On The Radar: Senator Bam Aquino Lauds Filipino Dance Crews’ Outstanding Performance At 2026 World Hip Hop Championship

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ON THE RADAR | September 16, 2026

(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. 

Fuse Financing Bridges Financing Gaps For Millions Of MSMEs Nationwide

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LIFESTYLE | September 16, 2026

Fuse Financing Inc. Head of B2B Kevin Yu highlights the importance of accessible financing for MSMEs during a series of events, including the DTI National Forum on Strengthening MSME Disaster Resilience 2026. (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/GCash)

Limited access to formal financing continues to hinder the growth of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Although they make up 99.6% of businesses and employ over 65% of the workforce, many still struggle to access credit due to limited collateral, insufficient financial records, and a lack of credit history, preventing them from expanding and contributing more fully to inclusive economic growth. 

Go Bigger At Home: Sony BRAVIA 3 II 100” Offers Up To Php65,000 Worth Of Freebies In Early Bird Promotion

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LIFESTYLE | September 16, 2026

(Image Source: Manila Standard/Sony Philippines)

Home entertainment gets a major upgrade as Sony Philippines invites consumers to experience their favorite movies, shows, sports, and games on a massive scale with the BRAVIA 3 II 100-inch, now available with an exclusive early bird promotion offering up to Php65,000 worth of freebies including a free soundbar and subwoofer. 

The Trubitastic Impact Of The Baha Rap Challenge: Rappers Air Dismay Over Flooding Through Music

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ENTERTAINMENT | September 16, 2026

(Image Source: Starmometer)

Many were surprised and overwhelmed at the recent flooding that inundated parts of NCR (National Capital Region) and Luzon due to the southwest monsoon strengthened by a recent string of typhoons and other weather disturbances affecting the Asia Pacific region with some eventually reaching the point of discrediting stories of positivity and resilience and emotionally and virtually expressing their disappointment towards the national government and the thousands of flood control projects, in which most of them are either unfinished or failed to live up to its expectations, that has been the center of it all. 

Beyoncé Marks Her Birthday With The Release Of A Remastered Deluxe ‘B’Day’ (20th Anniversary Edition) Album

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ENTERTAINMENT | September 16, 2026

(Image Source: Starmometer/Parkwood Entertainment)

Her Coming-Of-Age Masterpiece Is Amplified With Upgraded Visuals, Surprise New Tracks, And Spanish Language Songs Including Collaborations With Maluma And The Late Selena Quintanilla

September 4, 2026 marked Beyoncé’s birthday and the release of a voluminous remastered B’DAY, her coming-of-age second album, on digital music streaming platforms worldwide. When it was released on September 4, 2006, music fans around the world were introduced to a 25-year-old woman with a bold, new voice. Not just a powerful singing voice, but an artist determined to take over her career as a singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist. 

2026 Philippines Hot Wheels Collectors Convention Ignites Okada Manila With Bigger Experiences, Rare Collectibles, And Full-Throttle Automotive Action

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LIFESTYLE | September 16, 2026

(Image Source: The Manila Times/Hot Wheels)

The Philippines’ Hot Wheels collector community shifted into high gear yesterday as the 2026 Philippines Hot Wheels Collectors Convention officially concluded last September 5-6, 2026 inside the Crystal Pavilion at Okada Manila which brought together passionate collectors, automotive enthusiasts, families, and fans for an even bigger celebration of everything Hot Wheels. Building on the success and learnings from previous conventions with Richprime Global Inc. and Metrics, this year’s gathering delivered a more immersive experience — blending the world of die-cast collecting with real automotive culture, interactive play, exclusive displays, and new brand experiences. 

Infinix XPAD 30 Pro Brings An All-Round Entertainment Experience, Available Starting At ₱12,999

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TECHNOLOGY | September 16, 2026

(Image Source: Manila Standard/Infinix Philippines)

Infinix officially launched the XPAD 30 Pro, a high-performance tablet designed to deliver an elevated entertainment experience for today’s young generation. Built for entertainment, smooth streaming, and smarter content consumption, the XPAD 30 Pro combines powerful performance, a stunning 11-inch 2.5K display, immersive audio, and AI-powered features in a slim and lightweight design. 

On The Radar: Thailand Week 2026 In Manila Concludes On A High Note, Reinforcing Thailand’s Presence In The Philippine Market

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ON THE RADAR | September 16, 2026

(Image Source: The Manila Times/Thai Trade Center Manila)

The Thai Trade Center in Manila and the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under Thailand's Ministry of Commerce successfully concluded Thailand Week 2026 in Manila last August 27–30, 2026 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Glorietta Makati. Held under the theme “Discover Excellence, Trade With Thailand”, the four-day exhibition once again demonstrated Thailand’s commitment to strengthening trade relations and promoting cultural exchange between Thailand and the Philippines. 

Seven Ultra-Rare Miki Matsubara Tracks Make Their Digital Debut For The First Time

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ENTERTAINMENT | September 13, 2026

(Image Source: Starmometer/Pony Canyon)

More than four decades after Miki Matsubara first captivated Japan with her extraordinary voice, seven ultra-rare recordings from the City Pop icon’s catalogue are finally available digitally for the first time. Released across six digital titles, these recordings have never previously been available on major streaming or download services. Long sought after by collectors and fans, the tracks were previously accessible only through rare vinyl and physical CD releases, making their digital debut a significant new chapter in the rediscovery of Matsubara’s music. 

Globe Brings Love Overload To Customers With 917 GDay

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LIFESTYLE | September 13, 2026

Globe Telecom Vice President and Head of the Feel Valued Tribe Bianca Wong took the stage of the recent Blueprint by Globe to detail how the telco is taking this year's 917 GDay beyond the annual celebration (Image Source: Manila Standard/Globe Telecom)

For Globe Telecom, thanking loyal customers was never meant to fit into just one day, week or month. At the recent Blueprint by Globe, the company unveiled how it is taking this year’s 917 GDay beyond the annual September celebration. Through Love Overload, GDay becomes a starting point for more rewarding and personalized experiences that customers can enjoy throughout the year. 

vivo X300 Ultra Puts Telephoto Imaging To Test At NBA House PH

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TECHNOLOGY | September 13, 2026

(Image Source: vivo Philippines)

How quickly can you spot a subject, frame it, and capture it from a distance? At the Philippines’ first-ever NBA House, vivo turned that question into a fast-paced imaging challenge with the vivo X300 Ultra. Held last August 29-30, 2026 at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati, NBA House Philippines brought basketball fans together for an immersive celebration of the sport and its culture, spanning basketball, fashion, music, and entertainment. The two-day event also featured special appearances from basketball icons Jason Kidd, Lauren Jackson, and Tony Parker. 

Mapúa Leads In Future-Proofing PH Talent, Driving iPeople’s 200,000 AI-Fluent Learners Goal By 2029

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LIFESTYLE | September 13, 2026

(Image Source: MegaBites/Mapúa Education Group)

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes global industries, iPeople Inc., the education ecosystem of the Yuchengco Group of Companies-Ayala Corporation partnership, is taking a monumental leap forward by setting an ambitious goal to cultivate 200,000 AI-fluent learners by 2029 across its entire network of schools. 

Shopee And FEATR Showcase How Filipino Entrepreneurs Grow Local Businesses Online

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LIFESTYLE | September 13, 2026

(Image Source: PR Newswire/Shopee Philippines)

When it comes to starting a business, there’s often a tendency to look outward for the next big idea. But sometimes, the bigger opportunity lies closer to home, in the products, traditions, and communities that are already part of Filipino life. That idea is at the heart of Grit Expectations, a docuseries presented by Shopee Kultura+ and produced by FEATR, which follows the stories of three Filipino entrepreneurs: Cacao Culture, Organic Options, and FilDogScarf who have each built a business around something distinctly local. The series explores how e-commerce is helping homegrown businesses expand their reach nationwide while staying rooted in the communities and traditions that shaped them. 

Flagship Without Compromise: The OPPO Find X9s Shows How Performance Meets Creativity

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TECHNOLOGY | September 13, 2026

OPPO Find X9s in Sunset Orange (Image Source: Manila Standard/OPPO Philippines)

Today’s users expect more from their smartphones than ever before. They want flagship performance that powers through demanding tasks, cameras that rival professional gear, AI features that simplify everyday life, and battery life they never have to second-guess. It’s no longer about excelling in just one area but about delivering an experience where every feature works seamlessly together. 

Entertainment News: Nippon TV Announces New Netflix Series “From NEET To Peak” Set To Stream Globally On January 2027

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ENTERTAINMENT | September 13, 2026

(Image Source: Television Asia Plus/Netflix)

Nippon TV, Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment powerhouse, has announced that it will serve as the production studio for the new Netflix series “From NEET To Peak” which will stream exclusively on Netflix worldwide in January 2027. With “From NEET To Peak”, Nippon TV joins Netflix’s original drama production — bringing the production strength behind its globally traveled IP directly to audiences worldwide. 

BRAVE CF Redefines Live MMA Streaming With Vertical Broadcast At BRAVE CF 108

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SPORTS | September 13, 2026

(Image Source: BRAVE Combat Federation)

BRAVE Combat Federation™ (BRAVE CF), the world’s fastest-growing and most global mixed martial arts organization, takes another step toward reshaping how fans experience live sport with a pioneering digital broadcast initiative at BRAVE CF 108 in Croatia for the first time last September 5, 2026. For the first time at one of its marquee events, BRAVE CF delivered dedicated 9:16 live broadcasts across YouTube, Facebook and X, giving audiences a purpose-built way to watch the action on their mobile devices. 

Landco Lifestyle Ventures’ John Hay Hotels Help Families Affected By The Guisad Surong Landscape In Baguio

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LIFESTYLE | September 13, 2026

(Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/Regional Agriculture And Fishery Council–Cordillera Administrative Region)

Landco Lifestyle Ventures, through John Hay Hotels, responded to the Guisad Surong landslide with relief for displaced families, direct assistance for affected colleagues and employee volunteerism during search and rescue operations at Ground Zero. “This landslide reached our neighbors and our own colleagues, and our response had to be equal to that. Relief for the families in Guisad Surong, direct care for the employees who lost so much, colleagues who chose to be at Ground Zero themselves: all of it came from the same place. That is the character of this team, and it holds firmest when conditions are at their worst,” said John Hay Hotels General Manager Roberto A. Garcia. 

SM Supermalls Evolves For The Next Generation Of Customers

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LIFESTYLE | September 13, 2026

(Image Source: Sugbo.ph/SM Supermalls)

SM Supermalls delivered record revenues in the first half the year, expanding 8% to Php41.8B (41.8 billion pesos) from Php38.6B (38.6 billion pesos). Its exceptional performance was driven by higher leasable space and tenant sign-ups along with steady foot traffic. Total gross leasable area grew 3 percent to 5.1 million square meters from 5.0 million square meters while the number of tenants rose 4 percent to 23,174 from 22,192. Average daily foot traffic was steady at 3.7 million. 

NFL Academy Kicks Off Challenging 2026-2027 Season

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SPORTS | September 13, 2026

(Image Source: FightbookMMA.com/NFL Academy)

The NFL (National Football League) Academy has officially kicked off its 2026-27 season schedule, welcoming 70 student-athletes representing 21 different countries to the elite player-development program based in Loughborough, United Kingdom. The season features an international slate designed to challenge the next generation of American football talent, including matchups against highly regarded high school programs from the United States and an expanded European schedule. 

Trust On Air: How Filipino Anchors Navigate A Changing Media Landscape

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LIFESTYLE | September 13, 2026

Left: former CNN Philippines Assistant Vice President for News Jose Maria G. Carlos
Right: front cover of “On Air Na! Pinoy News Anchors Live!”, published by the University of Sto. Tomas (Image Source: Mindanao Chronicle/The Varsitarian)

A First In Philippine Media: “On Air Na! Pinoy News Anchors Live!” Explores The Evolving World Of News Anchoring In The Philippines

Who is the credible Pinoy news anchor today? A cross-section of nearly 40 news anchors and news managers say the answer goes far beyond reading from a teleprompter. They stress that news anchoring is more than a performance craft. It is an institutional function tied to credibility, editorial judgement, and public trust.