Wednesday, May 13, 2026

vivo X300 Ultra unveils stunning portraits ahead of May 23 launch

 


As excitement builds for its May 23 debut, vivo X300 Ultra offers a preview of its next-generation imaging power through exclusive portrait shots captured by the vivo Philippines team. 

Taken by the vivo Philippines team, the images offer an early glimpse of what the flagship can do when its Triple ZEISS Master Prime Lenses meet a creative eye

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Portraits powered by Triple ZEISS Master Prime Lenses

At the core of these images is the camera system that makes them possible. The vivo X300 Ultra features three flagship imaging lenses, each built for a different visual style.

The 14mm ZEISS Ultra Wide-Angle Camera captures expansive scenes while preserving clarity edge to edge. With a large Sony LYTIA 818 sensor and ZEISS T* coating, it reduces glare and keeps colors accurate even under mixed lighting.

The 35mm ZEISS Documentary Camera handles natural portraits and storytelling shots. This focal length creates the familiar perspective often used in street photography and editorial work, making every frame feel more intimate and lifelike.

The 85mm ZEISS Gimbal-Grade Telephoto Camera brings the portrait magic seen in the sample photos. It compresses perspective beautifully, enhances facial details, and delivers soft, natural subject separation. Combined with 200MP resolution and gimbal-grade stabilization, it makes handheld portrait shooting look effortless.


Zoom beyond the ordinary

For creators who want to stretch farther, the X300 Ultra also supports two optical telephoto extenders.

The 200mm vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 expands reach for travel and candid subjects, while the 400mm vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra transforms the phone into a long-range imaging tool for concerts, sports, and distant scenes.

That means the X300 Ultra is not just aiming for better close-ups. It wants the skyline, the concert stage, and the face in the last row.


A flagship built for creators

The sample portraits reveal a clear direction for the X300 Ultra: it is designed for users who see photography as more than pressing a shutter.

From controlled highlights to natural background blur and striking low-light retention, the images suggest a camera tuned for creators who care about mood, composition, and realism.

With its official launch set for May 23 via vivo Philippines Facebook livestream, the vivo X300 Ultra is already proving one thing: some phones launch with promises, but this one is arriving with receipts.

Follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the official vivo website to stay updated.



Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines Celebrates 38 Years as the Collective Voice of the Beverage Sector


At a time when the beverage industry is navigating evolving regulations, sustainability demands, and shifting consumer preferences, collaboration has become more important than ever.

For nearly four decades, the Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines (BIAP) has played that role, bringing together the country’s leading beverage manufacturers to move forward with a shared purpose. As BIAP marks its 38th year, it remains a key forum for an industry that plays a consistent role in Filipino daily life.

BIAP member companies at the celebration of association’s 38th anniversary last April 22 in Makati City.

A unified voice in a changing industry


From bottled water and fruit juices to soft drinks and energy beverages, the Philippine beverage industry is present in everyday moments across the country. Beyond what consumers see on shelves, it is also a major driver of manufacturing activity, employment, and economic contribution.


Established and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 1988, BIAP was created to unite companies across this diverse landscape, providing a platform where industry players could collaborate, align, and engage on issues that shape both business and society.


In this evolving environment, no single company can effectively address industry-wide challenges alone. BIAP helps bridge this gap by enabling dialogue among its members and building consensus on key issues. This allows the industry to work more constructively with government and other stakeholders, and to contribute to policies that are balanced, practical, and responsive to broader economic needs.


Strengthening standards and shared progress

Beyond coordination, BIAP also plays an important role in promoting quality, safety, and integrity across the industry. Through good manufacturing practices, voluntary standards, and a shared code of ethics, the association helps ensure that products consistently meet expectations for quality and safety.

This has strengthened alignment on responsible practices, from product quality and safety to operational standards that support long-term sustainability, contributing to a more consistent and reliable beverage landscape.

Over the years, BIAP has also strengthened coordination on key policy and regulatory developments affecting the sector. As a platform for dialogue between manufacturers and the government, it helps ensure that industry perspectives are considered in discussions on taxation, product standards, and broader manufacturing policies.

It also provides a platform for knowledge sharing through seminars, workshops, and technical exchanges, while sharing relevant information to keep both members and the public informed about industry developments. 

Continuing its role in the sector


BIAP’s strength lies in the diversity and leadership of its member companies, which include ARC Refreshments Corporation, Asia Brewery, Inc., Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Coca-Cola Philippines, Del Monte Philippines, PepsiCo, Inc., Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc., Mondelez Philippines, Nestlé Philippines, San Miguel Corporation, Universal Robina Corporation,  Vouno Trade & Marketing Services and Philippine Spring Water Resources Inc. Together, these companies represent a broad cross-section of the beverage landscape, combining global expertise with strong local roots.


Leading the association is the association’s President, Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, who also serves as Head of Public Affairs and Communications for Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines. Under his leadership, BIAP continues to function as a platform for industry coordination and engagement with key stakeholders and communities.


As the industry evolves, BIAP remains focused on helping its members respond to change responsibly. For BIAP, this means strengthening partnerships, supporting innovation, and continuing to provide a platform where the industry can move forward together for consumers.


Lenovo powers the 2026 Formula 1® Sim Racing World Championship




Lenovo, the global technology powerhouse, has expanded its partnership with Formula 1® to power the 2026 F1 Sim Racing World Championship, deploying its high-performance Lenovo Legion devices to equip the sim racing drivers with elite gaming hardware throughout the series.


Lenovo will supply the championship with the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (30L, 10) and Lenovo Legion Pro 32UD-10 gaming monitors. Built for performance, these devices are designed to deliver ultra-fast processing, high frame rates, and exceptional visual clarity - critical for the precision required in sim racing.

The Legion Tower 5i (30L, 10) delivers powerful, competition-ready performance, enabling drivers to push the limits in a stable, responsive racing environment. Paired with the Lenovo Legion Pro 32UD-10 monitor’s 4K OLED display, competitors benefit from ultra-realistic visuals, deeper contrast, and enhanced immersion - bringing them closer to the track than ever before.


Following its season launch at DreamHack Birmingham, UK (27 - 29 March), Lenovo technology continues to power all remaining events at Formula 1’s Media and Technology Centre in Biggin Hill in the UK. This state-of-the-art facility – the epicentre of Formula 1’s broadcast operations – hosted the next event last April 22-23.

The move expands Lenovo’s role within Formula 1 beyond race operations and broadcast delivery into competitive sim racing, marking a significant extension of the companies’ global partnership. Lenovo’s high-performance technology will underpin both real-world and virtual racing environments, supporting event operations, content production, and sim racing driver performance across the season.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1, said: “Expanding Formula 1’s collaboration with Lenovo to power the 2026 F1 Sim Racing World Championship marks an exciting step forward in our partnership. Lenovo’s continued commitment to innovation across both virtual and real-world motorsport makes them the perfect partner to equip the world’s best sim racing talent with first-class technology and deliver outstanding competition. The fantastic launch at DreamHack Birmingham showcased the impact of pairing elite drivers with Lenovo Legion hardware and set a clear benchmark as the championship continues throughout the season."

“Powering the 2026 Formula 1 Sim Racing World Championship allows us to put Lenovo Legion technology to the ultimate test in a truly competitive and high-performance environment,” said

Volker Düring, VP & GM, PC Gaming Business, Lenovo. 

“Partnerships like this are important to our innovation cycle, providing real-world insights that continuously inform and improve the design of our products – just like F1 serves as a premier proving ground for automotive innovation. It means that when Lenovo devices reach gamers worldwide, they are not only built for performance but proven on the world stage.”

With all 12 rounds of the championship broadcast live across Formula 1’s digital platforms, Lenovo technology will be involved in every moment - supporting drivers as they compete for championship glory.


GCash CISO joins PNP-ACG Advisory Group to advance national cybersecurity efforts

  1. R) GCash chief information security officer Miguel Geronilla, vice chairperson and executive officer of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan, and GCash External Affairs manager Jerome Lantin



As digital transactions continue to grow across the Philippines, so do the risks that come with them. This makes stronger coordination between the public and private sectors more important than ever. Reinforcing this shared effort, GCash Chief Information Security Officer Miguel Geronilla was presented as a member of the Advisory Group of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) during the unit’s 13th Founding Anniversary celebration at Camp Crame, Quezon City. The appointment marks a step forward in strengthening how institutions work together to protect Filipinos online. 

The Advisory Group supports the PNP-ACG by providing strategic direction, technical insight, and industry perspective as cyber threats continue to evolve. With scams and online fraud becoming more complex, the inclusion of private sector leaders reflects a broader approach to addressing these risks. As a member of the Advisory Group, Geronilla will help guide key priorities and impart relevant knowledge to improve programs and initiatives of the PNP-ACG. 

The appointment also reflects the long-standing collaboration between GCash and PNP-ACG. Over the years, both sides have worked together on fraud prevention, user protection, and public education to ensure that digital financial services remain secure and reliable for millions of Filipinos. These efforts include joint awareness campaigns,

cybercrime training initiatives, and the development of resources such as the Fintech Security Handbook to support stronger safeguards across the digital ecosystem. 

As a member of the Advisory Group, Geronilla will help guide key priorities and impart relevant knowledge to improve programs and initiatives of the PNP-ACG. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Being part of the PNP-ACG Advisory Group allows us to contribute what we’ve learned from protecting millions of users and support programs that strengthen how we respond to threats,” Geronilla said. 

Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan, Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), emphasized the role of the Advisory Group. “It takes time, it takes a lot of effort, at ‘yong inyong talino at sipag ay kailangan po dito. Kailangan po ng cybercrime group ang tulong ng private sector for them to effectively give services to everyone,” he said during his keynote speech at the PNP-ACG anniversary event. 

In 2025, the PNP-ACG carried out thousands of operations, investigations, and cyber patrols, while also facilitating the blocking of thousands of illegal sites, online pages, and accounts linked to scams and misinformation. These efforts continue to show the scale of the challenge and the need for consistent coordination across sectors. 

Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, Acting Director of PNP-ACG, highlighted the importance of this partnership. “Working closely with the private sector helps us respond faster and more effectively against the continuous development of cybercrime. The addition of leaders like Mr. Geronilla to the Advisory Group strengthens our ability to protect the public against these threats,” he said. 

GCash reaffirms its commitment to working closely with government partners to combat cybercrime and safeguard its users. The company encourages the public to report suspicious activities through official channels, including the GCash Help Center and PNP-ACG platforms, to help prevent fraud and protect others from scams. 





 

HUAWEI Empowers You to Tell Your Most Authentic Tale Through the Power of Image at the XMAGE Awards 2026



HUAWEI spotlights the profound power of imagery with the XMAGE Awards 2026, its global photography competition that celebrates the ability of a single frame to capture emotion, truth, and perspective.


Open to passionate hobbyists and professional photographers using HUAWEI smartphones, including the latest HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, the competition invites participants to transform everyday moments into compelling visual stories.


XMAGE Awards 2026: The Power of Image


Since its launch, the XMAGE Awards has grown into one of HUAWEI’s premier platforms for smartphone photography excellence, empowering creators to push the limits of their craft and share their unique perspectives with the world. More than a competition, the XMAGE Awards is a celebration of visual storytelling, where diverse visions come together through the universal language of images.



Under this year’s theme, “Now Is Your Shot,” the competition challenges participants to share their authentic perspectives using impactful images. Creators can submit their entries across 9 categories, including So Far So Close, Colour & Shade, Good Night, Active Moments, Faces, A Heartwarming World, Experimental Lab, Storyboard, and Action. Each category is set to unveil the vibrant kaleidoscope of human experience, capturing those profound, fleeting moments that demand to be remembered.


From thousands of entries, 100 outstanding works will be selected as part of the prestigious XMAGE 100 — which represent the most powerful visual stories of the year. From the XMAGE 100, 97 winners will receive an XMAGE creator fund of USD 1,500 along with an electronic certificate. Meanwhile, the 3 Grand Prize Winners will be awarded USD 10,000 in XMAGE creator fund and a certificate. The winners will be awarded during the ceremony on November at Paris's Grand Palais—an international hub for art and fashion.



Rediscover the True Beauty of the Philippines with DOT and the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro


This year, HUAWEI partnered with Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Offices IV-B, V, VII, and X, to spotlight the remarkable, unfiltered beauty of the Philippines. Through this collaboration, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro becomes a tool to help Filipinos rediscover and share the country’s beauty in its most authentic form.


Mayon Volcano, Albay


Hablon Weaving, Argao, Cebu


This initiative encourages creators to go beyond postcard-perfect shots and capture the Philippines as it truly is — alive with color, character, and emotion. From the vibrant artistry of the majestic natural wonder of Mayon Volcano in Albay and the vibrant fields of Buwakan ni Alejandra, to the intricate handweaving in Hablon, Cebu, each destination showcases a distinct story and identity unique to its region. 


Balanacan View Deck Mural, Mogpog, Marinduque


Buwakan ni Alejandra, Balamban, Cebu


Through the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro’s True-to-Colour Camera, these scenic and cultural treasures across the Philippines are preserved with remarkable fidelity, capturing scenes like the vibrant colors of the Balanacan View Deck Mural in Marinduque and Buwakan ni Alejandra in Cebu — exactly as you see them. As day fades into night, the phone’s 50MP Ultra Lighting Camera allows you to capture photos of nighttime scenes like the fire dance along Alona Beach in Bohol, with impeccable depth and clarity, so you won’t lose a single detail of the atmosphere.


Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol


Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella, Bohol


Adding a layer of versatility to your photography, the 48MP Ultra Lighting Telephoto Macro Camera opens up a world of creative possibilities, enabling you to frame the delicate features of the tarsiers at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary from afar. Perfect for capturing the beauty of the Philippines, the 40MP Ultra-Wide Angle Camera guarantees nothing escapes your smartphone’s lens. 


Mayon Volcano, Albay


Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Cebu


Its IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance allows the phone to withstand extreme elements, including temperatures from -20°C to 80°C and water depths of up to 6 meters of water depths. From the majestic beauty of the mighty Mayon Volcano to the turtles in the deep waters of Panagsama Beach in Cebu, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro’s powerful imaging capabilities empowers you to document your most special experiences with absolute ease. 


The new AI Composition feature turns the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro into a professional photography studio that slides in your pocket. It acts as a silent creative partner that makes it look like the otherworldly view of the Sikyop Underground River was taken by a pro. 


Sikyop Underground River Adventure, Iligan City



Unveil the True Soul of the Philippines and Share Your Authentic Stories at the XMAGE Awards 2026


Let the world see the unfiltered beauty of the Philippines and showcase your unique vision by joining the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2026. Submission of entries is open to all photographers and hobbyists with a passion for visual storytelling. 


To join, you can submit your entries taken using HUAWEI devices through the official HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2026 website: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/campaign/xmage/. The deadline of submissions is on August 16, 2026. 


Capture your best photos like a true professional with your best mate, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro — available at PHP 69,999. Save up to PHP 5,000 off and get the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro at PHP 64,999 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, HUAWEI Online Store, and at HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. 


Avail additional PHP 5,000 off when you pay using cards from select banks, available in stores only. These exclusive offers are available from April 24 to May 31, 2026.


To learn more about the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro and the XMAGE Awards 2026, visit HUAWEI’s official social media pages (Facebook | Instagram).



Globe AT HOME Amplifies Home Connectivity with Free WiFi 6 Modem Upgrade and Speed Boosts Up to 1Gbps

As Filipino households continue to face the challenges of rising expenses and the ongoing energy crisis, Globe AT HOME is stepping up to ease the burden by making remote work, learning, and everyday digital living more efficient and sustainable. By proactively rewarding loyal customers with complimentary speed boosts of up to 1 Gbps, Globe AT HOME empowers families to balance work, school, and leisure at home, helping them save on transport-related costs, reduce energy use, and elevating their connection without added financial strain.

Customers can enjoy faster speeds at no additional cost, and those whose current modems cannot support the upgraded speeds can also upgrade their WiFi 6 modem for FREE with a 24‑month re‑lockup. This ensures that every household can maximize the benefits of stronger connectivity, whether for online classes, work from home, or even family entertainment.

“In solidarity with the government’s call for energy conservation, Globe AT HOME is committed to making the remote work and education experience as seamless as possible. By providing complimentary speed boosts of up to 1 Gbps and free WiFi 6 upgrades, we are empowering our customers to stay productive from the comfort of their homes,” said Abigail Cardino, Vice President and Head of Brand Management, Broadband Business at Globe.

“Every digital task completed at home is a step toward reducing our collective fuel consumption and easing the demand on transport energy, helping the nation navigate current global energy shifts with greater resilience,” she added.

With this initiative, Globe AT HOME reinforces its role as a trusted partner in nation‑building and collective resilience. More than just faster speeds and upgraded modems, it is about delivering connectivity that knows you, cares for you, and empowers you, helping families thrive in the face of challenges. By putting customers first and ensuring that every household can stay productive, entertained, and connected, Globe AT HOME enables Filipinos to keep going with Globe, no matter the circumstances.

For more information about Globe AT HOME Postpaid Plans and to learn how to upgrade, visit https://bit.ly/GFiberUpgrade

Anne Curtis, Erwan Heussaff Encourage Filipinos to Move for Longevity and Holistic Health in New Video Collaborations with Manulife Philippines

 Actress and TV host Anne Curtis and lifestyle content creator Erwan Heussaff are encouraging Filipinos to invest in their health and well-being through movement and everyday choices in their newest video collaborations with Manulife Philippines. Rooted in Manulife’s commitment to longevity, the videos reflect an evolving mindset—shifting the focus from simply adding years to life, to improving the quality of those years through life balance, and intentional choices that lead to sustainable habits.

Manulife ambassadors Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff champion a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing the value of balance, consistency, and making everyday choices that contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

The influencer couple was in attendance when Manulife Philippines launched ManulifeMOVE, a holistic health program that brings together the relevant proposition, services, products and partners to improve customer’s well-being at every stage.

“When I say the word ‘health,’ I often think first of movement. But lately, I’ve been thinking about something deeper,” Curtis said in the video. “At the launch of ManulifeMOVE, I realized this shift: for Filipinos, health is no longer just about adding years to your life. It’s about adding quality to those years.”

She added that this mindset mirrors insights from Manulife’s Asia Care Survey, which showed that more Filipinos are seeking life balance, wellness, and intention in their everyday lives.

Manulife ambassadors Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff highlight the importance of staying active through mindful movement, demonstrating how simple practices like yoga can support overall health and well-being.

“MOVE is all about helping us make small, conscious choices that add up to a better life,” Curtis said. “Little things like eating lighter meals, going on walks, and prioritizing your mental health,  can go a long way to finding everyday balance.”

Heussaff, meanwhile, focused on heart health and the impact of daily habits—particularly around food and movement—on long-term well-being.

“Heart disease is the top illness Filipinos are most worried about according to a recent Manulife’s Asia Care Survey,” Heussaff said. “We all have a relative who had heart disease. We all know someone who struggles with diabetes. We see why. We know the risks, but the part that no one wants to hear is that we actually have a choice to make a difference.”

He emphasized usual behaviors that lead to heart health problems such as overconsumption of salt and processed food, and not eating enough fruits and vegetables. He noted that to achieve a healthy lifestyle, consistency matters more than perfection. 

As parents, Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff share how planning ahead gives their family greater peace of mind—helping them feel more ready for what’s next and build a future of stability and possibility for Dahlia as she grows.

“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying food or indulging, but daily choices matter,” he said. “Small and consistent actions like socializing and even just going for a walk compound and go a long way to improving heart health and overall well-being. You or your loved ones don’t have to be part of statistics.”

“Even small, consistent moves can make a meaningful difference to how we live, and how well we live, over time,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “ManulifeMOVE is designed to help Filipinos build healthier habits through movement and everyday choices that support better physical, mental, and financial well-being across life stages. As more people seek balance and well-being, we want to make it easier to take practical steps that strengthen physical health, mental resilience, and financial security. It’s how we’re enabling Filipinos to live better for longer.”

This initiative builds on Manulife’s refreshed strategy, advancing its strategic priority of empowering customers' health, wealth, and longevity and aligns to the recently launched Manulife Longevity Institute, a global platform to drive action that helps people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives by 2030.

The videos are now available on Manulife Philippines’ and the Heussaffs’ official social media platforms.