VinFast MPV 7 Charges Ahead as Official Fleet for the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting 2026

11 units of the VF MPV 7 will be used as the official electric vehicle fleet for delegates from ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners participating in the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM44) and its Associated Meetings from 5 to 8 October 2026.

The 44th AMEM and its Associated Meetings will bring together energy ministers and senior officials from ASEAN Member States, Dialogue Partners, and international organizations to advance regional cooperation across key areas of the energy sector. As ASEAN’s principal ministerial platform for energy cooperation, AMEM provides strategic direction on regional priorities and initiatives aimed at strengthening energy security, accelerating the energy transition, expanding clean and renewable energy deployment, improving energy efficiency, and advancing greater connectivity and integration of energy systems across Southeast Asia.

EO named Most Trusted, Patronized, Recommended eyewear brand in PH

When Filipinos choose where to get their eyewear, one name continues to stand out: EO Executive Optical.

An independent 2026 study conducted by NielsenIQ Philippines found that EO Executive Optical leads among Filipino optical consumers across three important measures: favorite brand, most recommended eyewear brand, and most patronized optical shop.

Among Filipinos aged 12 to 44 from Socioeconomic Class (SEC) CD households who use optical products, nearly three out of four named EO as their favorite optical shop or eyewear brand. Seventy-six percent said they would recommend EO to others, while 65% said EO is the optical shop they visit or patronize most often—about 6.5 out of every 10 respondents.

Lazada & Cube Report: Filipinos lead Southeast Asia in eCommerce savviness, shopping 47% more than other markets

36% of Filipino shoppers qualify as "Savvy," the highest of any market in the region, reflecting a shift toward value, trust, and informed choices when it comes to eCommerce.

Filipino online shoppers are becoming more discerning, digitally confident and value-conscious, giving the Philippines the highest share of "Savvy Shoppers" across six Southeast Asian markets surveyed. According to the newly released 2026 eCommerce Savvy Shopper Report by Cube, in partnership with Lazada, 36% of Filipino online shoppers qualify as "Savvy Shoppers" - shoppers who demonstrate strength across the key capabilities across four key dimensions: Verification, Value Optimisation, Confidence & Protection, and Digital Fluency throughout the purchase journey. 

The landmark study of 6,000 online shoppers across Southeast Asia signals a clear shift toward deliberate, value-conscious, and highly informed consumer behavior. Far from simply chasing the lowest price, Filipino consumers are actively validating products, weighing safeguards, and using digital tools to secure the best overall value. 

In total, 58% of Filipino shoppers now qualify as either Savvy or Near-Savvy: 36% meet the full Savvy Shopper benchmark, while another 22% are just one dimension away, suggesting that sophisticated online shopping habits have become more mainstream in the Philippines.

George Optical marks 66 years of eye care with special anniversary treat

The homegrown eye-care brand celebrates its journey from a modest clinic to a modern vision-care institution with a special ₱66 anniversary offer

Sixty-six years after opening its first clinic in Binondo, George Optical is marking its anniversary with an offer that centers its long-standing commitment to Filipino customers.

As part of the George Optical 66th Anniversary Treat, customers who purchase any frame worth ₱6,990 and above can get a second selected designer frame for only ₱66. The offer runs until October 31, 2026, at George Optical branches nationwide.

Mapúa’s Sanitary Engineering board topnotchers rally for PH sustainability amid climate, environmental crises

As the Philippines grapples with severe flooding, water insecurity, and environmental degradation, a new generation of licensed sanitary engineers from Mapúa University is stepping up to deliver real-world, sustainable solutions for the nation.

Mapúa once again demonstrated its undisputed leadership in engineering education, securing 8 out of the top 10 spots in the August 2026 Sanitary Engineers Licensure Examination (SELE). Mapúa also emerged as the #1 Top Performing School, posting an outstanding 96% passing rate.

Leading the nation’s board passers is Engr. Laurence Jazzel U. Mendoza (1st Place), followed by Engr. Marc Zendrijk V. Pasumbal (2nd Place)—who achieved a back-to-back feat after placing 1st in the March 2026 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination—and Engr. Alexis Marcus Miguel J. Luna (3rd Place). Completing Mapúa’s roster of topnotchers are Engr. Joshua Vergil V. Mandigma (5th Place), Engr. Justine Lar G. Onda (6th Place), Engr. Eduard Jong T. Cortes (7th Place), Engr. Marc Junifiel A. Malabar (8th Place), and Engr. Sarah Jessica O. Gonzales (10th Place).

“We congratulate our new sanitary engineers not just for their academic triumph, but for their commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, President and CEO of Mapúa University. “I believe they have a bright future in tackling public health and environmental issues that demonstrate the true Mapúan spirit of engineering for the public good.”

Engineering a greener, resilient future

Now offered in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU)—ranked #1 in Innovation in the U.S.—Mapúa’s B.S. Environmental and Sanitary Engineering program empowers future engineers to become excellent stewards of public health, planetary health, and sustainability.

Witnessing the country’s ongoing climate vulnerability, Mapúa's newest board topnotchers shared how they intend to create a lasting national impact through their profession.

Engr. Mendoza sees purpose in his chosen field: “The usual answer is ‘I want to change the world’ but right now, the goal is to not worsen things. If there is a way to improve the situation and contribute to sustainable development, especially to less developed areas like Palawan, as much as I can then I would do so.”

Engr. Pasumbal meanwhile highlights that he wants to uphold the profession with dignity and integrity: “Sa Civil [Engineering], we work on building structures so sometimes it impacts the environment. With Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, it balances things out because it’s about [protecting natural resources].”

Engr. Luna added that this milestone is aligned with his principles growing up: “If you are one of the best, people tend to listen to you more… Gusto kong maging highly capable, enough to solve real, pressing issues in the field of sanitary engineering.”

Emphasizing that he enjoyed his classes at Mapúa, Engr. Mandigma added, “I hope magampanan ko iyong purpose namin as Sanitary Engineers to protect public health and the environment especially with what’s happening now.” Engr. Onda, on the other hand, admits that he’d like to use this profession to raise awareness in the Philippines: “I’d like to be a part of our country’s movement towards sustainable development.”

Engr. Cortes highlights the interaction of both Civil and Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, noting that, “As a CE (civil engineer), we build the world but as a sanitary engineer, we are to make the world a livable place,” which also aligns with Engr. Malabar’s take that they took an oath “to serve the public and we are to make the world a better place than it already is.”

At the same time, Engr. Gonzales hopes to also become a researcher to “help our engineers in the field since sila iyong mga nakakapag-apply ng principles as practices… hopefully kami pong lahat na current board passers and topnotchers, magampanan po namin iyong magiging role namin sa society not just for the present generation but also for the future ones.”

Applications for A.Y. 2027-2028 Open This September

Widely recognized as the Philippines' #1 engineering and technological school, Mapúa University is expected to officially open its applications for Academic Year 2027-2028 by the end of September 2026.

Aspiring builders, innovators, and future board topnotchers are invited to begin their academic journey at the home of top engineers. To apply or learn more about Mapúa’s globalized engineering programs, visit mapua.edu.ph.

GAC Named Breakthrough Automotive Brand In Kantar Philippines’ 2026 Brandz Report

GAC stands out as one of only two automotive brands honored at Kantar BrandZ 2026

GAC Philippines has been officially recognized as the “2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive” in Kantar’s 2026 BrandZ Spotlight on Philippine Brands report.

GAC joins a prestigious roster of recognized industry leaders honored across key consumer categories, including Banking, Health Supplements, Communication Providers, General Retailers, and Beers. As this year’s Philippine accolades cover the retail and service sectors, GAC and Toyota were the automotive brands recognized at the event, with GAC receiving the “2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive” title.

The EV Warranty Game: VinFast’s Unrivaled 10-Year Warranty is the Ultimate Dealmaker in Local EV Shift

Driven by consumers’ demand for better assurance, VinFast is strengthening its ownership system with the best warranty offer in the local electric vehicle sector. The fast-rising BEV brand’s 10-year vehicle and battery coverage plan sets a new standard for long-term reliability that directly eliminates the primary anxieties associated with transitioning to smart mobility in the Philippines. 

As Filipino motorists increasingly consider making the switch to electric vehicles, the purchasing decision has moved well beyond car designs, infotainment screens, and all-around specs. For first-time EV buyers, questions around battery longevity, replacement costs, and the reliability of newer technologies can weigh just as heavily on the decision. A 2026 Deloitte study shows that 41% of Filipinos point to the eventual cost of battery replacement as a primary concern when considering an EV.