TP in the Philippines named Sustainability Company of the Year at 17th Asia CEO Awards

Receives Circle of Excellence honors for Most Innovative Company of the Year, Service Excellence Company of the Year, and CEO of the Year

Representing TP in the Philippines and receiving the awards during the Asia CEO Awards night were, from left, TP in the Philippines Media Relations Manager Adrian Elumba, Senior Director for Communications and Marketing David de Castro, Head of ANZ and Domestic Operations Patrick Lopez, Executive Vice President for Operations Toni Tompar, Vice President for Facilities, Administration & Security Eduardo Punzalan, Senior Director for Transformation KC Nunez, and Director for External Relations Nash Frias.

VinFast Evo: Built for Filipino Students and Young Professionals

VinFast Evo, one of VinFast E-Motorcycle’s first product lineup for the Philippines, makes a strong case as an entry-level two-wheeler of choice for Filipino students and young professionals. Built with an ecosystem designed for first-time e-motorcycle owners, VinFast Evo entered the market as a practical and reliable mobility solution that can rival its 110cc–125cc gas scooter counterparts. 

Automatic scooters, which accounted for 655,004 units sold,  remain the default two-wheeler ride for Filipino students and young professionals — practical, affordable, and built for the daily grind. University, a first job, daily errands, casual evenings out — the average Filipino student or young professional isn't juggling one thing, they're juggling all of them. Their ride doesn't need to do one extraordinary thing; it needs to keep up with the whole list. The VinFast Evo enters that segment conversation as an all-electric alternative designed to meet the same demands, without the fuel costs and emissions that come with them.

Tiny Titan Domination: Vinfast VF3 Is The Best-Selling Bev Model In The Philippines

VinFast VF 3, the best-selling electric mini-SUV of VinFast Philippines, has claimed the top spot in the local BEV segment after recording 2,906 units sold from January to August 2026 according to the CAMPI report. 

Dubbed as the “Tiny Titan,” the VF 3 asserted its popularity among first-time Filipino EV owners looking for compact and practical vehicles. Already gaining strong traction before recent oil price hikes, the VF 3 saw demand surge during the global energy uncertainty as volatile domestic fuel prices pushed Filipino motorists towards cost-efficient mobility options.

Isla LPG Corporation Launches Isla EDGE, Marks New Milestone in LPG Industry Training and Safety

Isla LPG Corporation and Department of Energy (DOE) officials celebrate the recognition of Isla EDGE as a DOE-accredited LPG training organization, marking a milestone in advancing safety, technical competency, and practitioner development in the Philippine LPG industry. (L-R: Erwill Catanghal, Plant Manager, Isla LPG; Erwin Leonor, Technical Services Director, Isla LPG; Haidee Alverne, B2C Sales Operations Manager, Isla LPG; Elma Revillame, B2B National Sales Director, Isla LPG; Joey Cutaran, General Manager, Operations, Isla LPG; Marvin Castor, Public Affairs Officer, Isla LPG; Banjo Castillo, Chief Operating Officer, Isla LPG; Rino Abad, DOE OIMB Director; Loralai Capistrano, DOE Supervising Science Research Specialist; Aracelie Pascua; Ron Sante; and Francis Flores.)

Caring for the Mind, Caring for the Body: OGAWA Marks Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health is the foundation of our well-being. When our minds are well, our physiological condition benefits, too. To stay in optimal condition, it is imperative that we nurture our minds to build a strong foundation and maintain a healthy quality of life. OGAWA Philippines joins the country in commemorating National Mental Health Awareness Month, reinforcing its pledge to support holistic wellness and the importance of prioritizing our mental well-being. 

“This October, OGAWA is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with the rest of the country. Our massage chairs and other wellness products are made for everyday use because we want people to integrate mental wellness into their daily lives. We hope that more people prioritize their mental well-being not just this month, but every day,” said Shey Agustin, marketing executive of OGAWA Philippines.

Beyond a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, massage chairs are a powerful tool for achieving mental fitness and clarity. OGAWA’s massage programs reduce stress levels by 60% and anxiety by 45%, according to a joint study by OGAWA and Universiti Sains Malaysia. The study shows that massage chairs provide more than a physical experience. They also provide mental relief and help alleviate daily pressures.

Samsung presents latest AI-powered Digital Appliances for Home and Businesses in Southeast Asia and Oceania

Samsung hosted more than 50 media from Southeast Asia at a showcase of Samsung’s expanding B2B portfolio, including its latest HVAC technologies and B2B laundry solutions. 

The showcase featured Samsung’s AI-enhanced home appliance innovations, providing attendees with a preview of the upcoming 2027 Samsung room air conditioner.

The seminar also included demonstrations of how SmartThings, Home Appliance Remote Management (HRM) and long-term software support keep the appliance experience evolving well beyond the initial purchase.

Vinfast Announces Up To $60,000 Dealer Incentives To Expand E-Motorcycle Distribution Network In The Philippines And Indonesia

VinFast has announced a special incentive package of up to US$60,000 for each new electric motorcycle showroom opened by its dealer partners in the Philippines and Indonesia. The program is designed to help local businesses tap into the strong growth potential of the electric motorcycle market, while making VinFast’s electric motorcycles more accessible to consumers.

Under the program, dealer partners that open new VinFast electric motorcycle showrooms in the Philippines and Indonesia by December 31, 2026, will receive basic support of up to US$40,000 per location, depending on the showroom's size, floor area, and dealership standards. Showrooms that open by October 31, 2026, will qualify for an additional incentive of up to US$5,000 per location. Dealer partners that open three or more stores will qualify for an additional incentive of up to US$15,000 per location.

The Hair They Came For: Why Asian Hair Needs a Different Kind of Care

We’ve gotten pretty good at reading the labels on our skincare—checking the ingredients, understanding what our skin needs, and choosing products accordingly. Now, that same level of care is extending to hair, as consumers become more mindful of what goes into their haircare products and how those choices affect the health of their hair. 

A 2025 study by the Journal of the Korean Society of Cosmetology found that consumers’ perceptions of hair-care products containing natural extracts can influence their purchasing behavior, reflecting a growing interest in what goes into the products we use. But when it comes to hair, the conversation goes beyond the bottle. It also starts with understanding the hair itself.

It Takes a Village to Raise a Batang Matatag: How Safe Water and Gut Health Are Helping Build Stronger Futures

Erceflora, together with the Manila Water Foundation, Department of Education (DepEd), and the Pasig City Government, is expanding the Batang Matatag child health initiative across 44 schools in Pasig as the program marks its fifth year.

The initiative will bring refrigerated drinking water fountains and health education on gut health and everyday hygiene—including toothbrushing, handwashing, and sanitation—to school communities. The expansion is part of Batang Matatag’s broader effort to promote healthier school environments through sustained community partnerships.

“Batang Matatag has always been about creating healthier environments where children can grow and thrive. As we enter our fifth year, we are looking beyond immediate needs to help communities build the knowledge and habits that can support children’s health in the long term. Through our partnerships, we hope to make these healthy practices more accessible and sustainable for the communities we serve,” Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Brand Zone Lead said.

Stroke remains leading cause of death in Ilocos Region, prompting stronger collaboration on stroke care

Government health officials, healthcare institutions, and clinicians discuss ways to strengthen stroke prevention, treatment, referral, and rehabilitation across Region 1.

Government leaders, healthcare institutions, and stroke experts from across Region 1 convene to explore ways to strengthen stroke care pathways and improve patient outcomes, as stroke remains the leading cause of death in the Ilocos Region. 

A Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death in the Ilocos Region, underscoring the urgent need for continued action by government, healthcare institutions, and communities to strengthen prevention, treatment, referral, and rehabilitation services to help patients access timely and appropriate care. 

Caltex bridges digital divide for Bukidnon students with 20-laptop donation

The laptops will be used to help students develop their digital skills and access online study resources. 

Students at Pangantucan Community High School (PCHS) in Bukidnon still struggle with basic computer tasks, not for lack of ability but for lack of access. Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), is looking to change that by donating 20 refurbished laptops to close the digital divide for the students at the school. 

The laptops will help the students with their mathematics and science classes, where they can now create spreadsheets and run data analysis, as well as their social studies, literature, and religion subjects through expanded access to online readings. Students will also be able to use the devices for presentations, videos, graphics, and other multimedia projects, building creative and digital skills alongside their academic work.

Vinfast Opens Early Bookings For The All-New VF 8 In The Philippines

VinFast has officially opened pre-orders for the all-new VF 8 in the Philippines, the first international market to introduce the D-segment electric SUV. Developed on a new-generation technology platform, the VF 8 is designed to elevate the driving experience. Interested customers can register through VinFast’s authorized dealerships nationwide. The first 1,000 customers who place pre-orders from today through November 5, 2026, will receive a free one-year battery subscription. 

VinFast Opens New Dealership in Pasay City, Expanding Its Presence in Southern Metro Manila

FROM L-R: Mr. Rox Lacerna, Deputy CEO of Sales and Dealer Recruitment, VinFast Philippines, Mr. Abner Berdos, Deputy CEO of Sales and Network Development, VinFast Philippines, Mr. Hans Chico Sy, President, SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation,  Mr. Antonio “Toti” Zara III, CEO, VinFast Southeast Asia, Mr. Alvin Chu Teng, CEO, Cellboy, Mr. Jerome Uy, President, Ravox Car Dealership Corporation.

VinFast officially opened its new dealership in Pasay City, marking the company’s 36th dealership in the Philippines. The milestone further expands VinFast’s footprint, bringing its EV products and services closer to Filipino consumers while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to advancing green mobility in the country.

Caltex-Supported Solar Project Helps Tondo Parish Save P2.58 Million in Three Years

Children supported by the members of the MaJeKal Mission community and the organization members gather at San Pablo Apostol Parish in Tondo, Manila, where Caltex's solar panel donation has helped fund the feeding and scholarship programs

Three years after Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines (CPI), funded the initial purchase and installation of a solar power system at San Pablo Apostol Parish (SPAP) in Tondo, Manila, the parish has recorded an estimated ₱2.58 million in cumulative electricity-cost savings.

Why Running Crews Are Becoming the New Social Circles for Young Filipinos

“See you tonight” can mean something different when your friends are part of a running crew. The meeting spot is a starting point, the plan is a few kilometers together, and catching up happens along the route. It could be a quick run after work or a late-night race that keeps the group out well past its usual bedtime.

For some Gen Zs and Millennials, running is becoming part of their social life, not just their fitness routine. It gives them a reason to step away from their desks, see familiar faces, and experience the city after dark with people who make showing up easier. And when the run is over, there is still time to linger, talk about how it went, and make plans for the next one.

Running crews are becoming a place to build friendships around a shared routine. The run itself might be a chance to chase a personal best or clear your head after a long day. Just as often, the reason to show up is knowing someone will be there to run alongside you.

Filipinos May Not Be Getting Enough Calcium to Support Their Bones

LAC Philippines highlights the importance of proactive bone health as calcium inadequacy remains a concern this World Osteoporosis Day

Bone health may not always be top of mind, but nutritional gaps that can affect it can begin much earlier in life. Data from the 2023 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) show that calcium intake remains low across multiple Filipino age groups. Among adolescents aged 13 to 18, 85.4% did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for calcium, while 91.4% of Filipino adults aged 19 to 59 and 91.3% of older Filipinos aged 60 and above also did not meet the EAR.

From Tiis Ganda to Holiday Ganda: Rethinking Period Pain This Christmas

There’s no perfect English translation for tiis-ganda. The distinctly Filipino expression captures the idea of enduring discomfort or inconvenience in the name of looking good, keeping up appearances, or simply getting through what needs to be done. 

And what better time for women to endure this expectation than the holidays?

For many women, that idea of tiis can extend beyond beauty, from wearing uncomfortable shoes for an event to pushing through period pain just to make it through the pain. During the holidays, when there are dinners to attend, reunions to show up for, and celebrations to smile through, it can be even easier to fall into the habit of tiis-ganda, putting on a good face and carrying on, even when your body is telling you otherwise.

FedEx Named Among 2026 HR Asia’s Best Employers for Fourth Consecutive Year

FedEx Philippines has been recognized as one of 2026 HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia, for the fourth consecutive year. FedEx Philippines has also been awarded three special category honors: the People Transformation Award, Sustainable Workplace Award, and Tech Empowerment Award. 

Organized by HR Asia, a leading publication for human resource professionals across the Asia Pacific region, the awards program evaluates organizations through HR Asia’s proprietary Total Engagement Assessment Model (TEAM), which measures employee engagement, workplace culture, and HR practices.

Ready, Set, Woof! A Fur Parent’s Guide to Preparing for a Leisure Run

Running with your dog doesn’t have to be about beating a personal best. Think of it as your usual walk with a little more bounce: fresh air, happy zoomies, fellow fur parents to meet, and plenty of opportunities for cute photos along the way.

If you and your four-legged friend are joining a fun run soon or if you’re planning to do more leisure runs, a little preparation can help make the day more enjoyable. Start with your usual walks, then mix in some playful movement or easy jogs to help your pup get used to being active alongside you.

What does being No. 1 really mean?

Here’s what the leading eyewear brand in PH has to say

Being No. 1 sounds simple—until you ask what it really means.

In business, it can mean being the biggest or most visible. But in an industry as personal as eyewear, leadership can mean something more: being the brand people trust with their vision, choose when they have options, recommend to others, and return to.

For EO Executive Optical, being a Leading Optical brand in the Philippines is increasingly defined by these choices. EO brings eyewear and optical services within reach of Filipinos with over 400 branches nationwide.

AI Boom Opens New Growth Opportunities for Philippine Semiconductor Industry, FedEx Report Finds

The Philippines’ established semiconductor manufacturing base and skilled workforce position the country to benefit as companies expand and diversify supply chains across Asia Pacific

Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world's largest express transportation companies, released findings from a new report developed in collaboration with Frost & Sullivan examining the evolving semiconductor ecosystem across Asia Pacific (APAC). 

The report finds that growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, electric vehicles (EVs), and advanced communications technologies is accelerating semiconductor production and driving investment in the digital infrastructure that powers the AI economy. These trends are creating increasingly complex regional and global supply chains that depend on speed, visibility, and resilience.

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.