On the Spotlight!

 “SOGO DANCE REVOLUTION” spotlights talent, unity, and energy through a nationwide group competition. In a move that merges entertainment, inclusivity, and brand excitement, Hotel Sogo has officially launched the SOGO DANCE REVOLUTION— a nationwide dance competition open to groups of four to eight members, aged 18 and above, offering ₱100,000 worth of prizes in cash and staycation perks. Designed as the hotel’s biggest campaign for 2025, the SOGO DANCE REVOLUTION is not just a contest—it’s a nationwide celebration of dance, teamwork, and Filipino creativity. “We want to highlight the real dance talent of the Filipino people—those who bring energy, rhythm, and positive spirit wherever they go,” said by Ms. Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo Marketing Manager. “This contest allows groups to bond, express themselves, and possibly win big while doing something they love."     A Digital-First Dance Challenge To join, dance crews must produce a 30–60 second video featuring ...

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officially launched the “Botong Bangsamoro 2025” Voter Education Campaign on August 20, 2025 at Ebrahim Hall, KDT Manor Hotel, Cotabato City. The initiative came less than two months before the October 13 BARMM Parliamentary Elections and gathered key electoral stakeholders, including political parties, ministries, civil society groups, security forces, and international partners.   COMELEC BARMM Regional Election Director Atty. Ray F. Sumalipao emphasized that the campaign’s theme, “Isang Bangsamoro, Isang Boto: Together we vote, together we rise,” symbolizes unity and the power of every vote. Bangsamoro Transition Authority Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua echoed this, stressing that participation is vital in shaping the region’s future. “This campaign is our collective call for every Bangsamoro to take part and make their voice count,” he said. COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia highlighted the importance of voter educ...

  In another proud moment for Philippine media, TAG Media Group —the publisher of Rising Tigers Magazine, TopNewsAsia, and InCharge Magazine—was once again recognized by the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila headed by His Excellency Agus Widjojo with the esteemed “Friends of Indonesia” Award. Received by Tag Media Group founders; Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas   and Andrew Troy Nicolas marks the second time TAG Media Group has been bestowed with the honor, this year standing out as the only media organization on the list of awardees. Last year, The Manila Bulletin was included. The recognition underscores the group’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Embassy of Indonesia in its advocacy, cultural diplomacy, and various activities over the years.   A Rare Appearance by Chairman Andrew Troy Nicolas Representing the group during the awarding was TAG Media Group Chairman Andrew Troy Nicolas, who rarely attends public events. His presence onstage alongside the Emba...

Get ready to shine!   Calling on all singers and dancers, whether you’re from Bacolod or beyond, to join the #NatatagongGaling Online Challenge, part of this year’s Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival happening this August 28-31 in celebration of global Rum Month. Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed his excitement for the initiative: “The Rum Festival is not only a celebration of Bacolod’s world-class rum, but also of the creativity and talent of our people. I encourage everyone -- young and old, here in Bacolod and beyond -- to take part in the #NatatagongGaling Challenge and be part of this exciting celebration.”   Joining is easy: 1. Pick your best song or dance—just make sure it’s in the Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok music libraries. (Singers, we recommend using instrumental or videoke tracks.) 2. Record your 30-second to 1-minute video and give it your all! 3. Post on your socials as a reel or video, tag @Tanduay Rum Festival, and don’t forget the hashtags...

 Novo Nordisk and ORA officially seal their partnership to revolutionize obesity care in the Philippines through telehealth. Photo shows (seated from left): Thalia Bondoc, director for marketing, ORA, Tom Reynolds, vice president for marketing, ORA, Wei Sun, general manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines, and Geraldine Perez, market access & business development director of Novo Nordisk Philippines. Joining them are key colleagues from both Novo Nordisk Philippines and ORA who made this partnership possible.  The collaboration brings together Novo Nordisk’s clinical expertise and ORA’s fully digital care platform to offer end-to-end obesity care—from virtual consultations to personalized plans and medication delivery. The initiative aims to break down barriers of stigma, cost, and limited access to doctor’s care by empowering Filipinos to take charge of their health from the comfort of their homes.  This forms part of Novo Nordisk’s  Truth About Weight (TAW)  c...

In the wake of recent typhoons and the intensified habagat that brought widespread flooding across Luzon, Manila Water is intensifying its August desludging campaign to help communities recover and prevent post-flood health hazards. Serving over 7.8 million customers, Manila Water’s East Zone concession area remains highly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather. The company is increasing its septic tank cleaning service, which is provided at no additional cost to customers, to help households avoid the risks of wastewater overflow and contamination. This August, the desludging service will be available in barangays Mayamot and San Jose in Antipolo City; San Pedro and San Guillermo in Morong, Rizal; San Isidro and San Juan in Taytay, Rizal; San Pedro in Angono, Rizal; Layunan, Libis, Libid, and Mambog in Binangonan, Rizal; San Jose and San Isidro in Montalban (Rodriguez), Rizal; Ampid II, Banaba, Gulod Malaya, and Silangan in San Mateo, Rizal; Rosario and Santolan in Pasig City; P...

Pru Life UK introduces PRULove Wealth Direct, the first single-pay traditional endowment life insurance product available for online purchase in the market. This innovation reflects the company’s mission to making financial solutions simpler and more accessible for Filipinos, addressing their needs for financial returns and protection. Available exclusively via PRUShoppe.com, the new product can be purchased online without the need for medical examinations or physical paperwork. It features guaranteed net annual cash payouts equal to 4% of the single premium for seven years along with a full return of premium at the end of the seven-year term plus 125% of the single premium as life insurance coverage. Loanable cash values also allow policyholders to access their funds for emergencies or major expenses. “ PRULove Wealth Direct opens doors for individuals who wish to secure their future but face barriers like limited time, restricted access, or insufficient resources ,” said Garen Dee, C...

Pru Life UK once again rolled up its sleeves for  Brigada Eskwela , the Department of Education’s nationwide schools maintenance programme, rallying employee volunteers last month in support of Pleasant Hills Elementary School in Mandaluyong City. Pru Life UK volunteers helped prepare the classrooms of Pleasant Hills Elementary Schoolin Mandaluyong City for the new academic year. The initiative began at the Pru Life UK’s headquarters, where employees painted pots and planted vegetable seedlings. These were later donated during a school outreach, part of a wider effort to prepare classrooms for the new academic year. Volunteers spent the day painting walls, cleaning rooms, and organising books—bringing fresh energy to the school community. Pru Life UK also provided painting materials to support ongoing refurbishment needs. “ It’s fulfilling to give back in such a tangible way,”  shares Maria Junifer Maliglig, one volunteer. “ Seeing the impact first-hand is what makes it all wo...

Marking a significant step toward improved sanitation and environmental stewardship, Manila Water Non-East Zone operating unit Calbayog Water officially inaugurated its Septage Treatment Facility (SpTP), in Barangay Dinagan, Calbayog City, Samar. The event was attended by key officials of Manila Water Philippines Ventures (MWPV), led by Melvin John Tan, Chief Operating Officer, and Roberto Vasquez, Regional Operations Group Director for VisMin. Calbayog City Mayor Reymund Uy also graced the occasion, expressing strong support for the initiative. “This facility represents a major leap in improving the quality of life for our constituents. I commend Calbayog Water and its partners for their commitment to building not only infrastructure but also a healthier future for our people,” said Mayor Uy in his address. The newly inaugurated facility, which is the first SpTP in Calbayog City to cater to residential customers, is equipped with an initial treatment capacity of 10 cubic meters per da...

As Filipinos continue to juggle growing financial responsibilities with personal aspirations, Pru Life UK introduces PRUSteady Income, a new 20-year endowment insurance plan designed to provide financial resilience—now and into the future. “At Pru Life UK, we are committed to understanding what matters most to our customers. We designed PRUSteady Income as a practical financial solution that empowers our customers to confidently pursue their priorities today and prepare for life’s milestones ahead,” said Garen Dee, Chief Product Officer. This life insurance plan offers a reliable mix of guaranteed protection and a steady income stream. From the end of the 11th year until the 20th year of the policy, policyowners are guaranteed to receive net annual cash payouts equal to 10% of the sum assured. Upon maturity at the end of the 20-year term, the full sum assured will be given as a maturity benefit. In the unfortunate event of death of the insured, the plan provides beneficiaries with up t...

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) successfully conducted mock elections on July 26, 2025, in preparation for the 2025 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections. The activity took place in Marawi City and Butig in Lanao del Sur, and in Bongao and Simunul in Tawi-Tawi. Voting began at 7:00AM and closed at 10:00AM, with all Certificates of Canvass received by 11:07AM COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, Commissioner Aimee P. Ferolino, Commissioner-in-Charge of the BARMM elections, and other senior officials personally oversaw the mock voting process. Election stakeholders, including media observers, witnessed the smooth implementation of voting, transmission, and canvassing procedures. To promote transparency, a Monitoring Center was set up at the Chairman’s Hall, Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, where interested parties could follow the proceedings in real-time. The mock elections served as a preparatory exercise for the first BA...