Experience the power of Magic! HONOR just teased the release of HONOR Magic5 Pro in the Philippines on June 8, 2023.

Launched at the Mobile World Congress 2023 earlier this year, the leading technology brand HONOR Philippines today dropped the release date of HONOR Magic5 Pro in the country. As the latest iteration of the HONOR Magic Series line-up, the all-new HONOR Magic5 Pro boasts significant breakthroughs in design, display, photography and performance, beating several industry benchmarks to deliver the superb flagship smartphone on the market today.

Continuing the strong legacy of its flagship predecessors, the HONOR Magic5 Pro adopts enhanced hardware with discrete chipsets, and advanced technologies, combining the best software solutions to deliver a superior flagship that is a class apart.

To make a mark of its superb specs, HONOR linked up with the official Guinness World Records to snap a successful attempt at doing the highest between-the-legs slam dunk. Poland's Piotr Grabowski achieved the feat at a facility in London in January 2023, and HONOR was there with the upcoming HONOR Magic5 Pro flagship to capture it.

Right after its global release, the HONOR Magic5 Pro has seized the #1 position in the DXOMARK Smartphone Display ranking for the first quarter of 2023. It is also highly recognized during MWC 2023, receiving awards from various tech authorities.

HONOR Magic5 Pro will be officially launched on June 8, 2023 and you can catch it live on HONOR Philippines’ Facebook Page (https://fb.me/e/T11UD2VR).

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

I was able to attend recently Puregold's annual celebration of small business owners. It's called the Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-sari Store Negosyo Convention which draws in people from all over the country and one of the notable highlights was the press con for the “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile”.

It was set at the center of the venue and even before I arrived there, there were a lot of people already with big bags and carts with them. I was quite surprised with the turnout of the crown, it's nice to see that the small businesses is thriving and the place was packed with a lot of offers and deals for the attendees.

Now at the center is where it shone brightly. On the first day, is also the official press conference for “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile”. Now Honestly, I didn't know much about this online series even before I went there.

I saw my old acquaintance on the stage, award-winning filmmaker and producer Chris Cahilig, who gave the welcome remarks, while director Victor Villanueva both entertained and inspired the audience as he later related his experiences behind the scenes.

What I didn't know at that time, is “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile” is a type of retailtainment and this is on Puregold's Channel on YouTube. I know I heard of retailtainment before and I think I've heard of the past work that has been done before. The latest one came in the wake of “GV Boys” and “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask”. These online series allow Puregold to reach out to young digital natives looking to connect with classic Filipino stories, which I think is a very nice move from the brand.

The newest offering from Puregold series revolves around the story of Bryce (Wilbert Ross), a young gamer taking his first uneasy steps into the world of dating with virtual wingman Angge (Yukii Takahashi) by his side.

I noticed how beautiful Yukii was and how charming Wilbert is and how they had chemistry to get the story moving and interesting. At the press conference, Wilbert Ross and Yukii Takahashi conveyed their own musings on the story and showed how onscreen chemistry can translate into real-time attraction as they charmed the audience. The dashing Wilbert especially impressed attendees with a song number during the intermission.

As expected, the supporting cast of “Ang Lalaki”—Kat Galang (Genski), Migs Almendras (Ketch), Marissa Sanchez (Bessie), Star Orjaliza (Yaya Aimee), Moi Marcampo (Chili Anne), TJ Valderrama (Cyrus), and Anjo Resurreccion (Jerry)—were also around to field questions during the open forum.

Big surprises awaited participants at the press conference. Grocery packs worth P2,500 each were raffled off, which I won btw, and was so happy! Then followed by grand prizes such as brand-new smartphones and laptops.

All in all, the press conference for “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile” turned out to be as fun and exciting as the show itself. Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club Inc., expressed his satisfaction with the proceedings. “We are always delighted by the chance to entertain our fellow Filipinos,” said Co. “And we’ve been able to do that with the help of the hard-working cast and crew of ‘Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile.’ We hope everyone enjoyed the chance to see them up close and personal at this press conference.”

Below is a trailer

Do you want FREE entertainment? Subscribe now to Puregold Channel on YouTube. For more updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and @puregoldph on TikTok.

Press Release

Calling all fans of vivo's main girl, Maine Mendoza! Three more days to post an entry and get the chance to aura with Maine at vivo store in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong this May 27.

Twenty (20) owners of vivo V27 Series can have the opportunity to meet Maine and do a TikTok video with her to show off their best aura poses.

Maine is known for her roles as an entertainment celebrity and host of a popular TV noontime show. She became viral with her fun and bubbly personality.

As vivo's ambassador since 2019, Maine will give vivo V27 5G or V27e users a chance to bond with her.

To join, V27 Series owners must do the following:

● Strike an "aura" pose holding the vivo V27 5G or V27e phone. Post the photo on Instagram from May 5 to 22, and ensure the account is set to public.

● Use hashtags #vivoV27Series5G #vivoMeetAndGreetWithMaine #AuraWithMaine.

● Do not take down the Instagram post until the Meet and Greet event on May 27.

The 20 entries with the highest number of likes will get a meet-and-greet pass. For more information, visit vivo's Facebook post for the Aura with Maine promo mechanics.

To those planning to buy vivo V27 Series during the event, exclusive freebies such as a fitness tracker, white box gift set, night lamp, headset, and umbrella are up for grabs.

vivo V27 Series: Aura Portrait Master

The V27 Series - V27 5G and V27e, dubbed as the Aura Portrait Master for being the industry's first-ever pocket studio device, was launched in March 2023.

It is equipped with innovative features such as the Aura Portrait Algorithm, a soft light effect that improves the appearance of subjects by giving them warm, luminous, and glowy skin.

With the aura light, anyone can take studio-quality photos and videos day and night.

Get early access to HONOR news, launch invites, and connect with other HONOR fans when you join the HONOR Philippines Community! HONOR fans, now’s your chance to get exclusive perks and early access to announcements when you join HONOR Philippines’ Official Facebook Community!

“We’re overjoyed with the amount of support from HONOR fans through this initiative. In just over a month, we’ve had over two thousand enthusiastic community members, and we’re glad to see the growth of this avenue where people can easily connect with one another,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

TUTORIALS, EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO HONOR EVENTS, AND MORE!

HONOR Philippines has gotten over two thousand members in its Facebook community and countless of shared stories among HONOR fans. Everyday, members share their snaps from their HONOR smartphones, ask questions and entertain queries, and give free tips and tricks on how to maximize their HONOR devices’ capabilities. Outstanding shots also get recognized from time to time, and top contributors also get exclusive invites to HONOR events such as Experience Store Openings.

The Facebook Community has recently marked one of its first milestones, gifting Premium HONOR devices to few acknowledged HONOR fans who have consistently supported the brand’s community. They plan on continuing these celebrations as more people join, and give more exciting prizes through their contests and events.

Join the HONOR Philippines Community on Facebook (bit.ly/HONORPHCommunity) and make sure to visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for more information. To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Enter the Quantum Realm and witness the beginning of a new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” now available exclusively on Disney+. 

Superheroes Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) continue their adventures as Ant-Man and The Wasp. After Scott’s daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton) discovers a way to enter the Quantum Realm, they embark on an adventure into the mysterious world together with Scott, Hope, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer). 

Upon entering the Quantum Realm, they encounter a unique world with mysterious creatures and meet Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors). When Kang gives Scott a dangerous mission, he and the rest of the family must push their limits and brace themselves against threats within the Realm in order to save the universe. 

Catch the latest Marvel Studios film on Disney+ today.

Get it for Php 10,999 on May 19 only!

Be ready to get the same exceptional quality of vivo's best-selling smartphone, the Y35, at the lowest cost as it announced its biggest price cut exclusively on Lazada.

vivo fans can now avail of the Y35 from Php 14,999 to Php 10,999 on May 19, 2023 only.

Alongside the price drop, customers will get exclusive Lazada discounts, such as Php 250 worth of LazExtra and Php 750 worth of vouchers. They will also receive Php 2,000 worth of freebies consisting of a premium tumbler, fitness tracker, and earphones.

vivo Y35, your stylish budget phone

Popularly known as a useful tool for productivity and efficiency, the vivo Y35 is a mid-range smartphone device that surely embodies the premium look and design at a budget price.

It has flat sides which make it trendier and a 2.5D curved edge that gives users a more comfortable swiping experience. Adding to this, it is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and 44W charging power, which allows users to replenish the phone by up to 70% in just 34 minutes.

vivo Y35 has a 50MP main camera system, 2MP macro lens, 2MP depth sensor, and 16MP front camera which help produce quality images and videos that are clear, stunning, and more refined.

The phone has 8GB RAM + 8GB Extended RAM which is perfect for gaming and multitasking. It also has a 90Hz refresh rate which provides users with a smoother and more responsive feel while navigating the phone.

For storage, there is no need to worry much about where to store most beloved files, as vivo Y35 already has 256GB internal storage (ROM) that can be fully extended up to 1TB.

At present, vivo Y35 is available in two colorways, Dawn Gold and Agate Black.

Visit Lazada as quick as a flash on May 19 to get vivo Y35 at its lowest price.

Government officials witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Chevron Philippines Inc. and Batangas Land Company Inc. From left to right: Government Corporate Counsel Justice Rogelio Quevedo, Secretary of the Department of Energy Raphael P.M. Lotilla, US Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry Alfredo E. Pascual, General Manager of National of Development Company Anton Mauricio, Governor of Batangas Hermilando Mandanas, CPI Chairman Billy Liu and Batangas Land President Lilia Arce.

Press Release

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, and Batangas Land Company, Inc. (BLC) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work towards a mutually satisfactory agreement for the renewal of CPI's lease in San Pascual, Batangas; Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; San Fernando (Poro), La Union; and Sasa, Davao City.

The MOU signing was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City between CPI Country Chairman Billy Liu and BLC President Lilia Arce.

On hand to witness the event were National Development Company (NDC) General Manager Anton Mauricio, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Office of Government Corporate Counsel Justice Rogelio Quevedo and U.S. Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson.

“This MOU between CPI and BLC underpins the intention of both parties to work towards a mutually satisfactory agreement for the renewal of CPI’s lease. Our terminals form the core of a network of over 600 service stations and terminals that play a crucial role in supplying the fuel needs of the transportation, maritime, aviation, and power generation sectors in the Philippines,” shared Billy Liu, CPI chairman.

BLC President Lilia Arce said, “Today is a momentous occasion that marks a continuous and longtime partnership. I’m glad we are signing this MOU because despite our differing interests [as], you, in the private sector, and we, in the government, have come together to strengthen our ties further and align our goals in the rebuilding of our nation’s economy.”

CPI intends to maintain significant investments on the leased premises consisting of energy infrastructure which are indispensable for the continued, safe, and environmentally sound operation of its terminals.

Aside from the Chevron Batangas Terminal, CPI’s other major terminals services the fuel needs of major growth regions. The Lapu-Lapu Cebu Terminal provides fuel for Central Visayas. The Sasa Terminal in Davao services Mindanao while the Poro Terminal provides quality fuels to Northern Luzon.

CPI Chairman Billy Liu and President of Batangas Land Company Inc. Lilia Arce signed a Memorandum of Understanding for renewal of CPI's lease in San Pascual, Batangas; Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; San Fernando (Poro), La Union; and Sasa, Davao City.

DTI Sec. Fred Pascual said, “Chevron and BLC’s partnership is a testament to continued investor confidence in the Philippines. It signifies the country’s abilities to provide a long-term enabling environment for growth of global companies that chose to do business and stay in our country. Such collaboration is essential to fulfilling national objectives such as energy security. First, this will ensure Filipinos to have access to reliable, safe and affordable energy. And second, this will attract investors to expand their operations in the Philippines.”

The DOE, in a 2023 letter to the DTI, has favorably endorsed and supported CPI’s continued use and operation of its terminals in these areas to ensure the stability, advancement, energy development objectives and security interests of the country which are all critical for the economic growth and development of the Philippines.

DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said, “Chevron’s presence over the many years in the Philippines is one that I see as a seal of good housekeeping. We have supported this step and I hope this will encourage Chevron to actually increase its footprint the Philippines. Our demographics show that the country continues to grow and that I expect Chevron will grow fully with us.”

As one of the oldest and biggest investors in the country with over 100 years of continued presence, Chevron markets Caltex fuels, lubricants and other petroleum products in the Philippines.

Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas remembers, “It was my grandfather who was the mayor of the town where the Caltex refinery was started way back in the mid 50s. I remember that I was participating as an elementary school student in all the civic and social contribution programs of by Caltex at the time. I congratulate the DTI, NDC, BLC and Chevron in continuing this tradition of cooperation and working together at something that is very much needed by the country especially right now.”

The protected coastline of the Chevron Batangas terminal has been declared a sea-turtle sanctuary by the Department of Environment and Naturals Resources with the annual Olive-Ridley sea turtle nesting. CPI is also actively pursuing social investment projects in its host communities with initiatives ranging from the environment, education, livelihood, health, to safety.

With the government’s drive for more private-public partnership, Justice Rogelio Quevedo commented, “I’m very happy to witness this ceremony to show the continuing commitment of the US businesses in the Philippines. I look forward with the thrust of this administration to encourage more private public partnerships, we will be seeing more American businesses renew their commitment to the Philippines economy. I hope that the Office of Government Corporate Counsel will be having more ceremonies like this and the approval of the contracts, especially, in private-public partnership.”

With Chevron being one of the oldest and biggest American investors in the country, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson relayed the US support for the MOU signing. “It truly is a celebration of two companies coming together and, as you say two nations. We are excited to grow with the Philippines. We are excited to be partners in the prosperity of both of our nations and this is a great example today,” commented Amb. Carlson.

“This MOU signing is a great follow-on event to President Marcos’ visit to the United States recently. It’s a very exciting time to be part of the Philippine-US partnership. President Biden announced that he will dispatch, a first of its kind, presidential trade investment mission to the Philippines and next year Manila will host the 2024 Indo-Pacific Business Forum. These are two other examples of the way that we are growing with the Philippines and being partners in prosperity. I look forward to joining you in the similar ceremony when Chevron and BLC sign the leases,” added Carlson.

Currently, Chevron operates through two subsidiaries in the Philippines. Aside from CPI, Chevron Holdings Inc. (CHI) supports the company’s global business through back-office processes such as finance, human resources, information technology, downstream shared services and procurement.

Time for a new mission. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One, starring Tom Cruise, opens across Philippine cinemas July 12. Watch the trailer:

Check out trailer below.

About Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning - Part One

Paramount Pictures and Skydance present a Tom Cruise Production a film by Christopher McQuarrie, Tom Cruise in “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING - PART ONE”

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, based on the television series created by Bruce Geller. Produced by Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie. Executive produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Tommy Gormley.

Starrring Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Rob Delaney, Cary Elwes, Indira Varma, Mark Gatiss, Charles Parnell, Greg Tarzan Davis, Frederick Schmidt.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning - Part One is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #MissionImpossible and tag paramountpicsph

With some 250,000 Filipinos working in Qatar, the Gulf country remains one of the more popular destinations for Overseas Filipino Workers. Filipinos going to Qatar for work, must obtain a work visa (VRN) through their sponsor in Qatar and subsequently complete their biometric enrollment, undergo medical examinations and sign their work contracts by visiting the Qatar Visa Center in Manila, before traveling to Qatar.

Qatar Visa Centers (QVC) are operated under the mandate of the Ministry of Interior (MoI). These centers only handle administrative and non-judgmental aspects, including biometric enrollment and medical services following the requirements of the Ministry of Interior, state of Qatar.

If you’re looking to work in Qatar or are curious about the visa process, here’s a short list of Frequently Asked Questions you may use as a guide in your application process.

What is the role of Qatar Visa Center?

Qatar Visa Centers are operated under the mandate of the Ministry of Interior, the State of Qatar, Qatar Visa Centers only handle the administrative and non-judgmental aspects of the biometric enrollment and medical services as per the directives and requirements defined by MoI.

What are the services that Qatar Visa Center offers?

Qatar Visa Center services include facial image capture, iris scan, finger roll, thumbprints, palm scan, medical check-ups covering X-rays, blood checks, eye tests, vaccinations, doctor examinations, and consultations.

What is the referral process? Why do applicants need to visit partner hospitals/ labs?

Medical examinations and referrals are part of the visa process and depending on the initial visa medical examination, some applicants (Lounge/VIP included) may need to undergo paid/unpaid medical investigations following protocols set by the Qatar Ministry of Health (MoH). Applicants requiring these advanced medical investigations are referred to as Medical Referrals and such investigations are referred to as Medical Referral Tests.

Some applicants may be asked to repeat tests such as X-Rays or do further tests for several reasons and will need to visit an approved external lab or hospital. These facilities are accredited by the Philippine Department of Health and are able to conduct the required tests.

These re-tests will require applicants to revisit the center and complete the process at no additional cost to the applicant. Usually revisits only take a day, however, in special cases, several revisits may be required as medical approvals depend on a lot of factors including the applicant’s current health status, guidelines, and protocols defined by the Qatar authorities.

What are the types of Medical Referrals?

Additional X-ray images - Applicants may be required to revisit the Qatar Medical Center (QMC) for additional X-ray images based on MoH instructions.

Additional lab tests - If additional lab tests are required, then blood samples are sent to external labs for further testing.

External Specialist tests - Applicants may be referred to specialists at approved hospitals for further tests based on MoH guidelines (may require the collection of referral letter/ document submission)

What are the reasons for an applicant’s medical status to remain pending?

As a visa-processing center, Qatar Visa Center submits the medical test reports directly to Qatar authorities. It usually takes 10-15 business days to determine whether the applicant is FIT or UNFIT to work in Qatar. In certain cases, the respective Qatar Authorities may take longer for additional investigations which may delay the declaration of results. Applicants may track the progress of their visa application conveniently through the Track Application or Status Check section by visiting our website.

If your visa application status shows "under process" for longer than the usual processing time, you can contact QVC customer service for assistance. They will be able to provide you with more information on the status of your application and advise you on what steps to take next. As a reminder, the Qatar Visa Center and the Qatar Medical Center are not involved in the decision-making process when it comes to visa applications.

What should I do if I cannot reach QVC's call center?

If you cannot reach QVC's call center, you may contact them via email at info@qatarmedicalcenter.com or info.mnl@qatarvisacenter.com, or use the chat option available on the website www.qatarvisacenter.com.

Do applicants need to pay for advanced medical tests?

Yes, applicants may need to pay for advanced medical tests conducted at approved external hospitals or labs and will receive a receipt for the payment. Blood samples may be collected at the center and sent to external labs to ensure security and prevent fraud. Please note that the QVC does not offer expedited processing or guaranteed approval for a fee.

What is the Qatar Visa Center lounge service?

Our Lounges at the Qatar Visa Centers are designed for patrons who wish for more personalized service in an enhanced atmosphere. The Lounge service entitles the applicant to a one-to-one service with a dedicated staff member ensuring a prioritized biometric enrolment and medical test. To access our Lounge service, kindly inform our reception on the day of your appointment.

The Lounge service at the Qatar Visa Centers is optional and does not affect or guarantee a faster visa or medical processing by the Ministry of Interior, the State of Qatar.

Learn more about the Qatar Visa Center and how to process your visa application by visiting www.qatarvisacenter.com.

Action icon Wu Jing has been very busy.

This month, the prolific Chinese actor, director and martial artist (“Wolf Warrior” films, “Shaolin”) will be seen in “The Wandering Earth II,” prequel to the 2019 futuristic blockbuster “The Wandering Earth.” Given the fate of Jing’s character in the first movie, it would have been impossible to include him in a second movie but fortunately, director Frant Gwo came up with the perfect solution. “Wu provided us with a lot of selfless help in the first installment,” said Gwo in an interview with China.org.cn. “I wanted to show gratitude to him, but I didn't want to write some unconvincing plot about his resurrection. So, I said, let’s do a prequel.”

Watch the trailer for “The Wandering Earth II” below.

In an interview with Chinese paper Global Times to promote the first film, Jing said he hoped that “The Wandering Earth” would spark children’s interest in science. Having young children of his own, it’s no surprise that Jing wanted to be part of the prequel, too.

In “The Wandering Earth II,” after learning that the sun is rapidly burning out and will obliterate Earth in the process, humans build enormous engines to propel the planet to a new solar system, far out of reach of the sun’s fiery flares. However, the journey out into the universe is perilous, and humankind’s last shot at survival will depend on a group of young people brave enough to step up and execute a dangerous, life-or-death operation to save the earth. The film, to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures exclusively in cinemas in the Philippines on May 31, also stars international star Andy Lau.

Besides the highly anticipated futuristic prequel, Jing will star in another fan-favorite follow-up, “Meg 2: The Trench,” in cinemas August 2.

About “The Wandering Earth II”

Directed by Frant Gwo, with a screenplay by Frant Gwo and Gong Ge’er, “The Wandering Earth II” (a prequel to the 2019 futuristic blockbuster “The Wandering Earth”) is based on the book by Liu Cixin.

The film stars Andy Lau, Wu Jing, Li Xuejian, Sha Yi, Ning Li, Wang Zhi and Zhu Yanmanzi.

In cinemas May 31, “The Wandering Earth II” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Prepare for an epic collaboration as Maya, the all-in-one digital banking app, joins forces with Mobile Legends Professionals League (MPL) to take your gaming experience to new heights.

This groundbreaking partnership between the country's leading digital bank and the most popular mobile game, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), introduces the exclusive MLBB Card. Say goodbye to ordinary payment methods and embrace this limited-edition, personalized card that brings exciting benefits for gamers and enthusiasts alike.

Featuring the iconic heroes of MLBB, the card collectibles showcase three beloved characters: Miya, The Moonlight Archer, renowned for her agility and devastating attacks; Nana, The Sweet Leonin, who unleashes powerful magical abilities on her enemies; and Zilong, known as the indomitable Spear of the Dragon, a force to be reckoned with in the game.

For just Php 350, the Maya MLBB Card unlocks a world of exclusive advantages. Carry your favorite heroes with you wherever you go and make a real-life statement. Personalize your card by adding your @username, making it uniquely yours.

With the Maya MLBB Card, you can enjoy all the incredible features of the Maya card. Link it to your Maya account and receive rewards every time you use it at over 800,000 merchants in more than 200 countries worldwide. Use it for hassle-free online and app store purchases. Need cash? Withdraw funds from any Bancnet ATM in the Philippines using your Maya MLBB Card.

That's not all! As a special bonus, you'll receive a P50 reward that can be used to purchase MLBB diamonds when you get your Maya MLBB Card and use it for payments. And guess what? Your shipping fee is absolutely FREE when you sign up using the codes MLBBLOVESMAYA or MPLLOVESMAYA and purchase your Maya MLBB Card. Additionally, fifty lucky winners will even receive a FREE Maya MLBB Card simply by spending a minimum of P99 on Maya Shop. Hurry, these promos are available for a limited time only!

Don't miss your chance to make Miya proud by making the "wise choice" and securing your exclusive Maya MLBB Card before it's too late. For more information, visit maya.ph/mlbb. Follow Maya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok at @mayaiseverything, and on Twitter at @mayaofficialph.

Glitter like sand and wax hot like the sun this season with PH’s first Android with a Mini Capsule

Press Release

Manila, Philippines. May 15, 2023: Everyone knows summer is all about enjoying the sun and sea—and looking good while you’re at it. To stand out this season as you pose in your sun-kissed skin and well-planned-out summer OOTDs, make sure to snap photos and more only with the new realme C55.

This latest coveted entry to the C-Series lineup of realme Philippines, the back-to-back champion according to Canalys and IDC sell-in reports published in 2021 & 2022, presents segment-leading features in camera, storage, charging and design at an entry-level price point. Between flaunting a cool aesthetic that goes well with any daily get-up to being a no-frills, all-around device that doesn’t break the bank, the realme C55 shines as the stylish champion that does not settle for the basic, allowing you to achieve more.

If you feel like taking yourself out on a date as part of your goal to prioritize self-care this summer, similar to what Angel Ramido did, the realme C55 will make you look extra gorgeous with its powerful 64MP camera. It’s the highest resolution main rear camera ever in the realme C-Series, which proves more than enough to capture your IG-worthy content.

With a camera that good, it’s only natural to take a snap of anything you do and everything you see. But if you feel worried that those photos and videos might eat up all your storage, fret not and document away all of your summer adventures like Aiyana Perlas. The realme C55 houses a dedicated micro-SD card slot for expandable storage that can reach up to 1TB. How’s that for unrestrained photo and video shoots?

Meanwhile, if you channel your inner Cess Tan this summer by mixing and matching outfits with your accessories, gadgets included, know that realme C55’s top-tier design can keep up with any style. It comes in three dreamy colors of Sunshower, Rainy Night, and Rainforest, while sporting a modern aesthetic and ultra-slim design at 7.89mm, which is even thinner than some flagship-level models in the market. The style comes with substance as well by retaining its squared-off, boxier design with rounded corners for easy handling.

Finally, who says embarking on a fitness journey should only be done before the summer season? Buffing up or toning down is made much easier with one of realme C55’s biggest features, the Mini Capsule. A nifty software feature inspired by today’s flagship smartphones, it displays expanding animation on step tracking, along with charging and battery status and data cap usage.

If you’re searching for the perfect smartphone companion this summer and beyond, look no further than the realme C55. Those who enjoy the convenience of online shopping can check out realme’s Official E-store or realme’s Lazada flagship store and realme Tiktok Shop for online. Meanwhile, for those who prefer seeing the smartphone in person before deciding to purchase, you may head over to the nearest realme offline store near you!

Stay posted on the latest realme updates by following the official realme Facebook page or visiting the official realme website.

Get ready to own the night at Samsung’s Epic After Hours, happening from the 25th to the 31st of May at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheatre, BGC.

Discover the epic new features of the Galaxy S23 series in unforgettable evening revels you surely won’t want to miss! Immerse yourself in experiential content rooms, listen to the country’s top content creators, and get the chance to win the latest Galaxy devices.

Whatever you’re into, Epic After Hours definitely has something for you!

Experience Nightography at its finest

Immerse yourself and capture the night with the many experiential content rooms that you can explore. Three stations will be available to best experience the genius behind the Galaxy S23 series - from the Expert RAW app which enables DSLR-style image shooting to the multiple exposure feature for some cool and unique snaps for the ‘gram. You might even be featured at the event’s exclusive Shot #withGalaxy Gallery alongside top Filipino photographers!

A Nightography booth will also help showcase this incredible feature of the Galaxy S23 series. Nightography allows the Galaxy S23 series’ cameras to adjust to nearly any lighting condition for impeccable detail while low-light images and videos are steadier than ever, thanks to a doubled optical image stabilizer (OIS).

Move from behind the lens to in front of it thanks to award winning photographer JL Javier and take advantage of the opportunity to have your portrait taken professionally during the event. But if center stage isn’t for you, perhaps a little distance will be rewarding at the Zoom in to Win contest. Simply test out the stunning zoom capabilities of the Galaxy S23 Ultra which boasts 200MP by capturing photos of the stage from afar for the chance to win exciting prizes.

A celebration of epic passions

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series phones understand that creativity takes many different forms, which is why various passion booths for self-expression, gaming and productivity will be on-site.

If you’re more of a gamer, check out the gaming lounge to experience the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor and game booster to take on the night your way. As the most powerful and efficient platform ever in a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is the fastest available today. At the Creativity Hub, check out how the Galaxy S23 series allows your artistic skills to shine - with the S Pen drawing feature.

Join the epic movement for sustainability

The Galaxy S23 series was designed with the planet in mind so Samsung is continuing this important conversation on sustainability through this station. Check out famed artist and environmental advocate Leeroy New’s immersive art installation and watch the live sustainability themed mural painting session. You may also visit the Trade-in-Station to make that switch to a greener planet.

The Galaxy S23 series not only raises the bar for premium technology but it also helps contribute to a healthier planet. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has 12 internal and external components made from recycled materials, including pre-consumer recycled aluminum and glass and post-consumer recycled plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets, PET bottles and water barrels.

Epic Guests

Throughout the week-long event, expect to see special appearances from #TeamGalaxy, with content creators talking about their passions and how the Galaxy S23 series helps them take these to another level. If all that wasn’t enough to convince you, you can also expect special performances throughout the week at epic after parties, from various artists beginning 7:00pm onwards!

Let your epic passions come alive at night at the Samsung Epic After Hours happening on May 25 to 31, 2023 at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheatre, Bonifacio Global City.

For more information about Galaxy S23 series, please visit: www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s23/, https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s23-ultra/, news.samsung.com/global or www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/.

How do you follow up an Oscar®-winning animated feature which redefined what a CG-animated movie could look like, while introducing a new multicultural version of a classic Marvel superhero?

If you are part of the creative team at Sony Pictures Animation, you up the visual ante, take audiences to new places and offer surprising plot developments while never forgetting the emotional core of the story.

Watch the film’s trailer below.

“We took everything that we did in the first movie and cranked it to a whole new level,” says filmmaker Christopher Miller, one of the film’s writers and producers. “With this movie, we’re visiting different universes, and each universe has its own aesthetic and own artistic style. Each world is so different visually from the others, and the things that the people at Sony Pictures Animation and Imageworks have designed are limited by absolutely nothing. Anything you can imagine, paint and conceive, they can make an immersive 3D spectacle – and that’s often absolutely jaw-dropping.”

Producer Amy Pascal says, “This movie is a lot bigger and will have all the action that everyone’s looking for. But what I hope we’ll achieve is that the action sequences come out of character development and that you’re always telling a good story – we’ve been quite rigorous about that.”

“I think one point that comes across in the movie is that heroes exist in all cultures,” says producer Avi Arad.

Vision to the Power of Three

“What’s really inspiring is that each one of our new directors was able to bring something unique to the experience, a personal strength or viewpoint that was completely different from ours,” says filmmaker Phil Lord, also a writer and producer for the sequel.

“We’ve often joked about the fact that as a team of three directors, we each have our own individual superpowers,” says Joaquim Dos Santos, who directs the sequel with Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson. “Justin was the production designer on the first film, and has an amazing eye for design and knows how to push design especially when you’re visiting all these different worlds. Kemp is obviously an amazing writer. He has this fantastic backlog of work that has received every accolade and deserves even more because he’s an absolute virtuoso. My own background is as a story artist, so I am about telling stories through visual camera work. We are constantly checking each other’s work and showing each other what we are doing, and everybody has a say. It’s a very democratic process.”

A good old friend

“I hope audiences will feel like they’ve been reunited with a good friend,” says Peter Ramsey, one of the directors of the first film and now an executive producer for the sequel. “We want them to hold on tight as Miles goes through some really tricky and treacherous times. Most of all, I hope his journey comes across as powerfully and emotionally strong as it did in the original movie.”

About Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.

Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most. Anyone can wear the mask – it’s how you wear it that makes you a hero.

Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, the screenplay is by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller and David Callaham, based on the MARVEL Comic Books.

Produced by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Christina Steinberg.

The film’s cast is led by Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Greta Lee, Rachel Dratch, Jorma Taccone, Shea Whigham and Oscar Isaac

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #SpiderVerse

Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

Advanced yet compact cycling computers add dynamic performance insights, advanced mapping capabilities, solar charging, and more to help cyclists ride smarter and train harder

Garmin, a global leader in GPS technology, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated Edge® 540 and Edge 840 Series GPS cycling computers. These state-of-the-art devices offer cyclists an extensive range of performance-based training metrics, personalized coaching tailored to individual goals, advanced navigational support, and more, all packed into a lightweight and sleek design.

The Edge® 540 and Edge 840 Series were unveiled last Saturday, May 13, during an exhilarating breakfast ride around Taktak C6 Loop, which a group of 60 cyclists attended. With their cutting-edge features and impressive design, the Edge 540 and Edge 840 Series are poised to revolutionize the world of cycling technology.

Its new solar charging models give cyclists even more ride time between charges with up to 32 hours of battery life in demanding use or up to 60 hours in battery saver mode1. Whether training for a major race or pursuing a personal milestone, advanced performance metrics on Edge 540 and 840 Series, including targeted adaptive coaching and cycling ability and course demands, can provide cyclists with dynamic insights and analytics—all to improve performance and provide a snapshot of strengths and weaknesses ahead of upcoming events or milestone targets2.

“We are thrilled to introduce the new Edge 540 and Edge 840 Series to the Philippine cycling community. With groundbreaking performance tracking metrics, enhanced mapping capabilities, and the option for solar charging, these revolutionary Edge cycling computers are poised to redefine the training experience for our valued customers. They serve as the ultimate tool to propel every cyclist's training to unprecedented heights,” said Mr. Mico Ong, Product Specialist for Garmin Philippines

New features riders should know about

Designed for cyclists, by cyclists, Edge 540 and 840 Series are loaded with innovative features, including:

● Cycling ability and course demands: Identify strengths and weaknesses as a cyclist and prepare for the demands of a specific course by focusing training in the right areas2.

● Targeted adaptive coaching: Whether cycling indoors or outdoors, riders can view daily suggested workouts and training prompts, plus receive personalized coaching that adapts2 based on training load, recovery, and the demands of upcoming events.

● Real-time stamina: Monitor and track exertion levels in real-time during a ride to help influence training efforts or see how much further the current pace can be maintained2.

● Power guide: Manage efforts with power targets throughout a course2.

● ClimbPro ascent planner: View the remaining ascent and grade for each climb while riding freely without course navigation or search for climbs directly on the Edge and in the Garmin Connect™ smartphone app before heading out.

● Multi-band GNSS: Cyclists can easily find their way with enhanced positioning accuracy via multi-band GNSS technology. Plus, Edge 540/840 operates well in challenging environments, such as dense tree cover or downtown urban environments.

● Solar charging: Power Glass™ solar charging lens on solar models extends battery life to up to 60 hours in battery saver mode, giving cyclists up to an extra 25 minutes per hour during daytime riding1.

Rugged design

Ready for any ride – from remote gravel trails to grueling climbs – all Edge 540 and 840 Series models boast a 2.6-inch color display and feature button controls that work in any riding environment, while Edge 840 Series computers also include a responsive touchscreen. No matter where the next ride leads, Edge 540 and 840 Series offer an impressive battery life; non-solar models feature up to 26 hours of battery life in demanding use and up to 42 hours in battery saver mode, while solar models can provide even more ride time.

Crush every ride

Packed with advanced training metrics and navigational tools, Edge 540 and 840 Series are ready to help cyclists perform at their best. With insights from Firstbeat Analytics™ such as VO2 max, training status and training load, recovery time, and more, cyclists can see how their body is responding to their training efforts2. When wearing a compatible Garmin smartwatch, cyclists can receive a more holistic view of their overall health and wellness with insights like Pulse Ox3, Body Battery™ energy monitoring, advanced sleep monitoring and sleep score, and more. During a ride, Edge 540 and 840 Series let riders see how their body holds up in different environments with heat and altitude acclimation and set up in-ride notifications when it’s time to refuel or rehydrate. What’s more, advanced cycling metrics provide riders with insights on performance while mountain bike metrics, including jump count, jump distance, grit, and flow help track the epic details of every ride.

No matter where the path leads, advanced navigational features will keep cyclists on track. Updated mapping brings more of a community feel, with improved ride type-specific maps that use Trendline™ Popularity Routing to highlight popular roads and trails, plus searchable points of interest. Plus, both Edge 540 and 840 Series users have access to worldwide Trailforks trail content, letting cyclists view routes and trail details around the world. Meanwhile, route guidance and off-course notifications can now be paused while cyclists explore and can quickly be turned back on at any time to get riders back to their original route or starting point.

Stay connected

Cyclists can ride with peace of mind thanks to built-in safety and tracking features like LiveTrack, group messaging and incident detection for all cycling activities–including mountain biking. For added confidence while riding, Edge 540 and 840 Series are compatible with the Varia™ line of cycling radars and headlights, as well as inReach® devices with SOS capabilities and communication when off-the-grid.

When it’s time to take training indoors, Edge 540 and 840 Series easily pair to Tacx® indoor smart trainers for year-round riding. Whether riding indoors or out, riders can take advantage of the Garmin Connect app to create and send courses to an Edge device, view all the technical details from a ride, log personal achievements, gauge how training is trending and more. Plus, for those looking to customize their cycling computer, the Connect IQ™ Store smartphone app offers custom data fields, apps, and widgets that can easily be downloaded to the Edge device.

Out of the box, device setup is simple as ever—a quick and easy experience to access information, courses, and training tools. Plus, users can adjust data fields directly from the Edge device or from a paired compatible smartphone.

Now available for purchase, the Edge 540 Solar and Edge 840 Solar are priced at ₱27,990 and ₱34,490, respectively. Those looking for non-solar versions can opt for the Edge 540 priced at ₱21,970 and the Edge 840 at ₱27,990. Sensor bundles for each device are also available.

"Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have truly revolutionized the lives of runners, cyclists, swimmers, and athletes across all levels and abilities. With a steadfast commitment to developing cutting-edge technology that empowers individuals to stay active and enhance their performance, Garmin firmly believes that every day presents an opportunity for innovation and a chance to surpass yesterday's achievements. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and empowering athletes to reach new heights in their pursuits,” said Mr. Scoppen Lin, Assistant General Manager, Garmin Asia.

Visit the Garmin Philippines’ website or Facebook page for more information about the new Edge Series.

realme gives special tribute to all moms and mother figures this Mother’s Day

Manila, Philippines. May 13, 2023: realme Philippines joins millions of youth around the country in celebrating the triumphs, hardships, and sacrifices of all our moms and mother figures this coming Mother’s Day.

The term “Mga Ilaw ng Tahanan”, as we Filipinos used to call them, holds true until today. As the unsung heroes of the daily grind, realme recognizes that our Champion Moms have given above and beyond for the welfare of their families: may it be at home or at the workplace, all the while staying awesome, bright, and true to themselves.

To honor their unconditional love and support, realme created the #ChampionMOMents initiative, which involved the local media, content creators, the realme Community, and realme’s internal team members. realme invites the entire Squad to watch and share this video:

realme #ChampionMOMents

Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes

realme advocates that motherhood is not locked only to childbearing—it’s an inclusive act of love, of putting others above self—that makes our mother figures Champions in their own right.

realme Philippines sincerely wishes a Happy Mother’s Day to all those who aren’t mothers, but have acted as such: from our work moms, our single dads, fur parents, and even the lolos and lolas who tirelessly raised us to become the responsible young adults that we are today.

We owe a lot of who we are to our Champion Moms and our Champion Mother Figures, so if you’re reading this, make sure to give them a call (or a hug!) and let them know.

Show your appreciation and win realme smartphones

Got any memorable photos or videos of you and your Champion Mom? Show them off and get a chance to win two (2) realme C11 smartphones, one for you and one for them!

Share those treasured throwbacks by going to @realmephilippines on Instagram, and tapping “Add Yours” on the #ChampionMOMents sticker. Don’t forget to tag us by using the hashtag, and make sure it’s set to Public. Lucky winners will be announced on May 15, so stay tuned!

For the latest news and content, check out realme’s official channels on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on realme smartphones, visit the official realme website.