Lifestyle, News

Pru Life UK won the 2025 Insurance Asia Awards’ International Life Insurer of the Year Philippines title

Pru Life UK Head of Brand & Integrated Marketing Communications Kathryn Cajucom (2nd from left) and Assistant Manager for Corporate Communications Lalaine Almazan (1st from right) received the International Life Insurer of the Year-Philippines recognition from Insurance Asia Awards.

Pru Life UK has once again demonstrated its status as a top insurer in the Philippines by winning International Life Insurer of the Year – Philippines for the fifth consecutive year at the recent 2025 Insurance Asia Awards.

The leading awards show for the Asia Pacific insurance industry is the Insurance Asia Awards. Its goal is to honor and celebrate the best insurance companies in the area for their inventiveness and profound influence on the lives of their clients.

“Winning the International Life Insurer of the Year – Philippines title for the fifth consecutive year is a testament to our dedication to excellence and inclusive growth. Over the past year, Pru Life UK has continued its focus on improving our business performance, while also empowering and accelerating value for our employees, customers, shareholders and communities,” said Kathryn Cajucom, Vice President and Head of Branding and Integrated Marketing Communications.

Maintaining customer trust

Pru Life UK attributes its recent victory to the unwavering support of its customers and partners. Throughout the years, the company has rolled out various initiatives to strengthen financial inclusion and to innovate its services to meet their needs.

These include extending financial protection to all Filipino communities—regardless of faith, background, or income—with PRUTerm Lindungi, Pru Life UK’s first life protection plan in the Philippines that is compliant with Islamic laws. The company’s expanded Madrasah initiatives have also provided more Filipinos access to its tailored solutions for diverse cultural and religious needs.

In addition, Pru Life UK introduced easy and secure cashless payment options to allow a more seamless and convenient experience for its customers. Its PRULink Global Tech Navigator Fund enables customers to participate in dynamic growth opportunities within the global technology sector.

“These initiatives play an important role in our growth. To date, we have insured over two million lives,” said Cajucom.

Keeping employees delighted

Fostering employee well-being and development is also among Pru Life UK’s key priorities.

In the past year, the company opened the PRUHouse head office, aimed at enhancing collaboration and promoting a customer-centric culture.

“Our people remain our greatest asset. In the past year, we have also reinforced our commitment to employee welfare through well-being initiatives and career development support, ensuring that our workforce remains motivated, resilient, and equipped to meet future challenges,” said Cajucom.

Pru Life UK has grown its workforce to more than 40,000 dedicated professionals and expanded its network to over 200 branches and general agencies nationwide.

Cultivating a sustainable future

Regarding sustainability, Pru Life UK has intensified its strategy for climate resilience. It started educational programs and a comic book that emphasizes how climate change affects Filipinos’ mental health and financial stability as part of this endeavor.

“We recognise that sustainable growth requires collective action, and we will continue to collaborate with partners, communities, and stakeholders to protect the planet and make a positive difference for generations to come,” said Cajucom.

“Once again, we are grateful to Insurance Asia Awards for this honour. We will use this accomplishment as an inspiration to continue delivering impactful work that empowers Filipinos,” added Cajucom.

 

 

 

Automotive

In the compact SUV segment, LYNK & CO 02 GET THE HIGHEST EURO NCAP SAFETY RATING

The Euro New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), a well recognized, independent safety body that conducts crash tests and assigns ratings based on new vehicles’ safety performance, recently gave the Lynk & Co 02 E-SUV a 5-star grade, placing it in a class of its own. This 5-star certification, which is the highest for a small SUV in the current evaluation cycle of Euro NCAP, validates the 02 E-SUV as the safest car tested in its class in 2025.

With exceptional performance in every evaluation category, including the highest ever recorded Safety Assistance rating of 89%, the 02 raises the bar for safety in its class and demonstrates Lynk & Co.’s dedication to fusing cutting-edge technology, practical sustainability, and creative design.

The 02 E-SUV now joins its stablemate the 01 PHEV as a new energy Lynk & Co ride with full marks for safety, as assessed and confirmed by the Euro NCAP.

The 02 E-SUV’s near-perfect rating was based on safety test performance across four categories: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users, and Safety Assist. It achieved outstanding results in every area: 90% for Adult Occupant Protection, 87% for Child Occupant Protection, 83% for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and a standout 89% for Safety Assist, the highest ever recorded by Euro NCAP in its current evaluation cycle.

For Lynk & Co, this recognition affirms the value of creating cars with integrity and putting real experiences at the heart of road safety. Whether navigating busy city streets or out on the open road, the 02 is designed and engineered to keep you and those around you as safe as possible.

For a closer experience of the 02 E-SUV’s 5-star safety, visit Lynk & Co dealerships in Alabang, Angeles, BGC, North EDSA and Quezon Avenue, and follow Lynk & Co Philippines on social media: FB: LynkCoPhilippines | IG: lynkco_philippines. You may also contact Lynk & Co Philippines via its hotline, 0917 175 LYNK (5965) to inquire. To book a test drive, request for a quote, and learn more about Lynk & Co’s exciting product lineup, you may visit LynkCo.ph.

Learn more about the Lynk & Co 02’s cutting-edge safety features by viewing the full product press kit, which includes product specifications, pictures, FAQs, and bios, here.

Please visit Euro NCAP Lynk & Co 02 to read the complete study and find out more about Euro NCAP.

Lifestyle, News

Manila Water encourages local involvement in the desludging rollout in July

A Manila Water Advocacy Manager conducting an information, education, and communication (IEC) program at a barangay hall in Pasig.

Manila Water’s July desludging program has been implemented throughout Metro Manila’s East Zone and portions of Rizal Province, further demonstrating the company’s dedication to clean and healthy communities. Residents are encouraged to participate in this vital service, which supports public health and helps avoid environmental contamination, by the company.

Before every planned service, Manila Water runs its information, education, and communication (IEC) program to make sure locals are aware and ready. In collaboration with barangay offices and local government units, the IEC sessions give households vital information on the desludging process, its advantages, and the preparations they must make before service day.

“Desludging is a shared responsibility, and through our IEC program on sanitation, we make sure communities are equipped with the knowledge they need to participate actively,” Manila Water Communication Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said.

Manila Water rolls out its July desludging schedule, supported by its IEC program. In partnership with LGUs and barangays, the IEC sessions help residents understand the desludging process, its benefits, and how to prepare.

For July, Manila Water desludging trucks and ground personnel will be deployed in the following barangays: San Jose in Antipolo; San Isidro in Taytay; San Pedro in Angono; Mambog, Layunan, Libis, and Libid in Binangonan; San Jose, San Isidro, and Balite in Montalban (Rodriguez); Ampid II and Banaba in San Mateo; Gulod Malaya, Silangan, Sta. Elena, and Industrial Valley Complex in Marikina; Rosario, Santolan, and Buting in Pasig City; Alicia, Pasong Tamo, Loyola Heights, Bagong Pag-asa, San Roque, Ramon Magsaysay Damayang Lagi, and Holy Spirit in Quezon City; Balong Bato, Ermitanyo, Pedro Cruz, Little Baguio, and Maytunas in San Juan City; and Poblacion and Mabini-J. Rizal in Mandaluyong City.

Frequent desludging is essential for safeguarding water supplies, lowering pollution, and improving community health in addition to ensuring that septic systems operate as intended. Residents who take part in this program help to make the community safer, more resilient, and a cleaner place for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle, News

TIME Magazine and Statista selected Schneider Electric the Most Sustainable Company in the World

TIME Magazine and Statista have awarded Schneider Electric the “World’s Most Sustainable Company 2025” recognizing the company as a pioneer in the digital transformation of energy management and automation. Schneider Electric has been at the top of the list of the 500 World’s Most Sustainable Companies for the past two years.

This honor is a testament to Schneider Electric’s steady advancement toward its own sustainability objectives and dedication to assisting its clients in lowering their emissions and increasing their energy efficiency. The business is still making great progress toward its lofty sustainability objectives, which include achieving net-zero CO2 emissions throughout its value chain by 2050 and a 25% absolute carbon reduction throughout its value chain by 2030. The company’s plan, the SBTi-validated Schneider Sustainability Impact 2021-2025 (SSI) program, enables sustainable progress for its customers and local communities in addition to Schneider Electric and its partners.

“We’re incredibly honored to be recognized as the world’s most sustainable company for the second year in a row,” said Olivier Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric. “As a technology company, our goal is to be the trusted partner of our customer to deliver efficiency and sustainability. At Schneider, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to be an Impact Company—where performance is the foundation. Our purpose drives us to engage our entire ecosystem, our mission positions us as part of the solution, and our culture sets us apart. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of our operations and value chain contributes to a more sustainable world.”

500 of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies are selected after a pool of 5,700 businesses is assessed using 20 key performance parameters. It evaluates things like energy consumption and Scope 1 and 2 emissions in relation to the size of the company, emissions reductions, and the percentage of renewable energy used in operations. External elements are also taken into account, such as corporate reporting standards, sustainability ratings and commitments, and environmental and social performance indicators.

Additionally, Schneider Electric is the first company to rank first in its Global 100 twice and has been designated the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation 2025 by Corporate Knights. Corporate Knights has also recognized the French enterprise as the Most Sustainable Corporation in France and Europe.

 

 

 

Entertainment

Enchanted Kingdom’s Mega Birthday Bash elevates Eldar the Wizard’s special day

This July, Enchanted Kingdom, the Philippines’ first and only top-tier theme park, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its iconic character, Eldar the Wizard, with a month-long birthday celebration, adding even more magic and enjoyment.

EK recognizes its most cherished in-house character as part of The Enchanted Story of Eldar the Wizard campaign with a number of fun events, enthralling performances, interactive education, delectable snacks, and lots of surprises throughout the park.

Kicking off the festivities for his Mega Birthday Bash, Eldar enlisted the help of his Spaceport and Jungle Outpost buddies, Morgom, Cromatia, and Snaptooth in hiding invitation cards for his special day on their respective zones last July 12. Park guests who were able to find Eldar’s Missing Birthday Invitations enjoyed minigames and enchanting treats.

The enchantment continues on July 19, where guests can help Ogg the Guard in The Search for Eldar’s Birthday Hats at Victoria Park, Portabello, and Brooklyn Place.

EK will also bring an enchanting twist to the classic tradition of gift-giving through The Birthday Giver this July 19 and 20. Everyone is invited to bring heartfelt gifts such as toys, clothes, books, school supplies, and other non-perishable goods to our friends in need through the Magical Drop Box at the Midway Boardwalk.

The festivities will culminate at Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash on July 26, Saturday at the Spaceport Grounds. This grand celebration promises a fun-filled day bursting with Magic, Education, Games, and Arts that will surely make guests of all ages forever enchanted. The selected beneficiaries of The Birthday Giver are also invited to be part of this special day.

Since the theme park first opened to the public in 1995, Eldar the Wizard has been known to spread magic across EK’s thriving storyverse. He also imparts his knowledge to everyone on how to uphold the EK core values of honesty, loyalty, love of God, respect, and inventiveness.

Visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and follow EK’s official social media pages @enchantedkingdom.ph on Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines on Instagram for additional details and updates about Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash and EK’s other events and deals.

 

 

 

Tech

NU Bulldogs Win First Title in Infinix Champions Campus Esports at XCC 2025 Grand Finals

NU Bulldogs raising the championship trophy after being proclaimed as the XCC 2025 Grand Champion

In a thrilling best-of-five (bo5) Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) match, the National University (NU) Bulldogs from the Philippines defeated Cambodia’s Team TDN 3-0 in the Infinix Campus Cup (XCC) 2025 Regional Grand Finals, which celebrated esport excellence at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

The MLBB competition brought together the best campus esport teams in Southeast Asia, with over 1,000 teams from over 400 schools in five countries. In front of a boisterous home crowd, the NU Bulldogs won the regional championship after defeating formidable rivals including Little Pikaa of Indonesia, USM Vendetta of Malaysia, and KMD of Myanmar.

Infinix Campus Cup (XCC) 2025: A Festival of Talent and Technology

More than just a tournament, the XCC 2025 Grand Finals was a full-blown celebration of esports, pop culture, and cutting-edge tech—all under one roof. Hosted by MPL talents Hans Galeria and Bridgitte “Brigida” Ramos, the event transformed the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall into a vibrant playground for fans, creators, and student gamers alike.

Fans showed up in force to meet their favorite campus creators live, including Fuego Gaming, Jayat Gaming, Chacha Pega, and Kristine Santamena, known for their witty, game-inspired content. These personalities didn’t just make appearances; they played, connected, and celebrated alongside the community in immersive on-ground experiences.

From left to right: Fuego Gaming, Kristine Santamena, Chacha Pega, Jayat Gaming, Renejay, and Aurora Gaming

Esports energy hit new heights with GT 30 Pro ambassador Renejay and members of Aurora Gaming, including Edward, Domengkite, Demonkite, Yue, and Calad, brought championship-level intensity and inspired the next wave of student challengers.

Adding even more firepower was a show-stopping performance from P-Pop powerhouse G22, consisting of Jaz, AJ, and Alfea, who lit up the stage with high-energy hits, giving the crowd a concert-worthy experience.

The Female Alpha of P-Pop, G22, composed of members Alfea, AJ, and Jaz during their XCC performance

Lucky fans also had the opportunity to get hands-on with the Infinix GT 30 Pro, engineered for high-performance student gamers with elite specs and a striking design. Raffle prizes like the GT 30 Pro and a TTRacing gaming chair added to the day’s electrifying atmosphere.

XCC Regional Finals event hosts Hans Galeria and Brigida Ramos, together with the GT 30 Pro Raffle winner

Home Turf, Historic Win

The NU Bulldogs’ dominant sweep wasn’t just a win—it was a defining moment. Representing the Philippines on home soil, they carried both national pride and tournament pressure with poise, securing the lion’s share of the $30,000 prize pool, the championship trophy, and a historic place as the inaugural XCC Regional Champions.

The team was awarded by Lee Viloria (PH Esports Business Development and Partnerships Head at MOONTON Games), Jab Escutin (General Manager, SIBOL Philippine National Esports Team), and Levana Yan (Head of Global Community, Infinix)—a moment of triumph for NU and a proud milestone for the nation.

From left to right: Fuego Gaming, Kristine Santamena, Chacha Pega, Jayat Gaming, Renejay, and Aurora Gaming

“NU’s victory is a testament to the rising talent in Southeast Asia’s campus esports scene,” said Jab Escutin, General Manager of the SIBOL Philippine National Esports Team. “With Infinix leading the charge in campus tournaments like XCC, more student-athletes across the region are getting the platform they deserve. It was an honor to host the Regional Finals and witness such passion and skill from all competing nations.”

Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, said, “We congratulate our partner, Infinix, for the successful hosting of the Campus Cup that gathered students from Southeast Asia campuses to compete in a regional MLBB tournament. This meaningful collaboration reinforces our commitment to discover students and provide aspiring athletes with opportunities to showcase their talent.”

From Campus Gaming to Global Opportunities

As part of its mission to empower the next generation of esports stars, Infinix continues to expand its gaming ecosystem beyond competition, bridging the gap between campus-level and professional play. A standout initiative was the XCC Bootcamp Visit & Training Program, a high-level experience for national champions ahead of the finals.

Before hitting the main stage, champion teams participated in intensive workshops, scrims, and mentorships hosted by top-tier MLBB squads, including Aurora Gaming (Philippines), ONIC Esports (Indonesia), HomeBois (Malaysia), Duck Rice Esports (Cambodia), and Mythic Seal (Myanmar). These bootcamps provided student-athletes with first-hand experience in MPL-level esports discipline, teamwork, and preparation.

XCC ID Champion Team Little Pikaa took part in a training at the prestigious ONIC Super Training Facility

In addition, Infinix is enhancing its development pipeline through a Team Tryout Program, where national champions gain early access and priority entry into pro team tryouts—paving a direct path into the professional scene.

Looking forward, Infinix is also developing exclusive international esports immersion programs, offering student-athletes and creators global exposure and opportunities to engage with wider communities on the world stage.

Infinix Powers the Future of Campus Esports

With its successful regional expansion, the Infinix Campus Cup (XCC) is scaling new heights, creating more opportunities for student-athletes, creators, and campus gaming ecosystems. What began as a local initiative is now a pan-Asian celebration of talent, technology, and youth culture.

“The success of the Infinix Campus Cup across Southeast Asia reflects our deep commitment to nurturing grassroots talent. We’re proud to be building meaningful pathways that empower student players to grow into global esports contenders,” said Tony Zhao, Chief Executive Officer of Infinix.

The XCC 2025 Grand Finals were powered by the Infinix GT 30 Pro, the official tournament phone for top-tier Mobile Legends: Bang Bang professional leagues. Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate chipset, an All-Day 120 FPS System, and Responsive GT Trigger, the GT 30 Pro delivers ultra-smooth gameplay and console-level control engineered for elite competition.

The Infinix GT 30 Pro devices were used as the official tournament phone by XCC players ahead of its MPL debut next season

Under MOONTON’s MLBB E-Project, which permits a limited number of partners to stage tournaments utilizing official Mobile Legends: Bang Bang intellectual property, XCC 2025 is an Infinix-led project that has received official recognition. This support strengthens the Infinix Campus Cup’s standing as a major player in the grassroots esports industry. Additionally, TTRacing Philippines, the Infinix Campus Cup’s Official Gaming Chair Partner, makes the event possible.

For the most recent information on upcoming qualifiers, campus collaborations, and unique brand partnerships, follow Infinix Philippines on Facebook. Take advantage of early access to events, initiatives, and benefits designed specifically for our XFans by joining the Infinix Philippines Facebook Community group.

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

 

 

Lifestyle, Travel

2GO Transports the Mind Rover from the Mind Museum to Puerto Princesas

The Mind Rover travels to Palawan via 2GO.

The Mind Museum and 2GO, the biggest logistics and maritime travel company in the Philippines, have teamed up once more to introduce the islands to the wonders of science. The Mind Rover will travel to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, as part of this partnership.

Passengers on board the MV 2GO St. Francis Xavier, which was sailing from Manila to Puerto Princesa and Coron over the weekend, participated in a number of thrilling, science-themed activities as part of this program and in advance of the Mind Rover’s arrival in Palawan. These interactive seminars, which were organized by The Mind Museum, made STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education more engaging. For both children and adults on board, they transform maritime travel into an enjoyable, significant, and enriching experience.

This unique initiative brought logistics and learning together to move not just people and goods but also spark curiosity and imagination across the sea.

“We are thrilled to partner with 2GO. Through its shipping capabilities, the Mind Rover gets to visit provinces in the Philippines where it would have taken weeks if traveled by land and would have been difficult to transport without 2GO’s direct link from Manila. Through this partnership, we are able to impact more communities and hopefully encourage more kids to have an inspired engagement and view of science or maybe, even take up STEM in the future. We even get to reach more audiences as we also do science shows on board 2GO!,” said Maria Isabel Garcia, Managing Director and Curator of The Mind Museum.

Now on its third leg, the Mind Rover has successfully crossed Philippine seas through 2GO, following activations in Bacolod and General Santos. It now reaches Puerto Princesa with the same mission: to reimagine science, make it more exciting, and spark inspiration among Filipino children to become the country’s next generation of scientists and innovators.

“We are delighted to be part of this meaningful partnership. It is an honor to bring science closer to Filipino families through a unique onboard experience. By mounting the Mind Rover exhibit aboard our ships, in partnership with The Mind Museum, we’re creating a space for families to explore themes of sea travel, sustainability, and basic science while in transit. We believe that part of appreciating sea travel is understanding how it works — and through this experience, we hope to spark curiosity, awareness, and a deeper connection with our oceans,” said Francis Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel.

The Mind Rover is a 12-meter museum-on-wheels packed with interactive and hands-on exhibits, and live science shows and demonstrations. It continues to fulfill its mission of bringing science beyond museum walls and into underserved island communities. The Puerto Princesa leg is the latest in a growing series of island activations made possible through collaborations like this.

With operations across 19 ports nationwide and a firm commitment to moving communities forward, 2GO’s partnership with The Mind Museum underscores its role not just as a logistics provider, but as a bridge to learning, creativity, and nation-building.

This relationship exemplifies the ability of intentional alliances to provide memorable, impactful experiences on land and at sea.

Go to travel.2go.com.ph or send an email to [email protected] to find out more about 2GO’s shipping and travel options.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

 

 

Beauty, Lifestyle

Dermorepubliq won the 2025 TikTok Shop Philippines Awards for Best Beauty & Personal Care Brand

Local skincare brand outperforms beauty industry giants, winning Emerald Award for sales achievement through video-led e-commerce

(From L-R) Anton Narra, Chief Finance Officer, Dermorepubliq; Sandy Barlao, People and Talent Director, Dermorepubliq; Keith Sta. Barbara, Chief Executive Officer, Dermorepubliq; Brad Velena, Chief Operations Officer, Dermorepubliq; Sandra San Diego, Operations Director, Dermorepubliq; Gabbie Lim, Marketing Director, Dermorepubliq; Reymart Sangalang, Chief Scientific Officer, Dermorepubliq

In recognition of its exceptional sales achievement and performance through short video content, the popular Filipino skincare brand Dermorepubliq won the Emerald Award at this year’s TikTok Shop Philippines Beauty and Personal Care Annual Awards for being the platform’s top-selling beauty brand.

Dermorepubliq’s accomplishments in creating a vibrant community and encouraging genuine interaction through relatable creator-led videos and grassroots collaborations are highlighted by the award. The accolade puts Dermorepubliq ahead of more well-known cosmetic companies on the platform, highlighting the value of community trust and video-led e-commerce in the current social commerce landscape.

“This award is a milestone for our team and everyone who believes in our brand,”said Keith Sta. Barbara, Founder and President of Dermorepubliq. “Being named TikTok Shop’s overall Top 1 beauty brand shows what’s possible when customers and creators share real stories and results. We’re grateful for their trust and excited to keep delivering products and content that genuinely connect.”

Sta. Barbara added that the recognition highlights how genuine trust and confidence from customers and creators continue to drive authentic conversations and real results for the brand.

Dermorepubliq’s growth on TikTok Shop is driven by a full-funnel strategy that combines brand awareness efforts with conversion-focused content to deliver stronger results. By building trust and collaboration with its creators and customers, the brand has grown a more connected and engaged community that supports its grassroots approach. This community-first approach helps generate authentic content, amplify its message, and sustain long-term growth, which continues to set Dermorepubliq apart in the competitive local beauty market.

Among its recent campaigns is the #DoItWithDermoChallenge, which encouraged TikTok users to showcase their skincare routine by dancing to the official “Do It With Dermo Dance Craze” featuring the steps of splash, spray, pat, and swipe. Running from June 16 to 29, the campaign gained strong traction on TikTok, generating over 1,000 entries and leveraging the brand’s creator network to drive authentic and educational content.

Following receipt of the award, Dermorepubliq plans to share the milestone across its social channels and integrate it into its affiliate program to acknowledge partners who contributed to its growth.

Emerald Award trophy at the TikTok Shop Philippines Beauty and Personal Care Annual Award

Following its victory at the TikTok Ad Awards Philippines 2024, where its “Your New Holy Grail” campaign won Best Local Hero Campaign for relatable storytelling and community-driven suggestions, the brand has gained recognition this year.

Products from Dermorepubliq can be purchased on its own website, www.dermorepubliq.com, as well as on TikTok Shop, Shopee, and Lazada. Additionally, the brand has kiosks at SM Tanza, SM Masinag, SM Fairview, and SM Sta. Riverbanks and Mesa Center.

You can find Dermorepubliq’s kiosks stores at the following locations:

SM Fairview: Lower Ground Level, Parkway

Riverbanks Center: KF-08, Palm Lane
SM City Masinag: Lower Ground Floor, SM City Masinag, Antipolo, Rizal

SM City Tanza: 2nd Floor, Tanza, Cavite

SM City Sta. Mesa: 2nd Floor, R. Magsaysay, Cor. G. Araneta Ave., Brgy. Dona Imelda, Quezon City

You may also visit their online platforms through the following links:

Website: https://dermorepubliq.com/

Shopee: https://shopee.ph/dermorepubliq

Lazada: https://www.lazada.com.ph/dermorepubliq

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

 

 

Entertainment

The first Philippine documentary at the next San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is Eraserheads: Combo On The Run

The acclaimed documentary is also the first Philippine-produced film to grace the prestigious comic book and multi-entertainment convention

In 2025, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run will become the first music documentary and the first Filipino-produced film to be shown at the esteemed San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

Exhibit Hall 6BCF, a prestigious location usually reserved for major entertainment and pop culture titles, will host a panel discussion in addition to the film’s screening at SDCC, marking a historic milestone for both Philippine cinema and the international music documentary scene. Ely Buendia, the iconic leader of the renowned Filipino rock band Eraserheads and a key character in the documentary, will join the panel, which will be moderated by director and producer Diane Ventura.

The presence of the Filipino docufilm at this venue marks a powerful moment of cultural crossover and artistic recognition, a feat that will surely bring pride and joy to the Philippines.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have this opportunity to represent our people and country on a more global platform,” said Ventura. “It’s long been my dream to spotlight the ingenuity of Filipino art, talent, and creativity and to be part of a movement that reframes the Filipino narrative. This is also my way of putting out a more nuanced and extensive depiction of our people while bringing to light the richness, humor, and depth of our stories.”

Upon its theatrical release in Philippine cinemas this summer under Warner Bros., the Dvent Pictures-produced Eraserheads: Combo On The Run received widespread acclaim from film critics and audiences alike. Billboard called it “a moving documentary for the younglings discovering their music and longtime fans reconnecting with the songs that defined their generation,” while GMA News hailed it as a “history lesson on an important chapter of Pinoy pop culture.” The film’s success at home led to multiple theatrical run extensions, screening in almost 200 cinemas nationwide.

In celebratio of its SDCC debut, Kid Heroes Publications has also announced a special collaboration with the Eraserheads and DVent Pictures through a limited-edition one-shot comic book inspired by the film.

Inspired by the band’s documentary of the same name, the comic book reimagines the band’s semi-fictional journey through four unique stories told in an anthology format.

Illustrated by award-winning artists Raymund Lee, Felix Morales, and Ardie Aquino, and written by Patricio Ginelsa and Justin Quizon, Combo On The Run integrates music and mythology into an adventurous tale of musicians turned superheroes, making the world a better place one step at a time—thanks to their record-breaking hits, heroic deeds, and zombie-fighting missions.

Two unique cover designs for the comic book were created by well-known Filipino American artists. Whilce Portacio, renowned for his impactful illustrations on Marvel properties like Iron Man, X-Factor, The Punisher, and Uncanny X-Men, illustrated the Combo On The Run comic book cover, which was made just for the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con edition. In the meantime, the SuperManila Exclusive edition featured artwork by Stephen Segovia, who gained international recognition for his work with DC Comics.

The comic book is currently available for pre-order on the official Kid Heroes website. 

Eraserheads Combo on the Run will be screened in theaters worldwide in 2025.

 

 

 

Lifestyle, Tech

Globe and CCP collaborate to support aspiring Filipino artists and student creatives

Globe and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) have officially launched a year-long partnership to promote the arts and strengthen creative education among Filipinos, particularly the youth. Key figures at the agreement signing include CCP President Kaye Tinga and Globe’s Chief Marketing Officer Rochelle Vandenberghe (center), along with CCP Vice President for Administration Jose Gaite (left), were present at the signing. This collaboration aims to foster creativity and support the next generation of Filipino artists.
The partnership, also attended by Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yolanda Crisanto, Senior Director of Convergent Segments Strategy Mary Ontiveros, and Director of Marketing Strategic Partnerships Rochelle Flores, will empower young talents through programs like Cinemalaya 2025, Virgin Labfest XX: Hinog, and the CCP Arts Education Program, providing essential tools and opportunities for artistic development.

To encourage the arts and improve creative education among Filipinos, especially the younger generation, Globe has established a one-year institutional relationship with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). As a result of the partnership, Globe will co-present CCP’s premier events and activities, including Virgin Labfest XX: Hinog, Cinemalaya 2025, and the CCP Arts Education Program, which began in schools across the country in June.

Globe’s assistance extends beyond sponsorship; it provides young artists with useful instruments to boost the creative economy. Students will have access to funding, volunteer opportunities, internships, mentorship, and connectivity through the Globe Community Builders Program. In keeping with CCP’s goal of fostering the next generation of Filipino artists, these programs aim to help high school and college students enhance their creative and digital skills.

“Together with CCP, Globe continues to champion creativity and innovation among the Filipino youth. We’re proud to enable future filmmakers, playwrights, and digital creatives through grassroots programs that give them both the inspiration and the infrastructure to succeed,” said Rochelle Vandenberghe, Globe’s Chief Marketing Officer.

The collaboration further reflects Globe’s commitment to digital inclusion and nation-building through education and culture. The CCP Arts Education Program consists of  workshops on multidisciplinary art forms and techniques for educators and students in select schools.

Meanwhile, the Virgin Labfest (VLF) celebrates its 20th year with a fresh batch of untried, untested, and unstaged plays from young Filipino playwrights.  It features educational components like the VLF LabTuro consisting of Theater Talks and a Playwrights’ Fair. Some of its much anticipated components are the VLF Writing Fellowship Program, with eight fellows under the age of 30, and a Dramaturgy Fellowship,  where young artists undergo training in playwrighting and theater production.

Furthermore, Cinemalaya 2025, the country’s premier independent film festival, will spotlight full-length and short films of established names in the industry and emerging student filmmakers this October.

“We are grateful to partner with Globe as we continue to deliver our mandate of promoting and safeguarding our country’s arts and culture. This partnership empowers CCP to bring the arts closer to young people—our future artists and creators—in ways that are both accessible and impactful. Together, we aim to create more platforms for artistic expression that speak to the heart of our identity,” said Kaye C. Tinga, CCP President.

The collaboration demonstrates Globe’s long-term plan to use technology to enhance educational opportunities and cultivate a vibrant creative community among young Filipinos.

For additional information on Globe, go to www.globe.com.ph.