What If You Bring More? AirAsia Philippines Lets You Check In as Many Bags as You Need

AirAsia Philippines is reminding customers that they are free to check in as many bags as they require, as long as the total weight stays within their purchased or complimentary baggage allowance, as more travelers return home with extra pasalubong, souvenirs, and shopping finds.

Visitors can purchase checked baggage allowances between 20 and 60 kg, giving them flexibility for both quick vacations and long journeys. Even if a larger baggage allowance has been purchased, each checked bag cannot weigh more than 32 kg for security reasons.

However, if you have purchased more than 30 kg of baggage allowance, please note that each bag you will be checking-in must follow the following requirements.

Several essential mobility items may be checked in free of charge, including:

• Baby strollers, buggies, and prams
• Wheelchairs and mobility devices
• Crutches and walking frames

RE-BOOKED TO AVOID OTHER FEES

Guests who purchase checked baggage before departure can save up to Php 919 compared to airport rates. Checked baggage can be purchased conveniently via the AirAsia MOVE app, the AirAsia website, or Ask Bo.

BUYING ADDITIONAL BAGGAGE AFTER BOOKING

Guests who wish to add or upgrade their checked baggage allowance after completing their booking may conveniently do so through the Manage My Booking feature or by chatting with Ask Bo up to two hours before their scheduled departure. Checked baggage may also be added at the airport check-in counter, subject to applicable airport baggage rates.

To purchase or upgrade checked baggage through Ask Bo:

• Chat with Ask Bo on the AirAsia MOVE app or website.
• Type "Purchase Add-ons (Seats, Baggage, Meals)".
• Select "Baggage" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.

CABIN BAGGAGE

For cabin baggage, guests are entitled to two carry-on items—one cabin bag and one personal item like a laptop bag or a hand bag—with a combined weight of up to 7kg. Those who need additional cabin space may opt for Xtra Carry-On, which increases the cabin baggage allowance to 14kg when pre-booked.

As travelers continue to embrace spontaneous shopping, longer vacations, and meaningful trips home, AirAsia Philippines' flexible baggage policy ensures guests can bring home more of what matters—without worrying about the number of bags they check in.

About AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Founded in 2001, AirAsia has stayed true to its purpose and tagline "Now Everyone Can Fly". The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations. Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world's first global low cost network carrier. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net zero target by 2050. In 2023, it avoided 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its narrowbody regional network through 20+ efficiency measures, saving US$40 million in fuel and over US$388,000 in shadow carbon costs.

NOTE: The Communications and Public Affairs Group kindly requests for all media partners to follow the correct typography for the brand – for airline (AirAsia) spelled as one word with both As capitalized; and for non-airline (AirAsia MOVE) with MOVE capitalized.. 

For more information, feel free to contact:

AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Team: paa_commsandpublicaffairs1@airasia.com

Ajinomoto Philippines supports 1st NDAP Food & Nutripreneurship Summit

In photo from left: Lawrence Kyle Dela Cruz, RND Program Chair, NDAP National Board Director for Food Service; APC RND Bea Menorca-De Jesus; APC Director for Marketing, Sales and Public Relations, Mika Makino, APC Food Service Division Corporate Chef Manager, Chef Glenn Dino; Shaylendra Andres, RND - NDAP National Vice President; Maria Eloisa Villaraza, RND, MSCN – NDAP Immediate Past President

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) recently took part in the inaugural Food & Nutripreneurship (FUN) Summit of the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP), which took place on July 3–4, 2026. This historic event brought together industry leaders, innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs, and nutritionists from all over the nation. 

The summit, which had as its theme “Fueling Innovation in Food Service by Uniting Nutrition Advocates and Entrepreneurs and Nurturing Sustainable Ventures for Health and Wellness,” provided a forum for sharing knowledge, talking about new issues and trends, and fortifying relationships with other advocates committed to influencing the direction of food service and nutrition in the Philippines.

Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC's registered nutritionist-dietitian, and Glen Dino, Corporate Chef Manager of the Food Service Division, led a lunch symposium highlighting the importance of increasing vegetable consumption as one of the most effective ways to improve human and environmental health. 

Chef Dino demonstrated simple vegetable recipes, such as Chopsuey Salad with CaterServe® Sesame Dressing and Mango Shrimp Salad with AJI-MAYO® Professional Style Mayonnaise, through a brief and entertaining cooking demonstration. Both had a savory or umami flavor that highlighted the "linamnam" aspect of the vegetable dishes, making them more appetizing.

“The reality we’re seeing from DOST-FNRI data is that there is a gap between nutrition and sustainability in the country now. While millions of Filipinos are not meeting their daily energy needs, household plate waste continues to rise, and vegetables are among the most wasted. Vegetables should be at the center of this conversation because increasing consumption supports nutritional goals such as providing essential vitamins and minerals, and fiber. At the same time, it contributes to sustainability as plant-based foods have lower environmental footprint.” ~Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC’s Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) continues to strengthen its partnership with the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP) in advancing nutrition, health, and sustainability initiatives. Shown are NDAP Adviser Zenaida Velasco (center), flanked by Mika Makino, APC Director for Marketing, Sales and Public Relations (left), and Bea Menorca-de Jesus, RND, APC Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (right)

I Love Veggie-Licious®, APC's premier nutrition campaign, also revolves around this theme. Since 2023, APC has been promoting vegetable consumption among Filipinos by touring various communities and schools across the country to lead cooking demonstrations and hands-on nutrition education. In line with APC's corporate motto, "Eat Well, Live Well," the initiative seeks to equip families, especially mothers, with the information and abilities to incorporate vegetables into their regular meals and cultivate a healthier eating habit.

“NDAP recognizes the value of multisectoral participation in promoting safe, sustainable, and evidence-based public health nutrition education for Filipinos. This event provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and practices among nutrition professionals, businesses, food service organizations, and other stakeholders in support of shared public health and nutrition goals.” ~Lawrence Kyle Dela Cruz, RND Program Chair, NDAP National Board Director for Food Service

I Love Veggie-Licious® is one of the major ways APC continues to contribute to the Ajinomoto Group’s 2030 outcomes — help extend the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and to reduce its environmental impact by 50%. 

Likewise, APC continues to support organizations like NDAP, that share the company’s commitment to promoting nutrition, health and sustainability. 

The Iconic Blue Magic Opens at SM Center Sangandaan

For many Filipinos, Blue Magic has long been associated with significant life events. From teddy bears and novelty gifts to keepsakes for birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries, the homegrown brand has spent nearly four decades helping customers commemorate special occasions.

Caloocan shoppers now have easier access to their favorite gift items thanks to the opening of Blue Magic's newest store on the ground floor of SM Center Sangandaan, which is conveniently located near Watsons.

Since its founding in 1985, Blue Magic has developed into one of the most well-known gift shops in the nation, providing home décor, plush toys, novelty items, and gift options for all occasions. Its ability to combine reasonably priced items with sentimental value accounts for its enduring appeal, making it a well-known destination for generations of Filipino consumers.

A large assortment of gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holidays, and regular celebrations are available in the new store. The store provides gift ideas for every budget and occasion, whether customers are searching for a meaningful gift or a straightforward token of appreciation.

Through the Blue-tiful Rewards program, customers can also take advantage of extra benefits. Customers can be eligible for VIP status and receive 10% off certain regular-priced items for a year if they have purchase receipts totaling ₱5,000 before December 31, 2026.

Blue Magic also runs a pop-up store on the mall's 5th Floor of SM City Grand Central, offering customers who live closer to the mall an additional easy way to find thoughtful gifts.

Blue Magic continues to make its iconic gift options more accessible to customers throughout northern Metro Manila with the opening of its newest location at your favorite SM Center Sangandaan and its presence at SM City Grand Central.

More Miles Than Milestones? Agrupis' Foreign Trips Face Scrutiny

Shirley Agrupis, the chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), is under increasing scrutiny due to her frequent overseas engagements. This has raised concerns about whether she has become the most traveled chairperson in the agency's history and what benefits her travels have brought to Philippine higher education.

Critics and observers in the education sector have taken notice of Agrupis' growing presence in international meetings and are now demanding more openness regarding the quantity, expense, and results of her international travels.

Her latest trip to Paris has brought the issue back into focus.

In a social media post, Agrupis described the extreme heat in Paris, claiming temperatures had reached 43 degrees Celsius and were "too hard to tolerate/survive."

She also made broad observations about Paris' preparedness for climate change, claiming that the "world's most famous city appears to be unprepared or did not anticipate that climate change would occur."

Agrupis went on to complain about the lack of air conditioning in homes, apartments, some hotels, and public places, saying there was "practically NO place to hang on" in the heat.

The remarks raised eyebrows over the tone of a senior Philippine government official commenting publicly on conditions in a host country while attending an international engagement.

Agrupis ended her post with a call to action on climate change: “LET US save our planet EARTH.”

The post drew reactions online, including one social media user who remarked: “Let's save our planet earth tapos nag travel sa Paris. Hahaha.”

Beyond the social media exchange, however, questions over Agrupis' foreign travel remain.

Her overseas schedule has drawn criticism for possibly exceeding that of previous CHED chairpersons. The number of trips Agrupis has made, their funding sources, and the quantifiable results of each engagement could all be determined by reviewing and making public CHED's official travel records.

The head of CHED frequently travels abroad, especially as Philippine universities expand their international partnerships and take part in regional and global education initiatives.

However, observers contend that the frequency of these interactions ought to be matched by definite and observable advantages for the nation's higher education system.

Since taking office, how many foreign trips has Agrupis made? What specific initiatives, collaborations, or chances for Filipino students and institutions have come from these engagements, and how much money has been spent on them?

The increasing focus on Agrupis' foreign travel is unlikely to go away without more openness at a time when CHED is still dealing with urgent domestic issues.

The records will determine whether Agrupis is, in fact, CHED's most travelled chairperson. What Philippine higher education has gained from all the miles traveled is a more crucial question.

PCPPI, LC BigMak renew beverage partnership for nationwide outlet network

The local fast-food kiosk chain LC BigMak and Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) have officially extended their partnership, beginning a new phase in a business partnership based on nearly ten years of cooperation, common standards, and service to Filipino customers.

The PCPPI Sto hosted a ceremonial contract signing to formalize the renewed agreement. PCPPI will become LC BigMak's exclusive beverage partner throughout its more than 850 locations across the country thanks to the Tomas Plant in Batangas.

The signing was attended by senior leaders from PCPPI, PepsiCo, and LC BigMak, including PCPPI President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Phyo Phyu Noe, Chief Commercial Officer Lyndon Cuadra, and General Manager for Food Service and National Development Joseph Michael Go; PepsiCo General Manager Aditya Sheoran, Chief Marketing Officer Nicole Villarojo, and Franchise Lead Juris Melencio; and LC BigMak Chairman and Founder Francis Dy, Founder Edna Dy, and CEO Mark Dy.

The renewed partnership, according to PCPPI, is a reflection of the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing food service relationships through consistent execution, dependable supply, and greater value for clients and consumers.

“This is not a cold beginning. It is a return. A renewal. A second chapter,” said Phyo. “We will serve LC BigMak with the seriousness that your history deserves, with the discipline that your scale requires, and with the ambition that your future warrants.” ~Phyo Phyu Noe, PCPPI President and Chief Executive Officer

LC BigMak, a family-run business founded in 1984 with its headquarters in Lucena City, has developed into one of the most well-known fast-food burger kiosk networks in the nation. In keeping with the brand's familial origins, its name is derived from the initials of Maxima and Kimsuy, the parents of its founders.

Mark Dy of LC BigMak, described the signing as a meaningful renewal between two brands with a long-standing history together.

“We are proud to partner again with a globally recognized brand like Pepsi,” Dy said. “To our partners in Pepsi, thank you for your renewed trust and collaboration. We look forward to building an even stronger partnership in the years ahead.” ~Francis Dy, BigMak Chairman and Founder 

By combining the chain's well-known, affordable food options with PepsiCo beverages that are consistently served throughout its locations, PCPPI and LC BigMak hope to improve the customer experience throughout LC BigMak's national network.

Additionally, the renewed partnership highlights PCPPI's wider dedication to providing better route-to-market support, disciplined execution, and partnerships that add value to regular consumer events in order to serve more customers.

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with products such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum, Saero, and Premier. More information about PCPPI and its products is available via www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Vermosa Green Run 5.0 achieves sustainability goals

On Sunday, June 28, the Vermosa Green Run made a comeback for its fifth year, drawing over 2,000 runners and their dogs to the Vermosa Estates in Imus, Cavite.

Running enthusiasts, run club members, elite runners, fun runners, and the running community in the media all participated in the five-tiered dawn run. The 21K gold medal went to Edgardo Panopio and Lorely Magalona, the 10K gold went to Jomm Lacanilao-Gay and Patrice Quiday, the 5K gold went to John Mark Balogo and Ira Alvaro, the 3K gold went to Jessi Valentine and Danielle Sophia, and the 1K Dog Run went to Moises Calastravo and his dog, Onzi.

As part of the Run, participants were urged to contribute used plastic bottles. Afterwards, these would be given to the Makati Development Corporation (MDC) to be upcycled into eco-bricks, which would help Ayala Land projects build sustainably. 

The runners' dog bandanas, finisher shirts, and singlets were all made completely from recycled PET bottles, converting plastic waste into high-end athletic wear.

"We wanted our runners to experience sustainability both literally and symbolically. This year, we offered a discount for donating used PET bottles, and the community supported this! Celebrating our landmark fifth consecutive year, the energy across our 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K tracks, and 1K Dog Run was unmatched. Seeing families, elite athletes, and pet lovers come together at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub shows that our community's passion for fitness is deeply intertwined with environmental action. Looking ahead, our goal is to continue scaling this impact. While Vermosa remains our flagship home because of its expansive, nature-forward open spaces, we are constantly exploring deeper corporate and community partnerships. We want to bring more runners into the fold each year, proving that active, high-performance lifestyles can be completely sustainable." ~Lani Tan, General Manager of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub

By raising vital funds for ecological projects, encouraging sustainable lifestyles, and directly supporting initiatives like tree planting, environmental runs like the Vermosa Green Run help save the planet.

In order to automatically join the Haribon Foundation's Forests for Life Movement, groups of ten are invited to participate in this year's Vermosa Green Run, which encouraged corporate and group registrations. By bringing together people, organizations, and local communities to restore degraded forests using a science-based rainforestation approach focused on planting and nurturing native tree species, the Haribon initiative supports native tree planting and forest restoration projects in partner communities across the country.

"Our partnership with the Haribon Foundation is a cornerstone of why we do this. Over the past few editions, the funds raised have gone directly into Haribon's Adopt-a-Seedling and rainforestation programs. For this milestone 5th edition, we were overwhelmed by registrations where we attracted many groups of 10. That means hundreds of new native trees will be nurtured directly because of our runners’ strides today. Crossing the finish line is fantastic, but knowing your team left a lasting ecological legacy is the real victory." ~Letty Oh-Naňagas, Vermosa Marketing Manager

Beneficiaries of The Green Run at Vermosa 2026 are Haribon Foundation, Takbo Kabitenyo and Pawssion Project as the expression of its advocacy for ecosystem conservation, an active lifestyle and youth sports development, and animal welfare.

Supporters of the fifth edition of the Vermosa Green Run are Oishi, Merrell, Pocari, Salonpas, Booster C, Fitbar, Gatsby, Milo, Apex, Topbreed, Dunsk Kuhner, Baby Boo, Chef Special, Entrée Gourmet Pet Treats, Saint Roche, The Gourmet Specialist, Zert, and Wonderpaw.

Rain or Shine: Discover Rainy-Day Essentials at Your Most Loved SM Bulacan Malls

Weather-resistant basics are a great way to update everyday style on rainy days, even though they may also bring gloomy skies. There are many ways to find everything you need for the season at Your Most Loved SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan, whether you're heading to work, running errands, or just relaxing indoors.

1. Stylish Raincoats

A trendy raincoat is a must-have for rainy days. It provides both protection and style. The SM Store offers a diverse range of brilliant colors and traditional neutral designs to suit any wardrobe.

2. Waterproof Footwear

Wet pavements are no match for sturdy and fashionable waterproof footwear. Crocs and Melissa Clube  in SM City Marilao provides comfortable rain shoes and sandals that keep every step dry while remaining attractive.

3. Compact Umbrellas

Unexpected downpours become less of an issue with a dependable compact umbrella. Mr. DIY at SM Center Pulilan offers a wide range of umbrellas in traditional forms and interesting prints, making them ideal for everyday usage.

4. Cozy Accessories

Rainy days necessitate warm and comfortable gear. Scarves, caps, and other comfortable items are available at the SM Store to complement any rainy-day ensemble with both comfort and style.

5. Waterproof Bags

Miniso's waterproof bags make it easy to keep personal goods dry. These bags, made from sturdy materials like nylon and coated canvas, combine functionality with modern style for everyday use.

6. Insulated Drinkware

Staying hydrated is vital regardless of the weather. Surplus, AquaFlask, and Sunnies Flask sell insulated tumblers and bottles that keep beverages hot or cold longer, making them ideal companions throughout the day.

Rainy days no longer have to disrupt plans or style. From fashionable attire and practical accessories to everyday supplies, SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan provide everything needed to stay prepared, comfortable, and stylish during the rainy season, All For You.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.