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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Ortigas Art Festival) |
As the Ortigas Art Festival marks its ninth edition under the theme “Elevate”, it takes a momentous step forward in nurturing the future of Filipino creativity. Guided by its core advocacy of “Art For All”, the festival officially launched the inaugural Ortigas Art Competition. Conceived as a multi-stage developmental initiative, the Ortigas Art Competition redefines how emerging Filipino talent is recognized. Rather than focusing on a single piece of artwork, it evaluates the depth of an artist’s portfolio and creative journey.
The initiative champions inclusivity across diverse mediums, steering away from the commercial exclusivity of traditional gallery spaces. It celebrates the enduring value of physical, handmade visual art while empowering young painters and sculptors. The competition unfolds through a year-long program which is currently running until July 2027. It began with 45 shortlisted candidates who underwent a multi-stage portfolio evaluation overseen by seasoned curators and mentors, The candidates were narrowed down to 24 finalists representing local artist collectives and residency programs across the country including Eskinita Art Farm, Linangan Art Residency, Thombayan Art Space, Collective Artists of Angono, Mindoro Artist Group, and Art Circle Gallery. Their works will be highlighted in a dedicated pop-up exhibition in January 2027, culminating in the selection of a winner who will receive an all-expenses-paid, curator-accompanied immersion trip to Art Basel Hong Kong 2027. They will also have a featured solo exhibition during the 10th Ortigas Art Festival next year. The launch of the competition coincides with the 9th Ortigas Art Festival’s broader expansion into literature, film, and theater design at GH Mall. Now running until July 31, 2026, the free exhibit offers diverse exhibits featuring paintings, sculptures, and many more. Literary works by National Artist Virgilio S. Almario (Rio Alma), a retrospective honoring National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal, and the works of the “Father of Philippine Installation Art” Junyee are also showcased. Ortigas Art Festival has free film screenings at Cinema 4, Promenade, curated in partnership with Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). There are also free workshops that cater to different interests.
As Ortigas Art Festival head curator and consultant Renato Habulan emphasizes, approaching the festival’s first decade is about officially passing the torch to a new generation of artists who will carry the Philippine art industry forward. To stay informed about the Ortigas Art Festival, follow the Ortigas Art Festival Facebook page (@ortigasartfestival). For more information and updates on Ortigas Malls events, join Ortigas Malls’ Viber Community and follow GH Mall on Facebook (@greenhillsofficial).
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A Winning Journey: From HONOR 600 To Mercedes-Benz EQA
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| HONOR Philippines Digital Marketing and Content Head Eason De Guzman, Vice President Stephen Cheng, and Public Relations Head Pao Oga with HONOR 600 Win-a-Benz Winner John Kenneth Gervacio (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/HONOR Philippines) |
HONOR Philippines has officially awarded the grand prize of its much-anticipated HONOR 600 Win-a-Benz Promo, turning one lucky HONOR fan into the proud owner of a brand-new Mercedes-Benz EQA. Launched alongside the highly successful HONOR 600 Series, the nationwide promo gave customers who purchased an HONOR 600 smartphone the chance to drive home one of the world’s most sought-after premium electric vehicles. The campaign generated overwhelming excitement across the country, contributing to the remarkable reception of the HONOR 600 Series among Filipino consumers.
Grand prize winner John Kenneth Gervacio transformed his purchase of a qualifying HONOR 600 smartphone into the opportunity of a lifetime, taking home a brand-new Mercedes-Benz EQA. His win reflects the incredible rewards and exciting experiences that await those who choose HONOR. “The Win-a-Benz Promo is our way of thanking everyone who trusted HONOR and made the HONOR 600 one of the most talked-about smartphone launches of the year. Congratulations to our grand prize winner, and we look forward to bringing even more exciting experiences to Filipino consumers,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. Known for its powerful AI capabilities, flagship-level camera system, stylish design, and reliable all-day performance, the HONOR 600 Series has continued to gain momentum since its launch, becoming one of HONOR’s most successful smartphone releases to date.
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/HONOR Global) |
HONOR Robot Phone Makes Surprise Appearance During Spain’s World Cup Celebration
HONOR has captured the attention of football fans and tech enthusiasts alike after what appears to be an unreleased HONOR smartphone was spotted in the hands of members of Spain’s world cup-winning squad during their post-match celebrations. The surprise appearance quickly sparked conversations online, with fans speculating the identity of the device and what it could mean for HONOR’s upcoming innovations. The sighting further highlights the brand’s growing global presence on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages. While HONOR has yet to reveal details about the device, the unexpected cameo has fueled excitement among consumers eager to see what’s next from the global technology brand.
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RCBC Executive Shares Key Takeaways From Visa Payments Forum
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| RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva and VISA Group President Oliver Jenkyn at the Visa Payments Forum 2026 held in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. (Image Source: Business Mirror/Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation) |
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer and FinTech Alliance.PH Founding Chairman Lito Villanueva shared key insights on the future of financial technology following his participation in the Visa Payments Forum 2026, held last June 9-11, 2016 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. The annual gathering brought together financial institutions, technology companies, developers, merchants, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss emerging trends shaping the future of payments, commerce, and digital finance. Villanueva joined global discussions on payment technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, digital commerce, and cross-border financial services.
Among the key themes discussed during the forum were the evolution of customer experiences through personalization and rewards, the growing adoption of generative artificial intelligence, the need for stronger fraud and security frameworks, the transformation of cross-border payments, and the increasing importance of global interoperability in financial services. Reflecting on the discussions, Villanueva said the conversations extended beyond payments and offered valuable insights into the broader direction of the global fintech industry, stating, “What struck me was how the conversation was not just about payments. It was about the future of commerce, trust, technology, and global connectivity.” He noted that many of the trends highlighted at the forum are already becoming increasingly relevant across the Philippines and the ASEAN region, stating, “These priorities strongly resonate with what we are seeing across the Philippines and ASEAN. AI is rapidly transforming customer experiences. Stablecoins are moving from concept to reality. Cross-border payments continue to become faster and more interconnected. At the same time, trust, security, and financial inclusion remain at the heart of sustainable innovation.”
Drawing from discussions at the forum, Villanueva said the Philippine fintech industry is entering a critical stage of development after successfully bringing more than half of adult Filipinos into the formal financial system. He emphasized that the next phase of growth would require greater investments in trust, security, interoperability, and customer-centric innovation to sustain momentum and reach the remaining unbanked population. “The challenge before us is no longer simply adoption. It is ensuring that innovation translates into meaningful impact, greater trust, and broader access to financial services for every Filipino.” Villanueva also noted that developments in artificial intelligence, stablecoins, digital identity, and cross-border financial infrastructure are expected to shape future conversations at the upcoming ASEAN Fintech Summit and other regional industry platforms.
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PUMA And JD Sports Drop Exclusive Sakura-Inspired Tacklette Charm In Metro Manila
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/PUMA Philippines) |
PUMA introduces the Tacklette sneakers to the Philippines, blending classic terrace heritage with a Mary Jane design. Built for everyday wear, this new release offers women a versatile shoe that transitions directly from casual streetwear to more styled outfits.
The Tacklette updates traditional athletic footwear by pairing PUMA’s signature T-toe construction and a suede-leather mix with a distinct, backless Mary Jane upper. Built on low-profile rubber tooling and finished with a crepe-inspired sole, the shoe balances visual appeal with practical durability. Inside, a SoftFoam+ sockliner delivers the exact cushioning needed to comfortably navigate the busy streets of Metro Manila while woven labels offer a subtle nod to PUMA’s sporting roots. Adding a playful element to the local launch, PUMA and JD Sports are debuting the JD Sports Exclusive Tacklette Charm. This special edition features a delicate, sakura-inspired charm that delivers a sharp finish to the design. To celebrate the release, customers in the Philippines who purchase either the Tacklette or the Tacklette Charm during the campaign period will receive an exclusive PUMA x JD Sakura Anklet, available only while supplies last. The standard Tacklette arrives in two classic colorways: PUMA Black with PUMA White, and Jasmine Flower with PUMA White. The JD Sports Exclusive Tacklette Charm offers a richer palette, pairing PUMA Black with Mauve Mist Gum and Dark Chocolate with Warm White Gum.
The collection is now available for Php3,900. The Tacklette Charm drops exclusively at JD Sports physical stores and online at jdsports.com while the standard Tacklette is also available at PUMA.com, PUMA flagship stores, and select PUMA resellers. Visit PUMA Philippines’ official website and social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to learn more.
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EastWest Champions Retirement Readiness At BSP PERA Forum
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| EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo shares bank’s success story on its employee retirement readiness program. (Image Source: MyCebu.ph/EastWest Banking Corporation) |
EastWest Banking Corporation (EastWest) championed the role of employers in strengthening retirement readiness among Filipino workers at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-subsidized PERA@Work: Powering Employer-Led Retirement Security Forum. Speaking at the forum, EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo shared the Bank’s experience as the first universal bank in the Philippines to launch a voluntary Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) contribution program for employees, stating, “Financial empowerment is not only about access to products. It is also about building the knowledge and confidence to plan ahead. By facilitating access to PERA, EastWest is helping employees take a more active role in shaping their long-term financial future.”
Launched in April 2026, EastWest’s voluntary PERA program complements the Bank’s existing retirement benefits and forms part of its broader employee financial wellness strategy. The Bank partnered with DragonFi Securities for its employee PERA program while EastWest PERA products are also available to customers through partnerships with DragonFi and Luna Securities, expanding access through digital investment platforms. Ngo explained, “PERA does not have to be complicated. But it can be meaningful. It can support employee financial wellness, strengthen your total rewards proposition, and help build trust by showing employees that the company is helping them prepare not only for work today, but for life later on.” Ngo also highlighted PERA’s role beyond retirement planning, describing it as a practical gateway to investing and financial literacy, stating, “PERA is not only a retirement account. It is a financial wellness platform. The bigger opportunity is helping employees think more broadly about saving, investing, and building long-term financial resilience. When people gain the confidence to start investing for the future, everyone benefits.”
Ngo encouraged organizations to explore PERA as part of their employee financial wellness programs, noting that employers can help strengthen retirement readiness through education, access, and long-term financial planning. The BSP forum brought together more than 300 attendees and leaders from government, banking, trust, investment, and corporate sectors to discuss how broader PERA adoption can help improve retirement security among Filipino workers.
To know more about EastWest PERA products, contact your EastWest Relationship Manager or visit www.eastwestbanker.com.
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Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto's State Of The Province Address (SOPA) 2026 Features Stories Of Change And Hope
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| (Image Source: Batangas Provincial Public Information Office) |
Departing from the customary reporting style of previous chief executives, a novel and creative approach to presenting the accomplishments of the Batangas Provincial Government was witnessed during Governor Vilma Santos-Recto’s 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA), held last July 20, 2026 at the Batangas Province Events Center (BPEC). Instead of a traditional speech, the province featured a theatrical play as the primary medium for reporting on the first year of Gov. Santos-Recto’s administration. This innovative presentation drew inspiration from a similar reporting style employed by Batangas City Mayor Marvey Mariño in which the government’s programs, projects, and services are brought into life and made more vivid and easily understood by the public.
Through acting, music, dance, and innovative multimedia presentations, theater actors from Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Batangas State University – The National Engineering University (Lipa Campus), Stonyhurst Southville International School – Malarayat, and Batangas City High School for the Arts brought to life the promises made at the start of Santos-Recto’s new term as provincial governor back in 2025, illustrating how these evolved into meaningful programs and projects that directly benefited the people of Batangas. The stories of Batangueños who directly benefited from and were assisted by these programs serve as living proof of their impact. Behind every initiative lie the real-life experiences of individuals, families, and communities who were given renewed opportunities, support, and hope to rise up and move forward toward a better future. These stories stand as a testament to the enduring impact of the Capitol’s programs. The value of these services is measured not merely by numbers and data, but — above all — by the transformation they have brought to the lives of the Batangueños they serve.
Each scene clearly demonstrated that promises should not be remained as just mere words but can be translated into services reaching various sectors of society — spanning health, education, livelihood, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and technology, as well as social welfare, safety, and security — all of which reflect the H.E.A.R.T.S. Program. In her message, Gov. Santos-Recto emphasized that the government must serve as a source of hope for the people. Through a government characterized by compassion, integrity, and steadfast resolve, concrete actions are successfully realized.
