Tuesday, June 3, 2025

HONOR and PHINMA Foundation Empower Future Educators with Tablet Donation


HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng, with the PHINMA Foundation’s Executive Director Ron Reyes alongside with the 25 HONOR Pad X9a beneficiaries from different schools.  
 

 

Global technology brand HONOR Philippines, in partnership with the PHINMA Foundation, launched its CSR initiative “Pad Your Way to the Future” through the formal donation of 25 HONOR Pad X9a tablets to deserving student scholars. The event was held at the Philippine Normal University – Manila, reaffirming the shared commitment of both organizations to transform lives through education and technology.  

 

 


“This partnership with the PHINMA Foundation is more than just a formal agreement—it’s a heartfelt commitment to shaping a better future through education. We believe in the power of technology to transform lives, especially when placed in the hands of passionate learners and educators. Through this collaboration, we hope to open new doors—doors to learning, to growth, and to greater opportunities.” Said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

 

 


 

Students overjoyed as they received their HONOR Pad X9a 

 


As part of the event, 25 students supported by PHINMA Foundation through its scholarship programs received their own HONOR Pad X9a tablets, each tailored for modern academic needs with its AI-powered learning features, expansive display, and durable performance.  

 

Ron Ranier Reyes, Executive Director of PHINMA Foundation, highlighted the impact of the tablets on the scholars' learning experience in his message.  

 

 

 

“Many of our scholars face daily struggles—not just academically, but even in accessing the tools they need to learn. Some borrow phones or wait for their turn at public computers. This donation from HONOR could not have come at a better time. With these tablets, students will now have access to digital tools that will enhance their education, their connectivity, and ultimately, their future.” Reyes said. 

 

Among the beneficiaries was Josua Romero, a student from Philippine Normal University, who gave a moving speech that captured the emotional weight of the initiative: 

 


 

“I am truly beyond grateful, lalo na po ngayon na kailangan ko ng bagong device para sa aking pag-aaral,” shared Romero. “My old laptop was already failing me. Tasks took longer, deadlines were harder to meet. This tablet isn’t just a device—it’s hope. Hope that I can study more effectively, stay organized, and access new opportunities that were once out of reach.”  

 

He went on to define what HONOR means to him: 

 

H – Help in Learning: “It will make my learning easier and more dynamic.” 

O – Organization of Tasks: “Now I can manage my schedules and assignments more efficiently.” 

N – New Opportunities: “This device will allow me to connect, explore, and collaborate.” 

O – On-the-Go Studying: “Learning can happen anytime, anywhere.” 

R – Resource for Growth: “It’s a valuable companion in my academic and personal journey.” 

 

“This tablet will be my study companion,” Romero concluded. “To those who made this possible—thank you for believing in us and giving us the means to pursue our dreams. This is more than just a gadget—it’s a bridge to a better future.”  

 

The event also included a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between HONOR Philippines and PHINMA Foundation, cementing the long-term partnership for future educational initiatives. As part of the program, HONOR also hosted an interactive product presentation of the Pad X9a, student activities, and a networking lunch.  

 

The HONOR Pad X9a features an immersive display, long-lasting battery life, and enhanced AI capabilities designed to support today’s tech-savvy learners. With this CSR effort, HONOR continues to expand its mission of empowering students and ensuring “no learner is left behind.” 

 

For more information about the HONOR Pad X9a, visit https://bit.ly/Web_PadX9a_PR and  for exciting announcements, follow 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/ 


HONOR Just Teased an AI Phone That Brings Photos to Life

 

Leading global technology brand HONOR dropped a hint on what seemed to be its newest phone, dubbed as ‘AI Phone’. From durable devices, student-friendly tablets, and high-end AI camera smartphones – HONOR Philippines has been putting out innovative products since the beginning of the year.


“The time has come. Filipinos deserve to get introduced to the real AI Phone. We are most excited with this launch, and we couldn’t wait to share more to our loyal HONOR fans so stay tuned in the coming days,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.


In a later post, HONOR Philippines released a related video showing still photos coming to life using its latest AI technology. With its viral and out-of-the-box content strategies, one can never really be sure of what HONOR is about to release.


Never miss the latest updates and visit HONOR’s official website at www.hihonor.com or follow their social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Helios and GCash team up to give Filipinos access to green financing solutions — a first-of-its-kind from an e-wallet

 

(L-R) Fuse Financing Inc. PayLater product head Paul Xavier Villa, chief executive officer Anthony Isidro, Helios (PH) Sustainable Energy Corp. co-founder and CEO Alex Aronson, chief operations officer Tim Go, and chief of staff Luke Parsons



In a landmark initiative to expand accessibility to renewable energy, Helios, the country’s leading one-stop shop for finding and financing Residential Solar Solutions, and  GCash, the Philippines' leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem, have teamed up to launch its first-ever Green Financing initiative.

This strategic collaboration, powered by GCash’s lending arm, Fuse Financing, Inc., aims to make solar energy more attainable for Filipino households by integrating Helios’ Tier 1 solar technology, known for its top performance, durability, long-term reliability, and strong warranties, with GGives, the installment payment feature of GCash.

Despite the Philippines’ abundant sunlight, solar energy adoption remains limited in the country. This disparity is primarily due to high upfront costs and a lack of public awareness about rooftop solar panel systems' benefits and installation processes (RTSPs). 

Recognizing these barriers, GCash and Helios have introduced a flexible financing solution that allows families to adopt solar energy without immediate financial strain. Going solar offers significant benefits for the average Filipino household, especially in the long run, including lower electricity bills, increased property value, and long-term savings. Filipino households can access affordable and clean energy while contributing to a more sustainable future.

As part of this initiative, GGives is launching the exclusive Triple Zero Solar Starter Package, a limited-time offering designed to ease the financial burden of switching to solar energy. Moreover, by using GGives, customers no longer need to have a credit card or navigate the complexities of applying for a solar financing loan at a bank. GGives eliminates typical financial barriers, making solar energy more accessible and easier for a wider audience by offering zero down payment, zero interest, and zero processing fees. 

Helios, known for providing customized solar designs and bespoke solutions, ensures that its systems feature only top-tier hardware with 25-year production guarantees and world-class after-sales service. With this partnership, customers can experience an accessible and affordable path to sustainable energy adoption, saving between 50% to 100% on their electricity bills, and ultimately transitioning to solar energy more conveniently and budget-friendly for every Filipino household.

“We are thrilled to announce Helios’ groundbreaking partnership with GGives. This marks a significant milestone towards our mission to make solar power accessible and affordable to every home in the Philippines. We look forward to delivering the highest quality and most reliable solar solutions to more Filipino homes through partnership with GCash,” Helios co-founder Alex Aronson said.

For Fuse president Tony Isidro, financial inclusion and sustainability should go hand in hand. He said, “By making renewable energy more affordable through GGives, we are empowering more Filipinos to switch to clean energy without the financial burden.” By offering a pioneering green financing solution, GCash underscores its dedication to innovative, disruptive moves in the sustainability space.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com

Outdoor Explorer or Stay-in Squad: Choose your kind of adventure with Smart


 The debate is on: will you chase the sun as an ‘Outdoor Explorer’ or embrace indoor comfort as a ‘Stay-in Squad’? No matter your preference, here are ways you can create new core memories and make the most of the season.

 

For the Outdoor Explorers

 

Discover heritage sites near you: There is magic in reliving Old Manila through the walled city of Intramuros and the grand San Agustin Church, one of the four baroque churches built during the Spanish colonial era. Outside the capital, explore the stunning San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the majestic Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, and the intricate Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Iloilo — all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beyond the Instagram appeal, these remnants connect us to our history. Search online for more heritage gems in your area, drawing inspiration from travel vlogs and documentaries. 

 

Be a ‘joiner’ in online travel groups: Finding it hard to rally your crew? Consider joining online travel groups on social media. Popular destinations for joiners include Luzon’s towering Mt. Pulag in Benguet or the sunny beaches of Zambales and Cebu. Check online reviews to ensure their itineraries suit your time and budget. And don’t forget to share your own adventures! Tip: Look for groups with clear safety guidelines and positive community feedback.

 

Go on a local gastronomic adventure: Have you tasted Aling Lucing’s sisig in Pampanga or the crispy perfection of Cebu lechon? What about the sweet comfort of buko pies in Laguna or the world-renowned mangoes of Guimaras? Summer is the perfect time for a delicious gastronomic journey. Use Google Maps and Waze to navigate your way through local shops and restaurants, ticking off those must-try dishes.

 

Live out your playlist: Immerse yourself in your favorite artists' music by attending music festivals! It’s also the best venue to discover new and emerging sounds beyond your playlist – make sure to keep your smartphone ready to capture the energy of your crew and share your most memorable moments with the rest of the world.

 

Rule your adventure with Smart’s Power All: Make the most out of your adventures with Smart’s Power All offers. Enjoy generous data allocation so you may share your adventures online anytime, anywhere in real time while keeping connected with friends and loved ones no matter where your journey takes you. Smart Prepaid’s Power All 99 offers 10 GB of data for all sites and apps, plus your choice of Unli access to Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger or Unli access to TikTok that you can enjoy for 7 days. This is complemented by Unli All Net Calls and Texts, covering all your connectivity needs.

 

For the Stay-in Squad

 

Discover and learn a new passion: Spending time indoors offer a fantastic opportunity to dive into online courses and tutorials. Anime enthusiasts can learn to build intricate Gunplas or craft impressive cosplay costumes. Homebodies can explore the satisfying art of soap-making, pottery, or embroidery, or simply learn basic home repair skills.

 

Start an online business: The break can be your chance to turn that spark of an idea into a thriving online venture. Explore if your passion can become a lucrative endeavor by setting up an online shop or trying your hand at the dynamic world of live-selling. With the power of the internet, the possibilities are truly endless.

 

Stream your favorite content: Catch up on your favorite content, series, or movies and take full advantage of the summer to recharge. You may also stream the ongoing NBA Eastern and Western Conference finals live and know more via smrt.ph/fb.nbalp.  

 

Boost your game: Improve your gaming skills, rank up, or try a new game online. Smart’s Power All is your ultimate companion for fast, reliable, lag-free, and seamless connectivity.

 

The Stay-in Squad may choose to use their mobile data at home for faster speeds, their own private connection, flexibility, and convenience without having to latch onto their home Wi-Fi to avoid the tendency of sharing bandwidth with other devices.

 

No matter which team you’re on, staying connected is key to sharing your memorable experiences. With Power All 99, enjoy Smart's strong nationwide mobile coverage and amazing promos.

 

Whether you’re soaking up the sun or staying cool indoors, make this break your most amazing yet powered by Smart.


100+ Films & Still Surprising: Why ‘Arcadian’ Shines Bright in Nicolas Cage's Iconic Career


 Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Nicolas Cage levels up again.


Nicolas Cage has truly made his mark in cinema, moving effortlessly between blockbuster action, indie dramas, and even quirky comedies. It seems there's nothing he can't do, and he proves this once again with Arcadian, a tense thriller set in a terrifying, monster-ridden future.


In Arcadian, the end of the world is just the beginning for Paul (Cage). Our first glimpse is of him in a desperate escape from what seems to be the end of civilization, carrying his two infant boys with him. Fifteen years later, Paul and his now teenage sons Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins) and Joseph (Jaeden Martell), live a meager existence on a remote farm. By day, they scavenge for resources and strengthen their defense, but nightfall brings a relentless onslaught from bloodthirsty photophobic monsters.


When Thomas ventures out after dark, a series of events unfolds that shatters their fragile safety. The family must then band together, using their wits and limited resources to confront not only the nightly terrors but also the tensions and secrets that threaten to tear them apart. 


Directed by Benjamin Brewer, Arcadian throws you into a terrifying world of creature horror, but its heart lies in the fierce bonds of family. As Paul, Cage delivers a grounded performance as a father willing to go to great lengths to protect his sons in an unrecognizable world. Cage brings emotional depth to the role, reminding audiences why he's one of the most versatile actors of his generation. 


In an interview with Collider, Nicholas Cage explained how the film's merging of his two favorite genres and its reflection of his own family dynamics fueled his interest in working on it:It's very simple really. Two of my favorite genres, independently spirited family drama, you know, grew up watching East of Eden, Kazan, Ordinary People, Redford, and then science fiction horror in that category, in this case particularly specifically science fiction. If you mash those two and the...the dynamic of the family, which is a father and two boys, which is largely what my family dynamic was, because sadly my mother couldn't be around as much as we would have liked her to have been around. So my father did all the heavy lifting, so I wanted to tell a story about that family dynamic and then mash it up with science fiction and see what we could come up with, and I'm happy with these results.”


Explosive thrills and deadly creatures ... .This May 30, survival is the only rule. Watch Arcadian on Lionsgate Play.


TECNO CAMON 40’s new dare - Move Like Sarah G!


 Take on the latest TECNO CAMON 40 Move Like Sarah G! challenge and dance your way to a PhP2-million prize pool, plus up to 40% in discounts during the TECNO 6.6 Mega Sale. 

The dance challenge will take place on TikTok from May 24 to June 6, 2025. To join, follow @tecnomobilephilippines on TikTok, do the Sarah G CAMON 40 Flashsnap Dance, and post your moves with the hashtags #CAMON40MoveLikeSarahG #CAMON2MillionChallenge #TECNO66sale.

The video post should include a voice over about the challenge and the TECNO 6.6 Mega Sale - "Move Like Sarah G! Have a Chance to Win Up to ₱2 Million Prize Pool & enjoy up to 40% Discounts during the TECNO 6.6 Mega Sale!"

Dance & Win now! https://vt.tiktok.com/ZShKHjVYW/

Get boosted, get famous on TikTok!

The PhP2 million prize pool will consist of up to PhP1 million worth of TECNO smartphones and up to PhP1 million worth of cash & boost budget in the TikTok Brand Mission. Phone prizes will include but not limited to CAMON 40 Series, SPARK GO 1, SPARK 30C, SPARK 30, SPARK 30 Pro and SPARK 20 Pro. 

Under a TikTok branded mission, a "boost prize" refers to a cash payment awarded to creators whose videos are selected by a brand for use in their ad campaign. This payment is in addition to the boosted traffic the video receives. Essentially, creators get paid for their content being featured as an ad. 


The top-performing videos will be chosen by TECNO Mobile Philippines, based on the company’s judgement and discretion. All participants will grant their permission for their videos to be used for promotion. 

Winners will  receive a cash payment from TikTok, in addition to boosted traffic from the advertiser. “This dance challenge will help discover emerging talent. For our creators, it's also a chance to get paid for their videos and gain visibility,” said TECNO Mobile Philippines Marketing Manager, Nana Chen

CAMON 40 Series receive strong reception, show strong sales performance


Barely a month since CAMON 40 Series’ launch with popstar royalty Sarah G as brand ambassador, TECNO’s latest offering have received rave reviews and strong demand.


The CAMON 40 Series is well loved not only for the value-for-money price range, but also for the innovative features - FlashSnap, 4K video, camera performance, TECNO AI, selfie video stabilization, build quality, gaming performance, among others. 


The new CAMON 40 Series is TECNO’s latest flagship imaging product and most advanced AI smartphone. The three models (CAMON 40 Premier 5G, CAMON 40 Pro 5G, and CAMON 40) are equipped with cutting-edge AI imaging technology and practical AI features. 



Get your CAMON 40 phone at the TECNO 6.6 Mega Sale!


Order your CAMON 40 phone at the TECNO 6.6 Mega Sale and enjoy up to 40% in discounts.


The CAMON 40 Series’ regular prices range from PhP9,999 to PhP21,999 on TikTok, Shopee and Lazada. The CAMON 40 costs PhP9,999 while CAMON 40 Premier 5G has a tag price of P21,999 on all online platforms and retail shops. The CAMON 40 Pro 5G 8+256 is priced at P12,999 with 16GB RAM + 256GB ROM, and P14,999 with 24GB RAM +256GB ROM. 


CAMON 40 is available in glacier white and galaxy black colors. CAMON 40 Pro 5G is available in glacier white, galaxy black and emerald lake green colors. CAMON 40 Premier 5G is available in galaxy black and emerald lake green colors in the Philippines.


MPTC Tour of Luzon Champs MPT DriveHub Cycling Team Takes the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series for a Spin at Launch Event in BGC

Fresh off their triumphant MPTC Tour of Luzon debut, the MPT DriveHub Cycling Team has traded the trail for the innovation stage as the team were seen at the HUAWEI Wearables Launch Event, held last May 22 at Bonifacio High Street Activity Center. The team reflected on their race experience with HUAWEI and got to take the newly-launched HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series for a spin.


MPT DriveHub Team – Team Manager / Sports Director – Matt Aguilar, MPT DriveHub Cycling Team Member – Rustom Lim, Best Sprinter, Tour of Luzon 2025 – Mervin Corpuz with HUAWEI Philippines Representatives


Victorious MPTC Tour of Luzon Ride with HUAWEI


Last April, the MPT DriveHub Cycling Team took on an exhilarating 8-day journey across 7 provinces for the MPTC Tour of Luzon. They won against 13 local and 4 international cycling teams. The race spanned over 1,000 kilometers across Luzon’s varied terrain, from steep mountain ascents and coastal sprints to endurance-testing stretches, under the scorching summer sun.


The MPT DriveHub team partnered with HUAWEI for the race and credited the tech brand’s wearable innovation for helping them maintain peak condition through grueling climbs and back-to-back stages. The team’s experience with HUAWEI wearables during the race reflects one of the many ways HUAWEI leverages its innovations, equipped with next-level sports and wellness features, to reshape athletic performances and empower healthier, more active lifestyles.


HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series’ Eye-Catching Style, Fit for the Trail


At the launch event, the MPT DriveHub Cycling Team was among the first to experience the newly launched HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series. The team got to explore the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series’ extensive features, including its comfortable and stylish fit. “I like it. It feels light and secure on the wrist, but still looks durable” said MPT DriveHub Cycling Team Manager and Sports Director Matt Aguilar. Aside from its lightweight wear, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series’ vibrant AMOLED display with up to 3,000 nits peak brightness was another feature that the team took note of. “I think the bright display is helpful for when we wear it while riding during the day and night,” commented MPT DriveHub Cycling Team’s Mervin Corpuz, who was awarded Best Sprinter for MPTC Tour of Luzon.


MPT DriveHub Team


Personalization was another highlight of the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series, as team members got to customize the smartwatch according to their own personal style. They chose from a wide variety of watch faces, like the workout-based watch face, kCal tracking face, and the activity rings watch face. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series also offered an array of straps to choose from, including skin-friendly fluoroelastomer straps and breathable woven straps.


Pro-Level Sports and All-Round Health Features for Peak Performance


The MPT DriveHub Cycling Team was drawn to the pro-level sports features of the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series. “The sports features of the watch makes it very useful for team training and riding,” claimed Rustom Lim, MPT DriveHub Cycling Team member. The watch supports over 100 sports modes, including indoor and outdoor cycling. While on Riding Mode, the team can use the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series as a stopwatch to time their performance. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series now supports up to 40m free diving and is the first in its class to support water sports, such as open-water swimming and paddleboarding.


Equipped with a built-in barometer and the HUAWEI Sunflower Positioning System, the WATCH FIT 4 Series delivers highly accurate route tracking, and now supports offline maps for greater confidence during outdoor adventures. “Precise tracking lets us not worry too much about our route during races,” said Mervin Corpuz. Meanwhile, the TruSense System on the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Pro can help the team monitor critical health metrics like SpO2 levels, respiratory rate, and heart rate variability (HRV), to stay on top of their health while training or during a race. 


The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series also featured wellness monitoring features, including comprehensive sleep services and the Emotional Wellbeing Assistant. “Recovery is an important part of training and performance. These features can help us know when to pull back and rest,” shared Rustom Lim.


All-Day Power and Smart Convenience for Multi-Day Races 


Not only can the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series power the MPT DriveHub Cycling Team’s performance, it can also be a reliable daily companion.  With up to 10 days of battery life and fast-charging capabilities, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series proves to be especially valuable during multi-day races like the MPTC Tour of Luzon. Mervin Corpuz said, “The long battery life is great, it’s one less thing to worry about.”

Beyond a powerful battery life, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series also comes with smart features to boost convenience. This includes Bluetooth-enabled calling, QR payment support with Watch Pay, voice memos, text-to-speech messages, and keyboard text input.

Ride Ahead with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series



Power your fitness with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series, now available on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Prices start at PHP 6,499 for the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 and PHP 13,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Pro. Get exclusive freebies with your purchase, including the HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 worth PHP 1,599 and a 3-month HUAWEI Health+ VIP Service subscription worth PHP 387. For HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Pro buyers, enjoy an added bonus with trade-in tokens worth PHP 2,000.


Follow MPT DriveHub’s social media pages to know more about the team and their future races. 


To learn more about the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series, visit your nearest HUAWEI Experience Store or check out HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).