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| (Image Source: Seoul Economic Daily/The Walt Disney Company) |
The Walt Disney Company will bring its major fan celebration, D23, to Singapore in 2027 for the first time in Asia. The multi-day gathering is set to feature exclusive previews of upcoming projects, live presentations, interactive experiences tied to Disney franchises, and appearances from Disney creators and talent, bringing together fans from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond together with creators and talent from Hollywood and other markets.
D23 Asia is an extension of the D23 fan event launched in 2009 by The Walt Disney Company. The “D” stands for Disney and “23” refers to 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his first studio in Hollywood. The global event series has grown into a multi-day fan gathering with stage presentations, announcements, exhibits, and merchandise. “Bringing D23 to Singapore reflects the incredible passion of Disney fans across Asia Pacific and our desire to meet them where they are. D23 Asia will bring these fans together as a community to celebrate the powerful connection they have with our stories, characters, and experiences and to get an exciting look at what lies ahead,” says The Walt Disney Company Chief Marketing and Brand Officer Asad Ayaz. The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific (APAC) Executive Vice President for Integrated Marketing and Original Strategy Carol Choi stated, “Disney has an extraordinary and growing fan base across Asia Pacific and bringing D23 to Singapore marks a natural evolution in our journey to bringing unforgettable fan experiences to audiences across this diverse region in new and meaningful ways. D23 Asia will offer fans a truly distinctive experience with exclusive previews of our APAC Originals for Disney+ and the opportunity to hear directly from the creative talent behind our shows.”
For the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), D23 Asia becomes the latest addition to the city-state’s lineup of upcoming major international entertainment and cultural programs. “We are excited to bring D23 to Southeast Asia for the very first time. Together with Disney, we will be creating memorable experiences that resonate with fans across the region and beyond,” said STB Experience Development Group Assistant Chief Executive Jean Ng. Further details on programming and ticket sales will be announced soon.
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Watsons Brings Women’s Everyday Essentials Closer And Easier
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| (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/Watsons Philippines) |
For many Filipinas, no two days are ever the same. Mornings can begin with getting the kids ready for school, answering early work messages, or squeezing in a quiet moment before the day picks up pace. In between responsibilities and routines, time for oneself often comes in small, intentional pockets, moments that may seem simple, but matter deeply. These everyday choices, whether it’s prioritizing hygiene, taking care of one’s body, or indulging in a quick self-care ritual, are how women continue to show up, not just for others, but for themselves. Understanding these realities, leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer Watsons supports women by making everyday care more accessible and seamless.
Through its nationwide network of stores and easy-to-use app, Watsons brings together essential products that fit naturally into women’s routines from hygiene and period care to beauty, oral care, and overall wellness. In a fast-paced setting where convenience matters, Watsons makes it easier to stay on top of daily needs. With services like Click & Collect and Home Delivery Express, essentials are always within reach, whether it’s a last-minute restock after a long day or a quick online order in between tasks. With just a few taps on the Watsons app, women can take one more thing off their to-do list and move through their day with ease. Beyond accessibility, Watsons also ensures that care evolves with every woman. From young adults building their routines, to working professionals balancing multiple roles, to those focusing on long-term wellness, Watsons provides support at every life stage. In-store beauty advisors and Watsons Pharmacists are also readily available to offer guidance, helping customers make informed choices that suit their individual needs. From trusted essentials like Betadine, Sofy, PH Care, and Kotex, to self-care and beauty favorites such as Luxe Organix and Watsons Brand, each product becomes part of a routine that keeps women feeling confident and cared for. Even everyday wellness, from oral care with Dentiste, Fresh, and Perfect Smile becomes easier to maintain, turning small habits into meaningful acts of self-care. Watsons also makes everyday care more rewarding through the Watsons Club where members get access to exclusive offers, points, and perks that turn routine purchases into something more valuable. This means a working mom picking up essentials after errands and getting rewarded points she can use for her next restock, or a young professional taking advantage of member deals on skincare and hygiene must-haves she regularly relies on. These small benefits make it easier for women to stay on top of their needs while also feeling like they’re getting more value out of the care they already prioritize.
“At Watsons, we believe that every woman deserves access to care that supports her at every stage of life. Whether it’s everyday essentials, personal wellness, or moments of self-care, we are committed to making these needs more accessible, more convenient, and more empowering, so women can continue to show up for themselves and everything they care about,” said Watsons Philippines Managing Director Danilo S. Chiong. Whatever stage of life you’re in, Watsons is here to make everyday care more seamless for you. From everyday essentials to personal care needs that evolve with you, you can find what you need through Watsons stores nationwide, the Watsons App, or in the way that best fits your routine. With Click & Collect and Home Delivery Express, your daily care needs are always within reach, making it easier for you to prioritize your care, your comfort, and your well-being, every day.
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A Village Of Love: McDonald’s Philippines Celebrates Shared Motherhood
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/McDonald's Philippines) |
Behind every child who grows up feeling loved, supported, and understood is often a village of people quietly helping along the way. In many Filipino families, care is shared across generations and communities. It comes from parents who work tirelessly to provide, lolas who offer guidance, titas who step in when needed, teachers who encourage, and caregivers who nurture children as if they were their own. These everyday acts of support, though often unseen, shape a child’s sense of security, confidence, and belonging. In observance and celebration of Mother’s Day, McDonald’s Philippines continues its celebration of shared motherhood through a new documentary film that honors the people who help raise a child alongside their parents.
At the heart of the documentary is Alyssa Segura who shares how her life was shaped not only by her mother’s unwavering love, but also by the community that helped her grow and thrive. In the film, Alyssa gathers the women who became part of her journey — including her grandmother, aunts, teachers, and yaya — for a simple but meaningful tribute at McDonald’s. As the story unfolds, the documentary reflects on how care is often expressed through quiet, everyday moments: showing up, guiding, encouraging, and simply being present through life’s challenges and milestones. “Hindi magiging ganito si Alyssa kung wala yung tulong ng mga taong nasa paligid ko… Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa inyo (Alyssa wouldn’t be like this without the help of the people around me… I am grateful to all of you),” said Alyssa’s mom Maricel in the documentary, recognizing the people who shared her journey of raising Alyssa. Alyssa also expresses her gratitude through sign language, saying, “I love you all. Thank you is not enough, but thank you for being there for me always. To my mom, thank you so much for bringing me into this beautiful world and introducing me to the most beautiful people.”
The film ultimately serves as a reminder that motherhood is rarely carried alone. Behind every child is often a village of people whose love leaves a lasting impact. “At McDonald’s Philippines, we honor everyone who is a part of this village. This Mother’s Day, we look forward to celebrating these women through shared meals and meaningful moments in our store,” says McDonald's Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Ada Almendras-Lazaro.
Watch McDonald’s Mother’s Day videos in McDonald’s Philippines’ online channels (@mcdo.ph on Facebook, @mcdo_ph on Instagram and TikTok).
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TikTok Creator Wins Brand New Vivo V70 FE In #FunInEveryFlip Challenge
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/vivo Philippines) |
What started as a simple flip turned into a standout moment of creativity, storytelling, and digital expression. vivo Philippines proudly names Divine Grace Ranas of Cagayan de Oro City as the winner of its #FunInEveryFlip TikTok Challenge, taking home a brand-new vivo V70 FE. Running last April 18-May 1, 2026, the campaign invited users to reimagine their favorite moments through vivo’s Flip Card feature, transforming static photos or videos into dynamic, interactive lock screen.
Among all entries, Grace’s #FunInEveryFlip video stood out for its relatable storytelling and step-by-step execution, earning the highest engagement throughout the campaign. The video opens with a series of her solo photos flipping seamlessly, immediately capturing attention and demonstrating the feature in action. It then transitions into a more personal narrative, revealing photos of her and her partner. What made her entry particularly engaging was her voice-over walkthrough where she casually demonstrated how she created the Flip Card lock screen. This approach not only showcased the feature but also made it easy for others to follow, turning her content into both inspiration and a mini-tutorial. Divine transformed a simple feature into something interactive, relatable, and worth engaging with. As the #FunInEveryFlip TikTok Challenge comes to a close, one thing is clear: creativity is just one flip away. With features like Flip Card, vivo continues to empower users to turn everyday moments into something dynamic, expressive, and uniquely theirs.
Inspired by this year’s winning entry? You can start creating your own flip cards with the vivo V70 FE. Equipped with a 200MP OIS ultra-clear camera, a massive 7000mAh BlueVolt battery, and creative tools powered by OriginOS 6, it’s designed to keep up with your imagination. Visit any vivo store nationwide or get your vivo V70 FE now in vivo stores, vivo e-store, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop to experience the fun in every flip. Learn more about the vivo V70 FE by visiting the vivo website.
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SM Seaside Cebu Arena On Track For June 2026 Opening
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| An architect's perspective of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, slated to open on June 2026 (Image Source: The Manila Times/SM Prime Holdings Inc.) |
SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) is set to open its second arena, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, on June 2026. The large-scale venue is designed to meet global standards for live entertainment, sports and major events. “The enduring success of SM MOA Arena shows the strong demand for world-class entertainment venues so we are bringing the same proven model to Cebu. We believe Cebu is a key growth center and this arena will help attract major events, support tourism and create more economic activity for the region,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim.
With seven storeys and a capacity of up to 25,000 people, SM Seaside Cebu Arena will be one of the largest indoor arenas in the Philippines. Its flexible event bowl allows seamless configuration for both large-scale concerts and more intimate events, giving promoters greater versatility in staging productions. The SM Seaside Cebu Arena will feature one of the most advanced center-hung displays in the country supported by immersive LED ribbon boards that deliver a 360-degree viewing experience. These are complemented by high-capacity digital infrastructure, including 5G connectivity, enabling real-time engagement and enhanced production capabilities for both organizers and audiences. Dedicated premium suites are integrated into the design to cater to corporate partners and elevate the overall hospitality offering. SM Seaside Cebu Arena was also designed to support both front-of-house and back-of-house requirements for major productions. A practice court is available for performers, while multi-functional event spaces can be used as holding areas, breakout rooms or venues for smaller private events.
Located within the SM Seaside Complex, the arena benefits from direct access to retail, hospitality and transport infrastructure, creating a seamless ecosystem for visitors and event organizers. Its proximity to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and surrounding lifestyle developments strengthens its appeal as a regional destination for international acts and large gatherings. SM Seaside Cebu Arena has been securing advance bookings since late last year with BINI on July 11, IV of Spades on July 18, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan on September 5 and LANY on November 6 and 12 already confirmed for this year.
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BSP, Parañaque LGU, And BDO Foundation Forge Partnership For Financial Education Program
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| (Image Source: CCI France Philippines/Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas) |
Before the break of dawn, Jose Cabanza Jr. of Barangay La Huerta in Parañaque wakes up to prepare his fishing equipment before heading to Manila Bay by sunrise to haul in his catch for the day. But for fishers like Jose, not every day is a good day. He said, “Pabago-bago po [ang kita] katulad ngayon, medyo may sama ng tubig, namamatay ang ibang tahong (My earnings fluctuate. Recently, some mussels are dying due to poor water conditions).” Jose is just one of the target beneficiaries of a financial education program of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the City Government of Parañaque, and BDO Foundation. Advocated by the City Agricultural, Fisheries, and Aquatic Services Office of Parañaque LGU, the initiative aims to equip fisherfolk with the knowledge and tools to better manage their finances amid the challenges faced by the sector.
“They need technical knowledge to improve their lives. This partnership actually seals that intention. And someday, our people will be more than capable of managing their financial capacity or their resources,” said Parañaque City Agricultural, Fisheries, and Aquatic Services Office OIC Amie Hernandez. The financial education program was launched recently in a ceremonial event held at the Parañaque city hall. Present were leaders of fishing cooperatives in the city, key stakeholders from other sectors, and representatives from the BSP and BDO Foundation. Also in attendance were Parañaque City mayor Edwin Olivarez and District 1 representative Eric Olivarez. In his message of support, BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito shared “3 Ps” that illustrate what the financial education program is all about — partnership, practical knowledge, and preparedness, stating, “Kung marunong po ang mga tao na mamahala sa kanilang kinikita, nagiging matatag po sila (If people know how to manage their finances, they become resilient).” The BSP also lauded the partnership as it supports its whole-of-society approach to financial education. “This collaboration shows what is possible when the public and private sectors, such as BDO Foundation, work hand-in-hand for the good of our communities,” said BSP Economic and Financial Learning Office Director Marianne Santos.
Other beneficiaries are also looking forward to the financial education program. “Nag-iipon po kasi talaga kami mag-asawa pero sabi ko parang mas maganda may matututunan pa. Gusto ko po matutunan yung proper na pag-iipon sa bangko (My husband and I are already saving, but we want to learn more. I want to understand the proper way of saving in a bank),” said Mary Jane Gutierrez, a vendor at Parañaque’s Bulungan Seafood Market.
