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Red Diamond Award - BLACKPINK

There’s no denying it: the world—and especially the Philippines—is officially in BLACKPINK’s area.

In a historic major achievement, BLACKPINK has officially become the first musical artist in history to surpass 100 million YouTube subscribers on their Official Artist Channel. This victory cements Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa as the undisputed queens of the digital age.

To mark this incredible “centennial” milestone, YouTube has presented the group with a custom Red Diamond Creator Award. While the Diamond Play Button is already a rare sight, the Red Diamond is an elite honor reserved for the platform’s most influential creators. For BLACKPINK to be the first musical act to ever touch this tier speaks volumes about the unprecedented bond they share with their fans.

Achieved through the support of Pinoy BLINKs

It’s no secret that the Philippines remains one of the group’s strongest strongholds. In the last year alone, the Philippines consistently ranked among the top countries contributing to BLACKPINK’s massive 3.3 billion annual views, according to YouTube’s Charts data.

Whether it’s streaming the record-breaking “Pink Venom” or re-watching the iconic “DDU-DU DDU-DU” (which has now sailed past 2.3 billion views), Filipino BLINKs have been instrumental in this journey to 100 million.

The Road to [DEADLINE]

The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as this historic achievement serves as the ultimate hype for the group’s highly anticipated return.

After years of record-breaking solo ventures and a massive world tour that saw them conquer the Philippine Arena once again, the quartet is finally reuniting as a full group. BLACKPINK is set to drop their 3rd mini-album, [DEADLINE], on February 27. With the lead single “Go” ready to take over the airwaves and playlists, the 100-million-strong subscriber base is already poised to break the internet yet again.

From their debut in 2016 to the Red Diamond of 2026, BLACKPINK continues to prove that they always set the standard for what global superstardom looks like.

For more updates and to witness history in the making, stay tuned to BLACKPINK’s Official Artist Channel on YouTube.

February 24, 2026 0 comment
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The “second” New Year brings about feelings of luck and fortune, inspiring a fresh start—on our wardrobes, our homes, and our daily routines.

As every savvy Filipino shopper knows, the best kind of fresh start is the one that doesn’t break the bank, especially after the past holiday season that was definitely indulgent with all the parties and gifts to give.

You’re likely looking for those smart finds that spark joy without the financial guilt. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect gym outfit to start your fitness journey, upgrading your kitchen for healthier home-cooked meals, or finally treating your skin to the TLC it deserves, shopping is more than just a chore—it’s how we prepare for the year ahead.

And this year, we’re shopping smarter and in a more rewarding way: the secret to a successful “budol” session is about making sure every peso spent works harder for you.

SMAC is Starting Off 2026 Hot

Last year was a massive win for the SMAC community, with millions of members enjoying exclusive points and benefits that made every shopping trip feel like a major reward—with the biggest giveaway being a whopping 100,000 SMAC Points!

The lucky winner of the Spin and Win Christmas promo, Rosalie Clave from Dasmariñas, Cavite, was a 16-year SMAC member who loved SMAC for its sheer convenience and accessibility.

“When you get points for purchases, it feels like you get a return on your buys. It’s so good because the points you earn are like gifts for yourself, which you can use in your other essential purchases,” said Clave.

Feeling lucky this Chinese New Year

But if you missed out on all the excitement and rewards, don’t worry, SMAC is only just getting started. SMAC is making 2026 the biggest year for the members yet: the rewards are getting even bigger, the deals are getting sweeter, and the shopping experience is easier than ever.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, upgrade your home, or just stock up on your skincare faves, 2026 is already proving that being a SMAC member pays off.

And because it’s the Chinese New Year, it’s as great a time as any to push your luck! All SMAC members can play the digital angpao every day and win as much as 888 SMAC Points daily when you open an angpao on the SMAC&SHOP app from February 17 to 28, 2026! Not yet a member? It’s not too late to download the SMAC&SHOP app, register and get your free SMAC Start, and play!

Of course, a lucky season also has the best deals to go along with it. Here’s a quick look at the other “budol-worthy” offers waiting for you this month:

  • Fashion Steals:Level up your everyday looks with up to 50% OFF on select items at Levi’s, plus an EXTRA 10% OFF with a minimum ₱5,000 single-receipt spend when you shop on weekends, valid until February 15, 2026. You can also get 10% OFF with a minimum P1,000 single-receipt spend on regular-priced Parisian items at SM Fashion inside SM Store on Mondays to Thursdays this February.
  • Beauty Deals: Restock your makeup drawer and get up to 40% OFF on select cosmetics in SM Beauty inside SM Store until April 30, 2026.
  • Home & Living Upgrades:Entertain and refresh your space with Buy 2, Get 2 on regular-priced Wine Glasses at Crate & Barrel, 20% OFF on Our Home Private Label Sofas, and 30% OFF on select items at ACE Hardware—all promos valid until February 28, 2026.
  • Smart Shopping Rewards:Score SMAC points when you shop tech favorites—earn EXTRA 100 SMAC Points with a minimum ₱20,000 spend at Dyson, or 2x SMAC Points with a minimum ₱5,000 spend at Nutribullet, both until February 28, 2026. Kids get in on the fun too with 10% OFF on AXCS Kids Plush Toys at Kids Accessories inside SM Store until February 28, 2026.

Shopping Made Smarter (and Luckier)

The best part is that availing these rewards and benefits is so easy! Just show your SMAC QR at the counter when you pay. Note: SMAC Start members can only avail of points earning offers.

And even better: to make sure you never miss a beat—or a deal—make it a New Year’s resolution to download the SMAC&SHOP app. It’s your all-in-one portal to earn and pay with points, track your spending, discover new perks, and stay ahead of the next big giveaway.

Don’t let 2026 pass you by without making the most of your shopping. If you’re not a member yet, now is the perfect time to join the club. Get your SMAC today, download the app, and start turning those shopping receipts into rewards!

February 24, 2026 0 comment
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New cinema formats coming soon

One of the new Directors Club cinemas at SM City San Lazaro.

MANILA, Philippines, 14th February 2026 – SM Cinema, the largest film exhibitor in the Philippines, is on a mission to capture the hearts of the public to watch more movies in cinemas by upgrading its theaters – one of its many plans to keep cinemas in the country alive and thriving.

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“The Loved One” star Jericho Rosales poses with moviegoers at the redeveloped SM Cinema in San Lazaro.

 

In an era where movie theaters worldwide are seeing a decline in attendance, SM Cinema is rising to the challenge by innovating the theatrical experience for moviegoers, making it a curated space for leisure and shared connections.

Premier Redevelopments: From Luzon to Mindanao 

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SM City San Lazaro moviegoers can check out the upgraded Snack Time counter featuring a Popcorn Bar.

Kicking off the nationwide rollout of theater upgrades this 2026 is the newly redeveloped SM Cinema San Lazaro, which now features two (2) Directors Club cinemas for those seeking premium comfort alongside four (4) modernized Regular Cinemas. SM Cinema San Lazaro now also has an upgraded Snack Time counter with a colorful and mouthwatering popcorn bar, as well as larger-than-life installations at the cinema lobby.

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The supersized installations at the redeveloped SM Cinema San Lazaro branch.

The innovation continues in the provinces, with SM Lanang in Davao and SM City Clark in Pampanga slated for major technical hauls. Both locations will soon feature IMAX with Laser, a next-generation technology that delivers crystal-clear images and heart-pounding precision audio for an immersive experience.

“We stand united with the movie industry in keeping Philippine cinemas vibrant and alive. That’s why we are committed to elevating the big screen experience to remind audiences why watching a movie in a cinema remains truly special and worth it,” Karen Zabaljauregui, SM Cinema Senior Assistant Vice President for Cinema Management, said.

What’s Next: A “Maxed Out” Cinematic Experience

With the launch of the country’s first SCREENX theater at SM Mall of Asia in 2025, the upgrades in San Lazaro, and the IMAX transitions, SM Cinema prepares to introduce even more diverse cinema formats to audiences in the country at premier SM Supermalls this year. 

New cinemas are also launching soon as SM Prime introduces more SM Supermalls nationwide including SM City Zamboanga, which is opening this March 2026. 

“SM Cinema is more than just a theater operator.  We are a curated space for connection, culture, and entertainment that can’t be streamed. Our goal now is to provide our cinemagoers with premium cinema formats and redefine the cinema experience through personalization,” Karen added.

 

Big Screen Magic at Unbeatable Prices

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“The Loved One” star Jericho Rosales at SM Cinema’s San Lazaro branch.

Beyond the promise of a “maxed out” experience in the theaters, SM Cinema continues to find ways to champion accessibility. Through strategic partnerships with major studios, SM Cinema offers premium entertainment at affordable prices.

In fact, this Valentine’s season, fans can catch the highly anticipated romantic film “The Loved One,” starring Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales, for only P275 in Metro Manila and P230 in provincial locations at SM Cinema. 

From immersive sound and larger-than-life visuals at SM Cinema, to curated moments before and after the film, expect a fully maxed-out movie experience—one that turns a simple screening into a shared, unforgettable adventure at your most loved SM Cinema branch.

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About SM Cinema   

SM Cinema is the largest film exhibitor in the Philippines, operating over 350 screens in more than 78 branches nationwide. As part of SM Lifestyle, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings, SM Cinema is committed to delivering world-class cinematic experiences to Filipino moviegoers. From the latest blockbuster films to premium formats such as SCREENX, IMAX, Directors Club, and Event Cinema, SM Cinema continuously elevates the way audiences enjoy movies.    

Driven by innovation, customer service, and a passion for storytelling, SM Cinema remains a trusted entertainment destination for families, friends, and film lovers across the country.   

February 17, 2026 0 comment
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The 2nd Lion Dance Invitational Competition at GH Mall celebrated Chinese New Year with a bang. Present were (L-R) Monique Castaneda, Ortigas Malls AVP and Head of Marketing; Jasmine Sy; Daniel Sy, Certified Master Feng Shui Consultant; Natalie Sia, Filipino-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation (FCAAF) President; Arch. Renee Bacani, Ortigas Malls Vice President; Fr. Joseph Y. Haw, SJ, President of Xavier School; Maritess Ortigas; Gaius Uy, Huang Lion & Dragon Dance Group Founder and CEO; Catherine Dueñas, Ortigas Malls AVP and Head of Leasing; Sharm Yu of Sucere Company; and Janice Chun of Jobin Hosieng Manufacturing Corporation

The rhythmic beat of drums and the clashing of cymbals echoed through the South Wing Atrium of GH Mall on February 8, 2026, as the 2nd Lion Dance Invitational Competition took center stage. Starting at 10 AM, the event transformed the mall into a vibrant hub of cultural artistry and athletic prowess, drawing a massive crowd of spectators eager to witness one of the most beloved traditions of the Lunar New Year.

Organized in partnership with Pawchester and the Huang Lion & Dragon Dance Group, the competition featured a ₱100,000 prize pool, attracting the finest troupes from across the region to showcase their discipline and spirit.

Celebrating the Champions

The competition was divided into two categories: Junior, which highlighted the bright future of the craft; and Pro for seasoned performers.

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The participants of the Junior Division proved they were a force to be reckoned with, displaying impressive coordination and agility. Tiong Se Academy Wushu and Lion Dance Team took home the grand prize of P50,000.

  • Champion:Tiong Se Academy Wushu and Lion Dance Team
  • 1st Runner-Up:Northern Rizal Yorklin School Wushu, Dragon, and Lion Dance Team
  • 2nd Runner-Up:Philippine Cultural College Lion Dance Team
  • 3rd Runner-Up:Xavier Dragon Lion and Dance Troupe

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Meanwhile, the stakes were high in the Pro Division, where the defending champions, the Philippine Rui Dragon and Lion Dance Group, fought to keep their crown against fierce competition. In the end, the group bagged the P50,000 grand prize for the second year in a row.

  • Champion:Philippine Rui Dragon and Lion Dance Group
  • 1st Runner-Up:Wei Feng and Wei Guang Dragon and Lion Dance Group
  • 2nd Runner-Up: China Town Youth Generation Lion and Dragon Dance Group
  • 3rd Runner-Up: Wei San Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe

More Than Just a Performance: Cultural Roots

As the Lunar New Year approaches, the Lion Dance serves as more than just entertainment; it is a vital bridge to Chinese and Chinese-Filipino (Tsinoy) heritage. In local culture, the lion is a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune.

The performance is believed to mimic the movements of the mythical creature, Nian, to scare away evil spirits and welcome prosperity in the coming year. For the Filipino-Chinese community, events like these at GH Mall are essential in keeping their traditions alive for the younger generation, blending the rigor of martial arts with the beauty of cultural storytelling. It also reinforces GH Mall’s commitment to honoring our diverse traditions through vibrant, community-driven celebrations.

Download the Ortigas Malls app, like Ortigas Malls on Facebook, and follow @greenhillsph on Instagram.

February 15, 2026 0 comment
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IKEA

If you find yourself putting away your children’s toys to keep your home looking neat, consider toys that are designed to be part of your home furnishings. IKEA’s GREJSIMOJS collection is a thoughtful example of this approach: toys that fire up children’s imagination, made in soft, sculptural forms and neutral tones that double as decorative objects for the home.

IKEA’s 2024 Play Report found that play has a much bigger role than just filling in children’s idle time. Rather, it’s a way for the young ones to help build trust, self-confidence, empathy, creativity, and imagination — all leading to their well-being.

IKEA’s Play Report is a large-scale international study that explores the role of play and playfulness in children’s lives and family well-being. It draws on extensive quantitative and qualitative research that includes surveys of 7,000 children and their parents in seven countries, and 36 in-depth family home visits to understand how play is perceived, prioritized, and experienced in the home.

“We live in a turbulent time and children are more worried and stressed about grown-up things than they were just a few years ago. But there is an antidote — play,” IKEA said in the report. “At IKEA, we believe that children are the most important people in the world — we take play and a playful everyday life seriously.”

Play revolution

IKEA designed the GREJSIMOJS collection, bringing play front and center for families who want children to simply be children — carefree, curious, and connected.

Anna Granath, Range Identity Leader for IKEA, said, “GREJSIMOJS is meant to be a visible part of the home furnishing, with objects that are beautifully designed to fit the home, even after the children have gone to bed.”

GREJSIMOJS is not only a playful collection, it was also designed in a playful way. Despite its open-ended invitation to think freely, which initially brought together more than 20 designers with 12 designers featured in the final collection, GREJSIMOJS is firmly rooted in the research of play.

The designers were given free hand and encouraged to draw from their own experiences as children to create the range, bringing both the perspective of an adult and a child, like “how might an adult perceive a statement rug, and at the same time, allow it to be a wild landscape for a crawling child to explore.”

An alternative to gadgets

Locally, children’s play being replaced by technology has been a growing concern for many years. According to a 2024 study, Filipinos rank third highest globally in screen time, spending nearly nine hours a day across devices. A bigger concern is the excessive screen media use among Filipino youth — including preschoolers — with many exceeding World Health Organization recommendations and linked to developmental and sleep issues.

Now, Filipino parents are being offered an alternative, one that brings play and toys back into the home without adding visual chaos.

IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager Ricardo Pinheiro said, “GREJSIMOJS is meant to celebrate the joy and importance of play for everyone in the family. These pieces are designed to spark imagination and invite children to play freely, while also blending beautifully into the home. Play doesn’t have to be packed away, it can be part of everyday living for the whole family. When families play together, it strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories that go far beyond the moment.”

The collection features a range of playful and colorful furniture pieces for children, including uniquely shaped chairs, whimsical rocking toys, character-inspired lighting, and creatively designed stools. It also offers smart storage solutions such as multifunctional boxes and decorative containers in fun, stylized forms. Soft furnishings like carpets, cushions, and covers add comfort and texture to the space, while toys such as building blocks encourage children to explore shapes and sizes and support the development of logical thinking skills.

IKEA’s GREJSIMOJS collection will be available at IKEA Pasay City and on IKEA.ph starting February 13. Check out IKEA.ph for more.

February 15, 2026 0 comment
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sA Internet, Ingat! 

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During the 2026 Safer Internet Day event, Google PH Head of Communications and Public Affairs Mervin Wenke discusses the AI tools and tips to help PInoy netizens navigate the internet safety including the new capabilities of Circle to Search and Google Lens to fight scams.

As the internet becomes more indispensable as to how Filipinos learn, work, and connect, Google Philippines is celebrating Safer Internet Day by highlighting how AI can be a powerful ally for online safety. Under the theme “sA Internet, Ingat!”, Google is highlighting a suite of advanced tools designed to make online safety seamless and intuitive, ensuring that every Pinoy—from students to seniors—can navigate the AI era with confidence and peace of mind.

1. AI Tools to Outsmart Misinformation

Distinguishing human-led content from AI-generated media is now a critical life skill. Google recommends the “SIFT” method—Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace claims—to evaluate online information. To support this, Google offers:

  • About this Image: A Search tool that provides context on where an image originated.
  • SynthID: Technology that embeds digital watermarks into AI-generated content to help identify deepfakes and manipulated media.

2. Fighting Scams in Real-Time

Scammers are increasingly using SMS and social media to lure victims. Google has supercharged Google Lens and Circle to Search to spot scam messages. If you receive a suspicious link or message, simply take a screenshot of the SMS and use Google Lens to scan it or long-press the home button of your Android device and circle the text. Google AI analyzes the content in real-time to alert you if it is a likely scam.

3. Ironclad Protection for Lost or Stolen Devices

Digital safety is compromised if a device is physically stolen. Google has upgraded security features for Android users to ensure your data remains yours alone:

  • Theft Detection Lock: Uses on-device AI to sense motion and context that may indicate a “snatch-and-run” theft. If a theft attempt is detected, it will quickly lock the device screen to help protect your data.
  • Biometric Identity Check: Adds a layer of security for sensitive settings.
  • Failed Authentication Lock: Automatically secures the device after multiple incorrect login attempts.

4. Building Healthy Digital Habits for Kids and Families

Safety begins at home. Google equips parents with the tools that can help their children navigate the web responsibly:

  • Family Link: Set screen time limits, approve app downloads, and apply content filters.
  • Be Internet Awesomeprogramme provides resources for educators and families to empower young people to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave in the online world.
  • YouTube Shorts Timer: Allows parents to set specific time limits for short-form video consumption—even setting it to zero during homework time, an industry-first parental control.

5. Fostering Critical Thinking with Gemini

As AI becomes a staple in education, Google is shifting the focus from “quick answers” to “deep understanding.” Through Guided Learning in Gemini, students are encouraged to solve problems step-by-step. This approach prioritizes logic and critical thinking, ensuring AI serves as a tutor rather than a shortcut.

For more information and resources this #SaferInternetDay, explore our safety tools at https://safety.google/intl/en_in/settings/parental-controls

Wenke also discussed the 2025 search trends in the Philippines involving online safety and cybersecurity. A positive development was the rise in the search for media literacy among Filipinos.

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Prep Palacios, Country Manager for Google Philippines, emphasized the importance of online safety tips and tools, especially in the age of AI.

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Standing from left to right to mark Safer Internet Day are Putri Alam, Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy for Google Southeast Asia; Usec. Aboy Paraiso of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center; and Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Google Philippines.

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Wenke also discussed the 2025 search trends in the Philippines involving online safety and cybersecurity. A positive development was the rise in the search for media literacy among Filipinos.

February 12, 2026 0 comment
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 The IKEA Home Furnishing Bus is here! IKEA Philippines unveiled its immersive roving showroom to showcase its storage solutions. Present at the launch were (L-R) Frida Wallin, IKEA Country Business Navigation Manager; Manuela Seemann, IKEA Pasay Sales Manager; celebrity host Boy Abunda; actress Jolina Magdangal; Sarah Cox, IKEA Philippines Country Selling Manager; Jasmin Cruz, IKEA Philippines Inspiration & Communication Manager; and Ricardo Pinheiro, IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager.

For many Filipino families, space at home is never just about square meters. Space holds memory and meaning: generations of family photos hanging on walls, hand-me-down furniture being used every day, toys saved long after childhood has passed, children’s drawings filling drawers.

It’s not kalat—it’s living, breathing memories, and for the family that likes to keep them close to their heart, decluttering is not about letting go, but about finding space to keep things that matter.

This February, IKEA Philippines takes that sentiment on the road with the launch of its Home Furnishing Bus, a roving, immersive experience designed to bring the brand’s smart, flexible storage solutions, and heartfelt home stories closer to Filipino households.

Launched on February 6, 2026 in Pasay City, IKEA’s Home Furnishing Bus will begin its journey across Metro Manila and select South Luzon destinations. Designed to bring home furnishing inspiration directly to more Filipinos, the bus is set to visit various locations in Cavite, Batangas, and Laguna.

Visitors can step inside, explore thoughtfully designed storage displays such as wardrobes, drawers, office and home storage, and engage with stories that celebrate everyday life at home.

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The IKEA Home Furnishing Bus will drive around Metro Manila and South Luzon until April 2026.

Storage for every memory

At the heart of the campaign is a simple but heartfelt message: “Make Space for What Matters.”
IKEA is your partner in home organization, making it possible to not throw away things but to honor memories while creating calmer, more functional homes.

The Home Furnishing Bus feels like a traveling snapshot of real homes where functionality and sentiment coexist. As it makes its stop in several locations, people can come inside the bus to experience IKEA’s storage solutions up close. They can get inspiration from systems that adapt to growing families, smaller living spaces, and ever-changing routines. Each display is designed to feel lived-in, practical, and familiar, reflecting how Filipino families actually live and grow—just like their own.

Through this execution, IKEA Philippines aims to meet Filipinos where they are—right in their communities—to show that organization doesn’t have to mean letting go of cherished memories. This initiative is about creating an immersive, people-first experience where families can see, touch, and try IKEA solutions, while also hearing stories that reflect their own lives. By bringing smart storage ideas and heartfelt conversations together, the goal is to help Filipino households make life at home simpler, calmer, and better—without losing what makes it meaningful.

What makes the Home Furnishing Bus stand out is the stories it brings to life. Integrated into the experience are a series of Fast Talk interviews hosted by Boy Abunda, featuring actress Jolina Magdangal during the February 6 launch at IKEA Pasay; and YouTuber Benedict Cua on February 8 at Ayala Malls Nuvali. The campaign will also feature a collaboration with Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast hosted by directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac, which will be filmed inside the bus.

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 Beloved celebrity ambassadors Jolina Magdangal and Boy Abunda got to experience the IKEA Home Furnishing Bus.

Visitors are encouraged to open drawers, test solutions, ask questions, and reflect on the stories shared through the mini-podcasts.

As the bus continues its journey through Metro Manila and South Luzon, IKEA reinforces its role as a partner in Filipino home life — one that understands that homes are built as much on stories as they are on shelves and boxes.

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The inside of the IKEA Home Furnishing Bus features storage and organization solutions that Filipinos can use for all their cherished items.

IKEA Home Furnishing Bus Tour will kick off on Feb. 6 at Mall of Asia, Pasay City. It will make stops in Metro Manila and South Luzon. Visit ikea.ph for more.

February 8, 2026 0 comment
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Casino Plus, the Best Online Casino in the Philippines, Staged the First-of-its-Kind Angpao Rain Gala, Awarding a Record-Setting ₱180 Million to Recognize 600 Top Filipino Video Content Creators

Manila, Philippines (3 February 2026) – In a groundbreaking first, Casino Plus, the best online casino in the Philippines, awarded a total of ₱180 million in cash prizes to honor 600 video content creators during the Angpao Rain Gala, a historic celebration recognizing creativity, engagement, and community in the online casino space.

The high-profile event brought together top creators and industry figures for a night of glitz, recognition, and record-breaking rewards. Through this milestone event, Casino Plus reinforced its commitment to building long-term trust among its users and creator community.

Casino Plus spokesperson said, “The Angpao Rain Gala represents our commitment to recognizing participation of content creators in a meaningful and transparent way. Awarding ₱180 million in cash to 600 video content creators demonstrates that we deeply value and recognize their efforts in helping co-create immersive experiences, foster creativity and build stronger bonds within our community. We honor their impactful contributions that greatly deserve real rewards, giving them recognition and a cause for celebration and camaraderie among content creators.”

History-Making Recognition for Top Filipino Content Creators

The Angpao Rain Gala recognized content creators of Angpao-related content and campaign-period contributions, celebrating their achievements with a tiered cash prize system verified by Casino Plus officials using Brandwatch.

Top winners included 10 creators who received ₱2 million each. Completing the total of ₱180 million in prizes to honor the efforts of content creators publicly, ₱1 million, ₱200,000, and ₱100,000, were awarded to each of the 90, 200 and 300 winners, respectively.

A Night to Remember

Casino Plus Friend of the House Sachzna Laparan opened the Angpao Rain Gala ceremony, marking a celebratory milestone for Casino Plus and its creator community. To add more sparkle to an unforgettable Gala Night for top content creators, Boaz Mariano and award-winning actress Phoebe Walker hosted the festivities and FEMME Manila, Paul N Ballin, and AlJames rendered showstopping performances.

Commitment to Community & Fair Play

Casino Plus remains dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that reward creativity, fair play, and giving back to the players it serves. The platform announced that the Angpao Rain Gala is just the beginning, with more exciting events lined up through 2026. Future campaigns and creator contests will be published on the official Casino Plus PH Facebook page.

The Angpao Rain Gala list of awardees can be accessed through the platform’s official pages, including a livestream record of the event.

Learn More

The full list of awardees and a livestream of the Gala are available on Casino Plus’ official pages. Visit casinoplus.com.ph or follow Facebook/CasinoPlusPH for updates.

February 6, 2026 0 comment
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dnfnfmnfnfgn

Casino Plus, the Best Online Casino in the Philippines, Staged the First-of-its-Kind Angpao Rain Gala, Awarding a Record-Setting ₱180 Million to Recognize 600 Top Filipino Video Content Creators

Manila, Philippines (3 February 2026) – In a groundbreaking first, Casino Plus, the best online casino in the Philippines, awarded a total of ₱180 million in cash prizes to honor 600 video content creators during the Angpao Rain Gala, a historic celebration recognizing creativity, engagement, and community in the online casino space.

The high-profile event brought together top creators and industry figures for a night of glitz, recognition, and record-breaking rewards. Through this milestone event, Casino Plus reinforced its commitment to building long-term trust among its users and creator community.

Casino Plus spokesperson said, “The Angpao Rain Gala represents our commitment to recognizing participation of content creators in a meaningful and transparent way. Awarding ₱180 million in cash to 600 video content creators demonstrates that we deeply value and recognize their efforts in helping co-create immersive experiences, foster creativity and build stronger bonds within our community. We honor their impactful contributions that greatly deserve real rewards, giving them recognition and a cause for celebration and camaraderie among content creators.”

History-Making Recognition for Top Filipino Content Creators

The Angpao Rain Gala recognized content creators of Angpao-related content and campaign-period contributions, celebrating their achievements with a tiered cash prize system verified by Casino Plus officials using Brandwatch.

Top winners included 10 creators who received ₱2 million each. Completing the total of ₱180 million in prizes to honor the efforts of content creators publicly, ₱1 million, ₱200,000, and ₱100,000, were awarded to each of the 90, 200 and 300 winners, respectively.

A Night to Remember

Casino Plus Friend of the House Sachzna Laparan opened the Angpao Rain Gala ceremony, marking a celebratory milestone for Casino Plus and its creator community. To add more sparkle to an unforgettable Gala Night for top content creators, Boaz Mariano and award-winning actress Phoebe Walker hosted the festivities and FEMME Manila, Paul N Ballin, and AlJames rendered showstopping performances.

Commitment to Community & Fair Play

Casino Plus remains dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that reward creativity, fair play, and giving back to the players it serves. The platform announced that the Angpao Rain Gala is just the beginning, with more exciting events lined up through 2026. Future campaigns and creator contests will be published on the official Casino Plus PH Facebook page.

The Angpao Rain Gala list of awardees can be accessed through the platform’s official pages, including a livestream record of the event.

Learn More

The full list of awardees and a livestream of the Gala are available on Casino Plus’ official pages. Visit casinoplus.com.ph or follow Facebook/CasinoPlusPH for updates.

February 6, 2026 0 comment
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The endangered hog deer was once plentiful throughout South and in Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Burma and Thailand. The species now faces serious decline and a loss in genetic diversity.

As the Philippines continues to battle biodiversity loss, Google has announced a major step forward in using AI to preserve endangered species. Through a partnership with the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP), Google is providing advanced AI tools and funding to sequence the genetic codes of threatened animals, a move that holds significant promise for conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots like the Philippines.

Scientists predict that up to one million species globally face extinction. To combat this, Google is deploying AI technologies—including DeepPolisher, DeepVariant, and DeepConsensus—to make genomic sequencing faster, more accurate, and more affordable. This process allows researchers to create a “biological instruction manual” for species, vital for designing effective conservation strategies.

Regional Impact for Southeast Asia. The initiative has already successfully sequenced 13 endangered species, several of which are native to the broader Southeast Asian region, highlighting the technology’s relevance to local ecosystems:

  • The Elongated Tortoise:A critically endangered reptile native to Southeast Asia, currently the focus of captive breeding and reintroduction efforts.
  • The Hog Deer:Once plentiful across South and Southeast Asia, this species now faces serious decline and loss of genetic diversity.
  • Eld’s Deer:An endangered deer species indigenous to the region that requires breeding and conservation plan to survive.

Expanding the Safety Net. In addition to the initial species, Google.org has awarded the AI for Science fund to The Rockefeller University to expand this work to 150 additional species. This expansion opens the door for more unique wildlife—potentially including species found in the Philippines—to benefit from genomic preservation.

“Understanding a species’ genome could be the key to their conservation,” wrote Lizzie Dorfman, Group Product Manager; and Andrew Carroll, Product Lead for Genomics at Google. “By sequencing these animals’ genomes — their complete set of genetic instructions (DNA) — scientists are able to support efforts to preserve the genetic diversity of these animals and prevent further loss of their species.”

The genomic data generated by this project is being made freely available to the scientific community. For a country like the Philippines, which is home to unique but threatened species like the Visayan Spotted Deer (Pilandok), open access to these advanced tools and data sets represents a crucial resource for local conservationists and researchers.

About the Technology. Sequencing the first human genome took 13 years and $3 billion. Today, thanks to AI tools developed by Google researchers, sequencing can be done in days for a fraction of the cost. These tools help correct errors in genetic data, ensuring that the “biological picture” of each animal is as accurate as possible.

For more information on Google’s AI conservation initiatives, visit the The Keyword blog.

February 6, 2026 0 comment
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