Joins Earth Hour, lights out for a brighter future
PCPPI’s Bravehearts from San Fernando, Pampanga (left) and Sto. Tomas, Batangas (right) gather outside their respective plants to celebrate Earth Hour by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 PM. Their participation reflects PCPPI’s continued commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
In a powerful demonstration of environmental responsibility, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, joined the global community in celebrating Earth Hour 2025. The initiative underscored the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
In March, PCPPI’s Bravehearts—dedicated employees from its plants nationwide—participated in Earth Hour by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. This symbolic act of solidarity with the planet resulted in a total energy savings of 117.11 kilowatt-hours (kWh) across its facilities—roughly equivalent to powering an average Filipino household for over a week.
“Earth Hour is more than just turning off lights. It’s about making a meaningful impact through collective action,” said Atty. Carina Bayon, PCPPI’s Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Officer. “We’re proud of our Bravehearts who took part in this effort, and we are even more motivated to build on these small but significant steps.”
Capturing the active participation in this global movement is the breakdown of energy savings achieved by various PCPPI plants: Sto. Tomas (22.81 kWh), Naga (2.98 kWh), San Fernando (9.32 kWh), Rosario (22.98 kWh), Cebu (9.98 kWh), Bacolod (4.00 kWh), Iloilo (19.27 kWh), Tanauan (8.48 kWh), Davao (8.15 kWh), Cagayan de Oro (6.70 kWh), and Zamboanga (2.44 kWh).
PCPPI’s Bravehearts from San Fernando, Pampanga (left) and Sto. Tomas, Batangas (right) gather outside their respective plants to celebrate Earth Hour by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 PM. Their participation reflects PCPPI’s continued commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
This initiative is one of many under PCPPI’s growing sustainability agenda, which aligns with global environmental goals and the company’s broader mission to care for the planet. PCPPI has consistently rolled out programs focused on water stewardship, solid waste management, and energy efficiency across its operations.
Looking ahead, PCPPI is planning to introduce even more eco-friendly measures throughout 2025. “These efforts reaffirm the company’s belief that business success and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand,” Atty. Bayon added.
HONOR Philippines continues to redefine the tech experience as it proudly unveiled its latest Experience Store at SM City Puerto Princesa today, bringing cutting-edge technology closer to the Ecotourism Capital of the Philippines. This momentous occasion was marked by the launch of the brand’s newest flagship smartphone, the HONOR Magic7 Pro.
“We are committed to expanding our reach and making HONOR’s cutting-edge technology more accessible to Filipinos across the country. The opening of our SM Puerto Princesa Experience Store reflects our dedication to innovation and service,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of HONOR fans, local media partners, and tech enthusiasts, all eager to witness this milestone. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including HONOR Philippines’ Digital Marketing Manager and Content Lead Eason De Guzman, National Sales Director Tom Yuan, Puerto Electronico’s Managing Director Edwin “Eli” Tan Jr., Executive Assistant Jesus “Jess” Canizares, SM City Puerto Princesa’s Assistant Mall Manager Martin Domingo S. De Leon, and HONOR Philippines’ Regional Sales Director for Northern Iloilo Nixon John Iquina.
An Unforgettable Celebration
Guests were treated to an engaging program hosted by Alvin Sia, with interactive games such as the “Guess the Phone Challenge” and “Don’t Touch the Color,” showcasing the innovative features of the HONOR Magic7 Pro and HONOR X9c. Exciting prizes, including cash rewards and exclusive freebies, heightened the energy of the event.
“The opening of our newest Experience Store in SM Puerto Princesa symbolizes our dedication to reaching more Filipinos with our powerful and stylish smart devices,” shared Eason de Guzman during his welcoming remarks.
Innovation meets Tourism Capital
The HONOR Magic7 Pro took center stage, impressing attendees with its groundbreaking AI-powered photography capabilities. Featuring advanced AI technology, the Magic7 Pro delivers stunning, cinema-quality photos and videos in diverse lighting conditions. With its 100x Super Zoom, users can capture intricate details from afar, while its ultra-clear night photography ensures vivid, sharp images even in low light.
Equipped with the flagship Snapdragon Gen 8 Elite processor, the Magic7 Pro guarantees a seamless and lightning-fast performance. Its immersive display, designed for vibrant visuals and smooth interactions, makes it an ideal device for gaming, multitasking, and content creation. These cutting-edge features position the Magic7 Pro as a must-have device for travelers, creators, and smartphone enthusiasts seeking unparalleled performance and style.
A Testament to Growth
This milestone reflects HONOR’s commitment to expanding its reach and empowering communities through innovation. Guests explored the newly opened store, designed to offer a personalized and immersive retail experience, solidifying HONOR’s presence in Palawan.
Looking Ahead
As HONOR continues its expansion across the country, more Experience Stores are set to open, ensuring wider access to the brand’s offerings. The SM Puerto Princesa store joins the growing network of HONOR retail outlets designed to bring convenience and innovation closer to customers.
For more affordable offers, the HONOR Magic7 Pro is also available at Home Credit for as low as Php 2,484/month with 0% interest and payable up to 18 months.
Garmin has announced its newest health and fitness smartwatch with the vívoactive® 6, now with an even brighter AMOLED display. With up to 11 days of battery life, users can go about their day – and night – without stopping to recharge, making it easier to take advantage of popular health and fitness features like Body Battery™ energy monitoring, sleep coach, dozens of preloaded sports apps, new mobility workouts, and more.
“No matter your fitness goals, vívoactive 6 is designed to help you understand your body better than ever before. From your morning routine to your mid-day workout session to your nighttime wind down and everything in between, this smartwatch will be with you every step of the way.” — Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
Start the day off right
A brand new feature on the smartwatch is Garmin’s new “smart wake alarm” feature that looks at lighter sleep stages during a pre-selected window of time to gently wake users with a light vibration. Once awake, the morning report provides an overview of last night’s sleep, recovery insights, Body Battery, daily calendar, and more. It also includes heart rate variability (HRV) status, an early indicator of overall wellness and how prepared the body is for the day ahead. And now, users can customize the report even more with different themes, data and inspirational messages.
Never miss a beat
Packed with key health and wellness features, vívoactive 6 can help keep users going strong all day.
● Body Battery: View energy levels throughout the day to find the best times for activity and rest. Get even more details and personal insights on how sleep, naps, daily activities and high stress impact energy levels.
● Sleep coach: Receive a sleep score and personalized coaching for how much sleep is recommended and keep track of different sleep stages, naps and other key metrics such as Pulse Ox 2 and HRV status.
● HRV status: Monitor heart rate variability while sleeping to better understand overall health and how the body is navigating the challenges of life and environment.
● Stress tracking: See how calm, balanced or stressful moments affect the body throughout the day.
● Meditation and mindful breathing: Reduce stress, anxiety and more with guided meditation practices or start a breathwork activity to track respiration rates and stress levels.
● Pulse Ox: Track blood oxygen saturation while awake or asleep.
● Women’s health: Track a menstrual cycle or pregnancy and receive exercise and nutrition guidance.
Dominate your sweat session
To stay active throughout the day, vívoactive 6 includes more than 80 preloaded sports apps, including walking, running, cycling and pool swimming, plus new daily suggested walking workouts. Users can also download a robust selection of step-by-step workouts for strength, HIIT, yoga, Pilates, mobility and more through Garmin
Connect. They can also access Garmin Coach running and strength training plans—several of which adapt daily based on performance, recovery and health metrics to help users prepare for their next race, train for a milestone or improve overall fitness. In addition to keeping tabs on daily steps and calories burned, vívoactive 6 can track moderate and vigorous intensity minutes, VO2 max, and more. For wheelchair users, wheelchair mode tracks daily pushes and provides weight shift alerts, handcycle workouts, and more.
While out for a run, keep track of crucial running dynamics like cadence, stride length and ground contact time. PacePro™ provides runners with grade-adjusted pacing guidance based on course elevation and personal pacing preferences. Following a workout, the workout benefit and recovery time tools can help users understand how their workout benefits their body and see how much time is needed to recover before taking on their next fitness challenge.
Stay in the know
No matter what the day holds, stay connected with vívoactive 6. Receive text messages, emails and alerts when paired to a compatible iPhone® or Android™ smartphone. Those with an Android phone can also respond to texts using the on-watch keyboard. Safety and tracking features help provide peace of mind by sending a message with the user’s live location (when available) to chosen emergency contacts if they feel unsafe or if an incident is detected. While out and about, download songs and playlists from apps like Spotify® for phone-free listening.
What’s more, see health and fitness information in the Garmin Connect™ app and download apps, watch faces and more from the Connect IQ™ Store right on the watch, or find more options in the smartphone app.
Featuring a lightweight, aluminum bezel and silicone band, vívoactive 6 comes in Black/Slate, Bone/Lunar Gold, Jasper Green and Pink Dawn. Available now, vívoactive 6 has a suggested retail price of PHP 19,490. Get yours today on the official Garmin PH website or through Kinetic, Lazada, or Shopee.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized the health and wellness industry. Committed to developing smartwatches and health measurement tools that help people of all activity levels lead healthier lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.
What if we told you your long Labor Day weekend just got more rewarding—with irresistible discounts? SM Center Pulilan is taking shopping to thrilling new heights by turning its much-awaited 3-Day Sale into a four-day shopping fiesta starting May 1. Yes, you read that right—Labor Day just became a shopaholic’s dream.
Originally taking place on May 2 to 4, this year’s 3-Day Sale has an exciting twist: an added bonus day on May 1, giving bargain hunters a head start and more time to dive into the biggest deals of the season. That’s an extra 12 hour of pure retail therapy—from fashion and tech to home essentials and beauty finds.
Score up to 70% off on your favorite items across over 100 participating stores,including major brand names like SM Hypermarket, Miniso, Surplus, Simply Shoes,Ace Hardware, Watsons, and SM Appliance Center. Whether you’re revamping your home, refreshing your wardrobe, or restocking your skincare shelf, this sale is your golden ticket.
But the surprises don’t stop at the checkout. For every ₱1,000 single or accumulated receipt, shoppers earn a chance to win a brand-new Suzuki S-Presso GL AGS—a compact, stylish ride perfect for those spontaneous road trips you’ll be taking with your savings.
SM Center Pulilan knows how to keep things exciting. By throwing in an extra sale day on May 1, they’re not just offering discounts—they’re redefining the shopping experience. So why not make your May plans a little more thrilling? Rally your shopping crew, bring your game face, and let the discounts do the talking.
For real-time updates, surprises, and a few sneak peeks, follow SM Center Pulilan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smcenterpulilan.
Summer break is officially here—and what better way to make the most of school-free days and sunny afternoons than with a fun, budget-friendly food crawl? Whether you’re out with the whole fam, catching up with your barkada, or simply taking a solo treat-yourself break, SM Center Sangandaan is serving up hidden gems that are easy on the wallet but big on flavor.
If you’re tired of the usual fast food, these underrated food spots within the mall offer fresh twists and satisfying meals all under ₱200! Yes, you heard that right. Read on and get ready to plan your next affordable food adventure—because bonding moments are always better when good food is involved.
Chic’N Fritz: Saucy Wings, Big Bonding Energy
Wings? That’s always a yes—especially at Chic’N Fritz, where their signature Mozzawings are the go-to for flavor-loving foodies on a budget. Starting at just ₱95, these crispy bites pair perfectly with dips like hickory, ranch, or marinara—just pick your vibe.
Got a thing for heat or cheese? The Drumettes with rice won’t disappoint. A crowd favorite at only ₱85, they come in bold flavors like Sriracha, curry, cheese, kimchi, and orange glaze.
And if you’re into fries with personality, don’t miss the Nacho Fries (₱85), loaded with your choice of cheese, BBQ, or spicy Sriracha.
Turks Shawarma: The OG Wrap That Never Misses
A trip to SM Center Sangandaan isn’t complete without sinking your teeth into the beloved Turks Pita Wrap. Their secret? A well-guarded recipe of premium meat, crisp veggies, signature sauces, and freshly baked pita bread—all rolled into one glorious bite.
The best part? Their ₱140 Value Meal gives you both a shawarma rice bowl AND pita—talk about sulit! Whether you’re on the go or chilling with friends, this combo is a solid pick for anyone craving something flavorful, filling, and fast.
Kyu Kyu Ramen 99: Your Affordable Taste of Japan
Missing that ramen shop vibe? Skip the plane tickets and head straight to Kyu Kyu Ramen 99, where you can slurp your way through Japan without going over budget.
Must-tries include the Spicy Ichiban (₱199) for heat lovers, the classic Tonkotsu Ramen (₱179), or the creamy, cheesy twist of the Cheesy Tonkotsu (₱189). Not a ramen fan? No worries—Beef Gyudon (₱189) offers that comforting, savory goodness that hits the spot.
Kyu Kyu is perfect for that sit-down meal where everyone can swap stories while pretending to be in Tokyo.
With the kids out of school, it’s the ideal time to explore new food spots together. No pressure, no stress—just delicious discoveries waiting to be made. And with everything under ₱200, you can try more, taste more, and bond more without breaking the bank.
So, gather your fam, your barkada, or even just your appetite, and make SM Center Sangandaan your next food trip destination this summer.
McDonald’s Philippines is celebrating the launch of its Much Malaki, Much Pinasarap Chicken McDo with a special treat for customers nationwide: a FREE Chicken McDobasta naka-apron ka sa McDonald’s!
Happening on April 28, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the giveaway is McDonald’s way of letting more people taste the juicier, tastier Chicken McDo for themselves. Each customer wearing an apron can only avail of the FREE Chicken McDo once — no repeat transactions allowed.
How to get your FREE Chicken McDo?
Just wear ANY apron—printed or plain!
Go to any McDonald’s store nationwide from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Claim your free Chicken McDo and enjoy the much pinasarap experience!
This one-day-only promo is McDonald’s way of letting everyone taste the difference and see why the leveled up Chicken McDo is winning hearts (and taste buds) all over the country.
Music fans are in for a compelling audio-visual experience as SB19 drops the official music video for their two singles “DUNGKA!” and “Time,” released under Sony Music Entertainment and 1Z Entertainment. Both tracks are part of their third EP, Simula at Wakas, which marks the final chapter in a trilogy that began with 2021’s pagsibol and continued with 2023’s PAGTATAG!.
Helmed by Kerbs Balagtas of YouMeUs MNL, the music video of “DUNGKA!” reflects the chaotic but vibrant world of urban Manila. It’s a dynamic tribute to individuality, community, and the unfiltered beauty of everyday life, where people of diverse classes and backgrounds come together to raise their voices and stand up for something bigger than themselves.
Released with no teaser and fanfare, the song’s MV was a surprise drop for the fans.
In conceptualizing the video, SB19 set out to mirror the track’s chaotic energy through a visual celebration of diversity and self-expression. The five-piece group explains, “That energy really stood out to us. Our idea was to highlight our group’s diversity and showcase each member’s unique personality. From there, it grew into something bigger, bringing in people from all walks of life to reflect the extraordinariness in our differences.”
The music video features an impressive roster of guest stars, including Mimiyuuuh, Maymay Entrata, Alodia Gosiengfiao, Sassa Gurl,Jayat, Kween Yasmin, Malupiton, Ghost Wrecker, Shehyee, Smugglaz, Pat Lasaten, Agnes Reoma and Vice Ganda, whose presence added a deeper layer of impact to the project.
“When someone brought up Ate Vice, it just made perfect sense,” shares SB19 in a collective statement. “Her personality and connection to the public really aligned with the message we were trying to send.”
Beyond the music, “DUNGKA!” serves as a statement, one that mirrors current realities and encourages collective action. In the video, SB19 leads a symbolic movement, echoing calls for change and empowerment from the streets, where real transformation often begins.
“We brought in artists and personalities who we felt matched the spirit of what we wanted to say,” SB19 adds. “They’re people who also want to speak up, who want change, who want to be part of a movement that challenges a flawed system. Everything just fell into place. The concept, the message—it all aligned. It felt like the right time to show people that we can do this now—that this is where SB19 is. We also wanted to share that power, that message, with everyone: that movements and revolutions aren’t just for celebrities or people in certain positions. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you can take part in change. That’s really the heart of the idea.”
Complementing the bold energy of “DUNGKA!” is the more reflective and heartfelt “Time,” which arrives with its own music video—this time under the creative direction of 1032 Lab. The visual narrative focuses on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing meaningful moments with loved ones.
Stripped of ornate visuals, the “Time” video leans into emotional authenticity. It was deliberately kept simple, allowing the message to resonate with clarity and sincerity.
“More than just creating a visually appealing music video, our main goal was to clearly deliver the message—about time,” SB19 explains. “It’s a universal concern. Everyone, no matter who you are or where you’re from, is affected by how we use time. And while we all have time, not everyone uses it wisely mostly because of different priorities or distractions.”
The music video captures everyday moments that hit close to home, making its message universally accessible to all. “The core message is this: we’re all running out of time one way or another,” the group adds. “Let’s use it wisely, before it slips away.”
With these two new releases, SB19 once again proves their commitment not just to sonic evolution, but also to storytelling the resonates deeply with the Filipino people.
Known for her vibrant personality and unique perspective, multi hyphenate singer, dancer, and TV host Atasha Muhlach has quickly gained popularity on social media, especially on Instagram (@atashamuchlach_) where she shares moments of her life, fashion inspiration, travel adventures, and creative pursuits.
Now, with the OPPO Reno13 5G in hand, Atasha is stepping up her content game, offering her followers an even more immersive experience.
“The OPPO Reno13 5G has completely transformed how I approach content creation,” she says. “The camera quality is incredible, and the 5G connectivity makes everything seamless, allowing me to upload, share, and engage with my audience in real-time. Whether it’s capturing moments on the go or editing my photos and videos with ease, this phone is my new go-to tool for creating content.”
1. Step Up Your Photography Game and Maximize AI
Whether she’s documenting the streets of a new city, capturing a candid laugh with friends, or filming a breathtaking sunset Atasha is able to turn everyday moments into share-worthy masterpieces with the OPPO Reno13 5G.
Photo taken by Atasha Muhlach using the OPPO Reno13 5G
One of her favorite features? The incredible 50MP Ultra-Clear Camera System that lets her snap crisp, vibrant photos without all the heavy gear. “I’ve seen content creators with huge teams and lots of equipment just to capture photos. But with this phone, it’s so easy—pocket-friendly and with no bulky cameras!”
For Atasha, content creation isn’t just about clicking a button—it’s about capturing a feeling, a moment, a story. And the OPPO Reno13 5G makes that easier than ever.
One of her go-to features is the AI Livephoto. This is a game-changer for capturing the essence of a moment. Instead of just freezing time in a single frame, AI Livephoto records 1.5 seconds before and after a shot, transforming still images into dynamic, moving snippets of life. “It’s like having a tiny movie for every photo I take,” Atasha explains. “I can see the waves crashing, the wind playing with my hair, or that priceless laugh I just had with my family or friends —it’s so much more than just a single static photo.”
With the AI Livephoto, Atasha is able to relive the energy and emotion behind each moment. “It makes my gallery feel alive. Every time I scroll through my photos, it’s like I’m back in that exact moment, experiencing it all over again,” she adds.
2. Be Creative with AI Editing Tools
For Atasha, efficiency is key. The OPPO Reno13 5G’s AI-powered editing tools make it easy to enhance photos and videos on the fly. “Editing is such a huge part of content creation, and the OPPO Reno13 5G makes it so much easier,” Atasha shares. “I don’t even need third-party apps most of the time because everything I need is already built into the phone.”
Photobombers and crowded places sometimes disrupt the beauty of attraction or the photo you’re taking. But Atasha doesn’t worry about that anymore with the OPPO Reno13 5G’s AI Eraser 2.0 that removes any unwanted element with a simple tap. If she needs to get rid of glare from a shop window or water reflection from her snaps, the AI Reflection Remover has her covered making each photo clear without a hint of any distractions.
And when it comes to capturing the best angles, AI Portrait Mode ensures a professional, depth-enhanced shot—perfect for both solo and group selfies. “It makes every photo look like it was taken on a high-end camera,” Atasha gushes.
3. Choose the AI That Works for You
It’s always a struggle trying to capture the perfect selfie, with most of the time ending with a blurry shot or an awkward angle. With AI Unblur and AI Best Face, Atasha never has to second-guess her selfies. “I love how I can snap a quick selfie on the go, and AI Best Face makes sure I look my best every single time. It’s like having a built-in glam team!” she laughs.
No more retaking dozens of photos to get the right one. Every selfie can be crisp and clear in just one snap.
The AI Clarity Enhancer also ensures that Atasha’s night shots shine just as bright as it is at daytime. With the AI Clarity Enhance of the OPPO Reno13 5G, every detail is enhanced without losing the ambiance. “Taking photos at night or with poor lighting used to be tricky, but now, I don’t have to worry about grainy, dark photos. The AI does all the work, and I get high-quality shots every time.” Atasha says.
With the OPPO Reno13 5G, Atasha knows that no moment—day or night—will ever be missed. “It’s all about capturing real moments, and this phone makes it so easy. I can focus on enjoying the experience while my camera ensures I have the perfect shot to remember it by.”
Your Turn to Create!
For Atasha, content creation is all about having fun, letting your creativity flow, and telling your story. And with the OPPO Reno13 5G, she believes anyone can jump in and bring their ideas to life. “If you’re thinking of starting your content creation journey, just go for it! And make sure you have the right phone to back you up. The OPPO Reno13 5G has everything you need—awesome camera quality, powerful AI tools, and amazing battery life. It’s my creative partner, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Ready to kickstart your own content journey? The OPPO Reno13 Series 5G is now available in all authorized OPPO stores nationwide.
Choose the perfect partner for your discovery and exploration:
The OPPO Reno13 F is priced at Php 17,999 and comes in Graphite Grey, Skyline Blue, and Plume Purple.
The OPPO Reno13 F 5G is available for Php 22,999 (12+256GB) or PHP 25,999 (12+512GB) and comes in Plume Purple, Luminous Blue, and Graphite Grey.
The OPPO Reno13 5G is priced at Php 34,999 in Plume White and Luminous Blue.
The OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G is available for Php 43,999 in Plume Purple and Graphite Grey.
My OPPO App 7 Million Celebration Promo
OPPO has reached over seven million registered members on the My OPPO App, marking a milestone for its growing community.
To make the celebration even more exciting, OPPO is hosting the My OPPO App 7 Million Celebration Promo until April 30, 2025, offering exciting rewards to registered users.
How to Join:
Open the My OPPO App and log in.
Click on the 7M Celebration campaign banner on the homepage.
Access the 7M Capsule Carnival and tap the “Click & Win” button to enter the raffle.
Get three free plays per day or redeem 30 OPPOints per extra attempt.
Prizes include:
E-gift vouchers from Zalora, Jollibee, KFC, Chatime, and VIU.
OPPO devices, including the OPPO Find X8, OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G, OPPO Reno13 F 5G, OPPO A5 Pro 5G, OPPO Enco Air 3, and OPPO Watch Free.
The My OPPO App is a loyalty platform designed for OPPO users, offering exclusive rewards, OPPOints, and special services. This promo gives members a chance to win prizes while staying engaged with the OPPO community.
Following the massive success of his chart-topping album Bitter Sweet Love, James Arthur returns with his most personal project to date: PISCES – out now.
With PISCES, James takes listeners on a deeply emotional journey. Building on the raw honesty of his November 2024 single “ADHD,” the album showcases a more experimental, atmospheric sound while staying true to his signature vulnerability and emotional depth.
As the title suggests, PISCES is heavily inspired by James’ astrological identity. The songs reflect the duality of the Pisces personality – introspective, sensitive, and dreamy. “I’m a Pisces, and I’ve always resonated with those traits. Each track on this album is a part of me, a building block of who I am. PISCES just felt like the natural title to bring everything together,” James explains.
Sonically, the album marks a bold evolution. Known for his powerful vocals and heartfelt ballads, James takes a different path here – embracing a softer, more ethereal sound. “I wanted this project to feel different – dreamier and more intimate. People often expect big, emotional ballads from me, but I’ve always had more to offer. This time, I wanted to strip things back and explore a gentler approach,” he shares.
James co-wrote the majority of PISCES with long-time collaborator Steve Solomon, working with a handpicked group of musicians to bring the album’s vision to life. “We leaned into the concept of Pisces to shape the songwriting. It gave me the freedom to be open and creative. I really think this is the most personal project I’ve ever made – the reins are off. These songs are a part of me, they give me chills,” James says.
At its core, PISCES is about connection – with the music, with emotions, and with the audience. “I wanted to create music that makes people feel something – and gives fans a real insight into who I am. The highs and the lows, the dreams and the reality. That duality is at the heart of every song on this album.”
PISCES is available now on all platforms.
For more information and to pre-order PISCES, visit:
The State of Philippine Snacking survey results shared
Snacking is key to daily life, influenced by connections, mindful snacking, and sustainability
MANILA, Philippines – April 8, 2025 – Snacks hold a special place in Filipino households. In fact, in a global survey on the State of Snacking in 2024 showed that the Philippines tops the world in snacking! Almost all Filipinos surveyed (or 98%) eat one snack a day, above the global average of 91%. Referenced from this survey, a State of Philippine Snacking report was shared recently by a leading snacks company, offering insights into how, why and when Filipinos snack.
Not only do Filipinos snack the most, but they snack most often too compared to the global average. Among those surveyed, 84% eat two snacks a day, above the global average of 63%. Lastly 42% say they snack three times a day, above the global average of 31%. Morning and Afternoon snacks are preferred because they help boost energy, according to the survey. These snack times serve as energy boosters for Filipinos, with three-quarters (3/4) of Filipino snackers saying, “Snacking gives me a much-needed pick me up throughout my day.” Apart from boosting energy, snacking also provides connections for Filipinos with 90% saying that “…sharing snacks with others is my love language.”
The State of Philippine Snacking is a collection of insights from a global report of the same name, which is now on its 6th year. This survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of snacking company Mondelēz international from October 10-22, 2024, among adults from Philippines, aged 18 or older. Mondelēz International is the maker of beloved snack brands such Oreo, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Toblerone, and Tiger biscuits. Previously a compounded report of global insights, this is the first year the Philippines is included in the survey, to give a glimpse into Filipinos’ snacking habits.
“Snacking is an essential part of Filipino culture. It allows people to connect with family and friends, relive fond memories, and treat themselves after a productive day,” said Aleli Arcilla, Managing Director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines. “The insights from this year’s State of Philippine Snacking report confirm that Filipinos embrace snacking as part of their daily lives. At the same time, we see a shift toward more mindful choices, with consumers looking for snacks that balance enjoyment and nutrition.”
Snacking Mindfully
Even as Filipinos snack the most globally, they do so mindfully. Mindful Snacking matters to Filipinos, according to the survey. An overwhelming 99% of Filipino snackers engage in mindful snacking behavior with 92% agreeing, “I appreciate my snacks more when consumed mindfully.” The most important piece of snacking advice that consumers have received is that they should “…enjoy snacks in moderation.” (55%). 80% also look for portion-controlled snacks. 91% similarly agree, “I combine my favorite snack foods with other, more nutritious foods for balance.”
Snacking is a cherished part of Filipino life, adding moments of joy to everyday routine. 96% agree, “Life is more fun with a bit of indulgence.” 92% also agree, “Snacking is my way of treating myself after a productive day.” Lastly, 86% agree “Some snacks should just be for enjoyment or satisfaction.”
The Where and How of Snacking
Filipino snackers also have preferences on where to buy their snacks and how to enjoy them. According to the survey, 67-68% of consumers surveyed say they buy their snacks from malls or neighborhood convenience stores.
Additionally, Filipinos want to snack sustainably. 99% of Filipino consumers engage in sustainable initiatives/behaviors, including using eco-friendly products (60%) made out of sustainable materials.
For more insights from the State of Snacking 2024 report, check out this infographic on how snacking is a love language globally link here.
