HONOR 500 and 500 Pro Debut Worldwide with 200MP Camera and MagicOS 10

Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR today announced the launch of the all-new HONOR 500 Series, comprising the HONOR 500 Pro and HONOR 500. The HONOR 500 Series redefines the mid-range segment with flagship-class portrait imaging, all-scenario live capture capabilities, extended endurance, and an upgraded MagicOS 10 experience designed for the next generation of young, always-on creators.   

“With the HONOR 500 Series, we are redefining what consumers should expect from a standard, mid-range smartphone. The HONOR 500 is ‘standard’ done right, delivering a complete, well-rounded user experience that is engineered to impress. The HONOR 500 Pro goes a step beyond, building upon the solid foundation to improve upon every facet of the experience, just like what a ‘Pro’ model is expected to do,” said Fei Fang, President of Products at HONOR.  

200MP Portrait Engine: All-Scenario Live Photo   

Both models in the HONOR 500 Series feature the new 200MP AI Ultra-Clear Main Camera, equipped with a category-leading 1/1.4-inch CMOS sensor, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The HONOR 500 Pro also comes with a 50MP telephoto camera that supports HONOR’s self-developed SOIS stabilization system, delivering flagship-grade CIPA5.0 image stabilization performance to ensure images remain crisp and steady even during fast-paced or handheld shooting. 

 

The HONOR 500 Series delivers a comprehensive live imaging experience with industry-first front-and-rear Live portrait modes that add background blur, beauty effects, and atmosphere to every frame. It also introduces an industry-leading range of immersive film-inspired color options, offering six distinct Film Live modes for users to choose from. Additionally, the innovative Live Passerby Removal feature ensures that dynamic moments remain free from distractions, keeping you the focal point at all times. The series also supports effortless 4K-to-Live conversion, enabling users to easily transform 4K videos into 4K Live clips for seamless sharing on social media. 

Snapdragon Flagship Power: Smooth, Fast, and Reliable Performance 

The HONOR 500 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, while the HONOR 500 Pro upgrades to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, delivering flagship-level speed and responsiveness across both models. Paired with the HONOR Phantom Engine 3.0, which accurately anticipates graphical workloads and optimizes rendering processes, the HONOR 500 Series delivers remarkably stable gaming performance, with consistent frame rates in popular titles including Honor of Kings and Genshin Impact.   

8,000mAh Battery: Two-Day Endurance in a Slim 6.55-inch Body 

The HONOR 500 Series features the class-leading 8,000mAh HONOR Silicon-carbon Battery, with an incredible energy density. HONOR 500 Pro and HONOR 500 also support 27W Wired Reverse Charging, providing a convenient way to power accessories and other devices on the go. The standard model also supports 80W wired charging, while the Pro model supports 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging for effortless, rapid battery top-up. 

Flagship-Level Experience: Display, Connectivity, and MagicOS 10 Intelligence 

HONOR continues to lead the industry in eye-protecting display technology. The HONOR 500 Series supports a wide range of eye protection features, helping to alleviate discomfort from natural light fluctuation, flicker, brightness, and more. It also supports features such as AI Defocus Display and AI Motion Sickness Relief to enhance the viewing experience in everyday use.  

The HONOR 500 Pro also features the self-developed HONOR C1+ RF Enhanced Chip, which significantly improves signal reception, network stability, and uplink speed, ensuring smoother streaming, faster uploads in high-traffic and signal-weak areas.  

The HONOR 500 series is equipped with the all-new MagicOS 10 operating system, featuring the industry’s only tiered AI Button. This customizable one-touch button provides instant access to frequently used functions, delivering a more convenient and intelligent interaction experience, making smart living effortlessly accessible. 

Stunning Crystal-Clear Straight Display: Redefining Texture Standards with Exquisite Craftsmanship 

The HONOR 500 Series features an industry-leading integrated cold-carved unibody design, in which the camera module and rear glass are crafted as a single seamless piece. This creates a unified, sculptural surface with a refined hand feel. Benefiting from the redesigned body architecture, the device achieves an ultra-slim 7.75mm profile and an industry-leading narrow 1.05mm bezel. Its new horizontal camera layout emphasizes clean aesthetic lines while freeing internal space for a larger battery, and offers a more comfortable, unobstructed grip in both portrait and landscape orientation. With IP68 / IP69 / IP69K water and dust resistance, the HONOR 500 Series raises the bar for durability and tactile sophistication. 

 

Color and Availability 
 

The HONOR 500 Series is available in four crystal-inspired color options: Blue, Pink, Silver and Black. The HONOR 500 Series will be available in China. 

Never miss the latest updates—visit HONOR Philippines’ official website at www.hihonor.com, or follow their social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Life Doesn’t Slow Down in Your 30s—It Finally Gets Interesting

Getting in your 30s is often seen as the age when things start to slow down, when fun and spontaneity fade, and routine takes over. But what if it’s actually the start of something more exciting?

Your 30s bring a unique mix of freedom, adventure, and vitality. It’s a decade where you can do more with the right mindset and proper nourishment from healthy food and drink like Birch Tree Adult Boost, which helps you stay strong, sharp, and full of life. Birch Tree Adult Boost shares some of the reasons to be excited about your 30s and how you can make the most of them.

 

Opportunities to explore the world with strength and energy

 

 

 Birch Tree Adult Boost brand ambassador Bea Alonzo embraces new adventures with strength and energy.

 

You’ve learned from your 20s and built the confidence to try new things. Whether it’s traveling, pursuing passions, or meeting new people, your 30s are your chance to live fully, and it’s easier when your body feels its best. Birch Tree Adult Boost, with its Vitamin C, Vitamin D, B-vitamins, Iron, and Zinc, supports the adult body to become strong enough to travel the world in their 30s. According to research released by the Philippine Social Science Journal, Filipino millennials show that they tend to travel more often and actively seek new experiences, reflecting a strong desire for exploration and personal growth. 

 

Opportunities to build deeper, healthier relationships

 

You’ve realized that connection matters more than convenience. Investing in meaningful relationships means showing up as your best self, energized, balanced, and emotionally grounded. A study published in the Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal on the values of Filipino millennials, shows that while they still value fun and social interaction, they’re now placing greater importance on relationships rooted in authenticity and emotional depth.

 

Opportunities to give back to others

 

Your 30s often bring a deeper sense of purpose. Many find fulfillment in volunteering or supporting their communities, all of which require the energy and clarity that come from good health. From the same study in the Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, Filipino millennials reveal that caring for others and contributing to the community rank among their most important values. 

 

Opportunities to put yourself first

Bea prioritizes self-care and stays strong for what matters most. 

 

You’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. From sleeping well to eating right, you make intentional choices for your body and mind. With the right nutrition and habits, you can sustain your vitality for everything and everyone you love. Birch Tree Adult Boost, which contains support nutrients like Vitamin C and Iron, helps increase energy and immunity to ensure your body is strengthened for the long run. A recent study on Filipino millennials by Inquiro shows that many of them are now prioritizing wellness and self-care, proving that putting yourself first means staying strong enough to live and give your best.

 

Experts agree that your 30s are a critical window for laying the foundation of long-term wellness. According to Carmina D. Olivenza, MRDM, RND, this decade marks the early onset of measurable shifts in metabolism, immunity, and cognitive load. “This is the stage when wellness must become proactive rather than reactive,” explains Olivenza. 

 

“Current Philippine nutrition studies consistently show that many adults are not meeting recommended intakes for Vitamins C and D, Iron, and key B-vitamins – nutrients that directly support immune defense and energy metabolism. We also see the importance of nutrients like Zinc and B vitamins in sustaining cognitive performance, which becomes essential as daily demands increase in your 30s.” Olivenza emphasizes that protecting your health during this life stage starts with addressing these gaps consistently. “Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients every day helps maintain strong immunity, steady energy, and sharp mental focus – all of which are vital for thriving in your 30s,” she adds. 

 

To support this, fortified milk drinks like Birch Tree Adult Boost, formulated with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, essential B-vitamins, Iron, and Zinc, provide a convenient and reliable way to meet daily nutritional needs and stay at your best.

 

 Bea Alonzo thrives in her 30s with strength and confidence, fueled by Birch Tree Adult Boost

 

Your 30s aren’t a countdown or a scary moment in time. They’re a decade to live for yourself, full of confidence and vitality. For Birch Tree Adult Boost Ambassador Bea Alonzo, award-winning actress and wellness advocate, being in her 30s is a time for balance and becoming. “You’re wiser, stronger, and more confident in your own skin. I started to really focus on what truly makes me happy: my health, my growth, and the people I love. It’s liberating to realize that age doesn’t define you; how you take care of yourself does,” she shares.

 

With small, consistent habits like staying active, eating well, and nourishing your body with Birch Tree Adult Boost, you can live life with vitality and balance. Turning in your 30s isn’t the end of something, it’s the beginning of everything.

 

For more information, visit https://www.birchtree.com.ph/ or follow Birch Tree on Facebook at facebook.com/BirchTreeAdultBoost and on Instagram @birchtreeadultboost for more updates.

Zed Raises $16.5M in Series A Round Backed by Accel

Zed, the credit card startup reinventing banking for the next generation of Filipinos, today announced it has raised US$16.5 million in Series A funding led by Accel, the top-tier venture capital firm known for backing industry-defining companies like Facebook, Spotify, Slack, and Dropbox.

This investment marks a significant milestone for the Philippine startup ecosystem, bringing one of Silicon Valley’s most prestigious investors to the country. Accel joins existing investors Valar Ventures and notable angels including Immad Akhund and Dalton Caldwell, bringing Zed’s total funding to $22.5 million.

Philippines-based credit card startup Zed has raised $16.5M in a Series A round led by Silicon Valley-based investor Accel. This marks a key milestone in expanding credit access across the country and the Southeast Asian region. (L-R: Kathryn Vitug, Matthew Bernardo, Steve Abraham, Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Matthew Steinpreis.)

AI-Native Banking For a New Generation

Zed is solving a problem that millions of young Filipino professionals face: a banking system stuck in the past. Despite having college degrees, stable incomes and professional careers, many young people are rejected by traditional banks due to credit factors embedded in their credit score that don't actually reflect their risk – like the age of their existing credit accounts. This leaves a huge segment of potentially prime customers unserved.

Zed removes these barriers by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to underwrite customers based on current income, transaction data, and other data sources outside of just traditional credit scores. The result is a premium credit card optimized for how young people spend today:

• Global Travel: Zero FX fees or markup, making it the most cost-effective way to spend internationally.

• Smart Security: Unlimited virtual cards with custom spend limits, and auto-closure settings (e.g. single-use or 24-hour cards) for safer online shopping.

• P2P on Credit: The ability to split bills and send money seamlessly, settling later with the monthly statement.

Backed by the Best 

The round is led by Accel, a firm with a decades-long track record of identifying global category leaders early. The investment validates Zed’s ambition to harness AI in serving the vast, credit-worthy population that has been shut out of the global banking system.

“In leading Zed’s Series A, we’re backing a team with the skill and ambition to build AI-powered finance that’s transparent, personal, and accessible for customers overlooked by today’s banks worldwide,” said Nafis Jamal, Partner at Accel.

Jamal added, “Young adults navigating the banking system for the first time often find its doors mostly shut. Opaque fees, clunky apps, and impersonal interactions make it clear these institutions were built for a different era (and a different customer).”

Explosive Growth and Future Plans 

Zed has seen massive demand since its invite-only launch. Strictly through word of mouth, the waitlist has swelled to nearly 200,000 sign-ups. Since the beginning of the year, the customer base has grown 10x and transaction volume has surged ~500%—all while the vast majority of the waitlist has yet to be invited.

With this new funding, Zed is accelerating its rollout to the waitlist and scaling its team. The company is actively hiring for Operations, Risk, Growth, and Support roles in Manila, as well as Product, Design, Data Science and Engineering roles in San Francisco.

“We’re reimagining financial tools to match the speed and ambition of this generation,” said Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Co-Founder of Zed.

“Banks in Southeast Asia are running on infrastructure designed for two decades ago,” added Steve Abraham, Co-Founder. “This round accelerates our plan to rebuild that stack. The world is changing with large language models maturing, and a new generation of experiences across industries will be born. We envision a future where we can deliver a level of personal, proactive banking that used to be reserved for the few, and make it accessible to everyone.”

Stay Crisp, Clean, and Weather-Ready With the LG Styler

 For many professionals, keeping workwear fresh and polished during unpredictable weather has become a seasonal challenge. With the LG Styler, the ultimate clothing care system, you can breeze into the rainy days and head into the next workday looking crisp, refreshed, and ready for any challenge, no matter the season. 

Whether in transit or at work, your clothes naturally absorb trace odors and airborne allergens.  The TrueSteam™ technology eliminates up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, with 100% water and no chemical additives. For delicate pieces like rain-soaked blazers or corporate suits, the Gentle Dry function uses the Heat-Pump Technology to dry fabrics at low temperatures, preventing shrinkage and damage while leaving them hygienically refreshed after every use. 

When it comes to uniforms and daily wear, the Moving Hanger simulates hand-waving motions up to 200 times per minute, gently shaking off dust and wrinkles. Paired with the Refresh function, it ensures clothes are crisp and odor-free, making it easy to rewear the same set of clothing. 

Sharp creases aren’t just a detail, it’s a statement of professionalism. With Pants Crease Care, slacks and trousers retain their lines while minimizing wrinkles, ensuring office-ready polish without the hassle of ironing. You can step out looking sharp, whether it’s for an early meeting, a last-minute presentation, or important client calls. 

Designed to create a more comfortable environment, the Dehumidifying function keeps indoor air fresh and free from excess moisture, even on the most humid days. To make life even easier, there’s no need to visit the dry cleaners, the LG Styler brings professional care right into your home. The LG ThinQ™ app gives you the convenience of controlling and monitoring your Styler remotely, so your clothes are ready exactly when you need them. 

In a season where rain showers and long days are unavoidable, the LG Styler eases you back into daily life, helping you look best without the extra effort, even on the dampest days. Step into each morning confident that your clothes are ready to match your schedule, no matter the forecast. After all, Life’s Good when every detail is cared for, letting you shine through the rain. 

Life isn’t just about having the latest technology—it’s about the meaningful experiences it creates and the impact it brings to our everyday lives. Discover more at www.lg.com/ph  and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on https://www.linkedin.com/company/lg-electronics-philippines-inc/, www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines.  

 

UNIQLO × BABYMONSTER: The Brand’s First-Ever Collab with the Rising K-POP Phenomenon

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO announces the launch of K-POP Group BABYMONSTER UT, its first UT (UNIQLO T-shirt) collaboration collection with the popular K-pop idol group BABYMONSTER. The T-shirt designs capture the feel of“BATTER UP,”one of BABYMONSTER’s quintessential songs. A slightly wide boxy silhouette and shear body material were specially developed for this collection. Crew neck and V-neck types allow wearers to enjoy a variety of stylings. This engaging collection is inspired by the cool and powerful presence that the girls continue to express on the world stage.

UNIQLO teams up with K-pop’ s all-rounder , BABYMONSTER for a vibrant new

UT collection

New exclusive visuals for K-POP Group BABYMONSTER UT collection to be released

UNIQLO plans to release a series of new visuals with group members wearing the UT collection and showing a range of expressions, including group shots and solo cuts. Special visuals such as behind-the-scenes videos of the photoshoot and message videos for customers will be successively released. Through these visual the K-POP Group BABYMONSTER UT collection will provide a unique look into the world of BABYMONSTER.

Collaboration Overview

Launch date: February 2026

Product lineup: WOMEN T-shirts, 6 designs, PHP 790

Store availability: All UNIQLO stores in the Philippines, and the uniqlo.com online store

BABYMONSTER is multi-national K-POP girl group with members from South Korea, Thailand, and Japan that was formed in South Korea by YG Entertainment and debuted on April 1, 2024. The group emphasizes their "all-rounder" status with world-class vocals, dance, rap, and visuals.

Metrobank Empowers First-Time Investors with Simple and Secure Investment Options

 If you’re a young professional or just starting out, you’ve probably heard the advice to "invest your money," but the how-to part is either left to the unknown or felt complicated. There is also this belief back in the day that you need a huge amount of money to start your first investment.

The good news is banks like Metrobank are making investing, especially for first-time investors, easier, more accessible, and most importantly, secure.

The Bank recently introduced Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) Online, a feature in Metrobank Online–its internet banking platform– that enables clients to manage their accounts, make transactions, and explore investment options such as UITFs through a web browser on their computer or mobile device. 

Metrobank UITF Online makes the intimidating process of investing into a simple, confidence-building experience available right at your fingertips.

Your Path to Investing Just Got Easier

Moving your hard-earned savings into a strategic investment is a sign of financial maturity. Metrobank developed this new platform to provide three powerful benefits designed specifically for beginners:

1. Expertise Takes the Lead

One of the biggest anxieties in investing is the fear of making a wrong move. With UITFs, that concern is handled for you. When you invest, your money is pooled with others and managed by multi-awarded and highly skilled Metrobank fund managers.

This means your portfolio is constantly monitored, strategically grown, and backed by professional expertise—giving you the peace of mind of knowing your money is in good hands without requiring you to become a full-time market analyst overnight.

2. Convenience, Wherever You Are

Your time is valuable. Metrobank UITF Online is built to give you the convenience of technology, allowing you to start your investment journey with your device whenever and wherever you are.

• 24/7 Access: With Metrobank UITF Online, which you can access through your Metrobank Online account, you can start investing in UITFs, top up on your investments, and track your portfolio’s performance anytime, anywhere.

• In good, secure hands: Metrobank’s digital platform is built with global security standards, ensuring your transactions are safe and giving you peace of mind as you grow your wealth.

3. A Practical Starting Point

Investing should feel accessible, not exclusive.

• Affordable initial capital to invest: To help you take that crucial first step, you can begin your investment journey with a minimum amount of just PHP 10,000. This makes getting started in investing highly practical. 

• Plenty of options: You’ll have access to an extensive lineup of over 25 different UITF products through the platform, allowing you to choose an investment that best fits your comfort level and financial goals.

By simplifying the entry point and pairing digital convenience with professional management, Metrobank is ensuring that your journey from saving to investing is both secure and straightforward. Moving beyond traditional savings is a significant step, and now it's one you can take confidently with Metrobank UITF Online.

Ready to start growing your money? Learn more about Metrobank UITFs: https://www.metrobank.com.ph/investments/uitf

Start investing easily on Metrobank Online by visiting https://onlinebanking.metrobank.com.ph/