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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Philips) |
Family bonding has always been at the heart of Filipino culture. Whether it’s a salu-salo where everyone insists you’ve “barely eaten”, a catch-up that lasts until midnight, or a singing session that turns into a full-blown karaoke showdown, Filipinos know how to make every gathering one to remember. It’s no surprise, then, that karaoke has, in many ways, stood the test of time.
Think about it: we’ve gone from cassette tapes to digital playlists, from cable television to streaming platforms, and from family computers to smartphones that rarely leave our hands. The way we enjoy entertainment has changed, but karaoke has remained a familiar part of Filipino homes, becoming the soundtrack to every chapter of family life — through celebrations, setbacks, milestones, and the everyday moments in between. That enduring place in Filipino homes is what Philips has embraced over the years. As family bonding remains a constant in Filipino life, the brand has remained equally committed to developing karaoke speakers that fit naturally into these traditions, serving as the centerpiece that ties generations of families together. Whether it’s an impromptu sing-along after dinner or a weekend gathering with close relatives, the Philips Karaoke Speaker TAS2519 is designed to fit right into everyday family life. Its compact, portable design makes it easy to move wherever the fun happens while its theatre-grade sound effects create an immersive audio experience that makes every performance feel special.
When the occasion calls for something bigger — like fiestas, reunions, or holiday celebrations — the Philips Karaoke Speaker TAS5819 is built to match the moment. Equipped with a 30 mm private soft ball top treble and a 3-inch bass classic configuration, it delivers balanced highs, mids, and lows, ensuring every duet, power ballad that uncles and aunties love to belt out, and family-favorite medley is heard with rich, clear sound. At its core, what matters most in Filipino homes is not just the music itself, but the moments built around it. These shared experiences strengthen relationships and become part of the emotional fabric of family life, building connection and resilience along the way. And in those everyday moments, Philips remains part of the tradition — present wherever families come together, connect, and turn time spent into time remembered.
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vivo V70 FE Handles MLBB And CODM With Ease
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| (Image Source: vivo Philippines) |
The vivo V70 FE demonstrated stable gaming performance across popular mobile titles, positioning the device as a capable option for users seeking smooth gameplay in competitive and casual gaming scenarios. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo processor and equipped with a 6.81-inch Ultra Clear AMOLED display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate, the vivo V70 FE with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage posted an AnTuTu benchmark score of 946,458 points, reflecting solid overall processing performance for gaming, multitasking and graphics-intensive workloads.
In gaming tests, the device showed particularly strong results in competitive titles such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Call Of Duty: Mobile (CODM), delivering stable frame rates and consistent thermal management during extended play sessions. For MLBB, the vivo V70 FE maintained 58 to 60 frames per second (FPS) at maxed-out graphics settings. Gameplay remained smooth even during team fights, with no noticeable stutters or frame drops. In CODM, the device ran at 59 to 60 FPS using very high graphics settings with max frame rate enabled. Performance remained consistent during gunfights and fast-paced combat scenarios, with no significant interruptions or performance dips observed. Beyond these competitive titles, the vivo V70 FE also demonstrated playable performance across other mobile games including casual and graphically demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption, League Of Legends: Wild Rift, and Asphalt Legends. The smartphone sustained stable frame rates in several optimized games, while more demanding titles remained playable at adjusted graphics settings.
The device’s gaming experience is supported by hardware designed for sustained performance including a 7000mAh BlueVolt battery and 90W FlashCharge, allowing longer gameplay sessions with reduced downtime for charging. Additional specifications include up to 12 GB RAM with extended RAM support and 5G connectivity, enabling faster downloads, lower latency, and smoother online multiplayer sessions. The vivo V70 FE is available in two variants: 8 GB + 256 GB priced at Php25,999, and 12 GB + 256 GB priced at Php29,999. Get it now in vivo stores nationwide or online via the vivo e-store, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
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Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Becomes Most-Watched eSports Tournament In Asian Games History Following Landmark Debut
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| (Image Source: MOONTON Games) |
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)'s “Beyond Legacy” journey continues to break new ground on the road to the Asian Games as the recently concluded MLBB Asian Games Qualifiers (AGQ) became the most-watched eSports tournament in Asian Games history by Hours Watched (HW), generating 10.1 million HW according to eSports Charts. The achievement comes ahead of the Main Stage of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan where the title will make its first appearance as an official medal event.
Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Asian Games is the premier multi-sport event in Asia and one of the world's most prestigious sporting competitions. MLBB's inclusion marks a significant milestone not only for the title but also for the continued growth and recognition of eSports within the global sporting movement. eSports Charts Co-Founder and CEO Artyom Odintsov said, “Becoming the most-watched eSports tournament in Asian Games history by Hours Watched, while also ranking second by Peak Viewers with more than 1.27 million concurrent viewers, says a lot about where MLBB is today. It's already one of the titles that can reliably bring large audiences to major multi-title events, whether they're eSports festivals or traditional sporting competitions. Another thing is how consistent the audience is. Fans follow the teams and the competitive scene year-round, from Indonesia and the Philippines to regional qualifiers and international tournaments. That kind of engagement is still relatively rare in eSports and speaks to the long-term strength of the MLBB ecosystem.” The record-breaking performance also reflects MLBB eSports' continued evolution into a global competitive ecosystem as it celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. What began as a mobile esports ecosystem rooted in Southeast Asia has grown into one of the world's largest eSports communities, connecting players, teams, and fans across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
Japan represents the latest milestone in MLBB's globalization journey and growing relevance in new markets. Following its successful expansion into the Middle East through the eSports World Cup (EWC), MLBB eSports will make another historic step this year as the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) and MLBB Women's International (MWI) debut in Paris, France, marking the ecosystem's first major international tournament in Western Europe. In 2027, the M8 World Championship Finals will be hosted in Türkiye, further expanding MLBB's presence across Europe and reinforcing its position as a truly global eSports ecosystem built in the East and embraced by the world. Meanwhile, through the MLBB AGQ, the twelve teams that will participate in the Main Stage of the Asian Games 2026, slated to be held in Nagoya, Japan on September, are the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Malaysia from Southeast Asia; Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Islamic Republic of Iran from West Asia; Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan from Central Asia; and Mongolia, Hong Kong, and China from South and East Asia. As MLBB prepares to make its Asian Games debut in Japan, the success of the Asian Games Qualifiers underscores the title's growing momentum and the strength of the global community supporting its arrival on one of Asia's biggest sporting stages.
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FEU Hailed As Transnational Nursing Education Hub By CHED, Affirms Global Competitiveness Of Its Nursing Program
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| (Image Source: Philippines Graphic/Commission On Higher Education) |
The Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing marked a new achievement that underscores the global readiness of FEU’s nursing program. FEU was formally conferred the Certificate of Authority by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) last June 10, 2026, for the institution’s transnational nursing program, becoming one of the few certified transnational education providers in the Philippines. Through Brunei Darussalam’s JPMC College of Health Sciences (JCHS), FEU adapted its rigorous and intensive nursing program to fit the Bruneian educational framework while continuing to uphold the standards set by CHED through Republic Act No. 11448 or the Transnational Higher Education Act.
“This milestone is a strong validation of the quality and global competitiveness of FEU’s nursing education. Ultimately, it reflects FEU’s ability to produce nurses who are globally competent, adaptable, and ready to meet the evolving demands of healthcare systems beyond our borders,” said FEU Dean of Nursing Moira Uy. FEU established JCHS as a joint venture with Jerudong Park Medical Centre to provide Bruneians and aspiring health practitioners from neighboring countries a competency-based nursing education that complies with standards set by key institutions in both the Philippines and Brunei. This enabled FEU to not just share its academic strengths but also transform it into new healthcare contexts, helping guide aspiring nurses to become responsive to diverse and evolving global health needs. The branch campus offers the one-year Foundation in Science Certificate Program, which introduces general education and relevant biological, chemical, and life sciences courses to prepare students for the nursing program, and the three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which blends concepts and applications into related learning experiences thoughtfully adapted from FEU’s nursing curriculum. JCHS, Brunei’s first private health science educational institution, opened its first school term in 2022 and is hosting its inaugural convocation ceremony for its first batch of nursing graduates this July. Uy stressed that establishing JCHS would not have been possible without the strong support of CHED and FEU’s partners in Brunei, stating, “Throughout the process, CHED provided clear standards and oversight that ensured our program remained aligned with Philippine higher education benchmarks, even as we adapted to an international context.”
FEU envisions JCHS to eventually become independent and self-sufficient while still upholding the standards the branch campus gained from the Manila-based institution and without compromising educational quality. In line with this, FEU aims to expand JCHS’s offerings, strengthen its research and clinical partnerships, and continue fostering innovation in education. “In many ways, this initiative reminds us that our work is not just about expanding programs, but about building capacity and transforming lives. As we support the development of a strong healthcare workforce in Brunei, we also carry forward the values, excellence, and best practices that define FEU,” said Uy.
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Enchanted Kingdom Celebrates Travel And Tour Industry Partners Through Grand Fiesta-Themed Appreciation Event
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/Enchanted Kingdom) |
Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, continues to strengthen its forever enchanted ties with the travel and tourism sector as it honored industry partners at its 21st Tour Operators and Partners Appreciation Party. Keeping the momentum of its 30th anniversary celebration alive, the Sta. Rosa, Laguna-based theme park took its annual gathering for both new and longtime affiliated tour operators and travel agencies to greater heights with a grand Flores de Mayo-themed event that showcased the beauty and richness of Filipino culture and tradition last May 29, 2026.
EK set the festive mood with a colorful Sagala parade around the Park featuring representatives from select tour operators dressed in vibrant gowns and accompanied by the lively tunes of the Muntinlupa Black Diamond marching band. Miss Universe Philippines Laguna titleholders Eloisa Jauod and Ysabel Prats were also present, adding even more enchantment and elegance to the festivities. The event proper was held at the Enchanting Events Place where EK recognized its longtime partners as well as the top-performing contributors whose efforts helped expand the park’s reach to more Filipino travelers across the country from 2025 to 2026. “It is only fitting that we recognize each and every one of our partners for their valuable contributions in helping us attain our objectives over the past year, especially in bringing groups and schools to Enchanted Kingdom. We are grateful for the continued partnership throughout the years, and we look forward to an even stronger and more successful 2026,” said EK Chairman and President Cesar Mario O. Mamon.
Further underscoring its commitment of expanding tourism and leisure opportunities for both domestic and international travelers, EK also shared its full-year lineup of upcoming events, park developments, and offerings to the attending partners. The celebration featured musical performances from EK’s homegrown talents SMS and Kingsmen alongside special guests such as multi-talented OPM artist Ronnie Liang and The Voice Kids Philippines Season 1 grand champion Lyca Gairanod. Attendees also had the chance to win exciting freebies and major prizes through raffle giveaways with a giant pabitin serving as the event’s surprise finale.
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DAZN Secures Global Rights To 3ICE Hockey Ahead Of Landmark International Debut
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| (Image Source: DAZN Group) |
DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, has announced that it is the global broadcaster of 3ICE, the innovative professional hockey format, bringing its high‑intensity competitions to fans worldwide. DAZN has been delivering the thrill of the 3ICE World Cup and the 3ICE Men’s League to fans’ screens free-to-view since July 4, 2026.
As it enters its fourth season, 3ICE is the fastest-growing format in professional hockey. Games feature three skaters and a goalkeeper on each side and remove power plays as well as offside challenges. Every game goes to overtime and sudden-death penalty shots, ensuring continuous action from the first puck drop. The first event available on DAZN is the inaugural 3ICE World Cup, which took place at the SSE Arena Belfast last July 4-5, 2026, where eight nations – the US, Canada, Great Britain, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Germany and Austria – competed across group and knockout stages for the world championship title, marking 3ICE’s debut on the international stage. Later this month, DAZN will also bring viewers the 3ICE Men’s League fourth season from the Xtream Arena in Iowa City on July 14-16, 2026. The competition features eight city‑based franchises, each coached by a Hockey Hall of Famer, competing in a condensed tournament format to crown the Patrick Cup champion. 3ICE Founder and CEO E.J. Johnson said, “Partnering with a global, world-class platform like DAZN is a tremendous milestone for 3ICE. This partnership is incredibly exciting for our fans, players, coaches and commercial partners, and it gives audiences around the world the opportunity to experience the speed, skill and nonstop excitement that make 3ICE unlike anything else in hockey.”
DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev said, “3ICE is a dynamic professional hockey format that aligns with DAZN’s goal to bring fans closer to the most exciting and innovative sports. Its pace, drama, and fast-growing global appeal make it highly engaging for both traditional hockey audiences and new fans alike. We are delighted to partner with 3ICE to expand their reach and showcase this thrilling version of the sport to viewers around the world for free.” The addition of 3ICE further strengthens DAZN’s extensive sports content portfolio, combining established competitions with emerging formats that deliver compelling live experiences to a global audience.
