You’ve just finished a project, sent your invoice, and after waiting days for payment, fees take a cut from your earnings. Again!

One of the best things about being a freelancer? I can work from anywhere—even during trips abroad. On my recent trip to Korea, I spent my nights working on client projects, and my days exploring Seoul’s vibrant streets, eating tteokbokki, and hopping between cafés. This lifestyle is only possible because I have the flexibility to work on my own time.

From June 17 to 19, 2025, Starbucks is bringing an exciting twist to your favorite chilled drinks. For a limited time only, you can add a touch of surprise and charm to your beverage experience with the Straw Charm Blind Box Promotion—available exclusively with any Grande or Venti Frappuccino® Blended Beverage purchase.

Time flies...it's already 2025! The year I knew my favorite Kpop group BTS would finally be discharged from the military. I've been saving up for their big comeback, planning everything from my small trips down to my multiple entry visa. 😅 But what I didn't expect? All the solo projects keeping us entertained while we wait for OT7... and ASTRO announcing another concert?! My first-ever favorite Kpop group coming back on stage?? Let's just say my fangirl heart (and wallet) was not ready.

Forest Lake Development Inc. recently staged its 11th National Sales Convention at Dusit Thani Mactan, Cebu, a two-day event that celebrated a landmark 2024 for the company that saw national expansion, the launch of flagship programs, and over ₱3.8 billion in sales. 

Gary V. brings the night to a powerful close with an electrifying performance, capping off Forest Lake’s 11th National Sales Convention.

DigiPlus has once again secured a spot on the prestigious Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list, marking its second consecutive year as one of the region’s largest and fastest-growing companies by revenue. The digital entertainment leader moved up more than 259 notches from last year, reflecting sustained growth in its 2024 financial performance and solidifying its status as a leading force in the Philippine gaming and entertainment landscape. 

Aveeno brings to light the anecdotes and messages of its community through the Aveeno Sensitive Skin Stories—a collection of testimonies from its ambassadors and skincare enthusiasts. They share their personal skincare journeys, highlighting how Aveeno—powered by the science of oat—has helped them care for their sensitive skin with confidence and comfort.

Sensitive skin affects approximately 7 in 10 Filipinos, yet it remains an often-overlooked and under-discussed concern in everyday conversations. Aveeno is the pioneer when it comes to sensitive skin care solutions backed by oat science, backed by over 75 years of research and experience. Following changes in lifestyles and informed by skincare trends, Aveeno continues to develop products for the face and body that nourishes the skin, enhances its natural barrier, and protects it from pollutants. 

Aveeno’s commitment doesn’t stop there. Aveeno also fosters a community in understanding the needs of those with sensitive skin. Aveeno’s #SensitiveSkinWontStopUs campaign highlights how Aveeno plays a crucial role in the lives of those with sensitive skin and how their clinically proven solutions empower them to live confidently and comfortably. 

More than just a campaign, #SensitiveSkinWontStopUs is a movement that inspires meaningful conversations and empowers Filipinos to embrace their skin, including its flaws, flare-ups, and unique needs. It creates a safe and supportive space for individuals with sensitive skin to share their journeys and connect with others who face similar experiences. By encouraging open dialogue, it helps dispel common skincare myths and reinforces Aveeno’s commitment to setting the standard in sensitive skin care, delivering solutions that truly support and empower those affected.

During Aveeno’s Sensitive Skin Stories campaign launch event last June 5, there was an empowering and interactive gallery that placed a spotlight on vulnerable anecdotes and sentiments from sensitive skin sufferers. Selected press and influencers immersed themselves in the gallery-style presentations that talked about how sensitive skin—and skincare—can be an emotional journey of self-discovery underlined by the hashtag #SensitiveSkinWontStopUs. 

Aveeno Sensitive Skin Stories also featured a program with key speakers—athlete and international host, Vince Velasco and certified color analyst, Enzo Villacorta—both of whom have lived with eczema since childhood. 

Vince shared his personal journey, recounting how living with eczema led to bullying during his younger years. Despite the challenges, he found strength and resilience as Aveeno has been a dependable partner in managing his skin while keeping up with the demands of his fast-paced lifestyle.

Meanwhile, Enzo opened up about how eczema affected his self-esteem and made him increasingly self-conscious. Through his experience, he discovered that caring for sensitive skin doesn't have to be complicated. With Aveeno, he found an effective yet fuss-free skincare solution that helped him feel confident and comfortable in his own skin.

Ira Santos, Marketing Manager of Aveeno also joined the program. She shares, “At Aveeno, we believe sensitive skin shouldn't hold anyone back. Whether you're pushing limits as an athlete, juggling family life, pursuing your passion, or chasing deadlines at work — your skin should never be a reason to stay on the sidelines.” More than just the power of nature and oat science, Aveeno pushes through with reclaiming one’s story as she explains, “That's the spirit behind our new campaign: #SensitiveSkinWontStopUs. This movement is about empowering people to move stronger, live fully, and wear their skin with pride — no matter their skin story.” Dermatologist, Dr. Paula Carait, furthered their insights on Aveeno’s benefits and other tips on how to care for your skin through debunking the myth that skin is considered not sensitive if it is not dry or flaky. She explained, “ The absence of dryness or flaking does not rule out skin sensitivity. Sensitive skin can present as burning, stinging, or itching—even in well-hydrated skin. Formulations containing scientifically supported ingredients like oat can help restore the barrier, reduce reactivity, and promote overall skin comfort.”

As a mom of three, two with atopic dermatitis, Isabel Lacson-Ruiz, Senior Marketing Manager of Kenvue Philippines, shared her personal journey. With the campaign backed by professionals who’ve faced similar challenges, she emphasized, “...this campaign is about celebrating sensitivity despite the challenges that come with it—not holding back and believing aspirations can come to life.”

Community is at the heart of Aveeno Sensitive Skin Stories. It is a shared movement and holding space for people and their skin concerns. It is where Aveeno meets like-minded loyalists for an ongoing conversation and insights about skincare. 

For more, follow Aveeno on social media with links here and here and keep your eyes on the hashtag #SensitiveSkinWontStopUs. 

Aveeno Social Media: 

https://www.instagram.com/aveenoph/

https://www.facebook.com/AveenoPH

https://www.tiktok.com/@aveenoph

One of the coolest things I experienced during my trip to Korea was attending my very first Stage Greeting, a unique tradition in the Korean movie scene that lets fans meet the cast and crew of a film up close, right inside the cinema!

If you had told Summer 2024 me, during the absolute peak of my Popmart obsession, that I’d be staying in a hotel right above Popmart Myeongdong, I probably would’ve been so thrilled. 😆 This stay felt like a field trip for that era of my life, even if my collection craze has cooled down a bit since then.

That's the door to the hotel, just right next to Pop Mart's!

Unilab and Watsons bring quality solutions closer to every Filipino— Turning Every Shopper Moment into Alaga 

ShareTheAlaga moves beyond being a campaign—it’s a celebration of Unilab’s 80th anniversary and a shared commitment with Watsons to elevate the everyday wellness of Filipinos. Together, they champion the belief that every act of ‘alaga’—whether big or small—can spark meaningful change in people’s lives.

Golden Haven Memorial Parks Inc., the country’s trusted name in memorial park development, proudly received the Hall of Fame Award for Best Landscape Design Memorial Park at the 25th Q Asia’s Quality Excellence Awards, held on April 30, 2025, at the Diamond Hotel Manila.

MR. ANDREW RAMIREZ (President of Q Asia) MS. ESTRELLITA TAN (Golden Haven Chief Operating Officer), MS. ANALYN ANERO (Golden Haven Las Piñas Operations Head)

If you're a K-pop or K-drama fan heading to Korea, here's a travel tip you need to try at least once: watch a live award show! 

If you’ve ever visited Seoul, chances are you’ve heard of Ikseondong, the charming hanok village tucked away in the heart of the city. Most people explore it during the day, wandering its photogenic alleyways, sipping matcha in tiny cafés, and popping into local boutiques. But here's a little secret: Ikseondong at night hits different.  

This summer, prepare to be dazzled!

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and the Jinju City Government lighted up another breathtaking sea of lanterns and tradition with “Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns” which will run from May 24, 2025 until July 31, 2025 at the KCC exhibition hall.

 SNICKERS® invites fans to join its latest promo, the “SNICKERS On the Go” Social Photo Contest, featuring SNICKERS® Asia Ambassador MINGYU of SEVENTEEN. Fans get a chance to win exclusive tickets to a #SNICKERSwithMINGYU Event in Malaysia, so get hungry for excitement, grab a SNICKERS® and join the fun! 

As a rapper, singer, and songwriter, MINGYU continues to shine as one of SEVENTEEN’s most beloved members. From sold-out arenas to trending social media moments, his distinct visuals and natural charisma allow him to effortlessly connect with fans across Asia, including in Manila, where he and SEVENTEEN have consistently drawn massive crowds and unwavering support.

The second capsule collection between SHEIN and Belle Mariano presents three style sets and a varied collection for every mood, occasion, and personality. 

SHEIN x Belle Mariano presents a second capsule collection between fashion’s favorite online destination and the Gen Z superstar. Following the success of the first collection, this edition of SHEIN x Belle Mariano promises more options and looks from a range of styles—80 for clothes, 30 for bags, 40 for shoes—all personally curated by Belle. 

Radiating confidence and charm, Belle Mariano celebrates every side of you at the SHEIN x Belle Mariano launch event

Puregold Channel just raised the bar—again.

Following the breakout digital hits ‘My Plantito’ and ‘Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile’, Puregold Channel has stepped confidently into the realm of cinematic-scale storytelling with its newest offering: ‘Si Sol at Si Luna’. The series was unveiled in a star-studded press conference held on May 16 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, making a quantum leap in Puregold’s journey as a force in Filipino digital entertainment.

The cast and directors of ‘Si Sol at Si Luna’ with their official poster

Beach escapes are no longer reserved for summer. Life in the city has made weekend getaways and holiday retreats not indulgences but necessities—an essential return to equilibrium, a deliberate pause from the noise.

SM Leisure Resort Residences (SM LRR), a unit of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), presents Pico Terraces as a permanent address for that much-needed pause — a multi-tower 

mid-rise residential development set within a sprawling 2.3-hectare enclave at Hamilo Coast in Batangas.

With 80% of the land devoted to open space, Pico Terraces creates a setting that balances seclusion and a lasting connection to the environment. Completion is expected by December 2027.

Forested landscapes, sweeping mountain vistas and beachside access make Pico Terraces a luxurious coastal escape.

DigiPlus Interactive, together with BingoPlus, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities across the country with a Php 150 Million grant to amplify the programs of its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation. The contribution announced during the BingoPlus Night held on March 27, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, marks a pivotal moment for the foundation as it enters a new chapter of scaling its community programs nationwide.

Since its inception, BingoPlus Foundation has remained steadfast in delivering programs deeply rooted in community empowerment. In 2024 alone, BingoPlus Foundation impacted over 120,000 Filipinos through its core pillars and special programs centered on technology education, accessible healthcare, community resilience, and responsible digitalization. With new funding, efforts to multiply the good are set to grow.

One of BingoPlus Night’s major announcements was DigiPlus P150-million donation to the BingoPlus Foundation, which reinforced the company’s commitment to community building and social good.

South Korea is the ultimate destination for music lovers this year, hosting an unforgettable lineup of concerts and festivals. From BLACKPINK’s iconic World Tour and ZEROBASEONE’s first fan concert to international acts like Tyler, The Creator, Hans Zimmer, and Oasis, 2025 promises unmissable experiences for fans.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism hosted this year's meeting from March 4-7 at the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District and the National Library of Korea in Sejong. 35 Korean Cultural Center (KCC) directors and seven cultural promotion officials from around the world attended the said event.  Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon, on March 4, chaired a joint workshop and discussion for participants to share their experiences of operating KCCs and raising Korea's cultural standing on the global stage. 

(KCC Director, Kim Myeongjin, together with MCST Minister Yu In Chon to receive the certificate as the “2025 Most Outstanding Korean Cultural Center.”  Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Official Photographer : Lee Jun Young

DigiPlus Interactive, through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, is transforming communities and creating lasting impact with its ₱100 million commitment in 2024 to support education, disaster relief, and livelihood programs, benefitting the lives of over 120,000 Filipinos across the country.

Hiligaynon full-length film Salum directed by TM Malones and Mindanaoan short film Champ Green were honored the top prizes in their respective categories at the second edition of the wildly successful Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

At the awarding ceremony, held on March 19 at The Elements, Eton Centris in Quezon City, Salum took home four Puregold CinePanalo trophies in the full-length category namely: Panalong Pelikula, Panalo sa Production Design, Panalo sa Sound Design, and Panalo sa Musical Scoring as well as a cash prize of PhP 250,000. Meanwhile, Champ Green received a PhP 100,000 cash prize and five trophies in the student shorts category including Panalong Maikling Pelikula, Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Sol Eugenio, Panalo sa Kwento, Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, and Mowelfund Special Citation. 

Filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals gather to mark the successful conclusion of the Puregold CinePanalo 2025.