Food, Lifestyle

Abi Marquez Brings Farm-to-Table Lessons to Kids with Kiddie Kitchen 2026

Abi Marquez with Kiddie Kitchen participants

Filipino food content creator Abi Marquez, popularly known online as the “Lumpia Queen,” brought together children and their families for Kiddie Kitchen 2026, a hands-on cooking experience designed to introduce kids to food, creativity, and learning in a fun and meaningful way.

Held on June 4, 2026 at Aruga by Rockwell, this year’s Kiddie Kitchen carried the theme “Farm to Fun,” inviting young participants to discover the journey of food from farm to table through interactive activities centered on fruits, vegetables, and local produce.

Kids participating in activities

Known to millions online for making Filipino food more approachable and exciting, Abi shared that Kiddie Kitchen is deeply personal to her own journey as someone who discovered her love for cooking at a young age.

“Kiddie Kitchen is very close to my heart because I started cooking when I was just five years old,” shared Abi. “I wanted to create something that would encourage kids to try new things, be creative, and believe in themselves. You never know where a simple hobby can lead.”

Throughout the day, participants wore their own Kiddie Kitchen aprons and stepped into the role of young chefs as they prepared three dishes: vegetable pizza, palitaw, and turon. Through these hands-on cooking activities, the children learned more about fruits and vegetables while building confidence, creativity, and appreciation for the food they made.

Parents and guardians watched proudly as the young chefs explored new skills, expressed their creativity, and celebrated their accomplishments throughout the program.

Kids preparing their dishes

Sierrezza

Beyond the cooking activities, Kiddie Kitchen 2026 also highlighted the importance of local agriculture. Through an inspiring session with partner organization Sierezza, led by its founder Cherrys “Che” Abrigo, participants were introduced to the farmers behind the food they eat and the role local communities play in bringing fresh produce to Filipino homes.

The experience continued at a mini market setup, where children selected their own ingredients before using them to prepare their dishes. This allowed them to better understand where food comes from, how it reaches their tables, and why supporting local farmers matters.

The event was also shared online by fellow creators and parent personalities, including Wonder Momma, Delightful Himig, Mommy Chelle Blogs, Beyi Reyes, Mommy Nicole, Papa Nics and Mommy Prax who captured their own Kiddie Kitchen moments and helped bring the experience to a wider community of parents, kids, and food lovers.

Kiddie Kitchen 2026 was brought to life with the support of valued sponsors and partners, including NYMA Talent Management, who shared the vision of creating meaningful, enriching, and memorable experiences for Filipino children.

Abi interacting with participants

As one of the country’s most recognized food creators, Abi continues to use her platform to make food more approachable, enjoyable, and inspiring for audiences around the world. Through initiatives like Kiddie Kitchen, she hopes to encourage more young people to stay curious, embrace learning, and discover the joy that food can bring.

GROUP PHOTO OF PARTICIPANTS, SPONSORS, AND ABI

To learn more about NYMA, visit nyma.ph

Food, Lifestyle

RMHC Philippines’ BACK-to-BAKuna Wins Top Health CSR Award at 2026 LCF CSR Guild Awards

From left: CJ Villaester (Manager, AHA! Behavioral Design) Marie Angeles, Executive Director, and Christian Tandoy, Assistant Manager of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines, Lei Ramos (Principal & CMO, AHA! Behavioral Design), receive the 2026 Outstanding CSR Project for Health award at the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) CSR Guild Awards for RMHC Philippines’ BACK-to-BAKuna initiative.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines’ flagship community health program, BACK-to-BAKuna, has been named the 2026 Outstanding CSR Project for Health at the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) CSR Guild Awards. The recognition highlights the program’s innovative efforts to improve childhood immunization completion rates.

BACK-to-BAKuna responds to a key challenge in routine childhood vaccination: although many families start the immunization process, some are unable to complete all the required doses because of missed schedules, concerns, and practical barriers. To address these challenges, the program complements existing public vaccination services with behavior-based strategies that encourage caregivers to keep track of vaccination schedules, prepare for appointments, seek assistance when needed, and return for succeeding doses until their children complete the recommended immunizations.

Piloted in Iloilo City and the Municipality of Janiuay in August 2025, the initiative combined behavioral research, community collaboration, and practical tools such as group vaccine cards, milestone calendars, digital reminders, transport support, and health promotion activities.

Turning vaccination from solo tracking into social follow-through. The ‘group vaccine card’ evolved the usual individual vaccine record into a shared coordination tool, encouraging caregivers to remind one another, plan together, and practice “sabay-sabay” vaccination behavior.

Using a quasi-experimental approach, BACK-to-BAKuna demonstrated significant improvements in vaccination completion, with intervention groups showing greater gains compared to control groups. Findings also showed that caregivers who engaged peers, invited others, and attended vaccination activities together were more likely to complete their children’s vaccination schedules.

“The recognition of BACK-to-BAKuna reflects our commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable solutions that respond to the real needs of Filipino families. By helping caregivers overcome barriers and supporting them throughout their children’s vaccination journey, we are able to strengthen community health outcomes and help more children receive the protection they need,” said Marie Angeles, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines.

The program’s innovation lies in recognizing that improving health outcomes requires more than access to services — it requires understanding and supporting the behaviors that influence follow-through.

By tackling the challenges that often extend beyond the initial vaccination visit, BACK-to-BAKuna helped turn access to vaccines into complete childhood immunization. To ensure the program’s long-term impact, RMHC Philippines worked closely with local government units to incorporate its proven tools and strategies into existing immunization processes. With capacity-building assistance and an Adaptation Playbook, local health teams are better equipped to apply the approach as part of their regular health promotion efforts.

The LCF CSR Guild Awards honors organizations that exemplify outstanding corporate citizenship through meaningful and sustainable social development programs. The recognition reinforces RMHC Philippines’ dedication to building healthier communities and helping more Filipino children achieve complete protection through timely and consistent vaccination.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Automotive

Drive More and Save More with Toyota’s Deals and Promos This September!

Whatever your lifestyle, priorities, or mobility needs, there’s a Toyota for you! This September, Toyota is giving Filipinos more ways to find the vehicle that fits their world, with a fresh lineup of promotional offers designed to make Toyota ownership more within reach. Whether you’re looking for your first car, a practical and fuel-efficient partner for the daily drive, more space for the family, or a step toward electrified mobility, Toyota’s September deals offer greater freedom and choice across a wide range of mobility needs all backed by the quality, durability, and reliability customers have come to expect from Toyota.

This month’s offers give customers more ways to choose a Toyota that matches their priorities and budget.* Featured this September are some of Toyota’s most fuel-efficient, practical, and versatile models, giving customers the flexibility to find the right vehicle for every stage of life and confidently take on their daily drives, rain or shine.

Customers looking to make the most of their budget can also enjoy greater savings through Toyota’s Straight Cash offers. With cash discounts available on select vehicle variants, customers can drive home a brand-new Toyota for less and choose a vehicle that fits not only their needs, but also their budget, while enjoying the quality, durability, and reliability they can trust wherever the road takes them.

The Corolla Cross G HEV leads the September selection with Straight Cash savings of up to PHP 150,000. Its hybrid electric powertrain supports efficient day-to-day mobility, while the crossover body offers the elevated driving position, adaptable space, and easy maneuverability that give customers greater flexibility and freedom for both city routines and weekend plans.

For customers who need strength and utility, the Hilux 4×4 Conquest in M/T comes with Straight Cash savings of up to PHP 100,000 on the previous-generation model. Built to take on demanding work and active lifestyles, this trusted pickup combines durability, reliability, useful hauling capability, and the confidence to travel across changing road conditions.

Families seeking a more refined electrified ride can consider the Zenix Q HEV, offered with Straight Cash savings of up to PHP 150,000. Its spacious, thoughtfully appointed cabin makes longer trips more comfortable, while Toyota’s hybrid technology helps deliver smooth, efficient mobility for school runs, daily errands, and out-of-town journeys; helping families experience the joy of moving together.

The Vios XLE rounds out the featured models with Straight Cash savings of up to PHP 75,000. Compact enough for busy streets yet comfortable for everyday travel, the sedan offers straightforward operation, reliable performance, and practical ownership for commuters, young professionals, and small families alike, giving more Filipinos the freedom to move with confidence.

Other Toyota Models are also available through Straight Cash financing!

Wigo G– up to PHP 30,000

Raize G– up to PHP 40,000

Veloz V– up to PHP 30,000

Fortuner Q– up to PHP 30,000

Tamaraw – up to PHP 50,000

Yaris Cross S– up to PHP 50,000

GR Yaris– up to PHP 160,000

* This flexible payment option is available on select Toyota vehicles within the promo period, subject to terms, credit approval where applicable, and model availability.

That’s not all! Alongside flexible payment options on selected Toyota models, Toyota is taking ownership to the next level with exciting, limited time offers you won’t want to miss this month!

  • FREE Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) for selected Toyota models
  • Exclusive Service Discount Vouchers for selected Toyota models
  • Trade-in rebates of up to PHP 30,000, redeemable as a cash discount or for Toyota

Genuine Accessories

  • Free One-Year Comprehensive Insurancefor select models.
  • Toyota 5-year warrantyfor all brand-new vehicles

Make the most of your September drives and discover more ways to Move Your World with Toyota. Check out the full promo mechanics, available offers, and participating Toyota models here! https://www.toyota.com.ph/promos/ChooseYourDrive

Promo runs from September 12 – 30, 2026 only.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-267284 Series of 2026.

Visit your nearest Toyota dealership to learn more about the latest offers and take your preferred Toyota vehicle for a test drive. For latest updates on Toyota products, services, and promos, follow Toyota Motor Philippines on FacebookInstagram and X, and join the ToyotaPH community on Viber.

 

Fashion, Lifestyle

Uniqlo Brings the VYBE to BPI

VYBE, BPI’s rewarding e-wallet, is making everyday LifeWear shopping even more rewarding through its latest partnership with global fashion retailer UNIQLO.

The collaboration aims to enhance how Filipinos shop and pay by turning everyday retail transactions into more rewarding experiences. By bringing together convenient digital payments and valuable perks, VYBE and UNIQLO offer customers added benefits with every purchase. As BPI marks its 175th anniversary, partnerships such as this underscore the bank’s commitment to delivering relevant and rewarding everyday banking experiences that keep pace with the changing needs of Filipinos.

Under the partnership, VYBE users can enjoy a ₱100 cashback for every ₱1,000 single-receipt purchase at UNIQLO stores nationwide until September 30, 2026. In addition, they will receive 100 BPI Rewards Points. This double treat gives both existing and new VYBE users more reasons to enjoy their favorite LifeWear essentials while taking advantage of the convenience of digital payments.

“This partnership is about enhancing everyday moments,” said Eric Faustino, Head of Digital Partnerships at BPI. “With VYBE, we’re not just enabling payments—we’re creating a more rewarding lifestyle for our users, where every transaction becomes an opportunity to enjoy more value.”

VYBE goes beyond being a simple e-wallet. It is a versatile app that enables users to go cashless, earn rewards, and enjoy exclusive offers across a growing network of partner brands. By integrating rewards into everyday transactions, VYBE allows customers to get more out of how they spend—making even the simplest purchases more enjoyable and valuable.

As more consumers shift toward cashless transactions, VYBE simplifies the experience with features such as payment via QR Ph, seamless and FREE fund transfers, and access to BPI Rewards—all within a single app. More importantly, it brings together convenience and rewards in a way that feels effortless and relevant to today’s digitally- connected lifestyle.

The partnership with UNIQLO is part of VYBE’s broader endeavor to connect users with brands they love while delivering added benefits that go beyond the point of purchase. Whether it’s shopping for everyday essentials or updating one’s wardrobe, VYBE allows customers to enjoy more from every transaction—turning spending into something they can look forward to.

As VYBE continues to grow its network of partner brands, users can look forward to more ways to experience the good VYBEs—bringing together the convenience of cashless payments and exciting rewards in one seamless experience.

For more information about the VYBE x UNIQLO promo, visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/rewards-and-promotions/promos/wear-your-vybes-with-uniqlo-promo.

To discover more about VYBE and its features, visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/vybe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle, News

BPI Secures 8 Major Wins at the 2026 FinanceAsia Awards

Charlie Lui, Managing Director and Investment Committee Chairperson of BPI Wealth Hong Kong, represented BPI at the 2026 FinanceAsia Awards and the FinanceAsia Asia’s Best Companies Poll in Hong Kong, where the Bank received eight major awards recognizing excellence in banking, capital markets, sustainability, and technology.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to strengthen its standing as a leading financial institution in the Asia-Pacific region after securing eight awards from prestigious financial publication FinanceAsia.

BPI received a Gold award in the FinanceAsia Asia’s Best Companies Poll 2026, earning the distinction of Best Managed Company among Philippine financial institutions. The recognition reflects the Bank’s strong 2025 performance, highlighted by a record net income of ₱66.62 billion.

Several BPI business units also earned recognition at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026, with BPI Capital leading the honors. The investment banking arm was named Best Investment Bank and Best ECM House, while also receiving a Highly Commended distinction for Best DCM House. These awards underscore BPI Capital’s expertise in supporting businesses as they expand, secure funding, and respond to changing market opportunities.

Lester Ong, President of BPI Capital, accepts BPI Capital’s awards at the 2026 FinanceAsia Awards after the company was named Best Investment Bank, Best ECM House, and Best DCM House (Highly Commended).

BPI—through its Transaction Banking unit—won the Best Bank for Use of Technology award for its Digital Supply Chain Financing (SCF) platform. Digital SCF transforms paper-based financing into a fully digital solution, allowing clients to check their invoices in real time. The platform also gives instant access to working capital.

The bank’s Institutional Banking (IB) unit on the other hand, secured the Best Bank for Large Corp & MNCs award. IB’s total outstanding loan portfolio went up by 10.4% to ₱1.83 trillion last year, while its Business Banking (BB) unit—was also named Best Bank for SMEs. BB’s total outstanding portfolio in 2025 jumped by 80% to ₱64 billion.

Finally, BPI was named as the Philippines’ Best Sustainable Bank for its commitment in championing Environment, Social, and Governance + Economic Value (ESG+E2) principles through responsible banking and responsible operations. Last year, BPI transitioned 70 of its branches to 100% renewable energy under the government’s Retail Aggregation Program. In addition, 24 more branches became IFC EDGE-certified, bringing the total to 46. On the social front, BPI Foundation (BPIF) continued to advance financial empowerment and sustainable community development, reaching more than 3.6 million beneficiaries through its Financial Education and Enterprise Development and Livelihood initiatives in 2025.

“We are proud of the solid accomplishments that we have achieved in the lead-up to our 175th anniversary this 2026. This is a strong testament to our continuous progress and industry leadership, underpinned by our strong commitment to embody banking excellence anchored on trust and building dreams for others,” said BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco.

The FinanceAsia Awards is an annual program presented by FinanceAsia, a prominent Hong Kong-based publication covering financial and capital markets across the Asia-Pacific region. The awards recognize outstanding achievements and excellence in banking, capital markets, and financial services throughout Asia.

FinanceAsia also conducts the Asia’s Best Companies Polls, a well-regarded measure of corporate performance and excellence in the region, including areas such as investor relations. The rankings are determined through nominations and assessments from leading investors and financial analysts across Asia, providing an indication of market confidence in the companies recognized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, Lifestyle, News

Rising Tigers Magazine Highlights Women’s Empowerment at Manila International Book Fair 2026

Photo shows from left: Fatima Figueroa Alvarez, Mrs. Universe Philippines 2026; Sarah Deloraya Mateo, President & CEO, SPD Jobs, Inc.; Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, Publisher, CEO, and Editor-In-Chief, Rising Tigers Magazine; and Maria Charo Calalo, President & National Director, Mrs. Universe Philippines

Rising Tigers Magazine successfully held an exclusive magazine signing during the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. In partnership with National Book Store (NBS), the event gathered visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates in a celebration of women’s leadership, resilience, and achievements.

At the forefront of the showcase was Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, Publisher, COO, and Editor-in-Chief of Rising Tigers Magazine. As an engineer and serial entrepreneur, she remains committed to empowering emerging business leaders and advancing entrepreneurship across Southeast Asia through impactful media initiatives and strategic civic leadership.

The event also spotlighted inspiring personalities featured in the magazine’s latest issue, including:

  • Sarah Deloraya-Mateo, President and CEO of SPD Jobs, Inc., who transitioned from a young respiratory therapist into one of the country’s premier business figures and an inspiration for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

  • Maria Charo Calalo, President and National Director of Mrs. Universe Philippines and Mrs. Universe Philippines 2019 semi-finalist, who leverages her national platform to advocate for women’s empowerment, abuse prevention, and family welfare.

  • Fatima Figueroa Alvarez, the newly crowned Mrs. Universe Philippines 2026 representing Pampanga. Alvarez, who will represent the nation at the international competition in Sri Lanka, highlighted her active community initiatives empowering women Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and underserved sectors.

The magazine signing offered readers, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders a valuable opportunity to connect with influential trailblazers who are contributing to socio-economic development across various industries.

The Manila International Book Fair 2026 is being held from September 9 to 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Attendees can also get copies of Rising Tigers Magazine at the National Book Store booth throughout the fair.

Lifestyle, News

BPI spotlights its banking presence across Luzon

The BPI Angeles–Sto. Rosario branch is located within the Angeles City Heritage Zone and follows the architectural guidelines set by the city to preserve the character of its historic core. The building was originally constructed in the 1980s as a former FEBTC branch.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to deepen its presence across Luzon, bringing banking services closer to communities through an extensive network of branches, partner stores, and other access points.

Across Luzon, BPI has 234 BPI branches, complemented by 218 BanKo branches and 23 LSB branches that help serve customers with diverse banking needs. Beyond its physical branches, BPI also reaches more communities through 2,746 Agency Banking partner stores, providing customers with more convenient ways to access essential banking services within their local areas.

“Luzon is home to diverse communities with different needs and aspirations. Our presence across the region allows us to be closer to our customers and support them where they are, whether through our branches or our growing network of partner stores,” said Cathy Santamaria, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at BPI.

BPI is also making its presence in Luzon more sustainable, with 100 branches in the region powered entirely by clean energy. This includes 30 additional branches that recently transitioned to renewable energy through the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), which allows businesses to combine their power requirements and choose renewable energy sources. The shift is part of BPI’s broader efforts to meaningfully reduce its carbon footprint and embed sustainability into its operations.

As BPI celebrates its 175th anniversary, the Bank remains committed to being a trusted part of Filipino communities, continuing a legacy of service while responding to the needs of generations of customers.

 

 

 

Entertainment

James Reid lets his guard down on third studio album, Honey, I’m Home

With the 10-track album, the artist finds meaning in love, presence, and embracing who he is

After years of exploring sound, identity, ambition, and the many directions an artist can take, James Reid arrives at a place that feels less like a destination and more like a state of being safe and sound with his third studio album, Honey, I’m Home,” released under Sony Music Entertainment.

The new record treats home not as a sanctuary one spends a lifetime searching for, but as a feeling of being fully at peace with who you are and the people you choose to share your life with.

Honey, I’m Home is obviously something you say when you walk through the door, but for me the idea of home became much bigger than a physical place,” Reid explains. “I think I spent a lot of my life looking for something, chasing success, experiences, relationships, trying to become a certain version of myself. And this project came from realizing that maybe home isn’t a place you eventually arrive at. It’s that feeling of being completely present and comfortable with where you are, who you are, and who you’re with.”

James Reid’s newly found perspective runs deep through the tracks, exploring romance, life, vulnerability, surrender, and intimacy through quieter moments where connections feel most meaningful in their stillness. On Honey, I’m Home, the multi-hyphenate superstar turns his attention to details that often go unnoticed: being in the living room with someone, feeling understood, and finding the safety to let one’s guard down.

For an artist who has spent much of his career looking forward toward the next achievement, experience, or version of himself, the songs emerged from a contrasting realization: perhaps nothing was missing after all. “What if nothing is actually missing?” Reid reflects. “Maybe I just wasn’t home?

Instead of elaborate wordplay or lyrics meant to impress, Reid’s ten-track release relies on nuanced simplicity and honest songwriting. He wanted the words to sound conversational, like something he would genuinely say to another person.

The Palm Dreams hitmaker adds, “It feels warm and easy on the surface, but there’s something deeper underneath if you pay attention.”

Sonically and production-wise, Honey I’m Home draws from Reid’s appreciation for R&B and soul while expanding the template to incorporate funk, soft rock, yacht rock, and classic pop influences. Despite its warmth and character, the project doesn’t try to recreate the past. Instead, Reid embraces familiar textures and reframes them through his contemporary sensibilities.

“I wanted it to feel warm, soulful, organic, and lived-in,” he says. “I love the warmth and style of older records, but I wasn’t trying to make a retro album. It was more about taking those textures and making them feel like me now.”

Instead of going for an overly polished direction, Reid and producer Luke April, who produced most of the EP, intentionally welcomed imperfections and organic movement for the record’s sound design. They left parts unquantized to the beat, preserving the subtle timing variations that give live music its much-needed humanity.

The EP also marks Reid’s most collaborative project to date, with Arthur Nery, Luke April, and ISSA each contributing distinct musical identities to the record. Rather than bringing collaborators into the project simply for the sake of collaboration, Reid approached each partnership with the intention of letting artists contribute what he couldn’t achieve alone.

On “All Night,” Nery’s wispy R&B vocal style complements the song’s nocturnal atmosphere, adding dimension to its beat switch. April’s laid-back rap and R&B flow bring an irreverent, carefree energy to “Sunny side,” while ISSA’s sultry, textured vocals create an unexpected yet natural contrast with Reid’s clean and precise singing on “On My Way.”

The album’s exciting arc also expands through “Sunny Side,” “Blessed,” and most importantly, “Indiana,” which offers one of the project’s most intimate glimpses into Reid’s life. While the former two tracks contribute to the album’s warmth and sense of gratitude, “Indiana” takes the singer-songwriter/producer’s sentiment somewhere personal: into Reid’s experience of becoming a future father. The song captures the immense love he already feels for his child before their arrival, expressing a kind of anticipation that is at once tender, vulnerable, and unconditional. In the context of Honey, I’m Home, “Indiana” conveys the record’s central idea of discovering a sense of home in the people and moments that give life its deepest meaning.

For what it’s worth, James Reid’s new album, Honey, I’m Home represents a different kind of emotional maturity in Reid’s discography. It shows an artist who appears increasingly comfortable with his own creative instincts: less concerned with proving himself or conforming to a particular sound, and more willing to follow what feels honest.

“I think this is probably the most comfortable I’ve ever sounded in my music,” Reid shares. “A lot of my older projects were me exploring and figuring out what kind of artist I wanted to be. With this one, I don’t feel like I’m trying to prove anything or chase a certain sound. It just feels more instinctive.”

Check out the Honey, I’m Home track list:

1 Honey I’m Home (Intro)

2 Attention

3 All Night feat. Arthur Nery

4 Traffic

5 Sunny Side feat. Luke April

6 Blessed

7 Indiana

8 Richest Man Alive

9 On My Way feat. ISSA

10 Unbecoming

James Reid’s new album, Honey, I’m Home is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

 

 

 

Automotive, Entertainment

Paolo and Miguel from Ben&Ben Join Toyota Motor Asia’s ‘Move Your World Beat’ Campaign, Bringing Filipino Music to a Regional Stage

Twin brothers Paolo Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin from Filipino indie folk-pop band Ben&Ben are bringing Filipino creativity to the regional spotlight as part of Toyota Motor Asia’s Move Your World Beat, a new culture initiative developed with creative partner VIRTUE Asia. Through the campaign, the duo joins artists from across Asia in transforming everyday Toyota vehicle sounds into original musical compositions that celebrate creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression.

The campaign brings together established and emerging artists from across Asia to collaborate, experiment, and inspire the next generation to express their cultures through contemporary sound. The initiative also serves as an ongoing platform where Toyota empowers Asia’s creators to tell stories through music while celebrating both cultural heritage and innovation.

“At its heart, Move Your World is about Toyota’s commitment to the communities in Asia – the freedom to move, and the thrill and joy of moving forward together. With Move Your World Beat, we bring that same spirit to music, a universal language that unites our communities and moves us all a little closer,” shared Jaja Ishibashi, General Manager of Toyota Motor Asia. “By supporting creators and bringing different voices together, we hope to inspire new forms of expression and show that when we move together, we can create something greater than any one of us could achieve alone.”

As the Philippine representatives, Paolo and Miguel join a regional lineup of creators which includes Malaysia’s Belle Sisoski, Pakistan’s Natasha Noorani, Singapore’s Shye, Thailand’s Valentina Ploy, and Vietnam’s 2pillz. Launched through a TikTok-led creator programme, each artist will produce an original track using the sounds of a Toyota such as subtle clicks and ambient hums to engineered tones and reimagine them through their own distinct musical style.

By transforming the functional sounds of a vehicle into creative expression, the campaign highlights the idea that movement is not only physical, but also cultural and emotional. Each composition reflects the artist’s unique musical identity while contributing to a broader body of work that celebrates Asia’s diversity through a shared creative language.

The campaign will culminate later this year with the release of a regional collective beat, bringing together the musical contributions of artists from six countries into a single collaborative work that resonates across Asia.

Beyond this year’s rollout, Move Your World Beat is intended to continue as an ongoing platform, with each participating artist’s content contributing to future collaborations that celebrate creativity, community, and cultural exchange across the region.

For more information, follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook, Instagram and X, and join the ToyotaPH community on Viber.

Entertainment

IV OF SPADES searches for something real with new single “Isang Pag-ibig”

The band delivers an emotionally candid track about seeking genuine connection and learning that sincerity does not always promise love in return

Filipino alternative quartet IV OF SPADES releases “Isang Pag-ibig,” out now via Sony Music Entertainment.

The track explores the search for genuine connection while acknowledging a very painful truth: giving everything you have may not be enough to make someone love you back.

Sonically, the song embraces a no-frills approach. Built around jangly guitars, a simple three-chord progression, and a straightforward four-piece band arrangement, “Isang Pag-ibig” carries the loose, immediate quality of the period in which it was written. Its simplicity is part of its appeal, allowing the sentiment to come through clearly.

The track also signals an exciting period of renewed creativity and productivity for the band, hinting at a potential body of work to come.

The release arrives amidst a splendid year for the band, career-wise. Following their reunion in late 2025, Unique Salonga, Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, and Badjao de Castro continued their winning streak with a nationwide tour, high-profile appearances, award recognitions, and upcoming international dates—all while breaking streaming records and landing at the top of the charts.

The band’s Andalucia Tour 2026 extended its reunion-era momentum outside of Manila, with stops in Davao City, Santa Rosa, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu City, and Baguio. From there, the group will also take its music to North America in October, with confirmed performances in the USA and Canada. Their return has likewise earned multiple nominations at several award-giving bodies, including two People’s Choice nods at the Filipino Music Awards 2026 and multiple nominations at the 39th Awit Awards.

Their resurgence has also sparked renewed interest in their earlier work, “Kabisado,” which has earned nearly 80 million streams on Spotify alone. To date, it has peaked inside the top 10 of the Spotify Philippines Daily Chart and at No. 6 on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100. That renewed attention reinforces the scale of their comeback.

Nearly a decade after it was written, IV OF SPADES’ “Isang Pag-ibig” turns back the clock without simply reverting backward. A song written at the beginning of their story now finds its place in a different chapter of their personal life and career.

IV OF SPADES’ “Isang Pag-ibig” is out now on all digital streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. The music video is also out now on IV OF SPADES’  YouTube channel—watch it!