Sony Alpha Fest 2026 Inspires the Next Generation of Filipino Creators Through Learning, Innovation, and Hands-On Experience

 

Sony Philippines gathered hundreds of photography and filmmaking enthusiasts, aspiring creators, and industry professionals at Alpha Fest 2026 in Foro de Intramuros, celebrating creativity through inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, interactive experiences and the latest innovations in Sony’s Alpha imaging ecosystem.

Shuhei Sugihara shares his opening remarks at the Alpha Fest 2026

Kentaro Imamura takes guests on a journey through the Sony Alpha Experience

Sony Philippines President and Managing Director Shuhei Sugihara, together with Marketing Director Kentaro Imamura officially opened the festival before unveiling Sony’s newest imaging innovations, including the Alpha 7R VI, FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS, RX10 V, and the highly anticipated FX5.

A first look of FX5, Sony’s newest addition to the Cinema Line

Among the highlights of Alpha Fest 2026 was the showcase of Sony’s newest imaging innovations, the RX10 V and the all-new FX5, each designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s creators. The RX10 V, Sony’s fifth-generation all-in-one super zoom camera, features a versatile 24-600mm ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T lens, AI-powered Real-time Recognition Autofocus, blackout-free continuous shooting of up to 30 fps, and 4K 120p recording in a compact body–making it an ideal companion for travel, wildlife, sports, and everyday photography. Meanwhile, the Sony FX5 expands Sony’s Cinema Line with a powerful full-frame camera built for professional filmmaking. Equipped with a full-frame stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor, the latest BIONZ XR™ processor, integrated AI, and advanced recording capabilities including Open Gate, internal 16-bit X-OCN, and up to 4K 240p recording, the FX5 delivers exceptional cinematic performance in a lightweight, production-ready design. Together, the RX10V and FX5 demonstrate Sony’s continued commitment to delivering innovative imaging solutions that empower photographers, filmmakers, and content creators to bring their creative vision to life. 

Jiggie Alejandrino’s wedding and portrait session


Street photography session with Martin San Diego


Win Magsino shares his techniques with Wildlife Photography

Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to learn directly from some of the country's most respected names in photography and filmmaking through genre-focused sessions. Win Magsino talked about Wildlife Photography, sharing techniques for capturing animals in their natural habitat. Jiggie Alejandrino talked about Wedding and Portrait Photography, offering insights into creating timeless and emotive portraits for wedding photography. Martin San Diego took charge of Street Photography, demonstrating how to capture compelling stories through everyday moments. 

Jason Magbanua shares his techniques on Wedding Videography

Landscape photography session with Nicco Valenzuela

In the afternoon sessions, Nicco Valenzuela guided participants about  Landscape Photography, discussing composition, light, and storytelling in outdoor photography. Acclaimed wedding filmmaker, Jason Magbanua, shared his expertise in Wedding Videography, highlighting cinematic techniques and narrative-driven filmmaking, while Manny Librodo, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated portrait photographers, talked about Festivals & Portrait Photography , inspiring attendees with his signature approach to portraiture and cultural storytelling.

Q&A Session with National Geographic Explorer, Noel Guevara and award-winning Thai street photographer, Tavepong Pratoomwong

Alpha Fest 2026 also featured distinguished guest speakers for the Alpha community. Noel Guevara, National Geographic Explorer, conservation photographer, and filmmaker,  shared his experiences documenting marine life and championing environmental conservation through visual storytelling using Sony’s Alpha 7R VI. Meanwhile, Tavepong Pratoomwong, the award-winning Thai street photographer renowned for his distinctive style, headlined a special Street photography session, encouraging attendees to find extraordinary moments in ordinary scenes. Travel videographer and content creator Miki Labarda also led a special session on stage talking about her journey as a content creator, the growth of the creator community, and the impact of Sony and the Alpha Fest event for visual storytellers like her. Together, these speakers demonstrated limitless possibilities of visual storytelling, inspiring craters to see familiar subjects through fresh perspectives while continually pushing the boundaries of their creativity.

Fast Talk sessions with Miki Labarda

Manny Librodo’s shooting session in the Festival Zone

Beyond the sessions, attendees explored interactive experience zones, tested Sony’s latest Alpha cameras and G Master lenses, participated in guided shooting activities and workshops, and connected with fellow creators. The festival was further enriched by the support of event partners and sponsors, including Nanlite, Hollyland, Epson, H&Y, Fotopro, Keen, Osprey, Sushi Nori, and Royal Cafe, whose exclusive activations and services complemented today’s creative workflows.

As the Alpha community continues to grow, Sony remains committed to supporting creators from different fields at every stage of their journey through innovative imaging technology, educational initiatives, and experiences that inspire them to capture and share stories that move the world.

Pre-Order Offers

Camera enthusiasts can still take advantage of exclusive pre-order offers on Sony’s latest imaging innovations. The Sony RX10 V pre-order is still ongoing at SRP PHP 130,999. Customers who purchase from July 10 to August 7, 2026 will receive a free NP-FZ100 Battery worth PHP 4,490, making it a perfect opportunity for photographers and videographers looking for an all-in-one camera capable of capturing everything from everyday moments to wildlife and sports. 

Meanwhile, the newly announced Sony FX5 is available for pre-order at participating Sony Centres and authorized retailers nationwide from July 23 to August 24, 2026 at an SRP of PHP 318,000 for body only and PHP 349,000 with the XLR Handle. Customers may reserve one (1) ILME-FX5 or ILME-FX5B unit with a PHP 5,000 down payment. Upon purchase, customers who successfully register their camera on My Sony will receive a complimentary NP-SA100 battery, valued at PHP 6,400, upon presentation of their email confirmation of successful product registration.

For more information about the Sony RX10 V and Sony FX5, including complete product specifications, participating dealers, and pre-order promotions, visit the official Sony Philippines product pages at:

RX10 V: https://www.sony.com.ph/interchangeable-lens-cameras/products/rx10m5

FX5: https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilme-fx5

For the latest updates, visit the Sony Philippines website or follow Sony Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Is the vivo V70 FE worth your money? Real users weigh in

Two Metro Manila users shared how the vivo V70 FE has supported their daily routines, offering insights into whether the smartphone delivers value for different lifestyles.

When choosing a smartphone, buyers often ask the same question: Is it worth the investment? While specifications provide one perspective, everyday experiences often reveal how a device performs in real-life situations.

For 24-year-old TikTok content creator Mary Jane Alquiza, the vivo V70 FE has become her primary tool for creating content. She recently shared sample photos captured using the smartphone on TikTok, where the post has garnered more than 8,000 views. 

Alquiza said the device's 200MP OIS ultra-clear camera with 30x AI Telephoto Enhancement enables her to capture detailed photos and videos with natural colors, reducing the need for additional equipment during shoots. She also uses the smartphone to edit content, communicate with brand partners, and manage her social media accounts while on the go.

"The vivo V70 FE has made my daily routine much more convenient. I use it to create and edit content, communicate with brands, and manage my social media accounts all in one device. Its reliable performance, long battery life, and excellent camera help me stay productive and creative wherever I am," Alquiza said.

The camera is designed for users who want detailed images with minimal effort. Its 200MP OIS ultra-clear camera produces sharp photos that retain clarity even after cropping, while optical image stabilization helps minimize blur when capturing moving subjects.

The device's battery performance also stood out for Clarie Jane G. Solis, a 32-year-old housewife. She said the smartphone's 7,000mAh BlueVolt battery allows her to stay connected throughout the day without worrying about frequent charging, while its IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance provides added confidence during everyday use.

To complement its large battery, the vivo V70 FE supports 90W FlashCharge, allowing the device to recharge in about an hour. Combined with its durability features, the smartphone is built to support users with active schedules who need reliable performance throughout the day.

To demonstrate their experiences, both Alquiza and Solis shared sample photos taken using their vivo V70 FE. Their submissions highlight how the smartphone's 200MP OIS ultra-clear camera delivers detailed, sharp images across different everyday scenarios, from content creation to personal photography.

Liu Lu, vivo Philippines Brand Marketing Director, said real user experience remain one of the most meaningful ways to evaluate a smartphone. "While technical specifications are important, how a device performs in everyday situations ultimately helps consumers determine whether it provides value for their needs."

Get the vivo V70 FE for as low as Php 25,999 in vivo stores nationwide or online via the vivo e-store, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

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Rainy scenes get new look on vivo X300 FE

 

Rainy weather can make even the most beautiful scenes appear dull and muted, leaving photos that look different from what people see in person. To help users capture and transform those moments, the vivo X300 FE introduces AI Creation, an AI-powered imaging feature that enhances photos before and after they are taken. Building on vivo's imaging expertise, the vivo X300 FE combines ZEISS professional imaging with the new AI Creation algorithm, allowing users to reshape scenes and apply different visual styles with a single tap, without the need for third-party editing applications. Watch the hands-on video below to see the vivo X300 FE's AI Creation features in action: https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7660820666500779284 Captured in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Metro Manila, the sample images demonstrate how overcast weather can affect the appearance of photos. Using AI Creation, the vivo X300 FE offers two ways to enhance images, either before pressing the shutter or after the photo has been captured. Feature 1: Choose scenes before taking a photo Users can open the Camera app in Landscape & Night mode and tap the AI icon to access AI Style Filters. Selecting Morning Glow, one of the filters, applies a warm lighting effect during capture, transforming a gloomy cityscape into a brighter scene with a single press of the shutter. Meanwhile, using AI Creation mode allows users to choose from multiple AI styles, including Underwater, Dream, and Glow, each displayed as a preview thumbnail for easy selection.  Feature 2: Reimagine photos after capture For existing photos, users can open an image in the Gallery, tap AI Creation, and choose from multiple AI styles, including Travel, Landscape, Fantasy, Stage, and Cyberpunk. After tapping Generate, the vivo X300 FE recreates the image with a new visual style in just moments. Slim design, powerful AI Creation The vivo X300 FE is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor and features a ZEISS co-engineered camera system to deliver a smooth AI imaging experience. Measuring 7.99 mm thin and weighing 191 g, the smartphone combines advanced imaging capabilities with a lightweight design for users who want professional-quality photography in a compact device. The vivo X300 FE is available in Mist Purple and Luxe Black for Php 54,999. It is available at vivo concept stores, vivo e-store, and official vivo stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. For more information, follow @vivo_philippines on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X, or visit the official vivo website.

Small Businesses, Big Impact: Why Protection Matters for MSMEs

Often regarded as the backbone of the Philippine economy, the country dedicates the month of July in recognition and celebration of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME). According to the Department of Trade and Industry, MSMEs account for 99% of businesses nationwide and provide employment to nearly 65% of the country's workforce.

Yet despite their vital role, many MSMEs remain vulnerable to disruptions beyond their control, from rising costs and cash flow pressures to other unforeseen events that can threaten business continuity. Years of hard work can be compromised in a matter of hours by natural disasters that the country regularly experiences, due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and within the typhoon belt. For entrepreneurs, being prepared goes beyond simply protecting physical assets; it is ensuring they can continue supporting the people and communities who rely on them.

When unexpected setbacks occur, it is never only the business owner who feels the impact. Every closed storefront, delayed operation, or damaged workplace can also affect the people whose livelihoods rely on it. Protecting a business is more than safeguarding an investment; it is also protecting the dreams, stability, and future of everyone who relies on it to keep running. 

A business that protects beyond its doors 

This message comes to life in the latest and last film of AXA Philippines’ Everyday Protectors campaign, which follows Lucing, a bakery owner whose shop is damaged by a powerful typhoon. As heavy rain continues to pour, Lucing and her staff choose to keep distributing bread to people in their neighborhood who need it most, demonstrating that for many entrepreneurs, being there for their community is important, especially during crises.

The film ends with Lucing's bakery reopening under clearer skies, a hopeful reminder that businesses can recover when they are prepared for the unexpected. That readiness is especially important in a country where severe calamities can force businesses to close permanently. According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, around 25% of SMEs are unable to reopen. For Lucing, however, the storm did not mark the end of her story as she was equipped with advanced protection that enabled her to begin again and continue supporting the people who depend on her business.

Watch the film here

Lucing’s story reflects the kind of risk that many Filipino entrepreneurs face and the role protection can play in helping them recover. Through MSME Secure, AXA helps business owners recover from unforeseen events so they can move forward with greater confidence. In addition to coverage for property damage and spoiled inventory caused by fire, typhoons, floods, and other covered calamities, MSME Secure provides protection against risks such as burglary, employee fraud, and the loss of business funds due to theft or robbery—whether outside the premises, in transit, or in the custody of staff or messengers. It also helps with legal liabilities and related expenses arising from incidents involving customers or other third parties. 

Recognizing that businesses have different needs and budgets, AXA also offers MSME Secure Lite for basic protection and MSME Secure Max for more comprehensive coverage, allowing entrepreneurs to choose the level of protection that best fits their business.

By helping businesses bounce back after unexpected disruptions, AXA enables entrepreneurs to focus not only on rebuilding what was lost, but also on continuing to create opportunities, support livelihoods, and serve the communities that count on them.

As the one name to cover all your insurance needs, discover how AXA can provide complete protection for small and medium businesses, health, car, and travel here.

EastWest Builds Smarter, More Relevant Banking for Customers

 EastWest is advancing a smarter, easier and more customer-focused model of banking--using data to deliver more relevant financial options, improving everyday service experiences, and helping broaden investor access to one of the country’s landmark public offerings.

These initiatives earned EastWest three major recognitions from Asian Banking & Finance (ABF): Mid-Sized Retail Bank of the Year – Philippines and Analytics Initiative of the Year – Philippines, both for the second consecutive year at the Asian Banking and Finance Retail Banking Awards, and its first IPO Deal of the Year – Philippines award at the Asian Banking and Finance Corporate and Investment Banking Awards.

The awards demonstrate the impact of EastWest’s continued push to make banking more intuitive, accessible, and relevant to customers’ evolving financial needs. The Bank combines digital convenience with personal, advisory-led service across its store network which provides customers with more ways to transact, seek guidance, and manage their money with confidence. In 2025, digital transactions accounted for 51% of total transactions, while new digital onboarding capabilities enabled customers to open accounts and access services with less time and effort.

EastWest also completed customer journey improvements across digital onboarding, dispute resolution, complaints handling, and in-store experience. These enhancements helped drive an eight-point improvement in the Bank’s Net Promoter Score and a lower complaints ratio, reflecting stronger customer experience outcomes.

“Our progress begins with understanding what customers genuinely need and removing the friction that can get in their way,” said Ms. Ivy B. Uy, EVP and Head of Branch Banking Group. “Whether they are opening an account, exploring an investment, growing a business, or planning for the future, we want every interaction with EastWest to feel more relevant, thoughtful, and easy.”

The same customer-first discipline also shaped EastWest’s award-winning analytics initiative. As market conditions evolved and customer preferences shifted, the Bank used data-driven insights to better understand how customers manage savings, investments, and liquidity across different life stages and financial goals.

These insights gave EastWest Stores and relationship managers a stronger basis for meaningful customer conversations, enabling more personalized guidance on fixed-income investment options while supporting both immediate needs and long-term financial planning.

Beyond retail banking, EastWest was also recognized for its role in expanding access to the Philippine capital market as a Domestic Participating Underwriter for the initial public offering of Maynilad Water Services, Inc.

Completed in November 2025, the transaction became one of the largest initial public offerings in Philippine history and drew strong investor interest, reinforcing confidence in the country’s capital markets.

Through its distribution network and client relationships, EastWest helped support domestic and retail investor participation, contributing to a more diversified shareholder base. The offering also strengthened Maynilad’s capital base for long-term water and wastewater infrastructure investments while broadening its access to funding.

“These recognitions reflect different strengths of the Bank, but they are connected by one purpose: creating meaningful value for the people and institutions we serve,” Uy added. “They encourage us to keep listening, learning, and finding better ways to help our customers move forward.”

EastWest’s latest ABF wins validate its customer-focused growth strategy: using insight to make financial decisions more relevant, improving access across physical and digital channels, and connecting more Filipinos to opportunities in banking and investment.

Here's How the OPPO A6s 5G Makes Long-Term Reliability Part of the Value

For many Filipinos, a smartphone has become a daily essential. It's a device that's expected to keep up every single day, not just during the first few months after unboxing. That's why reliability has become one of the smartest things to look for before making a purchase. 

The OPPO A6s 5G is designed with that kind of long-term value in mind, combining features that remain dependable long after day one. It’s ensured to stay smooth, lasts long on a single charge, and can handle everyday accidents, helping users avoid unnecessary upgrades, repairs, and extra expenses over the years. 

Performance That Doesn't Fade With Time

The OPPO A6s 5G’s massive 7000mAh Large Battery provides extended usage for daily activities without frequent charging. Designed to retain over 80% of its original capacity even after 1,800 charging cycles, it delivers over five years of durable battery performance under normal use meaning fewer battery-related concerns, fewer charging interruptions, and potentially delaying the need for costly battery replacements or an entirely new smartphone. Even after years of daily charging, users can continue relying on their OPPO A6s 5G for long workdays, weekend trips, video calls, navigation, and entertainment without worrying that the battery won't last as long as it used to. 

Durability That Helps You Save in the Long Run

Designed for real-world durability, the OPPO A6s 5G comes with IP69 Water and Dust Resistance, offering protection against dust intrusion, powerful water jets, water immersion, and even high-temperature water sprays under certified testing conditions. By reducing the risk of accidental damage, the phone is better equipped to stay reliable over the long term while helping users avoid unexpected repair costs. From unexpected rain showers and dusty commutes to accidental splashes during meals or coffee breaks, the OPPO A6s 5G is built to handle the kinds of situations many users encounter every day.

Ready for a Phone That Goes the Distance?

Choosing a smartphone isn't only about what it can do today. It's about how well it continues to perform years from now. The OPPO A6s 5G proves that long-term reliability is one of the smartest investments a smartphone can offer. Built to stay dependable through everyday use, it helps users maximize the value of their purchase with fewer repairs, fewer replacements, and lower ownership costs over time.

The OPPO A6 Series is available nationwide through OPPO Stores and online via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the OPPO Online Store. The OPPO A6 comes in Sakura Pink, Sapphire Blue, and Aurora Gold, while the OPPO A6s 5G is available in Ice White and Cappuccino Brown. The OPPO A6 is available for as low as Php 16,999 (4GB + 256GB) and Php 19,999 (8GB + 256GB) with a Php 1,000 voucher, while the OPPO A6s 5G can be purchased for as low as Php 21,999 (6GB + 128GB) and Php 23,999 (8GB + 256GB) with a Php 2,000 voucher.

For more updates, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Maya bags Gold and Silver at PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2026

 

Maya, the Philippines’ leading digital financial services platform, won two accolades at the PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2026—Gold in the Best Brand Collaboration category and Silver in the Consumer Launch category. Its Welcome to Maya Black campaign was also shortlisted in the PR Event category.    Maya took home Gold in the Best Brand Collaboration category, a new award under the Effectiveness track, for its 2025 campaign, Save a Housemate. Save with Maya.  As young Filipino fans rallied behind their favorite housemate on Pinoy Big Brother—the Philippines’ longest-running reality show and local version of the global franchise—Maya saw an opportunity to encourage better financial habits.     By replacing the legacy SMS voting system with a seamless in-app experience, Maya introduced “Save-to-Vote,” where users first deposit money into their accounts then cast a vote.   Integrated into weekly on-air segments and amplified through fan content, Maya became an essential part of the Pinoy Big Brother experience. The campaign generated strong engagement while making saving a natural part of how fans participated in the show, strengthening brand affinity and encouraging better money habits.    Maya also won Silver in the Consumer Launch category for its 2025 Welcome to Maya Black campaign.  Maya Black is a Visa Platinum travel and lifestyle credit card designed for aspirational, everyday spending. Powered by AI-driven underwriting framework and integrated into a fully digital application experience, the Maya Black Credit Card gives more people the opportunity to qualify for premium credit from day one, including customers who have previously been underserved by traditional credit models.    From its first-person black-and-white launch film to its synchronized “Blackout” takeover, the Welcome to Maya Black campaign captured attention across platforms and reframed premium credit for a new generation. Apart from winning Silver, the campaign was also shortlisted in the PR Event category.    “These awards recognize the kind of work we believe in—building products and campaigns that address real customer needs in ways people genuinely connect with,” said Maya Group Chief Marketing Officer Pepe Torres. “For us, creativity only matters if it creates real impact, and that’s the standard we continue to hold ourselves to.”    This marks Maya’s fourth consecutive year of recognition at the PR Awards Asia-Pacific, following awards for the PayMaya-to-Maya rebrand campaign launched in 2022, My Money, My Bank, My Way in 2023, and Get Banked with Maya in 2024.    The PR Awards Asia-Pacific, organized by Campaign Asia, honors impactful and creative public relations work across the region. It recognizes excellence in storytelling, brand communication and campaign effectiveness, while spotlighting standout talent and innovation in the industry.