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. 

XPENG North EDSA Welcomes First VIP Guests to Exclusive X9 and L03 Test Drive Ahead of October Opening

Test drive registrations and pre-orders are now open, with early customers eligiblefor exclusive gifts worth up to ₱20,000

XPENG North EDSA brought its first group of VIP customers and invited guests to an exclusive test-drive experience at Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Batangas, giving them an early opportunity to experience the XPENG X9 and L03 ahead of the opening of the North EDSA flagship store this October.

The activity was held as part of XPENG’s first major test-drive program in the Philippines. Guests were able to learn more about the X9 and L03 through a product walkthrough and firsthand driving experience, allowing them to explore the vehicles’ technology, comfort, design and driving capabilities on the road.

For a Life in Motion: How Eelos Founder Gian Yap Is Designing Around the Way We Live Today

After years in the corporate world and now building Eelos, Gian Yap believes modern life no longer fits neatly into fixed routines, and the products people rely on should move with them.

A day rarely stays exactly as planned. A morning might begin with training before work, continue through meetings and errands, and end with dinner with friends. Somewhere in between, traffic changes the schedule, a meeting runs longer than expected, or the weather suddenly turns. What begins as one kind of day often becomes something else entirely.

For Eelos founder Gian Yap, this reflects what it means to live a life in motion. It is less about constantly being busy and more about how different parts of people’s lives increasingly exist within the same day. Work, fitness, travel, relationships, interests, and personal pursuits no longer sit neatly in separate schedules. They overlap.

VinFast’s RVG Program Brings More Predictability to EV Resale Value

A vehicle’s resale value, for unfamiliar EV makers, is one more uncertainty buyers have to weigh. The Residual Value Guarantee (RVG) Program offers a way to share that risk, and VinFast is putting the approach to work in the Philippines.

A brand-new car starts losing value the moment it leaves the dealership. How quickly that happens is harder to predict, and it can weigh on a buyer's mind when the time comes to choose between a familiar name and a newer one. The big question then is simple: what will a vehicle be worth when it is time to let it go?

Gourdo’s Reclaims Rest in Metro Manila with “The Dream Oasis” Sleepcare x Healthguard Pop Up at The Podium

To combat the growing sleep crisis facing urban  professionals, Gourdo’s announces the launch of The Dream Oasis: Sleepcare x Healthguard, an  interactive, sensory pop-up running from September 4 to 6, 2026, at the Central Atrium of The  Podium Mall in Ortigas. A special Media & VIP Launch Event was launched on Saturday,  September 5, bringing together lifestyle editors, press, and content creators for an exclusive  walkthrough. 

As Metro Manila's fast-paced lifestyle increasingly compromises personal well-being, Gourdo’s is  redefining urban rest by orchestrating a powerful synergy between three renowned sleep  technology leaders: Sleepcare, Healthguard®, and A-Fontane®. Developed as Gourdo's  signature line for holistic sleep wellness, Sleepcare focuses on precision ergonomic design and  tailored contouring to relieve spinal strain and daily posture fatigue. Partnering with Sleepcare is  Healthguard®, a global pioneer in advanced biocide and anti-dust mite treatments engineered to  create permanent, medical-grade barriers against microscopic allergens, bacteria, and dust  mites. Completing this sleep sanctuary ecosystem is A-Fontane®, an internationally acclaimed  home textile pioneer with over five decades of fabric innovation. Known for its revolutionary,  award-winning home solutions, A-Fontane brings its flagship StayClean technology—a self cleaning, stain-resistant, and liquid-repellent fabric barrier that keeps bedding hygienic, fresh, and  effortlessly low-maintenance. 

XPENG IRON Rolls Off Production Line As Humanoid Robot Manufacturing Facility Is Commissioned

XPENG Inc. (“XPENG” or the “Company,” NYSE: XPEV; HKEX: 9868), a leading global Physical AI company, has officially commissioned its humanoid robot production lines, marking a significant step in the company’s move from research and development to scaled manufacturing. 

The milestone was marked by the completion of the first next-generation XPENG IRON produced on the new lines. The advanced general-purpose humanoid robot autonomously walked off the production floor, demonstrating the transition from R&D prototyping to production and bringing XPENG closer to volume manufacturing. 

According to the company, the facility operates the world’s first automated production lines for advanced humanoid robots. It applies automotive-grade quality systems developed for the smart electric vehicle industry to the precision manufacturing of humanoid machines. 

GAC AION UT Earns Five-Star 2026 Euro Ncap Safety Rating

Five-star Euro NCAP safety, spacious "Big Car Energy" comfort, and advanced EV tech starting at an introductory ₱998,000.

The GAC AION UT has earned a  five-star honor from the European New Car Assessment Programme 2026 (Euro NCAP)1, emerging as one of the first mass-produced Chinese brand models to pass the latest rounds of safety tests. 

The vehicle earned its top-tier rating by delivering balanced excellence across all four key assessment stages: Safe Driving (66%), Crash Avoidance (74%), Crash Protection (91%), and Post-Crash Safety (88%). Evaluating the hatchback against significantly stricter criteria, which place heavy emphasis on active safety, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and vulnerable road user protection, the AION UT proved its mettle on the global stage.

The model’s stellar performance is anchored by a robust "Dragon-Bone Embraced Body Structure," where high-strength steel accounts for 71% of the body. Key structural features include a one-piece hot-stamped dual-ring design, an extra-wide 180mm crash box, and a roof capable of withstanding up to 8 tons of load.

Inside its surprisingly spacious cabin, designed to deliver signature "Big Car Energy" despite its compact hatchback footprint, passenger protection is bolstered by an advanced 7-airbag system featuring a 2.1-meter V-side air curtain and a front far-side airbag to mitigate occupant-to-occupant impacts during side collisions. Furthermore, the vehicle incorporates comprehensive active safety layers, including an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system that surpasses legislative requirements, cyclist dooring prevention, and child presence detection (CPD).

"Earning the Euro NCAP Five-Star Safety Certification represents the ultimate endorsement from an authoritative international body for the AION UT’s uncompromised safety engineering," said Calvin Cheng, General Manager of GAC Philippines. "More than just an award, this milestone is a testament to our deep passion and commitment to empower and modernize mobility for Filipinos, bringing world-class safety and cutting-edge electric innovation right to local streets."

The GAC AION UT’s latest global accolade aligns seamlessly with GAC's core brand philosophy of consistently building around trust and innovation to deliver uncompromised safety and consumer protection, setting a benchmark for small pure-electric vehicles worldwide.

Pricing

Reservations for the GAC AION UT are now open at GAC dealerships nationwide. The introductory pricing of PHP 998,0002, is available until September 30, 2026.

Available in six distinct exterior finishes, including Champs-Elysees Beige, Emerald Green, Rococo White, Seine Silver, Twilight Lavender, and Two-Tone options for Rococo White and Emerald Green, the Aion UT is paired exclusively with sleek all-black interiors.

With manufacturing expertise shaped by over two decades of collaboration with Toyota and Honda, and growing strength in electrification and intelligent mobility, GAC brings together proven craftsmanship and next-generation technology—Where Craft Meets Technology.

GAC Philippines supports its owners through a nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, two years of free roadside assistance, and tailored warranty coverage. ICE models (GS4, GS3 EMZOOM, EMKOO, GS8, EMPOW, M6 Pro, GN6, and M8) include a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty, whichever comes first. EV models (AION Y, Hyptec HT, AION UT, AION V, and AION ES) carry an 8-year or 160,000 km basic warranty, along with an 8-year or 200,000 km plan for the traction battery and electric drive, applicable up to the specified milestone. PHEV and HEV models (GS4 Max, E8, GN8, and GS8) offer a 5-year or 150,000 km basic warranty, complemented by an 8-year or 150,000 km policy covering the power battery, driving motor, and motor control unit.

Visit a GAC dealership near you or explore the new energy lineup of  GAC Philippines gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive. For the latest news and updates, follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.

1Refer to this website for more information about the Euro NCAP result for the GAC Aion UT: https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/1236/

As Rains Persist, Caltex Offers Motorists Tips on How to Keep Water Out of Their Fuel Tank

In a country where sudden downpours, monsoon surges, and typhoons can bring rain and flooding at different times of the year, motorists face a recurring but often overlooked risk: water finding its way into the fuel tank, where it can contaminate fuel and gradually affect engine performance. Caltex Philippines is offering drivers a quick checklist to help protect their vehicles from water contamination whenever wet weather and flooding occur.

Here is how to keep water out of your fuel tank during the rainy season: 

Inspect your fuel cap for cracks or signs of wear and ensure it is securely closed after every refueling.

Your Everyday Routine Deserves Better Oral Care: Meet 5 usmile Solutions

In a country known for its warm smiles, love for coffee, and sweet merienda traditions, usmile believes that healthier oral habits should be part of everyday Filipino life. Guided by its "Prevention Over Treatment" philosophy, the global professional oral care brand introduces its science-backed solutions designed for modern lifestyles.

"Oral care should be proactive. By combining science-backed innovation with user-friendly products, we hope to make preventive oral care a lasting habit for Filipinos," said Dr. Jitao Liu, usmile Chief R&D Scientist.

Here are usmile’s specialized solutions designed to meet different oral care needs and lifestyles:

Optical White 2.0 “Purple Corrector”: Instant Whitening

Life With GAC | 1,492 Km Across Luzon, Visayas And Mindanao: Real Owners Put The GAC AION V To The Test

Real-world journeys across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao show how zero-emission, cost-effective electric mobility can work for Filipino drivers in real-world conditions.

There is no better way to test a vehicle’s long-range capabilities than through real-world driving. As the Philippines continues to expand its charging network, two Filipino EV owners put this to the test, demonstrating that long-distance, fully electric travel across the country is already a practical reality.

For GAC owners Romel Emperado and Rommel Laranjo, taking their AION V cars across highway stretches and ferry links showed how seamlessly electric mobility fits into local road trips.

How OGAWA is Pioneering the Modern Wellness Journey

For years, massage chairs have been associated with rest and relaxation, but research shows they offer more than that. A joint study by OGAWA and Universiti Malaya found that OGAWA’s massage chairs directly contribute to an individual’s health, as they improve sleep quality and blood circulation by up to 88% and 81%, respectively. As technology continues to evolve, OGAWA massage chairs have become holistic wellness tools that support everyday health and improve quality of life. 

“With OGAWA chairs, the massage aspect is just one aspect of the rest and recovery journey. The research findings are tangible proof that OGAWA’s massage chairs elevate a user’s overall wellness experience. Our products have so many unexpected features and benefits that redefine what a massage chair can do,” said Shey Agustin, Marketing Executive of OGAWA Philippines.

SM and PMAP Mega Job Fair, Creating an Employment Ecosystem

Neither rain nor disrupted schedules could stop jobseekers from pursuing their next opportunity.

FROM JOBSEEKER TO HIRED! Successful applicants proudly mark their new beginnings after being hired on the spot at the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026, where SM Job Fair and PMAP brought employment opportunities closer to Filipino communities.

Award-Winning Circularity: SM Waste Free Future Transforms Closed-Loop Systems

The 2024 nationwide launch of SM Waste Free Future. 

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) received the Gold Award in the Transformation Category at the 2026 ESG Edge Impact Awards for its SM Waste Free Future initiative. The Transformation Category celebrates businesses and organizations that have significantly improved and evolved overall sustainability performance and operational models over time. 

Midea champions innovation and industry excellence, earned multiple Quill awards

Concepcion Midea Inc. Philippines, together with members of partner communications agency COMCO Southeast Asia, received the recognition at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards.

The continued pursuit of innovation and deep collaboration with its nationwide network of stakeholders remain at the heart of Midea’s mission to deliver happiness to every Filipino household through meaningful home appliance solutions. 

This commitment was recently recognized at the recent 22nd Philippine Quill Awards, where Midea received three awards for its milestone dealer and installer technician engagement initiatives, namely “Together Future Ready: 2025 AC Specialist Convention” and “Midea Club.”