Saturday, April 18, 2026

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Hop Inn Makati, Philippines
There’s a certain kind of peace that comes from knowing exactly what you’re getting—especially when you travel often. Whether it’s a quick city break, a business trip, or even a spontaneous overnight reset, I’ve learned that where you stay can shape the entire experience. That’s exactly why I choose to book direct at Hop Inn Hotel—every single time.

Friday, April 17, 2026

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Direk Joey Reyes, Audrey Cruz, and Digs Dimagiba
Metrobank has launched Moneygurado, a campaign in line with its goal of instilling financial mindfulness among Filipinos and a docuseries that brings practical money guidance closer to Filipinos by grounding it in real-life stories, cultural realities, and everyday experiences.

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Manila, Philippines (April 17, 2026) — From casual joggers building consistency to elite athletes pursuing new personal bests and marathons, the ultimate data-driven running device is now available for pre-order in the Philippines.

 

Co-created with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 brings professional-grade sports science directly to the wrist! Delivering an industry-first 3D floating antenna architecture uses the watch’s entire titanium case and bezel frame, resulting in more consistent signal reception. Along with the revolutionary XDR AI Inertial Navigation Positioning Algorithm, this ultra-light titanium smartwatch guarantees flawless, dead-zone-free GPS tracking in any environment.

 

It provides professional-grade insights to help runners train smarter and push their limits safely with its Intelligent Marathon Mode, Real-Time Lactate Threshold Detection, and 35 hours of continuous battery life.

 

Enthusiasts can secure theirs during the exclusive pre-order window for only PHP 19,999 and unlock an exclusive bundle of premium freebies worth up to PHP 13,384!

 

WHAT

HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, now available for pre-order

WHEN

April 17 to 23, 2026

WHERE

HUAWEI Experience Stores Nationwide, HUAWEI Online Store, and Official Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop platforms

FREEBIES

     HUAWEI FreeArc audio wearable (PHP 4,999)

     Stylish Fluoroelastomer Strap that comes in a box (PHP 1,999)

     Three-month HUAWEI Health+ Membership (PHP 387)

     Comprehensive two-year warranty paired with two-year Accidental Damage Protection

     PHP 2,000 trade-in token (can be presented at HUAWEI Experience Stores to claim a free black or white fluoroelastomer strap)

 

For online shoppers, early-bird deals are available on the HUAWEI Online Store to lock in a PHP 3,000 discount. You may also secure a PHP 1,000 voucher when checking out via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop platforms.

 

Enjoy easy credit card payments spread up to 24 months, starting at just PHP 834 per month. Home Credit financing is also available for up to 18 months, with monthly payments from only PHP 778 after a 30% down payment.

 

Visit the nearest HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide or explore HUAWEI’s official digital channels to reserve this groundbreaking running companion today.


 Thank you for reading. Catch you in the next one!

-BENCH
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Manila, Philippines (April 17, 2026) — The HUAWEI Mate Series makes its highly anticipated return and sets new industry benchmarks with the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro. Designed to outlast, outshoot, and outperform, the newest HUAWEI smartphone is loaded with an arsenal of advanced, industry-leading technologies to push the limits of what a mobile can achieve.

 

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

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It's always durable smartphones. Now, it’s time for a durable tablet.

Manila, Philippines, April 14, 2026 – Global leading AI device brand HONOR debuted the HONOR Pad X8b, the second generation of its smart tablet series. Engineered with flagship-level features, the device offers a human-centric immersive display, a massive battery, powerful hardware, and a superior sound system. It combines a seamless user experience with a sleek, portable design for those seeking a high-performance, stylish tablet.

 

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Photo provided by Red Bull
 

Manila, Philippines, April 13, 2026 — Against a backdrop of roaring cheers, flashing lights, and nonstop rhythm, Manila’s Izzy Johnson emerged victorious at the Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Finals, besting the country’s most dynamic street dancers in a battle decided entirely by the crowd. With every beat, every reaction, and every energy shift, Izzy proved to be the final dancer standing at Bridgetowne, Pasig, earning the title and the right to represent the Philippines on the world stage in Zurich, Switzerland.

 

“I felt that all my pressure was replaced by excitement. The crowd became my fuel. When I saw they were happy with my dancing, I felt like I had already won,” expressed Izzy.

 

Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines contenders, Nemesis from Cebu and Doodsieroll from Davao, joined Izzy in setting the fiery tone of the night. The National Finals showed the depth and diversity of Philippine street dance, mixing global talent, local energy, and love for the art form.

 

A Night Where the Crowd Took Control


Photo provided by Red Bull

From the opening round, the National Finals set a fast pace. With no judges on the panel, every decision came down to the audience, turning the dance floor into a space where connection with the crowd mattered as much as execution.

 

Each battle unfolded like a live conversation among the DJ, the dancer, and the audience as dancers stepped into each battle without knowing what track would play next. As tracks shifted without warning, it forced competitors to switch styles, flip the energy, and respond with precision under pressure. The crowd reacted in real time with cheers and energy, fueling momentum and determining who advanced and who exited the competition.

 

As the battles progressed, the connection between dancer and audience became more apparent, shaping the overall flow of the event. It created a loop of energy that elevated every moment into something bigger, louder, and more unpredictable.

 

 

A Champion Carrying a Nation’s Rhythm


Photo provided by Red Bull


By the final round, one dancer had consistently captured the crowd’s attention. Izzy combined musicality, control, and presence as he delivered performances that stood out across multiple matchups. His ability to adapt to different tracks while maintaining a clear sense of identity ultimately secured the win. In Izzy’s performance, the crowd saw a familiar reflection of hometown roots, cultural influences, and the everyday movement that defines Filipino street dance.

 

Opening up about his influences, Izzy praised the local Filipino dance community. “Because of the dance community, I was able to find my own style. I used to only do choreographed dances before. But freestyle is different. I used to freestyle on my own, but thanks to the dance community, I was able to learn more,” he said.

 

“I also absorbed some of their maturity—that when it comes to dance, you don't have to be too technical. You just have to be true to your dance,” Izzy said proudly.

 

Throughout the night, Izzy demonstrated an ability that commands the music. He mastered the art of blending groove, unmatched energy, and spontaneity into rounds that electrified the night.

 

“I guess one of the dance battle tactics that helped me was learning to connect with the crowd through my movements. Since this is Red Bull Dance Your Style, it was so important that they understood my movements. Our artistry must touch their hearts,” Izzy said.

 

A Battle Map Across the Philippines


Photo provided by Red Bull

More than a competition, the National Finals unfolded as a cultural map drawn in motion. It highlighted how different styles from different regions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao continue to shape the country’s street dance landscape.

 

Cebu’s Nemesis stepped into the spotlight with explosive, grounded power with movements anchored in strength, grit, and unfiltered intensity. Each hit landed with purpose, commanding audience attention from the first beat.

 

From Mindanao, Davao’s Doodsieroll, countered with fluid musicality. He was able to weave rhythm and movement into seamless combinations with control and timing that created moments that felt effortless yet deeply intentional, drawing the crowd into every transition.

 

Representing the capital, Izzy brought a sharp, experimental edge. He played with textures, pacing, and unexpected freestyle choices that challenged conventions and kept every round unpredictable.

 

Despite their differences, each dancer contributed to a broader narrative. Their styles didn’t clash; they converged. The battle became a dynamic showcase of Filipino creativity, where regional identities stood strong while building toward a shared goal: representing the Philippines on a global stage.

 

From the Philippines to the World Stage


Photo provided by Red Bull


With the national title secured, Izzy now sets his sights on the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals, where champions from over 54 countries will gather for a global clash of sound, style, and identity.

 

“To represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals is to represent the people. But first of all, it starts with me, I’m a Filipino, so I represent myself first. And I represent every Pinoy that helped me get to this moment,” Izzy said, discussing how stepping into the world stage is a win for every Filipino.

 

It’s a stage where no two dancers move the same, and where cultural expression takes center stage. For Izzy Johnson, it’s an opportunity to carry the energy of an entire nation into the global arena.

 

While street dancers across the country showcased their distinct styles and approaches to dance, the Philippines arrived at the Red Bull Dance Your Style stage as a unified force, built from islands apart, now moving as one. As Izzy prepares to step into the global arena, one thing is clear: the Philippines is bringing a style and energy the world can’t ignore.

 

The energy and success of Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines  was made possible through the support of official event partners Army Navy, Hertz, Mophie, and Posh, who helped fuel the local street dance community and elevated this year's unforgettable competition.

 

Follow Izzy Johnson’s journey to the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals in Zurich, Switzerland, this October 2026 and witness how Filipino street dance takes on the global stage. For updates and event details, visit the official Red Bull Dance Philippines website and follow its social media pages (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok) to stay locked in as the road to the World Finals unfolds.


Thank you for reading. Catch you in the next one!

-BENCH

Saturday, April 11, 2026

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Manila, Philippines (April 10, 2026) — Nearly three years after the last HUAWEI Mate smartphone was introduced globally, the legendary series finally makes its long-awaited return with the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro. In re-introducing the “Ultimate Technology,” HUAWEI sets new standards in imaging authenticity, durability, performance, and intelligence with the latest addition to the iconic smartphone series.

 

Thursday, April 9, 2026

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Manila, Philippines (April 8, 2026) — Performance in running demands uncompromising accuracy, whether you’re a casual jogger or a goal-driven athlete. Engineered for peak precision, the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 combines an aerospace-grade titanium build with the industry-first XDR Inertial Navigation Positioning Algorithm antenna technology, making it an ultra-light and accurate titanium smartwatch for runners.

 

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

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foodpanda brings vacation vibes to your doorstep

Summer doesn’t always come with time off. For many, it looks like regular workdays, back-to-back tasks, and squeezing in mini breaks where you can. But even without a getaway, there are still many other ways to feel the season.

Saturday, March 28, 2026

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I didn’t expect this album to hit me this hard.


I knew Raye was talented—everyone talks about her voice—but I didn’t realize she could make an album that feels like a whole life story. This Music May Contain Hope isn’t just something you play in the background. It’s something you sit with. It’s heavy, dramatic, sometimes messy… but also beautiful.


The album has 17 tracks and is split into four “seasons,” like a journey from pain to healing.
And honestly? You can feel that journey in every single song.

Monday, March 23, 2026

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20 March 2026 (Seoul, South Korea): HOP INN Hotel, a leading budget hotel brand with over 80 branches across Thailand, the Philippines, and Japan, expands its Asia Pacific presence with the opening of its first hotel in Seoul, South Korea. 

Saturday, March 14, 2026

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Manila, Philippines (March 13, 2026) — HUAWEI turns everyday steps into progress toward a healthier life. Every stride on a morning jog, every push in a workout, and every moment of rest that restores your body all contribute to a stronger, more balanced lifestyle.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

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Metrobank, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, and Mastercard® have introduced the new Toyota Platinum Card, a credit card designed for the everyday Filipino motorist, helping them save on recurring financial responsibilities of owning a car, while earning rewards from their everyday expenses.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

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HONOR CEO James Li (left) and ARRI MD David Bermbach (right) at the MWC 2026 announcement

Manila, Philippines, March 10, 2026 – Leading AI device ecosystem company HONOR has entered into a strategic technical collaboration with ARRI, the world-renowned designer and manufacturer of professional camera technology for cinematic storytelling. This landmark partnership marks a significant step in extending established cinematic standards into the rapidly evolving world of mobile imaging.

Monday, March 9, 2026

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Manila, Philippines, March 6, 2026—HUAWEI, the no. 1 smart wearable brand, in collaboration with HONMA Golf, a Japan-based premium golf club manufacturer and sports lifestyle brand, recently supported the Malbon Buckets Club 004 Golf Tournament. Held at the Canlubang Golf and Country Club, the event allowed participants to explore the newly released HONMA x Huawei Watch GT6 Pro and experience its features in real playing conditions.


Friday, March 6, 2026

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Manila, PhilippinesMarch 5, 2026 – At MWC 2026, HONOR advanced its Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI) vision and accelerated ALPHA PLAN through three connected pillars: Alpha Phone, Alpha Store and Alpha Lab. Building on its long-term commitment to human-centric AI, HONOR offered a preview of Robot Phone, a bold exploration of embodied intelligence and a new species of smartphone that reimagines how future AI devices could integrate motion and spatial awareness.  


Alongside this futuristic innovation, HONOR unveiled Magic V6, the pinnacle of its foldable innovation, combining breakthrough silicon-carbon battery technology, advanced display engineering and AI-enhanced productivity in its most refined foldable design to date. Together with new ecosystem devices, HONOR MagicPad 4 and MagicBook Pro 14, these announcements reinforce HONOR’s roadmap to integrate intelligent hardware and software around real human needs.  


James Li, CEO of HONOR, said: “With Human-centric as our lighthouse, we navigate the growth of AI through the two beams of IQ and EQ, bringing three forms of intelligence together. We are exploring the new paradigm of AI devices with Alpha Phone; hosting the new paradigm of AI ecosystem with Alpha Store; and building the new paradigm of a silicon-carbon civilization with Alpha Lab. With three waves of the Alpha Plan, we now have all the components in place and we are driving this journey at full warp speed.”