Monthly Archives

January 2026

Lifestyle, News

As a Cisco Preferred Networking Partner under the Cisco 360 Partner Program Framework, Eastern Communications dominates the Philippine market

From L to R: Cisco PH Partner Account Manager Kate Apodaca Dayanghirang, Cisco PH Manager, Partner Operations Rommel Angeles, Cisco PH Managing Director Zaza Nicart, Eastern Communications (EC) Coordinator Aileen Regio, EC Coordinator Jaeson Evangelista, and EC Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer Edsel Paglinawan

Eastern Communications has been officially recognized by Cisco as a Cisco Preferred Networking Partner, placing the Philippines’ pioneer telecommunications and ICT solutions provider among the first in the Philippines to earn the designation ahead of the global rollout of the Cisco 360 Partner Program in January 2026. The designation is given to partners that demonstrate advanced technical capability, strong lifecycle practices, and deep customer engagement. This recognition marks a strategic milestone for Eastern Communications as it strengthens its role in the country’s rapidly evolving, AI-enabled digital economy.

The Cisco 360 Partner Program, considered the company’s most significant partner transformation in 25 years, introduces new specializations, incentives, and bonuses that place greater weight on value delivery and specialized expertise.

With the needs of customers evolving in the AI era, the program’s evolution connects partner success to how they meet customer needs and ambitions, rewarding partners for driving profitable growth through lifecycle value creation, managed services, software adoption, and renewals.  Cisco partners that have achieved advanced technical expertise, invested deeply in customer engagement, and built foundational practices are designated as Cisco Preferred Partners.

“On behalf of Eastern, we are incredibly proud of our entire team’s relentless drive for innovation. This recognition and new designation as Cisco’s Preferred Networking Partner signifies a validation of the quality and strategic relevance of our product roadmap, positioning us to deliver even more advanced, high-impact solutions to our customers,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer.

By achieving this distinction ahead of the formal rollout, Eastern Communications signals that it is not only prepared for the next era of enterprise technology, it is already operating in it.

Strengthened capabilities, long-standing collaboration

Eastern Communications’ early elevation is an outcome of its continuous investment in its technical workforce, lifecycle service maturity, and innovation-led solutions across cybersecurity, cloud, networking, and managed connectivity. For customers, this means faster deployment, stronger security outcomes, and more consistent end-to-end service delivery supported by deeper access to Cisco expertise and AI-ready architectures. These efforts have also shaped its long-standing relationship with Cisco, which began in 2020 and has since yielded industry recognition such as Top Small Business Partner of the Year (2021) and Breakthrough Partner of the Year (2024).

Beyond commercial success, Eastern Communications, in its role as a Cisco Partner, has supported the local business community through Eastern Communications’ thought leadership program — Access Eastern — which equips organizations with insights to navigate digital transformation, AI integration, and security challenges.

Raising the bar as businesses adopt AI

As enterprises accelerate their shift toward AI-enabled operations, the Cisco 360 Partner Program emphasizes partners capable of delivering bundled, high-impact solutions that match emerging customer needs. Eastern Communications’ Preferred Networking Partner status affirms its ability to support organizations through these shifts, both with advanced technical skill and a service philosophy rooted in “High Tech” and “High Touch.”

The recognition directly supports Eastern Communications’ 2025 commitment to exceeding expectations, reinforcing its direction to offer secure, future-proof solutions while maintaining the personalized support that sets it apart in the industry.

With over 145 years of experience, the telecom provider keeps growing its position as a reliable technology partner for companies across the country by giving them the knowledge, resources, and direction they need to prosper in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

Visit www.eastern.com.ph or call 5300-7000 to find out more about Eastern Communications’ offerings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food, Lifestyle

Coca-Cola Philippines Promotes Water Stewardship at La Mesa Watershed Through Reforestation

Coca-Cola Philippines employees join tree-planting activity at La Mesa Watershed.

On December 17, 2025, Coca-Cola Philippines staff members participated in a tree-planting event at La Mesa Dam with the Million Trees Foundation, demonstrating the company’s dedication to sustainability through active involvement. The initiative demonstrated how community involvement and corporate involvement may contribute to the preservation of one of Metro Manila’s most vital water sources.

Employees of Coca-Cola Philippines gathered to plant native seedlings at the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center in Quezon City’s La Mesa Watershed. The program is a component of the broader Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC), a long-term watershed rehabilitation initiative that started under the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and is currently being maintained by the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) with the objective of planting an additional 10 million trees by 2030.

Coca-Cola Philippines employee volunteers plant native seedlings as part of ongoing reforestation efforts.

La Mesa Dam is Metro Manila’s primary watershed and one of the remaining major forest reserves in the region. Its protection is essential to ensuring clean, stable water supply for the capital. Reforestation efforts—especially those that focus on tree-growing, not just tree-planting—contribute to soil conservation, improved groundwater recharge, and long-term ecological resilience.

“The strength of the Million Trees Initiative comes from collective effort. When partners like Coca-Cola Philippines show up on the ground, it accelerates our work to restore critical watersheds like La Mesa,” Mr. Melandrew T. Velasco, Million Trees Foundation Inc, President and Executive Director, “Each seedling planted today is part of a bigger commitment to protect the ecosystems that support millions of Filipinos.”

MTFI President and Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco, together with Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario and Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Senior Director Maria Christine Garcia, joined the tree-growing orientation before the tree-planting activity, where they learned proper tree-planting techniques and sustainable practices for watershed conservation.

For employee volunteers, the activity was a meaningful way to take part in environmental protection while gaining a deeper appreciation of watershed stewardship — a core focus of the company’s Sustainability Matters campaign.  “Today proved that sustainability is about action — and that small efforts become meaningful when we work as one.” said Maria Christine Garcia, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca-Cola Far East Limited (CCFEL), underscored how employee volunteerism strengthens the company’s sustainability goals.

“Our sustainability journey is grounded in strong partnerships, long-term commitments, and the dedication of our people. Initiatives like this underscore the vital role each of us plays in safeguarding essential resources such as the La Mesa Watershed,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca-Cola Far East Limited. “This activity reflects our broader commitment to environmental stewardship and to collaborating with communities and partners to create lasting, meaningful impact.”

The public can visit www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/sustainable to find out more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives.

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

 

Automotive

Kick Off the New Year in Style! Drive Home a New Toyota This January   

Toyota Motor Philippines chimes in on the new year with new deals and promos, bringing you closer than ever to your dream cars!

Pay Light and Save More When You Pay with Straight Cash!

Get the ATIV 1.5 HEV CVT 2T for a low monthly payment of PHP 10,741 under the Pay Light Option, which offers customers low monthly plans with a 50-percent downpayment and a 60-month amortization period.

Looking for a fun, Subcompact Crossover SUV to drive around the city? The YARIS CROSS 1.5 S HEV CVT 2T is also available for a monthly payment of PHP 15,504 under the Pay Light Option.

For those looking for a crossover SUV with Toyota’s Motorsports DNA, customers can enjoy a PHP 140,000 discount on the COROLLA CROSS 1.8 GR-S CVT 2T when they pay in cash.

Free 1-Year Insurance

Toyota guests who have purchased selected variants of the Vios, Wigo, Avanza, Veloz, Innova, Fortuner and Hilux are also entitled to a free one-year comprehensive insurance provided by Toyota Insure when purchased during the promo period. The free one-year insurance covers 24/7 personal accident, passenger auto personal accident, three-year CPTL, own damage (OD), loss/theft, excess bodily injury (EBI), property damage (PD), acts of nature (AON), and includes emergency roadside assistance.

Free PMS for selected Toyota Models 

Toyota guests who have purchased the Toyota Raize, Avanza, and select models of the Toyota Vios, Fortuner, Hilux, Innova and Avanza, are eligible to a free periodic maintenance service, applicable to five periodic maintenance services from 1,000 KM to 20,000KM, within 48 months from the release date of the vehicle.

Tamaraw, Rush, Corolla Altis, and Wigo Service Discount voucher for PMS

All variants of the Tamaraw sold and released to Toyota Guests during the promo period are also eligible for a Service Discount Voucher worth PHP 1,200 (VAT inclusive), applicable to nine PMS intervals from the 1,000KM to 40,000KM check-ups. Customers may redeem the PHP 1,200 Service Discount Voucher within 48 months from the vehicle’s release date.

Owners of a brand-new Rush, Corolla Altis, and Wigo sold and released during the promo period are also entitled to the PHP 1,200 Service Discount Voucher. This voucher, which may be redeemed within 36 months from the vehicle’s release date, is applicable to seven PMS intervals from the 1,000KM to 30,000KM check-ups.

Toyota 5-Year Warranty

Toyota guests who have bought a brand-new Toyota Vehicle from any of our authorized dealers in the Philippines since January 1, 2025, are eligible for a Toyota 5-Year Warranty! This includes a 3-year Manufacturer Warranty, with a coverage of 3 years, or 100,000 KM whichever comes first, followed by a 2-year Service Loyalty Warranty that includes a coverage of up to 2 years, or 40,000 KM whichever comes first.

Promo runs from January 16 to 31, 2026 only. Check out the full mechanics, offers, and participating models here:https://toyota.com.ph/promos/KickstartTheYear

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-246615 Series of 2026 

Follow Toyota Motor Philippines on FacebookInstagram and X, and join the ToyotaPH community on Viber to get the latest updates on products, services, and promos.  

 

Entertainment

A$AP Rocky’s anxiously awaited fourth studio album “DON’T BE DUMB” out now

Multi-hyphenated artist, entrepreneur, actor and fashion icon A$AP Rocky released his long-awaited fourth studio album DON’T BE DUMB via A$AP Worldwide/RCA RecordsDON’T BE DUMB is Rocky’s first album in 8 years, driving unprecedented global demand from fans with the album reaching over 130k vinyls sold before release date and claiming the place of #1 pre-saved Hip-Hop album on Spotify with over 1 million saves.

DON’T BE DUMB features a stacked list of collaborators, including BossMan Dlow, Brent Faiyaz, Danny Elfman, Doechii, Gorillaz, Jon Batiste, Jessica Pratt, Slay Squad, Thundercat, Tyler, The Creator, Westside Gunn, and will.i.am. Danny Elfman and Thundercat also appeared in the music video for “Punk Rocky,” as band members alongside an ensemble of characters.

The two tracks preceding the album, “Punk Rocky” and “Helicopter,” built immense hype for DON’T BE DUMB. “Punk Rocky” was heralded by Variety as setting “a new standard in humor and surreality” for Rocky, with Rolling Stone stating that “the soon-to-be-released album is shaping up to be one of Rocky’s most creative yet.”

In collaboration with award-winning filmmaker Tim Burton, the cover art for DON’T BE DUMB features six of Rocky’s signature personas, brought to life in the visionary filmmaker’s unmistakable style. Each character from the six-man ensemble offers a window into unforgettable moments across the course of Rocky’s illustrious career. The alter-egos list includes GR1M, MR. MAYERS, RUGAHAND, BABUSHKA BOI, DUMMY, and SHIRTHEAD, setting the stage for the ever-evolving narrative universe of “DON’T BE DUMB.”

Rocky has partnered with both Quince and Bilt for exclusive DON’T BE DUMBvinyls, serving as extensions of the innovative partnerships Rocky has activated throughout the album’s rollout, adding even further hype around this release. More than just records, the collections stand as physical embodiments of the album’s universe, minimal, disruptive, and intentionally timeless, blurring the line between music, design, and cultural artifact.

This album comes on the heels of a massive year for Rocky, in which he served as co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala, starred in two A24-produced feature films — Highest 2 Lowest directed by Spike Lee, and the Golden-Globe-winning If I Had Legs I’d Kick You directed by Mary Bronstein, was announced as the creative director for Ray-Ban, and was appointed as Chanel’s new house ambassador.

DON’T BE DUMB Tracklist

DISC 1

  1. ORDER OF PROTECTION
  2. HELICOPTER
  3. INTERROGATION (SKIT)
  4. STOLE YA FLOW
  5. STAY HERE 4 LIFE
  6. PLAYA
  7. NO TRESPASSING
  8. STOP SNITCHING
  9. STFU
  10. PUNK ROCKY
  11. AIR FORCE (BLACK DEMARCO)
  12. WHISKEY (RELEASE ME)
  13. ROBBERY
  14. DON’T BE DUMB / TRIP BABY
  15. THE END

DISC 2

  1. SWAT TEAM
  2. FISH N STEAK (WHAT IT IS)

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Filipino breakout band Fitterkarma announces “Aswang Sa Maynila” single launch this February

The band celebrates the release with an hour-long live set

After gaining prominence in 2025 with the viral success of “Pag-ibig Ay Kanibalismo II” and “Kalapastangan,” Filipino alt-rock band Fitterkarma starts the new year right with the launch of their upcoming new single, “Aswang Sa Maynila,” taking place at 123 Block, Mandaluyong City, on February 14, 2026.

Produced by Fitterkarma, in partnership with GNN and ONErpm, Bangungot: “Aswang Sa Maynila” Single Launch will feature an hour-long set from the band, alongside a carefully curated lineup of support acts.

“Fans can expect a very exciting lineup of artists supporting us,” frontman Joao de Leon shares in a press statement. “For our set, we’ll be playing more songs than usual, including some older tracks and unreleased material. We’re also preparing a few surprising covers, which we’re really excited to share.”

About “Aswang Sa Maynila”

Set for a release a day before the launch, “Aswang Sa Maynila” explores themes of displacement and longing, reflecting “the feeling of not belonging in someone’s heart no matter what you do.”

“It captures the frustration of wanting to say so much to a person you care about but ultimately feeling powerless and unheard,” Joao adds.

The track was composed by Joao de Leon, with bandmates Soph, Ders, and Mikee contributing their respective parts. Production duties were handled by Xergio Ramos, who added elements to the arrangement and helped Fitterkarma balance all of their ideas. Drawing influence from J-Rock and heavier-leaning music styles, the song also features guest vocals from Kai Sevillano of Novocrane. “Having Kai as the voice of the track also marks our first collaboration with another artist, which makes this release especially exciting for us,” Joao reveals.

More details about the show

Apart from launching their new single on a live music platform, Bangungot: “Aswang Sa Maynila” Single Launch also serves as Fitterkarma’s gesture of gratitude to their growing fanbase. Attendees can look forward to booths, exclusive merch, and interactive activities throughout the event.

Additional supporting acts will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets to the show are available via https://www.bit.ly/aswangsamnl.

Fitterkarma is a Filipino art rock band known for their gothic and folklore-inspired themes, dark, emotional songwriting, and genre-bending sounds. Last year, the Filipino indie outfit achieved both commercial and critical success—thanks to their massive hit “Pag-ibig Ay Kanibalismo II,” which reached No. 1 on Spotify Philippines Top 50 chart and the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 in December 2025. The song has maintained its position on top for multiple weeks and has landed on year-end, best-of lists on notable music publications such as Billboard Philippines, Rolling Stone Philippines, and Flying Lugaw. Their other smash single, “Kalapastangan,” has also performed exceptionally well on streaming, peaking at No. 2 and No. 5 on Spotify and Billboard Philippines charts, respectively.

 

 

 

Travel

In honor of its 80th anniversary, Ethiopian Airlines is offering special fares with discounts of up to 80%

On January 18, 2026, Ethiopian Airlines, the biggest airline in Africa, will formally begin its 80th anniversary celebration. The airline is launching an unprecedented 80-day campaign with fare savings of up to 80% for specific flights from Singapore to Africa and South America to commemorate eight decades of aviation leadership.

With 130 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond, Ethiopian Airlines has expanded from a regional carrier to a worldwide powerhouse since its first trip to Cairo in 1946. On April 8, 2026, the airline will celebrate its 80th anniversary. This milestone emphasizes the airline’s crucial role in linking the Asia-Pacific region with Africa and beyond.

Throughout the campaign, travellers from Singapore will enjoy exclusive anniversary fares on selected routes via Addis Ababa. These promotional fares offer a unique opportunity to explore key destinations within Ethiopian Airlines’ vast network.

The 80th Anniversary campaign will run in four 20 day phases, with savings decreasing as the promotion progresses. Discounts will start from up to 80% in the first phase, with seats available on a first come, first served basis in each phase. Please also find the media video here.

Campaign Details:

Promotional Phases: 

  • 18 January – 6 February 2026: Up to 80% discount
  • 7 February – 26 February 2026: Up to 60% discount
  • 27 February – 18 March 2026: Up to 40% discount
  • 19 March – 8 April 2026 – Up to 20% discount
  1. Eligible Destinations: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Victoria Falls, Seychelles, Antananarivo, São Paulo, Buenos Aires
  2. Booking Period: 18 January to 8 April 2026
  3. Travel Period:  1 February to 30 June 2026 (Monday and Wednesday flights only)
  4. Eligible Cabins: Available for Economy Class base fares only
  5. Booking Channels: Available on all Ethiopian Airlines booking channels, including the website, mobile app, and authorised travel agents

Visit www.ethiopianairlines.com or get in touch with your local Ethiopian Airlines office for additional details, to reserve your cheap flight, or to find out more about this special offer.

 

 

Entertainment

Madison Beer shares new album “locket”

locket album cover artwork

carving her own lane in pop” -PAPER

“both the album and the accessory it’s named after feel like a vessel for her memories. locket holds all the experiences she’s had that make the project what it is now.”  -Rolling Stone

Two-time GRAMMY-nominated and platinum-selling artist Madison Beer shares her new album, locket via Epic Records, alongside the release of the official music video for her new single bad enough.”  

Written and co-produced by Madison, the album is her most exciting, visceral collection of songs to date and firmly plants the flag as one of the marquee pop records to rule 2026.

Earlier this week, Madison debuted new song “bad enough” with a standout performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, marking the track’s first-ever live performance.

A locket is more than just a charm or a piece of jewelry. It is a keepsake, a secret enclosure holding vital memories. To Madison, it encapsulates a world of remembrances and experiences, each of which become woven together to comprise the singer-songwriter and pop luminary’s latest, most urgent and magnetic album.

The album features her widely acclaimed releases, “make you mine,” “yes baby,” and “bittersweet.” Madison earned her second GRAMMY nomination for “make you mine” in the Best Dance Pop Recording category in 2025. Since its release in 2024, the track reached #1 on Billboard’s Dance Airplay chart, marking her first solo chart-topper and cementing her as a mainstay at Dance Radio. “yes baby,” released last September, continued her run of success by also reaching the top of the chart.

bittersweet” emerged as a breakout moment for Beer, becoming her fastest song to enter Top 40 radio and earning her career debut on Billboard’s Hot 100. The single became a defining live moment with performances at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show—where the YouTube livestream peaked at 2.5M viewers during her set—and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

Madison Beer press photo, credit: Morgan Maher

locket TRACKLIST

  1. locket theme
  2. yes baby
  3. angel wings
  4. for the night
  5. bad enough
  6. healthy habit
  7. you’re still everything
  8. bittersweet
  9. complexity
  10. make you mine
  11. nothing at all

FOLLOW MADISON BEER HERE:

Website | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook

Fashion, Lifestyle

Pia Chooses These Skechers Shoes for Comfort

Everyone wants shoes that can effortlessly transition from casual to stylish, fit into a hectic holiday schedule, and provide comfort without sacrificing style. Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins® demonstrate how simple it is to put on shoes without disrupting your daily routine, as shown on Pia Wurtzbach in the most recent Skechers commercial. Don’t bend. Without a fuss. Just dependable comfort and effortless style.

Pia Wurtzbach newest commercial https://youtu.be/9MjuAAw39fY?si=mqOQm2uZiJSDwvUt demonstrates how these sneakers easily and stylishly integrate into her routine in her most recent Skechers commercial. Pia demonstrates how Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins® make it simple to appear put together without exerting too much effort, whether she’s getting ready to go out or dressed for a laid-back day.

“What makes Skechers stand out compared to other footwear brands is that it is really comfortable. No matter what style you choose,” Pia shared. “If you’re always on the go, you need to be comfortable. Thank goodness for these shoes.” Beyond daily wear, Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins are designed for versatility, whether it’s running errands, traveling during the busy holiday season, or even playing your favorite sport like pickleball.

Pia Wurtzbach’s latest Skechers campaign highlights her signature mix of comfort and style. In the behind-the-scenes video https://www.instagram.com/reels/DP09IG1AbLp/ and latest TVC, Pia wears standout looks from the Skechers Fall Winter 2025 collection.

Here are Pia’s top tips for nailing that effortless look with Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®.

Style Tip #1 Pick a color theme and stick to it

Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0

Pia knows that a balanced color story can instantly pull a look together, and when it comes to performance and style, the Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0 stands out as the ultimate favorite among pros, celebrities, and pickleball enthusiasts alike. Designed for the court but made to move beyond it, this pair brings together high-performance comfort and versatile style. Whether you’re gearing up for a match or winding down after one, the Viper Court Pro 2.0 delivers support and standout flair, proof that true comfort never sits on the sidelines.

Style Tip #2 Mix sporty sneakers with elegant pieces for a hi-lo look

Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®: Stamina Sport

Pia brings a fresh twist to everyday dressing this holiday season by pairing the Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®: Stamina Sport sneakers with a structured blazer and clean neutrals. Whether she’s hopping from one gathering to another or running last-minute errands, the look strikes a modern balance of sporty and refined, perfect for the festive rush. With the Hands Free Slip-ins® feature, Pia can simply step in and go, making it easier to stay relaxed yet effortlessly put-together amid the season’s celebrations.

Style Tip #3 Don’t be afraid to explore beyond your usual look

Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®: Hotshot

Take a cue from Pia and mix a color-block jacket with classic denim for a look that feels fresh yet grounded in retro sneaker style. The Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®: Hotshot adds a clean, classic touch that complements playful layers, while the hands-free design and signature comfort make it easy to wear anywhere, from relaxed holiday hangouts to casual days out in the city.

Style Tip #4 Glam Up Your Athleisure

Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®: Max Cushioning® Endeavour

For a polished, put-together look, turn athleisure into a statement with a tailored matching clothing combination. For an athletic yet stylish finish, add Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®: Max Cushioning® Endeavour. These sneakers are ideal for an active day over the holiday break because of their incredibly comfortable cushioning, which also keeps your athleisure looking stylish.

This holiday season, Pia’s advice shows how simple it is to combine comfort and style. She demonstrates how Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins® make casual ensembles feel stylish and carefree through color play and athleisure glam.

Lifestyle, Travel

Vietjet highlights its Manila–Ho Chi Minh City route with an exclusive 23-hour promotion offering 30% off Deluxe fares on January 15

Vietjet aircraft

On January 15, 2026, Vietjet will offer Filipino passengers 30% off Deluxe tickets on all of its flights as part of a one-day deal to start the New Year. Direct daily flights on the recently opened Manila–Ho Chi Minh City route are included in the promotion, and travelers can also reserve domestic flights inside Vietnam at discounted rates.

By using the offer code DELUXE2026, travelers who book Deluxe prices on the Vietjet website and mobile app can receive 30% off base fares from 1:00 AM to the end of January 15, 2026, Philippine time. The offer is valid for flights operating between February 1 and December 31, 2026 (*), so foreign passengers have plenty of time to organize their trip to Vietnam and other destinations this year.

Vietjet flight attendant

Vietjet’s Deluxe fare is designed for added comfort and flexibility, and includes 20kg of checked baggage, free seat selection, free itinerary changes, and other value-added benefits (**).

Hoi An ancient town in Da Nang, Vietnam

Vietnam is a top destination for Filipino travelers, with arrivals from the Philippines rising 81.3%, according to Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. From Ho Chi Minh City’s electric street life to its dynamic food scene and buzzing nightlife, Vietnam’s southern metropolis offers an irresistible blend of world-class cuisine, rich history, modern energy, and warm, genuine hospitality. Filipino travelers can also visit the capital of Hanoi, gateway to misty mountain splendors of Ha Giang, Sa Pa or visit Vietnam’s heritage sites in Hue, Hoi An thanks to Vietjet’s extensive and convenient flights in Vietnam. The country weaves an irresistible tapestry of world-class cuisine, rich traditions, stunning nature, and genuine hospitality.

Along with foreign cuisine, Vietjet’s skilled and attentive cabin crew serves fresh, hot Vietnamese classics including Pho, Banh Mi, and Vietnamese iced milk coffee. Modern, fuel-efficient aircraft are used to run flights, and there are occasionally in-flight cultural and entertainment events.

A beach in Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Make travel plans now and use Vietjet to explore Vietnam!

(*) Travel periods may vary by route and blackout dates apply

(**) Terms and conditions apply

Further information at www.vietjetair.com

 

 

Lifestyle, Tech

Globe Opens New Store at NAIA Terminal 3 Arrival Section, Elevating Connectivity for Record-Breaking Traveler Volume

As air travel rebounds strongly, Globe is stepping up to meet inbound demand with the opening of its new store at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 arrival section. Positioned right at the arrivals exit area, the store is designed to give international travelers instant access to mobile connectivity as soon as they land.

The airport processed a historic 52.02 million passengers last year in a report disclosed by NAIA on their website, marking the highest‑ever annual volume. That reflects a surge in travel demand and a recovery beyond pre‑pandemic levels.

With thousands of passengers arriving daily, the new store aims to deliver immediate value and convenience, offering physical SIM cards and eSIM activation, prepaid load top-ups, and bills payment, catering to the diverse needs of international travelers.

To commemorate the store opening, Globe is rolling out special launch promotions from December 15, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Travelers who purchase a Globe Traveler SIM get a free gift such as a portable travel neck pillow and a free Grab voucher.

“Global traveler volume at NAIA has surged to record highs, and we’re making sure every visitor begins their Philippine journey with reliable connectivity,” said Givielle Florida, Head of Globe Prepaid. “Our new NAIA store ensures our brand delivers beyond network services. We enable seamless access to community, mobility and information the moment travelers arrive.”

As Globe Prepaid is the preferred mobile partner for inbound tourists, Globe reinforces its role as a catalyst for effortless connectivity and tourism‑ready service.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/international/traveler-sim.