The latest VR entertainment in the metro – Space Arcade!

The Philippines is about to experience fun-filled VR entertainment all in one place at Space Arcade, located on the Ground Floor of S Maison at Conrad Hotel, Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City, next to Space & Time Cube – an immersive museum with 18 themed attractions and games for people of all ages.

Space Arcade features 9 attractions, offering adrenaline-pumping experiences that make you feel like you're right in the heart of the action. From racing challenges for both two-wheels and four-wheels to thrilling shooting games, there’s something for everyone! Some attractions even generate swift winds, intensifying the experience and motivating you to finish the game strong. Bring your friends along to form your squad or become your foes as you play together!

If you want to take a break and capture some memories, Space Arcade also offers a self photo booth. Choose from a variety of filters and layouts that you can mix and match according to your preferences.

This new VR arcade is sure to be enjoyed by everyone, whether you're coming solo, looking for a unique date experience, or hanging out with friends.

The games are affordable too! Start your adventure by topping up your card with a minimum of P200. Game prices range from P48 to P120, depending on the level of adventure you want. What's even more exciting is that Space Arcade offers extra free credits when you top up your card with a certain amount.

Get ready for the grand launch and prepare to enter a new realm of digital fun with Space Arcade!

Sony Exhibits at CES® 2025

To create a future filled with Kando together with creators: Showcasing its innovative technologies and initiatives to maximize the value of content IP under the “Creative Entertainment Vision”

Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”) is exhibiting at CES® 2025, taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Tuesday, Jan. 7 (PST), under the theme “Creative Entertainment Vision,” the long-term vision for where Sony wants to be in 10 years.

Hiroki Totoki, President, COO and CFO of Sony Group Corporation took the stage at Sony’s press conference held on Monday, Jan. 6. Together with a diverse array of speakers, he introduced a number of foundational initiatives leading towards Sony’s “Creative Entertainment Vision” including new solutions that enable creative freedom such as a new vehicle processing system, and the latest solutions for spatial content creation. In addition to introducing initiatives in the field of anime to expand the fan community, Sony also highlighted projects for turning game IP into visual works, co-creation with music artists, and new location-based entertainment experiences as measures to expand the world of game IP from multiple perspectives. Among them, the production of an anime series based on the game “Ghost of Tsushima: Legends,” the launch of a new manga app “Crunchyroll Manga,” and the release month for the drama series “The Last of Us” season 2 were announced.

Additionally, with guest speaker Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the US National Football League, Sony shared the latest developments in the evolution of sports entertainment. In addition, Sony Honda Mobility also unveiled its EV “AFEELA 1,” for which it will begin accepting orders from 2025, as an example of mobility innovation. 

Totoki closed the press conference by emphasizing that Sony’s “Creative Entertainment Vision” involves creators, partners and Sony colleagues working together, to create infinite realities for everyone that will spark imaginations and generate a boundless sense of Kando. 

Sony’s press conference at CES 2025 can be viewed on its official YouTube channel: URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV95SMpTW-M  

Press Conference speakers (In order of appearance)

• Hiroki Totoki (President, COO and CFO, Sony Group Corporation)
• Neal Manowitz (President and COO, Sony Electronics Inc.)
• Roger Goodell (Commissioner, National Football League)
• Yasuhide Mizuno (Representative Director, Chairperson and CEO, Sony Honda
• Mobility Inc.)
• Jonny Slow (CEO, Pixomondo)
• Thaisa Yamamura (Head of XR Business Development, Sony Electronics Inc.)
• Atsuhiro Iwakami (President, Aniplex Inc.)
• Rahul Purini (President, Crunchyroll)
• Ravi Ahuja (President and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment)
• Asad Qizilbash (Head of PlayStation Productions)
• Ashley Brucks (President, Screen Gems)
• Neil Druckmann (Studio Head and Head of Creative, Naughty Dog)

Booth Overview

Dates: Tuesday, Jan. 7 to Friday, Jan. 10, 2025

Main Exhibits 

Based on its “Creative Entertainment Vision,” the long-term vision for where Sony wants to be in 10 years, the exhibition will focus on the latest technologies and initiatives to unleash the creativity of creators and maximize the value of IP. The booth is structured around the three phases of Sony’s Creative Entertainment Vision: “Creativity Unleashed,” “Boundaries Transcended,” and “Narratives Everywhere.” It also features an artistic expression of the future of creation Sony envisions, in which content is born and expanded through co-creation between creators.

• New Vehicle Processing System that Utilizes Virtual Production: “PXO AKIRA”

This exhibit introduces “PXO AKIRA” for the first time, a new cutting-edge system that transforms the traditional method of shooting vehicles, by enhancing safety, reducing costs, and maximizing creative freedom. PXO AKIRA combines an advanced robotic camera crane with a custom-built motion platform, LED volume technology and an integrated digital twin tool to deliver an all-in-one solution for filming vehicles using Virtual Production in any setting. Additionally, the exhibit will showcase a 3D reconstruction tool that perfectly complements PXO AKIRA, offering the capability to capture real-world environments and transform them into immersive, 3D digital backgrounds. 

• “XYN™” Integrated Software and Hardware Solution Designed to Support the Creation of Spatial Content

Sony Corporation announced today the launch of “XYN™,” an integrated software and hardware solution designed to support the creation of spatial content. Leveraging unique technologies in imaging, sensing, and display, “XYN” employs proprietary algorithms to accurately capture and reproduce objects, human motion, and backgrounds in real-world spaces, enabling efficient reproduction in a 3D Computer Graphics (CG) production environment and facilitating the construction of flexible workflows. Attendees can experience products and solutions currently under development at the booth.

For more information on Sony Corporation’s press release and the concept video, visit: 

Press release: https://www.sony.net/corporate/information/news/202501/25-001E/

Concept video: https://youtu.be/WPBmlGIiAOE

• LEGO® Horizon Adventures™ Brings the Music of mxmtoon Alive 

LEGO® Horizon Adventures™ is a playful and light-hearted story inspired by the world of Horizon and made fully out of LEGO elements. Its theme song, written and produced by mxmtoon, further extends the Horizon franchise in an innovative way, whereby a teaser of the music video will be released at CES. The video leverages assets produced for the game by using Epic Games' Unreal Engine to expand the game into animated content. This project is an amazing collaboration with mxmtoon’s music that crossed the creativity of multiple teams, including Guerrilla, The LEGO Group, Pixomondo, and Sony. At the booth, visitors will be able to play the game and get a sneak peek of the music video, as well as to watch the behind-the-scenes that highlights the creative and production process.

• Experience based on the theme “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” 

Aniplex Inc. is a comprehensive entertainment company with a wide range of businesses operating worldwide, including the planning and production of video and music works, primarily in the area of animation; game planning and development; theatrical production and distribution; and the planning, production and sales of merchandise. At the booth, visitors can engage in experiences the themed around the anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which is based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotoge published under SHUEISHA's JUMP COMICS and has over 150 million copies in publication. The animation production is by ufotable. The exhibit will include a photo booth that recreates the poster for the movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, the first in a trilogy of films that will be released in theaters worldwide in 2025. 

• Immersive Location-based Entertainment Concept based on “The Last of Us”

Sony is exploring ways to expand the value of content IP by developing a proof-of-concept for location-based entertainment with various technologies such as video, audio, and haptics to provide creators with new avenues for expression. At the booth, this future immersive entertainment concept features the suspenseful action-adventure game “The Last of Us” with high-definition video, 3D sounds and olfactory technologies.

The exhibition is also being presented on the online platform "Sony Square."

URL: https://square.sony.com/ces2025/

Images from Sony at CESⓇ 2025 can be downloaded here. 

For details of the announcement regarding “AFEELA 1,” please visit the Sony Honda Mobility website: https://www.shm-afeela.com/en/

About Sony Electronics (Singapore)

Sony Electronics (Singapore) is responsible for the marketing and sales of Sony products in Singapore. It also handles export business for Sony products from Singapore to various parts of Asia. Since establishing our presence in Singapore in 1973, we have grown steadily over the years to become a leader in the electronics market. For more information on Sony’s products and services in Singapore, please visit http://www.sony.com.sg/

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net/ 

*Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

Weaving the Past into the Future: Cebu Pacific Promotes Philippine Textile Arts

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, is encouraging every Juan to discover more of the country’s cultural heritage as it unveiled its latest initiative to promote Philippine tourism –- the QR Flight Codes --- patterned after the traditional weaves of various local communities. 

QR Flight Codes were made in partnership with Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI):

• Underscores CEB’s commitment to enhancing domestic tourism while shining a light on the artistry and cultural heritage of Filipino weaving communities. 

The QR Flight Codes highlights five unique weaving styles from different parts of the country:

• The intricate and nature-inspired markings of Ilocos Norte’s Binakol
• The elegantly-colored stripes of Occidental Mindoro’s Ramit
• The bright hues and iconic plaid design of Iloilo’s Hablon
• The bold and colorful checkered patterns of Antique’s Patadyong
• The striking geometric patterns and vivid colors of Zamboanga’s Yakan

Scanning these QR Flight Codes, placed strategically on billboards along major thoroughfares and airports across the country and in select magazines, will allow travelers to learn more about these traditional weaves and discover more attractions in the destinations where they originate. 

CEB collaborated with local weaving communities across the country to ensure that the history and significance of these fabrics are preserved in making the QR Flight Codes. These include the:

• Paoay Weavers of Ilocos Norte supported by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU);
• The Hanunuo Mangyan of Occidental Mindoro supported by the Awati Ti Kape Community Development Program;
• The Baraclayan Weavers Association of Iloilo;
• The Patnongon Multipurpose Cooperative and Bagtason Loom Weavers Association of Antique; and the
• Yakan by Oriental Weaves of Zamboanga supported by MMSU.

To entice travelers to learn more about these weaves while exploring the Philippines, CEB has launched an exclusive seat sale until January 15, 2025 allowing travelers to book flights to all domestic destinations for as low as PHP 199 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period for this seat sale runs from January 4 to June 30, 2025.

CEB operates in 35 domestic and 27 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.  

Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale. 

Follow Cebu Pacific Air's Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: CebuPacific Air

X: @CebuPacificAir

Instagram: cebupacificair

Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship: Springboard to your Dreams

Before the Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship, Rogie Royce Caradang was a college kid with a dream and global perspective. He knew he wanted to do more after he graduated, to expand his education so he could learn everything he could about science.

It was Rogie Royce's dearest wish to make a difference in the world of science. And before  the Ajinomoto Foundation Scholarship Program he was in search of direction. Once he realized he was a perfect fit, a high achiever looking to broaden his horizons, he applied and pursued his postgraduate studies in Japan.

His experience in Japan was life changing. But Carandang knew that he was only going to get as far as he was willing to work hard. But in studying abroad and gaining a new springboard towards his dreams, he was able to breakthrough and even make consequential discoveries that may even lead to cures for illnesses like cancer. 

Carandang started his Masteral Degree in Aquatic Natural Products Chemistry at the University of Tokyo in April 2013 and finished it in March 2016. He was able to publish his research in an international journal and parlayed his success into a position as a Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Connecticut Health. His journey exemplifies the Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship’s potential to create global impact while shaping professional and personal growth.

"This scholarship is not just financial support—it is a transformative opportunity to broaden your horizons, advance your career, and make a lasting impact in your field." says the now world-renowned Research Fellow. Carandang attributes his success to hard-work, finding the right focus, and then taking that leap off a springboard into more than he had ever thought he could achieve. 

The Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship program catapulted Carandang onto the international stage. Now it’s up to him to show the world what he is capable of. Nowadays, those goals are so much greater than he could have even imagined as a college kid. His post-graduate studies showed him new dreams, new problems, and new solutions and as a scientist, that’s all he could ask for. 

The Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is a culturally immersive support program to encourage postgraduate studies in top universities in Japan. This grant supports deserving Filipino students looking to pursue master’s degree in Food Science and Technology, Human Nutrition, Chemistry, and Engineering. The Program is seeking applicants now for the 2026 cycle of awards. Visit https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/2026-ajinomoto-foundation-postgraduate-scholarship-grant/ to know more.

The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies.

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society.

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 36 countries and regions, and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. In fiscal 2021, sales were 1.1149 trillion yen (8.73 billion U.S. dollars). To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

Insular Foundation Conducts Career Readiness Summit

Insular Foundation Conducts Career Readiness Summit

Insular Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Insular Life (InLife), recently conducted a Career Readiness Summit to prepare its scholars for the demands of the modern workplace.

The summit was attended by third- and fourth-year Gold Eagle scholars from Insular Foundation’s partner state colleges and universities: University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Aurora State College of Technology, Benguet State University, Bohol Island State University, Central Mindanao University, and Davao Oriental State University. 

InLife’s Chief Human Resources Officer Rozana Pecson shared nuggets of wisdom to help the scholars excel in their professional career.

“Find your passion and build your career on it. Leverage on your strengths. Lead change. Bounce back in times of adversities.” ~Rozana Pecson, Chief Human Resources Officer at InLife

She also advised the scholars to adhere to their values, prioritize their well-being, and establish meaningful connections.

In his keynote presentation, Anthony Pangilinan, Chairman of The Master’s Lighthouse Foundation, discussed that individuals should do the following to achieve success: have a vision, accept life challenges or tension, and take action. 

Pangilinan pointed out that tension inspires people to act on their vision.

“Kung walang tensyon sa buhay, walang accomplishment of vision. Hindi ka babangon sa umaga. You stretch a rubber band vertically – the lower part of the rubber band is your reality, and the upper portion of the rubber band is your vision – mga pangarap mo sa buhay.” ~Anthony Pangilinan, Chairman of The Master's Lighthouse Foundation

Insular Foundation Executive Director Ana Maria Soriano, for her part, reiterated InLife and Insular Foundation’s commitment to supporting young Filipinos in underserved sectors through the Gold Eagle College Scholarship Program. 

“We take immense pride in witnessing our scholars excel academically, graduate, and make significant contributions in their chosen fields. Your drive, ambition, and remarkable determination to overcome challenges and strive for a better future for yourself and your family inspire us to continue the Insular Foundation’s Gold Eagle College Scholarship Program. As long as there are young Filipinos like you, we will remain dedicated to this cause.” ~Ana Maria Soriano, Insular Foundation Executive Director

The Insular Foundation also recognized the 2024 Gold Eagle Scholar Graduates from UP Diliman, and Graduates of InLife’s Scholarship Program for Employees’ Dependents during the summit. 

“We are privileged to have access to education, and hopefully, this privilege will not be caged in us alone. I am hoping that as the sunflowers bloomed despite the storm, we will also power through amidst chaos and seeming hopelessness.” ~Yannis Fernandez, Gold Eagle Scholar from UP Diliman

In her message on behalf of the graduates, Gold Eagle Scholar Yannis Fernandez from UP Diliman expressed appreciation to Insular Foundation for supporting their academic journey. 

New year, new luck: Which Infinix HOT 50 Pro+ color matches your vibe for 2025?

There's nothing like celebrating the New Year in the Philippines. The skies are filled with colorful fireworks, while families are enjoying a full spread of delicious food to welcome the new opportunities and experiences that await you.

A year full of hope and ambition calls for vibrant colors that match the vibe you want to bring. The Infinix HOT 50 Pro+ Series has brand-new colorways that embody fresh starts and inspire confidence and creativity. Featuring the elegant Glimmer Ladder Design, the series blends glimmering color pairings and layered contracts, paired with the phone's slim and sturdy 6.88" body, you can feel like you can face anything that 2025 throws at you. No matter which variant you choose, each HOT 50 Pro+ color will set the tone for your 2025:

Aurora-round | Around – For the Calm Seekers

Aurora Green embodies tranquility, perfect for those seeking balance amidst life’s busyness. Exclusively available for the HOT 50 Pro+, this serene hue pairs beautifully with its AMOLED display, which provides vibrant clarity and lifelike colors. Whether journaling goals, meditating with relaxing playlists, or streaming serene visuals, this display enhances every moment.

The Aurora Green HOT 50 Pro+ also features Corning® Gorilla® Glass, offering exceptional durability to keep your screen protected from scratches and drops. Paired with the NanoFlex Fiber Leather finish and the flowing contrasts of the Glimmer Ladder Design, this color represents balance and strength, making it a perfect companion for starting 2025 with calm and confidence.

Red-y | Ready – For the Bold Dreamers

Rising Red radiates energy and confidence, making it the perfect choice for those ready to take bold steps and embrace daring opportunities. Available for the HOT 50 Pro+, this striking hue is paired with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring ultra-smooth visuals for gaming, fast browsing, and scrolling through your favorite social apps with unmatched fluidity.

The boldness of Rising Red isn’t just in its appearance—it’s in its performance. Equipped with a 50MP main camera, the HOT 50 Pro+ lets you capture vivid, detailed photos and videos that bring your moments to life. Whether you’re documenting achievements or exploring creative projects, Rising Red empowers you to approach 2025 with courage, ambition, and style.

Grow-some | Growth – For the Optimists

Blossom Pink symbolizes growth, creativity, and optimism, making it the perfect choice for those celebrating progress and embracing fresh opportunities. On the HOT 50 Pro+, Blossom Pink is enhanced by 33W Advanced Fast Charging, ensuring your device powers up quickly so you’re always ready to seize the day without delay.

For the HOT 50 Pro+, Blossom Pink features Dualscape Glass, adding a shimmering, modern touch that reflects its uplifting and elegant tone. Paired with a 4-year long-lasting 5000mAh battery, which keeps you connected and productive all day, Blossom Pink embodies the spirit of forward momentum, combining functionality with effortless style.

Dear-me, Let Your Dreams Come True – For the Visionaries

Dreamy Purple embodies creativity, ambition, and individuality, making it the perfect choice for those who dare to dream big. On the HOT 50 Pro+ 5G, Dreamy Purple in NanoFlex Fiber Leather is complemented by 5G connectivity, delivering lightning-fast speeds for seamless streaming, rapid downloading, and staying ahead in a fast-paced world.

For the HOT 50 Pro+, Dreamy Purple comes in Dualscape Glass, offering a sleek and radiant finish that reflects light beautifully. Enhanced by the Glimmer Ladder Design, its layered tones symbolize limitless horizons, inspiring you to reach higher and achieve your boldest goals. Dreamy Purple in the HOT 50 Pro+ Series isn’t just a color—it’s a statement of innovation and a call to embrace your aspirations fearlessly.

Why the HOT 50 Pro+ Series is the Ultimate Gift

The HOT 50 Pro+ Series isn’t just a smartphone—it’s a celebration of individuality and the aspirations that define you. Designed with premium NanoFlex Fiber Leather for a tactile, luxurious feel and Dualscape Glass for a shimmering, modern aesthetic, the HOT 50 Pro+ Series effortlessly combines style with sophistication.

Its features are built to perform, including 5-year TÜV-certified fluency for smooth, reliable operation that adapts to your fast-paced life. Available in vibrant colors like Dreamy Purple, Blossom Pink, Aurora Green, and Rising Red, each device becomes a stylish extension of your personality and a reflection of your goals.

Whether you seek calm, boldness, optimism, or creativity, the HOT 50 Pro+ Series embodies the energy you want to bring into 2025. It’s more than a smartphone—it’s the perfect companion for starting the year with purpose, inspiration, and endless possibilities.

Shop the new Infinix HOT 50 Pro+ Series’ colorways via e-commerce sites Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop, and concept stores and kiosks nationwide. The HOT 50 Pro+ is priced at P8,499, while the HOT 50 is P6,999.

 

For updates, like and follow the official Infinix Philippines Facebook page and Community page. For more information, visit www.infinixmobility.com.

About Infinix

Founded in 2013, Infinix is a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers. With a presence in over 70 countries and regions, Infinix delivers cutting-edge technology, stylish design, and outstanding performance. Our product lineup includes smartphones, TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, and smart TVs. In 2023, Infinix was recognized in Kantar and Google's top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders Report and ranked sixth in Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies of 2024 in the Asia-Pacific sector. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/.

Growing lnLife: Native Tree Growing Project

Growing lnLife: Native Tree Growing Project. The Insular Foundation, in partnership with One to Tree Program of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., (RAFI), turned over a three-year (2022-2024) tree growing project to the community in Barangay Tabili, Catmon, Cebu. Under the project “Growing lnLife: Native Tree Growing Project,” 10,000 native tree seedlings were planted in Catmon, Cebu. The project recorded an 87% survival rate of the native trees.  This green initiative aims to recover the tree cover lost and provide income augmentation for partner farmers. As the program implementer, RAFI OTT will engage the communities to protect and rehabilitate the environment by establishing native tree nurseries and tree plantations.