Automotive

GRIT FOR THE DAILY GRIND: A brand-new GR Corolla will make its debut in the Philippines

Retail sales start December 23 

On December 23, retail sales of the brand-new GR Corolla will begin at Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP). Along with the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR 86, TMP’s Gazoo Racing (GR) Performance car collection will soon include the brand-new GR Corolla.

The GR Corolla is built for performance and is well-known for competing in a number of motorsport championships, including Formula D, 24 Hours of Fuji, and the British Touring Car Championship. Additionally, its rally background ensures improved handling under various driving circumstances, particularly in circuit and endurance racing.

Designed to bring thrills to everyday drives, the five-seater GR Corolla is a vehicle that adapts to its environment—whether track days or trips in and out of the city. It has various drive modes—Normal, Eco, Sport, Gravel, and Track—to elevate each kind of experience.

With its five-door body, the GR Corolla makes it easy for passengers to hop in and out of the vehicle, while the spacious second row ensures they are comfortable during the ride—perfect for fun drives with loved ones.

The GR Corolla has an aerodynamic silhouette with 18-inch 235/40 aluminum wheels and tires, Bi-LED headlights with manual leveling, LED daytime running lamps, and a rear spoiler. It has a triple exhaust, functional air vents, and a diffuser to improve overall performance.

Equipped with a 1.6 turbocharged G16E-GTS: 3-Cylinder, In-line, DOHC 4-Valve Roller-Rocker engine, the GR Corolla is an all-wheel drive packed with a max output of 300 PS and max torque of 400 Nm/3,250-4,600 Rpm. It sports MacPherson Struts with Coil Springs for the front suspension, and Double Wishbone Suspension with Coil Springs for the rear.

The interiors are driver-focused, with a 12.3-inch Multi Info Display, Head up Display, a synthetic leather and suede 6-way Manual Sport Seat, and a 7-inch Display Audio with AM/FM, and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It also has adequate boot space for cargo.

The latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The A/T variant comes with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, while the M/T variant comes with Adaptive Cruise Control.

There are two versions of the GR Corolla. PHP 3,955,000 is the starting price for the 8-Speed 1.6L Turbo A/T model, whereas PHP 3,811,000 is the starting price for the 6-Speed 1.6L Turbo M/T model. Black, Super White, Precious Metal, and Emotional Red are the hues that are available.

Customers can visit https://www.toyota.com.ph/gr-corolla or make an inquiry at their local GR performance dealership right now for additional details about the GR Corolla. Go to https://www.toyota.com.ph/tgrphilippines/dealership to see the full list of GR performance dealerships.

For the latest updates on TGR products, events, and more in the Philippines, follow Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok.

 

 

December 19, 2025 by
Lifestyle, Tech

Globe Coop Volunteers Care for and Connect with Orphaned Children: From Hearts to Hands

Hearts in Hands at work: Globe Coop CAREavan volunteers prepared and delivered personalized gift bundles to uplift the children at DSWD RSCC Pampanga.

Globe Coop extended its compassionate spirit to the DSWD Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in Lubao, Pampanga. This is a component of the Globe Coop CAREavan, an employee-led outreach initiative with Globe’s regional teams that offers customized programs nationwide to create long-lasting, localized impact for vulnerable groups, such as students, special children, teen mothers, fishermen, out-of-school youth, and indigenous communities like the Mangyan and Aetas.

The project encouraged employee volunteers across North Luzon  to take an active role in preparing more than 100 carefully curated items that were assembled into personalized gift bundles. Each bundle combines everyday necessities and comfort items, including age-appropriate toys, school and art supplies, clothing essentials, hygiene kits, uplifting books, and soft toys or blankets that offer warmth and security. Volunteers also wrote personal letters to accompany each package, giving every child a message of encouragement from someone who genuinely cares.

This year’s activation highlighted how Globe Coop’s employee-led efforts can build meaningful connections with vulnerable communities. The initiative focused not only on providing for physical needs but also on supporting children’s emotional well-being by creating small moments that help them feel valued and supported.

“For many of these children, small gestures can have a big emotional impact,” said Business Head Racquel Marcelo. “Through Hearts in Hands, we want each child to feel the care and warmth of a community that believes in them. Our volunteers poured genuine love into every gift, and we hope these simple acts spark joy and remind them that they matter.”

Volunteers from Globe Coop collaborated with RSCC employees to deliver the packages and spend time with the kids. The volunteers contributed to the creation of a welcoming and comforting atmosphere for the kids through play, group activities, and casual talks.

Globe Coop’s dedication to enhancing communities via empathy and teamwork is reflected in Hearts in Hands. Globe Coop continues to contribute to the creation of a future in which every kid feels seen, cared for, and supported by enabling staff members to improve the lives of underprivileged children.

Go to www.globe.com.ph to learn more about Globe.

 

 

 

 

December 16, 2025 by
Fashion, Lifestyle

A Peaceful Moment: Pia Wurtzbach at the Skechers Cozy Fit Club

The Cozy Fit Club is an immersive getaway at Skechers that invites visitors to stop and take a vacation from our busy world.The Skechers Cozy Fit™ collection, which combines casual design with a step so comfy you could forget you’re wearing them, made their premiere during the exclusive launch!

Under the direction of Pia Wurtzbach, Skechers brand ambassadora, attendees were urged to rediscover balance in daily life and appreciate quiet.

Comfort was the main focus at The Cozy Fit Club. Guests took a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and relaxed in comfortable nooks. Skechers’ renowned comfort was evident in every aspect, from the calming atmosphere to the delicate textures.

The highlight of the afternoon was the Cozy Conversations with Pia Wurtzbach, where she shared her personal approach to balance and intentional living.

“It’s not about escaping the rush, but creating little pauses that remind you to breathe, reset, and keep moving forward,” Pia shared. “Sometimes, it’s as simple as slipping into that one pair that feels like home, soft and secure. For me, that’s the Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins in the Cozy Fit style. They make the everyday feel lighter and the steps easier.”

The day unfolded. Guests stepped out of their shoes before the sound bath, a symbolic gesture of letting go and stepping into stillness, perfectly echoing the effortless convenience of Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®.

The afternoon flowed with the calming hum of singing bowls, followed by quiet laughter and conversations over coffee and snacks, as guests explored every cozy detail at the event.

The Skechers Cozy Fit™ embodies the brand’s signature comfort. With its Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins® technology that lets wearers slide in and out of the shoes without using their hands, and Contour Foam™ midsole cushioning for max comfort levels. Every pair is crafted with premium soft quilted materials that wrap your feet in luxury, creating a cozy natural fit for all-day ease. This is the perfect union of innovation and intuition, where comfort complements every step.

 

“This event is really special to us because it’s all about slowing down, relaxing, and celebrating something we often take for granted: comfort. And that’s exactly what Skechers is all about,” shared Suzette Pasustento, Skechers Philippines Country Manager. “We’re very proud to share our new Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins in the Cozy Fit Style with you. It’s designed to make life a little easier, a little lighter, and to remind us that comfort should never be complicated.”

Skechers continues to provide comfort, ease, and balance with every step.

 

 

December 16, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

Alcantara Group Celebrates 70 Years of Influence, Leadership, and Legacy

The Alcantara Group’s second and third generations standing side by side, symbolizing the continuity of leadership and the shared commitment to carrying the company’s mission forward.

The Alcantara Group commemorated its 70th anniversary with a historic event that looked to the future while paying tribute to its rich history. Held on December 4, 2025, at the Dusit Thani Residence in Davao, the event honored the founder’s enduring vision and the Group’s legacy of service, innovation, and nation-building by bringing together generations of leaders, employees, partners, and friends under the theme “Seventy Years Strong: Forward Together.”

Conrado Alcantara and Sons, Inc. (CASI), a Davao-based business in the mid-1950s, evolved into one of the nation’s most diverse Filipino-owned conglomerates. The celebration, which took place in Davao, where the company’s history started, included a well planned display and program. The event honored Conrado Alcantara, the organization’s founder, as well as the leadership of the second-generation principals who grew the company’s presence in important industries, such as real estate development through Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), energy through the Alsons Power Unit, and aquaculture and agriculture through the Alsons Agribusiness Unit.

Guests were welcomed by a specially curated anniversary exhibit that paid tribute to the founders and the leaders of the Alcantara group, showcasing the Group’s seven-decade journey—from its beginnings in Davao to its growth into one of the country’s most diversified Filipino-owned conglomerates

The anniversary program also paid tribute to the collective efforts of employees, partners, and communities that have shaped the enterprise’s growth. Stories of collaboration and service underscore how shared values across the Alcantara Group’s business units have enabled their continued relevance and resilience amid changing landscapes and milestones across decades.

“We owe this milestone to the men and women across generations who helped shape the Alcantara Group into what it is today. What has kept us strong is not just strategy alone, but the spirit of unity and service that has guided us since the beginning—growth that uplifts both people and communities,” said Nicasio I. Alcantara, Chairman of Alcantara Group.

Alcantara Group Chairman Nicasio I. Alcantara led the commemorative toast, while Vice Chair Editha I. Alcantara delivered a heartfelt message that honored the generations of employees, partners, and communities who helped shape the Alcantara Group’s 70-year legacy.

Continuing the Group’s 70-year Legacy

With the third generation of Alcantaras poised to take the lead, the Alcantara Group’s subsidiaries, including Alsons Dev, are carrying forward its mission with renewed purpose.

As the Group’s real estate arm, Alsons Dev plays a central role in shaping communities that reflect the founder’s foresight for Mindanao, translating the company’s values of stewardship into meaningful developments on the ground.

“As we look to the future, we do so with renewed purpose—to sustain what has been built and to keep growing it with the same vision, integrity, and care that defined the generations before us,” said Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, President and CEO of Alsons Dev. “We will continue to build responsibly, create long-term value, and drive progress for generations to come.”

Third-generation leader Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, Alsons Dev President & CEO, shared reflections on the Group’s legacy and renewed direction as the company enters its next chapter.

The corporation is dedicated to growing its diverse companies and promoting industries that support long-term development, building on seven decades of achievement. The Alcantara Group looks to the future with determination, focusing on creating possibilities, supporting sustainable growth, and having a lasting impact on future generations. It is guided by the ideas that formed its early years and inspired by the generations that have carried its purpose forward.

Please visit http://www.alcantaragroup.com for further details.

December 15, 2025 by
Entertainment

IV OF SPADES releases Andalucia on vinyl, sealing a creative rebirth

The band brings their most personal and sonically adventurous album on vinyl, reaffirming the enduring value of physical media

With the exclusive vinyl release of their critically praised album Andalucia, award-winning Filipino pop-rock powerhouse IV OF SPADES continues to intensify the celebration of their eagerly awaited reunion.

During the first and second days of IV OF SPADES’ concert, which took place in the SM Mall of Asia Arena on December 12 and 13, 2025, some of the 1,000 copies of the new record were already available.

Do not be alarmed if you are unable to attend the concert! Backspacer Records will begin selling Andalucia on their official website on December 15, 2025.

“Andalucia feels like a special snapshot of where we are in our lives right now,” shares the acclaimed quartet in a press statement. “This is the first vinyl of IV OF SPADES.  Pangarap din namin ito.”

Hailed as one of the most astounding creative rebirths in OPM for the last decade, Andalucia stands as a testament to renewed brotherhood and friendship. Shaped by years of individual growth and nearly seven years of separation, the album was forged through trust, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for the member’s creative process.

While staying rooted in the band’s distinctive introspection, emotional honesty, and painstaking musical craftsmanship, the twelve-track album also explores a wide range of sound and experimentation.

Andalucia, the new album by IV OF SPADES, is currently available on all digital music platforms across the globe through Sony Music Entertainment.

 

 

December 15, 2025 by
Food

Fisher Mall launches a sardine line and plans to grow significantly by 2026

Fisher’s Best Sardines comes in Original (Tomato Sauce) and Chili Added variants, available for only ₱22, offering an affordable, convenient, and nutritious addition to everyday meals.

As it closes in 2025, Fisher Mall opens the historic Fisher’s Best Sardines, honoring the Del Rosario family’s long history of supporting local fishermen and reestablishing the mall’s connection to its fishing past. With the announcement of expansion plans for 2026 and the entrance of new international brands, the mall’s historic year comes to an end with this launch.

Fisher’s Best Sardines, which are sourced directly from Zamboanga fishermen, are priced at just ₱22 per can and come in Original (Tomato Sauce) and Chili Added varieties. The sardines, which combine cost, convenience, and nutrition with Easy Open lids and a natural source of Omega-3, provide Filipino families a premium staple that satisfies both traditional and contemporary living demands.

“Fisher Mall has always been a reflection of our roots,” said Raymond del Rosario, President of Fisher Mall Group of Companies. “With Fisher’s Best Sardines, we are celebrating the hardworking fisherfolk whose dedication makes this possible, while innovating to create products that support their livelihoods and meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

Expanding Retail Choices
In 2025, Fisher Mall expanded its retail mix with the addition of global brands such as HLA, Planet Sports, Skechers, and Converse—broadening fashion and lifestyle options for today’s shoppers. Even with this growing international presence, the mall continues to anchor its identity in community needs, ensuring that its retail mix remains accessible, intentional, and reflective of what families and everyday consumers truly look for in a neighborhood destination.

At the same time, Fisher Mall has strengthened its support for proudly Filipino products and local entrepreneurs. From introducing Fisher’s Best Sardines to spotlighting MSMEs and homegrown merchants, the mall continues to champion offerings that bring value without compromising quality. This balance between global variety and local pride reinforces Fisher Mall’s role as a community hub where shoppers can discover both new experiences and familiar favorites.

Looking ahead, Fisher Mall’s Quezon City branch is set for expansion in 2026, creating additional space for tenants, improving accessibility, and giving local suppliers—including Zamboanga fisherfolk—greater reach in Metro Manila. The mall will also continue hosting community-focused events and shared activity spaces, reinforcing its dual mission of retail innovation and social impact.

“As we move into 2026, Fisher Mall remains dedicated to uplifting local communities, expanding meaningful retail choices, and creating experiences that reflect our values of tradition, quality, and social responsibility,” Del Rosario emphasized.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/OfficialFisherMall to learn more about Fisher Mall’s accomplishments and projects.

 

 

 

 

December 15, 2025 by
Entertainment

Ben&Ben releases “The Traveller Across Dimensions” concert film online as a gift for Liwanag

The award-winning band closes 2025 with a year-end celebration of music, storytelling, and community, giving fans a front-row experience from anywhere in the world

Ben&Ben welcomes audiences into the bright world of Liwanag with Traveller Across Dimensions: The Concert Film, a year after turning their award-winning 2025 concept into a sold-out show at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

On December 14, 2025, the unique full-length film—which was made in association with LunchBox Productions—will debut on YouTube, providing viewers worldwide with the unique chance to relive the concert experience in its entirety at no cost.

Ben&Ben explains: “We really wanted all our listeners to get to enjoy this concert that we poured our hearts and souls into, so we deliberately chose to make this as accessible as possible by putting it up on YouTube. We thought it would also be a nice way to bring families together for the holidays, sharing with each other the magic and joy of our concert from the comfort of their homes.”

Billed as a “multiverse of music and emotion,” the original TTAD concert blurred the boundaries between concert, animation, and theater. Staged late last year, the arena show received widespread acclaim for its storytelling, emotional depth, and technical execution, setting a new benchmark for multimedia concerts in the Philippines. The cinematic retelling offers both a retrospective and a revelation for fans who want to relive that night in the arena and for those  who will be seeing it for the first time.

“When we first conceptualized the concert and saw all the work that had to be put into it, we knew we wanted to exert an equal amount of effort to document it all. It represented many firsts for us: our first major concert at the MOA Arena, our first time performing that many songs, and our first time attempting to record a show of that scale,” Ben&Ben shares. “With all the work we put into each second of it, we knew a well-made concert film also needed a lot of work and enough time for it to be ready for public release. So that, along with us continuing to tour The Traveller Across Dimensions throughout the year, we ultimately decided to release the film as a first anniversary special offering.”

According to the nine-piece band, the concert film was conceived as a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to their fans, fondly called Liwanag. The film’s free release emphasizes Ben&Ben’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and community.

“This year has been just so challenging for so many of us,” Ben&Ben says. “But despite these challenges, we’ve felt so much love and support from all of our Liwanag, from them constantly listening to our music to still showing up and attending our live shows. As the year ends, we wanted to give back by simply letting people enjoy this show, no strings attached, no paywall.”

While the live concert captivated the crowd with its scale and immediacy, the film version provides a more intimate encounter, allowing audiences to discern subtle details, symbolisms, and emotional arcs that may have been missed in the live setting.

Ben&Ben won Album of the Year at the Awit Awards 2025, the nation’s counterpart of the Grammy Awards, in the weeks preceding the release of The Traveller Across Dimensions: The Concert Film. Soon after, during The Traveller Across Dimensions: An Immersive Storytelling Experience, fans were given an unexpected first peek at the concert trailer. On December 3, 2025, a day after the concert film’s official announcement was posted online, the trailer finally had its social media debut.

You can listen to the set playlist on Spotify here and see the concert video on YouTube here.

 

 

December 15, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

Amid Questions Over Governance, Country Club Members Demand Greater Transparency

While I was quietly sipping my morning coffee in a cozy place somewhere in Ortigas, someone leaned over and mentioned the latest news from the country club in Metro Manila—and I was stunned as I listened to what she had to say.

A growing number of members at a prominent country club are now backing a formal petition demanding greater openness and accountability from the club’s leadership.

Documents currently circulating among members show that a concerned group is urging the board to hold an extraordinary general meeting before the end of the year. The proposed agenda outlines several governance and operational matters that, according to the petition, need urgent explanation.

The petition outlines more than 20 specific questions directed at senior leadership. Many of these focus on governance practices, including whether certain decisions—particularly those involving senior management—were properly authorized by the board. One issue drawing heightened attention is the reported suspension of the club’s operations head, which has sparked calls for clarity on due process and executive authority.

The members leading the effort maintain that their actions are procedural, aimed at protecting the club’s integrity and strengthening proper governance. They reaffirm a core belief that the club “belongs to its members,” and that transparency is “non-negotiable.”

While the board has yet to issue an official response, a meeting has been set for December 20 to address the situation. Members hope the discussion will bring clarity and help restore trust within the community.

 

 

December 12, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

Vena Energy Secures Bronze Recognition at the AmCham 2025 Corporate Social Impact Awards, Affirming its Dedication to Community Welfare in the Philippines

From left to right: Rona May Cadelino (Associate, CSR) Sharlene Mae Tabañar (Manager, Administration) Jackson Digno (Senior Manager, Human Resources) Marivic Acuyong (Manager, CSR) Francis Miel Dilig (Associate, CSR)

Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions company in the Asia-Pacific region, was recently recognized at the prestigious AmCham Philippines 2025 Corporate Social Impact (CSI) Awards. The company, through its entity, Helios Solar Energy Corp. (HSEC), was honored with the Bronze Award in the highly competitive Community Impact & Civic Engagement category for its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Program.

Presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in partnership with the U.S. Embassy, this award underscores Vena Energy’s strong belief that its role extends beyond clean energy production to encompass holistic sustainable development within its host communities.

The Impact of Clean Water and Sanitation in Cadiz City

Implemented in partnership with the Cadiz City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Health Office (CHO), the WASH Program directly addresses the pressing public health issue of insufficient hygiene and sanitation infrastructure in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

The WASH Program highlights Vena Energy’s strategic focus on investing in essential community welfare and infrastructure and is aligned with the company’s CSR focus on Community Well-being and Infrastructure Development, directly supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

By addressing fundamental needs such as clean water and hygiene, Vena Energy shows its firm commitment to ensuring a healthy and resilient environment where its projects operate.

Cadiz City Municipal Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr., applauded the efforts, stating, “HSEC’s generosity and commitment to creating a better future for children through the City’s Early Childhood Care Development Program are deeply appreciated, and our CSR partnership is making a significant difference and positive impact in our municipality”.

A Legacy of Local Partnership in the Philippines

This recognition reflects Vena Energy’s long-standing dedication to accelerating the energy transition and advancing green solutions in the Philippines. Its success is anchored by strong, collaborative relationships with Local Government Units (LGUs) and host communities across the country.

“Vena Energy is deeply honored to receive this award, which validates our team’s hard work and commitment to our Filipino host communities,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of The Philippines. “As we continue to develop clean energy infrastructure to meet the national goal of 35% renewable energy share by 2030, we remain focused on our shared responsibility: building a workplace where our people feel empowered and investing in meaningful programs that advance the well-being of our community partners.”

Vena Energy’s staunch commitment to integrating internationally recognized Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards into its strategy, ensures that it will continue to grow alongside the Philippines toward a cleaner and more prosperous future.

For more information, please visit www.venagroup.com.

For more information, please visit www.venaenergy.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.

 

December 12, 2025 by
Tech

To improve the future of high-end smartphones, Infinix and Pininfarina have announced a strategic design partnership

Collaboration Previews the Upcoming Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra designed by Pininfarina

A photo captured at Business of Design Week 2025 shows a Pininfarina representative unveiling the new design partnership to the public.

Today, during Business of Design Week 2025, Infinix announced a historic strategic alliance with Pininfarina, the renowned Italian design firm with a 95-year history of creating some of the most renowned cars in the world as well as innovative products in industries like yachting, luxury lifestyle, and architecture. The Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra is expected to be the first smartphone to come out of this partnership, which signifies the start of a new flagship design series.

Since 1930, every vehicle bearing the Pininfarina logo has stood as a marvel of Italian design and ingenuity, from the classic silhouette of the Alfa Romeo Spider to the renowned curves of the Ferrari Testarossa. Pininfarina is now bringing its legacy and way of life, which are rich in performance and beauty, to smartphones. A significant milestone for the studio and the industry is the impending “Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra design by Pininfarina.”

With shipments and market share growing, Infinix enters the partnership at a time of tremendous global momentum. In Q2 2025, Infinix had the biggest quarterly gain in shipments in Southeast Asia, according to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.  The partnership intends to establish a new standard for high-end smartphone craftsmanship and present upscale, design-driven experiences to a worldwide audience by fusing Pininfarina’s renowned design philosophy with Infinix’s passion for technological innovation.

“As we collaborate with leading partners across different fields, we are steadily advancing Infinix’s journey toward premiumization,” said Tony Zhao, CEO of Infinix. “Our work with Pininfarina is an important step in strengthening the design foundation of our future products, beginning with the NOTE 60 Series. This partnership reinforces our commitment to deepening investment in high-end design and establishing a new aesthetic benchmark for future flagship products.”

Fabio Calorio, Senior Vice President of Brand at Pininfarina, said: “Partnering with Infinix on this project has been a great opportunity both to express Pininfarina’s legacy of Italian design excellence into the realm of technology and to apply our principles, based on the combination of beauty and performance, in order to make a lasting impact on the user experience. For nearly a century, our brand has shaped new ways of living, been synonymous with purity, timeless design, and emotion in form — values that perfectly align with Infinix’s vision of innovation.”

A teaser poster featuring the Infinix × Pininfarina collaboration, hinting at the upcoming co-designed flagship device, the Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra.

As Infinix and Pininfarina are gearing up to usher in a new era of premium mobile design, full details on the device’s design philosophy, features, and availability will be announced in the coming days.

For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/ 

 

 

December 11, 2025 by