HONOR X8c Gets 1,000-peso Price Drop, Now at Php 12,999 Only!

HONOR Philippines just announced the price slash of its stylish HONOR X8c! Introduced for Php 13,999, now it’s made even more affordable at Php 12,999 only! Get this smartphone built to empower students to excel in their academic and creative pursuits starting now!

“This is an early present from HONOR Philippines. We all know that the HONOR X8c is built with the needs of students in mind, with a dynamic balance between practicality and aesthetics. And with this price drop, we aim to help even more students to excel in their craft,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng

Enhanced Multitasking and Productivity

With a 6.7-inch AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution, students can enjoy crisp visuals and smooth transitions during online classes. The TÜV Rheinland-certified Eye Comfort Technology reduces eye strain, perfect for long hours of screen time.

Powered by MagicOS 9.0, the HONOR X8c delivers a seamless user experience, enabling students to switch effortlessly between apps and tasks. Its 16GB equivalent RAM and up to 512GB storage ensure plenty of room for assignments, projects, and creative content.

The HONOR X8c is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and 35W HONOR SuperCharge, enabling students to power through their hectic schedules with ease. A quick charge provides hours of usage, so they can focus on what matters most.

Price and Availability

With its new price tag Php 12,999, the HONOR X8c is still available in three stunning colorways: Midnight Black, Moonlight White, and Marrs Green. Get yours today at your authorized HONOR Experience Stores, Partner Stores nationwide, or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X8c_PR), Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X8c_Media), or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X8c_PR).

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.honor.com/ph/retailers

About HONOR 

HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.

Pay with GCash and Turn Daily Payments into Big Wins With over ₱20 million worth of exciting rewards

GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, is making everyday payments more rewarding with “Pay It, Win It”, where every ₱50 spent on GCash builds your chances to win over ₱20 million worth of exciting rewards.

With “Pay It, Win It", everyday payments turn into extraordinary wins with prizes designed to match the passion and lifestyle of all GCash users. Every two weeks, new and bigger rewards drop, bringing you closer to the life upgrade you’ve been dreaming of.

GCash takes it further by listening to what its users truly value and showing up where they are. Whether it’s in the daily grind, their fandoms, or their passions, rewards don’t just excite, but they resonate in everyday life.

Upgrade Your Everyday

Every peso spent gives users a chance to win must-have prizes that can upgrade their everyday lives– from driving home a brand-new BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic or zipping through the city on a Yamaha NMAX, to bringing home a Samsung Smart TV.

A Trip to the K-Land

For all dedicated and passionate K-pop fans, you can turn your bills and shopping receipts into plane tickets, taking you a step closer to your bias. Win a trip for two to Seoul or Busan and make your ultimate K-dream a reality.

Level Up Your Play

For PC and console gamers, leveling up has never been this thrilling. Win the latest gaming console (PlayStation™ 5), a high-performance gaming laptop (ASUS ROG Strix G16), and the ultimate gaming phone (ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro), because every gamer knows that better gear leads to better performance.

Joining is simple; just head over to the “Pay It, Win It" page by clicking the "Tap for Promos" banner on your GCash app and choosing a prize to register. Every ₱50 spent instantly counts as a raffle entry.

Pay any way you like, whether it's scanning or generating a QR code, paying with your GCash Card, paying online, buying load or paying bills inside the GCash app, paying with GCash Tap to Pay, or generating a QR with your Huawei Watch. No extra forms, no fuss, just keep using GCash everyday.

Winners are drawn weekly and announced every Friday through the official social media channels of GCash and in-app promo page. All winners will be notified via email, and in-app alerts.

With “Pay It, Win It,” GCash proves that every payment isn't just a flow of funds from users' wallets; it's a step toward progress, a connection to your passion, and a chance to unlock rewards that truly matter. For more information about GCash, visit www.new.gcash.com.

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About GCash

GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. Its mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

Converge and Netflix Bring The Hit Series Wednesday to Life!

Coming off the recent release of the first half of the second season of Wednesday, Converge & Netflix turned Gateway Mall 1 into Nevermore! From August 15 to17, the Activity Center of Gateway Mall 1 played host to the world of Wednesday. Mall goers experienced exclusive games and activities, themed to familiar scenes and settings from the hit Netflix series. Aside from putting the spotlight on the much awaited second season of Wednesday, the immersive mall activation also highlighted the Converge Netflix Bundle that has redefined the home entertainment experience.

The event, titled “Xperience Nevermore” emphasized the collaboration between Converge ICT Solutions Inc., and Netflix, culminating in the Converge Netflix Bundle that was launched into the market in October of last year. In a statement, Converge SVP and CSME Group OIC, Mr. JP Aguilar underscored the importance of the bundle. “Our collaboration with Netflix delivers world-class entertainment to households nationwide, staying true to our mission of empowering every Filipino with tools for the digital future,” shared Mr. Aguilar.

“Xperience Nevermore” featured designs & activities, with inspiration taken from the Wednesday series on Netflix.

Located at the Activity Center at the Upper Ground Floor, the immersive experience aptly titled “Xperience Nevermore” includes professionally designed sets and activities. More Wednesday-themed minigames were also ongoing throughout the day. Winners of both the activities and games got to take home exclusive Converge & Netflix merchandise. 

The Converge Netflix Bundle being highlighted at the mall activation, starts for as low as ₱1,798 per month for new Converge subscribers. The bundle already comes with a FiberX internet connection with speeds of up to 400Mbps as well as a Netflix Basic subscription, a Converge Xperience Hub, and a Wi-Fi 6 Modem. For existing Converge subscribers, the option to add a Netflix subscription to their FiberX plan starts as low as ₱298 per month. Customers can avail of more bundle plans and add-ons that offer faster internet speeds of up to 600 Gbps, and even Netflix Premium subscriptions that allows for 4K ultra HD streaming and simultaneous streaming on up to four devices.

With all these inclusions and at its price, the Converge Netflix Bundle redefines home entertainment, with an array of quality entertainment options thanks to the Netflix subscription and the Converge Xperience Hub. All that and more will be powered by Converge’s FiberX internet, which has been recognized by Ookla as the fastest internet service (ISP) in the Philippines for three consecutive years. Aside from the Fastest Fixed Network award at the recent Ookla® Speedtest Awards™ for the first half of 2025, Converge FiberX also picked up the Best ISP Video Experience award and the Best ISP Gaming Experience. This was echoed by Ms. Orange Ramirez, Converge’s Vice President and Head of Brand and Marketing. “We aren’t just the fastest, we also bring the best experience. We were recently awarded the Best Video Experience by Ookla for the first half of 2025, which is perfect for Netflix and the overall streaming experience,” she shared.

Converge EVP and Brand & Marketing Head Ms. Orange Ramirez, shared how the brand’s top-rated FiberX internet powers a seamless Netflix experience for every household.

Netflix, for its part, continues to deliver a lineup of sought-after global and local entertainment content. Aside from fan favorites, like the new season of Wednesday, Netflix offers Hollywood blockbusters, K-dramas, hair-raising thrillers, and Filipino originals. With the Converge Netflix Bundle, families can enjoy all this through a convenient and seamless subscription. It’s the ultimate all-in-one entertainment package, designed for everyone craving fast, uninterrupted internet connections with access to the hottest titles on demand. To learn more about the Converge Netflix Bundle and find the plan perfect for streaming your favorites with speed and style, visit convergeict.com. Stay tuned for more exciting Converge Netflix events and upcoming promos, so you never miss a moment of the action.

Let’s Crunch It with 7-Eleven Crunch Time’s New Hype Man, Crunchito

Get more out of your FRY-nalo favorites and get a FREE XL rice upgrade on participating Crunch Time meals from August 20 to September 2, 2025

In a fried food-loving country like the Philippines, fried chicken is more than just a craving. It’s a source of comfort—like a coping mechanism to turn the day around or a way to celebrate small wins in the hustle of everyday life. As a brand that’s ever in tune with its customers, 7-Eleven serves Crunch Time as every kapitbahay’s daily power-up. 

From satisfying crunchy cravings in the neighborhood with Crunch Time’s tasty and crunchy offerings, such as fried chicken, chicken fillet, siomai, Crunchy Pan, and more, 7-Eleven did not stop at simply providing the ultimate fried food fix for less. The Crunch Time FRYmily is getting a boost in the form of its newest brand character, Crunchito. Dressed in an adorable fried chicken suit, he is every 7-Eleven customer’s go-to hype man and Crunchy Motivator made to make ordinary moments FRY-nalo.  

Savor a delightfully comforting snack with 7-Eleven Crunch Time Crunchy Pan Creamy Spinach, starting at P22.

His presence amps up the Crunch Time experience, where every bite is a well-earned victory because of its taste and affordability. Crunchito’s motivational quotes and can-do attitude, partnered with Crunch Time’s signature lineup, make for a much-needed winning moment every day. 

To make FRY-nalo moments even better, customers can enjoy a free XL rice upgrade on every order of 2-Piece Crunch Time Fried Chicken at P175 or Double Chicken Fillet at P112 from August 20 to September 2, 2025. Whether it’s

Savor a delightfully comforting snack with 7-Eleven Crunch Time Crunchy Pan Creamy Spinach, starting at P22.

a quick lunch, a midnight reward, or a well-deserved break in the middle of the day, Crunch Time and Crunchito are ready with delicious treats to give that winning feeling to every kapitbahay. 

Crunch Time is available in over 2,400 stores nationwide with a full range of meals and snacks to choose from. 7-Eleven loyal fans especially love its quick serving time, large pieces, and signature, homestyle taste. 

Like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter and TikTok for more information.

OPPO and CCP Launch the Likha Creative Challenge

OPPO, in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), proudly launches the Likha Creative Challenge, a nationwide competition celebrating the bold creativity of young Filipino artists, storytellers, and visionaries.

With the theme “Make Your Moment,” the challenge invites young and emerging talents aged 18 to 35 to submit original work in Video, Photography, or Digital Art, three categories that reflect how this generation captures and creates.

Beyond a competition, Likha is a platform for Filipino creativity to take the spotlight, whether you're a student, self-taught artist, or part of an underground movement. With the help of OPPO Student Ambassadors, the initiative will reach universities, collectives, and communities across the country, giving visibility to voices that deserve to be seen and heard.

This is your moment—on your terms.

Create something that reflects who you are and what you stand for.

Challenge Details

 Submission Period: August 15 to September 30, 2025

 Announcement of Winners: October 15, 2025

Creative Categories

Video Content: Original videos (max 5 mins) in 16:9 or 9:16 format—vlogs, edits, or reels reflecting the theme. AI-generated or enhanced content is not allowed.

Photography: Up to 10 original photos in any style (portrait, landscape, street, etc.), shot with a camera, smartphone, or OPPO Reno14 Series. AI-generated images are not accepted.

Digital Art: Original digital illustrations, collages, or graphic compositions. Must be created using traditional digital tools—no AI or AI assistance allowed.

Judging Criteria

Creativity & Originality – 30%

Artistic Skill – 20%

Relevance to Theme – 20%

Impact & Presentation – 20%

Technical Skill – 10%

Prizes and Recognition

Three Grand Winners per category will each receive ₱50,000 worth of OPPO products, including the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G and IoT devices.

Winning entries may be featured in an art exhibit at CCP’s Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, partner galleries, or select OPPO Concept Stores nationwide.

How to Join

Post your original work publicly on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok using the hashtags:

  #OPPOxCulturalCenterPH

  #MakeYourMoment

  #OPPOReno14Series5G

Submit the link to your post via the official Google Form available on OPPO Philippines’ social media pages.

Participants may enter multiple categories but can win only once. All works must be original, AI-free, and remain the intellectual property of the artist. By joining, participants grant OPPO and CCP the right to feature works with proper credit for promotional use.

To learn more about the Likha Creative Challenge and OPPO’s partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, visit www.oppo.com/ph and follow OPPO Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

Weekend Guide: 3 Exciting Activities for a Different Kind of Day Off

 

When the weekend rolls in, it’s the perfect chance to hit pause on the ordinary and dive into something new and a little unexpected. From dynamic challenges to creative showcases and captivating performances, here’s how you can infuse your days off with a bit more fun and excitement.

Explore the Mama Market at Eastwood City – August 16-17

The Mama Market at Eastwood City is more than a weekend bazaar—it’s a movement spotlighting mom entrepreneurs who are redefining business with creativity and resilience. Launched by Mompreneurs Together and Mommy Mundo, this lifestyle market showcases mom-led brands nurtured through mentorship and community support. Visitors can shop unique, thoughtfully crafted products while engaging directly with the women behind them, witnessing firsthand how motherhood and entrepreneurship beautifully intersect.

Catch the Final Act of EuroXtreme Circus at Arcovia City

The EuroXtreme Circus brings a world-class spectacle of daring stunts, comedy, and theatrical flair to Arcovia City for a limited engagement. Highlights include the death-defying Globe of Death, where motorcyclists race at breakneck speeds inside a steel sphere, and the soaring artistry of the Flying Trapeze. This two-hour performance combines high-energy BMX stunts, dynamic dancers, and interactive moments designed to captivate every audience member. Due to popular demand, EuroXtreme extended its show dates until August 24, giving guests the last chance to experience an electrifying celebration of skill and spectacle right in the heart of Pasig.

Run the Iloilo Leg of the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia at Festive Walk Iloilo – August 17

Mark your calendars for the Iloilo leg of the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia, a carefully crafted race series that guides runners through progressive distances—from a manageable 5K to the full 42K marathon. Designed with injury prevention and enjoyment in mind, this series allows participants to build endurance over three races across different cities, culminating in a national final. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or simply looking to challenge yourself, this event blends athletic rigor with a supportive community atmosphere. Register now at bit.ly/TRA2025

Step into a weekend filled with movement, creativity, and unforgettable performances! For updates, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call (02) 8462-8888.

Keeping your food and drink safe from prep to plate

 

Food poisoning may be associated with the hot summer months, given how bacteria thrive in oppressive temperatures. But in reality, consuming contaminated food and drink can happen anytime, anywhere—including at home.

“First off, many germ-laden dishes taste no different from unspoiled food, so there’s no way of telling if you have food poisoning until you experience the classic symptoms—nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, headache, and even a fever,” says Mark Paul S. Castillo, MD from top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

“Secondly, these symptoms don’t always present themselves immediately. Certain bacteria can trigger symptoms 30 minutes to eight hours after consuming contaminated food. Others, like the virus behind Hepatitis A, take days, weeks, and even months before symptoms appear.”

Food poisoning resolves within 24 to 48 hours, and requires nothing more from you but to ride out the vomiting and bum stomach. It’s best to hydrate with electrolytes and broth soup. Still, more serious cases could land you in the hospital for kidney failure, nerve and brain damage, and in rare but still possible situations, death.

Prevention is crucial to avoiding this most unpleasant yet avoidable condition. For MakatiMed, the goal is to ensure your food and drink are free of contaminants from start to finish.

PREP. “It’s all about cleanliness,” reminds Dr. Castillo. “Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling ingredients and cooked food. Wear disposable gloves if you have a rash or wound on your hand and need to handle raw ingredients. Chopping boards, knives, plates, pans, and other cooking utensils must also be thoroughly washed with soap and warm water, then wiped dry with a paper towel, before using them for the first time, then again on other ingredients, and just before you put them away.”

Raw ingredients like meat, poultry, fish, and seafood need to be rinsed well too, and separated, instead of sharing a single plate. “Use a brush to gently scrub some fruits and vegetables like apples, cucumbers, root crops, and squash and thoroughly rid them of dirt,” shares Dr. Castillo. “For leafy vegetables, rinse them under running water and use a salad spinner or paper towels to dry them.”

Dr. Castillo also advises keeping your kitchen countertop and sink clean with soap and water, then wipe with a paper towel or a clean dry rag. “Replace sponges at least once a week, as they can be home to E. coli and other bacteria. Washing them completely at the end of each day also helps.”

PLATE. Make sure food is cooked following the recommended time and temperature, and if you can, keep food constantly warm with chafing dishes. According to Dr. Castillo, “Consume hot food immediately, as leaving it in room temperature for two hours or more allows bacteria to grow.” Serve cold dishes in small amounts and only when they’re ready to be eaten. Keep the cold dish in the fridge or maintain its cool temperature with bowls of ice.

Make sure dishes, bowls, glasses, and utensils are clean or have been properly washed and dried before use. “And no double-dipping,” says Dr. Castillo. “Assign specific serving spoons, forks, tongs, and knives to dishes to avoid cross-contamination.”

KEEP. Place leftovers in clean covered containers, keep in the freezer, and re-heat before serving. “Most people think that leftovers can live in the fridge forever. Best to consume them within 3-4 days,” notes Dr. Castillo.

Indeed, food in the fridge doesn’t always guarantee it’ll remain as fresh (or safe to eat) as the day you cooked it. “Check for molds and weird smells,” Dr. Castillo points out. “Or better yet, when in doubt, throw it away. It’s better safe than sorry.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.