 |
| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Lazada Philippines) |
Lazada Philippines is expanding its Membership Program through a new partnership with Rakuten Viber, giving eligible Gold and Platinum members complimentary access to Viber Plus. The latest addition strengthens Lazada’s growing ecosystem of lifestyle rewards, alongside existing partnerships with Grab, ClassPass, Trip.com, and Youku VIP. Eligible Gold members can enjoy a three-month complimentary Viber Plus trial while Platinum members receive six months of free access. Available to new Viber Plus users, the subscription includes ad-free messaging, enhanced privacy features, voice-to-text transcription, unlimited premium stickers, exclusive app customization, and 24/7 priority live customer support.
The expansion reflects the strong engagement of Lazada Membership which continues to maintain a 90% retention rate among Gold and Platinum members. “Consumers today expect loyalty programs to do more than reward purchases because they want benefits that make everyday living easier, more enjoyable, and more rewarding,” said Lazada Philippines Head of General Operations Alvin Ching. Ching added that the brand’s vision for Lazada Membership is to deliver everyday value by building an ecosystem of trusted brands that extends beyond eCommerce. Through partnerships like Rakuten Viber, Lazada is giving members more reasons to engage with the platform while enjoying meaningful benefits in their daily lives. “We’re excited to partner with Lazada to bring the premium communication experience to more Filipino consumers. This collaboration makes it easier for users to enjoy advanced features and greater personalization while complementing the everyday value they already receive through their Lazada Membership,” said Rakuten Viber Senior Director of APAC (Asia Pacific) David Tse. Members can redeem the offer through the Member Center on the Lazada app without providing payment details. The complimentary trial is available exclusively to eligible members who have never subscribed to or previously redeemed Viber Plus.
 |
| (Image Source: sugarsmile/Lazada Philippines) |
Eligible members can activate their Viber Plus benefit by visiting the Member Center page on the Lazada app and tapping ‘Collect’ on the Viber Plus benefit. After that, members can check their Viber accounts and be redirected to the Viber Plus landing page. Once redirected, they can click the special offer, and a complimentary Viber Plus subscription will be activated. In addition to Viber Plus, Lazada Membership offers benefits including GrabUnlimited perks, ClassPass experiences, Trip.com travel discounts, and a complimentary 14-day Youku VIP subscription for eligible Platinum members in the Philippines. Lazada says more partner rewards will be introduced as it continues to expand its Membership ecosystem. For more information, you can visit Lazada Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
* * * *
Bianca Umali Champions Clean Water At The 2026 World Vision 6K Global Marathon In South Korea
 |
| (Image Source: Business Mirror/World Vision Philippines) |
Access to clean water remains a longstanding challenge in many parts of the Philippines. For children, limited access to safe water affects nearly every aspect of their lives — from their health and education to their future opportunities. To help raise awareness about this pressing issue, Kapuso actress and World Vision ambassador Bianca Umali recently traveled to Seoul, South Korea to participate in the 2026 World Vision 6K Global Marathon, a global initiative that supports communities without reliable access to clean and safe water.
In an Instagram post, Bianca shared, “In the Philippines, many children still walk long distances every day just to access safe water, something many of us often take for granted.” She emphasized that the run goes beyond promoting fitness, saying, “Today, we run not only for fitness, but for awareness, and more importantly, for action. Every step we take is a reminder that together, we can help create real and lasting change in the lives of children.” This year’s Seoul event served as the flagship gathering for the campaign in Asia, bringing together World Vision ambassadors and public figures including Choi Kang-hee, Lee Se-hee, Hongjoong of ATEEZ, running influencer Won Hyung-seok, actor Park Sang-won, actress Park Soon-chan, and World Vision Chairman Jo Myung-hwan. Participants completed a symbolic six-kilometer run — the average distance many children walk each day to collect water — while taking part in advocacy activities that highlighted the daily challenges faced by communities without realiable access to clean water.
2026 World Vision 6K Global Marathon continues to expand across Asia, engaging thousands of participants through organized, community-based, and hybrid events. Following its regional kickoff in Seoul, the campaign will continue in Busan on October 3, 2026 before making stops in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan. While each location tailors the campaign to its local context, they all carry the same message: no child should have to walk long distances just to access clean and safe water. Bianca’s participation also underscores World Vision Philippines’ commitment to standing in solidarity with the global movement while bringing attention to the realities faced by Filipino children and communities.
* * * *
Home Credit Employees Rally To Rebuild A School In Typhoon-Hit Catanduanes
 |
| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/World Home Credit Philippines) |
Reinforcing our commitment to drive meaningful impact through community service, Home Credit Philippines partnered with international disaster relief non-profit organizations All Hands & Hearts and Happy Hearts Czech to rebuild and rehabilitate the typhoon-hit Salvacion Elementary School in Caramoran. For a region that is hit by severe typhoons annually, this service comes as a vital aid for students who face post-disaster health hazards like dengue and leptospirosis often delaying their return to school, compounding the severe trauma, fatigue, and absenteeism.
Demonstrating a strong sense of community and bayanihan, a team of 16 Home Credit executives and team members volunteered on-site, to rebuild and renovate 4 classrooms and vital facilities at Salvacion Elementary School, directly benefiting 128 students and 9 school personnel. The team worked on construction efforts including roofing preparations, wall installation, repair and plastering handwashing stations across the school. Home Credit Philippines Senior Executive Vice President Jana Pechouckova shared, “Young students are our future leaders, and we deeply care for their well-being. By building safer, more supportive spaces, we are humbled to play a small part in improving their learning experience. It was incredibly rewarding to see our employees unite with such a profound spirit of volunteerism and community service as they actively participated in this initiative.” Alongside infrastructure redevelopment, our team also played an active role in delivering specialized mental health awareness training to affected students, ensuring their holistic well-being.
“The All Hands & Hearts team appreciates the efforts Home Credit Philippines has poured into this project. Without a socially responsible organization like Home Credit, rebuilding a community like this is not possible. We look forward to the long-term impact of this initiative enabling a brighter future for our students,” said All Hands & Hearts Program Director Honey Araza. “These new facilities give our students a safe space where learning never pauses, even when the storm season arrives. We express our gratitude to Home Credit, All Hands & Hearts, Happy Hearts Czech, and all the partners and volunteers who made this possible,” said Lorie A. Banta, Principal of Salvacion Elementary School.
* * * *
Jollibee Celebrates Filipino Fandom With Exclusive JolliBINI Meal Bundles
 |
| (Image Source: Jollibee) |
Jollibee, the Philippines’ number one fast food chain, is giving fans another reason to enjoy their favorite meals with the launch of the exclusive JolliBINI Bundles. Available for a limited time, the new promotion pairs Jollibee’s best-loved menu favorites with exclusive collectibles inspired by the nation’s biggest P-pop girl group BINI. Now available at Jollibee stores nationwide for dine-in and takeout until August 31, 2026, the JolliBINI Bundles let customers enjoy iconic Jollibee favorites while collecting limited-edition merchandise featuring all eight BINI members. Every bundle comes with random member collectibles while lucky customers also have the chance to receive a rare Special Group Photocard.
“At Jollibee, we always look for new ways to make every meal more joyful and memorable for our customers. With the JolliBINI Bundles, fans can enjoy their Jollibee favorites while collecting exclusive BINI-inspired merchandise. Every visit becomes an opportunity to discover a new collectible, celebrate their favorite member, and create moments worth sharing with fellow BLOOMs. We hope this campaign brings even more joy as fans collect, trade, and complete their JolliBINI collection together,” said Jollibee Philippines Vice President for Marketing Dorothy Ching. Customers can enjoy two bundle options during the promotional period. The JolliBINI Bundle A, starting at ₱269, includes a choice of an Original or Special Cheesy Yumburger, one-piece Chickenjoy with rice, a regular drink, and one random JolliBINI Collectible Set consisting of a Bag Charm and Photocard. Meanwhile, the JolliBINI Bundle B, starting at ₱399, comes with a choice of an Original or Special Double Cheesy Yumburger, one-piece Chickenjoy with rice, a large drink, and two random JolliBINI Collectible Sets.
By pairing exclusive collectibles with Jollibee’s iconic menu favorites, the latest Jollibee and BINI collaboration transforms every meal into an exciting unboxing experience that fans can enjoy and share. The launch is expected to spark another wave of online excitement with BLOOMs sharing unboxing videos, collection reveals, photocard trades, and bag charm styling across social media as they race to complete the full JolliBINI collection and find the coveted Special Group Photocard.
* * * *
Spark. Evolve. Play: Razer Brings The Pikachu & Eevee Collection To Life
 |
| (Image Source: Razer) |
Razer™, the leading global gaming lifestyle brand for gamers, recently unveiled the Razer | Pikachu & Eevee Collection, created in collaboration with The Pokémon Company International. The collection is now available on Razer.com, at RazerStores worldwide, and through select retail partners across the United States, Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Inspired by Pikachu and Eevee’s playfulness, the collection brings a light-hearted, approachable touch to everyday gaming setups. Launching in Pokémon’s milestone 30th year, the lineup celebrates the enduring appeal of two of the most beloved Pokémon in the franchise by pairing bright detailing with familiar Razer performance, designed to fit naturally into daily play, work, and everything in between.
Razer Kraken V4 X – Pikachu & Eevee Edition (£109.99 GBP / $109.99 USD / €119.99 EUR MSRP)
Featuring a lightweight frame, plush velvety earcups, and gentle Razer Chroma™ RGB lighting, this wired gaming headset delivers bright sound inspired by Pikachu and Eevee’s joyful nature.
Razer Ornata V3 Tenkeyless – Pikachu & Eevee Edition (£139.99 GBP / $119.99 USD / €129.99 EUR MSRP)
Light up every session with a low-profile gaming keyboard featuring clicky mecha-membrane switches for responsive keystrokes, playful Chroma™ RGB underglow, and a magnetic wrist rest for all-day support.
Razer Cobra – Pikachu & Eevee Edition (£69.99 GBP / $49.99 USD / €54.99 EUR MSRP)
Compact and responsive, this lightweight wired gaming mouse packs ultra-durable optical switches, sparkling Chroma™ RGB effects, and balanced control for super effective moves in fast-paced games.
Razer Gigantus V2 – Medium – Pikachu & Eevee Edition (£29.99 GBP / $29.99 USD / €34.99 EUR MSRP)
Two icons, one winning combo. Complete the setup with a soft gaming mouse mat that combines textured micro-weave cloth surface with an anti-slip base for effortless swipes and steady control.
The Razer | Pikachu & Eevee Collection is designed for easy, everyday play. From quick sessions to long hours at the desk, the collection brings a bright, playful touch to any setup, offering comfort made for cozy gaming moments. For more information on the Razer | Pikachu & Eevee Collection including the full list of participating partners, visit https://rzr.to/pikachu-eevee.
* * * *
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Brings The 2026 eSports World Cup In Paris Closer To Fans Worldwide With The Return Of The MSC Pass
 |
| (Image Source: MOONTON Games) |
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Mid Season Cup (MSC) Pass returns, bringing the spirit of MSC at the 2026 eSports World Cup (EWC) in Paris, France to players around the world. With the MSC Pass, fans can enjoy a host of exclusive in-game rewards throughout the event period until August 8, 2026 with Baxia's “Aegis of Honor” skin leading the charge. This year's MSC opens a new chapter for MLBB eSports as the tournament makes its first-ever stop in Europe. MLBB returns to EWC for a third consecutive year as a mainstay title, bringing together the expanded MSC and the rebranded MLBB Women's International (MWI) under the “Two Champions, One Game” banner. Together, the two tournaments form MLBB's international mid-season circuit and further strengthen its growing legacy at EWC as the most-viewed eSports title in EWC history.
MLBB is the star game of international video game company MOONTON Games. With over 1.5 billion installations and 110 million Monthly Active Users (MAU) worldwide, MLBB is one of the world's leading mobile games. Its global eSports ecosystem continues to unite one of gaming’s largest communities with MLBB ranked as the world’s most-watched mobile eSports title since 2021 according to eSports Charts. Baxia's “Aegis of Honor” reflects the intensity of the MSC stage, where the world's best teams stand firm under pressure, protect every advantage, and adapt with every match on the road to championship glory. The MSC Pass will be available exclusively during the event period at 719 Diamonds, MLBB's premium in-game currency, a 20% discount from its original price of 899 Diamonds. Players who purchase the Pass can unlock Baxia's “Aegis of Honor” skin, an MSC Coin Pack, and double rewards from all MSC Pass tasks. Players can also earn MSC Coins by completing activity tasks. These coins can be exchanged in the Event Shop for limited-time rewards such as the MSC 2026 Avatar Border, Battle Emote, and returning MSC skins Valentina “Dark Nexus” and Atlas “Rune Sentinel”.
Fans can also put their eSports knowledge to the test through the “MY CHAMPIONS PICK” Event where they can predict the MSC and MWI champions for a chance to win 50,000 in-game Diamonds and MSC tournament skins. When the new MSC champions are crowned, the celebration will extend to all players from the winning nation through MSC Champion Benefits which include Double EXP, limited-time free access to all heroes, bonus stars for ranked victories, and free access to all previous MSC skins.
