Poten-Cee’s 50th Anniversary Campaign Scores Big at Quill and Anvil Awards

 A year after its 50th anniversary celebration, Ascorbic Acid (Poten-Cee) continues to forge forward as its campaign #FiftyFortifiedandForging Forward scores a win at the Philippine IABC’s Quill Awards held last week at the historical Manila Hotel.  This recent feat marks the brand’s second successive win at two major communications awards, following the PR Society of the Philippines’ Anvil’s Silver in January. 

For effectively conveying its 50th anniversary via #FiftyFortifiedandForgingForward to targeted audiences through a variety of channels and vehicles and then scoring higher than 5.75 based on IABC’s Global Scale of Excellence, Poten-Cee Vitamin C scored an Excellence Award.  

 

In 2024, Poten-Cee communicated its campaign initially to internal stakeholders, believing that employees are the best brand ambassadors and thereafter to external stakeholders that included customers as well as members of media who attested as customers themselves.  
 
The campaign that was conceptualized late 2023 and that ran from January to December 2024, reached audiences through internal platforms and largely ATL, BTL and especially digital platforms. Despite challenges, Poten-Cee achieved remarkable sales, collective digital performances, PR, and stakeholder engagements (including CSR) that pushed its score further. 
 
Notably, among 918 total entries, 163 won an Excellence Award (58 from the same category) where amongst these, Poten-Cee at 50 qualified to be part of the Professional Top 5 Awards. This means the campaign scored one of the highest on a scale of 1 to 7 with 7 being the highest. 
 
According to IABC President Belle Tiongco, “Scoring a Professional Top Awards means you submitted a well-written entry, with clear strategy, creativity, and results accompanied with an impressive Work Plan, showing a sample of the campaign which allowed the evaluator to “experience” the output in a very effective manner. This is how you win the Quills! She adds: “Landing in the final five is a big feat in this very competitive category.” 
 
The #FiftyFortifiedandForgingForward is PascualLab’s 2nd Quill, winning its first Excellence for its 75th anniversary campaign #PascualLove in 2021.  This second award inspires the brand and the company to continue forging forward in delivering various Vitamin C needs across markets. 
 
Poten-Cee’s current portfolio includes: Poten-Cee Sugar-coated, Sugar-free, Forte (1000 mg), and Chewable. It also offers more advanced immunity protection (against other variants) with Poten-Cee Zn and Zn Advance.  It also offers variants that help boost collagen production and that improve skin and hair health: Poten-Cee + C (with Bovine and Marine). Poten-Cee also addresses the vitamin C needs of children with its Poten-Cee Plus, and its newest variant Poten-Cee Gummies variants. For more information, visit pascuallab.com and our official stores at Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok. 

Save ‘N Earn Marks 31 Years of Innovation with HONOR in Bohol

Save ‘N Earn Wireless (SNE), one of the leading and trusted mobile and gadget retail chain in the Visayas, proudly marks its 31st Anniversary with a week-long celebration at Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, in partnership with HONOR Philippines.   

“At HONOR, we believe technology should empower lives. Our partnership with Save ‘N Earn is not just about offering devices—it’s about providing tools that connect communities, boost productivity, and drive progress. Together, we are bringing the future of AI closer to every Filipino,” shared by Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.   

Sealing the partnership. L-R: Mr. Michael Dagasdas, Regional Training Officer for Central Visayas, HONOR Philippines; Ms. Nikki Roldan, Operations Manager, Save ‘N Earn Wireless; Mr.  Pao Oga, PR Manager of HONOR Philippines. 

Save ‘N Earn Wireless, one of the leading and trusted mobile and gadget retail chains in the Visayas, proudly marks its 31st Anniversary with a week-long celebration at Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, in collaboration with HONOR Philippines.  
This year’s theme, “SNE X AI: Empowering the Future of Mobile Life”, highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping lifestyles, productivity, and connectivity. The celebration will showcase interactive and tech-driven experiences through futuristic, AI-inspired booths featuring LED displays, holograms, and smart demo stations.  
“Celebrating 31 years is a milestone made possible by the trust of our customers and partners. With HONOR by our side, we look forward to another decade of innovation, accessibility, and service. This celebration is not just about our legacy but about shaping the future with AI-powered experiences for every Boholano,” expressed by Nikki Roldan, Operations Manager of Save ‘N Earn Wireless.   

The event underscores SNE’s three-decade market leadership while cementing its commitment to bringing innovations to Boholanos. Attendees enjoyed exclusive product promos, immersive tech showcases, and engaging entertainment experiences.  

During the program, Pao Oga, PR Manager of HONOR Philippines shared in his welcoming remarks the mutual goal and intent of the partnership. “The HONOR and Save ‘N Earn partnership stands as a cornerstone of success in the region, driving growth, accessibility, and shared innovation. We are immensely proud of this collaboration, as we go beyond selling devices to create meaningful experiences that empower lives, create productivity, and foster growth.”  

Interactive HoK and HONOR AI Mobile Photography Booth

The event highlighted AI-Powered Experience Zones where customers can explore how AI enhances photography, productivity, and daily living through interactive HONOR devices, including the durable, HONOR X9c 5G, the masterpiece of mobile photography, HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro, the revolutionary HONOR Magic7 Pro, and the thinnest foldable smartphone yet, HONOR Magic V5.   

With its recent partnership with weTrnd and Honor of Kings, the brand initiated an HONOR of Kings Amateur Tournament where HONOR Philippines brings excitement to Boholanos with a competitive esports event featuring the popular game Honor of Kings.   

Six local teams from Bohol participated and battled to get the cash prize worth Php 20,000 and HONOR X6c smartphones. Among the six teams, namely MDM E-Sports, Predators, Sync Warriors, Feline Immortals, Ignite Esports, and Team Hashira, Team Hashira was hailed as the champions of the league. 

 

Team Hashira hailed as Champions. ⁠Members of the team are comprised of the following members: Lienard Sumaylo, Dave Joshua Buid, Christian Darwin Felias, Justin Peter Melan, and Matthew Miles Dag-um 

 

The event concluded with a show-stopping performance from the Tropang Singers, a group of talented homegrown artists from Bohol who captivated the audience with their powerful vocals. 

For more information about the HONOR Philippiness, visit and follow HONOR Philippines’ social media pages on: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).  

Celebrate 150 Years with American Standard: Win a Hybrid Electric Sedan, E-Bike, and More

 For 150 years, American Standard has been part of homes around the world—helping families create spaces filled with comfort, life, and love through its trusted bathroom and kitchen products. From simple routines to cherished family moments, the brand has stood the test of time with quality, innovation, and design that enrich everyday living.

As American Standard celebrates its milestone 150th anniversary, the brand honors this remarkable journey with a grand gesture of gratitude to its loyal Filipino customers –  the American Standard 150 Raffle Promotion at all Wilcon branches nationwide. Shoppers have a chance to win coveted prizes, including a Hybrid Car, a Honda EM1 Electric Vehicle, a Xiaomi MiSmart Electronic Bike, and American Standard products.

“American Standard 150 Raffle Promotion is our way of celebrating this milestone and thanking customers who have supported us across the years,” says Hermie Fernando Limbo, Country Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Philippines.

Running until February 28, 2026, the promo entitles customers to one (1) raffle entry for every Php10,000 single-receipt purchase of American Standard products at participating Wilcon branches. Exciting prizes include: 1 unit BYD Hybrid Electric Sedan, 1 unit Honda EM1 Electric Vehicle, 1 unit Xiaomi Mie-bike, and 150 units of American Standard products(Duostix Hygiene Spray, Smart Washer Manual Bidet, and Neo Modern 3-Way Rain Shower). 

Winners will be notified via their registered email and contact number and will also be announced on Wilcon’s official Facebook page. For complete details, visit Wilcon Depot PH.

To mark its 150th year anniversary, American Standard is also bringing together its valued trade partners, architects, designers, and media friends for a Special Partners’ Night themed “Inspired by Life.” The event will feature tributes to the brand’s heritage, inspiring showcases, and a glimpse into the future as American Standard ushers in a new era under its refreshed brand claim: “Life. Love. Home”.

For generations, American Standard has been a trusted companion in homes, supporting personal moments of self-care, family routines, and connections that matter most. As it steps into its next chapter, the brand remains committed to designing products that make everyday living better—continuing a legacy that began 150 years ago.

(DTI Fair Trader Permit No.: FTEB-234606 Series of 2025)

For more information, visitwww.americanstandard.ph. Follow American Standard on Facebook (@AmericanStandardPH) and Instagram(@americanstandard_ph) for more updates.

From Spending to Growing: Unlock Smarter Money Moves with Maya

 Let’s be real: Money these days feels like it disappears the second it hits your account. Prices keep climbing, bills never take a break, and that dream trip? Always just a little out of reach. If you’re already grinding this hard for every peso, it’s only fair your money hustles just as hard for you.

That’s where Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, changes the game. Unlike the small returns you get from other banks, Maya Savings gives you one of the highest rates with up to 15% per annum. You only need to use Maya for your daily transactions. That’s your money multiplying faster than your weekend plans stack up.

You can even get extra intentional with your finances by setting up to five Maya Personal Goals accounts. Each one earns 4% p.a. from the get-go, and the rate grows every time you add ₱20,000—going up to 8% p.a. on deposits up to ₱100,000. Whether it’s for travel, concert, or a rainy-day fund, every peso you tuck away is clocking in overtime. And if guaranteed returns are more your style, Maya Time Deposit Plus has you covered. You can lock in your money for 3, 6, 12 months with rates as high as 6% p.a. on deposits of up to ₱1 million per Time Deposit Plus account, and with up to 5 accounts, that’s as much as ₱5 million in total interest-earning deposits. The best part? Unlike traditional time deposits, you can keep adding funds anytime, even after reaching your target amount. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” way to grow your money with peace of mind.

And here’s the plot twist: growing your money doesn’t stop when you save, it happens when you spend, too. With the Maya Black Credit Card, every swipe earns you Maya Miles. Your morning latte, that spontaneous online checkout, even your flights themselves all turn into future travel, dining, and shopping wins.

If you’re a Landers loyalist, the Maya Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card is your ultimate cheat code. Imagine 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% everywhere else. Whether it’s groceries, date nights, or little splurges, you’re always getting something back.

The truth is, not everyone gets handed financial advantages, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build your own. With Maya’s powerful savings and rewarding credit cards, your money isn’t just safe, it’s stretching, multiplying, and hustling right alongside you.

Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated.Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

 

Milo Cruz and Migo Valid Step Into Bagets’ Daredevil Role—Get Ready for Bagets The Musical

 The fun-loving barkada of Bagets The Musical is not complete without the one who leads the group into trouble and somehow saves the day. VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts shine the spotlight on Tonton, who is set to charm thousands of theatergoers.

Meet Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as they embody Tonton, Bagets’ resident daredevil, first made iconic by William Martinez.

 

Milo Cruz reimagines Tonton

With his P-pop debut with Xerenade on the horizon, Milo Cruz is already expanding his craft as Tonton in Bagets TheMusical. The rising artist brings new depth to the character.

 

“Tonton is a repeater, yes,” he explains. “But if we move past that — past his kalokohans — we see that he’s really just a normal kid who has to learn life the hard way.” For him, it is through challenging moments that one can truly grow and mature.

 

"Masaya maging high school. ‘Yung tipong pwede kang mag-procrastinate ng assignments tapos tambay lang pagkatapos,” says Cruz. “Pero kailangan nating maintindihan na hindi tayo pwedeng maging bata lang habambuhay.”

 

Such lessons are what the audience can look forward to in Bagets The Musical — scenes that show life before the Internet and how raw and simple those times were.

 

Cruz shares that he’s feeling both nervous and excited for the show. He promises to give his best, drawing on his years of singing and dancing, now adding acting to his repertoire.

 

Migo Valid on why his character feels familiar

The stage adaptation of the 1984 classic marks Migo Valid’stheater debut. With films like Hold Me Close, A Glimpse of Forever, and Penduko to his credit, he admits he never expected to land the role.

 

“First time ko mag audition sa PETA,” says Valid. “Sabi ko, ‘I just want to make the panel smile.’” 

 

“I wasn’t expecting anything then, so being cast as Tonton is such a blessing.”

 

The beloved character is the barkada’s risk-taker — charming, reckless, yet caring.

 

“I’m very much like him,” he laughs. “Back in high school, I had my wild moments, too. But those experiences helped me grow.”

 

Taking a moment to reflect, he says what struck him most was the feeling of being left behind — an emotion he shares with the persona.

 

“Minsan napapatanong ako kung tama pa ba ‘yung mgaginagawa ko,” the 23-year-old shares, thinking about his late start in showbiz. “But like Tonton, keep moving forward angmentality.”

 

Such a mindset has helped him land a major part in BagetsThe Musical, opening doors to a new chapter in his career.

 

Both artists are part of the P-pop group Xerenade. With their shared love for performing, they’re set to take audiences on a ride and make everyone fall for Tonton’s charm and complexity. 

 

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with more cast members to be revealed soon. Joining Cruz and Valid in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert. The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.

 

Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Accelerating Digital Payments: Visa Brings Banks Together for Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay

 Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is empowering different financial sector stakeholders to adopt the xPays - or mobile payment providers such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay – in the country. In an enablement workshop, Visa collaborated with regional partners – including Google Southeast Asia, Vietcombank, and Starbucks Vietnam – to gather key insights and best practices on how local banks can effectively integrate, launch, and scale xPays in the Filipino market. 

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (“BSP”) recently stated that mobile payment providers like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay are classified as technology service providers, and not operators of payment systems (OPS), which require prior registration to operate. This means the xPays cannot hold funds for Filipino consumers and will need to be linked to users’ credit, debit, or e-money accounts to work.

From left to right – Visa Philippines Head of Product Ezer Escolar, Visa Head of Product, Regional Southeast Asia Poojyata Katar, Vietcombank Deputy Director of Retail Product Department Nguyen 

Hong Thanh, Starbucks Vietnam Head of Business Development and Marketing Nguyen Bao Tram, Google Payments Strategic Partnerships Lead for Asia Pacific TG Ramakrishnan, and Visa Head of Product for Vietnam and Laos Kelvin Utomo

Once a Visa card is added to a digital wallet like Google Pay, it can be used to tap and pay in stores, online, or in apps, without needing the physical card. Every transaction is protected by Visa’s security technology, offering peace of mind with every purchase.

In Southeast Asia, tokens are used through xPays in markets such as Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand to create a seamless and secure payments experience for consumers and businesses. Tokenization is at the core of this technology, where every time a Visa card is added to an xPay, the actual card number is replaced with a unique digital token. This token is stored securely on the device and is used, alongside a dynamic cryptogram, to authorize each payment. This means the cardholder’s real account information is never shared with merchants or stored on the device, which significantly reduces the risk of fraud. 

Visa has issued more than 10 billion tokens as of 2024, with more than 1.5 million e-commerce merchants transacting with Visa tokens everyday. Visa's Token Service (VTS) contributed to a US$2 billion uplift for merchants in Asia Pacific in 2023, while payment fraud rates have been cut by more than half (58%).

Visa’s enablement workshop featured sessions from Google Payments Strategics Partnership Lead for Asia Pacific TG Ramakrishnan, Vietcombank Deputy Director of Retail Product Department Nguyen Hong Thanh, and Starbucks Vietnam Head of Business Development and Marketing Nguyen Bao Tram, highlighting how xPays enable growth for both card issuers and cardholders.  

"Vietcombank has been a trusted partner of Visa in delivering seamless payment experiences to Vietnamese consumers. We’re proud to share our key learnings with peers across the region," said Nguyen Hong Thanh, Deputy Director of Retail Product Department from Vietcombank, the largest commercial bank in Vietnam. Both Google Pay and Samsung Pay have been available in Vietnam since 2022, while Apple Pay went live in 2023.

“Digital wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay amplify the power of Visa by delivering secure, seamless, and innovative payment experiences for consumers, businesses, and our banking partners. Each tap is protected by Visa’s network token technology, ensuring trust and security while advancing the Philippines’ digital payments landscape. As a trusted global partner, Visa is proud to support the country’s financial inclusion goals by connecting local innovations to our global network –helping Filipinos pay and be paid with confidence, and driving inclusive growth across communities,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines.

The adoption of xPays in the Philippines is seen to expand digital and financial inclusion for both Filipinos and foreign travelers, who have come to expect seamless digital payments. Across Asia Pacific, 97% of travelers say that they will bring credit, debit, or prepaid cards on their trips, while only 17% intend to bring foreign currency. In the Philippines, 44% of travelers report encountering various payment problems, including non-acceptance by merchants.

According to the latest BSP data, digital retail payments now account for 57.4% of total transaction volume in the country, exceeding the 2024 target under the Philippine Development Plan and on track to meet the 70-percent target by 2028.

HONOR Magic V5 Now Available Nationwide—Comes with FREE HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip Until Sept. 30!

 

Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines announced the nationwide availability of its newest and most durable foldable HONOR Magic V5! You can now get it from any HONOR Partner and Experience Stores or online via: Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_V5_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_V5_PR), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_V5_PR). And only until September 30, you can get it with a FREE HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip worth Php 4,999!

Foldable with Unparalleled Durability 

The HONOR Magic V5 sets a new industry benchmark for portability in foldable smartphones, featuring an ultra-slim 8.8mm body and weighing as little as 217g. These advancements reflect HONOR’s relentless pursuit of engineering excellence, made possible by the industry leading AI-powered manufacturing system. This revolutionary process enhances structural reliability and integrity, delivering an almost crease-free fold and elevating the user experience that can be felt with every interaction. 

The HONOR Magic V5 features IP58 and IP59 ratings for dust and water resistance. Engineered with HONOR’s Carbon Fiber Reinforced Inner Display Panel and Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield on the outer screen, the device delivers exceptional resilience against scratches and everyday impact. Internally, a carbon fiber layer with 380GPa deformation resistance acts as a powerful shock buffer. The HONOR Super Steel Hinge also has an impressive tensile strength of 2300MPa, further strengthening the device while enabling smooth folding action.

 

Available in three stunning colorways Ivory White, Dawn Gold, and Reddish Brown, you can now get HONOR Magic V5 for only Php 89,999 at any HONOR Partner and Experience Stores or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_V5_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_V5_PR), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_V5_PR) with FREE HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip worth Php 4,999 until September 30, 2025!

 

For more information about the HONOR Magic V3, you may visit:https://bit.ly/Web_V5_PR. To be in the loop of exciting updates, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on: Facebook(Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).