Monthly Archives

May 2025

Lifestyle, News

Pru Life UK Honored for Thought Leadership and Innovative CSR Programs at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards

Pru Life UK Assistant Manager for Community Investments and Sustainability Partnerships
Hannah Aman accepted the awards during a banquet dinner in Seoul, South Korea

Pru Life UK received Gold and Silver honors at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards for its exceptional thought leadership and pioneering corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that support underserved Filipino communities and advance financial education among the youth.

The Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards celebrate innovation in business across 29 countries, recognizing both organizations and individuals for their excellence in areas such as thought leadership, business growth, and CSR.

Pru Life UK received the Gold Stevie® for Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year for its Takaful Journey–a holistic approach to Islamic Finance through stakeholder and community engagement, capacity building workshops, and educational efforts. The initiative made Pru Life UK the first insurer in the Philippines to receive a Takaful license and is set to launch a Shari’ah-compliant product to cater to the financial needs of over seven million Muslim Filipinos.

The company also earned the Silver Stevie® for Innovative Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility for its Cha-Ching’s Million-Step Journey: Transforming Filipino Lives Through Financial Education. Developed by Prudence Foundation in partnership with Pru Life UK and JA Philippines, the programme has reached over one million Filipino children last year through a collaboration with the Department of Education, tackling financial illiteracy at the grassroots level by educating students on the fundamental financial concepts of Cha-Ching: earning, saving, spending, and donating.

“We are honoured to receive these recognitions that affirm the impact of our efforts in empowering underserved Filipino communities,” said Paul Mandal, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer at Pru Life UK. “We remain committed to helping Filipinos from all walks of life secure a better future.”

The company earned two Silver and three Bronze honors at the  2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards for its initiatives that support Filipino families. It remains committed to its mission of being the most trusted ally and guardian for today’s Filipinos and future generations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle, News

Youth Insights Drive Major Brands to Team Up on Fresh Marketing Strategy

Philippines First Insurance Group (PFI Group) officers welcome their new brand advocate at the PFI Group Makati headquarters. (Standing from left) PhilPlans SVP Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Ronald Bautista, PhilFirst AVP Head of Marketing Luis Cebrero Jr., PhilLife SVP and Chief Operating Officer Michelle Ambagan, PhilCare EVP Operations Raymond Tiangco, (Seated from left) PFI Group Brand Advocate Dianne Medina and PFI Group President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco.

A recent market research initiative, titled “PhilLife Meter: Feeling the Insurance Pulse of Pinoy Gen Y and Z,” found that 78% of young Filipinos place family protection at the top of their priorities, while 77% consider emergency preparedness the most crucial benefit when selecting insurance plans.

Commissioned by the Philippines First Insurance Group (PFI Group) for PhilLife, the study highlights the shifting values of Filipino youth around protection and future planning. It underscores a new generation that is intentional, family-oriented, and proactive—eager to embrace solutions that genuinely resonate with their needs and lifestyles.

This study resonates with me because it shows how young Filipinos, are becoming more mindful of what truly matters—family, health, and security. It’s encouraging to see companies like PFI Group listening and responding with solutions that reflect our values. In a world that’s constantly changing, it’s empowering to know we’re not alone in wanting to build smarter, bolder, and fuller lives.

“Contrary to a qualitative study released a few years back, young Filipinos now prioritize their health and families over investment growth,” PhilLife market study lead researcher Dr. Fernando Paragas said.

“The changed priorities perhaps resulted from the effects of the pandemic. It’s no longer just about growing your money, but growing your peace of mind.”

In response to the study’s findings, the PFI Group has launched an umbrella initiative for its four brands — PhilLife, PhilCare, PhilPlans, and PhilFirst. Called Smarter. Bolder. Fuller., the project marks the first time these industry-leading brands are coming together for a campaign aimed at young Filipinos.

“The Smarter. Bolder. Fuller. drive aims to meet today’s millennial Filipinos where they are in life and provide them with the tools to enable their needs, dreams, and aspirations for themselves and their families. It’s more than just a campaign–it’s a mindset. A declaration of who we are and who we want to be for every Filipino.”

A century of service

Founded in 1906, PhilFirst was the first insurance company in the country and the first to offer domestic non-life insurance plans for unexpected events like natural disasters and personal accidents. This paved the way for the creation of PFI Group’s other leading brands, broadening its ecosystem of protection and security.

PhilLife secures families and dreams with life protection and savings plans. PhilCare makes healthcare more accessible, proactive, and responsive. PhilPlans celebrates life’s milestones with its various plan offerings.

These companies have evolved with the times—like adopting digital technologies, offering prepaid options, and enhancing customer experience—to ensure they meet the evolving needs of a digitally fluent and value-conscious Filipino market.

“Findings from the PhilLife study are more than just numbers, they are a call to action for businesses,” PhilCare and PhilLife Chairman of the Board Monico Jacob said.

“Young Filipinos are telling us what they value: protection, preparedness, and purpose. Companies that listen to them won’t just earn their trust, they’ll earn their loyalty. At PFI Group, this is exactly the kind of insight that drives innovation.”

Championing the next generation

With the rise of digital lifestyle and flexible work arrangement, PFI Group’s campaign also comes with a clear direction: serve the modern Filipino, particularly the Gen Zs and millennials who now represent a large part of the workforce.

“Through simplified insurance products, tech-enabled customer service, and value-driven financial planning, we are set to make protection more personal, more relevant, and more feasible for the young generation,” Tanco said.

“Whether it’s an entrepreneur thinking of getting a healthcare plan, a millennial parent investing in their child’s future, or a creative freelancer wanting to protect his online assets, we want to be there for them every step of the way.”

PhilLife and PhilCare Chairman of the Board Atty. Monico “Nick” Jacob (left) and Philippines First Insurance Group (PFI Group) President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco (right) welcome new PFI Group Brand Advocate Dianne Medina (center) during the partnership signing at the PFI Group Makati headquarters

The campaign follows Tanco’s recent success at the esteemed 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, where he earned a Silver Stevie® for Most Innovative Leader of the Year for his work with PhilCare and a Gold Stevie® for Most Innovative Creative Person of the Year for his achievements at Comm&Sense.

Recognized as the region’s top honors for business innovation, the awards highlight Tanco’s forward-thinking approach—further reinforced by the PFI Group’s Smarter. Bolder. Fuller. campaign.

Actress and TV personality Dianne Medina has joined as a brand advocate for Smarter. Bolder. Fuller. to help convey PFI Group’s unified message of empowering Filipinos to live smarter, bolder, and more fulfilling lives.

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle, News

Vice President Sara Duterte and former Vice President Leni Robredo are considered the leading contenders for the next presidency of the Philippines

The early 2028 Pre-Election Presidential Preferential Survey by Tangere shows that Vice President Sara Duterte and former Vice President Leni Robredo are the leading presidential contenders. VP Sara Duterte leads with 29% voter support, largely from the Davao and Northern Mindanao regions. She is followed by former VP Leni Robredo, who has 21% support, mainly from Metro Manila and the Bicol Region.

Senator Bong Go, the front-runner in the 2025 Senatorial Elections, ranks third with 15% voter support. Senator Raffy Tulfo, once the top pick for the 2028 presidency, has dropped to fourth place with 11%, supported mostly by voters in Southern Luzon. Speaker Martin Romualdez takes fifth place with 6% voter support, primarily from Eastern Visayas and Northern Luzon—a significant rise from the previous survey. Other potential candidates received just 1% support, while 11% of respondents remain undecided.

Sara Duterte is not the second choice among people who favors Bong Go

When asked the question on their second choice for President, Senator Bong Go is the second choice of 6 to 7 out of 10 voters that favor VP Sara Duterte as President. However, those who favor Sen. Bong Go as president had VP Leni Robredo as their second choice (45%), followed by Vice President Sara Duterte (30%). Senator Bong Go is also the second choice for President for those who favor VP Leni Robredo (52%).

Sen. Go and Sen. Bam Aquino as the early front runners for Vice President

Senator Bong Go emerged as the early favorite for Vice President after getting a 36% voter preference driven by respondents from Visayas and Mindanao. He is followed distantly by incoming Senator, Bam Aquino with a 26% voter preference driven by Metro Manila and the Bicol Region. Senator Raffy Tulfo ranked third with 11%, No other possible candidates reached double digits in voter preference.

The combination of VP Sara Duterte and Senator Bong Go as President and Vice President, respectively, is the top tandem of choice from the survey. They are followed closely by the combination of Former Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Bam Aquino.

The non-commissioned survey, conducted May 20-21, 2025, was administered via a mobile-based respondent application with a sample size of 1,800 participants (+/- 2.48% Margin of Error at a 95% Confidence Level) using a Stratified Random Sampling method (Quota Based Sampling). The proportion was spread throughout the Philippines with 12 percent from NCR, 23 percent from Northern Luzon, 22 percent from Southern Luzon, 20 percent from Visayas, and 23 percent from Mindanao.

Tangere is a recognized, award-winning tech-driven market research firm dedicated to capturing the sentiments of Filipinos. It is a proud member of the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines (MORES), the European Society for Opinion and Market Research (ESOMAR), and the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA).

For the topline report and analytics of this independent study, you may contact Tangere via email at [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

SB19 ignites excitement with their collaboration on FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves

Their new track “DUNGKA!” blends adrenaline-pumping visuals with Filipino creativity in a landmark cross-industry collaboration

SNK Corporation, a leading Japanese video game and entertainment company, proudly unveils its latest cross-cultural venture: a music video collaboration featuring its upcoming fighting game, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, and the acclaimed Filipino pop group SB19.

This dynamic partnership unites two major forces in pop culture, blending the worlds of music and gaming. At the heart of the collaboration is SB19’s high-energy track “DUNGKA!,” inspired by the game’s catchphrase, “REV IT UP.” The music video combines the group’s signature genre-blending sound with cinematic battle scenes from the game, capturing its intense action and creating a buzz of excitement.

“We are truly honored to collaborate with a distinguished title celebrated for its sophisticated combat system and exceptional gameplay,” SB19 shares in an official statement. “As avid enthusiasts of interactive video games, we are thrilled by the opportunity to contribute to a project of this scale and significance. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to SNK Corporation for initiating this partnership and entrusting us with the chance to be part of such an iconic franchise. This collaboration has been an immensely rewarding experience, and we are sincerely grateful for its outcome.”

The collaborative effort coincides with the recent release of SB19’s third EP, Simula at Wakas, featuring one of the new singles “DUNGKA!” The 7-track collection offers a candid reflection on the personal and artistic journey of the group amid fame, pressure, and the search for identity. The EP is written and produced by SB19 with their trusted pool of international and local collaborators, including Xerxes Bakker, Alawn, August Rigo, Simon Servida, and Josue (RADKIDZ).

FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves is a 2025 fighting game developed and published by SNK. Marking the seventh main entry in the Fatal Fury series, it’s the franchise’s first new installment in 26 years since Garou: Mark of the Wolves (1999).

The game boasts a striking visual style designed to captivate players, along with the innovative REV System that intensifies the action. It also introduces an array of enhanced battle mechanics. With the addition of two distinct control schemes—catering to both newcomers and longtime fans—alongside fresh features and gameplay elements, the title breathes new life into the iconic series.

Watch the music video here.

Follow SB19 on their socials:

Website: https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/SB19

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

Follow FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves on their socials:

Official Website: https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/fatalfury-cotw/

X: https://x.com/FATALFURY_PR

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatalfury_pr/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle

Rex Education Unveils New Book Titles, Organizes Fun Games and Activities at Philippine Book Festival 2025

Mr. Paolo Sibal, Ms. Charisse Tugade (Executive Director, NBDB) and Atty. Dominador Buhain (Chairman & President, Rex Education

What a fiesta! Over 40,000 visitors captivated this year’s Philippine Book Festival (PBF) and energized the 4-day event at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. PBF 2025 was held recently and was powered by the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

Rex Education the leading book publisher and education solutions provider in the Philippines, participated joyfully and showcased its latest titles by Filipino authors, including Filipiniana titles. REX’s main booth unveiled academic titles from basic, college, and law education, with every offering thoughtfully developed by various experts in the field.

NBDB aptly chose the fiesta theme to make the event merry and fun-filled. Some of the country’s most famous celebrations, such as the Dinagyang Festival, were highlighted during the occasion. In keeping with the festive and celebratory mood, REX offered exclusive deals and big discounts and joined in the fun with exciting games and prizes.

Moreover, REX held a stamp-collecting activity at its Lakbay Aklat booth to give guests an immersive experience. Those who completed the activity received prizes. Additionally, REX organized a Scavenger Hunt where the participants learned more about the company’s offerings while also exploring the event in a fun, engaging way. Those who joined the Scavenger Hunt also received prizes and tokens or REX keepsakes.

What’s more, REX also brought out its Photoman to give guests and learners alike unique photo opportunities to celebrate their learning journey at PBF 2025. This was a great way to capture the event, preserved in a photograph. All these activities and more were a hit with PBF patrons.

Atty. Buhain with some members of the REX team

REX’s booths demonstrate the company’s commitment to authors, learners, and all book lovers, providing quality Filipino-made books, learning materials, and a dynamic platform for educators and publishing professionals. This year’s PBF, with its fiesta theme, striking and vibrant visuals, and interactive aspects, truly appealed to young children and the young-at-heart. It was a fusion of engaging, experience-based settings with entertainment, education, and shopping convenience.

The Philippine Book Festival 2025, through NBDB, was also an excellent opportunity for the Department of Education (DepEd) and the country’s publishers to connect and strengthen year-long relationships, just as REX and DepEd did during the event. This collaboration enabled DepEd to make large-scale institutional purchases of various learning materials at competitive prices, with the goal of promoting the love of reading to Filipinos and help resolve issues of access and literacy.

As NBDB and DepEd continue the ever-evolving and challenging task of uplifting education in the Philippines through fairs such as the Philippine Book Festival 2025, rest assured that Rex Education will remain a steadfast ally and will provide support in every way possible.

Congratulations, PBF 2025!

 

Beauty, News

SkinStation Wins the Neoasia Gala 2025 Gold Award for Profhilo Excellence

At the Neoasia Gala Awards, which were hosted at Shangri-La The Fort, BGC, SkinStation was honored to receive the coveted Gold Award for their exceptional achievement in providing Profhilo skin booster treatments.

The honor demonstrates SkinStation’s steadfast dedication to quality, innovation, and customer happiness in the cutting-edge skin care industry. One of the most popular anti-aging treatments is profhilo, which is well-known for its potent skin hydration and bio-remodeling effects. SkinStation’s proficiency in performing this process has now won national recognition.

Experience the sensation of award-winning skin care. For professional solutions supported by research, motivated by passion, and demonstrated by outcomes, rely on SkinStation.

To know more about SkinStation, visit their online platforms:

Website www.skinstation.ph

SkinStation Facebook page SkinStation

SkinStation Instagram page SkinStationPH

 

 

Automotive

This weekend’s TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup offers Toyota Motor Philippines event-exclusive promotions on its vehicles

Get up to PHP 170,000 of discounts on Toyota vehicles from May 23 to 25

At this weekend’s Race Weekend 2 of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup in Villar City, south of Manila, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is providing additional incentives for people to join in the action. Customers can take advantage of event-only discounts on their preferred Toyota vehicles from May 23 to May 25.

A walk-in discount of up to PHP 10,000 and a reservation discount of up to PHP 30,000 are available to customers who visit the event and make an onsite reservation. For the reductions to be valid, the reserved unit must be released between May 23 and June 15, 2025.

A lottery coupon worth PHP 100,000 in cash will also be given to the buyer if the reserved unit is released during the aforementioned releasing period!

The exclusive promos are also available to customers who will visit any Toyota dealership from May 23 to 25. During the promo period, dealership customers will get a PHP 10,000 reservation discount when they reserve a Toyota vehicle and receive it between May 23 to June 15, 2025.

Onsite customers who trade in their vehicles during the event and purchase a new vehicle can also get an additional discount of up to PHP 30,000, while dealership customers get PHP 10,000. The trade-in discount can be used when purchasing a new vehicle during the promo period.

Dealership customers will also get to enjoy the TGR Philippine Cup races, which will be livestreamed in the showrooms.

Below are the participating Toyota models for the event-exclusive promo:

  • Vios
  • Tamaraw
  • Hilux
  • Yaris Cross
  • Corolla Cross
  • Fortuner
  • Raize
  • Wigo
  • Corolla Altis
  • Rush
  • Camry
  • Zenix

Promo runs from May 23 to 25, 2025 only. Check out the full mechanics, offers, and participating models here: https://www.toyota.com.ph/promos/toyotadrivefest

The TGR Philippine Cup is open to all. Attendees can get their event pass at https://www.tgrphcup.com/. Admission is free.

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup is sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and is brought to you by Official Fuel & Lubricants Partner Petron and Official Tire Partner GT Radial, in cooperation with Official Venue Partners Villar City and Brittany.

Additionally, Toyota Financial Services Philippines, Tuason Racing, AVT, 3M, Denso, ROTA, PIAA, Autoplus, OMP, Bebang Halo-Halo, AutoQuix, Kinto One, and Official Timekeeper Seiko are supporting this event.

Visit https://toyota.com.ph/tgrphilippines for additional details on the TGR Philippine Cup and other TGR events. You may also follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines on FacebookInstagramXYouTube and TikTok.

For updates, follow ToyotaMotorPH’s official pages on FacebookInstagram, and X. You can also join the Toyota PH Viber community.

 

Lifestyle, Tech

In an effort to rally Gen Z support for local communities, Globe introduces the #GoGIVEYourHeart Challenge

Marks Globe and Tiktok partnership for TikTok for Good campaign

Globe’s inaugural TikTok for Good campaign in the Philippines, #GoGIVEYourHeart Challenge, used digital generosity to transform social media engagement into tangible impact.

The contest highlights GoGIVE, Globe Prepaid’s digital advocacy tool available through the GlobeOne app, where users may choose to sign up and receive “hearts” only by providing their data.

To encourage participation, Globe created a branded filter on Tiktok that allows netizens to flash their best hand hearts as a digital act of giving.

Each post using the custom effect and the #GoGIVEYourHeart hashtag becomes a metaphorical nudge to earn and donate hearts to their desired communities via GoGIVE.

“We are proud to be featured on TikTok for Good. This campaign offers a fun and purposeful way for young Filipinos to take part in the movement and give back by being online,” said Givielle Florida, Globe Prepaid Business Head.

Vanessa Brown, Director of Business Development for  APAC at TikTok added: “TikTok for Good harnesses the power of creativity, discovery, community and authentic expression to inspire  communities to drive meaningful, positive and lasting change. Our partnership with Globe for the #GoGIVEYourHeart Challenge empowers our Filipino TikTok community to rally support and raise awareness for causes close to their hearts, achieving real-world impact both on and beyond TikTok.”

The campaign is promoted by Team Globe of Good ambassadors, including ABS-CBN Star Magic talents Alora Sasam, Ericka Padilla, and Gillian Vicencio, Rise Artists Studio’s Kerwin King, celebrated theater actor Reb Atadero, and internet sensation Doc Adrian Insigne.

Among the beneficiaries are:

  • Philippine Eagle Foundation – supports wildlife conservation and protects the critically endangered Philippine eagle
  • Project PEARLS – empowers women in Tondo through digitally-enabled livelihood
  • Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) – provides shelter and medical treatment for stray animals
  • Philippine General Hospital Foundation –  boosts public healthcare services through digital tools and internet connectivity
  • World Vision –  promotes digital education access for underserved Filipino students

Once the target number of hearts is reached by each non-government organization (NGO), they will receive the support pledged by Globe.

“Our partnership with TikTok reflects our belief that even small online actions can lead to positive change when people come together with the best intentions,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

TikTok’s worldwide social impact content initiative, TikTok for Good, unites and motivates a global community to unleash the creative potential to mobilize support, increase awareness, and promote positive change for causes that are most important to them.

Use the branded effect, flash your hand heart, publish your video, and open TikTok and search for #GoGIVEYourHeart to participate. Join in the #GoGIVEYourHeart Challenge to transform insignificant online routines into meaningful charitable deeds.

 

 

 

Food, Lifestyle

To support recycling efforts, Coca-Cola Philippines is expanding its PET bottle collection program

Coca-Cola’s expanded initiative officially kicked off with a Tapon to Ipon booth activation on April 29, 2025, at Terra 28th in BGC, showcasing the importance of strong community engagement.

The expanded launch of Coca-Cola Philippines’ “Tapon to Ipon” PET bottle collection program is a significant step in bolstering local bottle collection infrastructure and assisting in the acceleration of PET bottle recovery efforts throughout communities, building on the company’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

The Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) project is one of the many bottle collection programs run by Coca-Cola Philippines that are combined into one campaign under the expanded Tapon to Ipon program. The program intends to increase recycling drop-off locations’ accessibility for communities around the Philippines, with more than 6,000 collection centers currently operating nationally.

The initiative was officially relaunched with a community activation event on April 29, 2025, at Terra 28th in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), highlighting the importance of strong local engagement.

“Coca-Cola Philippines continues to innovate and improve our recycling systems to help address plastic waste,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines. “By expanding Tapon to Ipon, we are increasing collection and recycling access and reinforcing our commitment to partnerships that help deliver positive impact in local communities.”

Originally launched in 2021 by Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP), formerly Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), Tapon to Ipon has engaged sari-sari store owners, customers, government agencies, and local governments to recover post-consumer clear PET bottles.

“We are grateful to all our partners who continue to support collective environmental action,” said Gareth McGeown, CEO and President of CCEAP. “Strengthening collection and recycling infrastructure has always been a key goal of Tapon to Ipon, and its expansion underscores our shared mission to empower communities and create a more sustainable future for Filipinos.”

The program invites consumers to exchange used PET bottles—regardless of brand—for Coca-Cola product rewards at designated collection hubs, including sari-sari stores and special pop-up booths at major local events such as the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City and Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City.

At the Tapon to Ipon activation in BGC, attendees dropped off their empty PET bottles and joined the “Dunk, Not Junk” shooting hoops game for a chance to win Coca-Cola merchandise, refreshing products, and other exciting prizes.

The aim is to bring the collected bottles to PETValue Philippines, the country’s first food-grade bottle-to-bottle recycling facility located in General Trias, Cavite. PETValue Philippines, a joint venture between CCEAP and Indorama Ventures, plays a critical role in turning post-consumer PET bottles into new food-grade recycled PET (rPET) packaging.

To date, CCEAP has reached over 170 cities and municipalities nationwide. The program has also been recognized at the FMCG Asia Awards, Quill Awards, and Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, underscoring its significant contribution to promoting more sustainable practices and responsible waste management.

Incentivizing community recycling systems

As an expanded part of the program, which now incorporates the Tindahan Extra Mile program, sari-sari store and carinderia owners will also become empowered to be rewarded for their recycling efforts.

Implemented in partnership with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), participating micro-retailers collect PET plastic bottles and other recyclables from their communities and can   earn points based on the volume of materials they gather. They can use these points to redeem cash or products through the bXTRA app.

The company’s continued dedication to sustainability is demonstrated by Tapon to Ipon. Through collaboration with retailers, private groups, local government entities, and micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), the company keeps expanding its network of collection centers, which makes recycling more approachable and interesting for communities nationwide.

To increase community accessibility to recycling, hundreds of collection locations have been set up around the Philippines. Visit the interactive map at https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability to locate the closest collection lo

Learn more at www.coca-cola.com/ph/ and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Entertainment

dwta’s new track, “Nasusunog (Pants On Fire),” transitions from gentle to scorching as it embraces beautiful rage

The Bicol-born artist explores anger and vulnerability in alt-rock anthem

Filipino singer-songwriter dwta is back in the spotlight with her new single, “Nasusunog (Pants On Fire)” published under Sony Music Entertainment, following the commercial success of her collaboration with SB19’s Justin, “Sampung Mga Daliri.”

“Nasusunog,” which deviates significantly from her usual folk-pop style, is an anthem that skillfully combines alt-rock music with personal introspection. The song, which was written by Jhasmine Villanueva (dwta) at the Sony x Monostereo Groove songwriting session earlier this year alongside Tiana Kocher, Ashley Mehta, and Martin Estrada, pulsates with frantic rhythms, seething rage, and explosive, in-your-face arrangements. Though her voice is still rooted in sincerity, this is her Jagged Little Pill phase.

The Bicol-born artist describes “Nasusunog (Pants On Fire)” as an exploration of what she calls a graceful wrath, the act of expressing anger in a way that remains vulnerable and composed. “It’s not screaming or exploding; it’s just simply burning, quietly and beautifully.”

The song’s conceptual genesis came from a simple but loaded childhood phrase, “Liar, liar, pants on fire,” which also serves as the song’s alternative title. What began as a playful idiom quickly revealed deeper implications. “We realized it could symbolize how deceit burns through trust,” she adds. “It became the foundation for a song about reclaiming power and releasing long-suppressed emotions.”

Recorded with Martin Estrada at the helm of production and Brian Lotho as co-producer, “Nasusunog (Pants On Fire)” retains essential elements of dwta’s sound—percussion, acoustic textures, and ornamental strings—while venturing into darker, brooding sonic terrain. The electric guitar work, in particular, lends an edge that mirrors the song’s emotional weight.

Citing Lizzy McAlpine’s “Erase Me” as a reference point, dwta embraced a moodier palette and created a track that speaks not only to her personal journey, but also to shared experiences of betrayal and resilience, especially among women.

“It wasn’t just about me, though. It was like a collective emotion from all of us in the room,” the Santigwar artist shares. “We talked about people who lie, manipulate, and make you feel small, and how we were all done with that. So the song became this emotional release, like a shared fire we all needed to let out.”

dwta continues to develop into one of the most dependable singer-songwriters of her generation with “Nasusunog (Pants On Fire),” a woman who isn’t scared to face her worries head-on with grace and candor. The new song reveals a new side to her artistic journey while reaffirming her dedication to conveying truthful stories.

Nasusunog (Pants On Fire)” by dwta is currently available on all digital music platforms across the globe through Sony Music Entertainment.