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.

realme C100 Series officially launches in the Philippines for as low as PHP 6,313

Featuring up to an 8000mAh Titan Battery and IP69 Pro protection, the realme C100 Series is designed to deliver long-lasting power and durability for everyday use.

Manila, Philippines: June 18, 2026 – realme Philippines has officially launched the realme C100 Series, the latest addition to its C Series lineup. Headlined by the campaign tagline One Charge, Endless Power, the Series introduces the realme C100 and realme C100i, both designed to deliver extended battery life and reliable everyday performance across different price segments.

Long-lasting Battery Performance

The realme C100 features an 8000mAh Titan Battery, one of the largest battery capacities available in its price segment. It also comes with a 7-Year Battery Health guarantee, allowing the battery to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after seven years of use. 

 

The device supports 45W SUPERVOOC Charging, capable of charging from 0 to 50% in 46 minutes, as well as 10W Reverse Charging for powering compatible devices when needed.

Meanwhile, the realme C100i is equipped with a 7000mAh Titan Battery and 6-Year Battery Health certification. It supports 15W charging and 6W reverse charging, with battery life rated for up to 53 hours of calls, 24 hours of WhatsApp usage, and 21 hours of YouTube playback on a single charge.

Durability-focused Design

Beyond battery performance, the realme C100 is equipped with several durability features designed for everyday use.

The device carries IP69 Pro certification, covering IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K standards. It is rated to withstand high-pressure water exposure and submersion of up to six meters for 30 minutes. The smartphone also features MIL-STD-810H Military-Grade Shock Resistance and ArmorShell™ Glass, with drop protection rated for heights of up to two meters.

Both models support Rain Touch Mode, allowing the display to remain responsive even when used with wet hands or in light rain.

The realme C100i features IP64 dust and splash resistance alongside military-grade shock resistance for additional protection during daily use.

Display, Design, and Performance

Both the realme C100 and realme C100i feature a 6.8-inch 120Hz display with ArmorShell™ Glass protection. The realme C100 comes with a Blooming Design and Customizable Pulse Light, while the realme C100i features a 300% Ultra Volume Speaker.

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G92 Max and Unisoc T7250, respectively, both devices run realme UI 7.0 based on Android 16. Storage options go up to 8GB+256GB on the realme C100 and 4GB+256GB on the realme C100i, with support for Dynamic RAM Expansion and microSD cards.

 

Pricing and Availability

To make the realme C100 Series even more accessible, limited-time offers are available on all realme e-comm platforms, including Shopee,  Lazada, and TikTok Shop from June 18-June 30, 2026.

Product	Promo Price Starts at:
realme C100i (4GB+64GB)	PHP 6,313
realme C100i (4GB+128GB)	PHP 7,379
realme C100i (4GB+256GB)	PHP 8,199
realme C100 (4GB+256GB)	PHP 11,195
realme C100 (8GB+256GB)	PHP 14,000

The realme C100 and realme C100i will also be available with exclusive promos at official realme concept stores, kiosks, and partner stores nationwide.

Product	Promo Period	Retail/Offline Offer
realme C100	June 18-25 (Pre-Order)	FREE SKG Neck Massager, FREE Privilege Card with 6-month Extended Warranty and 6-month Screen Damage Protection, plus PHP 2,000 discount upon claiming, with total freebies worth PHP 6,498
realme C100	June 26-July 5 (First Selling)	FREE Privilege Card and PHP 2,000 discount, with total freebies worth PHP 3,499
realme C100i (4GB+128GB & 4GB+256GB)	July 6-9 (Pre-Order)	FREE TechLife Smart Band and PHP 2,000 discount upon claiming
realme C100i (4GB+128GB & 4GB+256GB)	July 10-19 (First Selling)	Up to PHP 2,000 discount on select variants

The realme C100 Series comes in five variants: the realme C100i (4GB+64GB), available exclusively on realme's official e-commerce platforms, for PHP 8,999; the realme C100i (4GB+128GB) for PHP 11,999; the realme C100i (4GB+256GB) for PHP 13,999; the realme C100 (4GB+256GB) for PHP 16,999; and the realme C100 (8GB+256GB) for PHP 19,999.

For customers who prefer flexible payment options when purchasing at official realme stores and partner retailers nationwide, the realme C100 (4GB+256GB) and realme C100 (8GB+256GB) are also available through Home Credit's 0% Interest Program from June 18 to July 5, 2026, with installment terms of up to 18 months under standard down payment terms.

Additionally, buyers can enjoy a PHP 2,000 brand discount plus an additional PHP 500 Home Credit discount using the discount code 1REALMEHC500, bringing the prices down to PHP 14,499 for the realme C100 (4GB+256GB) and PHP 17,499 for the realme C100 (8GB+256GB).

For more updates on the realme C100 Series, follow realme’s official Facebook page.