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| Joao Constancia with several fans and spectators at the Gaisano Grand City Gate during the Kadayawan Festival 2025 powered by PLDT Home (Image Source: Manila Standard/PLDT Home) |
The streets of Davao came alive with color, music, and tradition over the weekend as the city celebrated the Kadayawan Festival 2025 with PLDT Home bringing the festivities from parade routes into Filipino homes. As a partner of the festival, PLDT Home reaffirmed its commitment to honoring local traditions, fostering community pride, and keeping families connected. The company also served as a key sponsor of Hiyas Sa Kadayawan, one of the most anticipated cultural events that showcases the beauty, talent, and heritage of Davao’s indigenous communities.
Singer-actor Joao Constancia, one of the hosts of TV5's new music countdown brand Vibe, joined the festivities. Known for his work in TV dramas and films and as one of the former members of BoybandPH, Joao appeared at PLDT Ponciano, Gaisano Grand City Gate, and at company booths in Magsaysay Park and Rizal Park. He met fans, posed for photos, and joined interactive activities. PLDT Home powered festival areas and events with fiber connectivity, including the Davao Tourism Office, Kasikas sa Kadayawan, Hiyas ng Kadayawan, and the Kadayawan Trade Fair and Bazaar. The service allowed organizers, performers, media, and festival-goers to livestream performances, share content, and stay connected during the celebration. Visitors to PLDT booths in Magsaysay Park, Rizal Park, and other satellite locations signed up for the Fiber Unli All Plan 1399. The plan includes a free six-month speed boost from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps, free subscription Cignal TV with 61 SD and 14 HD channels, unlimited calls from landline to landline, and calls to mobile covering five nominated Smart or TNT numbers. New applicants also received savings of up to Php3,600 with free activation and installation.
PLDT also launched Fiber Prepaid which offers seven days of unlimited 50 Mbps internet for a one-time Php999 fee with no long-term contract. PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Home Business and Sales and Development John Y. Palanca said the company was honored to work with the City of Davao in showcasing its heritage while keeping communities connected. PLDT Home Davao City Zone Head Melvin Lacuna, on the other hand, said the company aimed to make Kadayawan memorable by providing connectivity on the ground and offering flexible fiber plans. PLDT Home said it continues to connect Filipino households by supporting traditions such as Kadayawan while integrating technology to sustain them in the digital age.
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Kids Rule The Stage At SM Little Stars 2025 Grand Finals
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| The grand winners of SM Little Stars 2025, L-R: second runner-up Kirsten Danielle Ball of SM City Trece Martires, first runner-up Jazzlyn Capillas of SM Center Sangandaan, grand winner Xian Echo Y. Zamora of SM City Cabanatuan, third runner-up Jazzie Vrianna Cataran of SM City Manila (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/SM Supermalls) |
SM Supermalls welcomed a wave of energy, talent, and ambition as it held the highly anticipated SM Little Stars 2025 Grand Finals last August 9, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Now in its 16th year, the nationwide talent search embraced a new chapter with gender-neutral categories and a showcase of diverse, awe-inspiring performances from some of the country’s most promising young talents. After weeks of screenings held across 67 SM malls nationwide, 30 outstanding finalists rose to the top and competed in one of three unisex categories: singing, dancing, or a special talent. The new special talent category opened doors for a wide variety of performances, including acting, beatboxing, painting, gymnastics, musical instruments, and even magic and ventriloquism — reflecting a broader, more inclusive definition of talent.
This year’s Grand Finals crowned Xian Echo Y. Zamora of SM City Cabanatuan as the Grand Winner who impressed the audience with his drumming and singing performances followed by Jazzlyn Capillas of SM Center Sangandaan as first runner-up, Kirsten Danielle Ball of SM City Trece Martires as second runner-up, and Jazzie Vrianna Cataran of SM City Manila as third runner-up. With life-changing rewards at stake, the 2025 winners took home an exceptional prize package that includes ₱100,000 worth of cash and SM Gift Certificates, ₱30,000 worth of Toy Kingdom Gift Cards, ₱25,000 worth of SM Kids Fashion Gift Certificates, a brand-new Suzuki Dzire GL MT, a 100% tuition and miscellaneous scholarship from National University, a talent management contract with Sparkle – GMA Artist Center, a five-day four-night trip to Korea for two unlimited bowling and skating at SM Bowling and SM Skating, amusement park ride passes, a two-night stay at Radisson Blu Cebu, and an annual pass at Space & Time Cube. The event’s panel of judges included notable personalities from entertainment and education such as singer Sam Concepcion, director Antoinette Jadaone, National University Pep Squad coach Gab Bajacan, Miss Universe 2025 first-runner up Winwyn Marquez and SM Little Stars 2017 Grand Winner Gaea Mischa who brought with them experience, inspiration, and a genuine love for nurturing young talent.
SM Little Stars has long been a launching pad for some of today’s most successful young Filipino performers. SM Little Stars 2013 achiever Esang de Torres is now a Star Magic artist. SM Little Stars 2016 Boy Grand Winner Marcus Cabais is part of the pop group HORI7ON. SM Little Stars 2017 achiever Elisia Parmisano has joined K-Pop girl group UNIS, and SM Little Star 2016 Girl Grand Winner Sheena Bentoy took a lead role in the Philippine run of “The Lion King”. Their journeys are a testament to the power of early support and opportunities in building a child’s future.
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Bacolod And Tanduay Renews Partnership For 5th Rum Festival As The World Celebrates Rum Month
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Tanduay Distillers Inc.) |
Bacolod is set to raise its glasses high as it celebrates the 5th Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival on August 28-31, 2025, coinciding with the worldwide observance of Rum Month this August. First launched in 2019 through the partnership between Tanduay Distillers Inc. and the City of Bacolod, the festival has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events. It brings together locals, visitors, and global attention to Bacolod’s unique identity as a center of artistry, hospitality, and world-class rum-making. More than just a festive gathering, the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival is a tribute to Bacolod’s sugarcane and rum heritage — a tradition that has sustained the local economy, flavored its celebrations, and inspired generations of artisans. Rum, deeply rooted in Negros’ fertile sugarcane fields, is part of the city’s soul and a proud emblem of Filipino craftsmanship.
“This is not just Bacolod’s pride, it’s the pride of the entire nation. Our rum heritage connects us to our past, strengthens our identity, and positions the Philippines on the global stage. This festival is where our history meets our world-class achievements,” said Mayor Greg Gasataya. Themed “Ilabas Ang Natatagong Galing”, the festival celebrates the hidden skills and creativity of Bacolodnons and Filipinos — from music and dance to culinary arts and mixology. The event also plays a key role in rum education, sharing knowledge about the craft of rum-making and its contribution to the growing Philippine cocktail culture. The festival will feature the following: street parades and dance competitions showcasing Bacolod’s flair for performance; culinary showcases pairing local dishes with premium rum; rum tastings spotlighting Bacolod’s world-class rum heritage; performances from special guest artists Amiel Sol, Robledo Timido, Zack Tabudlo, and Mayonnaise Band, together with Tanduay Ambassadors Derek Ramsay and Julia Barretto; and a Food Park.
The festival draws thousands of visitors each year, boosting local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. It strengthens Bacolod’s image as a vibrant, creative, and welcoming city where heritage and innovation meet. Mayor Gasataya invites everyone to join the celebration: “See you at the 5th Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival — let’s toast to Bacolod’s talent, culture, and spirit!”
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Globe Opens INNOVANIA 2025, Showcasing Tech Roadmap For Connected Cities
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| INNOVANIA 2025: COSMIC NEXUS brings together industry leaders, innovators, and collaborators to chart the path forward for connected cities. L-R: PT. Senayan Trikarya Sempana Senior Building Manager M. Ichwan Eka Putra, dHost Global Inc. Chief Technlogy Officer See Kiang Khoo, Bacolod City Congressman Albee Benitez, Globe Telecom President and CEO Carl Cruz, Mynt Chairman Ernest Cu, Department of Information and Communications Technology Sec. Henry Aguda, Anti-Red Tape Authority Director General Ernesto Perez, WiredScore Director of Operations Stuart Wilson (Image Source: Manila Standard/Globe Telecom) |
Globe Telecom charts the path forward for connected cities through INNOVANIA 2025: COSMIC NEXUS, its largest technology and innovations summit to date. This aligns with the company’s Technology Roadmap centered on sustainability and the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI). The two-day landmark event opens with keynote addresses from Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz, Mynt Chairman Ernest Cu, and global thought leaders in urban planning, connectivity, and sustainability. A fireside chat brings government executives face-to-face with telecom innovators, creating space for the honest conversations needed to build connected communities that work. Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, Bacolod House Representative Albee Benitez, Anti-Red Tape Authority Director General Ernesto Perez, Cruz, and Cu emphasized building future-ready cities through digital connectivity, intelligent design, and sustainable infrastructure, highlighting the need for national and local collaboration, global best practices, supportive government policies, and innovative models like neutral hosting and Zero Lease.
The discussion also showcased Globe’s evolution into a digital solutions partner, promoting financial inclusion, smart communities, and intelligent real estate. The session concluded with a call for partnerships, sustainability, and global competitiveness to prepare the Philippines for a digitally connected future. Benitez, WiredScore, and dHost Global Inc. also share forward-looking insights on intelligent city design, fiber-ready infrastructure, sustainable property value, and wayfinding innovations. “We’re not just showcasing technology. We’re demonstrating how innovation shapes networks that deliver real solutions, the kind that make daily life better for every Filipino,” said Globe's Senior Vice President for Service Planning and Engineering Joel Agustin. INNOVANIA 2025 encourages collaboration and joint problem-solving among engineers, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students through networking sessions, breakout discussions, and hands-on exhibits that translate abstract concepts into real-world applications. Among these concepts are next-generation solutions such as 5G use cases, road to 6G evolution, robotics, edge computing, satellite communications, digital twins, and AI. Global players Huawei, Ericsson, HPE, Maxnet, Unconnected.org, Nokia, Amdocs, ZTE, FiberHome, Dell, Mavenir, and WhaleCloud demonstrate innovations that contribute to more intelligent and resilient digital infrastructure.
These showcases embody Globe’s continued commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient, resource-optimized, and environmentally responsible technologies that support long-term digital growth. The summit also includes partnership-building activities and agreements to promote digital inclusion and drive the development of smart cities across the Philippines. INNOVANIA 2025 amplifies Globe’s digital transformation initiatives. Together, this will serve as a powerful expression of the company’s mission to build a digitally enabled Philippines for everyone.
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BPI Turns Plastic Waste Into VYBE Points With Industry-First Workplace Reverse Vending Machine
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Bank Of The Philippine Islands) |
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) became the first bank in the country to install a reverse vending machine (RVM) in the workplace — reinforcing its dedication to environmental responsibility and its drive to integrate sustainable practices into everyday operations. The RVM is the main tool for BPI’s “Turn Waste Into Points” program which rewards employees and guests for recycling plastic and aluminum waste, encouraging active participation in the bank’s sustainability initiative.
Located at The Fifth in BPI Buendia Center (BBC), Makati City, the RVM accepts clean, empty PET bottles and aluminum cans (with labels intact). In return, employees and guests earn BPI Rewards Points which can be tracked and redeemed for vouchers through the VYBE by BPI app. “This initiative is a reflection of how we walk the talk when it comes to sustainability. We are encouraging every BPI employee and guest to make recycling a habit — by making it simple, convenient, and rewarding,” said BPI Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Cathy Santamaria. The RVM, supplied by Spurway Enterprises, helps users recycle while supporting BPI’s waste management program. The collected recyclables will be sold to recycling facilities, where they will be processed and upcycled into products such as t-shirts, eco-bricks, chairs, and tables.
Currently, PET bottle waste generated at BBC is estimated at 20 kilograms monthly — or about 500 pieces of 500ml bottles — all of which would typically take 450 to 1,000 years to decompose. Through this initiative, BPI aims to divert a significant portion of that volume away from landfills and into a circular economy model. The “Turn Waste Into Points” campaign will run until September 24, 2025, reflecting BPI’s ongoing commitment to sustainability by encouraging individuals to make small, meaningful actions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Palawan Pawnshop Teams Up With GCash To Activate Over 3,500 Outlets For Cash-Out Services
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| L-R: Palawan Pawnshop key accounts manager Sam Balando, B2B sales head Missy Baldemor, and chief business development officer Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado with G-Xchange Inc. general manager of GCash for Business Jong Layug, B2B commercial head Macky Limgenco, and enterprise sales head Kim Pineda (Image Source: Wazzup.PH/Palawan Group Of Companies) |
Converting digital money into cash has just become easier and more accessible for many Filipinos across the Philippines as GCash, the country’s leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, announced the rollout of its ‘Cash Out’ service in more than 3,500 branches of Palawan Pawnshop nationwide. The recent addition of Palawan Pawnshop as a Cash Out partner further expands the reach of GCash and ensures convenience and accessibility for all users, which is an essential part of its vision of achieving “Finance for All”.
“This partnership makes it simple for our users to convert digital money into physical cash. Palawan Pawnshop’s extensive branch network makes it a critical partner in our thrust toward providing our customers unparalleled accessibility and convenience,” said G-Xchange Inc. general manager of GCash for Business Jong Layug. Palawan Group’s chief business development officer Lisa Castro-Sabado expressed excitement about this milestone partnership, saying, “The Palawan Group and GCash share one thing: we are both Filipino-owned, and service-to-Filipinos-oriented. This collaboration will certainly open doors to more opportunities of serving our kababayans better, wherever they are in the Philippines.” Despite advances in digital payment infrastructure in the country, many Filipinos continue to rely on cash payment for their everyday transactions, especially in remote areas. Thus, partnering with Palawan Pawnshop, with its extensive presence across the country, will encourage more Filipinos to avail themselves of digital financial services as they can now easily turn their digital money into cash.
In addition to withdrawals, GCash and Palawan Pawnshop are also working on integrating the latter’s insurance products into GInsure, expanding the range of insurance options for GCash users. Users can access the Cash Out feature through the GCash app, generate a reference code, and present it at any Palawan Pawnshop branch. Transactions are processed within minutes. The collaboration is part of GCash’s ongoing strategy to provide omnichannel financial services, offering users convenience and accessibility to digital financial solutions while also maintaining access to physical cash when needed. Palawan Pawnshop joins a growing list of GCash partners in its cash-out network, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to serving its customers wherever they are.
