy to Manila on July 19, 2025, at Sari Sari in Makati City.
Presented by Shoplifters United, the Manila show marks their first-ever performance in the Philippines and will serve as the first stop of their 2025 Asian tour before the band heads to Japan for a coveted slot at the iconic Fuji Rock Festival.
Known for their electrifying blend of vintage surf riffs, psychedelic textures, and garage-punk energy, The Panturas have built a loyal following across Southeast Asia for nearly a decade. Their music evokes the energy of a Tarantino film, only that it’s set in Bandung or coastal Java. Armed with infectious stage presence and global appeal, they’ve carved out a sound that’s equal parts retro swagger and post-modern cool: a perfect match for Manila’s ever-evolving indie music crowd.
For the Manila leg of the tour, the Indonesian band will be joined by a stellar lineup of local acts, including Oh, Flamingo!,(e)motion engine, Pikoy, and We Are Imaginary.
Pre-sale tickets are now available at PHP 400 for a limited time only. For tickets, check out the announcements via Shoplifters United.
Manila, Philippines — Shell Pilipinas Corporation is empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country through the Shell Fleet App (SFA), a first-of-its-kind mobile solution that streamlines fleet and fuel management in a secure and paperless way. Launched in 2022, the app allows business owners to manage their Shell Fleet Card, control fuel spend, track driver activity, and access real-time reports, all in one platform. By simplifying traditional processes and eliminating paperwork and manual tracking, SFA gives SMEs the ability to operate with greater ease, visibility, and efficiency. A Digital Response to a Growing SME Sector
With SMEs comprising 99.5% of registered businesses in the Philippines, Shell saw a critical need for tools tailored to their daily challenges. The app condenses the typical fleet card application process into just five minutes and has already contributed to a tenfold increase in SME customer acquisitions. According to Deepti Behl, Global Head of SMEs GM of Digital Products & Marketing at Shell Fleet Solutions, the app helps owners reclaim their time and streamline operations. “We designed the app to empower SME owners to manage their fleets anytime, anywhere. It reduces admin work, offers peace of mind, and enables entrepreneurs to focus on growth.” Transforming Daily Operations
From automotive to retail and construction, Shell Fleet App users from various sectors have reported positive results. Business owners describe smoother daily operations, real-time visibility of fuel spend, and faster driver and expense management, all while on the go. Their testimonials reinforce SFA as not just a convenience but a business enabler.
With its core benefits, the app is purpose-built for Filipino SMEs. Whether it’s tracking fuel usage in real time, enabling seamless automated payments, or offering savings for the purchase of Shell lubricants, the app provides everyday value while helping ease cash flow pressures for small business owners.
Recognized Across Asia for Innovation
The Shell Fleet App’s breakthrough approach has earned multiple regional and international recognitions. Most recently, it won its third award, the Stevie Award at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, further cementing its status as a world-class solution for small and medium enterprises. The app was also previously named Digital Transformation Initiative of the Year for the Philippines at the 2024 Asian Oil & Gas Awards and received the User Experience of the Year for Energy at the 2022 Asian Experience Awards. These accolades highlight Shell’s commitment to digital innovation that directly improves the way businesses operate.
A Future-Focused Commitment
Shell Pilipinas remains focused on developing tech-driven tools that help Filipino entrepreneurs grow and thrive. With regular updates informed by user feedback, the Shell Fleet App continues to evolve, shaping the future of fuel and fleet management for SMEs nationwide.
The Shell Fleet App is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. SMEs can get started in minutes by downloading the app, signing up, and instantly unlocking access to Shell Fleet Card benefits. For more information, customers may visit the Shell Fleet Card for Small Business website or call the Shell Customer Service Hotline at +632 8878 8811.
K-drama dreams are officially taking off as global heartthrob and Korean entertainment icon Hyun Bin makes his highly anticipated first visit to Manila on August 8, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire Resort Entertainment City.
From his unforgettable roles in Crash Landing on You, Secret Garden, and My Lovely Sam Soon, Hyun Bin has conquered hearts across the globe—and now, he’s bringing that star power straight to his Filipino fans in what promises to be a legendary night.
To celebrate this rare appearance, Solaire is rolling out the red carpet for fans with an electrifying raffle promo. From July 1 to 31, 2025, every ₱2,000 net single-receipt spend at any bar or restaurant in Solaire Resort Entertainment City or Solaire Resort North earns you a shot at scoring a seat to “Hyun Bin Landing at Solaire.”
Simply present your valid receipt at the raffle redemption booths within either resort to claim your raffle ticket. Submit your entry and you could be one of 500 lucky winners—250 from each location—who will receive an official ticket to the exclusive meet and greet.
The raffle draw happens on July 31, 2025, at 7:00 PM, and winners will be notified via SMS and email. Tickets must be personally claimed between July 31 and August 7, and while they aren’t convertible to cash, they are transferable. And yes—you can win more than once!
So whether you’ve swooned over Captain Ri or fallen for his quiet intensity in his earlier roles, this is your moment to get closer than ever to the man behind the magic. Hyun Bin is landing. Will you be there when he does?
For more information on the Hyun Bin meet and greet, visit solaireresort.com
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