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 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.
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.
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?
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 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.
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).
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"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/
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.
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
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.”
Pawgrounds at Parqal offers a dedicated space where pets and their humans can enjoy time outdoors, play, and create shared moments.
For many Filipino fur parents, pets are more than just companions – they are part of the family. From morning walks and weekend strolls to spontaneous café runs, more pet owners are looking for places where they can enjoy quality time with their four-legged friends.
This sentiment is reflected in TGM Research's 2026 Pet Ownership & Lifestyle Insights, with 57% of Filipinos identifying their pets as family members, and around 54% spending more on pet-related products and services than the previous year, pointing to the growing role pets play in everyday life.
The initiative with Rise Against Hunger Philippines aims to help address rising child malnutrition cases in the countryFedEx volunteers from Clark joined Rise Against Hunger Philippines to assemble 10,000 meal kits that will support public school students in Cebu.
Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world's largest express transportation companies, partnered with Rise Against Hunger Philippines in Cebu to package 10,000 nutritious meals for underserved communities.
In reality, fuel choices can affect long-term engine performance, with each fuel product’s formulation and additives making all the difference. Here’s what motorists need to know about their fuel’s role on engine care and what to look for in their fuel options.
The Role of Fuel in Keeping Car Engines Clean
First, motorists should use the fuel recommended for their vehicle. This includes following the manufacturer's guidance on fuel type and octane requirements.
Space, comfort, turbocharged performance, and Level 2 safety from ₱1.198 million.
Filipino families today have a wider range of mobility options than ever before. While some prioritize space and everyday versatility, others place greater importance on comfort, technology, performance, or accessible pricing. Ultimately, the right vehicle is one that responds to a family’s particular needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Recognizing these different priorities, GAC Philippines recently introduced its expanded MPV Family, comprising the All-New GAC GN6, GAC E8 HEV, and GAC GN8 PHEV Executive. Together, the three models provide distinct mobility solutions for families at different life stages and price points.
As the most accessible model in the lineup, the All-New GN6 is thoughtfully designed for family life. From easier cabin access and comfortable three-row seating to flexible cargo space, connected technology, and advanced driver assistance features, the GN6 brings together the qualities families use and appreciate every day.
Built on GAC’s more than 10 years of MPV engineering experience and over 880,000 MPVs delivered worldwide, the GN6 brings together the space, comfort, versatility, technology, and safety that Filipino families value. This well-rounded combination earns it a place among GAC’s “MPV MVPs.”
Here are five ways the All-new GN6 provides more care and value for every family:
1. Space designed around the whole family
A family MPV must accommodate more than passengers. It needs to adapt to school runs, daily commutes, family gatherings, grocery trips, weekend activities, and long journeys out of town.
The independent second-row captain’s seats feature individual armrests, giving passengers a more comfortable and personal seating area. Easy cabin access also helps children, elderly family members, and passengers with limited mobility enter and exit the vehicle with less effort.
When more carrying capacity is needed, the third-row seats fold completely into the luggage floor to create a flat and practical cargo area. This expands cargo capacity from 324 liters to as much as 1,100 liters, allowing the GN6 to accommodate luggage, sports equipment, shopping, and other large items without requiring families to choose between passenger comfort and usable storage.
Dual-zone automatic climate control helps keep the cabin comfortable, while a PM1 air filter supports cleaner air circulation for everyone on board. A power sunroof adds to the open and welcoming feel of the interior.
Together, these features demonstrate how the GN6’s space is not simply measured in dimensions. It is designed around the different people, routines, and responsibilities that make up family life.
2. Family-focused Features
The GN6 gives Filipino families access to a combination of three-row space, comfort, technology, performance, and safety features in one vehicle.
At the center of the cabin is a large 14.6-inch touchscreen display, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The two displays give the interior a clean, contemporary appearance while placing essential vehicle information and connectivity functions within easy view and reach of the driver.
Families also benefit from features that make everyday travel more comfortable and convenient, including the second-row captain’s seats, flexible fold-flat third row, dual-zone climate control, PM1 air filtration, and power sunroof.
Rather than focusing on equipment for its own sake, the GN6 brings these features together to support real family needs: keeping passengers comfortable, helping the driver stay informed, and allowing the cabin to adapt as plans change.
3. Turbocharged Performance for City and Highway Driving
Powering the GN6 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 176.7 HP and 270 Nm of torque. It is paired with a seven-speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission, or 7WDCT.
This combination gives the GN6 the responsiveness needed for daily city driving, carrying a full complement of passengers, merging into faster traffic, and travelling on provincial roads. Its 270 Nm of torque provides useful pulling power when the vehicle is loaded with family members and cargo, while the transmission supports smooth and confident progress across different driving conditions.
The GN6 has a WLTC combined fuel-consumption rating of 7.22 liters per 100 kilometers, balancing its turbocharged performance with the everyday efficiency expected of a family vehicle.
4. Level 2 Advanced Assistance Safety for Greater Family Confidence
For a family vehicle, care also means supporting the driver and helping protect everyone inside.
The All-New GN6 GX is equipped with a comprehensive Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System, or ADAS. Its suite of driver-support technologies includes:
These features assist the driver in monitoring traffic conditions, maintaining the vehicle’s position, and responding to potential hazards. They are complemented by a high-definition 360-degree panoramic camera, which provides greater visibility when parking, navigating narrow streets, or maneuvering in confined spaces.
The result is added confidence not only on highways and long journeys, but also during the everyday driving situations Filipino families encounter most often.
5. Straightforward and Convenient Everyday Ownership
The GN6 is designed to fit easily into established family routines. Its gasoline powertrain allows quick and accessible refueling, whether the vehicle is used primarily within the city or for longer trips across the country.
Ownership is supported by GAC Philippines’ nationwide network of 30 dealerships, dedicated local parts warehouse, and two years of free roadside assistance. The GN6 also comes with a five-year or 150,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, whichever comes first.
GAC’s local parts warehouse helps maintain a stable supply of genuine components and supports faster service turnaround times. GAC dealerships also operate according to GAC Global Sales & Service Way standards, providing customers with consistent technical and aftersales support throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.
The Bottom Line: An MPV that Puts Family Needs First
The All-New GN6 expands the choices available to Filipino families by offering a spacious, adaptable, and well-equipped seven-seater at an accessible price.
Its value is found not in any one feature, but in how its features work together: captain’s seats that make passengers more comfortable, fold-flat seating that creates room for changing family needs, a turbocharged engine that provides confident performance, and Level 2 ADAS that supports the driver on every journey.
Within GAC Philippines’ broader MPV Family, the GN6 provides a compelling choice for households looking for everyday versatility, useful technology, thoughtful comfort, and advanced safety features from ₱1.1981 million.
It is an accessible MPV designed to deliver more care for every family member.
Pricing
Reservations for the GN6 MPV are now open at GAC dealerships nationwide. The following Introductory pricing is available for reservations made until September 30, 2026.
ALL-NEW GAC GN6
GX Variant
SRP
PHP 1,298,000
Intro Savings
PHP 100,000
Intro Price
PHP 1,198,000
Powertrain
1.5L Turbo Gasoline
Body Color
Pearl White, Classic Black
Interior
Black
(with Black ceiling)
1 Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No.FTE B-264539 Series of 2026
The GN6 is available in Pearl White and Classic Black colors and with all-black interiors.
GAC has leveraged 20 years of collaboration with Toyota and Honda to emerge as a dominant force in automotive tech. A legacy of world-class manufacturing and hybrid expertise ensures that every GAC vehicle adheres to the most stringent quality and performance benchmarks. By harmonizing international engineering with localized precision, GAC delivers high-performance durability tailored specifically for the Filipino driver’s peace of mind.
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.
Jobseekers explore career opportunities and connect with recruiters during one of SM Job Fair's nationwide hiring events, bringing employment closer to communities across the country.
As the world of work continues to evolve, finding employment is no longer the only goal—staying competitive means continuously learning new skills and having easier access to services that support one's career journey. This August, SM Supermalls continues to create more opportunities for Filipinos through its nationwide SM Job Fair program, bringing together employment opportunities, free upskilling initiatives, and convenient access to government services that help jobseekers prepare for the future of work. More than a hiring event, SM Job Fair has evolved into a platform that empowers Filipinos by connecting them not only to employers, but also to learning opportunities and essential government services—all designed to support every stage of their employment journey.
Three award-winning campaigns showcase how SM Supermalls transforms insights into experiences that resonate with Filipino communities.
SM Supermalls’ two Gold Awards and one Silver Award at the Marketing Excellence Awards 2026 recognize the company’s commitment to cultural storytelling, consumer insights, and impactful launch marketing.
Great marketing goes beyond capturing attention—it creates genuine connections. At SM Supermalls, every campaign begins with understanding the communities it serves, from celebrating local culture and uncovering consumer insights to creating launches that reflect the identity of a place.
