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| (Image Source: Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation/Globe Telecom) |
Samsung continues to strengthen its partnership with Globe AT HOME to help make the switch to more intelligent, more connected living easier for Filipino households. Following its previous collaboration to elevate home entertainment with Samsung TVs, the renewed alliance underscores a shared commitment to practical, real-life innovation. As more homes embrace an intelligent lifestyle, Samsung and Globe AT HOME bring connectivity and reliable technology that support the daily needs of every household, allowing families to do more and worry less every day. As part of this partnership, every purchase of participating Samsung home appliances will come with a Globe GFiber Prepaid surprise. This offer is available exclusively at authorized Samsung dealers.
As a trusted home appliance brand, Samsung designs household innovations that bring intelligence and enhance convenience into everyday routines. In the kitchen, the Bespoke AI™ Side-by-Side Refrigerator Family Hub transforms the food-preparation experience by keeping groceries and other food items fresh with All-Around Cooling. It also doubles as an entertainment hub with its built-in Family Hub screen, allowing users to stream content or monitor their connected digital home appliances. Meanwhile, the Bespoke AI™ All-in-One Combo Washer and Dryer also brings intelligent efficiency to the laundry room. It takes the guesswork out of washing dirty laundry by optimizing wash settings based on the load’s weight, material, and soil level. SmartThings enhances the experience by offering personalized tips to make laundry days more efficient or by notifying users when wash cycles are complete.
Stable, reliable connectivity is the backbone of every intelligent home experience. With GFiber Prepaid, consumers enjoy a reloadable, unlimited internet connection of up to 300 Mbps without lockups. Designed for every modern lifestyle, GFiber Prepaid offers the flexibility of pay-per-use options with dependable performance to keep homes connected on their own terms. With Samsung and GFiber Prepaid delivering both convenience and peace of mind, together it makes an ideal choice for homes that value seamless connectivity without complexity. Globe GFiber Prepaid helps users unlock the full potential of Samsung’s connected home ecosystem. It allows devices to communicate and automate routines, enabling swift responses to every household’s unique needs. From optimizing energy use to managing daily routines, Samsung home appliances with a GFiber Prepaid connection elevate convenience, making life easier in every home.
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GMA Network, RUNRIO Inc., City Of Manila Unite For Sparkle Run 2026
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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/City Of Manila Public Information Office) |
Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s first-ever “fun run” is coming and the recent contract signing held last February 5, 2026 at the Bulwagan ng Lungsod ng Maynila marks a pivotal moment in the program’s development. The event, slated to be held on May 30, 2026 at the Quirino Grandstand, signals more than a performance schedule; it signals a collaborative effort to elevate Manila’s cultural landscape through a bold new initiative that brings together entertainment, tourism, and city leadership.
Present at the signing were some of the most influential figures in Philippine media and culture. GMA Network Senior Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdes, a prominent industry leader, stood alongside Sparkle’s own leadership as First Vice President Joy Marcelo. Joining them were RUNRIO Inc. President and CEO Rio V. De la Cruz and General Manager Andrew Neri whose organizations bring a wealth of event-management expertise. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso attended as a key advocate for the city’s cultural and social initiatives, underscoring municipal support for Sparkle’s ambitious plans. Also present were Cristal Bagatsing, Director of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila, and Sparkle artists Mikee Quintos, Kristoffer Martin, Aira Lopez, and Royce Cabrera whose involvement highlights the program’s artistic ambitions and commitment to showcasing Filipino talent. Hosted by Martin Javier, the contract signing confirms Sparkle Run as a flagship project with Sparkle spearheading and mounting the program in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) as the venue partner. RUNRIO Inc. steps in as the event organizer, bringing professional standards in coordination, logistics, and execution. This arrangement signals a robust foundation for Sparkle Run, combining creative leadership with municipal backing and seasoned event management to ensure a compelling experience for audiences and participants alike.
As Sparkle moves from signing to stage, observers and fans alike will be watching for the unfolding program, inclusive of performances and appearances by its established artists. The collaboration environment, featuring government leadership, industry executives, and artistic talents, suggests a carefully curated showcase designed to resonate with local audiences while highlighting the vibrancy of Filipino artistry on a national stage. The #SparkleRun2026 tag captures the anticipation and forward-looking spirit of the campaign, inviting the public to follow developments, mark calendars, and participate in a cultural moment that ties together media, government, and creative excellence.
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ABS-CBN Foundation And JCI Manila Strengthen Partnership, Expand Support For Education And Sustainable Livelihood
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
ABS-CBN Foundation and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila, under the leadership of its 2026 President, Edison Ke, renewed and expanded their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held at Okada Manila, marking the second year of collaboration between the two organizations. Building on their successful first year in 2025, JCI Manila is set to broaden its support to more ABS-CBN Foundation programs in 2026. This includes supporting Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) through Programa Genio, GaLing Pamayanan’s community partner in Marikina and Bantay Bata 163’s Child Safe Schools project which focuses on children’s rights and development.
In 2025, JCI Manila supported the Bantay Bata 163’s Child Safe Schools project through the proceeds of the Break The Silence Music Festival. This year’s renewed partnership reflects a deeper commitment to advancing education, strengthening community-based initiatives, and promoting child protection efforts in partner communities. “Our organization believes that the key to the success of meaningful projects lies in strong partnerships,” said JCI Manila Director for Community Development David Ramos. He also highlighted that ABS-CBN Foundation’s long-standing legacy of implementing impactful programs makes it a valuable partner, adding that by sharing resources, expertise, and manpower, the collaboration aims to focus not only on the number of projects implemented, but on the quality and long-term impact these initiatives can deliver to the communities. Ramos added that JCI Manila will support education initiatives for PDL learners through Programa Genio, community efforts in Marikina through TEWO, and child protection initiatives under Bantay Bata 163’s Child Safe Schools project, including the adoption of a barangay in Batangas to help strengthen policies against child abuse.
For ABS-CBN Foundation, the renewed partnership highlights the value of collaboration with organizations, allowing them to continue reaching communities and improving lives. “JCI Manila’s knowledge, manpower, and wide industry experience will be very helpful in strengthening our programs. From initially supporting Bantay Bata 163, they have now broadened their support to the Foundation’s other programs, allowing us to reach more communities in many different ways,” said ABS-CBN Foundation Head of Strategy and External Coordination Margarita Anna Quiocho. The MOA signing was attended by representatives from ABS-CBN Foundation’s programs including Programa Genio, Bantay Bata 163, and GaLing Pamayanan, as well as JCI Manila President Edison Ke and Special Projects Director Rocky Cebrero. Through this renewed partnership, ABS-CBN Foundation and JCI Manila reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing education, protecting children, and strengthening communities.
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From The World Stage To Home: Jessica Sanchez Announces Manila Concert On May 16, 2026
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| (Image Source: GMA Network/Wilbros Live) |
After nearly two decades of captivating the world stage, Filipino-American powerhouse vocalist Jessica Sanchez is coming home to the Philippines. Fresh off her historic victory as the Grand Winner of America’s Got Talent Season 20, Jessica Sanchez will kick-off her much-awaited tour in Manila on May 16, 2026 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, presented by Wilbros Live.
Jessica Sanchez is a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and global performer whose voice blends emotional depth, technical brilliance, and timeless soul. Rising to international prominence as the runner-up on American Idol at just 16 years old, Jessica quickly became known for her rare ability to deliver both jaw-dropping vocal runs and intimate, heartfelt performances. Since her breakout, Jessica has built a devoted worldwide fanbase and an evolving catalog that fuses Pop, R&B, and Soul. Her artistry is rooted in storytelling — songs that explore love, resilience, identity, and growth — delivered with a signature tone that is instantly recognizable. In 2025, Jessica reached a historic career milestone when she won America’s Got Talent after earning a coveted Golden Buzzer, captivating millions with performances that showcased her vocal mastery, emotional range, and artistic maturity. The victory marked a powerful reintroduction to the world and confirmed her status as one of the premier vocalists of her generation.
Now entering a bold new creative era, Jessica is focused on releasing deeply personal music, high-impact collaborations, and unforgettable live experiences. Whether commanding massive stages or captivating listeners with stripped-down performances, Jessica Sanchez continues to evolve as an artist who honors her roots while pushing fearlessly forward. Experience an unforgettable night as Jessica Sanchez – Live in Manila, a homecoming and reunion with her most loved fans who have supported her from the start. Tickets will go on-sale on February 15, 2026 via TicketNet.com.ph and all TicketNet outlets nationwide.
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AMA Education System (AMAES) Brings Medical Education To The Frontlines In First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ “Lab For All” Initiative
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/AMA Education System) |
For many families who gathered at the Tanza Convention Center in Tanza, Cavite, the day was more than a routine government outreach — it was a rare moment when healthcare, legal aid, and social services converged in one accessible space. Among the institutions that helped make this possible was the AMA Education System (AMAES) which joined the “Lab For All” initiative for the first time, marking a milestone for private educational institutions’ participation in large-scale public service efforts. Led by Presidential First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, the “Lab For All” program — short for Laboratoryo, Konsulta, At Gamot Para Sa Lahat — is a flagship outreach initiative of the Office of the First Lady. Designed to bring essential healthcare services directly to underserved communities, the program provides free medical consultations, diagnostic and laboratory services, medicines, and health education through a unified, community-centered platform.
AMAES stood out as the only private educational institution participating in the Cavite leg of the initiative. Through AMA University and the AMA School of Medicine, the institution anchored its involvement on a long-standing principle: that education must extend beyond the classroom and translate into meaningful service for the Filipino people. At the forefront of AMAES’s participation was the AMA School of Medicine delegation led by Dean Atty. Michael Maniwa, MD together with Dr. John Rey Gonzales, Dr. Janice Paras, and Dr. Eric De Leon. They were joined by medical clerks Chandu Aragonda, Dhivagar Muruganantham, Bhargav Regeti, Ravi Prasad Naik, Gopal Krishnan, and Pranay Kumar Reddy — students who gained first-hand experience in delivering healthcare within a real community setting. For these future physicians, the outreach went beyond academic exposure. It became a practical lesson in compassionate, patient-centered care, reinforcing the importance of empathy, collaboration, and social responsibility in medical practice. Their participation reflected AMAES’s commitment to competency-based education grounded in real-world engagement. The event also brought together a broad network of government agencies including the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, PhilHealth, TESDA, PCSO, Pag-IBIG Fund, the Commission on Higher Education, and other partner institutions. This multi-agency collaboration underscored how coordinated efforts across sectors can strengthen public service delivery.
More than a single outreach activity, AMAES’s involvement in First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ “Lab For All” initiative highlighted the institution’s broader role in nation-building — one that bridges education, healthcare, and service. As the program continues to reach communities nationwide, the AMA Education System has expressed its commitment to supporting future “Lab For All” engagements, reinforcing itsmission to educate professionals who serve with compassion, integrity, and purpose.
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Rakuten Viber Strengthens Tools To Optimize Ad Placements And Performance With DoubleVerify Partnership
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| (Image Source: Rakuten Viber) |
Rakuten Viber has partnered with DoubleVerify, a leading software platform to verify media quality, optimize ad performance and prove campaign outcomes. With this partnership, advertisers can confidently engage real users across Viber’s trusted ad inventory. This approach is intended to protect their reputation and ensure their budgets are spent effectively. Tens of thousands of brands already use Viber to reach its highly engaged users worldwide via ads. DoubleVerify’s technology helps advertisers monitor where their ads are displayed, measure viewability, and give brands added transparency into their campaigns, helping them reach the right audience and deliver effective results.
Brands running ads on Viber will now be able to measure brand suitability and align ads with appropriate content, monitor viewability and filter out invalid traffic, and track impact, measure results, and optimize campaigns with granular media quality and performance insights. The research from the DV Fraud Lab revealed that general invalid ad traffic generated by bots has risen by 86%. At the same time, 6 in 10 advertisers are most concerned about where their ads appear and the context around them. To address these concerns, Viber now offers brands extra confidence that their campaigns are running in a suitable environment, which marks an important step for the advertising industry.
“Security and privacy are at the core of everything we do at Rakuten Viber. Our partnership with DoubleVerify gives advertisers peace of mind to place their campaigns with confidence, knowing they are safe, transparent, and impactful,” said Rakuten Viber Senior Director of Advertising Solutions Jean-Marc Alomassor. “This partnership allows us to support Rakuten Viber in maintaining the highest standards for contextually appropriate advertising and campaign effectiveness. Together, we help advertisers reach their audiences in a trusted and engaging environment,” said DoubleVerify Senior Vice President of Business Development for Measurement and Publisher Solutions David Goddard.
