Palawan Group Of Companies And JRS Partner To Expand Cashless Financial Services Nationwide

LIFESTYLE | February 18, 2026

Palawan Group Of Companies x JRS Express
L-R: JRS Express General Manager Gerard Payaoan, JRS Assistant Vice President Jose Jaime Claparols, JRS Express Vice President John Paul Claparols, Palawan Group of Companies Chief Business Development Officer Lisa Castro-Sabado, Palawan Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer and PalawanPay President Third Librea, Palawan Group of Companies Head of Palawan for Business Missy Baldemor (Image Source: The Manila Times/Palawan Group Of Companies)

The Palawan Group of Companies has partnered with JRS Express, a leading courier and logistics provider in the Philippines, to roll out QR Ph payment services across JRS Express branches nationwide. The collaboration aims to make everyday financial transactions faster, more convenient, and more accessible for Filipinos. Through this collaboration, customers can now use QR Ph at JRS Express branches to pay bills and complete other financial transactions while visiting a trusted courier partner. This initiative is strengthened by the Palawan Group’s nationwide network of more than 3,500 Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala branches, along with PalawanPay’s growing user base of over 23 million Filipinos. Together, these platforms help expand access to cashless payments, particularly in provincial areas and key logistics hubs.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

GCash Supports Local MSME Growth And Local Entrepreneurship Through Accessible Digital Financial Tools At Sinulog Festival 2026

TECHNOLOGY, LIFESTYLE | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: Mindanao Times/GCash)

Cebu City once again came alive with color, devotion, and celebration as the Sinulog Festival filled the streets with music, movement, and community spirit in honor of the Santo Niño. Joining the festivities, GCash brought a mix of exciting on-ground activities and practical digital solutions, turning Sinulog into a celebration of faith and culture, and progress for local nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs). GCash Sinulog activities highlighted how faster, cashless payments can help small businesses keep up with the festival rush, serve more customers, and unlock new income opportunities during peak moments of celebration.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

LG Electronics Philippines Calls For Entries For 2026 LG Ambassador Challenge

LIFESTYLE | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: Astig PH/LG Electronics Philippines)

LG Electronics Philippines is calling on change makers, community leaders, and organizations across the country to participate in the 2026 LG Ambassador Challenge, inviting project proposals that aim to uplift a new underserved community, with a particular focus on medical aid and community healthcare. The LG Ambassador Challenge is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of LG Electronics Philippines, launched locally in 2022 in partnership with Korea Friends of Hope International (KFHI). Through the program, LG provides funding and support to individuals and local organizations that propose sustainable, community-driven solutions to pressing social challenges.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 Builds Momentum For Cebu’s MICE Economy

LIFESTYLE | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: Cebu Chamber Of Commerce And Industry/Department Of Tourism - Philippines)

Cebu celebrates the successful hosting of the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026, a milestone that firmly positioned the province at the center of the ASEAN tourism and meetings landscape. Beyond its visibility, the forum underscored how deeply Cebu’s broader economy — spanning hospitality, transport, trade, agriculture, real estate, and professional services — depends on the effective execution of international events, while generating strong momentum for future ASEAN and global meetings expected throughout the year.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Home Credit Philippines Champions AI Innovation And Talent Development Through First-Ever Fintech Hackathon

TECHNOLOGY | February 18, 2026

Home Credit Philippines AI In UX Fintech Hackathon Participants
The participants of Home Credit Philippines' “AI In UX Fintech Hackathon” coming from over 60 schools across more than 15 provinces nationwide (Image Source: Manila Standard/Home Credit Philippines)

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, marked a significant milestone in its innovation journey with the successful launch of its first-ever “AI In UX Fintech Hackathon” in partnership with KadaKareer. This groundbreaking initiative underscores Home Credit’s commitment to advancing technology and artificial intelligence (AI) while creating opportunities for young talents to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

A Speedy Comeback: Julia Barretto And Maris Racal Show How Fast Borrowing Can Be With Maya

LIFESTYLE | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: Azrael's Merryland Blog/Maya Philippines Inc.)

If you’ve seen Julia Barretto and Maris Racal slap each other with money in their recent Maya video, you already know they make money moments unforgettable. Now, they’re back at it again. But this time, it’s about staying ready when life moves fast. In Maya’s newest video, Julia and Maris tap into a reality familiar to many Filipinos: when you need cash, you often need it fast. The visual gag is playful, but the message behind it is clear: getting a loan with Maya is fast, simple, and legit.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

AS Watson Raises The Bar On Plastics Reduction With Refreshed 21% Virgin Plastic Reduction Target By 2030

LIFESTYLE | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: AS Watson Group)

AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, is strengthening its plastic-reduction ambition with an enhanced commitment under the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment 2030. The company is pledging to reduce virgin plastic in its own-brand packaging by 21% by 2030 using 2022 as the baseline year. This renewed target, now featured on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment website, reinforces AS Watson’s leadership in advancing a circular economy and tackling plastic waste across its global footprint.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Mapúa Education Group Introduces ChatGPT Edu – A First For Philippine Education

TECHNOLOGY | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: Mapúa Education Group)

Building on its “Co-Intelligence” strategy — first established internally in September 2024 before its official public unveiling in October 2025 — the Mapúa Education Group (MEG) comprising of Mapúa University, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (MMCL), Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MMCM), and Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) announced another historic milestone: a group-wide collaboration with OpenAI, a leading research and product deployment company that launched ChatGPT. As part of this collaboration, the MEG will roll out ChatGPT Edu to its students and educators across the Philippines.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Entertainment News: Global Pop Sensation KUN Releases Self-Titled All-English Album

ENTERTAINMENT | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: Starmometer/88rising)

Global pop sensation KUN releases his self-titled sophomore full-length album and debut project via 88rising where the celebrated multi-hyphenate singer, producer, fashion icon, and global pop sensation crafts a homecoming to the unexpected sounds that shaped him across 11 songs, all of which he co-wrote and co-produced. Drifting between decades and genres, across rock, soul, jazz, pop and R&B, KUN filters the timeless textures of American music’s roots with contemporary clarity that showcases his expansive vocal range. The album includes a feature from GRAMMY-nominated frequent Anderson .Paak collaborators Free Nationals.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Philippines Hosted 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards, Celebrating Leaders In ASEAN Tourism

LIFESTYLE | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: Safari Plus/Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)

Nine tourism service providers from across different Southeast Asian nations were recognized at the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards last January 27, 2026 at JPark Island Resort in Mactan, Cebu, honoring outstanding achievements across the ASEAN tourism sector. Organized by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) Philippines in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards recognized travel and tourism companies, hospitality and resort operators, and M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) venues, among others, that demonstrated excellence across various categories.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Samsung Unveils Exclusive Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition, Supporting The Milano Cortina 2026 Journey Of Athletes Worldwide

TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.)

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, recently unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition, exclusively designed for all athletes competing at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Provided to almost 3,800 Olympians and Paralympians from approximately 90 countries, the special edition device will accompany athletes throughout their Games-time experience — supporting life in the Olympic Village while enabling them to capture and share meaningful moments from competition to celebration.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

ESPN Unveils “The Year Of The Super Bowl”: A Landmark Yearlong Celebration Building Toward ESPN’s First Super Bowl Production On February 2027

SPORTS | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: ESPN)

ESPN recently announced “The Year Of The Super Bowl”, a sweeping year-long multi-platform celebration of America’s biggest sporting event and building toward ESPN’s first-ever Super Bowl production on February 2027. In collaboration with the NFL (National Football League), this year-long effort marks one of the most ambitious cross-company initiatives in ESPN and Disney history, designed to elevate the Super Bowl experience for fans while uniting the storytelling strength, innovation, and cultural reach of ESPN, Disney, and the NFL.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

PETA Partners With Metrobank For 2026 Workshops

ENTERTAINMENT | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: ClickTheCity.com/Philippine Educational Theater Association)

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), the country’s pioneering theater organization committed to artistic excellence and creative education, is opening its doors once again to creative minds with the return of its much-anticipated workshop season from February to June of 2026. In partnership with Metrobank, PETA continues to make world-class theater training more accessible by offering an exclusive 10% discount to Metrobank credit cardholders on select workshop programs. This special offer underscores both organizations’ commitment to fostering artistic growth and expanding opportunities for creative learning in the Philippines.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

P-Pop Stars Sophia And Sheki Lead International Stage Collaboration In Super Star Kingdom

ENTERTAINMENT | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: Azrael's Merryland Blog/Kidscelence)

On March 21, 2026, the stage comes alive with Super Star Kingdom, an internationally acclaimed fantasy stage play from Muse Arts Singapore, presented in partnership with Kidscelence Recital, bringing together celebrated theater performers and rising P-pop icons in one spectacular cross-border collaboration. Originally developed in Singapore, Super Star Kingdom follows a group of young dreamers who are transported into a magical realm where talent, courage, and self-belief determine one’s destiny. Set in a world ruled by music, rivalry, and hidden truths, the story explores the price of fame, the power of friendship, and the journey of discovering one’s true voice. Blending live vocals, dynamic choreography, and theatrical storytelling, the production offers a visually rich and emotionally driven experience that bridges pop culture and classical theatre.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

VinFast Announces Global Expansion Strategy For Electric Scooters

LIFESTYLE | February 18, 2026

VinFast Electric Scooters
VinFast Electric Scooters: VinFast Flazz, VinFast Evo, VinFast Feliz II, and VinFast Viper (Image Source: The Manila Times/VinFast)

VinFast recently unveiled its international business strategy for electric scooters, identifying five initial key markets: the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia. This marks a significant milestone in VinFast’s global expansion strategy and the continued development of its comprehensive green mobility ecosystem. Under the plan, VinFast will accelerate its global e-scooter expansion, beginning with the five high-potential markets above. These countries are characterized by strong urban mobility demand, favorable demographic dynamics, and an increasingly pronounced shift toward sustainable transportation solutions.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Sony Music Publishing Appoints Roslyn Pineda As Asia President

ENTERTAINMENT | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: adobo Magazine/Sony Music Publishing)

Sony Music Publishing (SMP) recently announced the immediate appointment of Roslyn Pineda as its new Asia President. Slated to succeed longtime SMP Asia President Carol Ng who will remain with the company until her planned retirement at the end of March 2026, Pineda will be based out of Hong Kong and will report directly to Sony Music Publishing International President Guy Henderson. As Asia President, Pineda will be responsible for overseeing creative and business operations across multiple territories in Asia and is tasked with strengthening key relationships with clients and industry partners and expanding global support for SMP songwriters in the region.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

A Home For World-Class Filipino Entertainment: The Journey And What’s Next On Netflix Philippines In 2026

ENTERTAINMENT | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: Netflix Philippines)

After 10 years of being part of Filipino entertainment culture, Netflix Philippines enters 2026 with a slate that marks a striking new chapter — bigger in ambition, deeper in creative partnerships, and unmistakably Filipino at its core. What began as a home for global entertainment has evolved into a creative space where local storytellers find new possibilities and where Filipino audiences see themselves and their stories captured with scale, craft, and heart. Netflix sees this in the way Filipinos show up for homegrown stories. In 2025 alone, over 90% of its subscribers in the Philippines watched local content.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

On The Radar: TECNO Partners Exclusively With Laptop Factory To Launch MEGABOOK K Series Dual Models In The Philippines

ON THE RADAR | February 18, 2026

(Image Source: INQUIRER.net/TECNO Philippines)

On February 7, 2026, TECNO Philippines officially announced the establishment of an exclusive channel partnership with Laptop Factory, a fast-growing local laptop distributor in the Philippines. On the same day, TECNO launched two key laptop models of its MEGABOOK K Series — MEGABOOK K16s 13th and MEGABOOK K15s — which is now exclusively available at all offline stores of Laptop Factory, bringing new productivity solutions to Filipino professionals, students and digital consumers.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

DTI Kicks Off 2026 Trade Fair Calendar With Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair

LIFESTYLE | February 15, 2026

(Image Source: MegaBites/Department Of Trade And Industry — Philippines)

Mandated to promote the efficient marketing of local products and expand market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town One Product (DTI-BMDPO) continues to strengthen its national trade fair program as a core platform for enterprise growth, buyer linkage, and product development. As part of this mandate, DTI-BMDPO will open the 2026 trade fair calendar with the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair, happening on February 18-22, 2026 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

COMBATE GLOBAL Strikes Historic Partnership With Shane Fazen Of FIGHTTIPS For First English Live Events In 2026

SPORTS | February 15, 2026

(Image Source: COMBATE GLOBAL)

COMBATE GLOBAL and world renowned content creator Shane Fazen recently announced an unprecedented licensing agreement to distribute the Hispanic-focused franchise’s first three live 2026 Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events on Fazen’s wildly popular YouTube channel FIGHTTIPS. The live distribution on FIGHTTIPS, which has racked up over 490 million YouTube views over its lifespan, begins with COMBATE GLOBAL’s season premiere show in Burbank, California on February 26, 2026 headlined by the return of Mexican television star turned MMA competitor Jawy “The Mexican Jake Paul” Mendez (1-1) slated to compete against former Underground Combat League (UCL) competitor John “The Hitman” Padron (2-1) at 175-pound catchweight.  Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...