Ready, Set, Learn: Lenovo Back-to-School Promo 2025 Empowers Students with Smarter Tech and Exciting Freebies

 Just in time for the new school year, Lenovo Philippines is giving students, teachers, and even young professionals more reasons to power up their productivity with its much-anticipated Back-to-School Promo 2025, launching on May 1, 2025.

From May 1 to June 30, 2025, customers who purchase participating Lenovo devices from authorized resellers nationwide will receive exclusive freebies that help upgrade their learning experience—whether at home, on campus, or on the go.

Filipino students today aren’t just preparing for the school year—they’re preparing for an AI-powered future,” said Charlotte Koa, Consumer Business Lead at Lenovo Philippines. “Through this year’s Back-to-School Promo, we’re making our most advanced AI-ready and AI-enhanced devices more accessible than ever. Whether it’s the powerful Legion for aspiring creators, Yoga’s versatility for multitaskers, or IdeaPad’s reliability for everyday learning, we’re proud to support every Filipino learner with smarter tech designed to meet real, evolving needs”.

Eligible Devices and Freebies

Customers can enjoy awesome deals across Lenovo’s top-tier product lines, including the Legion, Yoga, LOQ, and IdeaPad series. Each participating device comes with a bundled freebie, such as the Canon Pixma MG2570S printer, Casio WS-B1000-1AV digital watch, Lenovo E310 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds, JisuLife Life 9 5000mAh mini fan, Lenovo 300 Wireless Mouse or a Lenovo 120 Wired Mouse—depending on the model purchased.

Some highlights include:

• Lenovo Legion 5/7 and Legion Pro 5/7 buyers receive a Casio WS-B1000-1AV digital watch.

• Yoga Book, Yoga Slim, and Yoga Pro devices come with Lenovo earbuds and a wireless mouse.

• IdeaCentre 3 desktops include a Canon Pixma MG2570S printer.

• Select IdeaPad Slim 3 laptops come with a JisuLife Life 9 5000mAh fan—perfect for long hours of study.

• IdeaPad 3 purchases are bundled with a Lenovo 120 Wired Mouse, redeemable directly at the point of purchase.

How to Redeem Your Freebie

To claim the corresponding freebie, customers must register their purchase at https://promotions.lenovo.com/ph/en and provide the following:

• Full name (as shown in a valid ID)

• Complete address and contact details

• Valid ID

• Proof of purchase (invoice)

• MTM and serial number of the device

Once validated, customers will receive an update within 7 to 21 business days. Upon successful redemption, freebies will be shipped within 15 to 30 business days. Shipping fees will be shouldered by the customer.

Note: The Lenovo 120 Wired Mouse is available as an outright freebie, redeemable at the store upon purchase.

Terms and Conditions

• The promo is open only to customers who purchase eligible Lenovo devices from authorized resellers between May 1 and June 30, 2025.

• Customers have up to 60 days after the end of the promo period to redeem their freebies.

• Employees of Lenovo Philippines, its partners, and agencies, as well as their relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, are not eligible to join the promo.

• Full promo terms and conditions can be found on the Lenovo promotions microsite. 

“As students, educators, and young professionals gear up for a brand-new school year, Lenovo remains committed to being more than just a tech provider—we’re a partner in progress. With every device and every innovation, we aim to empower the next generation to pursue their passions, sharpen their skills, and create a smarter, more connected future. This Back-to-School season, let’s make learning more rewarding—one smart choice at a time,” concluded Charlotte Koa. 

Dive Into Summer Fun with OPPO’s Hottest 5.5 Offers!

Plunge into irresistible summer deals on a great bargain during OPPO’s 5.5 Sale! From May 1 to May 7, 2025, you can grab select OPPO devices with big discounts, shop more with enticing vouchers, get amazing freebies and prizes to make your summer even more memorable.

Set your alarms and be ready to add your next OPPO purchases to your cart on OPPO’s official Shopee, Lazada and TikTok e-commerce platforms.

Snag big discounts on your next OPPO smartphone!

From flagship favorites to budget-friendly must-haves, you can avail price drops across a wide range of smartphones and tablets.

Looking to get your hands on the latest Reno Series devices? You can earn a Php1,000 discount with no minimum spend by using the voucher code OPPO55S on Shopee for the OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G, OPPO Reno13 5G, OPPO Reno13 F 5G and OPPO Reno13 F 4G, or shop directly on Lazada and TikTok using the all-day vouchers.

Additionally, you can also buy the OPPO Reno12 F 4G and get a Php 500 all-day voucher via Shopee, Lazada and TikTok.

Feeling the summer shopping vibes yet? You can also pay for your purchases in easy and flexible terms with up to 0% interest installment for 45 days on all OPPO products via LazPayLater and 0% interest on select OPPO products via SPayLater.

Win exciting prizes as you shop your new OPPO device

The fun doesn’t stop at just scoring discounts. Every time you shop during the 5.5 Sale, you’re unlocking a chance to win one of 10 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Mystery Boxes. Level up your gaming gear or surprise your squad with these epic prizes!

Here’s another kicker - Shopee’s exclusive flash sale is dropping daily during the promo period. Don’t miss out on the chance of getting the OPPO Pad Neo for just Php 55. You’ll have to be very fast, this flash sale is only available twice on May 5, 12AM and 6PM.

Get more value for less

OPPO is leveling up your shopping spree with exclusive freebies that come with every new device you grab during the 5.5 Sale.

From premium accessories to essential tech gear, OPPO is giving away exciting freebies with select devices:

● OPPO A5 Pro: Free Purple MLBB Card

● OPPO Find N3 Flip: Free Pearl Case and OPPO Enco Buds2

● OPPO A78 4G/5G & OPPO Reno12 F 4G: Free 10,000mAh Powerbank

● OPPO Reno13 F 4G/5G: Free OPPO Enco Buds2

● OPPO Reno13 & OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G: Free OPPO Enco Buds2 and 10,000mAh Powerbank

● OPPO Pad Neo Wifi/LTE: Free Keyboard and Case

● OPPO Pad3: Free Keyboard and Pencil

Whether you're shopping for smartphones or tablets, OPPO’s 5.5 Sale ensures top value and excitement for every customer. Catch OPPO’s 5.5 Mega Sale on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, and upgrade your tech game this summer.

To know more about OPPO’s 5.5 Sale, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

To get the best care for OPPO devices, visit the nearest OPPO Care Center or contact us on our website, via Facebook.

MOVE IT Unveils “MILAMIG WINS”, Makes Moto-Taxi Summer Commutes Cooler and More Rewarding

With summer in full swing, MOVE IT is turning daily motorcycle taxi commutes into cool wins with MILAMIG WINS — a thrilling rewards campaign that turns every moto-taxi ride into a jackpot by offering passengers the chance to score exciting and exclusive prizes.

Until June 30, every five completed rides on the MOVEIT app unlocks access to the MILAMIG Wins in-app raffle, where passengers can win from a pool of 7 million prizes available - from chill-worthy rewards such as Jisulife portable fans, a year’s supply of milk tea, air conditioners, refrigerators, and a grand getaway to snow-covered Sapporo, Japan.

“With MILAMIG WINS, we’ve reimagined the summer commute to be not just bearable, but genuinely rewarding,” said Wayne Jacinto, MOVE IT General Manager. “This is our way of giving back to our loyal passengers - offering them exciting rewards and prizes while continuing to deliver a safe, reliable, and convenient ride experience.”

How to Join MILAMIG WINS

Step 1:

Ride with MOVE IT Five times.

Complete 5 trips on the MoveIt app.

Step 2:

Get an in-app message

After your fifth ride, you’ll receive a special in-app alert telling you it’s time to play. So be sure to always check your messages in your MOVE IT app inbox!

Step 3:

Click “Play and Win MILAMIG Prizes”

Tap the message to start your chance at winning.

Step 4:

Copy your unique code and click “Play Now”

Use your one-time code to unlock the game.

Step 5:

Play and win cool MILAMIG prizes

From Jisulife fans to trips to Japan and a year’s supply of milk tea — every ride gets you closer to a win!

Whether it’s a trip to a summer hotspot or just the office down the road, passengers now have more reasons to choose MOVE IT — and more ways to win while they’re at it.

This summer, stay cool and ride to win with MILAMIG WINS. For more information, visit www.moveitmilamigwins.com. Promo runs from April 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025 only. DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-219791 Series of 2025.

HONOR 200 Series, HONOR Magic5 Pro to go on sale this 5.5 for up to Php10K off!

Leading smart devices provider HONOR is literally dropping its powerful photography smartphones HONOR 200 series and HONOR Magic5 Pro this 5.5 Sale with up to Php 10,000 discount with 6-month installment option and 0% interest. Shop now online via: Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_55SulitHONORFestival), Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_55SulitHONORFestival), TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_55SulitHONORFestival). 

 

“Summer just got hotter! Get our DSLR-like smartphones for up to Php 10,000 off this 5.5 Sale and capture your best summer vacation. With its superb camera capabilities, you’ll surely be inspired to create memories,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. 

 

HONOR 200 Series 

Recognizing the most important tools in portrait photography are light and shadow, and the HONOR 200 Pro has been equipped with advanced hardware and meticulously co-engineered AI-powered software that recognizes even the most subtle nuances of lighting. The HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Main Camera with a Super Dynamic H9000 Sensor, enabling users to capture compelling images with the perfect balance of light and shadows in even challenging lighting scenarios. With support for 4-in-1 pixel binning technology with a pixel size of 2.4μm, users can capture intricate details in their images even in low light scenarios. Additionally, the HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Telephoto Camera and a customized telephoto sensor from Sony, the HONOR 200 Pro provides better light sensing capabilities, ensuring clear and faithful captures of distant objects with exceptional details. 

 

HONOR Magic5 Pro 

With a powerful Triple Main Camera combination alongside the AI-powered upgraded HONOR Image Engine, the HONOR Magic5 Pro has achieved the #1 position in the DXOMARK Smartphone Camera ranking for the first quarter of 2023. Delivering an exceptional photography experience, the HONOR Magic5 Pro debuts an all-new Millisecond Falcon Capture feature, enabling users to capture complex scenes with remarkable ease and clarity. The camera also boasts a breakthrough AI Motion Sensing Capture, enabling users to shoot their best moments, every time. The HONOR Magic5 Pro is equipped with IMAX Enhanced Movie Master to produce cinematic-style videos, bringing also an exceptional videography experience to smartphone users. 

 

Get HONOR 200 from Php 24,999 to Php 21,599; HONOR 200 Pro from Php 29,999 to Php 25,699; and HONOR Magic5 Pro from Php 59,990 to Php 48,590! What are you waiting for, upgrade to your dream HONOR devices now from May 2 to 6 and enjoy up to 6-month installment with 0% interest on Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_55SulitHONORFestival), Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_55SulitHONORFestival), TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_55SulitHONORFestival). 

 

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

4 diyahe online dating encounters and how to avoid them

Dating in 2025 can be very interesting! As you know, the thrill of swiping right can quickly turn into your most diyahe moment—the moment you spot a familiar face you’d rather avoid like your tito’s longtime business partner or your kababata who’s basically like family. Some potential matches are better left in the void. 

Don’t worry, swipers! Viber Dating, a fresh way to meet people safely, is here to save you from cringe-worthy encounters with its new Hide Contacts feature–because sometimes, it’s just all about popping that balloon and curating your dating pool. 

Here are some strange encounters that’ll make Hide Contacts a godsend:

• When the feed is starting to look like a family reunion. Seeing a cousin, an in-law, or any relative in your dating feed is nakakaloka! Family gatherings are awkward enough as they are, dating app run-ins would turn them into a full-blown cringe-fest. Imagine explaining that to your grandma.

• When potential matches eerily resemble your daily work approval queue. Office romances? Messy. Office breakups? HR nightmares. Throw in clients, suppliers, and contractors, and you’ll have a full-blown corporate scandal disguised as a love life. Hard pass.

• When opening your app takes you back to the past. Even if you and your ex are cool, dating their friend, particularly a close one, should be a no-go. Think about their hangouts! You’re one’s ex and the other’s new date all rolled into one! Dinner parties just got a whole lot more awkward. 

• When regulars at your family events make it to your feed. Imagine matching with your sibling’s bestie like your brother’s childhood mate! Just no. For the sake of family harmony, skip this one. You definitely don’t want your sibling to lose a friend over a disastrous dating app match.

It’s precisely these cringe-inducing scenarios that underscore Viber Dating’s keen understanding of what Filipinos truly desire in a dating app. It takes user control to the next level with the new Hide Contacts feature, offering even greater privacy and flexibility. With that, you can now hide profiles on discovery and flag numbers from your contact list.

So how quick and easy is it to banish those deal-breakers from your match list? 

• Head to your Profile Settings and tap “Hide Contacts”.

• Pick the contacts you want to hide from your contact list by tapping “Hide”.

• Got a specific name in mind? Use the search bar and hide them with a click.

• And, you’re ready to swipe with confidence!

Viber Dating will also launch a ‘Hide All Contacts’ feature soon, which will let you conveniently hide your entire contact list (as long as your contacts are less than a thousand!) in one go.

In the near future, Viber Dating will go even further, giving you the ultimate power move: hiding entire groups and hiding unsaved contacts from chats, which will soon be available to all users. Yes, even those lurking in your family and work group chats! It is the first dating platform to give you this kind of power. Plus, you’re given total control, with the ability to continuously update your ‘do not match’ list as new group chat members pop up. 

Launched first in the Philippines in February, Viber Dating provides Filipinos with a safe and private platform to find their match. Key features include hidden phone numbers, machine and human moderators, and a separate dating profile to keep dating activities private from main Viber connections. 

And now with the latest Hide Contact feature that lets you dodge all those awkward online dating encounters, Viber Dating empowers you to find that safe and genuine connection you deserve on your own terms. Sign up for Viber Dating today for free via https://vb.me/viberdating_hidecontactspr.  

TWG sanctions Grab-Move It to rightsize fleet, stop operations in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro amid accidents

 The Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (MC Taxi TWG) has imposed sanctions on Grab-Move It, the Grab-operated motorcycle taxi platform, for repeatedly violating government-imposed fleet limits and failing to comply with mandatory reporting rules under the motorcycle taxi pilot study.

In a formal order, the TWG directed Grab-Move It to rightsize its fleet to what has been allocated to them by the government and stop operations in areas where they have not been granted authority to operate, such as Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

Grab-Move It has also been directed to fully comply with reportorial requirements on activation, deactivation, and reactivation of riders.

The sanction stemmed from a December 2024 Show Cause Order, where motorcycle taxi companies have been asked to explain allegations of breaching its rider allocations.

Records submitted to the TWG confirm that Grab-Move It was allowed 6,836 motorcycle taxi units by the government, but it was discovered that it operates with at least 14,662 riders— more than double its allowed number, and deemed “colorum” units against the law.

Grab-Move It was also found to have failed to report rider status changes, a key compliance requirement. The company did not refute this lapse in its response.

The TWG noted that these violations resulted in thousands of unauthorized motorcycle taxis on the road, raising concerns over safety, transparency, and regulatory oversight.

The company was likewise ordered to halt operations in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, where it was operating without any approval or allocation from the TWG.

The Motorcycle Taxi TWG warned Grab-Move It that failure to comply with the directives will lead to further regulatory measures, including suspension of its authority to operate.

Aside from its failure to follow regulatory procedures, Grab-Move It has been criticized over a series of accidents and viral complaints involving reckless rider behavior, putting their onboarding practices and enforcement of safety standards in question.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, also called the attention of Grab for the policy requiring drivers to shoulder the 20% fare discounts granted to students, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) revealed during a Senate probe that Grab has already been fined millions of pesos for fare-related violations.

Since 2018, Grab has been penalized with fines amounting to ₱86.7 million, including ₱16.15 million for fare standards violations and driver cancellations. 

Leveraging technology, empowering local communities to help protect Sierra Madre and Mt. Makiling

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is partnering with GCash,

the leading Philippine finance super app, through its GForest program, to address

environmental threats like illegal forest conversion and accelerate the restoration of

degraded lands within the Mount Makiling Georeserve and the Sierra Madre mountain range.

The strategic partnership aims to protect and reforest 250 hectares of land within the two

land grants managed by UPLB by planting at least 130,000 forest and fruit trees during the

first phase, and another 25,000 seedlings for urban and roadside planting in parts of

Mount Makiling Georeserve by 2029.

(L-R) UPLB University research associate Arthur Umali, UPLB-CFNR dean Marlo D. Mendoza MDM, and GCash head for sustainability CJ Alegre, during the ceremonial planting of Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon), an endemic species, in a joint initiative promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship

 UPLB, as the Center for Excellence in Forestry Education, is set to implement its data-driven and science-based approach to identify suitable types of trees, strategic project areas, and apply implementation strategies to ensure environmental conservation and reforestation efforts translate into meaningful long-term impact.

The academic institution also seeks to tap local communities as long-term partners in planting and stewardship, empowering them through livelihood opportunities and ongoing involvement. These include women’s groups, people’s organizations, and qualified UPLB community members.

UPLB also seeks to engage participation and support from relevant local government units (LGUs) in Laguna, municipalities in Quezon province, and national-level government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Science and Technology (DICT).

Marked by a ceremonial contract signing led by UPLB, its College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), the Land Grant Management Office (LGMO), and GCash, through the support of its 22-million GForest Green Heroes, pledged to plant at least 130,000 forest and fruit trees across 250 hectares in two land grant areas managed by UPLB in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

In addition, 10 kilometers of road within the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve will be planted with species ideal for urban settings. Another 25,000 seedlings will also be cultivated for roadside planting in various parts of Laguna province.

(L-R) UPLB chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. and UPLB-CFNR dean Marlo D. Mendoza MDM, underscore the University's steadfast commitment as a designated Center of Excellence in Forestry Education, advancing the restoration of critical forest ecosystems nationwide through strategic and innovative partnerships

Roadside planting in the Mt. Makiling Georeserve will provide multiple benefits, including environmental, social, and economic advantages. In terms of environmental impact, it will lead to improved air and temperature quality, carbon sequestration, noise reduction, urban flood mitigation, pollination support, and urban wildlife habitat. From a social and economic perspective, it can improve recreational opportunities and mental wellbeing, lead to energy savings, and increase property values.

“Sierra Madre is one of our last frontiers when it comes to [our remaining] intact forests,” shared UPLB-CFNR Dean Marlo D. Mendoza, MDM. [This] is rich in terms of biodiversity [and is] very high in endemism, which means a lot of species that are in Sierra Madre can only be found there or [can be found in] the Philippines and not other parts of the world.”

Luzon’s backbone against natural hazards

The Sierra Madre mountain range, which spans approximately 600 kilometers from Cagayan to Quezon Province, is known as the “backbone of Luzon” and is home to lush forests and vital watersheds that support the nation’s diverse wildlife populations. In addition, it acts as a natural shield against typhoons coming from the Pacific, protecting the Philippines by weakening and redirecting storm winds before they reach inland areas.

The end goal of the UPLB and GCash reforestation initiative is to help restore and fortify parts of the UP Sierra Madre Land Grant. The trees planted aim to convert degraded lands (remnants of past logging, timber poaching, and unsustainable farming) into thriving ecosystems of tall native forest species that form a closed or semi-closed canopy.

Fundamental to the success of this program is UPLB’s sourcing process, which focuses on native tree species that are well-adapted to the local environment and support biodiversity. UPLB researchers have selected a diverse mix of native species, such as Mayapis, Apitong, White Lauan, Almon, and Palosapis, that can support canopy restoration while promoting ecological diversity.

Meanwhile, native tree species for urban areas— such as Salingogon, Katmon, Aunasin, and Pamitoyen have been selected based on tree architecture, height, climate adaptability, and the benefits offered, such as aesthetic values, shade, pollution reduction, and habitats for wildlife. To complete the project in the coming months, UPLB will also recruit the help of local communities to oversee the planting, care, monitoring, and evaluation activities thereafter.

By championing collaboration among scientists, organizations like GCash, and local communities, this partnership creates a holistic approach that addresses environmental challenges, enhances resilience, and turns residents into long-term environmental stewards. The program includes community-based monitoring to ensure survival rates and continuous ecological and social benefits.

“We are excited about this new partnership with GCash, as it allows us to explore the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of reforestation,” said Mendoza. “Together, we can implement UPLB’s proven methods to maximize benefits for both ecosystems and local communities.”

Through this partnership, GCash continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability. As a tech for good platform, we can bridge users with sustainability partners and environmental institutions, like UPLB, and contribute to real-world environmental efforts. CJ Alegre, GCash Head for Sustainability, added: “At GCash, we believe that technology can be a powerful tool for positive change.”