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| (Image Source: Jam Online/Lenovo Philippines) |
Lenovo Philippines brought creators, students, young professionals, and Gen Zs together once again to step into the future of intelligent computing with the launch of “AI Ready. Future Ready With Lenovo Yoga”, a new campaign designed to help consumers discover, understand, and experience the real advantages of AI-powered devices. Anchored on the message of empowering individuals to stay ahead through seamless AI feature discovery and hands-on experience, the campaign put the spotlight on how the latest Lenovo Yoga Copilot+ PCs deliver meaningful, secure, and intuitive AI benefits beyond what traditional laptops can offer.
At the center of the campaign was “What’s Your AI-dentity?”, an interactive online quiz launched through a dedicated microsite. Users tested their AI readiness through visual, situational, and activity-based prompts incorporating technologies like voice recognition and eye tracking. Upon completion, participants received personalized AI Era results that they proudly shared online — sparking conversations about how AI fits into their everyday work, school, and creative routines. In Manila, the campaign came to life through a series of engaging on-ground activities designed to make AI exploration fun, interactive, and accessible. Consumers visited the AI-Ready Zone inside the Lenovo Experience Store at SM Megamall where they tried various Lenovo Yoga devices and took the full AI-dentity Quiz inside a dedicated Future Ready area. Lenovo also rolled out the Yoga Street Challenge at The Pop Up Katipunan where students took on playful, creator-inspired tasks that put AI-powered capabilities to the test. The challenge was hosted by popular content creator Jomari Angeles and winners received customized Lenovo Yoga merchandise such as t-shirts and tote bags while all participants walked away with exclusive coupons redeemable at Lenovo Exclusive Store SM Marikina or the Lenovo Yoga Store at SM North EDSA.
Participants who finished the “What’s Your AI-dentity?” microsite experience and presented their social posting to the on-ground staff also received special gifts curated by the local team. Perfect for creators, multitaskers, and students, this exciting campaign showcased and highlighted how the Lenovo Yoga line helps users work smarter, create faster, and stay ahead in a fast-evolving digital world.
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Caring For Those Who Care: North Luzon Hospital Frontliners Build Resilience And Digital Safety Through #BeCyberSmart
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Smart Communications Inc.) |
As frontline healthcare workers continue to shoulder the emotional and physical demands of patient care, supporting their mental wellness is vital not only for their own well-being but also for the quality of healthcare that communities receive. Recognizing this, PLDT Enterprise, in partnership with Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan City, organized a mental wellness session for hospital staff to reinforce resilience and digital safety in healthcare settings. The session was facilitated by Riyan Portuguez, known as “Your Millennial Psychologist”, who shared practical strategies on managing stress, maintaining emotional balance, and working effectively under pressure, especially in high-demand hospital environments.
As a long-term community partner, the hospital supports the commitment of PLDT Enterprise, to strengthen the well-being of frontline workers, enabling them to sustain focus, compassion, and clarity amid the demanding nature of patient care. This initiative is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader advocacy to promote mental health awareness as a cornerstone of digital safety and overall wellness in the workplace. “As physicians, pressure is a constant companion. You have long hours, difficult cases, and the constant demand to show up every day. Resilience isn’t about simply enduring more, but knowing when to pause, breathe, and recharge. When we take care for our own mental well-being, we are better able to care for others,” said Medical Officer III Dr. Alyza Jeamille P. Estrella. The initiative also aligns with PLDT and Smart’s #BeCyberSmart program, which promotes safe and supportive digital environments. “With #BeCyberSmart, we want to spark conversations on mental health and wellness. By fostering communities of care and resilience, we empower individuals to navigate both life and technology meaningfully,” said PLDT and Smart Assistant Vice President and Head for Stakeholder Management Stephanie V. Orlino.
Complementing the mental wellness discussion, the Smart Customer Experience team conducted a session on preventing online scams, equipping participants with practical tips to identify and avoid. These initiatives reflect PLDT and Smart’s commitment to holistic community support — championing mental health and digital security as interconnected priorities, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #3: Good Health and Well-Being.
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Batangas Province's 12th Migrants Day Celebration Puts Spotlight On Batangueño OFWs
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| (Image Source: Batangas Provincial Public Information Office/Kevin Paulo Medrano & Kasielka Cantos) |
In the continuing commitment of the Provincial Government of Batangas for the welfare and protection of Batangueño Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) successfully led the 12th Migrants' Day Celebration last December 9, 2025 at the DREAM Zone, Capitol Site, Batangas City. The celebration aims to recognize Batangueño OFWs and make them and their families feel the love and support of the provincial government. The program featured a meaningful discussion by Atty. April Casabuena who shared important information and reminders that will help protect the rights and welfare of migrant workers.
Outstanding service providers were also recognized through the Search for the Most Functional Migrants' Desk, an initiative that aims to strengthen the rights and welfare of our compatriots working abroad. Part of this is promoting sustainable, inclusive, and participatory governance for OFWs as well as encouraging Migrant Officers to continue reinforcing the importance of efficient, orderly, and gender-sensitive services focused on each OFW and their families. The municipality of Cuenca was hailed as the province's Most Functional Migrants' Desk with the city of Tanauan and the municipality of Rosario clinching first and second runners-up, respectively. Meanwhile, a special award, the “Most Gender-Responsive Program Award”, was presented to the City of Tanauan for its active promotion of gender equality and implementation of inclusive, responsive, and compassionate services. Various booths were also featured in the celebration under the “Services For Heroes” program where several national government offices and partners provided information and services to better meet the needs of Batangueño OFWs.
Atty. Sheila Mae L. Panotes-Libardo from the Office of the Provincial Governor (OPG), who attended the celebration representing Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, expressed the province's continued support for all programs for those who serve as modern-day heroes. The 12th Migrants' Day Celebration is proof of the provincial government's unwavering dedication in providing assistance, protection, and recognition to OFWs who are the true pillars of many Filipino families.
(With words by Almira Elaine F. Baler, Batangas Provincial Public Information Office)
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Ragnarok Online 3 Ignites Manila With High-Stakes Emperium Showdown, Signaling The Rise Of A New Structured Competitive Era For GVG
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| (Image Source: GamingPH.com/Gravity Game Vision) |
Manila became the proving ground where Ragnarok Online 3 (RO3) shifted from ambition to execution. Last November 22, 2025, selected community warriors and guild leaders gathered for an exclusive offline playtest that transformed classic Siege War into a high-intensity, tournament-grade experience through Emperium Showdown — a mode engineered for elite-level competition, spectator impact, and scalable match formats. Published by Gravity Game Vision and co-developed by JoyMaker, RO3 showcased a decisive strategic pivot: moving beyond nostalgia and into a future built around structured, performance-driven competitive gameplay. The Manila session was not a showcase. It was a live operational test of coordination, discipline, pressure control, and execution depth — powered by real communities that understand guild warfare at its core.
From the first match, the tone was clear. This was a battlefield designed for serious contenders. Guilds entered a multi-phase combat flow where every decision had immediate consequences. The engagement unfolded through three escalating stages: coordinated wall breaches under siege pressure, intense inner-city control clashes, and a final, high-stakes assault inside the castle chamber, where control of the Emperium defined victory. This was not theoretical design — it was real-time validation of large-scale competitive architecture in live conditions. What separated Manila from standard testing was the mindset of the participants. These were not casual players. They were community tacticians, guild commanders, and long-time franchise veterans. Every battering ram deployment, every ladder push, every cannon rotation, and every mech activation reflected live tactical intelligence. Commander skills shifted from simple abilities into leadership levers, dictating tempo, momentum, and battlefield control. The result was a match environment that felt closer to a professional tournament stage than a traditional MMO play session. As the final clashes concluded, the event moved into its most strategic phase: direct alignment between players and developers. Participants engaged the development team as collaborators, not observers. Feedback revolved around match pacing, battlefield transparency, class-role balance, and future scalability. The dialogue was operational, data-driven, and focused on refinement — reinforcing RO3’s competitive-first development philosophy.
The Manila test now stands as a critical benchmark in RO3’s roadmap. It confirmed that Emperium Showdown is not simply a game mode, but a foundation for structured regional circuits, tiered qualifier systems, and high-visibility competitive stages. RO3 is no longer positioning itself as a revival. It is positioning itself as a long-term competitive platform. The gates are now open — and the next wave of challengers is being selected. With the momentum from the Manila exclusive test, Ragnarok Online 3 is officially advancing into its next phase. Pre-registration is now live for players who want priority access to upcoming test opportunities, early-stage content, and limited-entry competitive sessions. This is not a passive sign-up. This is your entry point into the next era of large-scale guild warfare. Secure your position now before the next wave closes at https://ro3global.com/. Check out RO3's official Facebook and Discord as well as the game's official community page for the latest updates.
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Eduardo Flores, Myrel Benignos Crowned 2025 MILO Marathon King And Queen
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| Eduardo Flores and Myrel Benignos, the newly crowned 2025 MILO® Marathon King and Queen, proudly hold their championship plaques on the podium at La Paz Plaza, Iloilo City, symbolizing the spirit of grit, discipline, and teamwork that defines the MILO® Marathon. (Image Source: Punto! Central Luzon/MILO Philippines) |
The country’s biggest and longest-running footrace reached its thrilling conclusion as the 2025 National MILO® Marathon Finals recently crowned its new King and Queen after an intense 42K battle at La Paz Plaza, Iloilo City. This year’s finals marked the 25th race of the season, drawing over 24,000 runners nationwide, and served as a prelude to the marathon’s historic 50th anniversary in 2026. Eduardo Flores, 27 years old, from General Santos City clocked an impressive 2:27:58 to claim the prestigious title MILO Marathon King, while Myrel Benignos, 22 years old, from Negros made history as the youngest MILO® Marathon Queen, finishing with a remarkable time of 3:15:21.
Both champions exemplify the MILO® brand purpose of “nurturing grit, discipline, and teamwork to build champions in sports and in life”. Their victories are a testament to years of hard work and determination, inspiring Filipinos to embrace an active lifestyle and pursue excellence beyond the finish line. The new King and Queen follow in the footsteps of Richard Salaño and Christine Hallasgo, winners of the 2024 National MILO® Marathon Finals, who are proudly representing the Philippines at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Their legacy continues to inspire today’s champions to dream big and run farther. The Iloilo leg showcased strong collaboration with local government units and safety teams, ensuring a secure and memorable experience for all 25,000 participants from Iloilo and other visiting areas. MILO® continues to champion inclusivity, welcoming runners from diverse backgrounds, including athletes with disabilities, and reinforcing its commitment to grassroots sports development through programs under MILO Active Pilipinas.
As MILO® gears up for its 50th anniversary in 2026, running enthusiasts can expect bigger celebrations, enhanced race-day experiences, and tributes to the athletes and partners who have shaped this iconic event. For the young learners, the marathon remains a powerful platform for teaching values that go beyond the classroom — grit, discipline, and teamwork — passed on to future generations. Fifty run races are slated for the coming year, reaffirming the MILO Marathon's authority and legacy of being the biggest and longest-running marathon in the country.
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Golf, Culture, And Batangueño Pride Blend Together In Barako Cup 2026
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Barako Cup 2026 Organizing Committee) |
The Barako Cup 2026 is set to bring a unique fusion of sport, heritage, and community spirit as it tees off on January 12-15, 2026 as part of the Lipa City Fiesta celebration in honor of the city's patron saint San Sebastian. More than just a golf tournament, the event pays tribute to Batangueño resilience while spotlighting the local coffee industry that has long defined the region’s identity.
Billed as the country’s most caffeine-powered golf event, the Barako Cup celebrates the bold character of Batangas — strong coffee, strong community, and strong competition. Organizers say the tournament aims to bring together golfers of different backgrounds while promoting the distinct culture that makes Lipa a standout sporting and tourism destination. The event will feature a four-man team competition using the Stableford scoring system. Teams will be grouped into four divisions based on their Team Index Average, a format designed to ensure balanced and competitive play. The Team Index will be computed by dropping the highest individual handicap index and averaging the remaining three, the lowest among each team’s players. Open to all golfers, the tournament welcomes teams composed of all men, all women, or mixed lineups. Each participant will play from their respective tee markers according to standard tournament rules.
Registration is open through https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlVogd4qZqcw_CSMrqw9dp0FKE1zR6ZjGB7FfbjBOAlbA7rw/viewform?usp=publish-editor. The Barako Cup also serves as a platform to highlight the province’s thriving coffee industry and the enduring spirit of its people. Organizers emphasize that the tournament’s identity is deeply rooted in Batangas’ cultural pride, making it not just a sporting event but a celebration of local heritage. As Lipa City marks its fiesta, the Barako Cup adds a dynamic and flavorful twist to the festivities — merging athletic passion with the rich aroma of Barako coffee that continues to define the province’s legacy.
