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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Rakuten Viber) |
Rakuten Viber champions small businesses anew as it offers limited time nationwide free shipping services through its partnership with fast and reliable logistics provider SPX Express. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) that use Viber to engage their customers can now offer free deliveries for their online transactions. To enjoy the exclusive deal, MSMEs must create a Viber Business Profile via vb.me/vibersmbaccountxspx_pr and an SPX Express account through spx.ph/interest-form. Type “Rakuten Viber” in the “Where did you hear about us” section, and complete all the steps to automatically receive free shipping privileges from SPX Express. Rakuten Viber and SPX Express are offering up to 4,000 free total deliveries, and the redemption of the offer is limited until vouchers last.
Viber first introduced the Viber Business Accounts for small businesses in the Philippines in 2023. The superapp recently revealed it noted 194% increase in Business Accounts opened by small business owners in 2024, underlining how Viber provided Filipino MSMEs with a platform for customer discovery and engagement. Rakuten Viber shares that the partnership with SPX Express reflects how free and fast shipping remains a crucial purchasing decision for online customers and should be a key part of MSMEs’ business operations. “Two years after we’ve launched the Viber Business Accounts for small businesses in the Philippines, we hope to expand and enhance this toolkit in 2025 to support more MSMEs, which collectively play a major role in the economic growth of local communities and the entire country. MSMEs can count on Rakuten Viber as a superapp that provides them with the tools and features that support and enhance their business transactions,” says Rakuten Viber Senior Director for Asia Pacific David Tse.
“At SPX, we remain committed to enhancing our services to support the growth of local MSMEs as they expand their digital commerce capabilities and grow their customer base nationwide. This partnership with Rakuten Viber enables us to further our mission of empowering local businesses through reliable and efficient delivery services,” said SPX Express Philippines Head Martin Yu. Free Shipping is for limited redemption only, so sign up now for a Viber Business Profile today and offer your customers hassle-free, cost-effective SPX Express shipping!
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HONOR To Provide 7 Years Of Android OS And Security Updates For HONOR MAGIC Series
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/HONOR Global) |
Leading smart device provider HONOR proudly announced recently its industry-leading initiative to provide 7 years of Android OS and security updates for its flagship HONOR Magic series. This revolutionary move reflects HONOR’s unwavering commitment to delivering enhanced user experience, security, and innovation. “We are thrilled to learn about the HONOR ALPHA PLAN which will start with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. By extending software and security support to an unprecedented seven years, we empower our users to enjoy a safe, reliable, and innovative smartphone experience for much longer, all while supporting sustainability by reducing e-waste,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
The HONOR ALPHA PLAN is a bold three-step corporate strategy aiming to elevate HONOR from a smartphone manufacturer to a global leader in AI-powered ecosystems. It encourages collaboration within the tech industry to co-create value-driven solutions and improve device longevity while benefiting all mankind. HONOR’s extended support for its flagship Magic series ensures users enjoy unparalleled value from their smartphones.
• Maximized Investment: Consumers can stretch their budget further with flagship devices that remain secure and up to date for seven years, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Users gain access to the latest AI innovations, enabling them to stay ahead in productivity, gaming, photography, and more.
• Eco-Friendly Commitment: By extending the lifespan of devices, HONOR contributes to reducing electronic waste, aligning with sustainability goals.
This initiative starts with the HONOR Magic7 Pro, available in the Philippines in 2025, and will expand to more HONOR flagship phones and foldable devices.
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GCash-Viamericas Alliance Enables OFWs In North America To Send Real-Time Remittances To The Philippines
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| (Image Source: adobo Magazine/GCash/Viamericas) |
GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, has recently forged an alliance with Viamericas, a leading licensed money transmitter in the United States, allowing overseas Filipinos in North America to remit straight to the GCash accounts of their loved ones in the Philippines in real-time. GCash International general manager Paul Albano explained that the partnership with Viamericas was established to provide fast and secure financial services to Filipinos based in North American countries and their families in the Philippines, stating, “The partnership between Viamericas and GCash empowers OFWs in these locations to send secure and fast remittances to their loved ones back home. This collaboration enhances financial control for OFWs and strengthens connections with their families, making the remittance process easier than ever.”
Viamericas’ co-founder and executive chairman Joseph Argilagos sees this collaboration as a way to expand its capabilities in the Philippines by integrating its services with GCash, noting, “This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission to empower communities by providing accessible, affordable, and reliable financial services.” Viamericas has multiple locations across North America which enables ease of sending for Filipinos, wherever they are in the region. With the capabilities of GCash and Viamericas, OFWs sending money to their families is now easier and hassle free. Currently, about 81 percent of Filipinos own a GCash account which gives them access to a host of financial services and products. It has over 5.2 million partners for QR merchants and social sellers, over 339,000 Cash-In, Cash Out (CICO) outlets, and over 520 GLife partner merchants.
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ABS-CBN's “A Family Affair" Captivates Viewing Audiences In Ecuador
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
ABS-CBN's “A Family Affair", starring Gerald Anderson, Ivana Alawi, and Sam Milby, captured the hearts of Latino viewers as it recorded the highest rating timeslot score during its airing in Ecuador’s top free-to-view channel Ecuavisa. For Ecuavisa’s Programming Manager Karina Medina, ABS-CBN shows like “A Family Affair” or “Asuntos de Familia” shine in the Latin American market because of its compelling stories. “Ecuavisa is always searching for different content, and in recent years we launched our first Filipino telenovela on our screen. For us, it's important that it meets these four elements: a love story, a deep drama, a love triangle, and a great villain. These ingredients are essential when choosing telenovelas. The production level, the acting quality, and its locations all contribute to making it a very attractive product for the audience, touching on universal themes. We believe that ABS-CBN shows have all these elements which is why it resonated with our audience,” said Medina.
“A Family Affair” follows the story of Cherry Red (Ivana), who inherits a property from the richest family of the town when the family matriarch mysteriously dies. She becomes part of the lives of the Estrella brothers Paco (Gerald), Dave (Sam), Seb (Jake Ejercito), and Drew (Jameson Blake), who develop unique relationships with her, especially Paco and Dave. The series reveals the truth about Cherry’s inheritance and exposes deep buried secrets and murders in the past. Another drama produced by ABS-CBN, “The Broken Marriage Vow” based on the UK format “Doctor Foster” created by Mike Bartlett and distributed by the BBC Studios, was launched on Ecuavisa right after “A Family Affair”. This follows more than ten other ABS-CBN series distributed in Latin America including “Bridges Of Love”, “The Promise”, “Destined Hearts", and “The Heiress”, further solidifying ABS-CBN’s strength in creating deeply-moving stories that cross borders.
Selling over 50,000 hours of content to over 50 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, ABS-CBN transitions from a Philippine broadcasting company to a global storytelling company that champions Filipino talent by showcasing world-class Filipino shows to diverse audiences across multiple platforms. For more information on ABS-CBN International Distribution, visit its website at http://internationalsales.abs-cbn.com.
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Solar Sports Is New Home Of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League
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| Solar Entertainment Corporation President and CEO Wilson Tieng and Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Founder and Chairman Manny Pacquiao (center) shake hands after the ceremonial signing of their partnership agreement. With them shown in photo are MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes and Solar Entertainment chairman William Tieng. (Image Source: Daily Tribune/Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) |
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and Solar Sports forged a partnership for the Manny Pacquiao Presents 1XBet MPBL 2025 Season starting March 8, 2025 at the Capital Arena in Ilagan City in Isabela. As such, select games of the country’s biggest regional league can be viewed live on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6:00 pm on Solar Sports. MPBL chairman and founder Manny Pacquiao and Solar Entertainment Corporation chief executive officer and president Wilson Tieng signed the agreement last March 3, 2025, formally reuniting them after serving as broadcast partners during the peak of the former’s professional boxing career.
“I’m very happy to be working again with Solar Sports, the channel where many of my fights were shown,” said Pacquiao. Tieng shares Pacquiao’s excitement saying that covering the MPBL games is truly an honor as it embodies the passion of Filipino sports fans, stating, “We are delighted to bring the excitement of the MPBL to Solar Sports. The league embodies the passion and spirit of Filipino basketball, and we are proud to be the platform for its 2025 broadcast.” MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes added that “teaming up with Solar Sports is an exciting milestone for the MPBL”. More than 200 games, as projected, are expected to be shown on Solar Sports throughout the regular season, playoffs, finals, and all-star games until December 2025 featuring 30 teams representing different parts of the country.
Also present during the formal signing of the memorandum of agreement were members of the Tieng family, MPBL chief executive officer Joe Ramos, MPBL chief legal counsel Glenn Gacal, and MPBL head of operations Emmer Oreta. Solar Sports is seen on Digital Free TV Channel 21 in Mega Manila, SkyCable Channel 70, Cablelink channel 58, and over 190 pay TV operators nationwide.
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Mang Inasal Kicks Off CreamyYESS Season With Fyang
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| (Image Source: Mang Inasal) |
Mang Inasal is making summer extra Fyang-tastic with its CreamyYESS Extra Creamy Halo-Halo campaign, celebrating the country’s love for the iconic Filipino dessert. To make the season even more exciting, the brand has launched the Halo-Halo Caravan, a nationwide tour offering free Extra Creamy Halo-Halo at select locations including famous tourist spots. This initiative is part of the “Love The Flavors, Love The Philippines” movement in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, encouraging everyone to explore and enjoy local delicacies. Beyond the caravan, Mang Inasal has lined up thrilling surprises including a limited-time Extra Creamy Halo-Halo variant, the highly anticipated National Halo-Halo Blowout, and an interactive exhibit featuring the beloved dessert.
Adding to the excitement, Mang Inasal has named Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 Big Winner Sophia ‘Fyang’ Smith as the new face of Extra Creamy Halo-Halo. Known for her charm and relatability, Fyang embodies the fun, youthful energy of today’s generation. Fyang shared, “Mang Inasal has been part of my life since I was young, and their Extra Creamy Halo-Halo has always been my go-to treat. I even celebrated my 13th birthday at Mang Inasal. Now, I get to celebrate this love with my fans and introduce even more people to the best Halo-Halo experience!” Fyang’s announcement as a Mang Inasal endorser quickly went viral, with ‘FYANG JOINS MANG INASAL’ dominating X’s trending list at number one for two straight days, racking up over 103,000 posts from thrilled fans and food lovers. She was formally introduced to the public during the CreamyYESS Halo-Halo Caravan Grand Launch at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, marking the start of a season filled with refreshing and delicious surprises.
