Impy Pilapil’s Flight Finds New Home in Singapore Embassy

Impy Pilapil’s Flight Finds New Home in Singapore Embassy

Monday, August 31, 2026

A sculpture created by Filipino artist Impy Pilapil to evoke the experience of flying with Singapore Airlines has begun a new chapter, this time inside the Singapore Embassy in Manila.

Titled Flight, the original sculpture was commissioned by Singapore Airlines in 2015 and displayed for nearly a decade at the airline's SilverKris Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Singapore Airlines has now gifted the artwork to the Embassy as part of its celebration of 60 years of operations in the Philippines.

The move also brings Flight together with three other Pilapil sculptures already housed at the Embassy, creating an unexpected reunion of the artist's work.

Why was Flight moved from the airport to the Singapore Embassy?

For years, Flight formed part of the experience for passengers passing through Singapore Airlines' SilverKris Lounge.

Pilapil created the work specifically to reflect the experience of flying with SIA. Its original setting was fitting: an airport lounge is a place associated with movement, departure, arrival and the anticipation of travel.

After around a decade at the lounge, Singapore Airlines decided that the sculpture deserved a new setting.

The Singapore Embassy offered a particularly meaningful destination because three other works by Pilapil were already part of its collection.

The turnover ceremony at the Embassy in Bonifacio Global City brought together Pilapil, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See and Singapore Airlines Philippines General Manager Liwei Tai.

Rather than simply moving an artwork from one building to another, the occasion effectively reunited four pieces by a Filipino artist whose work has long been connected with Singapore.

How did Impy Pilapil’s Flight begin?

Singapore Airlines commissioned Flight in 2015 as an original artwork inspired by the experience of traveling with the airline.

At the time, the sculpture was installed at the SilverKris Lounge in Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, where it became a familiar visual element for passengers preparing to fly.

Its new location changes the context.

At an airport, Flight was encountered by travelers in transit. At the Singapore Embassy, it becomes part of a broader cultural setting, alongside other works by Pilapil and within a diplomatic space.

That shift gives the sculpture a different meaning without changing the artwork itself.

Why are there already three Impy Pilapil sculptures at the Embassy?

The Singapore Embassy's connection with Pilapil goes back years.

When the Embassy's Manila building opened in 2008, three of the artist's sculptures were installed there. The addition of Flight means that four of her original works are now together at the Embassy.

For Pilapil, seeing the pieces reunited has personal significance.

She described the four works as creating a more cohesive artistic dialogue, with themes of movement, connection and crossing physical boundaries reflected in the new arrangement.

The artist also expressed her affection for Singapore and happiness that her work would remain in a place connected with the country she has long admired.

What makes Impy Pilapil’s art distinctive?

Pilapil is known for working across a range of materials, including stone, glass, steel, wood and paper.

Her work explores ideas such as nature, harmony, tranquillity and community. Her sculptures and other works have been exhibited in the Philippines and internationally, including in Singapore, Japan, Australia, Italy and the United States.

That range of materials and settings makes her work particularly suited to spaces where art can serve as more than decoration.

In the case of Flight, the artwork was created for an environment centered on travel. Its new home places it within a setting where art can also represent cultural relationships.

How does art reflect Philippine-Singapore relations?

The story behind Flight is also part of a larger relationship between the two countries.

Singapore Airlines' six decades of operations in the Philippines have connected travelers, businesses and communities between the two countries. The airline's anniversary therefore provides a natural opportunity to look beyond aviation and at the cultural relationships that have developed alongside it.

For Singapore Ambassador Constance See, the presence of Filipino artworks at the Embassy reflects that cultural connection.

The Embassy's decision to continue displaying Pilapil's work also highlights the role Filipino artists can play in representing the Philippines in international spaces.

Art can communicate aspects of a country's identity in ways that official meetings and diplomatic documents cannot always capture.

A new chapter for a familiar artwork

There is something fitting about Flight moving from an airport to an embassy.

The sculpture was originally created around the idea of travel and movement. Its new home places it in a setting associated with relationships between countries and people.

That makes its journey more than a change of location.

For Singapore Airlines, the gift marks 60 years of serving the Philippines. For the Singapore Embassy, it adds another Filipino artwork to a collection already connected to the artist. And for Pilapil, it brings four of her sculptures together under one roof.

After spending years welcoming travelers at an airport, Flight now has a different role: quietly representing movement, connection and the creative ties between Singapore and the Philippines.

The Art of Travel

Airports have long been places where art and design intersect with the travel experience. From sculptures in terminals to commissioned installations in lounges, artworks can give otherwise functional spaces a sense of identity and place.

Flight offers a particularly personal example. Its original audience encountered the work while preparing to leave the Philippines. Its new audience encounters it within an Embassy representing another country.

In both settings, the central idea remains the same: art can help make connections that extend beyond physical borders.

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What’s Really in Your Pet’s Bowl? Why the Ingredient List Is Just the Start

What’s Really in Your Pet’s Bowl? Why the Ingredient List Is Just the Start

When choosing food for a dog or cat, it is tempting to focus on the first few words on the package. “Natural,” “premium,” “grain-free” and other claims can quickly catch a pet parent’s attention.

But there is more to understanding pet food than reading the front of the bag.

Pet food transparency means knowing not only what ingredients are used, but also how to evaluate the food’s nutritional adequacy, sourcing information, feeding guidance and other claims.

That distinction matters as pet parents become more interested in the quality and story behind the food they buy.

ADM’s 2025 Global Pet Nutrition Insights Report points to continued interest in healthier, high-quality and sustainably sourced pet products, reflecting how closely pet care choices increasingly mirror the way people think about their own food.

For pet parents, however, the goal should not be to choose the package with the longest list of appealing claims. It should be to understand what those claims actually tell you about the food.

What should you look for on a pet food label?

An ingredient list is a useful starting point, but it does not tell the entire nutritional story.

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), ingredients on pet food labels are generally listed in descending order by weight. That means the first ingredient weighs more than the ingredients listed after it. However, the ingredient list does not tell you the exact percentage of each ingredient.

There is another part of the package that deserves equal attention: the nutritional adequacy statement.

AAFCO explains that a food described as “complete and balanced” is intended to provide the required nutrients in appropriate proportions for the specified life stage. Life stages can include growth, adult maintenance, reproduction or all life stages.

In other words, a recognizable ingredient name alone does not determine whether a food is nutritionally appropriate.

A simple pet food label checklist

When comparing products, pet parents can look at:

Intended animal and life stage

Check whether the food is formulated for your pet's species and stage of life.

Nutritional adequacy statement

Look for information indicating whether the food is complete and balanced or intended only for intermittent or supplemental feeding.

Ingredient list

Ingredients are listed by weight, from highest to lowest.

Guaranteed analysis

Review the listed nutrient guarantees rather than relying only on front-of-pack claims.

Feeding directions

These provide a starting point for determining how much food to give your pet.

Specific claims

Consider what claims such as “natural,” “grain-free” or “premium” actually mean and whether they are relevant to your pet's needs.

For pets with allergies, medical conditions or specific nutritional requirements, a veterinarian can help determine which formulation is appropriate.

Why does ingredient sourcing matter?

For some pet parents, transparency extends beyond the ingredient name.

They want to know where an ingredient comes from, how it was produced and what standards were applied before it became part of the finished product.

That is where traceability becomes useful.

Traceability refers to the ability to track an ingredient through parts of the supply chain. In practical terms, it can give consumers more information about the origin of ingredients rather than leaving them with only a name printed on a package.

Open Farm has built this type of information into its approach to pet food.

The brand, whose products are available through Bow & Wow in the Philippines, emphasizes ingredient sourcing, animal welfare and sustainability alongside nutrition. Its recipes include animal proteins and plant ingredients, while its sourcing standards cover areas such as pasture-raised lamb, crate-free pork, pasture-raised beef and wild-caught fish, according to the supplied brand information.

Open Farm also offers a transparency platform where customers can enter the lot code found on the packaging to access sourcing information associated with a particular batch.

That gives pet parents something more concrete to investigate than a general statement printed on the front of a bag.

Does a longer ingredient list mean better pet food?

Not necessarily.

A common mistake is to judge pet food solely by whether the ingredients sound familiar or appealing.

Pet food is formulated to deliver nutrients, and some ingredients that sound unfamiliar may provide vitamins, minerals or other necessary nutrients. AAFCO notes that ingredients serve different nutritional functions, and that a complete and balanced formulation accounts for the varying nutrient contributions of individual ingredients.

The same caution applies to judging a food based solely on its first ingredient.

The first ingredient is important because ingredients are listed by weight, but it does not by itself tell you whether the overall food is nutritionally complete.

The better question is not “Does this ingredient list look good?” but “Does this food meet my pet’s nutritional needs?”

Why “complete and balanced” deserves attention

The phrase “complete and balanced” has a specific nutritional meaning in pet food labeling.

AAFCO explains that “complete” means the food contains all required nutrients, while “balanced” means those nutrients are present in the correct ratios. Nutritional needs also differ according to life stage.

That is why a food formulated for a growing puppy or kitten should not automatically be assumed to be appropriate for an adult pet.

The FDA likewise advises consumers to look for the nutritional adequacy statement when determining whether a pet food is intended to meet a pet's nutritional needs as a sole diet.

This is one of the most useful pieces of information on a pet food package, yet it can be easy to overlook when marketing claims dominate the front label.

What does “transparency” look like in practice?

For pet parents, meaningful transparency can involve several layers.

Ingredient transparency means clearly identifying what goes into the food.

Sourcing transparency provides information about where ingredients originate.

Production transparency can offer insight into how ingredients are handled and turned into the finished product.

Nutritional transparency helps consumers understand what the food is formulated to provide.

And claim transparency means giving consumers enough information to understand what statements on the packaging actually mean.

This broader approach is becoming more relevant as pet parents spend more time researching what they feed their companions.

ADM's 2025 pet nutrition research notes continued consumer interest in healthier, wholesome and sustainably sourced pet products, although preferences vary across markets and demographic groups.

Where does Open Farm fit into the conversation?

Open Farm was founded by Jacqueline Prehogan and Isaac Langleben after their experience rescuing pugs led them to look for pet food that aligned with their expectations around nutrition, animal welfare and sustainability.

The brand has since made those principles part of its product positioning.

In the Philippines, Open Farm products are available through Bow & Wow, which also positions transparency and pet-care guidance as part of its approach to helping customers choose food.

Bow & Wow's Pet Care Advisors can help pet parents consider factors such as formulation, ingredients and individual pet needs rather than simply selecting a product based on price or packaging claims.

That distinction is important because there is no single pet food that is automatically right for every dog or cat.

Age, size, activity level, health status and individual sensitivities can all affect what a pet needs.

Should pet parents choose food based on sustainability?

Sustainability can be a meaningful consideration, particularly for consumers who want their purchasing decisions to reflect their values.

However, it should be considered alongside nutrition rather than treated as a substitute for it.

Responsible sourcing, animal welfare and environmental practices tell part of the story behind a product. Nutritional adequacy tells another.

For pet parents, the most useful approach is to consider both.

A food can have an appealing sustainability story, but it still needs to be appropriate for the animal consuming it.

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LG’s New 19kg AI Washer Takes the Work Out of Laundry

LG’s New 19kg AI Washer Takes the Work Out of Laundry

For households dealing with large laundry loads, LG Electronics Philippines has introduced a 19kg top load washer that uses AI-assisted washing, steam care and automatic detergent dispensing to make laundry more manageable.

The LG 19kg Top Load Washer with AI DD™, Steam, ezDispense and EasyUnload™ (TX2519ST5J) is designed for families that regularly deal with bigger loads, mixed fabrics and clothes that need different levels of care.

Its main appeal isn't simply the 19kg capacity. The washer combines that space with technologies designed to adjust washing motions, manage detergent, support hygiene care and make loading and unloading less awkward.

For busy households, those small conveniences can matter just as much as cleaning power.

What makes LG’s 19kg AI washer different?

The LG 19kg Top Load Washer combines several functions intended to reduce the work involved in doing laundry.

Key features include:

• 19kg capacity for larger household loads
• AI Wash that adjusts washing motions based on the laundry
• 6 Motion™ technology for different washing movements
• AI DD™ for more responsive fabric care
• Steam Allergy Care for added hygiene support
• ezDispense automatic detergent and fabric softener dispensing
• EasyUnload™ for more convenient access when removing clothes
• Inverter Direct Drive™ motor for the washing system

The combination is aimed at households that want to spend less time managing individual laundry cycles and more time getting through the routine.

How does AI Wash help with different fabrics?

One of the more practical features is AI Wash, which adjusts the washing approach according to the laundry inside the drum.

Instead of relying on exactly the same washing movement for every load, the system is designed to optimize washing motions based on the type of laundry.

LG says it can also adjust washing and rinsing according to the soil level of the clothes.

That matters because a load of everyday shirts, towels and heavier garments does not necessarily need identical treatment.

The idea is simple: the washer adapts the cycle instead of expecting every load to be treated the same way.

What is 6 Motion technology?

6 Motion™ technology uses six different washing movements to help clean clothes while supporting fabric care.

The technology works with LG's Inverter Direct Drive™ motor, which powers the washing system.

Different washing motions can provide different types of mechanical action inside the drum. This allows the machine to vary how clothes are moved during a cycle rather than relying on one repetitive motion.

For households with a mix of everyday clothing and heavier fabrics, that flexibility can be useful.

Can the washer handle bigger family loads?

The washer's 19kg capacity is one of its most obvious advantages.

A larger drum can be particularly useful for families that accumulate substantial laundry during the week, as well as households that regularly wash bulky items.

Instead of automatically dividing a large pile into several smaller loads, users have more room to combine laundry when the specific fabrics and care requirements allow it.

However, a bigger capacity doesn't mean every item should be washed together. Delicates, heavily soiled clothing, towels and other fabrics can still require separate cycles or care settings.

The benefit is having more capacity when a larger load is appropriate.

How does ezDispense make laundry easier?

Measuring detergent is one of those small laundry tasks that can become surprisingly repetitive.

The LG washer's ezDispense system automatically dispenses detergent and fabric softener. Its storage capacity can hold enough product for up to 15 loads, according to LG.

That means users don't have to measure detergent and softener manually every time they start the machine.

Automatic dispensing can also make the process more consistent because the machine handles the dispensing step instead of relying on the user to measure each load.

What is Steam Allergy Care?

The washer also features Steam Allergy Care, which uses steam as part of a hygiene-focused washing cycle.

LG positions the feature as a way to help address stains and allergens.

For households, steam functionality can be particularly relevant when washing items that are used frequently, such as everyday clothing and household linens.

It's important to distinguish this from a medical claim. Steam-based washing is a laundry hygiene feature, not a replacement for medical treatment or professional allergy management.

What makes EasyUnload useful?

The laundry routine doesn't end when the wash cycle finishes.

Removing wet clothes from a deep drum can also be an awkward part of the process, particularly when users have to reach toward the bottom of a large-capacity washer.

The EasyUnload™ design incorporates an angled washer front intended to make reaching into the drum more comfortable.

The rear control panel also keeps the controls away from the main loading area.

These aren't headline-grabbing technologies, but they address the physical side of doing laundry, which is often overlooked when washing machines are compared.

Is a 19kg washer practical for everyday households?

A large-capacity washer makes the most sense for households that regularly have substantial laundry loads.

It may be particularly useful for:

• Larger families
• Households that wash several days' worth of clothing at once
• Homes with frequent bedding and towel loads
• People who prefer fewer, larger laundry cycles
• Busy households looking to reduce repetitive laundry tasks

For smaller households, however, a 19kg machine may offer more capacity than they actually need.

The right washer size ultimately depends on how much laundry a household produces, available space, laundry habits and how often the machine is used.

The bigger trend: smarter household appliances

The LG washer reflects a broader shift in home appliances toward automation and adaptive technology.

Instead of simply adding more buttons and washing programs, manufacturers are increasingly using sensors, software and connected technologies to automate decisions that consumers previously made themselves.

In a washing machine, that can mean determining how a load should be handled, dispensing consumables automatically or adjusting washing movements.

The practical question for consumers isn't whether an appliance uses AI. It's whether that technology removes a task, improves convenience or provides a useful result.

In the LG 19kg washer, those applications are concentrated around fabric care and reducing the number of manual steps involved in laundry.

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realme 16T 5G Launches in PH With 8,000mAh Battery

realme 16T 5G Launches in PH With 8,000mAh Battery

For people who are constantly switching between work, social media, photos, videos, games, and everyday errands, battery life can be one of the biggest smartphone concerns. The new realme 16T 5G, which has officially launched in the Philippines, is putting a major focus on that problem with its 8,000mAh battery.

The realme 16T 5G also comes with a 50MP Sony camera, a 144Hz display, and an IP69 Pro rating for dust and water resistance. Philippine buyers can get the phone starting at ₱15,731 during the launch period, with installment options through Home Credit advertised from as low as ₱37 per day.

What makes the realme 16T 5G different?

The biggest feature of the realme 16T 5G is its 8,000mAh Titan Battery.

Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours, or mAh. Generally, a higher mAh figure means a battery can store more power, although actual battery life still depends on how the phone is used.

realme says the 16T 5G can last for up to two days on a single charge. That could be particularly useful for people who spend long days outside, travel frequently, create content, or simply do not want to constantly look for a charging outlet.

The phone also supports 45W SUPERVOOC charging. According to realme, the battery can reach 50 percent from zero in 46 minutes.

Other battery features include:

• Wired reverse charging for powering compatible devices
• Bypass charging, which is designed for using the phone while plugged in, including during gaming
• A 7-Year Battery Health Guarantee, with realme stating that the battery can retain at least 80 percent of its capacity after seven years of use

Battery longevity has become an increasingly important consideration for smartphone buyers. A phone may have a good camera and a fast display, but a declining battery can affect how long the device remains practical for everyday use.

How good is the realme 16T 5G camera?

The realme 16T 5G uses a 50MP Sony IMX852 main camera.

The phone also features the TÜV Rheinland-certified LumaColor IMAGE Algorithm, which realme says is designed to improve skin tones and balance exposure between subjects and backgrounds.

For users who enjoy experimenting with mobile photography, one of the more interesting features is Vibe Master Mode. It allows users to create photos with a film-inspired look directly from the camera app.

Those who prefer more control can also switch to Pro mode and shoot in RAW DNG format.

RAW files generally contain more image data than standard compressed photos, giving photographers greater flexibility when editing details such as exposure, color, and shadows.

Users can also adjust elements including:

• Grain
• Sharpness
• Saturation

The phone also includes realme's NEXT AI imaging tools, such as AI Edit Genie 2.0, AI Perfect Shot, AI Eraser, AI Portrait Glow, and AI Instant Clip.

For everyday users, AI editing tools can help reduce the time needed to make simple adjustments. However, the actual quality of AI-generated edits will still depend on the original photo and the specific type of edit being made.

A 144Hz display and extra protection for everyday use

The realme 16T 5G has a 6.8-inch display with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz.

A higher refresh rate means the screen can update more frequently. In practical use, this can make scrolling, animations, and supported games appear smoother.

The display also reaches up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness, which can help improve visibility in bright environments.

Durability is another major part of the phone's feature set.

The realme 16T 5G carries an IP69 Pro rating, which realme says covers protection against dust, submersion, and high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. It also has ArmorShell protection and military-grade shock resistance.

For consumers, these features may offer additional reassurance against everyday accidents. Still, water-resistance ratings should not be interpreted as permission to deliberately expose a phone to water outside the manufacturer's recommended conditions.

How much is the realme 16T 5G in the Philippines?

The realme 16T 5G is available in two configurations:

• 8GB + 128GB: ₱22,999 SRP
• 8GB + 256GB: ₱24,999 SRP

The phone comes in Aurora Green and Starlight Black.

Starting August 28, realme says the device will be available for as low as ₱15,731 during the promotional period.

Pre-order offers

Customers who pre-order from August 28 to September 3 and claim their reserved unit from September 4 to 15 can receive offers worth up to ₱7,298.

The bundle includes:

• A free Laifen SE Lite Hair Dryer
• A Privilege Card
• Six-month extended warranty
• Six-month screen damage protection
• ₱2,000 instant discount

Meanwhile, customers who purchase the phone during the first selling period from September 4 to 15 can receive offers worth ₱3,499, including a Privilege Card and a ₱2,000 instant discount.

Can you buy the realme 16T 5G through installment?

Yes. The realme 16T 5G is available through Home Credit with 0 percent interest installment options for up to 18 months.

realme says payments can start at ₱37 per day, subject to the applicable Home Credit terms and approval process.

From August 28 to September 15, buyers using Home Credit can also get an additional ₱500 discount with the code REALME16T500.

For many Philippine consumers, installment availability can be as important as the retail price, especially for smartphones positioned above the budget category. Buyers should still check the total payment amount, down payment, eligibility requirements, and other financing terms before completing a purchase.

realme launches the #BidaMoment campaign

Alongside the smartphone launch, realme Philippines is introducing its #BidaMoment campaign.

The campaign invites users to publicly share photos taken using a realme smartphone with the hashtags #BidaMoment and #BidaMomentwithrealme.

Sixteen participants will win a realme 16T 5G, while selected entries may also be featured on a billboard.

The campaign reflects how smartphone launches increasingly extend beyond hardware specifications. Mobile photography and user-generated content have become a major part of how consumers experience and share new devices.

Is the realme 16T 5G worth considering?

The realme 16T 5G will likely appeal to users who prioritize battery life but still want a capable camera and a large, smooth display.

Its 8,000mAh battery is the headline feature, particularly for people who spend most of the day away from home, attend events, travel, create content, or use their phones heavily for work and entertainment.

The combination of a 50MP Sony camera, film-inspired photography tools, AI editing features, 144Hz display, and added durability also gives the phone a broader everyday appeal.

With launch discounts and installment options available in the Philippines, the realme 16T 5G gives buyers several ways to consider a device built around one increasingly important question: how much can you do before you need to recharge?

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Rachel Daquis Joins 1xPlay as New Ambassador

Rachel Daquis Joins 1xPlay as New Ambassador

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Philippine volleyball veteran Rachel Daquis is taking on a new role outside the court as she joins sports media platform 1xPlay as its latest ambassador.

The partnership brings together one of the country's most recognizable volleyball players and a digital platform focused on sports coverage. According to 1xPlay, the collaboration will include exclusive content, fan activities, giveaways and planned in-person events featuring Daquis.

For Daquis, the role adds another chapter to a volleyball career that has spanned collegiate competition, professional leagues and the Philippine national team.

Why is Rachel Daquis a significant figure in Philippine volleyball?

Daquis built her reputation at Far Eastern University (FEU), where she helped the Lady Tamaraws win the 2008 UAAP women's volleyball championship. FEU later honored her as one of its prominent alumni and retired her No. 3 jersey.

Her professional career includes multiple individual awards. She won Finals MVP honors in the Shakey's V-League and Philippine Super Liga and has also earned best-server and best-outside-hitter recognition during her career.

Daquis has also represented the Philippines internationally. Her experience and longevity have made her one of the more recognizable veteran figures in the country's volleyball scene.

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has continued to feature Daquis in recent seasons, including her return to competitive play with Farm Fresh and her subsequent move to ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in 2026.

What will Rachel Daquis do as a 1xPlay ambassador?

The partnership is expected to extend beyond traditional advertising.

According to 1xPlay, Daquis will participate in content across the platform and her social media channels. Planned activities include:

• Exclusive sports content
• Fan engagement activities
• Giveaways featuring signed merchandise
• In-person fan events
• Photo shoots

The arrangement is initially planned for at least one year.

For a sports media platform, an athlete ambassador can provide a more direct connection to fans who already follow the sport and its personalities. For Daquis, it creates another avenue to engage with volleyball supporters beyond game-day appearances.

How has Daquis' career evolved?

One reason Daquis remains a familiar name to volleyball fans is the length and variety of her career.

She emerged as an FEU standout before moving into professional volleyball and becoming a veteran presence in the national team and club competitions.

Her return to the PVL with Farm Fresh in the 2024-25 season was particularly notable after a period away from competitive volleyball. The PVL reported that she scored 19 points and recorded 13 excellent digs in one of her team's matches during that campaign.

In 2026, 1xPlay's own PVL coverage identified Daquis among the experienced players joining ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles for the season.

Her transition from player to ambassador reflects a broader reality in professional sports: veteran athletes increasingly have opportunities to remain connected with fans through media, community activities and brand partnerships even as their competitive careers evolve.

What does the partnership mean for volleyball fans?

For fans, the most visible part of the partnership will likely be the additional content and opportunities to interact with Daquis.

Signed merchandise, online activities and possible in-person appearances can give supporters access to an athlete they may otherwise only see during matches.

It also highlights how Philippine volleyball has developed beyond the court. Players are now part of a larger ecosystem that includes digital media, social platforms, fan communities and lifestyle content.

That creates more ways for athletes to maintain relationships with supporters between competitions.

Why athlete ambassadors matter to sports media

An athlete ambassador can serve several purposes for a sports platform.

First, the athlete brings an established fan base. Second, their personal experience can add a human element to sports coverage. Finally, regular appearances can create content that goes beyond match results and tournament schedules.

For volleyball, where player personalities and fan communities have become increasingly visible online, this relationship can help connect sports reporting with the broader culture surrounding the game.

The effectiveness of the partnership, however, will depend on whether the resulting content offers fans something genuinely useful or entertaining rather than simply repeating promotional messages.

A new role for a familiar volleyball name

Rachel Daquis' appointment as a 1xPlay ambassador adds a media and fan-engagement dimension to the career of one of Philippine volleyball's established names.

Her record at FEU, professional competitions and the national team has already made her a recognizable figure in the sport.

Now, through her work with 1xPlay, fans can expect to see more of Daquis outside the traditional volleyball court, through digital content, community activities and planned fan experiences.

For Philippine volleyball followers, it is another way to keep up with a player whose influence has extended well beyond a single season or team.

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Repertory Philippines Brings Shakespeare Back to the Stage With A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Repertory Philippines Brings Shakespeare Back to the Stage With A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Mischief, mistaken identities, young love and a little fairy magic are coming to the Manila stage as Repertory Philippines (REP) returns to Shakespeare with A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Directed by REP Artistic Director Jeremy Domingo, the production runs from September 12 to 27, 2026, with performances scheduled across three weekends at Saint Cecilia’s Hall, a National Cultural Landmark located inside St. Scholastica’s College in Manila.

The production marks REP's return to Shakespeare after the company last staged Hamlet in 2008. It also brings one of the playwright's most accessible comedies back to Filipino audiences ahead of REP's upcoming 90th season.

For theatergoers who have encountered Shakespeare mainly through films, books or modern adaptations, the production offers a chance to experience the original language and comic timing on stage.

Why is REP returning to Shakespeare?

Shakespeare has long been part of REP's history as a company devoted to English-language theater.

For Artistic Director Jeremy Domingo, the upcoming production is an opportunity to let Shakespeare's language take center stage rather than substantially rework the play for a contemporary setting.

Domingo describes the production as a faithful adaptation focused on the playwright's text and themes. His approach emphasizes the humor, wordplay, double meanings and sarcasm embedded in the dialogue.

That makes the production particularly interesting for audiences who may know the basic story of A Midsummer Night's Dream but have not experienced it as a live theatrical performance.

REP President and CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio said Shakespeare has been an important part of the company's history and that the production allows REP to revisit that tradition as it approaches a milestone season.

What is A Midsummer Night’s Dream about?

First performed in the late 16th century, A Midsummer Night's Dream is a Shakespearean comedy that intertwines several stories involving four young lovers, a group of amateur actors and a world of fairies.

The plot unfolds around the wedding of Theseus, Duke of Athens, and Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons.

Meanwhile, four young Athenians become caught in a complicated romantic triangle. Their confusion intensifies when they enter an enchanted forest inhabited by fairies, including the powerful fairy king Oberon, fairy queen Titania, and mischievous Puck.

A magical potion becomes the source of even more romantic chaos.

The play's combination of romance, fantasy and comedy is one reason it remains among Shakespeare's most frequently performed works.

Why does Shakespeare's comedy still work today?

Although the play was written more than 400 years ago, its central themes remain familiar.

People fall for the wrong person. Friends misunderstand each other. Parents try to influence their children's choices. Couples argue. And everyone seems to make questionable decisions when emotions take over.

The language may be Elizabethan, but the situations are surprisingly recognizable.

That contrast is part of the appeal of seeing Shakespeare performed rather than simply reading the text. Actors have to make the rhythm, jokes and emotional shifts understandable to a modern audience without removing the language that makes the work distinctive.

Who is in REP's A Midsummer Night's Dream?

REP has assembled an ensemble featuring established performers alongside younger actors.

Randy Villarama, a Leaf Awardee for Best Featured Actor, takes on the dual roles of Oberon and Theseus.

Lesley Leveriza Lina and Giannina Ocampo-Van Hoven alternate as Titania and Hippolyta.

The four young lovers are played by Dani Roque and Isabelle Prado, alternating as Helena, Sevee Eslabra as Hermia, Luis Marcelo as Lysander, and GK Diola as Demetrius.

Joey Cosio-Mercado plays Puck and Philostrate, while Joel Parcon takes the role of Egeus, Hermia's father.

The Mechanicals, the amateur actors who become responsible for some of the play's funniest moments, include Tristan Bite as Nick Bottom, Alexa P. Sandiego as Peter Quince, Rico del Rosario as Francis Flute, Ysh Bautista as Robin Starveling, Robert Bradly Hao as Tom Snout, and Bella Alejandro as Snug.

The fairy ensemble features Bella Alejandro as Peaseblossom, Dana Lee as Cobweb, Rosea Ansay as Moth and Lorrie Figueroa as Mustardseed.

Who is behind the production?

Domingo leads the production as director, with Andie Villegas serving as Assistant Director.

The creative team includes:

• Jay Pangilinan – Musical Director
• Jomelle Era – Choreographer
• Ohm David – Set Designer
• Meliton Roxas – Lights Designer
• Carlos Siongco – Costume Designer

Siongco is the 2026 Gawad Buhay winner for Best Costume Design.

The production team is headed by Production Manager Bojo Barnes, with Phalie Medina as Assistant Production Manager, Nicole Chua as Stage Manager and Marta Muñoz as Deputy Stage Manager.

With costumes, lighting, music, choreography and set design playing significant roles in a Shakespearean fantasy, the production gives the creative team plenty of opportunities to distinguish the enchanted forest from the more formal world of Athens.

Where and when can you watch A Midsummer Night's Dream?

REP's A Midsummer Night's Dream has a limited run at Saint Cecilia's Hall inside St. Scholastica's College in Manila.

Performance dates: September 12 to 27, 2026

Venue: Saint Cecilia's Hall, St. Scholastica's College, Manila

Because the production runs for only three weekends, audiences interested in seeing the show should check REP's official channels for the complete performance schedule, ticket prices and availability.

Why see Shakespeare live?

Reading Shakespeare can be challenging, particularly when encountering unfamiliar vocabulary or expressions. Theater changes that experience.

Actors use movement, facial expressions, timing and vocal delivery to provide context that is not always immediately apparent on the page.

Comedy benefits especially from this format.

A pause can change the meaning of a line. A physical reaction can reveal a joke. And an audience laughing together can make an old piece of dialogue feel surprisingly current.

That is perhaps the most interesting reason to see REP's production: A Midsummer Night's Dream is not simply a literary classic being preserved. It is a play designed to be performed.

A Shakespearean classic with plenty of room for fun

For REP, bringing back Shakespeare is also a reminder of the company's long relationship with English-language theater.

For audiences, A Midsummer Night's Dream offers something lighter than Shakespeare's tragedies while retaining the wordplay, theatricality and observations about human behavior that have kept his works relevant for centuries.

Whether you're already comfortable with Shakespeare or encountering the Bard on stage for the first time, the combination of romance, comedy and fairy magic makes this one classic that does not require a tragic ending.

Repertory Philippines' production of A Midsummer Night's Dream brings Shakespeare back to the Manila stage from September 12 to 27, 2026, at Saint Cecilia's Hall in St. Scholastica's College.

With a cast of established and emerging Filipino theater performers and a creative team led by Jeremy Domingo, the production puts Shakespeare's original language, humor and themes at the center of the experience.

For anyone looking for a live theater experience this September, this Shakespearean comedy offers an entertaining reminder that stories about love, confusion and human folly can remain remarkably familiar, even four centuries later.

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nubia NEOverse Social Run Brings Gaming Brand Into Running

nubia NEOverse Social Run Brings Gaming Brand Into Running

More than 350 runners gathered at MJ Plaza in Makati on August 23 for a 5-kilometer run that marked a different kind of milestone for nubia Philippines.

Known primarily for gaming smartphones and performance-focused devices, nubia used its first-ever NEOverse Max Out Social Run to connect with a community that exists outside gaming.

Held in partnership with Cotti Coffee Philippines, the event brought together runners of different experience levels for a morning built around movement, socializing and post-run activities. The event is part of nubia's broader effort to position the NEOverse as a lifestyle community rather than one centered solely on gaming.

Why is nubia moving beyond gaming?

Gaming remains an important part of nubia's identity, particularly through its performance-oriented smartphones. But the brand's latest campaign suggests that it wants its community to encompass more of the activities that occupy people's everyday lives.

The NEOverse Max Out campaign frames "Max Out" as a mindset that can apply to different interests, from gaming and content creation to studying, work, entertainment and fitness.

The Makati run put that idea into practice.

Instead of gathering players around a game, nubia invited people to run together. The emphasis was on participation rather than competition, giving the event a more casual and social character.

For a technology brand, that is an interesting shift. Smartphones are already part of how people document workouts, track activities, communicate with friends and share experiences. Connecting technology with lifestyle communities allows brands to participate in those moments without making the product itself the entire focus.

What happened at the nubia NEOverse Social Run?

More than 350 runners joined the 5K event at MJ Plaza in Makati City.

The morning included activities before and after the run, turning what could have been a straightforward fun run into a broader community gathering.

After completing the 5 kilometers, participants could enjoy:

• Complimentary Cotti Coffee drinks
• A photobooth
• Games
• Raffles
• Giveaways
• Limited-edition nubia x Cotti Coffee merchandise

The event also featured products and experiences from several partner brands.

Tyeso provided complimentary tumblers, while QuickFX offered products for participants. VIU Philippines provided premium subscription perks for runners looking to unwind with entertainment after the event.

Giveaways included the nubia Neo 5 Max PadPhone and limited-edition nubia x Cotti Coffee merchandise.

What does the event say about today's brand communities?

The most interesting aspect of the event is not necessarily the 5K itself. It is the community strategy behind it.

Technology brands have traditionally built communities around products and specific interests. Gaming brands, for example, naturally attract gamers. But consumers rarely fit into a single category.

The same person can spend an evening gaming, run five kilometers on the weekend, create content for social media and meet friends over coffee.

That makes lifestyle partnerships increasingly relevant for consumer technology brands.

nubia's Social Run brought together several of those interests in one setting: technology, fitness, coffee, entertainment and social media.

The approach also gives a brand an opportunity to meet consumers in an environment where they are participating in an activity they already enjoy.

From GameMaxxing to RunMaxxing

nubia calls this shift from gaming to running "RunMaxxing," extending its existing "Max Out" language into a different community.

The terminology is playful, but the strategy behind it is fairly straightforward.

Rather than asking consumers to enter the brand's world through gaming, nubia is taking the NEOverse into communities that already have their own interests and culture.

Running is a particularly visible example because social runs have become a familiar format for brands, fitness groups and communities in Metro Manila.

A 5K distance also makes the event accessible to a broad range of participants. Experienced runners can treat it as a workout, while casual participants can approach it as a social activity.

Why partnerships matter to the experience

The collaboration with Cotti Coffee Philippines added another lifestyle element to the event.

Coffee and running may seem like separate categories, but both are already part of many urban consumers' routines. A morning run followed by coffee is a familiar social ritual, making the partnership a natural fit for a community-focused event.

The other sponsors extended the experience further.

Hydration, skincare, entertainment and technology all addressed different parts of the morning, demonstrating how multiple brands can contribute to a single consumer experience without competing for exactly the same role.

For nubia, these collaborations also help broaden the NEOverse's identity beyond smartphones.

What is the NEOverse?

The NEOverse is nubia's broader brand community and experience platform. According to the company, it is intended to encompass activities beyond gaming, including content creation, studying, work and entertainment.

The Social Run adds fitness and running to that mix.

This matters because community-building can help consumer technology brands maintain relationships with audiences between product launches. Instead of communication happening only when a new device arrives, events and collaborations create additional opportunities for people to interact with the brand.

That can be especially relevant in the smartphone category, where consumers have many competing choices and product specifications can become increasingly similar across brands.

What comes next for nubia Philippines?

The Makati Social Run appears to be the first of several lifestyle-oriented NEOverse activities planned by nubia Philippines.

The company says Sanya Lopez is scheduled to join nubia Philippines for an exclusive TikTok Live in September, giving the brand another opportunity to engage its audience through a different format.

The combination of physical events, digital content and collaborations suggests that nubia is building the NEOverse as a broader community platform.

Whether that strategy succeeds will depend on whether the brand can sustain meaningful experiences rather than simply attaching its name to different activities.

The challenge for technology companies moving into lifestyle marketing is maintaining a credible connection with each community. A running event works when participants feel they are attending something worthwhile, not simply becoming an audience for a product campaign.

A different way to Max Out

The first NEOverse Max Out Social Run may have been only one morning in Makati, but it represents a meaningful change in how nubia Philippines is presenting itself.

The brand is taking an identity rooted in gaming performance and testing whether the same community-building approach can work across other interests.

For runners, the event was a 5K, coffee, games and a chance to spend a morning with fellow participants.

For nubia, it was something larger: a test of whether the NEOverse can become a community people want to join even when there is no game involved.

nubia Philippines' first NEOverse Max Out Social Run brought more than 350 people together in Makati and gave the gaming-focused smartphone brand a chance to connect with the running community.

The event reflects a broader shift in consumer technology marketing, where brands are increasingly building communities around lifestyles and experiences rather than products alone.

From gaming to running, content creation and entertainment, nubia's next challenge will be turning that wider vision into experiences that feel genuinely relevant to each community it hopes to reach.

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5 Questions Filipinos Can Ask to Build the Life They Want

5 Questions Filipinos Can Ask to Build the Life They Want

Building the life you want does not always begin with a major financial decision. Sometimes, it starts with asking better questions about where your money, time and energy are going.

A newly launched PURPLE Report on Consumer Trade-Offs and Intentional Spending by EastWest Ageas points to a more deliberate approach among Filipino consumers. The report found that people are increasingly weighing everyday financial choices against their priorities, goals and the people who matter to them.

That mindset can be useful whether you are saving for a home, planning a family vacation, preparing for emergencies or simply trying to spend less on things that do not add much value to your life.

Here are five questions worth asking.

1. Am I actually on track?

It is easy to feel busy without knowing whether you are moving toward the things you want.

The same applies to money. According to the PURPLE Report, 52% of Filipinos closely monitor their budgets to determine whether they are saving enough.

But being financially "on track" does not mean having a perfect budget or reaching every goal on schedule. It means knowing what you are working toward and checking whether your current choices are helping you get there.

A simple review can help:

• What are my biggest financial priorities right now?
• Am I saving consistently?
• Are my expenses aligned with those priorities?
• Has anything changed that requires me to adjust my plan?

Checking in regularly can prevent small financial decisions from quietly moving you away from a bigger goal.

2. Am I spending on what matters to me?

The question "Can I afford it?" is useful, but it is not the only question worth asking.

A better question for intentional spending may be: "Is this worth it to me?"

That distinction recognizes that value is personal.

A weekend trip might be an unnecessary expense to one person but an important way for another to reconnect with family. A subscription may seem inexpensive on its own but become wasteful if it is rarely used.

The point is not to eliminate spending on things you enjoy. It is to become more conscious about what your money is actually buying.

This can be especially helpful with small, recurring expenses that are easy to overlook.

Before making a purchase, consider:

• Will I use this regularly?
• Does it support something I value?
• Would I still want it if I waited a few days?
• Is there another way to get the same benefit?

Intentional spending is less about spending as little as possible and more about spending with a reason.

3. What am I willing to let go of?

Making room for important goals sometimes requires deciding what no longer deserves your money or attention.

The PURPLE Report found that 42% of Filipinos are cutting non-essential spending.

That could mean fewer impulse purchases, fewer unused subscriptions or simply becoming more selective about discretionary expenses.

The same principle can apply to time.

Every commitment has a cost. Saying yes to one activity may mean saying no to another. Keeping an expense means having less money available for something else.

Thinking about these trade-offs can make budgeting feel less like deprivation and more like prioritization.

Instead of asking, "What can't I have?" try asking, "What am I choosing to make room for?"

That small change in perspective can make financial decisions feel more purposeful.

4. Who am I doing this for?

Money decisions often have an emotional reason behind them.

A parent may be building an education fund. A young professional may be saving to move into a first home. A breadwinner may be building an emergency fund for the family.

In each case, the financial goal is connected to something bigger.

This is where purpose and people become important. EastWest Ageas uses the acronym PURPLE to represent these two ideas in its Life Looks ____ in PURPLE campaign.

The campaign invites people to fill in the blank according to their own vision of what a good life looks like.

That idea is particularly relevant because financial goals are rarely identical from one household to another.

One person's priority might be financial independence. Another person's might be supporting aging parents, traveling more or having enough savings to change careers.

Knowing the reason behind a goal can make it easier to stay committed when short-term temptations compete with long-term plans.

5. How do I want my life to look?

This may be the biggest question of all.

Financial planning often starts with numbers: income, expenses, savings and investments. But numbers become more meaningful when they are connected to an actual picture of the life you want.

What does a satisfying life look like to you?

It might involve:

• Having enough savings to handle unexpected expenses
• Spending more time with family
• Traveling while you are healthy enough to enjoy it
• Building a business
• Owning a home
• Having greater freedom over how you work
• Preparing for retirement
• Making room for hobbies and personal interests

There is no universal answer.

Your priorities can also change. What matters at 25 may not be what matters at 40 or 50. A financial plan therefore needs room to evolve alongside the person making it.

Why purpose matters when plans change

Even the most carefully planned life can take unexpected turns.

A career opportunity can appear. A family responsibility can arise. An emergency can change the budget overnight. Personal priorities can shift.

A clearly defined sense of purpose can provide a reference point when those changes happen.

Instead of asking whether a decision matches someone else's definition of success, you can ask whether it moves you closer to the life you actually want.

Intentional living is not about getting everything right

It is tempting to think that financial discipline means making the perfect decision every time.

Real life does not work that way.

There will be spontaneous purchases, unexpected expenses and months when saving becomes harder. Intentional living does not require eliminating those realities. It means becoming more aware of the choices being made and understanding their trade-offs.

That awareness can be especially useful as the year moves toward the Ber months, when spending often increases because of travel, celebrations, gifts and family gatherings.

Rather than approaching the season with a strict "spend less" mindset, it may be more useful to decide beforehand what deserves a place in the budget.

That allows you to enjoy the season while keeping sight of larger priorities.

A simple way to start

You do not need a complicated financial system to begin.

Set aside 15 to 30 minutes and write down your answers to the five questions:

1. Am I on track?
2. Am I spending on the right things?
3. What can I let go of?
4. Who am I doing this for?
5. How do I want life to look?

Then compare your answers with how you currently spend your money and time.

The gaps can be revealing.

If travel is important but there is no travel fund, that is something to address. If family security is a priority but savings are inconsistent, that deserves attention. If personal time matters but every weekend is already committed, perhaps something needs to change.

The goal is not to transform your entire life overnight. It is to make the next few decisions more intentional.

A meaningful financial life is not necessarily about having more money. It is about understanding what your money is meant to support.

The five questions highlighted by the PURPLE Report offer a useful starting point for thinking about spending, priorities and future goals. They shift the conversation from simply asking whether we can afford something to considering whether it contributes to the life we want.

Because ultimately, financial decisions are personal. The right choices are the ones that help you create more room for your priorities, your plans and the people who matter most.

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