Newsletter: Bohol Advances Plastic Pollution Monitoring Through PlastiZen Partnership with UP MSI and BISU

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By Sofia Guanzon, Microbial Oceanography Laboratory, UP MSI

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines –– On July 31, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI), through its PlastiZen Project, held a Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Government of Bohol and Bohol Island State University (BISU) on July 31, 2026, at the Reyna and Havens and Gardens, Calceta St., Tagbilaran City. 

The MOA is between the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), Bohol Island State University (BISU), and the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGB). Governor Erico Aristotle "Aris" Aumentado of Bohol, Dr. Deo Florence L. Onda, Project Leader of the PlastiZen Project; Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Diliman; and Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, President of Bohol Island State University were present during the signing. 

Newsletter: CTU mountain campus receives digital tools, PlantSmart kits from PSF

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PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc.’s social outreach arm PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), in collaboration with Cebu Diversified Advocacy Cooperative (CEDACO), extended support to Cebu Technological University Cebu City Mountain Campus (CTU CCM) through the donation of digital tools, office supplies, and planting kits as part of PSF’s nationwide back-to-school initiative.

Newsletter: Miguel Mendoza comes full circle with his own rendition of award-winning hit "Isa Pang Araw"

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Nearly eight years after his composition “Isa Pang Araw” captured the hearts of Filipino audiences as the official theme song of the blockbuster film, Miss Granny, acclaimed Filipino singer-songwriter, composer, and producer Miguel Mendoza lends his voice to the award-winning piece that first emerged from one of the most vulnerable phases of his life.

Newsletter: WAIIAN and Rjay Ty finally join forces on long-awaited collaboration “2RARE”

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Following the breakout success of his full-length album, BACKSHOTS, Filipino rapper WAIIAN officially opens a brand-new era in music with the release of his new single, “2RARE,” featuring fellow hip-hop heavyweight Rjay Ty. Serving as the lead single from his highly anticipated album arriving later this year, the track announces the return of one of Philippine hip-hop’s most important young voices with sharper focus and an unmistakable hunger for what’s next.

Newsletter: From Familiar Favorites to New Finds: The Holiday Travel Trends Shaping Filipino Getaways

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As Filipinos look ahead to the upcoming holiday season and taking that well-deserved break, international travel remains high on their agenda. Trip.com booking data from the first half of 2026 reveals a shift in how they are planning their getaways. While familiar regional favorites continue to be a staple in holiday itineraries, more Filipino travelers are venturing beyond the usual hotspots in search of new destinations and memorable experiences.

Newsletter: Smart and Robinsons Supermarket team up to power connected wellness journeys

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For many Filipinos in their “running era”, Sundays now start on the road: running with friends, chasing personal goals, and making wellness part of everyday life. As this community continues to grow, experiences like these are made even better through the partnership of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and Robinsons Supermarket, highlighted at the 18th Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run recently held at Bridgetowne Destination Estate and Parklinks in Pasig City.

Newsletter: 6200 Book fest concludes inaugural three-day celebration

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The inaugural 6200 BookFest concluded its three-day run last July 19, bringing together publishers, authors, booksellers, readers, and creatives in Dumaguete City. 

Newsletter: FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS ANNOUNCES SIGNING OF FAIRMONT NISEKO

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World-renowned luxury hospitality brand, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of the leading hospitality group Accor, in partnership with J -Will Partners Co., Ltd. announced the development of Fairmont Niseko, Japan, a new 165-key Fairmont property slated to open in early 2028. Nestled within nine acres of lush forest land between Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri, the resort, imagined by architect Daiken Sekkei, Inc with Steve Leung Design Group Limited as main interior designer, will offer unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Yotei, Niseko’s signature natural landmark. Its unrivalled location will provide guests with unparalleled access to world-class outdoor experiences, including skiing, golf, with multiple dining options in both nearby Niseko Village and Hirafu.

Newsletter: Emirates brings Travel Rehearsal programme to Clark for neurodiverse children

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Emirates, the world's first Autism-Certified Airline, has expanded its Travel Rehearsal programme to Clark International Airport, giving neurodiverse children and their families the opportunity to become familiar with every stage of the airport journey.

Newsletter: Jax Reyes Won’t Stop Speaking Out Against Gambling — Even When It Costs Him a Sponsorship

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Finance content creator Jax Reyes has spent the past year building one of the most consistent public campaigns against online gambling in the Philippine content space — turning down paid partnerships, citing government data on how far the problem has spread, and steadily pointing his followers toward legitimate ways to grow their money instead.

Newsletter: GRAMMY-NOMINATED SINGER-SONGWRITER LUKAS GRAHAM SHARES SOULFUL, ROOTS-DRIVEN NEW SONG “GOOD TIMES”

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Globally acclaimed singer-songwriter Lukas Graham has released “Good Times,” the spirited, roots-charged title track and opening song from his forthcoming 13-track album Good Times, out August 14 via Virgin Music Group. Bright, communal and rooted in the Celtic and folk traditions that shaped his upbringing, the song sets the tone for an album that brings Lukas back to the storytelling tradition and Irish musical heritage at the heart of his earliest relationship with music. “Good Times” arrives alongside an official music video that weaves together archival footage from before and during Lukas's rise, captured by the photographers and videographers who documented his journey, celebrating the friends, family, and moments that shaped him. Listen to “Good Times” HERE. Watch the video HERE. Pre-order/Pre-save the album HERE.  

Newsletter: Universal Music Group N.V. Reports Weekly Transactions under and Completion of its €500 Million Share Buyback Program

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Universal Music Group N.V. (EURONEXT: UMG) ("UMG" or "the Company") announced that in the period from July 20, 2026 up to and including July 24, 2026, a total of 634,455 of its own shares were repurchased by the Company at an average price per share of €18.14 for a total consideration of €11,510,143. These repurchases have been made as part of the Company's €500 million share buyback program as announced on March 30, 2026. Up to and including July 24, 2026, a total of 26,707,529 shares were repurchased under the share buyback program for a total consideration of €499,186,910. The Company has now completed the share buyback program.

Newsletter: One App, Every Money Move: Inside the KasKasan Buddies App’s All-in-One Toolkit

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KasKasan Buddies (KKB), the Philippines' #1 personal finance community with over 2 million members across platforms, is spotlighting its free mobile app as a single home base for the tools Filipinos already juggle to manage a credit card life — comparing cards, catching bank promos, tracking bills, splitting expenses with friends, and building real financial literacy. Most tools on the market do one job at a time. A bill-splitting app only splits bills. A budgeting app only tracks spending. A coupon site only lists promos. A comparison site only ranks cards. The KasKasan Buddies app was built specifically around Philippine banks and Filipino spending habits, bringing all of it into one connected home screen — instead of four different apps.

Newsletter: Smart, Sam YG empower customers on scams and digital habits

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As digital threats grow alongside rapid technological advancement, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is strengthening its push to equip Filipinos with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

Newsletter: Federation of African Canadian Economics arrives in Toronto for Melamoon 2026, bringing Canada's largest Black-focused no-equity pitch tour to its final city qualifier

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The Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE), will bring Melamoon 2026 to Toronto on Aug. 14, 2026, marking the fifth and final qualifying stop of Canada's largest Black-focused no-equity pitch competition.