OPPO PH Donates Computers and School Supplies to Dalipit Elementary School

In keeping with its mission to promote education and community development, OPPO Philippines recently gave computers and school materials to Cuenca, Batangas' Dalipit Elementary School.

School supplies for 130 children in Grades 1–6 were also donated, along with 18 computer sets intended to improve digital learning infrastructure.

This program demonstrates how OPPO supports holistic learning, creativity, and personal development in order to empower Filipino kids.  When given the proper tools, kids can reach their greatest potential and improve their future readiness.

"Dalipit Elementary School is truly blessed. Many schools are in need of computer sets, and we are grateful that our school was chosen to receive this generous support. Thank you very much to OPPO." ~Mary Ann Pascual, Barangay Councilor

Grateful for the support, the constituents of Barangay Dalipit West expressed heartfelt appreciation for the donation.

"We pray that OPPO continues to grow so that more communities like ours can benefit from your generosity." ~Felicisima Jumarang, Barangay Captain

During the turnover ceremony, OPPO Philippines' Operations, Human Resources, and Legal Director Edison Gaw encouraged students to value education and stay focused on their dreams.

"Make the most of every opportunity. Study hard, listen to your teachers and parents, and always strive to be kind. No matter your age, you can already be a role model in your community." ~Edison Gaw, Legal Director

Through programs like this, OPPO remains committed to uplifting Filipino communities by supporting progress and driving meaningful change.

For more updates, visit www.oppo.com/ph, follow OPPO Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, or visit its official LinkedIn Page.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

SM Book Nook Launches Nationwide Book Donation Drive

As part of the SM Book Nook Book Donation Drive, which will begin in all SM malls nationwide on July 7, 2025, SM Supermalls, through its flagship literacy program SM Book Nook, is encouraging communities nationwide to help ignite the love of reading by contributing used books in honor of its 40th anniversary.

“Under the Same Sky: Share the Magic of Stories” is the topic of this program, which invites mall patrons, tenants, partners, and communities to contribute high-quality books that will help readers from all backgrounds, families, and children.

Some of the volumes will be donated to the National Library of the Philippines and its affiliated libraries, while others will help SM Book Nook reading hubs spread to further SM malls and partner institutions around the country.

“SM Book Nook was created to be more than a space—it’s a movement. With every book donated, we create ripples of knowledge, imagination, and inclusion. We believe that stories can bridge generations and uplift communities.” ~Ms. Shereen T. Sy, pioneer of the SM Book Nook program under SM Cares

The goal of the initiative is to gather 40,000 books in honor of SM's 40th anniversary.  With specially made donation boxes positioned in key mall areas, each SM mall will act as an official drop-off station. Starting July 7, 2025, mall communities are invited to drop off pre-loved books in good condition—complete, clean, dry, and free from major damage.

Empower Communities Through Your Book Donations

Academic and reference books, children's and young adult books, fiction and non-fiction books, as well as well-maintained magazines and comics, are all accepted.

The campaign goes beyond fundraising to emphasize SM Cares' long-term goal of transforming every SM mall into a center for inclusive education, community involvement, and hope—particularly for young readers and future leaders.

SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals are the three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that this effort supports.

Visit. Drop Off. Share a Story.

Collect your gently used books and deliver them to the book donation booths in SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, and SM Center Sangandaan. By working together, we hope to inspire future generations, encourage literacy, and foster a culture of learning—one tale, one reader, and one community at a time.

To learn more about the SM Book Nook and its community programs, stay tuned and visit https://linktr.ee/smbooknook or follow @OfficialSMCares and @SMBookNook on social media. 

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving with Every You

SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 88 malls in the Philippines and 8 in China—marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously redefining the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences.

Champion to Changemaker: GTCC Winner Triumphs, GameZone Donates ₱1M to Typhoon Survivors

Benigno De Guzman Casayuran kissing his GTCC: Summer Showdown championship trophy.

A 62-year-old player named Benigno De Guzman Casayuran from Quezon Province dropped to his knees in tears after successfully snatching the historic GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC): Summer Showdown championship title and the grand prize of 5 million pesos during the 5-day online-to-onground Tongits tournament held from June 12 to 15 in Makati City.

The event was also made even more exciting by the performances from local artists and treats installed in the studio, all dedicated to the players. 

Head-to-head smackdown in GTCC: Summer Showdown

With a prize pool of 10 million pesos, 93 elite Tongits players from across the country battled for the season title and a chance to win 5 million pesos. 

Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of Gamemaster Integrated Inc., game provider of GameZone, delivering his message for the GTCC: Summer Showdown.

Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of Gamemaster Integrated Inc., shared in his opening remarks how the tournament became a momentous event for the Filipino Tongits game scene.

“Just last year, we launched the Tongits Champion Cup. This was a pioneering moment, the very first esports-style tournament for the traditional card game of Tongits in the Philippines. It marked a significant milestone, bringing a new level of competition and excitement to the traditional Filipino card game. Now, in 2025, we have expanded and rebranded, and we proudly present GTCC. This is more than just a tournament.” ~Mr. Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of Gamemaster Integrated Inc.,

The tournament began by qualifying in-app players through the Tongits Free Multi-Table Tournament, available on the GameZone app, which ran from April 25 to May 16.

The five-day tournament kicked off with players randomly grouped into three brackets. Participants were ranked based on total points accumulated after three 20-round games. The top players advanced to the promotional round on Day 2, facing off in upper and lower bracket groups.

Nine semi-finalist gracing the stage of GTCC: Summer Showdown.

On Day 3, qualified players were randomly reassigned into new groups. The top performers from the previous round proceeded to the upper bracket, while the remaining players joined the lower bracket. Players in both brackets competed for top positions, with only five from the upper bracket and four from the lower bracket advancing to the semi-finals. The competition intensified as the nine semi-finalists battled it out in the group stage during a 60-round game on Day 4.

Finalist Ryan Dacalos with his lucky coin on his forehead during GTCC: Summer Showdown championship match.

On the final day, the season’s top three players - Ryan Dacalos from Batangas, Cesha Myed Tupas from Rizal, and Benigno De Guzman Casayuran from Quezon Province - faced off in a 100-round championship match. With a leading game standing, Casayuran outwitted the two contenders, securing his championship title for the GTCC season.

Filipino female rapper Queen Monica Money performing GTCC official theme song “Liga ng mga Hari”.

Beyond the competition, the tournament was made even more memorable by on-site treats and live performances from the Pinoy pop group Press Hit Play and Filipino female rapper Queen Monica Money, who energized the crowd with the official tournament anthem, “Liga ng mga Hari.”

A life-changing match

Benigno De Guzman Casayuran, a 62-year-old retiree from Candelaria, Quezon Province, won this year’s GTCC: Summer Showdown. 

Behind this success and life-changing story is the inspiring narrative of Casayuran’s efforts to turn his and his family’s dreams into reality, with the support of his community.

In an exclusive interview, Casayuran tearfully shared why he joined GTCC, said, “...para sa pagpapa-chemotherapy ng misis ko”

Casayuran is a retiree and former fisherman who lives a simple life in a humble town in Candelaria, Quezon Province. He recalled his younger years and shared that he was a high school graduate who pursued a Commerce degree in college. However, due to financial difficulties, he was unable to finish his studies.

Years later, he got married and was blessed with two children. His eldest, a daughter, now has a family of her own, while his youngest, a son, is currently a second-year college student taking up an electrical course.

Recently, his 65-year-old wife was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer—his primary reason for joining GTCC. It was a twist of fate, as the family heavily relies on the ₱2,000 monthly pension he and his wife receive. They also run a small sari-sari store, which helps cover their daily needs. However, it’s not enough, and they were forced to seek government support for medical expenses. At present, Casayuran is his wife’s full-time caregiver.

Casayuran on-game-mode during the finals smackdown in GTCC: Summer Showdown.

Despite his challenges, Casayuran fondly recalled how he began playing Tongits. In search of leisure, he started playing the game socially, placing small bets ranging from ₱5 to ₱10. When neighbors introduced him to the online version of Tongits, his curiosity grew. He began studying the game more seriously and was eventually introduced to GameZone, which gave him the opportunity to qualify for the GTCC: Summer Showdown.

Initially, he only hoped to make it to the top 84, but he was more than blessed to have secured a spot in the championship.

When asked about his initial reaction after outsmarting his two opponents, he expressed his overwhelming joy through tears.

Casayuran hugged tournament runner-up Dacalos in tears after winning the final match.

"Napakasaya, di po ako makapaniwala. Una ko pong pinasalamatan ay si Lord. Niyakap ko pa po ang aking dalawang kalaban at nagpasalamat din po ako sa kanila. Nung inawardan po ako, kinukurot ko ang sarili ko, tinatanong ko kung nananaginip ba ako—pero hindi pala. Wag agad magexpect ng malaki. Bale, responsible gaming lamang po. At sabi nga po ni Vice Ganda, 'Gambling is not an option to solve your financial problems.' Maglaro po tayo ng responsable at wag nating iasa sa gambling ang mga pangangailangan natin sa buhay." ~Mr. Benigno De Guzman Casayuran, a 62-year-old player from Quezon Province, the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC): Summer Showdown Champion

With his life-changing winnings, Casayuran plans to allocate funds primarily for his wife's treatment and recovery, support his two children, and purchase a car for family travels around the Philippines.

Casayuran holding his championship mock-check and trophy for GTCC: Summer Showdown.

He also expressed his deep gratitude to the brand and reminded fellow players to always practice responsible gaming.

Community wins 

BingoPlus Foundation Executives awarding the the 1 million pesos donation to Gems Heart Outreach Dev’t.,

In partnership with BingoPlus Foundation, GameZone donated ₱1 million to Gems Heart Outreach Dev’t., Inc. a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through sustainable community programs. The donation was made in fulfillment of the brand's commitment tied to the ongoing GTCC:Summer Showdown, dedicated to urgent needs of a community in South Luzon.

Impact of the recent  Super Typhoon Kristine in Buso-buso, Batangas.

Buso-Buso in Batangas, community beneficiary of the said donation, is currently reeling from the impact of Super Typhoon Kristine, which caused widespread destruction in their poultry farm cooperative, a primary source of income and food for many families. The initiative aims to restore food security, revive local livelihoods, and offer hope to families as they begin to rebuild their lives.

The donation, was accepted on stage by BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director Ms. Angela Camins-Wieneke.

Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation Angela Camins-Wieneke delivering her message of gratitude for the 1 million pesos donation.

“Thank you so much to GameZone for the generous donation of 1 million pesos… To the players, this is an opportunity for you to make a difference. Your participation is not just about playing a game, and it’s not just about delivering entertainment to our viewers. Your participation will truly make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of Filipinos across the country.” ~Ms. Angela Camins-Wienek, BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director

Through this collaboration, GameZone, BingoPlus Foundation, and GTCC players have demonstrated how gaming communities can make a meaningful impact beyond the competition arena showing that true champions don’t just win games, they help uplift lives.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.

New Horizon dawns anew for AirAsia Philippines with Mid-year SALE from as low as PhP77 one-way base fare

In a powerful display of growth, optimism and commitment to World’s Best service, AirAsia Philippines marked a significant milestone as it officially unveiled its new headquarters in Pasay.

Dubbed as “The Red Horizon”, the new office will serve as the home of over 1,500 Filipino Allstars, reinforcing the airline’s long-term commitment to democratizing air travel by offering value-driven air transport in the Philippine market.

The opening was graced by one of the topnotchers in the recently concluded 2025 midterm elections, Senator Erwin Tulfo together with airport and aviation officials including Office for Transportation Security Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar, Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Eric Ines, and Civil Aeronautics Board Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla.

Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes together with Deputy Group CEO for Airline Operations Capt. Chester Voo of the AirAsia Aviation Group, AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Suresh Bangah and the Philippine leadership team led the warm welcome among guests in the new office.

"I think the resilience of Philippine AirAsia is something to marvel at. I'm someone who never gives up. I will fight to the end. But it's tough fighting alone. And so it was amazing to see the energy. I will still remember coming to the old office and the greeting I got. The energy of this company is unbelievable. It is true, there is no AirAsia company like this. The great thing about this airline, we've gone from two planes to 255. We've been through COVID. We started with 200,000 passengers, and this year we're carrying 90 million. We're just short of carrying 1 billion people since we started this airline 23 years ago. But we're all the same. We're exactly the same. Everyone has maintained their humility, maintained their hard work, and most important about AirAsia is our passion to be the best.” ~Tony Fernandes, Capital A CEO

In his message, Senator Tulfo lauded AirAsia’s efforts in ensuring safe journeys among the Filipino people.

“From its humble beginnings, AirAsia has become a pioneer in budget air travel—not just connecting destinations, but connecting dreams, families, businesses, and cultures. It brought the skies closer to millions of Filipinos and travelers around Asia by making flying affordable, accessible, and enjoyable. As a public servant, I deeply value how AirAsia plays a role in economic development, tourism, job creation, and nation-building. Your growth is the country’s gain. And rest assured, we will continue to support an environment where enterprises like AirAsia can soar even higher.” ~Senator Erwin Tulfo

The new facility is a Filipino-inspired space that reflects modern values of inclusivity, collaboration, and national pride. Its key function rooms are named The Philippines, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao which symbolize unity and regional representation.

The headquarters also features dedicated prayer rooms to support spiritual inclusivity, a fully equipped gym to encourage health and wellness as well as People First Stop, a dedicated space that reflects our commitment to putting people first. It serves as a hub for support, connection, and care including a safe venue for mental health pep talks for those who need a moment to pause.

AirAsia Philippines Rolls Out Mid-Year Sale with Fares as Low as PHP77 on 330k Seats

As it opens a new chapter with Red Horizon, AirAsia Philippines continues to deliver on its mission of making travel more accessible with the launch of its Mid-Year Sale—offering one-way base fares from as low as PHP77.

With over 330,000 seats available, guests can book their low-fare getaway from July 7 to 13, 2025, for travel between August 1 and October 15, 2025—perfect for third-quarter trips, long weekends, and early ‘ber-month’ escapes.

Whether flying home or exploring new destinations, travelers can enjoy this promo on all 10 domestic routes, including Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, Roxas City, Tacloban, and Cagayan de Oro.

For international travel, guests can also plan ahead and fly to Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Hong Kong to welcome the start of the cooler season. Or they can explore the culture and tourist spots in Macao, Bangkok, and Kota Kinabalu with friends and family.

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.

TECNO POVA 7 Series Lands in PH: Unleashing Next-Gen Gaming Power & Interstellar Design, Now Official PUBG MOBILE SEA Partner

TECNO, an AI-powered, cutting-edge technology company, introduces the POVA 7 Series, which represents the biggest performance and design advancement in the Philippines' history.  The new series is made for the next generation of users and blends cutting-edge AI capabilities, high-performance technology, and futuristic, minimalist, and luxurious aesthetics for immersive gaming and all-day entertainment.  TECNO Philippines made a significant news when it announced that the POVA 7 series would be the official smartphone partner for the PUBG MOBILE Super League Southeast Asia (PMSL SEA) and the PUBG MOBILE Challenges League Southeast Asia (PMCL SEA).  The series' outstanding gameplay credentials are highlighted by this strategic alliance, which also places it at the center of Southeast Asia's top mobile esports arenas. 

The flagship POVA 7 Ultra 5G, the stylish POVA Curve 5G, and the powerful POVA 7 are the three ground-breaking gadgets that make the POVA 7 Series premiere in the Philippines.  Launching on June 22, the POVA 7 redefines value with its powerful MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate Processor, massive 7000mAh Mega Battery, lightning-fast 45W Flash Charge, and eye-catching Interstellar Spaceship Design.  The POVA 7, which comes in two variants—16GB RAM+256GB ROM and 16GB RAM+128GB ROM (with 8GB additional RAM)—will go on sale on June 26.  Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate AI Processor, the interstellar-inspired POVA 7 Ultra 5G tops the list with flagship power, including a robust 6000mAh battery, 70W Ultra Charge, and 30W Wireless Fast Charge, for superior gaming and multitasking. The POVA Curve 5G is the first curved screen in the POVA Series. It combines a modern edge-to-edge display with bold performance and a sophisticated design, making it more appealing to gamers and trend-setters.

“With the POVA 7 Series, we’re delivering not just raw power, but intelligent power that adapts to our users' real-world needs—from seamless gaming experience to immersive entertainment and AI-enhanced creativity. It definitively establishes new benchmarks not just in performance, but in trend-tech aesthetics - redefining what a smartphone can achieve through the fusion of advanced technology and contemporary style." ~Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO

A Futuristic Statement of Style, Built for the Bold

Presenting a brand-new design language for the POVA series, the POVA 7 Series delivers a striking yet sophisticated, futuristic yet tastefully minimalist visual statement for the upcoming generation.  With its dramatic, streamlined lines and minimalist, pure style, the POVA 7 Series, which draws inspiration from “Interstellar Spaceship Design,” stands out and is intended to captivate a new generation of users.  Personality and purity are punctuated by its distinctive triangle insignia.

HiOS 15 Special for POVA 7 Series, the most important OS evolution in POVA's history, effortlessly combines software innovations with technology advancements.  For the first time, TECNO offers a streamlined, bloat-free experience coupled with system-wide customisation featuring user-defined icons, fonts, and dynamic backgrounds.  With its neumorphism-inspired design and POVA's proprietary typography, this significant update offers a distinctively expressive and distraction-free interface that raises the bar for customization and purity throughout the TECNO ecosystem.

Power Without Limits: Next-Level Gaming and Off-Grid Connectivity

The POVA 7 Series is designed to smoothly handle demanding days and exhilarating gaming sessions.  POVA 7 eliminates daily tradeoffs by enabling users to dominate games, stream content, and stay connected from sunrise until long into sunset.  Fundamentally, the MediaTek Dimensity G100 Ultimate processor (Antutu Score: 446,335) guarantees incredibly smooth performance for both demanding games and everyday operations.  The enormous 7000mAh Mega Battery provides an incredible 36.76 hours of daily usage (DOU) and is compatible with 45W Flash Charge (Smart Charge Mode), which charges 50% of the battery in 30 minutes and reaches a full charge in 70 minutes. This eliminates worries about running out of battery power.  With a lifespan of over 1800 cycles, the battery is designed to last for up to four years of safe and reliable use.

WiFi low-latency tuning with horizontal grip signal optimization, the HyperEngine Game Engine for maximum smoothness and battery life, the sophisticated Hyper Cooling System, incredibly accurate multi-touch controls, and immersive Dolby Atmos®-powered dual speakers give gamers the upper hand.  During excursions or emergencies, the innovative FreeLink function keeps you connected even when you're off the grid by allowing peer-to-peer calls and texts across lengths of up to 1km without a cellular service.  This is real-world-perfected seamless power.

Unlock Practical TECNO AI — Smarter Features, Accessible to All

The POVA 7 Series is the first to fully integrate AI, strategically matching the brand's AI-powered intelligent ecosystem.  By combining the best language processing capabilities with extensive AI integration, the POVA 7 Series outperforms same-tier brands and establishes new intelligent performance benchmarks for its class.

Its central component is the AI Anywhere Portal, a one-stop command center that provides easy access to all essential AI tools and everyday shortcuts.  A world of creativity and productivity is accessible with just one tap.

• Ask Ella: A dynamic smart assistant designed to help you schedule tasks, summarize content, or rewrite text. Whether it’s for work, study, or daily life, Ella adapts to your needs with natural precision. For instance, if the user is exploring a new city and encounters an unfamiliar landmark, simply snap a photo and ask Ella for instant information, bridging the gap between curiosity and knowledge effortlessly.
• AI Full-Link Call Assistant: Including AI Call Translation, Noise Cancellation, Auto Answer, and Call Summary — for clearer, multilingual conversations, even on the go.
• AI Writing: Built-in tools for generating text, proofreading emails, and summarizing articles, triggered right from your selection. Perfect for content creators, students, and multitaskers.
• Circle to Search: Just draw a circle around any visual element — a landmark, outfit, or product — and get instant, relevant results. Travel smarter, shop faster, and explore deeper.
• AI Studio for image AI creation and editing: Create social-ready visuals using AIGC Portrait 2.0, AI Eraser, and AI Image Extender — allowing users to transform, retouch, or expand photos in seconds using touch or voice
  • .
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The TECNO POVA 7 Series officially rolls out across the Philippines starting June 2025. Marking its debut, the POVA 7 (16GB RAM + 128GB ROM & 16GB RAM + 256GB ROM, 8GB Extended RAM) goes on sale June 26th during the Online Back to School Sale Campaign. It will be available in Geek Black, Magic Silver, and Hyper Titanium at the following Suggested Retail Prices (SRP):

  • 16GB+128GB: PHP 6,999
  • 16GB+256GB: PHP 7,999

  
  

  Special Launch Offers:

  • TikTok First Sale (June 26): Grab the POVA 7 (16GB+128GB) at an exclusive launch price of PHP 5,999.
  • Shopee First Sale (June 26): Snag the POVA 7 (16GB+256GB) at a special introductory price of PHP 6,749.

  The flagship POVA 7 Ultra 5G and the stylish POVA Curve 5G will launch in the Philippines in Q3 2025.
  
  

About TECNO 

TECNO is an AI-driven innovative technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

Running community shows up rain or shine at Vermosa Green Run 2025

Almost 2,500 runners and 350 canines participated in the fourth edition of the Green Run on Sunday, June 29 at Vermosa Estates in Imus, Cavite, despite some rain and lightning.

The multi-level run, which began in 2022 at the 750-hectare Ayala Land site south of the metro, has attracted elite athletes, families, and casual runners to its different event categories, which include the 10K, 5K, 3K, and 21K half-marathon.  Fur parents may socialize and run freely with their pets at the popular 1K Dog Run, which takes place in the verdant but well-paved environs of Vermosa Estates.

Following a three-year pandemic lockdown, the inaugural Vermosa Green Run in 2022 encouraged people to get active and rediscover the great outdoors by inviting them to “go out, lace up, mask up and run for a greener tomorrow.” The run with a sustainability theme and the return to outside, in-person engagement with the environment were led by it.  In keeping with its mission, Vermosa Estates actively encourages exercise and a healthy way of living.

The first Green Run, organized by Pinoy Fitness, a sports and fitness event organizer, promoted a greener future and helped the Haribon Foundation's Adopt-A-Seedling Program.  Green Run 2025 continues to assist the Haribon Foundation and has expanded its beneficiaries to include Takbo Kabitenyo, a running organization that trains young athletes for regional and global competitions, and Pawssion Project, an animal care organization.  During the registration time, attendees and participants were urged to bring their old plastics for recycling and conversion into building materials for environmentally friendly benches and paths.

Considered by running regulars as “the most scenic run”, Angel Montevirgen from Cavite and a member of Takbo Kabitenyo said the running community looks forward to this run yearly. 

“It’s a lifestyle that you immerse yourself in and becomes a part of you. You look forward to it and get the right motivation for it – whether that be new clothes, new gear, new shoes or seeing friends and getting fit. It’s an opportunity to enjoy not only the benefits of running, but also the group camaraderie and being part of the whole running community.” ~Angel Montevirgen, From Cavite and a Member of Takbo Kabitenyo

Pinoy Fitness Inc. Founder and President Jeff Lo was very pleasantly surprised by the huge turnout of runners and pet dogs despite the threat of rain. 

“Runners actually enjoy running in the rain. It’s cooler, mas masaya. And I’m confident about Vermosa (as a running venue) because even if it rains, the roads are well-paved, safe and walang lubak. It’s a very green, very clean, very scenic venue – quite different from other runs. It’s fun and refreshing to see a venue where runners can actually go all out and enjoy themselves while finishing their runs. I think the vision of Vermosa is to be the greener place to run. You don’t just run races here, by the way. Runners and fitness enthusiasts can come and run here anytime, day or night – for free. They can run, train or just enjoy the outdoors. The Green Run itself is like a culmination of all the running activities you do here – an event that you look forward to that lets you experience closed roads and competing with others, for fun or for competition.” ~Jeff Lo, Pinoy Fitness Inc. Founder and President

"Each step you take at the Vermosa Green Run supports a bigger cause. The Run advocates fitness and overall wellness, sustainability, and community support into one meaningful event." ~Chrissy Roa, Ayala Land Estates’ Marketing and Communications Group Head

Now an established benchmark for purpose-driven lifestyle events, the Vermosa Green Run reinforces Ayala Land’s long-term vision for sustainability, using fitness as a powerful catalyst for environmental and social impact.

AirAsia to disrupt global travel as the world’s first low-cost narrow-body network carrier with landmark agreement for 70 A321XLRs

Photo Caption: Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes and Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft, Airbus, in Paris today, alongside several Malaysian Cabinet Ministers.

A historic contract of USD 12.25 billion was signed between AirAsia Berhad, a fully-owned subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, and Airbus for 50 A321XLRs with rights for 20 A321XLRs.  This deal is a significant milestone for the airline, which is based on its multi-hub strategy, to become the first low-cost narrow-body network carrier in the world.  The aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2032.

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, signed the deal today in Paris in front of Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“We pioneered low-cost travel in Asia – now, we are taking it to the next level. AirAsia is on a transformative journey to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier. This is about exponential growth, connecting geographies beyond Asean, and making flying even more democratic. We gave people in Asean the opportunity to explore Asia – now we want the world to see Asean, and Asean to see the world. The A321XLR and A321LR are the game-changers enabling this vision, and we are proud to lead the charge in making our world smaller. We can’t wait to paint the skies even wider in red.” ~Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor & Steward of AirAsia Group

The next-generation A321XLRs will fly alongside AirAsia's all-Airbus fleet of A320 Family and A330 aircraft, bolstering the airline's long-term goal of providing unparalleled connectivity throughout Asia and beyond while preserving a low cost model through better fleet efficiency, improved route economics, and increased aircraft utilization.  In order to reach a total of 1.5 billion passengers since its founding, the AirAsia Group hopes to transport 150 million passengers a year by 2030.

“We are pleased to confirm this agreement, as AirAsia Group begins its next development chapter. Having resumed its growth trajectory, which we salute and support, the airline is creating solid fleet efficiencies, allowing global network expansion. The A321XLR unlocks new opportunities for AirAsia to launch non-stop flights linking primary and secondary cities all around the globe.” ~Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus

An important part of this change is the new fleet.  Through its multi-aircraft strategy, AirAsia can lower fuel usage, balance capacity with demand, and maintain a cost-effective, sustainable growth model in a highly competitive global market.  Additionally, the A321XLR has a 20% lower fuel consumption per seat than the Airbus A321neo, which greatly enhances operating economy and emissions performance.

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.