A Look Back on How HONOR X9 Series Became the No. 1 Mid-range Smartphone in PH

It has now become a tradition for HONOR to launch its biggest hit X9 series every January 

Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines has dominated the mid-range smartphone market with its iconic and biggest hit HONOR X9 series. Started with HONOR X9a 5G in 2023, HONOR has been dropping hits after hit, literally. At this point, the new year's campaign of the viral phone series has already become a tradition. 

“When we launched HONOR X9a 5G, we literally had zero expectations. What we had was hope and confidence in our capabilities, and then it exceeded all expectations. We did not let the success get into our heads; we just thought it was beginner’s luck. So, we leveled up with HONOR X9b 5G, and again it became a massive hit. Then HONOR X9c 5G came and it was our biggest feat yet, outdoing everything we’ve done in 2023 and 2024,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. 

Get PLDT Home’s biggest holi-deals treats this Christmas!

Exciting freebies, discounted gadgets and huge savings await the family!

As families spend more time at home this Christmas, whether hosting reunions, enjoying movie nights, gaming with loved ones, and staying connected with long-distance relatives, PLDT Home makes celebrations even more meaningful with its exclusive Holiday Treats.

PLDT Home’s offerings surely elevate everyday moments at home. From cozy movie nights and game-filled school breaks to smart home upgrades perfect for hosting, PLDT Home brings together entertainment perks and holiday-ready upgrades for enjoying time together. 

Powerhouse Tools Wins Bronze at NEXT Awards Philippines 2025, Caps Strong Year of Marketing Recognition

Powerhouse Tools, a brand of Hap Suy Hardware Co., Inc., won Bronze in the Most Innovative Digital Marketing Campaign category at the NEXT Awards Philippines 2025, held by MARKETECH APAC. The recognition was awarded to the brand's "Kwentong Powerhouse" campaign, which spotlights authentic stories from the Ka-Powerhouse community—real users whose work reflects Powerhouse Tools' reach across the Philippine market. 

The Powerhouse Tools team, composed of  (starting from left) Trade Marketing Manager Kathryn Puyat, Brand Manager Jillian Dizon, and Brand Manager Leslie Bumongcag, received the Bronze Award for Most Innovative Digital Marketing Campaign at the NEXT Awards Philippines 2025, recognizing the brand’s people-centered Kwentong Powerhouse campaign.

Launched to shift the brand's focus from performance specifications to the people behind the tools, "Kwentong Powerhouse" spotlighted authentic user stories that demonstrate how Powerhouse Tools supports work across diverse trades and livelihoods in the Philippines. The campaign featured Ms. Guia Bustos, owner of TATY Manila, who teaches children hands-on building skills and sparks creativity through proper guidance and tools; Mr. Denis Fernandez, a scrap metal artist who transforms discarded steel into functional art, proving that beauty can emerge from waste; and Mr. Marjo Lardera, a welder and craftsman born without limbs who builds with his feet, redefining what is possible through skill and determination.

Each story in the campaign reinforced Powerhouse Tools' position as a brand that empowers every walk of life—from professional tradespeople to everyday makers and small business owners. By moving beyond technical claims and focusing on real experiences, the campaign expanded the brand's relevance and deepened its connection with audiences who see tools not just as equipment, but as instruments that shape their craft and livelihood.

Powerhouse Tools’ Bronze Award at the NEXT Awards Philippines 2025 for Most Innovative Digital Marketing Campaign, recognizing the impact of its Kwentong Powerhouse storytelling initiative.

"This recognition reflects our belief that behind every tool is a person with a story worth telling," said Charles Sy, CEO of Powerhouse Tools. "Kwentong Powerhouse was built to honor the resilience and creativity of the people who choose our brand. Their success is our success, and we remain committed to empowering them with reliable tools and meaningful support."

Representatives from Powerhouse Tools, headed by Marketing Director Kendrick Emerson Siy (center), accepted the Bronze Award for Excellence in Search Marketing at the Marketing Excellence Awards 2025, recognizing the brand’s Weld to the Top campaign.

The NEXT Awards recognition marks the latest in a series of achievements for Powerhouse Tools in 2025. In August, the brand’s "Weld to the Top" campaign also secured a Bronze for Excellence in Search Marketing at the Marketing Excellence Awards. Through strategic optimization, Powerhouse Tools reclaimed the top ranking in search results for the keyword "welding machine philippines," reinforcing its position as a trusted resource for Filipino welders, contractors, and DIY builders.

The consistency of these wins highlights Powerhouse Tools' approach, which, by shifting from performance-driven messaging to people-centered storytelling, expanded its relevance beyond professional users to include everyday makers, small business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The company continues to focus on supporting its community—from individual builders to store owners—with reliable products, strong value for money, hassle-free service, and the tools and resources needed to grow sustainable businesses.

Your Go-To Guide for Surviving Holiday Spending with Maya

The holidays are basically here: malls are full, calendars are packed, and your group chats have get-togethers lined up left and right. But before you swipe, tap, or checkout your cart, do yourself a favor, and get your finances in formation.

Think of this as your quick holiday tune-up, the one that makes sure every peso works smarter for you, and every purchase is as painless as possible.

Mapúa University champions efforts to address PH ‘soft skills’ gap highlighted by PIDS study

Soft skills have become more critical than ever in today’s era of AI (artificial intelligence) and digital transformation.

“Technical skills will get you hired, but soft skills will keep you employed and help you rise,” Dr. Bonifacio T. Doma Jr., executive vice president for International Alliances and Cintana partnership director of Mapúa University, declared.

A 2024 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), revealed that Filipino workers often lack essential soft skills such as adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking. The study emphasized that soft skills, also called Transversal Competencies (TVC), are becoming increasingly vital in the 21st century workplace. The study calls for equipping educators with tools and resources to effectively integrate TVCs into the curricula and learning activities.

Welcome to the Earth Kingdom. Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 is coming in 2026.

The Gaang is back!

Netflix unveiled the Official Teaser and First Look photos for the highly-anticipated return of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The teaser showcases fan-favorite and master Earthbender, Toph (Miya Cech), the newest member of Team Avatar including Aang (Gordon Cormier), Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley) and more!

While we wait, here are more first look photos from season 2!

A. O. Smith Corporation: A 150-Year-Old American Water Technology Leader Strengthening Its Presence in the Philippines

A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS), a 150-year-old American brand and a global leader in water heating and water treatment solutions, continues to expand its presence in the Philippines, a market it has served for 26 years since 1999.

Founded in 1874, A. O. Smith began as a small machine shop in Milwaukee and has since evolved into one of the world’s most respected names in water heating technology. Its long-standing heritage is built on engineering innovation, reliability, and superior product performance. Today, A. O. Smith employs more than 12,700 individuals across operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, with a broad product portfolio that includes water heating products, water treatment products, and air purifiers. A. O. Smith’s products are marketed in more than 60 countries around the world.

Real or Not—A Tesla Cybertruck Giveaway at the Next Smartphone Launch?

Could this be the ultimate giveaway? The next smartphone launch has everyone talking. 

Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines is once again setting the tech community abuzz after teasing what could be one of the boldest smartphone launch surprises yet—a Tesla Cybertruck possibly up for grabs. If confirmed, it would be a bold statement of the brand’s fearless approach to innovation and engagement. 

Comedy superstars Paul Rudd and Jack Black are let loose deep in the Amazon jungle in “Anaconda”

In PH cinemas Jan 8

One of the core components for co-writer Kevin Etten and co-writer-director Tom Gornician in making the comedy adventure Anaconda is getting actors who can face a truly terrifying situation while still keeping things fun.  “Tom and I have done this kind of ‘comedy under duress’ before, in which we take people who are wildly unequipped to handle the situations in which they land. We throw the craziest obstacles at them, and let them be idiots, while letting them play the real fear of the situation. We wanted to stay as far away as we could from winking at the danger and not feeling the stakes, and to feel as real as possible,” Etten explains.

They felt that they truly hit the jackpot with Jack Black and Paul Rudd, with Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn, Daniela Melchior and Selton Mello to support them. “Jack, Paul, Thandiwe, Steve, Selton, and Daniela all have such great comedic instincts,” Etten continues. “They always played it real but knew how to tweak that just a little bit to get a big laugh.”

#AcerTahanan: SB19’s Guide to a Brighter Digital Home

SB19 takes us on a Kaohsiung tour in #AcerTahanan MV

They say home is where the heart is, but it's also your safe place you'd want to return to after being away. In this ever-changing world, where technological advancements are rapid and people are always glued to their screens, they still long for home.

This season, Acer is that tahanan, the Tagalog word for home, rooted in "tahan," meaning "be comforted" or "be at peace." Digitally, Acer Aking Tahanan is a space of warmth, creativity, and togetherness. Through technology that adapts, empowers, and feels personal, Acer helps make every moment a homecoming.