EastWest Guides Clients Through 2026 with Economic and Feng Shui Insights

Economist and UA&P professor Dr. Bernardo Villegas, feng shui expert Master Patrick Fernandez, and EastWest Bank SEVP & Wealth Management Head Raffy Algarra engage clients in a Q&A session, sharing insights on the opportunities that await in the Year of the Fire Horse.

 In line with its commitment to empower clients with insights that fuel informed and confident decision making, East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) hosted a series of curated events in Pampanga and Metro Manila to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse with a forward-looking economic outlook for 2026.

The sessions brought together clients from the bank’s Retail, Priority, and Corporate Banking, offering exclusive insights from experts to help them navigate the year ahead with confidence, enhance their wealth management plans, and support their long‑term financial well‑being.

The gatherings featured economist and University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) professor Dr. Bernardo Villegas, who outlined emerging opportunities amid shifting local and global market conditions. He emphasized that despite a dynamic environment, the Philippines is poised for moderate yet steady growth.

“While we celebrate today, we remain mindful of the fast-paced economic landscape. The local and global markets continue to move quickly, but EastWest stands as a steady anchor, anticipating these shifts to ensure our clients and communities remain on a path of progress,” said EastWest Bank President Jackie S. Fernandez.

Further underscoring this commitment, EastWest announced its strategic partnership with UA&P for the Economic Watch newsletter, a curated source of market insights and trends designed to guide clients in navigating key financial decisions throughout the year.

To complement the economic outlook, feng shui expert Master Patrick Fernandez shared guidance on how clients can harness the vibrant, fast-moving energy of the Year of the Fire Horse.

“At EastWest, we believe that being a trusted partner means providing the foresight you need to act with confidence, especially in a year defined by such high energy and rapid momentum,” said EastWest Senior Executive Vice President & Financial Markets and Wealth Management Head Raffy Algarra. “Whether through our Economic Watch newsletter or our evolving suite of services, we are dedicated to helping you renew your goals and strengthen your path forward.”

EastWest recently strengthened its wealth management leadership with accolades from the 2025 Global Private Banking Innovation Awards: Outstanding Client Experience in Wealth Management award for its affluent banking segment EastWest Priority, and Best Discretionary & Advisory Service Offering for its Trust and Asset Management Group. These recognitions reflect EastWest’s commitment to delivering trusted, high quality financial guidance to its clients.

Ensure Safer Drives: Why Brake Pad Maintenance is Crucial for Older Cars

ADVICS Brake System

 With road trips, daily commutes, and long weekends on the horizon, vehicle safety should be every driver’s top priority. For owners of older cars, maintaining brake pads is one of the most important checks to prevent accidents and ensure smooth stopping power. Brake pads naturally wear down over time, and years of stop-and-go traffic, exposure to heat, and rain can compromise braking performance. Watch out for warning signs such as squealing or grinding noises, vibrations on the pedal, longer stopping distances, thin brake pads, or an illuminated brake warning light.

Choosing high-quality braking components is essential. ADVICS, part of the AISIN Group, is a world-renowned brake manufacturer supplying OEM-level brake pads, rotors, and hydraulic components to major automotive brands. ADVICS products are engineered for balanced braking performance, durability, and resistance to noise, vibration, and wear—making them ideal for city driving, school runs, and long-distance travel.

Brake safety goes beyond pads. AISIN brake fluids play a critical role in maintaining consistent hydraulic pressure, protecting against corrosion, and ensuring smooth braking even under extreme temperatures. Regular inspection and timely replacement of both pads and brake fluid help keep older vehicles safe and responsive on the road.

Before your next road trip or daily drive, a simple brake check can protect your family, prolong vehicle life, and give you peace of mind. For dependable braking solutions in the Philippines, explore AISIN products on Shopee and Lazada, or follow AISIN Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Meet Danny Green live in Manila with vivo V70

 

Filipino basketball fans have another reason to celebrate as vivo Philippines brings 3-time NBA Champion Danny Green to Manila for an exclusive meet-and-greet. The special fan event will take place at the vivo Concept Store SM Megamall on March 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

Known for his championship pedigree and clutch shooting, Green is one of the few NBA players to win titles with three different teams: the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Lakers. Now, Filipino fans will have a rare opportunity to see the veteran guard up close as part of vivo’s ongoing partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Even better, 10 lucky fans will win exclusive seats to witness the meet-and-greet live.

How to join

Fans simply need to follow these steps:

    1. Comment “Clutch with Danny Green at vivo!” on vivo Philippines' official Facebook promo post. 

    2. Add the hashtags #vivoxNBA and #vivoV70.

Winners will be announced on March 12, 2026, via vivo Philippines' Facebook page.

The exclusive event will give fans the chance to see Green share stories from his 15-year NBA career, participate in a Q&A session, and enjoy special fan moments including photos and autograph signings.

Powering the experience is the vivo V70 5G, designed to capture unforgettable moments with its 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera and upgraded AI Stage Mode, perfect for zooming in on once-in-a-lifetime encounters with basketball legends.

 “As the official smartphone partner of the NBA in the Philippines, vivo continues to bring Filipino fans closer to the game they love,” said vivo Philippines Brand Marketing Director, Liu Lu. “Meeting a champion like Danny Green is an unforgettable experience, and the vivo V70 ensures fans can capture these golden moments with incredible clarity.”

Fans are encouraged to join the promo now for a chance to meet Danny Green in person and be part of an exciting NBA moment in Manila.

For full promo mechanics and updates, visit vivo Philippines' Facebook page. 

OPPO and MediaTek Showcase On-Device AI Innovations at MWC 2026

 OPPO and MediaTek showcased new on-device AI advancements at MediaTek’s “AI for Life” keynote during Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026. Jason Liao, President of the OPPO Research Institute, highlighted how deep collaboration between the two companies is accelerating AI deployment on smartphones.

The event marked the rollout of new on-device AI capabilities, progress on the jointly developed Omni Model, and advances in cross-ecosystem connectivity — outlining a shared vision for the next generation of AI Phones.

From Chip to Experience: Advancing On-Device AI

As mobile experiences become increasingly AI-driven, OPPO is advancing its AI strategy centered on "New Computing, New Perception, and New Ecosystem." At the core of this strategy is "On-device Compute", enabling low-latency, privacy-preserving, and personalized AI experiences. As Jason Liao emphasized, "On-device Compute is a cornerstone of OPPO's AI strategy, making AI a perceptible, real-time experience integrated into everyday usage." This shared vision underpins the deep collaboration between OPPO and MediaTek on flagship chip platforms, accelerating the transition of on-device AI from technical concept to scalable deployment.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 platform, OPPO's self-developed on-device AI Translate and AI Portrait Glow now deliver performance comparable to cloud-based solutions. These features will soon roll out to OPPO Find X9 series through the upcoming ColorOS 16 software update.

 

The on-device AI Translate can run directly on the device, achieving an average 15% improvement in accuracy over conventional approaches while supporting seamless multilingual translation. It maintains stable output even without internet connectivity or under weak signal conditions, enabling reliable translation across diverse scenarios.

 

Meanwhile, on-device AI Portrait Glow enhances portraits captured in challenging lighting environments. By intelligently analyzing and reconstructing scene illumination, it improves results in dim or backlit conditions while maintaining natural rendering — all without network reliance. Demonstrations have showcased exceptional performance in both visual realism and adaptability to various scenes.

OPPO and MediaTek also unveiled a technology preview of Omni, the industry's first on-device full-modal AI model designed for multi-modal understanding and interaction. Supporting voice, video, and text inputs, Omni enables live scene understanding and interactive Q&A directly on a smartphone. This advancement strengthens on-device AI’s ability to perceive and interpret the physical world, laying the foundation for more proactive and natural human–computer interaction.

Demonstrating Ecosystem Integration and Innovation

The collaboration was further showcased in the interactive experience zone at the MediaTek booth, where attendees explored Find X9 Pro’s on-device AI capabilities alongside its telephoto imaging with the OPPO Hasselblad Teleconverter. Reno15 Pro was also featured, presenting creative AI imaging tools including AI Motion Photo Eraser, AI Motion Photo Popout, and the AI Flash Photography.

Coming soon, OPPO’s Find X9 series will bring Android™ Quick Share, enabled in close collaboration with MediaTek and Google. Without installing third-party applications, users can conveniently and securely transfer files between OPPO smartphones and iOS, iPadOS and macOS devices, improving cross-platform interoperability. The feature is expected to begin rolling out via software update starting in March.

At MWC 2026, OPPO Find X9 Pro was shortlisted for the "Best Smartphone" award at the GLOMO Awards, gaining recognition for its innovation across performance, imaging, and AI integration.

 

Looking ahead, OPPO and MediaTek will continue strengthening collaboration in frontier areas such as on-device AI to advance user experience. Together, the two companies remain committed to delivering more powerful and reliable AI experiences to users worldwide.

* Google, Android and Quick Share are trademarks of Google LLC.

Lenovo Unveils Adaptive AI PCs, Modular Concepts, and Lenovo Qira Rollout at MWC 2026

 

At MWC® 2026, Lenovo™ introduces a new generation of adaptive AI devices and forward-looking concepts designed for business professionals, creators, students, and gamers. Headlined by new modular PC architecture, a glasses-free 3D laptop concept, a foldable gaming handheld device, and the initial rollout of Lenovo Qira, Lenovo’s showcase reflects a broader shift in personal computing toward systems that adapt intelligently to people and their environments.

Across its portfolio, Lenovo continues to focus on delivering technology that is more personalized, proactive, and protected, while building a unified AI ecosystem that works naturally across devices.

“The AI era will not be defined by a single device or application, but by intelligent systems that work seamlessly across everything we use,” said Luca Rossi, President, Intelligent Devices Group, Lenovo. “We are demonstrating how Lenovo and Motorola are bringing that vision to life, combining adaptive hardware innovation with a single, unified system-level AI integration that works naturally across PCs, smartphones, tablets, wearables, and beyond. From premium mobile devices and transformative form factors, to the rollout of Lenovo Qira, we are building the widest AI portfolio that delivers more connected, more intuitive personal computing experiences designed around people.”

Lenovo Qira: Personal Ambient Intelligence

Lenovo Qira is a Personal Ambient Intelligence built at the system level and integrated directly into Lenovo and Motorola devices rather than layered on as a standalone application. Operating across supported PCs, tablets, smartphones, and wearables, Lenovo Qira is designed to help maintain continuity between tasks and devices while assisting based on user intent.

In the coming weeks, Lenovo Qira will roll out across more than 20 devices within Lenovo’s PC portfolio, spanning Yoga™, IdeaPad™, Legion™, and ThinkPad™ families, through a combination of over-the-air updates and preloads. This includes the launch of the Idea Tab Pro Gen 2 as Lenovo’s first tablet to feature the experience. First wave support on PCs includes six languages across nine regions: English (U.S., U.K., India), Spanish (U.S./Latin America, Spain), French (France), Italian (Italy), German (Germany), and Portuguese (Brazil).

Lenovo Qira is designed to continuously evolve, expanding across more devices while enabling new experiences and partnerships. In 2026, that evolution will extend to additional languages and devices, including its debut on Motorola smartphones, further advancing a unified AI ecosystem across Lenovo and Motorola.

ThinkBook Modular AI PC Concept

Breakthrough Concepts: Exploring Adaptive Form Factors ThinkBook™ Modular AI PC Concept

Lenovo is showcasing a modular AI PC concept that explores a selectively modular approach to business computing built around the idea of “carry small, use big.”

The concept features a 14-inch ultra-thin base system designed to support interchangeable display configurations, detachable input components, and modular I/O elements. A secondary display can attach in multiple orientations or replace the keyboard, enabling workspace expansion to approximately 19 inches while maintaining portability. The concept illustrates how modular architecture could support evolving workflows and extended device lifecycles in AI-ready environments.

Yoga Book Pro 3D Concept

Lenovo is also presenting a glasses-free 3D laptop concept designed to enable creators to view and manipulate depth directly on screen.

By combining dual displays, AI-powered 2D-to-3D conversion, gesture interaction, and intuitive creative controls, the concept reduces friction in immersive content creation and highlights Lenovo’s exploration of spatial computing experiences.

Legion Go Fold Concept

A foldable gaming handheld concept further expands Lenovo’s exploration of adaptable hardware.

The device transitions from a compact handheld format into a larger immersive screen and supports multiple usage modes, including handheld play, split-screen multitasking, expanded display gaming, and desktop-style interaction. The concept demonstrates how flexible display technology could enable hybrid gaming and productivity experiences in a single device.

ThinkPad T-Series – ThinkPad X13 Detachable – ThinkTab X11

Commercial Portfolio: AI-Ready Platforms for Modern Work

Lenovo continues evolving its commercial PC portfolio to support organizations adopting AI-enabled workflows at scale.

The updated ThinkPad T-Series introduces enhancements focused on serviceability, usability, and AI readiness, with select models achieving class-leading iFixit repairability scores. These updates reinforce Lenovo’s commitment to lifecycle value, reduced downtime, and sustainable fleet management.

The ThinkPad X13 Detachable extends flexible, mobile-first productivity with integrated pen support and field-replaceable components in a lightweight design suited for frontline and hybrid professionals.

Lenovo is also expanding into rugged mobility with the introduction of the ThinkTab X11, a durable Android tablet designed for demanding industrial and frontline environments.

For small and medium-sized businesses, the ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 6 delivers multimode versatility and AI-enabled collaboration features, while the ThinkVision™ M16 portable monitor provides lightweight screen expansion to support flexible workstyles.

Across its commercial portfolio, Lenovo integrates security, manageability, and lifecycle services to help organizations adopt AI-enabled devices with confidence and control.

YogaYoga

Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14”, 11)

Consumer and Gaming Portfolio: Intelligent Experiences for Everyday Use

For creators, students, and gamers, Lenovo’s latest devices balance performance, portability, and intelligent features designed to simplify everyday experiences.

The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14”, 11) combines premium convertible design with immersive OLED visuals and intelligent features that streamline creative workflows. The Yoga Pro 7a (15”, 11) and IdeaPad Slim 5i Ultra (14”, 11) expand Lenovo’s AI-enabled laptop portfolio, balancing performance and portability for productivity and content creation.

In tablets, the Idea Tab Pro Gen 2 introduces intelligent learning and productivity experiences in a versatile form factor and marks Lenovo’s first tablet to feature Lenovo Qira.

Within gaming, Lenovo expands its lineup with the Legion 7a (15”, 11) gaming laptop and the Legion Tab (8.8”, 5), a high-performance gaming tablet featuring a 3K display and advanced cooling.

Advancing Smarter AI for All

At MWC 2026, Lenovo underscores a clear strategy towards the democratization of AI. By combining forward-looking hardware exploration with the deployment of Lenovo Qira, Lenovo continues shaping a more connected and intuitive computing future, one where intelligent systems adapt to people, not the other way around.

For more details about all Lenovo’s new devices, solutions, and proofs of concept announced at MWC 2026, visit the Lenovo MWC 2026 Press Kit:

• Lenovo Scales Trusted AI-Powered Business Computing Through Modular Innovation and Enterprise Platforms

• Lenovo Expands Mobility, Creativity, and Productivity with New Consumer AI Laptops, Tablets, and Concepts at MWC 2026

Content creators share how vivo V70 fits their lifestyle

 

The vivo V70 is quickly becoming a favorite among lifestyle influencers and content creators, with many users praising its premium design, striking colorways like Golden Hour and Alpine Gray, powerful 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, and smooth OriginOS 6 performance. For creators who rely on their smartphones to capture content, manage their schedules, and express their personal style, the vivo V70 offers a balance of design, imaging power, and smart features that elevate everyday experiences. From fashion and lifestyle creators to photographers and tech influencers, several vivo V70 users are sharing how the smartphone fits seamlessly into their daily routines. Kate Yalung and Clyvine Urbano showcase vivo V70's premium design The vivo V70 immediately catches attention with its sophisticated finishes and stylish colorways, making it a standout device for creators who value both aesthetics and performance. Actress and model Kate Yalung is drawn to the phone’s Golden Hour colorway, which radiates a warm, luminous glow that complements lifestyle and fashion content. “So happy with my vivo V70 in Golden Hour color. Sleek, glowing, and made to shine,” Kate shared.  Kate Yalung with vivo V70 in Golden Hour color IG: @kateyalung Meanwhile, content creator and Mr. Philippine Youth Tourism 2026 Clyvine Urbano prefers the understated elegance of the Alpine Gray variant. “Upgraded my daily tech with the vivo V70. A solid choice if you want a phone that looks premium and works even better,” Clyvine said. Clyvine Urbano with vivo V70 in Alpine Gray color IG: @kiddowithbigdreams Whether in the warm glow of Golden Hour or the sleek sophistication of Alpine Gray, the vivo V70’s design makes it a natural fit for creators and lifestyle users alike. Beyond its striking colors, the device features a flat display with rounded corners and an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame, giving it a refined yet durable build that feels premium in hand. For many vivo V70 users, the smartphone is more than just a tool for content creation. It’s also a stylish accessory that looks just as good in hand as it does on camera. Mikee Bernabe relies on the 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera For award-winning photographer and tech influencer Mikee Bernabe, the highlight of the vivo V70 is its 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, designed to capture sharp, professional-quality photos even on the go. “All photos are straight out of my vivo V70! With its 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera and enhanced AI visuals, no further edits needed,” Mikee shared on TikTok.: See attached link for reference: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikeeest/video/7611854906290425108?lang=en&q=mikeeessst&t=1772499149077 With advanced imaging technology co-engineered with ZEISS, the vivo V70 helps users capture clear portraits, detailed zoom shots, and vibrant everyday photos, reducing the need for heavy editing. For creators like Mikee, that means spending less time adjusting photos and more time producing engaging content. Ericka Alvior values the speed and smooth performance of OriginOS6 For fashion and lifestyle creator Ericka Marie Alvior, speed and efficiency are essential when juggling a packed schedule. “Running late, makeup in one hand, outfit in the other… I have zero time to slow down. Good thing OriginOS 6 on my vivo V70 stays smooth. The camera opens fast, apps don’t lag, and I can shoot while rushing,” she shared. The OriginOS 6 experience on the vivo V70 ensures smooth performance throughout the day, allowing creators to switch between apps, capture photos quickly, and stay productive without interruptions. Additional features such as Origin Island for quick updates, vivo Office Kit for productivity, and the V70 x POP MART ZSIGA Flip Card for a personalized lock screen add convenience and personality to the device. Ericka Marie Alvior with her vivo V70 at the grand launch event IG: @peri_pewi Adding to its long-term value, the device provides up to six years of security upgrades, ensuring that the smartphone stays reliable and protected for years to come. For creators balancing multiple tasks throughout the day, reliability matters just as much as aesthetics. Why more users are upgrading to the vivo V70 Built for creators, professionals, and style-conscious users alike, the vivo V70 combines premium design, powerful imaging, and smooth performance in a single smartphone. The device is now available for pre-order in vivo stores nationwide and online on Shopee until March 13, offering savings of up to Php 7,000. Pre-order bundles on Shopee include a limited-edition V70 x POP MART Zsiga phone strap and a vivo VIP Card with extended warranty and screen protection benefits. For many users, the vivo V70 isn’t just another smartphone upgrade. It’s a device that helps them create, express, and capture life beautifully.

TESDA taps Bossjob’s AI-powered platform through ‘Skills Passport’ App to accelerate tech-voc employment

 Bossjob, the chat-first career platform for professional hiring in Southeast Asia (SEA), has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to bridge the gap between industry-standard skills and actual employment, ensuring a more efficient transition from graduation to the workforce of technical vocational education and training (TVET) graduates.

By integrating Bossjob’s AI-powered recruitment engine into the newly launched TESDA Skills Passport Mobile Application, the partnership provides a digital infrastructure designed to modernize the Philippines’ TVET ecosystem.

The partnership was formally announced during the official launch of the TESDA Skills Passport Mobile Application on February 5, 2026 at the Makabagong San Juan Theater in San Juan City. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. graced the event and highlighted the administration's commitment to skills development as a national agenda during his speech.

"Para sa ating TESDA scholars, mayroon kayong sariling digital storage kung saan mapapatunayan ang inyong National Certificate at mga training," said President Marcos Jr.

Beyond job matching, Bossjob utilizes aggregated, anonymized platform data to provide TESDA with Labor Market Information (LMI). This framework offers insights into in-demand roles, geographic hiring patterns, and compensation trends, allowing TESDA to calibrate its training curricula to meet evolving market requirements.

According to TESDA’s current data, the sectors seeing the highest volume of postings for TESDA-certified talent include Social, Community Development, and Other Services; Wholesale, Retail, and Trading; Information and Communications Technology (ICT); Automotive and Land Transportation; Tourism, related to the Hotel and Restaurant industry; Healthcare Services; Creative; and Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery. The sectors indicate a consistent, high-growth demand for skills-based and nationally certified talent across the Philippine economy.

The partnership directly addresses the ‘middle-skills gap,' as identified by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). While TVET graduates demonstrate earning potential comparable to university undergraduates, research shows that current training systems often struggle to align with the evolving competencies required by priority sectors—such as digital services, renewable energy, and ICT.

By integrating Bossjob’s AI-matching engine into the Skills Passport, the platform bridges this gap, transforming verified TESDA certifications into a real-time, visible asset for employers.

“The integration of Bossjob's AI-powered capabilities into the Skills Passport app provides real-time access to available job opportunities for our graduates. This partnership strengthens job security for TVET graduates and contributes to broader economic development by ensuring industry-ready talent is matched with employers with minimal friction,” said Anthony Garcia, Co-Founder of Bossjob.

To ensure employer trust, the app mandates registration via the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). By directly integrating data from TESDA-accredited training centers, the platform ensures all certifications are verified instantly, mitigating the risk of credential fraud.

Bossjob has been championing the TVET industry since 2024. The platform was a key partner of the TESDA-National Capital Region (TESDA-NCR) under its CollaboraTVET: Forging Partnerships for TVET Excellence program, where it offered specialized training programs tailored to the needs of TESDA graduates, along with exclusive job opportunities and career development resources.

Beyond the app integration, Bossjob continues to be committed to helping TESDA students and graduates through career coaching and job readiness workshops, resume and profile optimization guidance, and participating in career fairs led by partner government sectors.

For more information on Bossjob’s latest initiatives and to explore career opportunities, visit bossjob.ph or download the Bossjob app.