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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Senate Of The Philippines) |
Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aguirre Aquino IV recently hailed five Filipino dance crews for bringing home medals and showcasing Filipino talent on the global stage at the 2026 World Hip Hop Dance Championship held last July 25-August 1, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A. Sen. Bam filed Senate Resolution No. 591, congratulating and commending Femme MNL, HQ, The Crew, Folk Jumpers, and Sayawatha Jr. for their outstanding performances at the international competition organized by Hip Hop International.
Femme MNL emerged as champion in the Megacrew Division while HQ took the top spot in the Adult Division. The Crew secured the silver medal in the Megacrew Division, completing a 1-2 finish for the Philippines in the division. Folk Jumpers and Sayawatha Jr., for their part, won bronze medals in the Adult and Junior divisions, respectively. The Philippines was also represented by A-Kidz, Sayawatha, NDDU Generals, A-Gyalz, A-Boiz, and UNRVLD in various divisions, showcasing Filipino artistry, creativity, discipline, and sportsmanship on the international stage. Sen. Bam said the achievements of the Filipino dance crews underscore the country’s growing influence and excellence in the global dance community, emphasizing, “The continued success of Filipino dance crews in international hip hop competitions affirms the Philippines’ reputation for producing exceptional dance talent and highlights the country’s vibrant creative sector, whose artists continue to elevate Filipino culture and creativity on the world stage.” The Resolution also acknowledged the important role played by coaches, choreographers, mentors, families, dance organizations, and supporters in nurturing Filipino talent and helping local performers compete and excel at the highest levels. “These accomplishments inspire young Filipinos to pursue excellence in the performing arts and reaffirm the importance of supporting dance as a platform for creativity, cultural expression, and talent development,” said Sen. Bam.
A staunch supporter of Filipino talent and the country’s creative industry, Sen. Bam also commended Kings of P-Pop SB19 and Nation’s Girl Group BINI for their reaching new milestones and bringing pride to the Philippines on the global stage. He filed Senate Resolution No. 545 congratulating SB19 following its performance at Lollapalooza, one of the world’s premier annual music festivals, held last July 30, 2026 at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois and Senate Resolution No. 370 honoring the Nation’s Girl Group BINI for their historic performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival where they became the first all-Filipino group to perform at the globally renowned music festival in Indio, California. Strengthening the country’s creative economy is included in Sen. Bam’s five-point agenda as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, particularly by expanding opportunities for Filipino artists, creators, filmmakers, designers, and other creative professionals in the global market. Sen. Bam aims to establish a government agency dedicated to supporting and promoting the country’s creative industries similar to South Korea’s Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).
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Before You Post, Comment, Or Share: “PR Matters” Brings Everyday Communication Tips To Social Media
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/International Public Relations Association Philippines) |
Before you hit “post”, do you stop and think about how others might take it? Do you check the message in your group chat if it’s true before forwarding it? And when something suddenly goes viral for the wrong reasons, what can we learn from it? In celebration of Public Relations (PR) Month, the International Public Relations Association Philippines (IPRA Philippines) recently launched “PR Matters” on its official TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook accounts featuring 12 short-form videos that make communication practical, relatable, and useful in everyday life.
The idea is simple. People communicate every day, posting, commenting, sharing, sending messages, and interacting with people online and offline. “PR Matters” on social media turns lessons from professional communicators into short, conversational videos that anyone can understand and use in everyday life. Every Monday, “PR 101” makes communication basics easy to understand with IPRA Philippines chairperson Claire Papa, past chairpersons Joy Buensalido and Jingjing Romero, and Abigail Ho-Torres discussing topics such as influencer promotions, why some stories make the news, and how is PR different from advertising and marketing. “PR IRL” brings real-life communication stories to social media every Wednesday. IPRA Philippines vice chair Kane Errol Choa, director Charisse Chuidian, past chair Noel Nieva, and secretary Rowena Capulong Reyes look back at widely discussed PR cases and issues that made media headlines, and sharing simple lessons we can still use today. “PReady FR FR”, featuring IPRA Philippines treasurer Wilford Wong and past IPRA Philippines chairperson Millie Dizon, offers practical communication tips for everyday life from what to check before posting online and why you shouldn’t immediately forward messages from your group chat to navigating cancel culture and social media habits that can affect how others see you. New episodes drop every Friday.
“PR Matters” began as a weekly column on public relations and communication. IPRA Philippines also published “PR Matters: A Communicator’s Guide To Public Relations In The Philippines” in 2023 and has brought PR practitioners to students through its CommuniTalks sessions at UP Diliman, Far Eastern University, and Centro Escolar University. IPRA Philippines is the Philippine chapter of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), a global organization of public relations professionals.
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Jollibee Brings The Joy Of Friendship To Life With DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island”
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| (Image Source: Jollibee) |
Jollibee is marking a milestone with its global collaboration with DreamWorks Animation for the worldwide theatrical release of Forgotten Island on September 23, 2026. At the heart of Forgotten Island are lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa who discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with mythical creatures inspired by stories from their Filipino families. When they discover that returning home could come at the cost of losing the memories of their friendship, Jo and Raissa must find a way to leave the island without forgetting each other.
Forgotten Island features Filipino and Filipino-American talent including Tony Award-winning Lea Salonga, global comedy star Jo Koy, Grammy and Academy Award-winning H.E.R., actress Liza Soberano, and co-writer and co-director Januel Mercado. “Great stories and great food both have a way of bringing people together. With DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, we’re inviting friends and families to celebrate the joy of friendship — from watching the film to sharing a delicious Jollibee meal together. It is a simple expression of what Jollibee has always stood for: serving great-tasting food and bringing the joy of eating to everyone,” said Jollibee Group Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Digital Marketing David Beal. The Filipino connection extends beyond the film with Filipino girl group and Jollibee endorsers BINI contributing the song “A Parallel World” to the Forgotten Island soundtrack. The upbeat electronic-pop track, which features English and Filipino lyrics, was released on July 23, 2026 across digital music streaming platforms. BINI also performed the song at the Forgotten Island panel during San Diego Comic-Con in July, further connecting the group and the film with audiences around the world. The music video for “A Parallel World” also features Jollibee, showing members of BINI enjoying their favorite meals and sharing candid moments while in the United States for the song’s recording and related activities. “At Jollibee, we value partnerships that allow us to collaborate with world-class brands and create experiences that genuinely resonate with our customers. Our partnership with DreamWorks is especially meaningful because Forgotten Island brings together universal themes of friendship and family with Filipino-inspired storytelling. We are proud to be part of this global collaboration and excited to bring the spirit of the film to Jollibee communities around the world,” said Jollibee Philippines Vice President for Marketing Dorothy Ching.
The Jollibee and Forgotten Island collaboration brings together global entertainment, Filipino talent and storytelling, and Jollibee’s own spirit of togetherness, extending the experience from the big screen to everyday moments shared over a meal.
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SM Game Park: A New Social Hub For Active Fun And Connection
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| (Image Source: SM Supermalls) |
More and more Filipinos are embracing an active lifestyle. They are continuously seeking new hobbies to learn and communities to belong to. They want to turn their personal wellness journey into a meaningful social movement. As wellness becomes more communal, people are looking for a third space where they can be active and healthy while connecting with family and friends. SM Supermalls is answering this call by opening SM Game Park in SM City Clark and SM City Iloilo in the third quarter of 2026. Ilonggos and Kapampangans of all ages and skill levels can play bowling, archery, billiards, arcade games, e-darts, mini-basketball, and more.
Beyond a space for play and exercise, every #SMGamePark has designated areas for social gatherings, helping individuals forge stronger connections with the community and their loved ones. “SM Supermalls believes sports and recreation are meant to be shared with everyone. We want to provide flourishing communities in Clark and Iloilo with a venue where they can exercise, have fun, and create new memories. SM Game Park is not just a space for sports, but for communities to strengthen their bonds through meaningful activities,” said SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Sports and Leisure Centers Joseph Francis Silva. At SM Game Park, more individuals and communities will soon have access to a welcoming social space where they can create new memories through meaningful active experiences. SM City Clark and SM City Iloilo will feature bowling lanes, billiard tables, dedicated archery zones, arcades, snack bars, and lounges. SM Game Park is the ultimate hangout spot, bringing people together through play and entertainment.
SM Supermalls is bringing these facilities closer to more families and barkadas. After a long day at work or school, or on weekends, they can head to SM Game Park for active social experiences. SM Game Park is the premier lifestyle and social entertainment destination, whether you’re a lifelong sports enthusiast or a casual player. Everyone has a place at SM Game Park because this is #WhereWinningBegins. Head to the newest SM Game Park branch near you or follow SM Game Park's official Facebook page (@smgamepark) to book your lanes, catch the latest promos, and stay in the game.
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Lazada Philippines Equips Sellers For The Future Of E-Commerce
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Lazada Philippines) |
As e-commerce continues to evolve, changing consumer behavior and new technologies are creating both opportunities and challenges for businesses selling online. For sellers, understanding these shifts is becoming increasingly important as Filipino shoppers become more deliberate about how they discover, evaluate, and purchase products. Navigating these shifts, the leading e-commerce platform held “The Lazada Power Up: Mega Season Kickoff 2026”, focusing on emerging consumer behaviors, the importance of growing trust in online shopping, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in how Filipinos discover, purchase, and sell products online.
Through this event attended by hundreds of sellers and merchants, Lazada category directors and executives shared valuable insights on the changing consumer behavior and the factors shaping online purchases. Lazada Philippines Category Directors Mishie Dela Cruz (Electronics), Joey Bienvenida (Fashion), Raphael Rapi [Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)], and Janet Siasoco (General Merchandise) and Head of Communications Portia Trinidad provided relevant perspectives on the evolving e-commerce landscape. Discussions highlighted how Filipino shoppers have become smarter and more intentional in their buying decisions, often researching products before making a purchase and checking reviews to assess whether an item meets their needs. Beyond price and convenience, consumers are increasingly looking for products that offer durability, functionality, and authenticity. Lazada also spotlighted how consumers are also placing greater importance on trust, giving sellers an opportunity to build stronger, long-term relationships by providing a reliable online shopping experience. These insights aimed to help sellers better understand evolving consumer expectations and identify opportunities across key sectors such as electronics, fashion, FMCG, and general merchandise. “It’s something that they look for — the right value that they want to have with their budget — and that it’s something that they can really maximize over time,” said Dela Cruz. As shopping behaviors continue to evolve, Lazada Philippines is also enhancing its AI-powered tools to help sellers adapt to how consumers now discover and evaluate products. From AI-powered search and product discovery to tools such as Lazzie Chat, these upgrades are designed to help sellers better connect with relevant shoppers and make their products easier to discover. By leveraging AI, Lazada aims to help sellers respond to increasingly informed consumers and create more relevant and personalized shopping experiences.
“Specifically for Lazada, AI is helping make the experience more personal online. It helps with discovery and matching products. For sellers, Lazzie Chat will be able to help you find the right audiences and the right shoppers to engage,” said Trinidad. With Mega Seasons 11.11, and 12.12 fast approaching, sellers can leverage these insights to better understand consumer needs, strengthen trust, and maximize opportunities during key shopping periods. Lazada Philippines remains committed to equipping sellers with the technology, tools, and support they need to navigate the evolving e-commerce landscape. With shoppers becoming more careful about where they spend and what they purchase, the future of e-commerce will increasingly depend on delivering both value and trust. As Lazada Philippines prepares sellers for the upcoming Mega Season, its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) insights reflects the continued evolution of online shopping — toward a smarter, more personalized experience that helps both sellers and consumers make more informed decisions.
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“Gandang Gabi Vice” Returns With More Late-Night Laughs On GMA And iWant
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
The Philippines' Phenomenal Unkabogable Superstar, Vice Ganda, brings more laughter and good vibes as his hit late-night Sunday talk show “Gandang Gabi Vice” made its much-awaited return last September 13, 2026 on GMA and iWant. For its first episode, Vice was joined by Kapuso actor and Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards as a special guest in his “GGV” debut. The show also adds new co-hosts in the mix with the addition of Vince Maristela, Divine Tetay, and Verna, collectively known as the Geng Gang. Viewers can expect both Kapamilya and Kapuso stars joining the show as special guests.
“Ang pinaka nakaka-excite ay ‘yong Kapuso stars na gusto kong interviewhin at makasama sa show ko ay posibleng-posible na. Marami rin akong nakausap na GMA stars na gusto rin nilang magkaroon ng ‘GGV’ experience. Mangyayari na talaga,” said Vice in his previous interview. Meanwhile, “GGV” goes unfiltered with all the laughs and good vibes as the late-night Sunday talk show brings viewers all the hilarious moments that did not make the cut in its free TV episodes in “Gandang Gabi Vice: Unfiltered” streaming exclusively on iWant. The unfiltered version provides viewers a longer “GGV” experience as compared to its free TV airing, streaming over an hour’s worth of added uncut comedic moments in each episode as seen by the live studio audience. Vice Ganda openly welcomed the fresh format of the new season of “GGV”, sharing that viewers can fully watch all raw moments that are not seen on its free TV airing, stating, “Siyempre, hindi lahat pwede namin ipakita sa free TV. ‘Yung mga hindi namin pwede ipakita sa free TV, mapapanood nila sa iWant dahil iyon talaga ang unfiltered at uncut version. Kung ano ang tinape namin at mga pinag-usapan, lahat nasa iWant kaya super exciting.”
Catch “Gandang Gabi Vice” every Sunday at 10:00 pm exclusively on GMA. On the other hand, enjoy the full, raw moments of each episode in “Gandang Gabi Vice: Unfiltered” every Sunday one hour after its TV broadcast exclusively on iWant. Stream the unfiltered episodes through iWant’s subscription plans starting at Php35 per month in the Philippines, US$12.99 per month in the United States, and US$4.99 per month for the rest of the world.
