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| (Image Source: United Nations Development Programme) |
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) have partnered to help address the growing challenge of plastic waste management in Asia, a region that is home to significant environmental opportunities and challenges. Rapid urbanization, increasing demand for single-use plastics, and gaps in waste management infrastructure have contributed to a rising volume of plastic waste, making effective solutions more urgent than ever. A significant portion of the world’s plastic waste enters the ocean through waterways in the region, posing serious threats to marine ecosystems, human health, and livelihoods. Sixteen of the top twenty polluting rivers in the world are in Asia, and account for more than two thirds of the global annual volume of plastics flowing into the world’s oceans.
In response to this urgent issue, UNDP and TCCF are scaling up efforts in nine Asian countries — Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam — supported by a $15M (15 million dollars) grant from TCCF to support UNDP’s initiatives across the region. The three-year multi-country programme launched in India today, will help improve plastic waste management, promote recycling, reduce plastic leakage into the environment, foster country-based solutions, and facilitate regional collaboration. By adopting and disseminating best practices across the region, the programme aims to inspire policy changes and community-level actions to reduce and help to eliminate disposable plastic and improve the livelihoods of waste workers. While expanding successful initiatives, the programme will focus on developing innovative business models for waste collection and recycling, offering technical advice on environmental best practices and tapping into the latest technology to improve collection and recycling, to reduce plastic leakage.
“Tackling plastic waste isn’t just about cleaning up – it’s also about building a smarter development model. Across Asia, countries are combating the problem by embracing the circular economy. Through our Zero Waste and Plastics initiatives, we are helping them craft policies, attract investments, and reduce the consumption of single-use plastics. With this initiative, we are also empowering communities to scale up solutions that will effectively reduce plastic pollution and safeguard our planet,” said UNDP Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Christophe Bahuet. “Collaboration is key to help improve waste management systems and strengthen recycling infrastructure. Through our collaboration with UNDP, the Foundation aims to advance solutions that minimize packaging waste, support better collection methods, and enhance processing capabilities. This approach not only helps address plastic waste more effectively but also contributes to long-term improvements in local communities and the broader environment,” said TCCF President Carlos Pagoaga.
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McDo’s Heartwarming New Film #ForeverDate Will Make You Believe In Love That Endures
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| (Image Source: adobo Magazine/McDonald's Philippines) |
In today’s dating scene, relationships fizzle out fast — breakups go viral and memes make heartbreak a spectacle. But, deep down, people still long for a love that stands the test of time. This Valentine’s season, McDonald’s once again tugs at the heartstrings of Filipinos with its latest film, #ForeverDate, celebrating love’s quiet strength in life’s fragile moments. With veteran actors Eva Darren, renowned for her roles in “Tubog sa Ginto” (1970) and “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” (1976), and Leo Rialp, most recently seen in “Heneral Luna” (2015) and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” (2018), playing the lead roles, the heartwarming film beautifully captures the story of a couple whose love has remained steadfast through the years with McDonald’s serving as a silent witness to their most treasured moments.
Conceptualized by Leo Manila and directed by Joel Limchoc of Film Pabrika, the story unfolds from the perspective of a devoted husband who patiently waits as his wife gets ready for their date, even gently drawing her eyebrows when her trembling hands can no longer do so. These simple yet profound gestures embody the essence of love — patient, kind, and unwavering. The film concludes with a poignant silent moment as the couple sit together on a park bench while enjoying their favorite McDonald’s Fries. Like in the film, McDonald’s has played an important part in countless love stories, bringing people together over shared meals and moments. With #ForeverDate, the brand continues what it does best — sharing stories that connect deeply with Filipinos, like reminding everyone that love, in its purest form, is unyielding and timeless. “In a time when social media is filled with stories of fleeting love and viral breakups, it’s good to be reminded that such love exists. We hope that by sharing this feel-good film this Valentine’s Day, we will fill our timelines with more heartwarming stories about true love. We started with this and now, we are looking forward to people sharing their own #ForeverDate stories,” said McDonald's Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Ada Lazaro.
McDonald’s is inviting everyone to share their own #ForeverDate moments. Whether it’s a first date, a decades-long relationship, or a cherished friendship, love is worth celebrating. Tag your #ForeverDate and share your own McDo love story. To make this season of love even more special, McDonald’s App users can get exclusive #ForeverDate Php88 McCafé deals from now until February 16, 2025, giving couples, friends, and families more reasons to share treasured moments together.
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Sony Philippines Takes Over The Banners Of Fair White And Blue In Ateneo De Manila University
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| (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/Sony Philippines) |
The tech-meets-trend excitement is making waves at the home of the Blue Eagles, Ateneo de Manila. Last January 20-24, 2025, Atenistas were buzzed with excitement as Sony Philippines’ second stop for the “Next Gen Campus Takeover” which transformed the area to a hub of creativity, music, and tech, drawing crowds of students eager to experience Sony’s cutting-edge personal audio products firsthand. The event was a blend of interactive activities and hands-on experiences that resonates with Gen Z’s love for connection and expression.
Atenistas got to experience the high-energy Fast Reaction Game, Blind Karaoke, and a TikTok-inspired Guess the Music challenge — all featuring Sony’s flagship audio products. Each activity was an opportunity for students to experience the exceptional noise-canceling capabilities of the WH-1000XM5 headphones, and the dynamic ULT Tower 10 Speaker with its bass-emphasized sound. The Photo Booth added a stylish flair, as students posed with the WH-1000XM5 headphones and snagged photo strips that dominated their Instagram feeds. Sharing their experiences with hashtags like #SonyPHxACOMM and #SonyPHCampusTakeover, participants turned the activation into a trending moment. Sony upped the ante with video challenges as Atenistas were asked to style their best OOTDs with Sony Headphones and highlight the key features they enjoyed upon usage.
The Sony Personal Audio Campus Takeover was more than an event; it was a celebration of sound and self-expression. By integrating innovative technology with activities that speak to Gen Z’s values of creativity and social sharing, Sony Philippines has set a new standard for campus activations. If you want to keep up with Sony’s latest news on their Next Gen Campus Takeover, follow Sony Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to catch event photos, tips, and other product giveaways.
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LG Unveils Google Cast-Enabled Hotel TVs At ISE 2025
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| (Image Source: The Manila Times/LG Electronics) |
LG Electronics (LG) unveils its new Google Cast-integrated hotel TVs at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025, the international systems integration and audiovisual exhibition taking place in Barcelona, Spain, held last February 4-7, 2025. Google Cast, Google’s technology that lets you stream your favorite entertainment and apps from your phone, tablet or computer right to your TV, enhances the guest experience with LG Hotel TVs by providing secure and convenient access to OTT streaming services. With this user-centric innovation, LG is reinforcing its leadership in the hospitality TV market which continues to be a key area of focus for the company’s fast-growing B2B business.
LG Hotel TVs running webOS23 or later can now offer the convenience of Google Cast with hotel-specific features. Google Cast for hotel TVs is implemented with network isolation to ensure privacy across hotel rooms. To connect a personal device to an LG Hotel TV and enjoy seamless content streaming, guests simply scan a QR code displayed on the TV screen.* This removes the need for users to input personal information or log into their preferred OTT apps on the TV. Conveniently, the connection remains active throughout the guest’s stay. Upon check-out, the connection history is automatically erased, helping to deliver a hassle-free and secure user experience. LG is expanding its presence in the hospitality market, offering a wide range of innovative, tailormade solutions, including hotel TVs, software, and digital signages. In 2023, LG unveiled the world’s first hotel TV with AirPlay – Apple’s wireless content-sharing technology – which rolled out globally in 2024. With the addition of Google Cast support, LG’s hotel TV became the first in the world to simultaneously offer both AirPlay and Google Cast, providing unparalleled convenience for guests. LG also provides the Pro:Centric management solution for hotel TVs, enabling hotel operators to effortlessly customize content for individual rooms, automatically displayed on screen when guests check in.
“LG Hotel TVs with Google Cast will deliver a seamless entertainment experience for guests. We’re excited to see LG’s momentum in bringing this seamless casting integration to the hospitality industry, providing travelers with the familiar comforts of home while on the go,” said Google's Senior Director of Engineering for Multi-Device Experiences Tiger Lan. “Many hotel guests nowadays wish to stream their favorite content from a personal device to their in-room TV. With LG Hotel TVs integrating Google Cast, they can enjoy a secure and convenient content-streaming experience, just like they’re used to at home. We will continue to strengthen our leadership in the hospitality TV market and enhance our B2B sector strategies,” said LG Media Entertainment Solution Company's Head of Information Display Business Park Ki-mun. LG’s booth at ISE 2025 featured a hotel-focused exhibition space themed “Transforming Stays into Memorable Hospitality Experiences” where visitors experienced LG’s Hotel TVs with Google Cast firsthand.
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Spotify Brings “This Is Taylor Swift. A Spotify Playlist Experience” To Asia — Connecting Asian Swifties To Their Favorite Artist
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| (Image Source: Spotify) |
Swifties across Asia are in for a treat as Spotify is bringing the magic of Taylor Swift’s music to Jakarta, Manila and Seoul with “This Is Taylor Swift. A Spotify Playlist Experience”, an immersive exhibition designed to bring Swifties together in celebration of their favourite artist. Designed with Swifties in mind, the experience is a ‘love letter’ to what it means to be a Taylor Swift fan. Bringing Spotify’s “This Is Taylor Swift” playlist to life, every element of the experience has been created to reflect the evolution of Taylor’s artistry. Whether reliving her iconic eras, spotting familiar motifs, or taking home a piece of the experience, this event is designed for Asian Swifties to be celebrated and connected to the music they love. Here’s what fans can expect:
• Witness Taylor’s evolution: Explore a captivating gallery chronicling a journey through her 11 musical eras, complete with stunning visuals and fan-favourite tracks that showcase the depth of her artistry.
• A lyrical wonderland: Immerse in a magical space where Taylor’s iconic lyrics come to life. From heartaches to love stories, celebrate the words and stories that resonate with Swifties around the world.
• Exclusive Spotify ‘This Is Taylor Swift’ keepsakes: Take home a piece of the experience with a limited-edition keychain designed for fans to easily access Taylor’s discography on Spotify after the event!
A global icon, Taylor Swift’s impact in Indonesia, the Philippines, and South Korea is undeniable. In addition to being named Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped Global Top Artist for the second year running with over 26.6 billion streams worldwide, she was also the 2024 Wrapped Top International Artist in all three countries. “We’re excited to bring ‘This Is Taylor Swift. A Spotify Playlist Experience’ to Asia. It represents Spotify’s commitment to connecting Asian fans with global superstars like Taylor Swift and creating innovative, interactive experiences that deepen the connection between artists and their fans. Swifties are some of the most passionate fans in the world and this experiential event is a celebration of them – allowing them to connect to each other through their shared love of Taylor,” said Spotify General Manager for Asia Pacific Gautam Talwar. “This Is Taylor Swift. A Spotify Playlist Experience” is happening in Manila on February 21-23, 2025. For more updates, head to @spotifyph on social media.
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Google Maps Turns 20: Celebrating Two Decades Of Discovering The Philippines’ Best
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| (Image Source: Megabites/Google) |
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Google Maps! For two decades, Google Maps has been helping people around the globe explore new places, connect with their communities, and navigate the world with ease. In the Philippines, Google Maps has played a vital role in showcasing the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. To commemorate this milestone, Google Maps is proud to highlight the top 20 most reviewed visitor attractions in the Philippines. These following destinations represent the diverse tapestry of experiences that the Philippines has to offer, from centuries-old historical landmarks to stunning natural wonders.
1. Quezon Memorial Circle
2. Magellan’s Cross
3. Temple of Leah
4. Cagsawa Ruins
5. Chocolate Hills Complex
6. Loboc River Cruise
7. Twin Lakes Tagaytay
8. The Ruins
9. Lion’s Head
10. Alona Beach
11. Hinagdanan Cave
12. Bangui Windmills
13. Cambugahay Falls
14. Heritage Hill and Nature Park Garden (Old Diplomat Hotel)
15. MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park, Palo
16. José Rizal Monument
17. Cloud 9 Surfing Area
18. Calle Crisologo
19. City of Naga Boardwalk
20. Intramuros
Google Maps has become much more than a map in its 20-year history, evolving into a comprehensive service. Its diverse features now range from 360-degree street views to detailed information on businesses and points of interest among many others. The impact in the Philippines has been significant, especially in tourism. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Google Maps renews its commitment to the country which includes continued support for local communities, tourism promotion, and cultural heritage preservation.
