Newsletter: Metro Cebu strengthens push for smarter local governance through PLDT, Smart’s AI-in-a-Box

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Metro Cebu is taking a major step toward smarter and more responsive public service with the rollout of PLDT and Smart AI-in-a-Box (AIAB) program.

AI-in-a-Box is the PLDT Group’s initiative to make artificial intelligence (AI) more accessible to communities. The program combines digital tools, connectivity, training, and mentorship to help local government units turn emerging technologies into practical solutions. As part of the initiative, participating LGUs received an AI-in-a-Box kit that includes a laptop, a smartphone, a Smart connectivity device, and premium access to AI tools, including ChatGPT.

Newsletter: Ateneo scientists investigate continent-wide ‘moisture conveyor belt’ behind extreme monsoon rains

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Danika Geronimo, Ateneo Research Communications

Weather scientists have long known that typhoons even hundreds of kilometers away from the Philippines can interact with the southwest monsoon, resulting in days-long heavy rains. But the exact dynamics of this relationship have remained largely unknown until recently.

Newsletter: Jakarta Makes Its Premier Debut at ITB China 2026: The Capital's Golden Stage Toward Becoming a Global Destination

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Jakarta was represented by 10 tourism partners, including PHRI Jakarta, Taman Safari Indonesia, PIK Tourism Board, Universal Tour & Travel, Nusaraya International Tour and Travel, Dwidaya Wisata Indonesia, Gran Melia Jakarta, Novotel Jakarta Mangga Dua Square, Plataran Indonesia, and Baltic Golf Travel Specialist.

Newsletter: ICEBOX revisits OPM roots with emotional new single "SAAKIN"

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Following the breakthrough of his chart-topping hit, “ikaw ikaw ikaw,” which has amassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone and introduced him to a rapidly growing Filipino audience, Singapore-based singer-songwriter and producer ICEBOX returns to his OPM roots with the release of his new single “SAAKIN”—out today via PARKA.

Newsletter: Filipino band fitterkarma to stage ‘album concert’ in prestigious Metropolitan Theater Manila

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After taking over pop culture conversations with their meteoric debut, Filipino alternative band fitterkarma will be headlining their first major solo show, kung tayo'y nasa isang horror na pelikula, tiyak ako ang una mong papatayin: The Album Concert, happening on September 19, 2026 at the historic Metropolitan Theater Manila.

Newsletter: But first, kindness: Café reaps success through community, generosity

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For coffee entrepreneur Anna Magalona-Go, to brew a successful café business, one doesn’t need to have it all, but three key things: Goal, vision and hard work.

Known for starting her initially online-only café But First, Coffee with only P6,000 seed money, Magalona-Go is a fan of starting small. “You can start very simple. You don’t need to have it all,” she said, speaking before hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners at SME Day Manila, organized by PLDT Enterprise through its micro, small and medium business unit (PLDT SME).

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.