Hot Wheels Designer Brendon Vetuskey Rolls in Nostalgia to Kingsford Hotel Manila

Many people have happy memories of Hot Wheels from their early years, whether it was a race across the living room floor, a favorite car, or their first collection. For some, that fascination from childhood never truly faded. It just developed into a passion for collecting, trading, and learning the backstories of each diecast that would last a lifetime.

At an exclusive private dinner hosted in collaboration with Metrics Ph, the organizer of the Philippines Hot Wheels Collectors Convention, Hot Wheels diecast designer and Red Line Club design lead Brendon Vetuskey met with local and international collectors and enthusiasts. This shared nostalgia took center stage at the Kingsford Hotel Manila.

The event, which brought together collectors, families, business executives, tourism stakeholders, and hospitality representatives, was more than just a get-together for diecast enthusiasts; it demonstrated how a common interest can create deep connections between generations and communities.

The occasion presented Kingsford Hotel Manila with a chance to develop an experience that goes beyond the standard hotel stay. As a family-friendly hotel, it offered a suitable environment for an experience that brought together enthusiasts finding new pieces, collectors who have been involved in the hobby for years, and children and kids at heart who still enjoy Hot Wheels.

“Hotels can be more than places where people stay. We can become part of the destination experience and create spaces where communities, businesses and visitors connect. Partnering with Metrics Ph allows us to support the collector community while exploring new opportunities for events, partnerships and experiences that can bring people to Manila.” ~Jorold Montelibano, General Manager of Kingsford Hotel Manila

From childhood memories to a collector community

Vetuskey's involvement gave the event an international creative viewpoint. As the diecast design lead for Red Line Club vehicles, he joined Mattel in 2007 and has since contributed to many Hot Wheels designs.

Following an exclusive presentation and conversation with collectors and invited guests, Vetuskey discussed Hot Wheels design and the process of creating diecast vehicles during the exclusive dinner.

For Vetuskey, however, the appeal of collecting goes beyond the cars themselves.

“You might meet someone and start talking about your favorite Hot Wheels from childhood or the first car you ever collected. Those stories and shared memories are what makes collecting special.” ~Brendon Vetuskey, Hot Wheels Diecast Designer and Red Line Club Design Lead

Collectors take home a personal memento as Brendon Vetuskey signs Hot Wheels memorabilia

Collectors take home a personal memento as Brendon Vetuskey signs Hot Wheels memorabilia

Brendon Vetuskey connects with the Philippine collecting community, sharing stories from his journey as a Hot Wheels designer.

The Philippines' expanding collector culture is still shaped by this feeling of connection. Through Metrics Ph, enthusiasts and collectors can get together, share their collections, tell stories, and celebrate a cross-generational pastime.

Shared passion becomes a hotel experience

A glimpse of how specialized communities can generate new tourism and hospitality opportunities was also provided by the event.

A location can become more than just an event's backdrop for collectors. It can be a place where people connect through common interests, stories, and friendships. For Kingsford, it's an additional chance to design experiences that encourage visitors and communities to come together.

Attendees, including the CEO of Metrics PH, enjoy an intimate dinner presentation with Hot Wheels lead designer Brendon Vetuskey.

The appeal is still incredibly familiar to fans of Hot Wheels. The excitement is still present whether they have been collectors for a long time or are just recalling the excitement of opening a brand-new diecast car as kids.

That nostalgia brought kids and kids at heart together at the Kingsford Hotel Manila, demonstrating that some childhood passions never truly matured. They just come up with fresh ways to unite people.

SM Center Sangandaan offers FREE AI Skills Session

Through a free upskilling session focused on practical AI applications, SM Center Sangandaan will assist community members in better understanding and navigating the technology as artificial intelligence continues to transform how people study, work, and conduct business.

The learning session, named "AI for All," will take place on September 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the 2nd floor of SM Center Sangandaan, which is adjacent to KKV.

By going beyond technical jargon and concentrating on how AI can be applied in daily work, business, productivity, and career development, the session seeks to make artificial intelligence more approachable.

In addition to learning about the principles of AI and prompt engineering, participants will examine real-world uses of AI in productivity, business, and the workplace. The lesson will also address responsible and ethical AI use, assisting students in comprehending not only the capabilities of the technology but also how it ought to be applied.

Additionally, the program will introduce participants to IBM SkillsBuild, which will give them access to more learning resources as they continue to hone their skills in a workplace that is becoming more and more digital.

The free educational program is a component of SM Supermalls' ongoing initiatives to provide Filipino communities with easily accessible career opportunities and skill development.

Learning to use AI can help students, job seekers, working professionals, and prospective entrepreneurs navigate new opportunities as the technology becomes more prevalent across industries.

SM Center Sangandaan encourages the community to take that first step by learning something new, comprehending emerging technologies, and improving their readiness for what lies ahead because "Your next skill could open your next door."

With the help of SM Supermalls, DICT, and IBM SkillsBuild, the AI for All session is made possible by bringing together industry and learning partners to increase community access to digital skills development.

Interested parties are urged to visit the official SM Center Sangandaan Facebook page for the most recent event updates and announcements, or scan the QR code included in the official event materials for registration details and additional information.

Delicious and nutritious soup recipes with Ajinomoto Philippines

After a long day at work or school, rainy Habagat nites make you crave hot, filling soup that you can make in a matter of minutes.

With AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, a popular flavor enhancer that is frequently used to intensify deliciousness in vegetable recipes, meat dishes, sauces, broths, soups, and much more, you can skip the slow cooking process without sacrificing flavor. 

Add a "tak, tak, tak" of MSG, the purest form of umami, to foods like meats, seafood, and vegetables to give them a delicious, savory boost. MSG doesn't add complex flavors, extra calories, or superfluous color. Because MSG contains only about one-third of the sodium found in table salt, it adds depth of flavor while assisting you in lowering your sodium intake.

Here are two easy soup recipes from Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC)’s Cookmunity website to bookmark for the rainy months:

• Egg Drop Soup

This comforting soup is ideal for cozy evenings and evokes cherished childhood memories as well as the joy of being safe at home with family. One sip and a burst of umami can relieve stress and rehydrate the body.

Ingredients

• 6 cups (1500ml) Water
• 1/2 cup (65g) Carrots, cubed
• 2/3 cup (80g) Corn kernel, canned
• 2/3 cup (80g) Green peas, canned
• 3 Tbsps. (30g) Cornstarch
• 5 Tbsps. (75ml) Water for slurry
• 1 pack (11g) AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning
• 4 pcs. (200g) Eggs, beaten
• 1 Tbsp. (15ml) Water for egg mixture
• 1 tsp. (5g) Salt
• 1/2 tsp. (3ml) Sesame oil

 

Procedure

1. BOIL. In a pot, boil water. Once boiling, add carrots, corn and green peas. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Once vegetables are cooked, add cornstarch slurry.
2. SEASON. Add AJI-NO-MOTO® and salt then mix well. In a bowl, whisk eggs and water. Add egg mixture to the pot gradually while mixing. Turn off heat and add salt and sesame oil.
3. SERVE. Transfer onto serving bowls and enjoy. Can be garnished with spring onions.

• Molo Soup

AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning enhances the flavor of Molo soup, a popular Filipino dish that is garlicky and meaty. This flavorful broth provides comforting nourishment and calms the senses.

Ingredients     

• 1 3/4 cups (375g) Pork, ground
• 1/2 cup (100g) Potato, minced
• 1/4 cup (35g) Carrots, minced
• 1/2 pc. (30g) White onions, minced
• 1 pc. (50g) Egg, beaten
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 20 pcs. Molo wrapper
• 2 Tbsps. (30ml) Cooking oil
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Red onions, minced
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Garlic, minced
• 4 cups (1000ml) Water
• 1 1/2 Tbsps. (20g) AJINOMOTO® Chicken Powder
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Soy Sauce
• 1 pack (11g) AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning
• 3 Tbsps. (20g) Spring onions, chopped
• 2 Tbsps. (10) Toasted garlic

 

Procedure

1. MIX. In a large bowl, mix pork, potato, carrots, white onions, egg, and salt.
2. MOLD. Take 1 tsp. of the mixture and place it in the middle of the molo wrapper. Dampen the molo wrapper with beaten egg to seal. Repeat until finished.
3. SAUTE. In a pot, heat oil to sauté red onions and garlic until fragrant.
4. SIMMER. Add water and AJINOMOTO® Chicken Powder, wait for it to simmer.
5. UMAMI-MIX. Add soy sauce and AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and stir.
6. SIMMER. Add molo dumplings onto the pot. Cook for 5-8 minutes.
7. SERVE. Transfer onto serving bowl and garnish with spring onions and toasted garlic.

Tap, pay, and go: BPI highlights effortless convenience of Google Pay for Android users

Speed and security in a single tap: BPI Debit Mastercard holders can check out effortlessly by unlocking their Android device and holding it near any contactless payment terminal.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is encouraging Android users to enhance their regular dining and shopping experiences by integrating their BPI Debit Mastercards into Google Wallet, giving them even more control over how they handle their daily transactions.

Google Pay offers an incredibly quick "tap-and-go" lifestyle and is designed to supplement BPI's current payment options, which include physical cards and QR scans via the BPI app. Customers can complete transactions instantly without ever opening a wallet or bag, whether they are checking out online, getting coffee in the morning, or running grocery errands.

"We want our customers to experience the ultimate blend of convenience and modern lifestyle freedom. By linking their BPI Debit Mastercard to Google Wallet, our millions of Android users can turn their phones into a secure, all-in-one payment tool. It’s about making everyday purchases simpler, faster, and seamlessly integrated into your routine, backed by the trusted security of BPI." ~Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, BPI Head of Consumer Banking

Google Wallet has made it simple for BPI Debit Mastercard holders to add their cards since its launch on April 15. Multi-layered security features protect every transaction, guaranteeing that real card information is never disclosed to retailers.

How to Enroll BPI Debit Mastercard:

• Download and open the Google Wallet app on your NFC-enabled Android phone.
• Tap ‘Add a card’ and select ‘Payment card’ to add your card.
• Use your camera to scan your card or enter your card details manually.
• Agree to Google Pay and BPI’s Terms and Conditions.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your card via SMS One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
• Once your card is verified, it is ready to use with Google Pay.

Clients may use Google Pay anywhere contactless payments are embraced:

• In stores featuring contactless payment terminals
• In mobile apps that support Google Pay
• On websites offering Google Pay at checkout

BPI urges everyone to adopt safe banking practices as consumers adopt digital payment methods. Clients are reminded by BPI to never divulge their passwords, CVVs, PINs, OTPs, or other account credentials to anyone, including those posing as BPI representatives. This information is never requested by legitimate BPI representatives.

Google Pay's accessibility for BPI Debit Mastercard holders demonstrates BPI's dedication to enabling more Filipinos to use and benefit from contemporary payment technologies. BPI is committed to providing safe, useful, and customer-focused solutions that facilitate regular financial transactions even as payment preferences continue to change.

For more information on how to add a BPI Debit Mastercard to Google Wallet and use Google Pay, visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/bank/digital-banking/digital-wallets.

SM Group receives 12 Stevie Awards for reporting and community programs

At the 2026 International Business Awards, the SM Group won 12 Stevie Awards for parent-company reporting and initiatives implemented in its communities and malls.

The parent company of the SM Group, SM Investments Corporation, won four honors. For its 2025 Integrated Report, it received Gold Stevies for Conglomerates (Large) and Best Annual Report (Publicly Held Corporations).

Bronze went to its 2025 Sustainability Report for Best Sustainability Report. Additionally, the SM Sustainability School was awarded Bronze for Asia, Australia, and New Zealand's Sustainability Initiative of the Year.

“Clear reporting gives investors and other stakeholders a better view of how we make decisions, manage the business and plan for the long term. The other awards show how that same sense of responsibility is carried through by our businesses in the communities they serve.” ~Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments

That work can be seen across the eight awards received by SM Supermalls.

“People experience a mall through the things they do there, not through what we say about it,” said . “A place to read, an event that brings local art to more people, or a program that makes the mall easier to use can make a practical difference to a community.” ~Steven T. Tan, SM Supermalls President

The Find Your SM campaign won Silver in the Brand Experience of the Year (Consumer) category, while the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition took home Gold.

The SM Green Movement received a Silver Award for Corporate Social Responsibility Achievement. SM Cares: A Mall for All was awarded Silver for Achievement in Diversity and Inclusion, and the SM Cares Coastal Cleanup project was awarded Silver for Achievement in Environment.

The Most Innovative Creative Project award went to the SM Cares Book Nook. The initiative creates areas for people to read and share books in malls. Additionally, the Empowering Communities campaign was honored as Asia, Australia, and New Zealand's Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year.

In the Corporate and Community (Community Engagement Event) category, SM Mindanao Art won Bronze, expanding the public's exposure to Mindanaoan artists and their creations.

Over 300 business professionals participated in the two-month judging process. Their average scores were used to determine the winners.

In their 23rd year, the International Business Awards honor teams, organizations, executives, and entrepreneurs across the globe.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation (SM) is an owner-operator of market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property, with investments in high-growth opportunities in the Philippine economy. Through its portfolio, SM generates resilient cash flows and reinvests with discipline to compound value over the long term.

Its retail operations are the largest and most diversified in the country. Its property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines. Its banking interests include BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, one of the country’s largest private domestic banks.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

VYBE and Dunkin’ Make Everyday Payments More Rewarding

With a limited-time VYBE promotion, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Dunkin' are making routine purchases more satisfying and convenient. Customers can take advantage of special offers and pay easily with QR Ph. 

Customers can take advantage of a quicker, easier, and cashless payment experience by utilizing VYBE's QR Ph payment feature at participating Dunkin' locations, making their favorite treats even more accessible.

VYBE customers can take advantage of a unique Dunkin' treat at participating locations throughout Metro Manila and Luzon in honor of BPI's 175th anniversary. In honor of the Bank of the Philippine Islands' 175th anniversary, customers can buy a box of six Premium Donuts for just P175 until August 31 if they pay via QR Ph using the VYBE app. Customers will also receive 100 BPI Rewards Points with their purchase as an extra bonus.

The limited-time anniversary offer, which is available at even more participating locations, offers excellent value, fulfilling benefits, and the ease of quick, easy cashless payments via VYBE.

See list of participating stores here.

In August 2025, BPI and Dunkin' first collaborated to give VYBE customers two complimentary Premium Donuts with a P150 minimum purchase. Customers responded favorably to the partnership right away, and a free Large Iced Coffee offer followed. The free two Premium Donuts promotion was later reinstated, allowing more customers to take advantage of the beloved reward, due to strong demand as indicated by social media engagement and in-store feedback. Most recently, eight-piece Premium Munchkins were given away free to VYBE users. The partnership between VYBE and Dunkin' has been strengthened by these effective promotions.

“Digital payments become more meaningful when they fit naturally into our customers' everyday lives," said . "As we continue to grow VYBE's network of partner brands, we're giving customers more ways to use digital payments in places they already visit and enjoy. Through QR Ph interoperability, we are also helping expand acceptance of VYBE payments across merchants, making digital transactions more convenient for our customers. Our continuous partnership with Dunkin' reflects our commitment to making everyday transactions simpler, more convenient, and more rewarding while delivering experiences that add value beyond payments. “Our continuous partnership with Dunkin' reflects our commitment to making everyday transactions simpler, more convenient, and more rewarding while delivering experiences that add value beyond payments.” ~Eric Faustino, Head of Digital Partnerships at BPI

By consistently expanding VYBE's network of partner brands across food, retail, lifestyle, and other common categories, the partnership reflects BPI's larger commitment to making digital payments more rewarding and accessible.

Your EDSA Commute is Getting An Upgrade at My SM

SM malls are evolving to support access to key transportation points. (In photo: The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse and Pedestrian Bridge enhances pedestrian circulation and seamless access within one of Metro Manila’s busiest commercial and transport hubs.) 

For millions of Filipinos navigating EDSA, the daily commute could soon become safe, more seamless, and more convenient. As SM continues its transformation journey beyond its retail and shared spaces, its malls are also evolving to make getting to and from key transport hubs easier for commuters. 

In the coming months, mallgoers can look forward to improved connections through the SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse and Pedestrian Bridge and SM North EDSA MRT-7 link. The projects aim to shorten long walks to transportation hubs while giving commuters familiar, well-lit, and ventilated access and departure points.

The completion of the SM Megamall EDSA Busway link, which connects SM Megamall to the Ortigas station of the EDSA Bus Carousel, provides an accessible entrance and exit point for commuters. 

Prior to the completion of the elevated walkway, commuters had to pass through the congested MRT-3 footbridge to reach the EDSA Carousel. The new pedestrian bridge significantly shortens the long, inconvenient walk, allowing easier access and smoother commuter flow in the busy transportation hub.

The SM Megamall Busway Link features an elevated enclosed pedestrian bridge and concourse spanning EDSA.

The elevated walkway is fully covered, protecting commuters from rough weather conditions. The vast space has ramps and an elevator to ensure easy access for commuters, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Link provides commuters with easier access to the bus carousel platform, which offers northbound trips to Monumento and southbound trips to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

Meanwhile, the ongoing construction of the SM North EDSA–MRT 7 Link will provide commuters with seamless access to the Common Station linking MRT-3, LRT-1, the soon-to-be-operational MRT-7, and nearby establishments. Pedestrians can safely walk from hub to hub as the walkway will be fully covered to protect them from harsh weather conditions. 

These pedestrian walkways, done in coordination with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, are part of SM Supermalls’ broader initiative to create commuter-friendly facilities around their most-loved SM Supermalls. 

Under the MY SM Transportation e, the mall operator is reimagining the daily commute—not simply by improving access to transportation, but by creating safer, more comfortable, and more convenient journeys for everyone. By putting everyday commuter needs at the heart of these improvements, SM aims to make getting from one place to another a more seamless part of everyday life. 

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.