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.

 Vista Land, the Philippines’ leading integrated property developer, continues to bring the lifelong dream of homeownership to many Filipinos across the archipelago with its MOVE Program. True to its meaning of Making Ownership at Vista Land Easy, its objectives are to streamline the purchase process of select ready-for-occupancy (RFO) house and lot developments and condominium properties in 47 provinces and 149 cities and municipalities and encourage stronger affinity from prospective homeowners in a competitive market.

As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, Camella remains at the forefront, anticipating shifts in trends and meeting the growing customer expectations.

A suitcase carries more than belongings—it holds stories. Now, yours can embark on a new adventure, helping others travel toward new opportunities. 

The Travel Club is once again rolling out its Donate Your Old Case for a Cause, an initiative, happening from March 13 to 16, 2025, at SM Mall of Asia, Eastwood Mall, and Estancia Mall. This program allows customers to trade in their pre-loved but still usable luggage and bags in exchange for up to 40% off on select travel gear. 

But more than just great deals, this initiative carries a bigger purpose. In partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), all donated luggage will go to first time Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who need reliable travel companions as they embark on their new journey abroad. 

BingoPlus Foundation’s PLUS Factor Program Empowers Scholars, Expands More Slots 

BingoPlus Foundation continues its mission of empowering young leaders through the P.L.U.S. (Pioneering Leadership and Uplifting Service) Factor, a sustaining engagement with its scholars under the FutureSmart Program. 

BingoPlus Foundation concludes the Personal Branding session of the PLUS Factor, a leadership development program equipping scholars with mindsets, tools and competencies to prepare them for the workforce. This year, the Foundation opens at least ten (10) more scholarship slots in partnership with STI Foundation and SM Foundation.

Mars® has officially announced that Snickers®, its chocolate bar brand, has selected SEVENTEEN’s MINGYU as the new Asia Ambassador. 

Japan is not a country where beauty is overlooked. Many know to visit Tokyo and Osaka for high-rise city ventures. But, much like fossils and treasure, there is more beauty to be uncovered when you give into your curiosity and dig a little deeper.

West of Tokyo lies Fukui, a prefecture with all its wonders just a ride away from each other, making for a perfect vacation with lots to see in just a few days. Discovering Fukui is as easy as taking a three-hour Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Fukui Station. Check in to a hotel near Fukui’s center for easy access to all of the prefecture's landmarks. 

Fukui is home to one of Japan’s legendary blade villages, a tranquil temple, and a world-renowned dinosaur museum with displays that will leave you in awe. Join us as we take you through some of the spectacles Fukui has in store for your next vacation! 

Photo courtesy of Enjoy Fukui

The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to potentially source neat sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Aether Fuels (Aether), a climate technology firm that plans to set up SAF production plants in the United States of America and South East Asia.

Some things have changed, some things remain the same.

Here's my take on the poem remix trend, inspired by Jennae Cecelia’s I Met My Younger Self for Coffee.  ❤ Hindi na ako marunong mag sulat lol, but just like the writer, I also loved looking back on my younger self and how she was so brave, happy, and true.

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DigiPlus Interactive, the company behind leading digital entertainment brands BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, has been recognized for its achievements at the World Business Outlook Awards 2024. These awards celebrate organizations worldwide that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact across various industries. DigiPlus was cited for ‘Excellence in Technological Advancement and Integration’, ‘Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Practices’, and ‘Best in Corporate Governance and Ethical Practices. 

I’m so excited! In just a week, I’ll be flying to Korea again! This trip was completely unexpected, but when I managed to secure a ticket to J-Hope’s Hope On Stage concert in Seoul, I knew I had to book a flight and turn it into a full winter adventure.

Winter is such a dreamy time to visit Japan and Korea, where you can enjoy snow-covered landscapes (a treat for us tropical girlies), winter festivals, and unique seasonal experiences. Whether you're into cultural traditions, outdoor activities, or the warmth of local cuisine, these two destinations have plenty to offer during the colder months. Here are some of the best things to do in Japan and Korea during winter!

My first skiing experience was in Korea's Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort! It was so hard, I decided to just lie on my back and take pics haha.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in South Korea that is rich in culture, history, and scenic beauty, Andong is the place to go. I visited this charming province in autumn 2023, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Here’s a list of things you shouldn’t miss when exploring Andong!

DigiPlus Interactive, the company behind leading digital entertainment platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, secured three honors at the 60th Anvil Awards. Recognized as the gold standard of public relations excellence in the Philippines, the Anvil Awards celebrate outstanding programs and tools that elevate the field of communications and public relations.  

DigiPlus was honored with a Gold Anvil for its transformative corporate rebranding campaign, 'DigiPlus Reimagined: Pioneering Fun, Technology, and Community', which highlighted the company's evolution from a traditional leisure and resorts operator to a leader in digital entertainment. Additionally, DigiPlus garnered two Silver Anvils: one for its 2023 Integrated Report, 'Ushering a New Era of Digital Entertainment', and another for BingoPlus Foundation's 'FutureSmart' program, an initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators through education. 

DigiPlus celebrates a triple triumph at the 60th Anvil Awards, showcasing honors in rebranding, integrated reporting, and community empowerment.

The rebranding initiative, developed in collaboration with global brand specialist Landor, encapsulated DigiPlus' commitment to harness technology and innovation to deliver new forms of entertainment for Filipinos. This strategic transformation not only revitalized the company's visual identity but also reinforced its mission to deliver immersive and enjoyable experiences through its products. 

The 2023 Integrated Report chronicles DigiPlus' strategic direction, financial and operational performance, as well as its performance around environmental, social, and governance metrics. The report follows the Integrated Report framework, which adheres to the highest global standards of annual reporting. 

“These accolades from Anvil highlight DigiPlus’ commitment to innovation, transparency, and building strong connections with our stakeholders,” said Celeste Jovenir, Vice President for Investor Relations, Corporate Communications, and Sustainability. “The award for our corporate rebranding celebrates our bold transformation into a digital entertainment leader, while the recognition for our Integrated Report underscores our dedication to global standards of accountability and transparency. These achievements inspire us to deliver even greater value to our customers, investors, and communities.”

BingoPlus Foundation's FutureSmart Program was recognized for its transformative impact on marginalized communities. In 2024, the program reached 5,332 individuals, focusing on IT education, digital literacy, and inclusive livelihood powered by technology. Initiatives included providing 60 scholarships to IT students across 20 universities nationwide and introducing the P.L.U.S. Factor development program to equip scholars with critical workplace skills. The Coding for Kids initiative brought robotics and programming to 4,853 students in the Visayas, alongside training for 213 teachers. The program also launched PLUS Tech Centers, providing computers and digital skills training to underserved communities. These centers aim to bridge the digital divide and create more inclusive job opportunities for marginalized sectors, reinforcing BingoPlus Foundation’s commitment to education, technology, and livelihood empowerment.

“We are honored to receive an Anvil for BingoPlus Foundation’s FutureSmart Program. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to uplifting communities through education, technology, and livelihood opportunities. FutureSmart is a testament to how we aim to create lasting, positive change by preparing individuals for a brighter and more sustainable future, said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of the BingoPlus Foundation.

DigiPlus remains steadfast in its mission to bring cutting-edge entertainment platforms to Filipinos while making meaningful contributions to society through its social responsibility programs.

Last autumn, I had the chance to revisit Jeonju, a city that perfectly blends tradition, culture, and delicious food. Known for its beautiful hanok village and mouthwatering bibimbap, Jeonju turned out to be one of my favorite travel destinations in Korea. If you're planning a trip, here are some must-do activities based on my own experience!

Finally back in Jeonju to fulfill some unfinished business: Rent a room in a traditional hanok house!