First In PH And Southeast Asia: Makati City Hailed Global Winner In WWF’s One Planet City Challenge 2026

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LIFESTYLE | July 18, 2026

“This award is not the finish line. It is a challenge to keep raising our standards, to keep listening to our communities, and to keep building a Makati that is resilient for generations to come.” — Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay on the city's historic win as Global Winner in the developing countries category of the 2026 edition of the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) One Planet City Challenge, the first in the Philippines and Southeast Asia to receive the distinction (Image Source: Manila Standard/City Government Of Makati)

Makati City has been named a Global Winner in the developing countries category of the 2026 edition of the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) as announced by City Mayor Nancy Binay. Makati is the first Philippine city to be named a Global Winner in the said challenge and also the first in Southeast Asia to receive the distinction. 

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory: The New Musical Brings More Magic To Manila With A Sweet Kick-Off

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ENTERTAINMENT | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: Manila Standard/GMG Productions)

The cast of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory: The New Musical has officially arrived in Manila to present an upgraded version of the beloved stage production, featuring new illusions, immersive stagecraft, and a cast eager to share the magic with Filipino theatergoers. This marks the first time that Charlie And The Chocolate Factory: The New Musical is being staged in the Philippines. Ahead of its Manila run, the production held a press conference and Q&A session last July 9, 2026 at the Theatre at Solaire. 

Western Philippines International Tourism Showcase 2026 To Champion Regional Tourism, Business, And Cultural Excellence

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LIFESTYLE | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: Manila Standard/Western Philippines International Tourism Showcase)

The Western Philippines International Tourism Showcase (WPITS) 2026 is set to gather tourism leaders, government agencies, industry stakeholders, investors, exhibitors, buyers, and travel enthusiasts for a three-day celebration of tourism, culture, and business opportunities on July 30-August 1, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Olongapo. 

Datu Puti Teams Up With SB19 To Spark Pinoy Pride And Revolutionize The Adobo Experience

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LIFESTYLE | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: Manila Standard/NutriAsia)

Datu Puti, the country’s leading vinegar brand and a multi-generational kitchen staple under NutriAsia, maker of the Philippines’ best condiments and sauces, has teamed up with a fellow powerhouse icon of Pinoy identity, SB19, to reignite pride and passion for the ultimate Filipino culinary staple: adobo. This landmark megabrand collaboration between the P-Pop Kings and the iconic Datu Puti is set to revolutionize how the new generation experiences this beloved dish, rallying true-blooded A’Tins everywhere under the campaign tagline “Adobo Series Natin ’To!”. 

Google Launches New Shopping Solutions To Boost Video Commerce And Brand-Creator Partnerships In Southeast Asia And The Philippines

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TECHNOLOGY | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: CoinGeek/Google Southeast Asia)

At the recent Google Marketing Live Southeast Asia in Singapore which is one of the biggest gatherings of brands and advertisers in the region, Google put a spotlight on how the fast adoption of its AI-powered Search and YouTube’s trusted creator ecosystem is unlocking a massive opportunity for businesses to connect with shoppers and grow in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. 

2nd Gentry Open Tennis Championships Raises The Bar With Highly Impressive Php3M Prize Pool

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SPORTS | July 18, 2026

The 2026 Gentry Open Tennis Championships Organizing Team, L-R: Project Manager and Tournament Head Sarah Ofracio (Gentry Timepieces), Palawan Group of Companies Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Gela Villanueva, Palawan Group of Companies Marketing Manager for PalawanPay Miguel Mangabat; Chollo “Pareng Chollo” Pantera (Gentry Timepieces), Gentry Timepieces Vice President of Business Development Patrick Rodriguez, Gentry Timepieces and Gentry Open Founder and President Hayb “Pareng Hayb” Anzures, Gentry Timepieces Co-Founder and Senior Vice President Gerald Layug, Coach Yatharth Bhardwarj (Skywarrior Philippines), Tournament Director Bobby Mangunay (Palawan Pawnshop) (Image Source: Philippines Graphic/Gentry Open)

What started as Gentry Timepieces founder Hayb “Pareng Hayb” Anzures' dream is rapidly becoming a reality for the local tennis community — a tournament designed to bring players together, celebrate true sportsmanship, and inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes. Now, following its successful debut last October 2025, the Gentry Open Tennis Championships is set to make history once again as organizers and corporate partners gathered at The Function Room in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City, last July 10, 2026 to announce a record-breaking Php3M (3 million pesos) prize pool, a 30% increase from the first edition's prize pool, for the tournament’s second edition, scheduled to be held on August 20-30, 2026 at the CSA Tennis Stadium in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. 

eSports World Cup Takes Over Paris For 2026 With Star-Studded Opening Ceremony

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ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, GAMING | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/eSports World Cup)

The eSports World Cup (EWC) 2026 officially kicked off in Paris, France with a star-studded Opening Ceremony held last July 9, 2026 at La Seine Musicale, welcoming the world’s best players, leading eSports Clubs, publishers, partners, creators and fans to the first international edition of the world’s largest eSports and gaming event. Combining music, cinematic storytelling, competition and Parisian culture, the ceremony marked the beginning of seven weeks of competition that will bring together more than 2,000 players, 200 clubs, and representatives from over 100 countries competing across 25 tournaments in 24 games for a record-breaking $75M (75 million dollars) prize pool. 

9 Local Manufacturers Adopt DOST-PTRI’s Non-Woven Textile Technologies For New Applications

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TECHNOLOGY | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: Mindanao Times/Department Of Science And Technology – Philippines)

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), together with nine local manufacturers, is advancing the adoption of Philippine-made non-woven textile technology through the launch of ONWARD: Philippine Non-Woven Textile Innovations, showcasing its applications in furniture, fashion, apparel, transportation, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and other emerging industries while expanding the country’s textile capabilities beyond traditional woven fabrics and opening opportunities for high-value manufacturing. 

Entertainment News: Japan And Thailand Boy Groups Unite As WOLF & WANDER Officially Debut With Single ‘Better Life’

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ENTERTAINMENT | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: Starmometer/G&H)

WOLF & WANDER, the seven-member special unit formed under G&LDH — a joint venture established between Japan’s premier artist management company LDH JAPAN and Thailand’s largest entertainment company GMM MUSIC — officially debuted their first digital single, “Better Life”, last July 17, 2026. This arrives as the unit officially launches in the final episode of the CLOUD DREAM project Documentary Series, which premiered last July 9, 2026, alongside the launch of the unit’s official social media accounts. 

Cebuana Lhuillier Champions Disaster Resilience Through Employee Volunteerism And Community Action

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LIFESTYLE | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: Cebuana Lhuillier)

In the wake of recent earthquakes and as communities prepare for the height of the rainy and typhoon season, disaster readiness remains a critical priority. For years, Cebuana Lhuillier, the largest microfinancial institution in the Philippines, has embedded resilience into its operations through programs that protect employees, strengthen preparedness, and mobilize volunteer support for communities affected by disasters. 

Globe Unit m360 Brings Digital Skills Training, Free Surgeries To Rural Folk In Naic, Cavite

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LIFESTYLE | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: MegaBites/Globe Telecom)

Globe Telecom unit m360, in partnership with the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) and World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), kicked off its Digital For Good: From Farm To Chat initiative last June 26, 2026 in Naic, Cavite as part of its mission to boost the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolk through digital literacy workshops and health care support. Consisting of a digital skills training session and free minor surgeries, the Digital For Good: From Farm To Chat community outreach day started with a half-day workshop facilitated by m360 volunteers covering four practical topics: digital product catalogue creation, order-taking via messaging, digital promotion, and basic digital safety. 

TCL Brings T-AI Inverter Tech And Smart VRF Systems To PHILCONSTRUCT 2026

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TECHNOLOGY | July 18, 2026

TCL Booth at PHILCONSTRUCT 2026 (Image Source: Manila Standard/TCL Electronics Philippines)

TCL, the global leader in television and air conditioning technology, recently showcased its latest commercial HVAC innovations at PHILCONSTRUCT 2026, the country’s premier construction trade show, held last June 25-28, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City and drew over 1,000 local and international exhibitors. Highlighting its position as an industry pioneer, TCL spotlighted its advanced T-AI Inverter Technology and Smart VRF Systems, engineered to deliver superior energy efficiency, comfort, and modern climate control solutions. 

TECNO And Angélica Dass Co-Launched “100 Portraits Of Becoming”, A Living Archive Of Human Possibilities

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LIFESTYLE | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/TECNO)

As AI increasingly shapes how people are seen and represented, an urgent question emerges: how do we ensure technology reflects humanity in all its complexity? TECNO believes the answer starts with a simple principle — technology should help the world see people more truthfully. With that belief, TECNO and Brazilian visual artist Angélica Dass launched “100 Portraits Of Becoming”, a two-year initiative that covers five countries. 

Star Magic All-Star Games Gears Up For A SEA-Bling Game Against GMMTV's Finest Talents

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ENTERTAINMENT | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation)

ABS-CBN's talent management arm Star Magic goes global and officially raises the stakes for its annual All Star Magic Games this year. In a media conference held at the ELJ Communications Center last July 9. 2026 and livestreamed across Star Magic’s official digital platforms, the event gave fans a first look at the official rosters, training updates, and exciting previews for the first ever Philippine and Thailand match. In a historic move, Star Magic artists will play against some of Thailand’s best and finest actors from GMMTV in an unprecedented basketball showdown that will take place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on August 23, 2026. 

Filipino Craftsmanship In Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced

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GAMING | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: PinoyGamer.ph/Ubisoft Philippines)

With the release of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, Ubisoft Philippines conquers its most ambitious project yet. As the studio marks its 10th anniversary in 2026, it also celebrates the release of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, a modern remake of the critically acclaimed 2013 title. The game represents the studio's 13th AAA flagship contribution, co-developed with lead studio Ubisoft Singapore. The game is the result of a global effort, bringing together talents from Ubisoft studios in Barcelona, Belgrade, Bordeaux, Bucharest, Chengdu, Da Nang, India, Kyiv, Montpellier, Montreal, Philippines, Quebec, Shanghai, and Sofia. The remake immerses the players once again into the Golden Age of Piracy through the legendary journey of Edward Kenway. 

Maki Takes On Indonesian Primetime TV With Guest Appearance On Trans7's “Lapor Pak!”

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ENTERTAINMENT | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation/TransMedia)

Fresh from his KOLORCOASTER Asia Tour stop in Jakarta, Maki brings Filipino music further into Indonesia’s pop culture space through one of the country’s most recognizable comedy-variety programs. 

Manila Joins Pokémon 30th Anniversary Celebration With PokéXciting! And An Exciting Lineup Of Lifestyle Experiences

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LIFESTYLE | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: The Reimaru Files/The Pokémon Company International)

To commemorate 30 years since the original Pokémon games — Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green — were launched in Japan in 1996 for the Nintendo Game Boy portable videogame system, The Pokémon Company International, with SM Supermalls as its official partner, hosted a highly anticipated press conference and preview last July 7, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia, making major milestone announcements for some first-ever series of events and activities debuting in the Philippines to celebrate the Pokémon 30th Anniversary. These include Pokémon RUN 30, “Celebrate 30 Years Of Pokémon At SM Malls” event, the limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE at SM Mall of Asia, and PokéXciting! in Manila which represent the most extensive lineup of official Pokémon experiences ever brought to the Philippines, giving Filipino fans an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate the Pokémon 30th Anniversary. 

On The Radar: Rakuten Viki Expands Its Chinese Drama Lineup With New Romance Series Love For You

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ON THE RADAR | July 18, 2026

(Image Source: Starmometer/Rakuten Viki)

Rakuten Viki, the global streaming destination for Asian entertainment, continues to expand its premium Chinese drama offering through its partnership with MangoTV, one of China’s leading platforms. As part of this collaboration, the highly anticipated romance series Love For You is now available on Viki, blending themes of first love and family bonds with an underlying crime mystery. 

Caprice Cayetano Is Embracing Her ‘Sidequest Era’ — And She’s Loving Every Moment

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LIFESTYLE | July 15, 2026

Rising teen star and Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab 2.0 Kapuso Teen Big Winner Caprice Cayetano embracing what many Gen Zs call their “sidequest era” as the new face of Smart Prepaid's Power All offers (Image Source: Starmometer/Smart Communications Inc.)

From acting to arts and crafts, gaming sessions, and even dreams of becoming a pastry chef, rising teen star Caprice Cayetano is proving that she’s far from limiting herself to just one passion. Fresh off her reality show win, the 17-year-old actress is embracing what many Gen Zs call their “sidequest era” — trying new hobbies, discovering hidden talents, and simply enjoying the journey without feeling pressured to have everything figured out. 

The Art TV Designed For Every Home: Samsung’s 2026 The Frame Combine World-Renowned Art, Premium Entertainment And Seamless Design To Modern Living Spaces

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LIFESTYLE | July 15, 2026

(Image Source: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.)

Art has long been a reflection of personal style, helping homeowners shape spaces that feel uniquely their own. Today, that expression extends beyond traditional mediums and into the devices that occupy the heart of the home, including the television. Designed to seamlessly blend art, technology and design, the 2026 Samsung The Frame transform the TV from a screen into a statement piece. Whether displaying artwork from a world-renowned exhibition, showcasing personal photographs, or delivering immersive entertainment, Samsung’s Art TVs are designed to complement modern living spaces while elevating everyday experiences.