What Would You Buy with PHP 1 Million at SM? Pre-Order the HONOR 600S for a Chance to Win!

What would you do with PHP 1 million worth of shopping? HONOR is giving consumers a chance to make it happen with the new HONOR 600S.

 

As part of the HONOR 600S pre-order offer, customers can get a chance to win PHP 1 million worth of shopping spree at SM Stores, adding even more excitement to the launch of HONOR’s latest smartphone.

 

Beyond the exciting prize, the HONOR 600S delivers AI-powered features, 5G connectivity, and long-lasting battery life, making it a compelling choice for consumers looking for an everyday smartphone packed with smart and creative features.

 

The HONOR 600S is now available for pre-order through authorized HONOR stores and online channels nationwide. Don’t miss the chance to get your hands on the new HONOR 600S—and get a shot at a PHP 1 million shopping spree.

Hanabishi Brings Bossing Vic Sotto and Ninong Ry Together in a Special Collab

 

Two of the country’s beloved personalities known for their humor and authenticity have teamed up for a special collaboration with Hanabishi Appliances. 

Comedy legend “Bossing” Vic Sotto recently visited Ninong Ry, who prepared delicious Chinese food using the brand’s various kitchen appliances. The visit can be seen on the food content creator’s popular YouTube channel. As of this writing, the hour-long episode has already garnered more than 4 million views.

“Bossing Vic has been a brand ambassador of Hanabishi for many years already, and we have worked with Ninong Ry countless times. Bringing them together was a dream collaboration for us as we mark our 40th year,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, VP for Finance and Marketing, Hanabishi Appliances.

Ninong Ry Whips Up a Chinese Feast

Ninong Ry, with his signature wit and humor, prepared Fried Mantou with the help of the Hanabishi Professional Stand Mixer Master Series 5L HPSTMIX-50, and Hanabishi Food Steamer HFS85; Steamed Fish also using the Hanabishi Food Steamer; and his own version of Dong Po Pork using the Hanabishi 18 in 1 Electric Pressure Cooker HDIGPC-18IN1 and Hanabishi Juice Extractor HPJ750SS. He showed how much easier and more convenient it is to prepare these dishes with these appliances as your ka-partner.

Bossing Opens Up About His Beginnings in Rare Interview

Bossing Vic and Ninong Ry enjoyed the food together before settling into a lighthearted interview, where the comedy icon offered a rare glimpse into his personal journey in the entertainment industry. He candidly shared how he entered show business through the music industry before eventually appearing in a gag show with his brothers. He also shared his thoughts on comedy’s evolution, and looked back on the beginnings of Eat Bulaga in 1979. He said that he is looking  forward to its upcoming 50th anniversary.

A Tried and Tested Ka-Partner

“Parang Eat Bulaga ang Hanabishi,” Bossing Vic observed during the interview, drawing parallels between the long-running noontime show and the brand’s longevity and partnership with Filipinos. “For 40 years, subok na ng buong bayan.”

He also shared how people would tell him about the durability of Hanabishi products, of how they have remained reliable for many years.

“As we celebrate our 40th year this year, we thank all the people who have partnered with us like Bossing Vic and Ninong Ry, and everyone who has chosen Hanabishi as their ka-partner in their homes and even their offices. As we look forward to more years in the industry, we will continue to fulfill our promise of providing quality appliances for Filipino families,” Ong-Chua said.

Learn more about Hanabishi by visiting www.myhanabishi.com. 

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About Hanabishi: 

Sa Bahay at sa Business Mo, Hanabishi!

Hanabishi is a Filipino household name for appliances for 40 years. It is a brand engineered to fit the lifestyle of the Filipino both for homes and businesses.  Hardworking, durable and resilient, are the attributes that personify Hanabishi making it the brand of choice of every Filipino mom and businessman when it comes to value and practicality. Hanabishi is the mark of quality that grows with you through the years.  Built with passion and an impeccable desire to uphold the quality of life in every Filipino home, Hanabishi will remain to be the PRACTICAL choice and KAPARTNER, today and for the many years to come.

For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop and  like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/

Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna takes flight anew at the Areté stage in Ateneo

A magical story that generations of Filipinos love and know by heart is once again set to come alive in a completely different and enchanting way.

This October, Ballet Manila brings Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Ibong Adarna back to the stage, transforming the beloved Filipino tale of an enchanted bird, royal brothers, forbidden love, and a quest for healing into a spectacle of music, movement, and dance.

One of the company’s most beloved and performed productions, Ibong Adarna will be staged at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10 at 5 p.m.

“Ibong Adarna is one of Ballet Manila’s most requested offsite performances. This year, it already had two shows at Jose Rizal Coliseum in Laguna, and now the production is bound to return to Areté in Ateneo before continuing its way to Iloilo,” shared Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director.

Ibong Adarna tells the story of a mythical bird whose magical song has the power to heal the sick. When King Fernando of the Kingdom of Berbanya falls ill with an incurable disease, his three sons — Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan — set out on a quest to find the legendary Adarna and bring it back to save their father. The prince who succeeds in capturing the bird will inherit the throne.

The Areté run will feature a new set of leads from Ballet Manila’s powerhouse lineup. Performing as Ibong Adarna is Shaira Comeros, alongside Mark Sumaylo as Don Pedro, Rafael Perez as Don Juan, and Romeo Peralta as Don Diego. The alternate cast is led by Jessica Pearl Dames as Ibong Adarna, with Juan Angelo De Leon as Don Juan, Ralp John Balagot as Don Pedro, and Sean Pelegrin as Don Diego.

Ibong Adarna is fast becoming a Filipino ballet classic. Although Ballet Manila has staged the production numerous times in various venues, each re-staging brings something new, shaped in large part by its evolving cast of dancers.

“Every time we bring Ibong Adarna to a new audience, we discover something new about the story and the characters. That is what makes it special. It remains familiar to many Filipinos, but ballet allows us to experience the story in a different way,” Macuja Elizalde said.

Staging Ibong Adarna at the Areté is part of Ballet Manila’s broader mission of bringing people to ballet and ballet to the people. By taking the production beyond the traditional theater setting and into communities or cities, the company opens more opportunities for audiences to experience live ballet and discover this art form through stories already part of Filipino culture.

For those who may have encountered the classic tale in school, books, or childhood, Ballet Manila offers an exciting way to see the story as it combines a well-loved narrative with music, movement, complex characters, and the artistry of its dancers.

Don’t miss Ibong Adarna at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University on October 9 and 10 only. For tickets, visit Ticketworld at www.premier.ticketworld.com.ph. Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting www.balletmanila.com.ph.

Red Bull Half Court brings the World Finals to Manila, the capital of streetball

 

Photos provided by Red Bull Content Pool

Red Bull Half Court is heading to the Philippines for its 2026 World Finals, taking the world’s fastest 3on3 tournament to one of the most basketball-loving cities on the planet. On December 5, national champions from across the globe will compete to be crowned Red Bull Half Court champions, in a celebration of basketball, art and street culture.

In Manila, basketball is more than a sport: it is part of everyday life. The 2026 World Finals will tap into that energy across two distinct sides of the city: the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros and the modern heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

As part of this year’s World Finals, Red Bull Half Court is inviting local designers, street art enthusiasts, and basketball fans to design the basketball court of their dreams and see it brought to life through Red Bull Half Court Design My Court. Submission of entries is from September 28 – October 21.

Here’s all you need to know:

• For the first time, Red Bull Half Court brings its World Finals to the Philippines. Across neighborhoods and local courts, basketball is part of everyday life in the Philippines, making Manila a natural home for the tournament.

• Paul Gudde, Red Bull Half Court Global Sports Director, said: “Manila is built for this format. It’s a city where basketball isn’t just watched, it’s lived. Bringing the World Finals here is about connecting the global 3on3 community with a place that truly understands what playground basketball is all about.”

• The World Finals will unfold across two very different sides of Manila.

• The group phase will be staged at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, one of Manila’s most recognizable historical landmarks. Set within the city’s iconic walled district, teams will battle for a place in the following day’s Finals.

• For Finals day, the tournament moves to Bonifacio Global City (BGC), where the remaining teams will compete to be crowned Red Bull Half Court champions in one of Manila’s most dynamic urban districts.

• Familiar faces from the global basketball scene will also be in Manila. Streetball icon Grayson “The Professor” Boucher and renowned shooting coach Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews will join the event alongside Polish Red Bull athlete and world-class dunker Piotr “Grabo” Grabowski, and Filipino dunking star David “Air David” Carlos, a FIBA 3x3 World Tour Dunk Contest winner and one of the Philippines’ leading dunkers.

• Grayson “The Professor” Boucher said: “The Philippines is one of my favorite countries to visit because the fans love basketball/streetball culture. I can’t wait to come over for the Red Bull Half Court World Finals to do some park takeovers and see the best 3v3 streetball teams from around the globe. I know the Manila crowd is going to be a vibe and the World Finals out there is gonna be a movie.”

• World-Renowned Shooting Coach Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews, global ambassador for the event, said: “I have been to Manila multiple times and am always impressed by the level of passion for basketball that the athletes have. In particular, there’s a huge appreciation for the art of shooting in Manila. Coming back for Red Bull Half Court is going to be special, you’ve got national champions from around the world coming to compete and represent their countries. I know we’re going to see some great athletes competing at the highest level.”

• The sixth Red Bull Half Court season has seen players compete across Egypt, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, and Ukraine, with national champions from 13 countries set to compete on the global stage in Manila.

• Several teams have already secured their spot at the World Finals. India’s men’s champions, Team 911, booked their ticket following victory in Chandigarh, while Team Sinatra will represent North Macedonia after taking the national title in Skopje. On home soil, JSKILLS claimed the Philippines men’s title, while Pilipinas Aguilas secured the women’s crown. Egypt will be represented by Team Hustlers and Bad Luck, with more national champions set to join the line-up as qualifiers continue.

• Red Bull Half Court brings the fastest version of 3on3 basketball to players worldwide. Games are capped at 10 minutes, with the first team to 21 points taking the win. During pool play, the team accumulating the most scoring points receives the “own the court bonus” to aid in advancing to the next stage, ensuring a fast-paced version of 3on3

• basketball. A further twist comes from two special three-point scoring circles behind the arc, adding an extra risk-reward element to the game.

• Since launching in 2021, Red Bull Half Court has taken its World Finals to iconic locations in Rome, Cairo, Belgrade, New York City and Dubai. In 2026, the tournament’s next chapter will be written in Manila.

Sun Life Foundation’s Project SUNRISE continues to brighten futures for Cebu youth

 

Sun Life Philippines Country Head and CEO JJ Moreno and Sun Life Foundation President Joy Castillo, Vice President Aleister Cruz, Executive Director Kristine Millete, and Program Lead Reiza Bañega join the Children of Asia team and community scholars at the Project SUNRISE launch in Cebu City.

Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) and Children of Asia recently renewed their collaboration for Project SUNRISE, continuing their shared commitment to helping Cebu youth stay in school, prepare for future careers, and build brighter futures.

 

Through Project SUNRISE, 125 high school and college students in Cebu City as well as the municipalities of Alegria, Daanbantayan, Medellin, and Minglanilla receive financial assistance for expenses such as miscellaneous fees, uniforms, and school supplies. The program is renewed annually and will continue until all the scholars graduate from college.

 

Launched in 2020, Project SUNRISE aims to help address a persistent challenge in the Philippines where one in four youth is out of school. 

 

The program also supports the students’ holistic development through additional courses, career development orientation, and soft skills training to help strengthen their future employability. Meanwhile, their families also receive post-disaster support, individualized aid, and parent learning sessions on child development and quality family life.

 

A MOA signing ceremony was held in Cebu City to mark the continuation of the collaboration, graced by Sun Life Philippines Country Head and CEO JJ Moreno as well as the Sun Life Foundation leadership including President Joy Castillo, Vice President Aleister Cruz, and Executive Director Kristine Millete. Children of Asia was represented by its Country Director, Barbie Romeo-Guardiario, and Deputy Country Director, Andre Frossard.

 

“We believe that education is one of the most powerful foundations for a brighter future,” said Castillo. “With Project SUNRISE, our aim is to empower Filipino youth and enable them to remain in school, feel supported, and build a future filled with possibilities not just for themselves, but also their families and communities.”

 

“Project SUNRISE is about giving students from underprivileged backgrounds the support and confidence to keep moving forward, even when circumstances are difficult. This year, with the earthquake and typhoon affecting Cebu, that support has been especially meaningful,” said Romeo-Guardiario. “By helping our scholars stay in school and develop their potential, we hope they will build a better future for themselves and have the confidence and sense of responsibility to give back to their families and communities.”

 

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, Sun Life Foundation supports initiatives that expand access to education, promote health and well-being, and promote environmental sustainability in communities across the country.

Reward Yourself with a Spa Escape at Solaire Resort Quezon City

 

Discover one of Solaire Resort Quezon City’s hidden gems, the spa at the Health Club.

Luxury comes in many forms. At Solaire Resort Quezon City, it takes shape at the spa at Solaire Resort Quezon City's Health Club. Lavish treatment rooms, highly trained massage therapists, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities come together to offer what many consider the ultimate luxury of all: a well-deserved moment of me-time and relaxation.

Take in the soothing scent of florals and citrus as soon as the doors open. Soft lighting casts gentle shadows across the lobby's refined interiors, inviting guests to slow down and unwind, far removed from the bustle outside. Guests are warmly welcomed into the transition room for a brief consultation and a warm cup of tea before being ushered to a spacious, wood-paneled treatment room complete with a private lounge, foot bath, and shower room.

Each session begins with the therapist's calming voice, ensuring every detail, from the lighting to the sounds in the room, aligns with the guest's preferences. A gentle inhale of essential oils eases the mind into a calm and steady state, further enhanced by a guided breathing exercise.

Melt away stress with warm hands gliding in long, flowing strokes with one of the spa's signature offerings, the Swedish Massage. As tension in the neck, shoulders, and back slowly dissipates, many guests find themselves drifting into a deep, restorative sleep, awakened only by the gentle sound of a bell signaling the end of the massage.

Beyond the treatment itself, relaxation remains the utmost priority. Guests are encouraged to linger a little longer, savor another cup of tea, and ease back into the day at their own pace.

Other massages, body treatments, scrubs, and facials offered by the facility are equally tempting options for a satisfying retreat of the body and mind. Taking the experience a step further, guests also enjoy complimentary access to the wellness facilities, including a sauna, steam room, experiential water massage, tepidarium, and hot and cold plunge pools, maximizing the pleasure of every visit.

Come away refreshed, rejuvenated, and feeling like a winner after rewarding yourself with an escape at the spa at Solaire Resort Quezon City. To learn more, visit Solaire Resort Quezon City. Solaire Rewards members enjoy up to 25% off on select health and wellness services. To make a reservation, email sn.spaandsalon@solaireresort.com or call +63 2 8888 8888 loc. 67062.

About Solaire Resort Quezon City

Solaire Resort Quezon City is Solaire’s second integrated luxury resort in the Philippines and the first five-star integrated resort in Quezon City. Located in the heart of Metro Manila’s largest city, it brings together luxury hospitality, world-class gaming, exceptional dining, vibrant entertainment, and family-friendly experiences, and stands among Quezon City’s premier lifestyle destinations.

The resort features 526 elegantly designed rooms and suites, four gaming levels catering to both mass and VIP guests, 14 restaurants and bars, and versatile meeting and event spaces spanning 1,700 square meters. Guests can unwind at the expansive wellness center, 50-meter L-shaped swimming pool and water park, enjoy pickleball and basketball at the Outdoor Fitness Deck, or spend quality family time at the multi-level Kids Club. As day turns to night, the resort comes alive with dynamic entertainment experiences, from live performances at Quezon Club to panoramic evenings at Skybar.

Renowned for its warm Filipino hospitality and thoughtfully curated experiences, Solaire Resort Quezon City continues to redefine luxury, entertainment, and leisure in the heart of Quezon City.

For more information, visit sn.solaireresort.com.

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Photo Credits:

Photo 1: Relax and recharge with various massages and treatments at the Health Club's spa.

Photo 2: The spa lobby welcomes guests with its serene ambiance.

Photo 3: Each treatment room is a private sanctuary designed for indulgence and relaxation.

All attached photos are provided by Solaire Resort Quezon City for editorial use, with non-exclusive, royalty-free permission to use, publish, and reproduce them for news, feature, and editorial coverage related to this announcement.

DigiCon 2026 gathers over 2,000 industry leaders to drive the future of digital collaboration

 

DMAP’s flagship conference returns October 15–16 with global thought leaders, five specialized tracks, and immersive experiences built around the power of collaboration

The Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP) is bringing together more than 2,000 marketers, creatives, technologists, business leaders, and innovators as DigiCon 2026 returns for its 11th edition on October 15–16 at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel.

Anchored on the theme “Interoperability: Welcome to the Age of Collaboration,” this year’s DigiCon puts the spotlight on what happens when industries, ideas, technology, and talent work together, creating new possibilities for brands and businesses navigating an increasingly connected digital landscape.

Beyond its lineup of thought leaders, DigiCon 2026 will feature diverse session formats, from keynote presentations and expert-led panel discussions to interactive experiences and a live debate. These formats are designed to spark meaningful conversations, encourage the exchange of different perspectives, and create more opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.

Headlining this year's conference are global thought leaders Dr. Christian Busch, bestselling author of Connect the Dots and professor at the University of Southern California and the London School of Economics, and Judy John, Global Chief Creative Officer of Edelman. They will be joined by DMAP President Miko David, DigiCon 2026 Co-Chairs Raymund Sison and Shayne Madamba, and a diverse lineup of local and international industry experts.

Extending the conversation beyond the conference, DigiCon 2026 will bring together leaders of the country's major marketing, advertising, and communications organizations for Next Monday, a special panel discussion on October 16.

Featuring DMAP President Miko David, Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As) Chairman Ronald Barreiro, Ad Standards Council (ASC) Executive Director Robbie Aligada, and Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) President Ana Pista, the discussion moderated by IdeasXMachina Hakuhodo Managing Director and DigiCon 2026 Co-Chair Shayne Madamba will explore how insights and learnings from DigiCon can be translated into meaningful action across their respective industries and professional communities.

Five tracks, one collaborative future

Taking the idea of interoperability beyond the plenary stage, DigiCon 2026 will feature five specialized conference tracks designed to give participants a closer look at the collaborations transforming industries:

• Innovation: Human and Machine Collaborations features Gino Nacianceno and Fe Itamar Gero of TrueLogic, Crissy Rollan of Qubel Group, and Bea Lim of TeamAsia, with a track keynote by Masaya Asai, Chief Creative Officer of Droga5 Tokyo.

• Integrated: “Breaking the Box” Collaborations brings together Shayne Madamba of IdeasXMachina Hakuhodo, Kim Patria of Investing in Women, Philip Zuniga of UP Diliman, Mark Meily of Kindmind Experience Design Lab, Bia Fernandez of ALAB MNL, and Rudy Villar of the Philippine Football Federation. Highlights include keynotes from Ali Rez of IMPACT BBDO and Yassine Bakkari of L’Oréal Philippines, alongside the first-ever UP vs. ADMU Debate in DIGICON history.

• Immersive: Seamless Collaborative Experiences features Denise Haak of RS2 APAC, Wanda Pascua of Tonik Bank, Steph Oller of Pure Culture, Roshan Nandwani of Ayala Land Hospitality, Derek Tan of Moving Walls, AJ Atienza of UnionBank, and Miguel Ramos of IPV Network Inc.

• Impact: Hyper-Collaborative Cultures features Jordan Santos of Publicis JimenezBasic, Erwin Razon of Hepmil PH, Adam Izen of The One Club for Creativity, and keynote speakers Thomas Hongtack Kim of Paulus Seoul and Nicolas Courant of Ogilvy Singapore. Other featured speakers include Nina Zialcita of Best of the Best, Mark Del Rosario of Let's Eat Pare!, Frances Cabatuando of Home Buddies, and Nicolas Tessier of Not.

• Interactive: Create, Play, Collaborate features Pat Del Castillo of GCash, Art Policarpio of Emporia Group, and LOKAL.

Turning conversations into meaningful collaboration

As digital transformation continues to reshape industries, DigiCon 2026 aims to move the conversation beyond emerging trends and technologies toward the partnerships and collaborative approaches needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected business environment.

“In today's fast-moving landscape, no brand, business, or industry moves forward entirely on its own. DigiCon 2026 brings the sharpest minds in marketing, technology, and creativity into one space to exchange ideas, challenge conventions, and explore what becomes possible when we work together,” said DigiCon 2026 Co-Chair Raymund Sison. “The conversations and partnerships we start here have the potential to influence what our industry does next.”

“Interoperability isn't just a buzzword for us this year; it's a mindset,” added DigiCon 2026 Co-Chair Shayne Madamba. “We want people to cross disciplines, industries, and perspectives, and leave DigiCon with new connections and ideas they can actually bring back to their organizations.”

DigiCon 2026 is supported by Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Wipro–Splash Corporation, with Certified Digital Marketer as track certification partner. Media partners include Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer.net, Inquirer Plus, MBC Media Group, One News, CoinGeek, GMA New Media Inc., and Outcomm.

DigiCon 2026 invites the digital community to connect beyond silos, collaborate across disciplines, and help shape what comes next. Secure your tickets now via DigiCon’s official website and social media channels.

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About DigiCon

DigiCon is the Philippines’ premier digital marketing conference, organized by the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP). Since 2016, it has convened the country’s top decision-makers, brand marketers, creatives and creators, and technology leaders. It is widely recognized as the industry's biggest and most diverse local digital marketing conference.

About DMAP

Formerly known as IMMAP, the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP) began in 2007. It is a collective voice for digital leaders, shaping the future of Philippine digital marketing. With over 300 member individuals and companies, it represents the Digital-related interests of advertisers, agencies, online platforms, educators, media owners, and technological startups.

For more information, please contact:

Gina TorreProject Manager, DigiCon 2026conference@dmap.com.ph