Canon Philippines Launches Back-to-School Promo and Canon Academy 2026 Campus Tour

As students gear up for a new school year, Canon Philippines is launching an exciting back-to-school promo and campus tour to help them start strong. Canon wants to empower students to capture, print, and achieve with flying colors, providing dependable tools that support every step of their academic journey.

With a packed school calendar full of research papers, group reports, creative projects, and final presentations, students need gear that can easily keep up. Canon's MegaTank lineup, including select PIXMA G-series printers, offers huge print yields and brilliant quality that won't break a student's budget. This means fewer interruptions, crisp prints, and the confidence to churn out everything from a quick reviewer to a full thesis without worrying about running low on ink right before a deadline.

To make upgrading to the right printer even easier on the wallet this back-to-school season, Canon has lined up some rewarding promotional offers:

Ink Bundle Promo: From July 1 to September 30, 2026, get a FREE 1 set of GI-71s inks worth Php1,365 for every purchase of PIXMA G4770, PIXMA G3780, or PIXMA G4780.

Rewards Points Promo: From July 1 to September 30, 2026, get Rewards points worth up to Php2500 for every purchase of selected Canon PIXMA Printers. Below are the participating models and their corresponding points:

App Registration: For points to be awarded, customers must download the Canon Delightful App and register their newly purchased product.

Point Conversion: Every 1 point is equivalent to Php1.00 which can be redeemed to participating E-GC Giftaway merchants included on the Canon PH App.



Students and families can enjoy greater value this school season through Canon Philippines' Rewards Points Promo, offering up to 2,500 Canon Delightful App points on participating PIXMA G-Series printers.

With its intuitive features, efficient ink systems, and trusted imaging expertise, the brand makes it easier for the next generation of achievers to capture their ideas, print their best work, and finish the school year with flying colors.



Beyond the promos, Canon is bringing the excitement straight to the schools with Canon Academy 2026, an immersive three-month program visiting various universities and colleges nationwide. Kicking off on July 8 to 9, 2026 at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Student Plaza, the tour is designed to deeply engage students specializing in multimedia, design, and imaging, giving them a closer look at the MegaTank and PIXMA printer series alongside Canon cameras.

BPI makes Interbank Transfers Permanently Free

As part of its push for financial inclusion and in celebration of its 175th anniversary, the Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) announces that fund transfers to other banks and e-wallets via InstaPay and PESONet on the BPI app, online banking, VYBE, BanKo, and BizKo will be permanently free, effective July 1, 2026.

The move is also aligned with BSP Circular No. 1238, Series of 2026, which calls on BSP-supervised financial institutions to adopt reasonable and fair, market-based pricing for person-to-person electronic fund transfers.

Previously, BPI app users were charged ₱10 for InstaPay transactions and ₱50 for PESONet transfers when sending funds through the BPI app. Transfers to other banks and e-wallets remain free for all verified VYBE users.

“As we mark our 175th year, BPI remains committed to removing barriers to financial access and making banking more inclusive for all Filipinos. Making interbank transfers free is a meaningful step toward enabling our customers to move their money more freely, while strengthening adoption of secure and convenient digital banking,” said BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco. 

“We expect this to drive more frequent use of digital transfers as customers no longer have to factor in per-transaction costs. It simplifies everyday payments and makes the BPI app an even more practical tool for managing finances,” he added. 

The free interbank fund transfer initiative is expected to benefit more than 9.5 million BPI app enrolled users, enabling more cost-efficient and accessible digital transactions.

The waived fees apply to transactions of:

• All existing BPI mobile app users, including both active and inactive customers

• Clients under BPI Preferred, BPI Gold, BPI Private Wealth, and verified VYBE users who already enjoy free interbank fund transfers as part of their existing benefits

Offer Details

• Zero fees for transfers to other banks and e-wallets

• Applicable to InstaPay (real-time transfers) and PESONet (batch processing)

• Available via BPI online banking, BPI app, BanKo, and BizKo

• Effective July 1, 2026

App Update

In a related development, BPI customers will need to use the updated version of the mobile app by June 25. The app update includes minor fixes and performance improvements to further enhance the user experience.

Customers are encouraged to ensure their app is updated to the latest version, available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery.

The removal of interbank transfer fees forms part of BPI’s broader strategy to drive digital adoption and enhance accessibility to financial services. By lowering transaction costs, the bank aims to encourage greater use of digital platforms for payments, remittances, and fund transfers.

Should customers encounter issues, BPI remains ready to assist through its official channels to ensure a smooth and seamless banking experience. Clients may visit www.bpi.com.ph or contact the BPI 24/7 Contact Center at (02) 889-10000.

The Crafter's Marketplace Brings Its Popular Junk Journaling VIP Experience to the South

Southies asked, and The Crafter's Marketplace (TCM) delivered. Following the success of its VIP Craft Lounge events, TCM is bringing its Junk Journaling VIP Access experience to Evia Lifestyle Center on July 4 and 5, giving crafters in the South an exclusive space to create, connect, and be inspired.

Designed for both seasoned journalers and curious beginners, the VIP experience offers more than just a crafting session. For ₱495 per person, participants will enjoy access to a premium journaling buffet, a dedicated VIP crafting area, exclusive giveaways, and a hands-on workshop that celebrate creativity and self-expression.

Guests will also receive a specially curated VIP craft bag filled with goodies from TCM's partner brands, making the experience even more memorable.

"We've been receiving requests to bring our VIP Craft Lounge to the South, and we're excited to finally make it happen," said Kate, Operations Manager of The Crafter's Marketplace. "This is a chance for the South's growing crafting community to spend the day journaling, learning new techniques, and meeting fellow creatives in a fun and welcoming environment."

The two-day event will feature guided junk journaling activities, creative inspiration, and opportunities for participants to discover new crafting supplies while enjoying the vibrant community that has become a hallmark of TCM events.

The Junk Journaling VIP Access will be held at the Ground Level of Evia Lifestyle Center, Evia Allee (entrance across Starbucks) on July 4 and 5.

Interested participants may register by scanning the QR code on the official event poster or by contacting The Crafter's Marketplace through its official social media channels.

Everything you need to know about Masigasig Herbal Juice

Masigasig Distribution and Logistics Inc. (MDLI) is proud to officially launch Masigasig Herbal Juice, a premium, all-natural wellness drink crafted through two years of careful research, formulation, and development. Manufactured under strict quality standards by Aim High Tolling Solutions Inc., this product brings together the best of nature’s offerings to support overall health and vitality.

From concept to final formulation, the development process spanned from 2024 to 2026. The team invested extensive time in selecting, testing, and blending ingredients to create a formula that is both effective and safe. Produced using the dry blending method — a process that preserves the natural potency and nutritional value of each component — Masigasig Herbal Juice ensures that every serving delivers consistent quality.

Powered by Nature’s Best Ingredients

Masigasig Herbal Juice combines a carefully selected blend of natural components:

• Watermelon, known for hydration and essential nutrients, rich in antioxidants.
• Ashwagandha, a well-regarded adaptogen for stress management, supports stamina & endurance. 
• Saw Palmetto, often associated with prostate and reproductive health
• Ginseng, recognized for boosting energy and stamina, enhances physical performance.
• Horny Goat Weed, a natural ingredient linked to vitality support
• Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener for a pleasant taste without added sugar

For Everyone’s Wellness

While specially formulated to address the specific wellness needs of men, promoting overall vitality and physical performance, Masigasig Herbal Juice is also beneficial for women seeking natural support for energy and overall health. It is designed for easy daily use: simply dissolve one sachet in 200-250 ml of water and drink once a day as part of your regular wellness routine.

Safety and Quality You Can Trust

Masigasig Herbal Juice is 100% all-natural, safe, and proudly approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This certification reflects our commitment to delivering products that meet strict national standards for safety, quality, and labeling.

“For two years, from 2024 to 2026, our team worked tirelessly to source only the finest natural ingredients and perfect a formula that truly works. We partnered with Aim High Tolling Solutions Inc. because they share our vision of quality and safety”, said Masigasig CEO Edgar Resurreccion. Masigasig Herbal Juice is more than just a product — we promise to provide accessible, natural wellness that supports both men and women in their daily lives. Having earned FDA approval gives us great confidence that we are offering something safe, effective, and worthy of the trust of every Filipino. We are excited to share this gift from nature with everyone.”

“Our theme, ‘Release the Beast Naturally’, embodies the spirit of energy, endurance, focus, and wellness that inspired the creation of this product. We proudly highlight the natural goodness in every sachet, intended to be enjoyed as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. We are thrilled to share this natural offering with everyone,” echoed Masigasig President Ms. Relyn Gabon.

Masigasig Herbal Juice is now available in all Landers outlets nationwide. 

Recreate the Heart-Melting Moments of 'Cheese The One' with These 5 Easy Eden Recipes

Even after its finale aired, Eden Cheese’s first-ever vertical drama series Cheese The One continues to spark conversations online with its emotional family story, relatable hugot moments, and comforting food scenes.

 

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dan Villegas, the mobile-first series followed the story of Leah (Netty Inojales), Joaquin (Marc Acueza), and the strong-willed matriarch Sylvia (Connie Cuneta), drawing viewers into a heartfelt journey about family, love, and acceptance.

For weeks, audiences tuned in to watch Leah navigate the challenge of winning over her mother-in-law. But beyond the emotional confrontations, the show captured something far more relatable: how a food can bridge generations.

 

If there’s one thing true about Filipino families, it’s that the biggest breakthroughs didn’t happen in isolation—they happened over shared meals. Every time the tension quietly simmered, it was a warm, home-cooked dish that ultimately paved the way for acceptance and understanding.

 

Who knows? This might just be the recipe that brings you closer to your mother-in-law, or the one that finally wins “his” heart for good! Either way, it’s bound to be a hit. Made with Eden Cheese’s creamier and milkier new formula, each dish brings a comforting twist to Filipino favorites.

To make your kitchen a true extension of the screen, the brand is serving up a lineup of Filipino comfort food, each thoughtfully reimagined with a rich, velvety upgrade.

The culinary drama kicks off with a challenge to "ipatikim ang ganti ng isang api, with Cheesy Macaroni!"

Balance is key both in families and on the plate, which is where the Cheesy Macaroni Salad comes in, blending sweet and savory elements as a delicious reminder that even the most complex relationships can find a harmonious groove.

Then there’s the ultimate comfort food that needs no introduction—because really, who can resist a plate of Creamy Pinoy Spaghetti? This dish offers a savory, incredibly milky profile that beautifully captures the warmth and love of a modern Filipino home.

The lineup continues with everyday inspiration meant to kabugin ang ulam ni Sylvia, so it’s time to make your own cheesy torta.

Let’s face it, ‘torta’ is often seen as a mundane, run-of-the-mill staple, but it doesn't take much to elevate it into something truly exciting. This premium makeover turns the humble Cheesy Tortang Giniling from a simple, budget-friendly breakfast or lunch dish into a hearty, flavor-packed masterpiece.

Next, because "isinusumpa ko, masarap ang cheesy lumpia," the menu brings out the Cheesy Lumpia Shanghai. As the undisputed star of any gathering, this crowd-pleaser delivers a crispy exterior with a wonderfully gooey, rich center—making it a foolproof finger food guaranteed to win over even the most formidable in-laws.

But the ultimate showstopper is saved for last for anyone asking, "Meron bang Eden Cheese ang recipe ng cheesy kaldereta ni Leah?"

The brand delivers the definitive answer with the Creamy, Cheesy Caldereta. As the true highlight of the lineup, this beloved household staple brings a lush, ultra-velvety texture to the table, making it the perfect recipe for recreating the very dish that cut through the tension during Leah and Sylvia’s most dramatic moments.

“Just as the story of Cheese The One unfolded on screen, it beautifully mirrored our brand’s core mission: elevating everyday meals into deeply meaningful shared moments,” says Adrian Manlapig, Marketing Head for Mondelez International Philippines. “We wanted to show that food isn't just sustenance—it’s a language of love, care, and reconciliation for the Filipino family.”

 

Whether it’s a comforting family dinner or a simple merienda shared with loved ones, these dishes serve as the perfect culinary continuation, allowing families to bring the flavor of the groundbreaking series straight into their own homes.

 

Viewers can find the full step-by-step cooking guides for these featured dishes on https://www.twistandmake.com/Eden and binge-watch all the episodes of Cheese The One on Eden Cheese’s official Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube pages.

SM MOA ARENA NAMED AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST ARENAS

The future of live entertainment in the Philippines shines brighter as the eye-conic SM Mall of Asia Arena has been recognized by IQ Magazine as one of the Top 20 Global Arena Stars of 2026, representing the Philippines among the world’s premier concert destinations, as determined by industry professionals.

IQ Magazine recognizes SM Mall of Asia Arena in their 2026 Global Arena Guide cover. Photo Source: IQ Magazine.

IQ Magazine is a leading global source of information for the live music and entertainment industry, providing credible insights from venue professionals to more than 100,000 industry stakeholders worldwide, including concert promoters, booking agents, festival organizers, and venue operators.

SM Mall of Asia Arena represents the Philippines as one of the world’s most respected arenas.

Since its inauguration in 2012, the SM Mall of Asia Arena has hosted over 2,400 events, welcoming some of the world’s biggest live music acts. In the past year alone, the venue has staged performances by Mariah Carey, Bryan Adams, Josh Groban, and many others, reinforcing its stature as a world-class venue and the preferred stage for the biggest names in entertainment. Through continuous innovation, cutting-edge facilities, and seamless event execution, the Arena consistently delivers maxed out experiences that have made it one of the country’s most loved venues for concerts, sports, family entertainment, and global live events.

Building on this success, SM is set to expand its portfolio of world-class venues with the upcoming SM Seaside Cebu Arena, extending its commitment to delivering maxed out experiences to more Filipinos across the country.

Other recipients of the Top 20 Global Arena Stars recognition include Coca-Cola Arena, Intuit Dome, Avicii Arena, Uber Arena, and Barclays Center.

The SM Mall of Asia Arena stands beside global arenas as an IQ Arena Stars.

Receiving this prestigious recognition just ahead of the venue’s 14th anniversary underscores its resilience and continued success in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape. More than another addition to its growing list of accolades, the recognition affirms the Arena’s position as a world-class venue, the preferred destination for live entertainment, and one of the country’s most loved venues. As it continues to welcome the biggest acts and most anticipated events, SM Mall of Asia Arena remains committed to delivering maxed out experiences that elevate every show and create unforgettable memories for millions of fans.

More than a venue, SM Mall of Asia Arena is where fans experience entertainment to the fullest. Through its commitment to delivering maxed out experiences, the Arena has become the preferred venue for the biggest local and international events and one of the country’s most loved entertainment destinations 

Condominium Living Across Contemporary Lifestyles: Vista Residences and the Relevance of Urban Lifescapes

Condominium living in Metro Manila has evolved beyond being a compact residence in a central location. For the upper-middle market segment, it becomes a decision driven by career, connectivity, convenience, and investment choices. Residents consider high-rise developments because they support the way they live, learn, and lead.

With vertical communities across CBDs, transport hubs, and university clusters, Vista Residences serves a range of lifescapes: seasoned professionals, growing households, students, and real estate investors seeking rental returns. Across these segments, condominium living becomes more than a matter of address; it becomes a model for efficient lifestyles and enduring property value.

Professional pace

For starting and seasoned professionals, living in CBDs is a practical assurance. A condominium close to corporate centers allows residents to reduce commute time, remain connected to career opportunities, and enjoy urban comforts. Long-term lessees, like consultants, expatriates, and career professionals, and short-term stays by travelers and MICE participants also benefit from the city activity surrounding the locations.

Wil Tower in Quezon City; The Currency and Spectrum in Ortigas Center; Vista Shaw and Crosswalk Tower in Mandaluyong, the Best New Launch Condominium Development at the DOT Property Southeast Asia Awards 2025; Mosaic, KL Mosaic, and Salcedo Square in Makati; and Avant in BGC, respond to residents whose lives are connected to financial frontiers, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and lifestyle landmarks. 

Connected convenience

For growing families, transit-oriented developments (TODs) enable condominium living to meet citywide commitments.

The Symphony Towers and Pinecrest in Quezon City, Laureano di Trevi Towers in Makati, and The Courtyard in Taguig address this need for mobility. These towers serve working parents and young families commuting to schools, supermarkets, and support services. 

Academic advantage

Every year, students and faculty, reviewees, medical trainees, and new professionals join university clusters where a condominium becomes a setting for study, security, and self-sufficiency. 

Vista Residences serves communities connected to colleges and cultural centers. Vista Taft, Vista GL Taft, Plumeria Heights, award-winning Kizuna Heights, and Kinsan Heights, Sky Arts Manila, Vista Heights, Tennyson Heights, Vista Recto, Bradbury Heights, Crown Tower University Belt, and 878 España respond to residential demand within scholastic institutions. Along Katipunan Avenue, Vista 309 Katipunan, Vista Pointe, and Hawthorne Heights serve a market shaped by educational institutions and early-career pursuits.

The University Series condominiums are planned for proximity with purpose. Living near schools can improve punctuality, support stronger study habits, and provide opportunities for campus involvement. Parents gain peace of mind from children’s secure living arrangements. Residents benefit from access to learning lounges, colleges, and progression pathways. For investors, this supports recurring revenue, with demand across different life stages. 

Cohesive comforts

Amenities function as support systems for work-life balance, recreation, study, and social connection. Swimming pools, gyms, and function rooms slow the pace of city life. For commuting families, amenities allow residents to rest and reconnect without leaving their home. For those on campuses, study spaces support concentration and confidence.

Vista Residences vertical communities offer more than condominium living; they create considered, connected, and complete environments that consolidate the elements of contemporary lifestyles. 

Learn more about Vista Residences. Visit www.vistaresidences.com.ph and follow @VistaResidencesOfficial.  

Vermosa Green Run 2026 wants runners to acquire simple habits that will help save the planet

Every single person can make a huge impact on the environment through simple, everyday choices. From reducing food waste, saving household energy, minimizing single-use plastics and reusing containers, small collective habits help lower the carbon footprint and conserve global resources.

 

That’s why the fifth edition of the Vermosa Green Run on June 28, 2026 is raising public awareness about ecosystem conservation, pushing for an active lifestyle and sports development, and supporting animal welfare, a fundamental pillar of sustainability. 

 

Lani Tan, General Manager of Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub and an athlete herself, says Green Run participants this year are made more mindful of the role they play in saving the planet. The Run wants to teach runners that being planet-friendly starts with simple habits that can easily be incorporated into training and race-day routines.

 

“Using reusable hydration bottles or collapsible cups, properly segregating waste, picking up litter along the route or whenever possible, and using designated disposal areas are simple habits that can easily be incorporated into training and race-day routines,” she said.

 

At the Run, Green Runners are encouraged to donate used plastic bottles in exchange for race perks including a Php 100 registration fee discount. The bottles will be recycled to create eco bricks that will become construction materials for future projects of Ayala Land.

 

This year's race singlets, finisher shirts, and dog bandanas are made from recycled PET bottles to show that discarded plastics can be transformed into high-quality products that support active lifestyles.

“Wearing planet-friendly gear on race day is a shared badge of honor that shows we are actively investing in the preservation of the environment that sustains our active lifestyles,” Tan said.

 

For her, the true success of the Green Run will be measured by the good habits that participants adopt long after the event ends.

 

“As we celebrate our fifth year, we hope to inspire a permanent shift toward mindful consumption and conscious living. Crossing the finish line should be the start of a lifelong habit of waste reduction, active recycling, and respecting outdoor spaces. We want our runners to carry this sustainable mindset back to their respective neighborhoods, workplaces, and every future race track they conquer,” Tan said.

 

Green Run 2026 will be held in the lush and sprawling Vermosa Estates in Imus, Cavite, with 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K race categories and a 1K Dog Run attracting runners of different fitness levels and running purpose.

 

More than a race, the event serves as a reminder that building a healthier planet does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with choosing to go greener, one small step at a time, Tan added.

 

Green Run 2026 is supporting Haribon Foundation, Takbo Kabitenyo and Pawssion Project and is in turn supported by Oishi, Merrell, Pocari, Salonpas, Booster C, Fitbar, Gatsby, Milo, Apex, Topbreed, Dunsk Kuhner, Baby Boo, Chef Special, Entrée Gourmet Pet Treats, Saint Roche, The Gourmet Specialist, Zert, Wonderpaw.

 

For more information about Vermosa Green Run 2026 and to register, visit https://ayalaland.myruntime.com/register.

Insurtech firm RuralNet surpasses PHP 400 M in microinsurance claims

RuralNet, a leading Philippine Insurtech (insurance technology) company, has officially surpassed PHP 400 million in insurance payouts across 33,000 processed claims, proving the scalability and profitability of its digital microinsurance model.

The milestone comes as the company announces a strategic expansion into natural calamity protection by Q3 2026. This move aims to future-proof underserved communities as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issues an official advisory confirming the onset of El Niño conditions, an event projected to bring volatile climate risks well into early 2027.

Unlike traditional insurtech startups struggling with sustainability, RuralNet has built a profitable, API-driven platform that now protects over 6 million Filipinos. The company, established in 2018, has successfully penetrated 81 out of the country’s 82 provinces through partnerships with insurers, rural banks, cooperatives, and microfinance institutions, bridging a critical financial inclusion gap in rural and low-income areas where insurance penetration has historically hovered below two percent.

The milestone coincides with a shifting landscape in the Philippine financial sector. Recent data from the Insurance Commission reveals countrywide insurance penetration edged up to 1.78%, reflecting a growing awareness among Filipino households. Yet, a massive protection gap remains with only 28% of Filipinos with life insurance, leaving millions in rural and low-income areas completely exposed. This is the untapped vital market that RuralNet’s digital model is optimized to capture.

"As a social impact company, RuralNet was founded to provide a safety net to low-income Filipino families who are the most vulnerable to financial shocks. This latest milestone proves that our affordable microinsurance plans can make a real difference for thousands of families when they need it most, while also being a scalable and profitable business model. By leveraging technology, we’ve been able to deliver higher quality service to our customers, at a fraction of the cost. This year, we’re excited to scale our natural calamity protection plans to help alleviate the financial pressure from climate change on rural households, with the goal of rapidly providing immediate and necessary aid on the ground after disasters,” said Justin Arcenas, Founder & CEO of RuralNet Inc.

A key driver of RuralNet’s profitability is its proprietary digital infrastructure, which has streamlined the claims process to turn around payouts 75% faster than the industry average, boasting a 97% claims approval rate. By enabling rural banks, cooperatives, and microfinance institutions to digitally distribute insurance via APIs, RuralNet has drastically lowered operational overhead.

Supporting this nationwide expansion is CashKO Insurance Brokerage, RuralNet’s wholly owned subsidiary. CashKO, recognized as the country’s fifth-largest microinsurance provider, has protected over 6 million Filipinos and generated PHP 400 million in total premiums, providing the financial bedrock for RuralNet’s tech-driven ecosystem. CashKO has been expanding its network with 22 distribution partners through over 5,000 branches nationwide.

With a proven track record of handling life and accident claims efficiently, RuralNet's upcoming Q3 2026 calamity rollout will target the country's most vulnerable agricultural and rural sectors, shielding low-income households from the economic shocks of typhoons, flooding, and severe drought.

Solaire Resort Wins Double at the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2026

Affirming its commitment to becoming the most preferred Filipino luxury integrated resort globally, Solaire Resort has been recognized with two Tripadvisor® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2026. Both Solaire Resort Entertainment City and Solaire Resort North earned the distinction, placing them among the top 10% of hotel listings worldwide on Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform.

With more than one billion reviews and contributions from travelers and diners across the globe, Tripadvisor has become a trusted source for authentic travel recommendations. The Travelers’ Choice Awards recognize destinations, hotels, restaurants, and attractions that consistently receive outstanding reviews from guests over a 12-month period.

For Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Parañaque, the recognition marks its fifth Travelers’ Choice Award since opening its doors in 2013, a testament to its enduring appeal and dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Meanwhile, Solaire Resort North in Quezon City celebrates its first Travelers’ Choice Award two years after welcoming its first guests, reflecting its growing reputation as a premier destination for leisure, dining, entertainment, and luxury hospitality in the north of Metro Manila.

More than accolades, these recognitions represent the voices of guests from different parts of the globe, who have chosen to share their experiences in either Solaire Resort Entertainment City or Solaire Resort North—from joyful celebrations and indulgent meals to relaxing stays and personalized services. The guest reviews on the platform echo the thoughtful details that define every Solaire stay. 

Experience world-class Filipino hospitality at Solaire Resort. For inquiries and reservations, visit solaireresort.com or call +632 8888 8888.

Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko opens its newest store at Gateway Mall, Cubao

 Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko has officially opened its newest store at Level 2 of Gateway Mall 1 in Cubao, Quezon City, bringing its wide range of home and lifestyle finds closer to one of Metro Manila's most vibrant and well-connected commercial hubs.

Spanning 1,455 square meters, the new store places Anko at the center of Araneta City, a major transit and lifestyle district where thousands of Filipinos pass through daily for work, school, shopping, and entertainment. With direct access to the MRT-3 and LRT-2 lines, as well as major bus and jeepney routes, the Cubao branch expands the brand’s accessibility for shoppers from across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“Cubao has always been a place of connection, where people pass through, meet, and discover. And that’s exactly where Anko wants to be: part of our customers’ everyday routines. At Anko, we are guided by a simple belief that everyone should have access to well-designed, quality products at everyday affordable prices,” said Anko Philippines Interim Country Manager Kimberly Mulligan.

Inside the store, shoppers can explore Anko’s signature range of homewares, kitchen essentials, beauty finds, travel accessories, stationery, and toys, all designed in Australia and offered at everyday affordable prices. The store layout was designed for ease and discovery, whether customers are picking up daily essentials or browsing simple lifestyle upgrades that make everyday living brighter.

The Cubao branch is Anko's sixth store in the Philippines and its first outside the Ayala Malls network, marking a natural expansion into Araneta City, known as the City of Firsts. Beyond its strategic location, the store was led and delivered fully by the local team, from the fixtures and visual merchandising to final styling. While global support for planning was provided remotely, no overseas team members traveled on-site, reflecting the local team's capabilities and leadership.

“This store is especially meaningful because it reflects the strength and capability of our local team. It is not just another store opening for Anko, but it’s a reflection of the incredible work our Filipino team can deliver and an important step in our continued growth in the Philippines,” said Anko Global Chief Executive Officer Arjun Puri.

The store opening was celebrated through a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Puri and Mulligan, who were joined by Anko Global Chief Retail Officer Lil Velis-Bowker, Anko Global Operations Manager Rachael Eames, Anko Gateway Store Manager Herald Quizon, Ayala Corporation Head of Strategy and Business Development Mark Uy, and Araneta City SVP of Leasing Ma. Lorna Fabian.

Anko, established in 2017 and part of the Kmart Group, launched its first store at Glorietta 2 in Makati City in November 2024. In just over a year, it has opened five stores across Metro Manila, including Ayala Malls TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Ayala Malls Feliz. Anko is also expected to open stores in more non-Ayala malls.

With the opening of its Gateway Mall 1 store, Anko continues to bring its range of home and lifestyle essentials closer to Filipino homes, not only through physical stores, but also through the Anko Club, a membership program available via anko.com/anko-club, which offers exclusive updates, early access to new finds, and special perks designed for more rewarding everyday shopping.