GMA and HONOR 400 5G Crown Mad Ramos as Ultimate Sparkle Campus Cutie

 

Leading global technology brand HONOR continues to make waves even after the launch of the HONOR 400 5G on June 17. In the recently concluded talent search of GMA, Sparkle Campus Cutie, it has been seen that HONOR Philippines awarded the most deserving among the Top 20 Finalists.

 

“Aside from bringing photos to life, HONOR 400 5G brings dreams to life too. We support up and coming talents across the country that’s why we also partnered up with Sparkle Campus Cutie to make dreams come true,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

 

20 finalists from different schools in the Philippines battled it out for the coveted title of Ultimate Sparkle Campus Cutie. For weeks, the finalists trained under the leading talent institution in the country, Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

 

In the end, it was between Andrei Fajardo and Mad Ramos, and after a tie-clinching decision, the latter was awarded Ultimate Sparkle Campus Cutie—bagging a contract under Sparkle GMA Artist Center, and Php 35,000 worth of HONOR devices. Jayson David was also awarded as the HONOR 400 5G AI Master.

 

About HONOR 400 5G:

 

Stylish and Functional Design

With its sleek design and user-friendly interface, the HONOR 400 is not only a technological marvel but also a stylish accessory. The device’s long-lasting battery life ensures users can capture their favorite moments without interruption, making it an essential tool for both casual and professional photographers.

 

A Community of Creativity

Users have already begun showcasing their creativity through stunning landscapes, dynamic action shots, and candid moments. Each photo highlights the HONOR 400’s ability to adapt to diverse lighting conditions and scenarios, underscoring its versatility as a photography powerhouse.

 

Building on its commitment to innovation, HONOR continues to push the boundaries of what smartphones can achieve. The HONOR 400 represents a significant leap forward in mobile technology, blending functionality with artistic expression to meet the evolving needs of its users.

 

Pricing and Availability

Available in stunning color options—Midnight Black, Tidal Blue and Desert Gold—the HONOR 400 5G is now available for pre-order across the Philippines for only Php 22,999 (24GB + 512GB)! Every pre-order from June 17 to 27, 2025 comes with FREE exclusive items worth ₱9,397, including a JBL Go 4 speaker, HONOR Choice Earbuds Clips, and a Jisulife Pro 1 (available only when you claim on June 28). Plus, pre-order customers get the chance to win a Rolex GMT Master II worth ₱600,000 or a Hermès Lindy Mini Bag worth ₱420,000!

Order now at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, and online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_H400_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_H400_PR, and TikTok Shop https://bit.ly/TikTok_H400_PR.

 

To know more about HONOR 400 5G, head on to: https://bit.ly/Web_H400_PR. For more exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph) and TikTok (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Back from the Top: Century Tuna Celebrates Jeno Panganiban’s Everest Triumph

I still remember my very first mountain climb in Cavite with my son. It was meant to be a simple trek—but it turned out to be the most challenging climb I’ve ever done. The rain poured non-stop during the first three hours, soaking us to the bone and turning the trail into a slippery obstacle course. We started at 2PM and only reached the summit at 8PM. That experience taught me firsthand just how tough the mountains can be—and gave me a deep respect for professional climbers.

So meeting Jeno Panganiban, a true adventurer who conquered Mt. Everest, was nothing short of inspiring. Hearing his story up close reminded me that what these athletes do is far beyond physical—it takes heart, grit, and relentless spirit. You have my highest respect, Jeno.

Almost two decades after the last Filipino summited Mount Everest, Jeno Panganiban, along with two other mountaineers, has made history, putting the Philippine flag back on top of the world.

A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at De La Salle University, Jeno developed his love for hiking when he was a third-year college student. In 2016, encouraged by friends and classmates who posted their hiking photos on social media, Jeno set out to climb his mother mountain, the first mountain that a hiker summits, Mount Talamitam in Batangas, at 21 years old. 

 

Nine years later, he is the youngest male Filipino and the 11th Filipino mountaineer to summit Mount Everest.

“It’s not a light undertaking, and it’s not for everyone,” shares Jeno as he recounts the challenges he experienced throughout his climb. For him, preparing for a climb that fewer than 10,000 people on Earth have accomplished requires years of hard work and dedication.

He resigned from his position as a software engineer and started his own distribution business that supplied healthy fruits and vegetables across Metro Manila to fully dedicate himself to his passion. Unbound to the routine schedule of corporate life, Jeno now had more time to pursue the ambitious climbs that few mountaineers could only dream of.

 

He first visited the Mount Everest Base Camp, the first of the five camps and the lowest elevation camp of the mountain, in 2022, when his aspiration to reach its summit began.

Since then, Jeno has dedicated his training to climbing Mount Everest. His first test that helped him prove his ability to achieve his dream was reaching the top of Mount Manaslu in Nepal, the 8th highest mountain in the world with a peak of 8,163 metres, in September 2024 and two weeks later, climbing a more technical expedition requiring rock climbing, ice climbing, and fixed-line ascent, Mount Ama Dablan in Nepal. 

 

In April 2025, he returned to Nepal and began his ascent to the world’s highest peak with the full support of his family, loved ones, friends, and Century Tuna, along with Filipinos across the country. 

From Everest’s Base Camp to Camp 4, he encountered numerous life-threatening challenges that tested his physical limitations and mental capacity.

 

“You have to be comfortable in being uncomfortable,” says Jeno. “So every day, we made sure that our bodies were in the right condition. I made sure my body and mind were ready for the push.”

 

The first challenge that every Mount Everest summiteer faces is the Khumbu Icefall, a treacherous shifting terrain of seracs (towering ice columns), deep crevasses, and unstable ice blocks that can fall into deep snow cliffs at any time.

 

As Jeno and his expedition team forged higher up the mountain, they faced increasingly freezing temperatures and high altitudes that pushed their bodies to their limit. With the lack of oxygen from the thin mountain air coupled with raging winds, some mountaineers experienced various combinations of altitude sickness symptoms, including migraines, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and lack of appetite.

 

Relying on his training, Jeno rallied through these challenges while experiencing snow blindness and intense sun exposure. He recalled powering through losing the feeling of his fingers and toes at various periods during the climb because he was determined to reach the top, a dream that is, finally, within his reach. He did not want his fellow Filipinos to wait another 20 years for the Philippine flag to be raised on the highest global stage. This journey was more than just about reaching the summit, it was about showing every dreamer back home that with courage in the heart and perseverance in the soul, even the impossible can be within reach.

And when he finally stood at the top of the world, that dream took on a breathtaking form, witnessing the astonishing curvature of the Earth was unlike any other experience in his life.

 

“It’s an incomparable feeling. At first, I didn’t register that I was already there. But when it sunk in, I realized that I was on top of the world. I was higher than any person or any animal in the world,” recalls Jeno.

 

For most, conquering the summit of Mount Everest would be the end of a lifelong journey, the peak of their mountaineering career. But for Jeno, climbing Everest was a pace setter. He is already planning his next climb. He has set his sights on summiting K2, nicknamed The Savage Mountain for its extreme climbing difficulty and dangerous conditions, located on the border between Pakistan and China. Eventually, he plans to finish climbing the 14 mountains on Earth with peaks above 8,000 meters, known as the “8,000-meter peaks.”

 

Jeno has more summits to conquer and he hopes that someday he can pass on the lessons he learned along his climbs to the next generation of Filipino mountaineers who will continue to wave the Philippine flag on top of the world.

Ed Sheeran Shifts Gears with “Drive” for F1® The Album

 MULTIPLE GRAMMY^® AWARD WINNING DIAMOND-CERTIFIED SUPERSTAR ED SHEERAN ENTERS THE RACE WITH “DRIVE” FROM F1^® THE ALBUM .WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO DIRECTED BY CHRIS VILLA HERE 

CO-PRODUCED BY GRAMMY^® WINNERS BLAKE SLATKIN AND JOHN MAYER“DRIVE” FEATURES SHEERAN JOINED BY MAYER ON GUITAR AND DAVE GROHL ON DRUMSSUPERCHARGED COMPANION ALBUM TO APPLE ORIGINAL FILMS’ HIGH-OCTANE,ACTION-PACKED FILM F1^® THE MOVIE FEATURES 17 MASSIVE NEW TRACKS

FROM EXHILARATING LINEUP OF SUPERSTARS, INCLUDING DON TOLIVER, DOJA CAT, ROSÉ, DOM DOLLA, CHRIS STAPLETON, MYKE TOWERS, TATE MCRAE, TIËSTO, SEXYY RED, RODDY RICCH, RAYE, BURNA BOY, MADISON BEER, PEGGY GOU, AND MORE

ALL-NEW SOUNDTRACK CURATED BY THE PRODUCERS OF THEOSCAR^®, GRAMMY^® AND GOLDEN GLOBE^® AWARD-WINNING BARBIE THE ALBUM

F1^® THE MOVIE ONLY IN THEATERS AND IMAX^® + F1^® THE ALBUM EVERYWHERE ON FRIDAY, JUNE 27 

(CREDIT: MARK SURRIDGE)

“One of the most high-profile soundtracks of 2025” – BILLBOARD

“In F1’s soundtrack, Atlantic Records promises a high-rpm joyride for the ages, and they have yet to build a car that can get us to premiere day fast enough” – ROLLING STONE

 

Atlantic Records’ upcoming  F1^®THE ALBUM, the supercharged and star-studded musical companion to Apple Original Films’ high-octane, action-packed film F1^® THE MOVIE, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), is speeding towards the finish line with today’s premiere of “Drive” by 4x GRAMMY^® Award-winning, RIAA Diamond-certified global superstar Ed Sheeran, available everywhere now HERE. F1^® THE ALBUM is available now for pre-order HERE and arrives in stores and at all online retailers on Friday, June 27^th in conjunction with the theatrical release of the feature film, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

 

Produced by GRAMMY^® Award-winner Blake Slatkin (Lil Nas X, Lizzo) and 7x GRAMMY^® Award-winner John Mayer, “Drive” sees Sheeran backed by an all-star combo that includes Mayer on guitar alongside Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl on drums, legendary bassist Pino Paladino (Eric Clapton, The Who), and keyboardist Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters, The Wallflowers), with additional keyboards and drum programming by Slatkin. The dynamic new track is joined by an official music video, directed by filmmaker Chris Villa (Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, A$AP Rocky, Young Thug), premiering today on YouTube HERE.

From the label that brought you the award-winning, blockbuster soundtracks Barbie The Album, Twisters: The Album, The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad and more, F1^® THE ALBUM will feature massive new tracks from an unprecedented lineup of superstar artists, including Ed Sheeran, RAYE, Burna Boy, Madison Beer, Peggy Gou and more. See below for the full tracklisting.

F1^® THE ALBUM was produced and overseen by multi-GRAMMY^® Award Winner, 7x GRAMMY^®  Award nominee, and Atlantic Records West Coast President, Kevin Weaver (Soundtrack Album Producer of Barbie The Album, Twisters: The Album, The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad, Daisy Jones & The Six, Birds Of Prey) along with Atlantic Records’ EVP and Co-Head of Pop/Rock A&R, Brandon Davis and Atlantic Records’ SVP A&R/Marketing, Joseph Khoury. Named by Rolling Stone as a “soundtrack guru,” Weaver has produced numerous multi-platinum soundtrack projects that have amassed tens of millions of albums sold worldwide. Additional key players involved in the project include Soundtrack Album Executive Producers Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer, and Music Supervisors David Taylor and Jake Voulgarides.

Cebu Gets a Caffeine Upgrade: PICKUP PRIME Now Brewing at SM Seaside!

PICKUP COFFEE, the proudly homegrown brand known for having its iconic green carts all over the nation, opens its first premium in-line branch, PICKUP PRIME at SM Seaside City Cebu. 

This milestone brings the company's mission to life: to UPlift every moment and everyone, offering a welcoming space for the PICKUP Community to pick-up their coffee fast, connect and enjoy an elevated PICKUP experience.

“We’re not just here to serve great coffee — our bigger purpose is to UPlift.” says Bien Lee,

Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of PICKUP COFFEE. “While PICKUP COFFEE has always been about quick, feel-good moments on the go, we also wanted to create a space where our community could come together, connect, and enjoy a more elevated PICKUP experience. That’s what led us to launch PICKUP PRIME — a new chapter that brings our mission to UPlift to life in a whole new way.”

Designed in collaboration with Hong Kong-based architectural partners, DEFT, the space brings

together modern style and PICKUP COFFEE’s signature youthful energy—creating an environment

that’s intentionally crafted to make you feel good and UPlifted. Adding to the experience are custom-designed art toys by Filipino artists Dondi Fernandez and Jesse Camacho. Playful, inspiring,

and full of personality, each piece brings the spirit of PICKUP to life and invites customers to engage

with the space in a fresh and meaningful way.

PICKUP PRIME Exclusives

PICKUP PRIME at SM Seaside City Cebu boasts a range of standout offerings designed to enhance

the customer experience:

●

PRIME Exclusive Creations: As part of the new experience, the PICKUP PRIME menu will

feature exclusive PRIME beverages that will be switched up every few months —giving●

●customers something new to look forward to. 

For its pilot release, the lineup brings a fresh

take on your PICKUP favorites and well-loved Filipino flavors like mango, ube, and coconut.

Taking these beloved flavors and adding a fun twist, PICKUP introduces exciting new

beverages like the refreshing Mango Coco Milk, a creamy blend of coconut milk and

mangoes with coconut bits, and Ube Coco Milk, made with coconut milk, ube, and

macapuno. 

Also on the menu as part of the PRIME Exclusive Creations is your favorite Kape Kastila, now swirled with creamy espresso soft serve, creating the new Kape Kastila Sundae Swirl.

Local Collaboration: To complement their signature beverages, PICKUP COFFEE has partnered with Chef Kim from Cebu’s coveted LK Bakery to offer exclusive bites. Chef Kim is an award-winning pastry chef who has honed her craft from years of training locally and abroad. A graduate of ISCAHM, she further specialized in laminated pastries and sourdough in Malaysia and Las Vegas. Bringing her refined expertise back home, she established LK

Bakery with her husband last year, where her creations continue to reflect both her skill and

passion. 

For the exclusive collaboration with PICKUP COFFEE (PRIME), Chef Kim developed

a line of savory and sweet croissants. Namely, the White Choco Matcha Croissant, Strawberry Custard Croissant, Hazelnut Caramel Croissant, Ham & Cheese Croissant, Creamy Truffle & Mushroom Croissant, and Espresso Crookie.. Seamless PICKUP Experience: Embracing tech-savviness and efficiency, customers can continue to order via the PICKUP App or use the self-ordering kiosks at the store for a grab-and-go experience, allowing customers to PICKUP fast and seamlessly.

Rapid growth and future plans PICKUP COFFEE has quickly established itself as a major player in the Philippine coffee scene. In just three years, the brand has grown to 400 branches nationwide, welcomed nearly half a million PICKUP App users, and sold over 40 million cups to date—each one adding to a growing community built on PICKUP moments.

“We've seen incredible growth, and we're just getting started. We're excited to share that we'll be

opening our first PICKUP PRIME in Metro Manila very soon,” notes Francis Flores, PICKUP COFFEE

President and CEO.

“It’s all part of our continued growth and commitment to giving our customerstop-notch quality and doing it fast. PICKUP PRIME lets us do that in a vibrant atmosphere, all while staying true to our mission of UPlifting everyone, everywhere—one PICKUP at a time.

”

Your PRIME Experience Awaits!

PICKUP COFFEE invites everyone to visit PICKUP PRIME at SM Seaside City Cebu and be among the

first to experience their first-ever flagship store. To celebrate, customers can get 25% off (with a

minimum spend of PHP 300) on all orders made through the PICKUP App from June 21 to July 5.

Don’t miss out—experience PICKUP PRIME now!

Savor More, Spend Less: Grab Dine Out Launches in Boracay with Up to 20% Off

 With Grab Dine Out, the Philippines’ leading superapp brings seamless savings, convenience, and curated food discovery to Boracay - making every meal part of the journey. 

Boracay has long been a paradise for sun-seekers. Now, with the help of Grab, it’s a destination for savvy food lovers, too.

Introducing Grab Dine Out - a tech-driven dining experience that lets travelers explore Boracay’s culinary gems while scoring up to 20% off their bill. From beachside breakfasts to golden hour cocktails, Grab’s newest feature transforms your island food crawl into a smarter, more rewarding journey.

Accessible directly through the Grab app, Dine Out is now live across select dining establishments in Boracay. Whether it’s fresh-caught seafood, island-style comfort food, or globally inspired fare, users can now dine their way through the island with curated savings in just a few taps.

“Food is memory, identity, and discovery,” says Grab Philippines Vice-President for Cities CJ Lacsican. “With Dine Out, we’re not just offering discounts - we’re creating new ways for travelers to connect with places and cultures. Every bite becomes a bridge between people, flavor, and stories - powered by tech that makes it effortless.”

Here’s how it works: 

● Dine Out Discounts - Already seated at a Grab Dine Out partner restaurant? Just open the Grab app, tap the Dine Out tab, select the venue, input your bill, and instantly enjoy savings of up to 20%.

 

● Dine Out Vouchers - Prefer to plan ahead? Buy a discounted voucher before your meal — some with chef-curated must-try dishes — and redeem seamlessly when you dine in.

From hidden gems tucked in palm-shaded corners to cult-favorite seaside grills, Grab Dine Out partners span Boracay’s dynamic food scene — including Cathy’s Bistro, Jeepney Stop, Totally Bananas, Kasbar, The Black Attic, La-Ud, and Muchos. More restaurants are being added each week.

Already available in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, this latest island rollout signals Grab’s intent to make food discovery more accessible and more affordable — wherever your journey takes you.

Pro tip: Whether you’re in flip-flops or full resort mode, Grab Dine Out doesn’t just unlock deals — it elevates how you travel, eat, and explore. No guesswork, no bill shock — just great food and even better value.  

From Love to Liberation: LGBTQ+ Titles to Stream This Pride Month

 This month, let Lionsgate Play bring pride to your screen.

From thrilling dramas to poignant comedies, some of the most compelling stories being told today are ones that highlight the LGBTQ+ experience. This month, we've handpicked five captivating shows and films that celebrate identity, explore relationships, and showcase the power of connection. These stories are bold, raw, and unapologetic, promising to entertain, challenge, and resonate with audiences everywhere.

Grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to stream with pride. 

Killing Eve 

What happens when obsession spirals into a dangerous game of cat and mouse? Killing Eve is a deliciously twisted thriller that blurs the line between hunter and hunted. Following the story of Eve (Sandra Oh), a bored MI5 officer, and Villanelle (Jodie Comer), a flamboyant, unhinged assassin, their dynamic is nothing short of electrifying. From sudden plot twists to emotionally charged encounters, the series explores complexities of desire, loyalty, and morality. Will their intoxicating connection survive the violence surrounding them, or will it lead to their undoing? 

High Town 

Revisit the shadows of Cape Cod in High Town, a gritty crime series that dives deep into addiction, redemption, and the search for truth. We follow Jackie Quinones (Monica Raymund), a lesbian federal agent battling her own demons while investigating a murder tied to Cape Cod's opioid epidemic. With stunning cinematography and an intense emotional core, High Town serves up suspense, raw emotion, and a lead character whose flaws make her all the more human. Can Jackie crack the case while saving herself, or will the darkness consume her? 

Casual 

Love, sex, and life get messy in the brilliantly witty dramedy, Casual. This series takes a closer look at family dynamics through the unconventional relationship of Valerie (Michaela Watkins), a recently divorced therapist, her tech-savvy yet aimless brother Alex (Tommy Dewey), and her teenage daughter Laura (Tara Lynne Barr). While not strictly an LGBTQ+ storyline, the show's fearless exploration of romantic and sexual fluidity gives it a fresh edge. Whether it’s navigating modern dating or learning to support each other, Casual serves a hearty dose of both comedy and introspection. 

Emmanuelle

Sensual and groundbreaking, Emmanuelle is a cult classic that explores sexuality and self-discovery without fear or apology. Following the adventures of its titular character (played by  Noémie Merlant), the film challenges taboos and revels in the liberation of desire. It’s bold, it’s provocative, and it’s a story that paved the way for exploring themes of sexual identity with candor. For fans of artful storytelling and unapologetic passion, Emmanuelle is a must-watch. 

A Very English Scandal 

What if the truth was more shocking than fiction? Based on a true story, A Very English Scandal dives into the outrageous 1970s political scandal involving British MP Jeremy Thorpe. Hugh Grant delivers a career-defining performance as Thorpe, a man desperate to keep his relationship with Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw), a secret at all costs. This darkly humorous drama blends satire with genuine heartbreak, illuminating the devastating consequences of societal oppression. 

Celebrate diversity and connection. Watch these  captivating LGBTQ stories on Lionsgate Play via PLDT Home and Smart.