Wednesday, March 25, 2026

ASUS Launches Zenbook DUO (2026) and Zenbook S14 (2026)

 ASUS today announced the availability and pricing of the Zenbook DUO and Zenbook S14 in the Philippines, strengthening its presence in the local market. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processors, these premium AI laptops deliver exceptional performance with all-day battery life within thin, light, and durable designs. These features are made to adapt to the workflow of the modern Filipinos. Together with the newly unveiled Zenbook A16, ASUS redefines innovation and productivity with its 2026 Zenbook series.

Headlining the launch is the 2026 Zenbook DUO UX8407. Showcased in a fresh and durable full-Ceraluminum finish, the new Zenbook DUO retains its world-renowned five-mode versatility. Continuing its 14-inch dual-screen legacy, it is now more seamless and enhanced with 144Hz refresh rates and the latest ASUS Lumina Pro OLED displays. At its core is an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processor with a 50 TOPS NPU and an all-day battery, delivering a new standard of AI-powered multitasking.
The 2026 Zenbook S14 UX5406 is also announced, following the Zenbook DUO. With a 1.1 cm ultrathin design and a timeless Ceraluminum lid, the Zenbook S14 is equipped with a vivid 14-inch 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display and the reliable AI performance of the Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processor and a 50 TOPS NPU. Supported by an all-day battery, the Zenbook S14 makes working from anywhere possible without relying on outlets. Its 16-inch counterpart, Zenbook S16 UM5606, was launched earlier this quarter with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor and a 50 TOPS NPU while retaining the same 1.1 cm thin profile.
The unveiling of the Zenbook A16 UX3607 closed the celebration. Featherlight at 1.2 kg, it features an all-Ceraluminum design. Succeeding the crowd-favorite Zenbook A14, the Zenbook A16 comes with a 16-inch 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display for more workspace. Now powered by the latest Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor, an 80 TOPS NPU, and all-day battery life, it delivers unprecedented AI capabilities in a thin and featherlight package.
The next generation of the Zenbook series arrives in the Philippines, bringing premium AI laptops built for the modern Filipino. ASUS Business Development Manager Harrison Cheng says: “These are intentional upgrades to reshape the premium AI PC market. We redefine what ‘premium’ means when it comes to laptops by solving real-life problems and empowering real people. With the 2026 Zenbook series, ASUS promises seamless integration and performance in the AI era.”
ZENBOOK DUO: THE DUAL-SCREEN POWERHOUSE
The latest Zenbook DUO (UX8407AA) is a premium dual-screen laptop built for seamless multitasking. Designed with five-mode versatility – Laptop Mode, for traditional use, Dual-Screen Mode for full dual-display productivity, Dual-Screen Mode with a Virtual Keyboard for touchscreen typing and flexible setup, Desktop Mode for extended vertical workspace, and Sharing Mode for easy team collaboration – this laptop allows users to adapt to different workflows while working from anywhere. The Zenbook DUO is just 1.96 cm slim, 5% smaller than its predecessor, and is built with a full-Ceraluminum finish in Moher Gray, allowing it to remain compact while being up to 30% lighter and three times more durable than metal. Crafted to withstand wear and tear in any environment, the Zenbook DUO will stay pristine over time.
The 14-inch 2026 Zenbook DUO has 70% less screen gap than its previous iterations, promising a more uninterrupted viewing experience between the two displays. Moreover, each touchscreen display is supported by a 144Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and reduced eyestrain. For a more immersive viewing experience, both displays are equipped with the new ASUS Lumina Pro OLED with 1,000-nits brightness. The expansive workspace of the Zenbook DUO allows users to stay productive across any task.
Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processor and a 50 TOPS NPU, the Zenbook DUO is engineered to handle AI-intensive tasks intelligently and effortlessly. Its NPU also classifies this multitasking powerhouse as a Copilot+ PC, enabling seamless integration with Windows 11 Copilot features. To complement its performance, the Zenbook DUO is supported by robust dual batteries for all-day use. It can endure up to 32 hours on single screen and up to 18 hours when both displays are active, making it a reliable companion.  
The Zenbook DUO also comes with a 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4 storage and a 32 GB LPDDR5X memory onboard. For connectivity, it features two Thunderbolt 4 with support for display and power delivery of up to 40 Gbps data speed, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type -A with up to 10 Gbps data speed, one HDMI 2.1 FRL port, and one 3.5mm combo audio jack.
 
SERIES
SPECS SUMMARY
INTRODUCTORY PRICE
Zenbook DUO UX8407AA-SN152WSM
Intel Core Ultra 9 386H / 14-inch 144Hz 3K ASUS Lumina Pro OLED Dual Touchscreen Displays / 32 GB LPDDR5X / 1 TB M.2 SSD / Lifetime Office 2024 Home / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic with 100 GB Cloud Storage / ASUS Quality and Service Package / Moher Gray
PHP 179,995
ZENBOOK S14: 1.1 CM OF PURE POWER
The 2026 Zenbook S14 (UX5406AA) is crafted with premium design, portability, and performance in mind. At just 1.1 cm thin, this ultrathin laptop is the slimmest Zenbook ever. Featuring a durable Ceraluminum lid in Antrim Gray, it maintains a lightweight 1.2kg profile – perfectly suited for people who want to work anywhere in style.
The Zenbook S14 has a vivid 14-inch 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display with 1,100 nits brightness, delivering clear and bright visuals for productive computing, casual content creation, and entertainment. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processor with a 50 TOPS NPU, this special laptop can efficiently run AI-intensive tasks. Also categorized as a Copilot+ PC, the Zenbook S14 is ready for any AI integration from Windows 11.
Despite its compact frame, the Zenbook S14 packs a 77Wh battery. This supports up to 27 hours of use without being tied down to charges and power outlets, made especially for modern-day professionals on the move.
Completing this premium AI laptop are 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4 storage and 32 GB LPDDR5X memory onboard. For connectivity, the Zenbook S14 comes with two Thunderbolt 4 ports with support for display and power delivery at up to 40 Gbps data speed, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A with up to 10 Gbps data speed, one 3.5 mm Combo Audio Jack, and one HDMI 2.1 TMDS port.
The Zenbook S14, much like the Zenbook S16, is a testament to ASUS’ philosophy of Zen: achieving the balance of performance, portability, and craftsmanship.
SERIES
SPECS SUMMARY
INTRODUCTORY PRICE
Zenbook S14 UX5406AA-SU165WSM
Intel Core Ultra 9 386H / 14-inch 120Hz 3K ASUS Lumina OLED Touchscreen Display / 32 GB LPDDR5X / 1 TB M.2 SSD / Lifetime Office 2024 Home / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic with 100 GB Cloud Storage / ASUS Quality and Service Package / Antrim Gray
PHP 129,995
ZENBOOK A16: 1.2 KG LIGHT, AI POWER
Building on the legacy of the 899g Zenbook A14, the Zenbook A16 (UX3607OA) offers a compelling 1.2 kg alternative to users who prefer a premium featherlight laptop with a larger display. While expanded in form, the Zenbook A16 maintains its position as one of the lightest 16-inch laptops on the market. Made with a full-Ceraluminum body in Zabriskie Beige, this unique device delivers durability and refined aesthetics that can withstand the test of time.
The Zenbook A16 features a stunning 16-inch 3K ASUS Lumina OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant visuals and a smooth experience for both productivity and entertainment. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor, it delivers up to 69% faster performance than competitors and up to 110% faster AI processing. Equipped with an 80 TOPS NPU, the Zenbook A16 is also a Copilot+ PC, built to handle Windows 11 Copilot features with ease.
The Zenbook A16 boasts up to 21 hours of all-day battery life, promising productivity without compromise. With the combination of size, power, and intelligent features, this AI laptop proves that laptops can be bigger, smarter, and more AI-ready.
Coming soon to the Philippines.
WHERE TO BUY AND INCLUSIONS
The Zenbook DUO and Zenbook S14 will be available at ASUS Stores with exclusive ASUS Laptop SleevesOffice 2024 Lifetime License1-year access to Microsoft 365 Basic with free 100 GB cloud storage, and the ASUS Quality and Service package – featuring a 2-year International Warranty and 1-year Accidental Damage Protection.
For more information on the 2026 ASUS Zenbook series and other incredible product, visit the official ASUS website and follow ASUS Philippines on FacebookInstagram, and TikTok.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Mercato Centrale launches nationwide search for The Next Big Food Entrepreneur 2026

 Mercato Centrale Groupthe country’s leading food business incubator, is officially bringing back The Next Big Food Entrepreneur (NBFE) and has opened applications for aspiring food founders across the country. The returning flagship program once again invites Filipino culinary entrepreneurs to step forward for a chance to transform their concepts into sustainable, market-ready businesses.

For more than a decade, Mercato Centrale has served as a proving ground for small food entrepreneurs, creating spaces where passion meets market reality. Through its markets and mentorship ecosystem, it has helped nurture brands that started as weekend concepts and eventually became household names, including Mama Lou’s, Merry Moo, Sunrise Buckets, Thai Mango, and Tokyo Tempura.

“The Philippines is brimming with culinary talent, but talent alone isn’t enough to build a lasting brand,” said RJ Ledesma, CEO of Mercato Centrale Group. “Through The Next Big Food Entrepreneur, we aim to bridge creativity and entrepreneurship by giving founders not just exposure, but the mentorship, structure, and real-world experience they need to scale sustainably.”

The journey begins with the “Digital Sift,” a nationwide open call inviting food entrepreneurs to introduce themselves through a 30–40 second video on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, sharing their product, inspiration, and the vision behind their brand. To qualify, participants must follow and tag Mercato Centrale’s official social media pages and include the hashtag #NBFE2026Entry. Entries will be accepted until March 17, 2026.

For aspiring entrepreneurs who may not have the means to produce a video entry, Mercato Centrale is also providing an alternative application pathway through an online submission form, accessible at tinyurl.com/NBFE2026.

Selected concepts advance to the “Tasting Table,” an intimate and curated experience where 15-20 shortlisted food brands present their creations to invited foodies and key opinion leaders. Beyond first bites, the session highlights the founder stories and the market potential behind each dish, offering early signals of what could become the next crowd favorite.

Afterward, finalists move on to the “Test Kitchen,” an exclusive bootcamp under Mercato Academy that shifts the focus from flavor to foundation. Participants sharpen their understanding of food costing, branding, operations, and go-to-market strategy, gaining the off-the-plate skills needed to build brands that are not only delicious but durable.

The journey culminates in “The Spread,” a large-scale, multi-sensory finale set for April 18, 2026, at Mercato Centrale Bridgetowne in Pasig City, the group’s largest location. Finalists will present and sell their concepts directly to the public, giving food lovers a first taste of what could become the country’s next breakout food brand.

One major winner will receive a Food SME Starter Package, which may include up to six months of free rent at a prime Mercato location, along with partner support and industry tools to accelerate their growth.

With demand for homegrown brands on the rise, NBFE 2026 serves as a launchpad for the next wave of Filipino food entrepreneurs, helping passionate creators transform culinary ideas into sustainable and market-ready businesses.

The NBFE 2026 is co-presented by GCash for Business and is supported by Uniquecorn Strategies as the official PR partner.

For updates and full program details, follow @mercatocentraleph on Instagram or Mercato Centrale on Facebook. 

ASUS Announces 2026 All-in-One PCs and Desktops in the Philippines, Priced!


 ASUS Philippines (ASUS) officially announces the arrival of the 2026 lineup of tower and all-in-one PCs.  Headlining the complete and comprehensive 2026 lineup of tower PCs and all-in-one desktops is the ASUS V600 All-in-One PC, the latest addition to the renowned ASUS AiO series.  Designed with a sleek aesthetic and powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 processor, the ASUS V600 is highly capable of handling demanding workloads with grace and ease. Touting 50 TOPs NPU, the V600 is also part of the Copilot+ PC family, making it equally efficient for any AI computing tasks.  

 

While the ASUS V600 represents a new standard for all-in-one productivity platforms, the ASUS V500 Mini Tower is crafted to blend into the modern workspace while delivering dependable performance. The TUF Gaming TM500 and ROG GM700 prebuilt gaming desktops are also available for hardcore gaming and power-packed productivity experiences.  

 

ASUS V600 ALL-IN-ONE PC: MINIMALIST AESTHETIC, PREMIUM PERFORMANCE 

 

The ASUS V600 AiO (VM640KA) is ASUS’ latest all-in-one solution, combining premium hardware, cutting-edge AI productivity, and thoughtful functionality. Experience versatile performance with up to an AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 processor with AMD Radeon 820M graphics, 512GB SSD storage, and 16 GB DDR5 memory, allowing users to tap into accelerated productivity with Copilot+ PC features and unique AI assistance. ASUS V600’s 23.8-inch FHD IPS 178-degree wide-view display provides frictionless task navigation and a pleasurable viewing experience from any angle. This all-in-one device prioritizes ease of use with its impressive 93% screen-to-body ratio, 1920 x 1080 resolution paired with anti-glare coating, and TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort certification.  

The ASUS V600 comes with flexible connectivity – letting external devices and almost any peripheral connect for optimized productivity and enjoyment. It also features HDMI-in support, letting you use the V600 as a secondary screen for other devices such as laptops and even smartphones. The V600 also provides access to smart conferencing tools for evolving workload needs – including ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology for uninterrupted calls and the ASUS Adaptive Lock, which can detect the user’s presence or absence with a retractable IR camera. 

The ASUS V600 AiO (VM640KA) is priced at PHP 56,995. 

Product 

Model 

Spec Summary 

SRP (PHP) 

ASUS V600 AiO 

VM640KA-BPC003WS 

Ryzen AI 5 330 / 16G DDR5 / Radeon 820M / 512G SSD /  

23.8-inch FHD Non-touch / 90W / Office Home 2024 /  

ASUS Mouse & Keyboard / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

56,995 

 

ASUS V500 MINI TOWER PC: QUIET TECH IN BRILLIANT LIVING  

 

The ASUS V500 Mini Tower PC (V501MV) is powered by up to an Intel Core 7 240H and is crafted for productivity and style. Its Dark Wood color allows the V500 to elegantly fit into the modern work environment. Operating whisper-quiet at 38 dB in performance mode and 24 dB in whisper mode, enjoy a new take on computing design that blends quiet tech and performance. Additionally, it features up to 80 PLUS Platinum-certified PSU, which reduces heat generation and eliminates power-consumption concerns during long-term use. Experience a comprehensive work-and-entertainment platform with support for up to 64 GB DDR5 memory, which lets you wade through multitasking demands at faster speeds without compromises. With up to 512 GB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, coupled with processor speeds up to 46% faster than similarly priced CPUs, the V500 Mini Tower is the durable and intelligent choice for your hassle-free and confident browsing. 

The ASUS V500 Mini Tower (V501MV) with an Intel Core processor starts at PHP 41,995

Product 

Model 

Spec Summary 

SRP (PHP) 

ASUS V500 Mini Tower 

V501MV-07240H018WS 

Intel Core 7 240H / 8G DDR5 / Intel Graphics / 512G SSD / 15L /  

330W Platinum / Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

54, 995 

ASUS V500 Mini Tower 

V501MV-05210H003WS 

Intel Core 5 210H / 8G DDR5 / Intel Graphics / 512G SSD / 15L /  

330W Platinum / Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

49,995 

ASUS V500 Mini Tower 

V501MV-03100U002WS 

Intel Core 3 100U / 8G DDR5 / Intel Graphics / 512G SSD / 15L / 

180W Bronze / Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

41,995 

 

ASUS TUF GAMING TM500: BUILT FOR COMBAT 

 

The TUF Gaming TM500 (TM500MH) is a compact gaming desktop that delivers power and efficiency in a streamlined form factor, fueled by an AMD Ryzen 7 260 Processor with a max boost of 5.1 GHz. Experience seamless gameplay with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 GPU, delivering high-powered performance in a compact build.  

It comes with 16GB DDR5 SO-DIMM memory, and two (2) SO-DIMM slots that support up to 64GB of DDR5 5600MHz memory – allowing the machine to breeze through memory-heavy workloads and run the latest AAA titles, even with applications open in the background. The TM500MH also comes with up to 1TB of M.2 SSD storage and offers two (2) M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 storage slots supporting up to 2TB each, capable of reducing load times to mere seconds.  

The TM500MH’s custom heatsink, with 1,218cm2 of total dissipation area, copper heat piping, and 90 mm cooling fan effectively stabilizes temperatures during heavy gaming sessions, producing consistent frame rates and eliminating overheating. With 45W of total cooling capacity, you can enjoy the full power of the Ryzen 7 260 mobile processor with greater power efficiency, less noise, and no doubt. 

The ASUS TUF Gaming TM500 (TM500MH) starts at PHP 76,995. 

Product 

Model 

Spec Summary 

SRP (PHP) 

ASUS TUF Gaming TM500 

TM500MH-0R7260012WS 

Ryzen 7 260 / 16G DDR5 / RTX 5060 8G / 1T SSD / 15L / 330W Platinum Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

104,995 

ASUS TUF Gaming TM500 

TM500MH-0R7260009WS 

Ryzen 7 260 / 16G DDR5 / Radeon 780M / 1T SSD / 15L / 330W Platinum Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

95,995 

ASUS TUF Gaming TM500 

TM500MH-0R7260013WS 

Ryzen 7 260 / 16G DDR5 / RTX 3050 6G / 512G SSD / 15L / 180W Bronze Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

76,995 

 

ROG GM700: THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND  

ROG GM700 desktop tilted to the right with a transparent case revealing the internal structure of the computer 

the ROG GM700 (GM700TZ) demonstrates the undisputed power and beastly performance of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor and AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPUWith up to 32 GB of DDR5 memory, the GM700TZ can process jaw-dropping visuals at ultra-fast speeds and deliver quick inputs in clutch moments. With up to 2 TB of M.2 SSD storage, the GM700TZ guarantees swift load-times, high frame rates, and freedom from stutters in high-stakes gaming and the latest AAA titles.  

Armed with the ASUS B650M-A AX6 II motherboard, users enjoy covetable upgrade potential with up to four (4) DDR5 U-DIMM slots, multiple M.2 slots, including one that supports PCIe 5.0 with data transfer speeds of up to 128 Gb/s, six (6) SATA 6Gb/s ports, and four (4) PCIe 4.0 slots.  In addition, customization, maintenance, and future-proofing are easy thanks to its tool-less upgradeability.   

The GM700TZ has exceptional cooling performance and is built to handle up to an 850W power supply with its 58-liter chassis, accommodating both air and liquid cooling configurations. With an optimized airflow and a clean path, the GM700TZ’s quad-fan system, tri-fan intake, and rear exhaust ensure directional airflow to key areas. The all-in-one liquid cooler of the GM700TZ also provides elite cooling best suited for heavy gaming sessions. 

ROG GM700 (GM700TZ) starts at PHP 139,995. 

Product 

Model 

Spec Summary 

SRP (PHP) 

ROG GM700TZ 

GM700TZ-R9800X059WS 

Ryzen 7 9800X3D / 32GB DDR5 / RX 9070XT 16G / 2T SSD / 58L / 850W Gold / Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic / 3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

194,995 

ROG GM700TZ 

GM700TZ-R9700X035WS 

Ryzen 7 9700X / 32G DDR5 / RX9060XT 16G / 1T SSD / 58L / 600W Gold / Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic / 3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

139,995 

 

For an alternative gaming solution, the ROG G700 (G700TF) is available powered by an Intel Ultra 7 265KF and an RTX 5070. 

Product 

Model 

Spec Summary 

ROG G700TF 

G700TF-7265KF070WS 

Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF / 32GB DDR5 / RTX 5070 12G / 1T SSD / 58L / 850W Gold /  

Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic / 3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

 

INCLUSIONS & AVAILABILITY 

The 2026 series of ASUS and ROG prebuilt consumer solutions is built with performance and reliability in mind. All include a 3-year local warranty with onsite support, support and peace of mind. Visit the ASUS and ROG Stores to experience and inquire about these incredible devices. 

For more updates on ASUS, follow the following pages: 

·        Facebook: ASUS | ROG 

·        Instagram: ASUS | ROG 

·        TikTok: ASUS | ROG