SABA-day: A Tribute to Filipino Farmers and the Beloved Saba Banana

 SABA-day”, a celebration of our local banana variety, saba, and a tribute to Filipino farmers, the real top banana.

Villa Socorro Farm, a social enterprise established by the Aaron family on the 8th of August 2008, in Pagsanjan, Laguna, launched the country’s very first event dedicated to honoring Filipino farmers, and highlighting the saba banana. The showcase took place last Saturday (SABA-do), February 22, 2025.

“Ben” the banana, Villa Socorro Farm Sabanana Banana Chips’ new mascot, took a trip to the city to welcome guests. 

SABA-day had various booths and activities categorized as Food Trip and Laugh Trip. 

Food Trip: A variety of packed snacks by Villa Socorro Farm, Saba-based culinary delights by the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA), and concoctions of Saba-retto cocktails by Naughty Bro. 

Laugh Trip: Human claw machine, lawn games, and performances by a magician, a ventriloquist, stand-up comedians, and a special drag performer.

 

The event had a festive "Fiesta" feel combined with a cozy "Coachella" concept. The attendees lounged at the Sunlife Amphitheater, BGC Arts Center while munching Sabanana Banana Chips and enjoying a free show. Saba-day also featured exclusive items from brand collaborators such as Bagnana (a bag made of banana fiber) by Zarah Juan, Labunana plushies by Karaw Crafts and Dubai-nana Chocolate by 1919.

   

Admission to SABA-day was free, but the attendees were encouraged to extend their support through love offerings for Farmdation, Villa Socorro Farm’s initiative dedicated to providing farmers with essential training, tools, and resources for sustainable growth.

A key moment of the event was the unveiling of Villa Socorro Farm’s new products in the afternoon. Raymund Aaron, Villa Socorro Farm’s Banana Chief emphasized the company’s vision, “We may be a small family business, but we certainly have a big heart. Saging lang nga naman ang may puso. Ngayong SABA-day, kami ay inyong kaSABAy sa kasiyahan.”

“Thank you for celebrating SABA-day with us, and for sharing the same advocacy. You are now part of our farm-ily. Maaasahanninyong, ang pamilyang Aaron ay tutulong sa pag-ahon ng mgamagsasaka... para SA Bayan,” stated Villa Socorro Farm’s Señorita, Diana Aaron - Ong,

Villa Socorro Farm is committed to world-class farming that nurtures farm-ilies. 

They are driven by sustainable and community-driven farming practices, ensuring that local farmers have the resources and opportunities to thrive. Their business model goes beyond crop cultivation. They also offer food manufacturing (FarmFood), furniture fabrication (Farmniture), farm tourism (Farmcation), and education for farmers (FarmEd). 

 

Through SABA-day and other advocacy initiatives, the Aaron family aims to elevate awareness on the vital role of farmers in national development by fostering a deeper appreciation for local produce.

 

Red Ribbon launches the new Supreme Caramel-Mocha Dedication Cake

Red Ribbon’s newest creation is here to take your birthday to the next level with the new Supreme Caramel-Mocha Dedication Cake. You get a supremely loaded  birthday cake that combines two delicious flavors and a supremely loaded design to make your celebration even more special. 

There's an undeniable magic to a birthday cake – it's not just a sweet treat, it's the centerpiece of celebration, a symbol of joy and the beauty of life itself. It transforms every shared moment, big or small, into something truly special. But the real star of the show is the birthday celebrant.

 

It's about showering them with love and appreciation, making them feel like the VIP they are on their special day. When the celebrant's face lights up with happiness, the party truly comes alive.

 

Their joy becomes our joy, and right in the middle is a cake that brings everyone together. It's the perfect ingredient for creating those unforgettable moments, the ones you'll cherish long after the candles have been blown out. 

 

The Supreme Caramel-Mocha Dedication Cake is designed to impress. Its decadent caramel and mocha icing and rich caramel drippings create a striking presentation that promises a delicious celebration that will have everyone eagerly anticipating their first bite.

 

Every celebration deserves a showstopper birthday cake that transforms the moment into a cherished memory. Red Ribbon's New Supreme Caramel-Mocha Dedication Cake delivers exactly that—a sweet, delicious centerpiece that makes birthdays truly special, one slice at a time.

 

Level up your next birthday celebration and experience the all-new Supreme Caramel-Mocha Dedication Cake, starting at just Php 599! Visit the nearest Red Ribbon store or order via the Red Ribbon app or delivery website, or via the GrabFood and foodpanda apps.

 

LG TVs Amplify the Viewing Experience with Advanced Display Technology at Art Fair Philippines 2025

LG Electronics, a proud exhibit partner, brought a fresh perspective to Art Fair Philippines 2025 with its cutting-edge TV displays. As one of the country’s premier art events, the fair continued to push creative boundaries in its new home at Ayala Triangle in Makati City last February 21-23, 2025. It offered an even more immersive space where art and technology merged, amplifying the creative storytelling of the best Philippine contemporary arts. 

Beyond Displays: A Tech-Infused Art Experience

The stunning LG OLED C4 captivated art enthusiasts  with its vibrant welcoming display upon entrance, while the LG StanbyME displayed interactive maps and essential event details, which served as a guide for a smooth and enriching journey through the fair.

At the heart of the tour was the TLYRbCollective Gallery, a dynamic groupbof creatives redefining contemporary art by merging technology, culture, and creativity. From curating blockchain-based art to pioneering new approaches that seamlessly integrate digital and traditional mediums, they continue to push artistic boundaries. Artworksbby dedMan, Ericson Calibo, James Fowler, and other visionary artists were brought to life on LG’s advanced OLED G4 and C4 screens, ensuring unmatched clarity, precision, and depth. 

Their works embody a deep contemplation on life, merging technology and artistic expression to craft thought-provoking pieces. Through the fusion of reality and abstraction, a distinct visual language took shape, delving into personal conflicts and environmental observations. The theme of construction and decay evoked both fragility and transformation, layering each piece with profound meaning—an approach that LG OLED’s technology captured with exceptional detail and nuance.

Partnering with TLYR Collective this year, LG took digital and contemporary art appreciation to the next level, elevating each masterpiece with exceptional depth and vibrancy through its industry-leading OLED displays. The LG OLED C4, powered by the α9 AI Processorn Gen7, refined every detail with transformative yet life-like precision, while AI Brightness Control adapted to the ambient lighting of the venue, ensuring crisp and clear visuals. Its Brightness Booster enhanced clarity with an improved Light Boosting Algorithm,band with self-lit OLED 4K technology, the colors appeared richer and more vibrant, staying true to the artist’s vision.

Meanwhile, the LGbOLED G4, featuring a sleek OnenWall Design, seamlessly integrated into the gallery space, putting the focus solely on the art. Equipped with the α11 AI Processor, AI Noise Reduction, and AI Super Resolution, it fine-tunes resolution which delivers breathtaking clarity. Its enhanced Light Boosting Algorithm and Light Control Architecture elevated the brightness of the artwork by 150% and made every detail stand out. 

More LG TVs were positioned across key areas  in Tower 1 and Tower 2, displaying an interactive map and providing essential event information to enhance the visitor experience.

LG provided two LG OLED Posé units for The Talks Hall, supporting Art Fair Philippines' mission to engage a wider audience in contemporary art through meaningful discussions. With its soft, rounded edges and muted beige fabric finish, Posé seamlessly blended into the space, creating an inviting setting for insightful conversations. Beyond a display, it transformed into an elegant frame, showcasing curated visuals that enriched the experience. Its self-lit OLED technology with Brightness Booster ensured vivid colors and fine details, enhancing presentations by esteemed speakers. Among the notable speakers were Dir. Jeremy Barns of the National Museum of the Philippines, who shared insights on Sustaining Heritage and Contemporary Legacies: A National Museum Perspective, and Ambeth Ocampo, who explored the life and work of Fernando Zóbel through archival images, offering a deeper understanding of the artist-patron’s intellectual curiosity and artistic journey.

Committed to expanding artistic engagement, Art Fair Philippines co-founders Trickie Colayco-Lopa, Lisa Ongpin-Periquet, and Geraldine “Dindin” Araneta continuously reimagine the fair, introducing fresh and innovative experiences each year. More than just a platform for contemporary art, their vision fosters meaningful connections between artists who are new to the scene and those with established careers. This year, the fair takes a broader scope by welcoming not only local artists but also international artists and galleries, creating a richer exchange of ideas and perspectives. Through thoughtful curation and dynamic collaborations, Art Fair Philippines continues to evolve, strengthening its role as a vital space for artistic dialogue and cultural appreciation.

Photo from Art Fair Philippines

Aligning with this vision, LG Philippines partnersnwith Art Fair Philippines 2025 to further enrich artistic engagement and drive the evolution of art.

"Seeing technology seamlessly complement artistic expression reaffirms our belief that innovation isn’t just about advancement—it’s about elevating experiences."nSaid Mr. Nakhyun Seong, LG Philippines Managing Director. "We at LG Philippines are truly honored to be this year’s exhibit partner at Art Fair Philippines 2025. We’re grateful for the opportunity to empower artists, ensuring their vision is not only seen but truly felt—bringing greater depth, clarity, and emotion to every piece, and allowing audiences to connect with art in more meaningful ways."

Adding to the celebration of creativity, Jaime Gusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of Ayala Corporation, was also seen posing alongside the stunning LG OLED display.

As the world’s No.1 OLED TV brand for nearly 12 consecutive years, LG ensures that each masterpiece is displayed with unmatched depth, color accuracy, and brilliance—a masterpiece presented onna masterpiece, perfected by time-honed expertise. With a deep commitment to the arts, LG continues to empower creativity and innovation, providing advanced display technology that brings artistic visions to life. LG continues to embody its belief that Life’s  Good when art and technology come together to inspire, engage, and enrich communities.

Life's about more than having the latest technology;nit's about the experiences technology creates that impact our lives. Like and follow LG Philippines’ social media accounts (@lgphilippines) on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and visit www.lg.com/ph for more information.

Freelance Smarter: Maximize Your Earnings with Maya

 Freelancers, get ready to fall for a relationship that’s as rewarding as it is effortless. With Maya—the #1 Digital Bank App in the Philippines—you’re about to experience a Freelance with Benefits journey that’s all about keeping every peso you earn, with perks that’ll make you swipe right every single time.

Stage 1: Swipe Right – The Start of Something Casual Yet Oh-So-Beneficial 

Why settle for a relationship that leaves you with empty promises? At first glance, Maya catches your eye with zero drama and zero fees. Imagine free PayPal and Wise transfers that deliver cashback for PayPal and Wise on transfers of at least ₱15,000—just a taste of the good stuff waiting for you. 

You can even pay your BIR taxes on the app with zero convenience fees for first-time BIR tax payments plus ₱20 cashback for a hassle-free experience. It’s a casual hookup with benefits that make every peso count!

Stage 2: The Hookup – When Things Heat Up 

Once you’ve swiped right, it’s time to get comfortable. Maya transforms your everyday freelance hustle into an affair with benefits—effortless money management and rewards that keep the excitement alive. Whether it’s watching your savings grow at up to 15% interest per annum with Maya Savings or setting personal goals with mini savings accounts earning 6% interest, every interaction with Maya feels like a sweet, no-strings-attached hookup that makes your money work overtime.

And it doesn’t stop there—manage your bills, send money, and even settle your SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG contributions with just a few taps. Plus, with added security from exclusive insurance plans via SingLife, you’re always protected while you indulge in your independent lifestyle.

Stage 3: Casual to Committed – When Benefits Turn Into a Lasting Affair

When the perks keep rolling in, you know this isn’t just a casual fling—it’s a committed relationship with your finances. Maya Easy Credit offers instant, hassle-free access to credit, so you’re always ready for those unexpected twists—be it a delayed payment, an urgent expense, or a career-changing opportunity you just can’t miss. With Maya, every peso stays with you, and every benefit makes your freelance life smarter and more secure.

From free transfers and high-yield savings to seamless payments and instant credit, Maya is the one-stop app that transforms your freelance hustle into a full-blown, benefit-packed romance.

Ready to upgrade your freelance relationship? Switch to Maya, keep every peso you earn, and enjoy the perks of a Freelance with Benefits lifestyle. Visit maya.ph/freelancer, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

AirAsia Philippines stands in solidarity with the Muslim community during the holy month of Ramadan

 With an estimated 15 million Muslims residing in the Philippines, AirAsia Philippines stands in solidarity with the Muslim community during the holy month of Ramadan, offering convenient and inclusive travel experience.

Filipinos planning to embark on religious pilgrimages such as Hajj and Umrah can conveniently fly across AirAsia’s 136 routes. From Manila, guests may connect to AirAsia’s mega hub in Kuala Lumpur and fly to Jeddah, the principal gateway to Mecca, via  non-stop flights lasting approximately 9 hours. 

Muslim travelers also have the option of subscribing to services provided by Ikhlas,  a dedicated platform providing seamless online access to faith-based services, including Umrah and Hajj travel, Shariah-compliant lifestyle choices including Muslim-friendly travel packages, and other religious obligations. Ikhlas is accessible via ikhlas.com or by downloading the Ikhlas app. 

“As an airline that deeply values diversity and inclusivity, we want to take part in meaningful journeys such as pilgrimage. Our fly-thru option conveniently connects our guests from one AirAsia destination to another without the hassle of collecting baggage at the transit hub. Our Muslim brothers and sisters can also fly with confidence as we offer a variety of Halal-certified in-flight meal options that are thoughtfully aligned with their dietary requirements,” AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan shares. 

As AirAsia continues to champion affordable and accessible air travel, the airline remains dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for guests of all backgrounds, especially during meaningful occasions such as Ramadan.

HBO ORIGINAL DRAMA SERIES LANTERNS BEGINS PRODUCTION

 Production has commenced on the HBO Original drama series Lanterns on the historic Warner Bros. lot in Burbank. The series, an HBO Original production in association with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, is based on the iconic DC title Green Lantern.   

The series follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.

 

Cast includes Aaron Pierre, Kyle Chandler, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, and Ulrich Thomsen.

 

Chris Mundy, Executive Producer and Showrunner, quote: “From the start, our driving force has been to deliver a layered drama – rooted in nuanced storytelling and rich world building – that balances tension and mystery with honest, authentic emotion. The goal is to create something that feels timeless and grounded without sacrificing the magic of the source material.”

 

HBO in association with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios. The Lanterns pilot is co-written by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and Tom King. The first two episodes are directed by James Hawes, with Stephen Williams, Geeta Vasant Patel and Alik Sakharov also tapped to direct. The series is executive produced by Mundy, Lindelof, James Gunn, Peter Safran, King, Ron Schmidt, and Hawes. Based on the DC comic “Green Lantern.”  

 

Subscribe to Max at  www.max.com or via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store from only ₱149/month & ₱1,040/12 months and stream on Max via your preferred device. Max is also available via Cignal, Smart and PLDT Home.

Black Eyed Peas Live in Manila!

 Breaking News – Six-time GRAMMY® Award-winning trio and one of the best-selling groups of all time, BLACK EYED PEAS is finally coming to Manila on August 27, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets go on-sale on Saturday, March 15, 12PM via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.

Over the past 30 years, the Los Angeles trio–will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap, and Taboo–have achieved sales of 35 million albums and 120 million singles across seminal releases such as Elephunk, The E.N.D., and more. One of the era’s biggest acts, they emerged as “the second best-selling artist/group of all-time for downloaded tracks” (Nielsen) and landed on Billboard’s “Hot 100 Artists of the Decade”. In 2011, they dazzled the world with a landmark performance at the Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show.

They have released several chart-topping hits, including “I Gotta Feeling”, “Where is the Love?”, “Pump It”, “Boom Boom Pow”, “My Humps”, “Meet Me Halfway”, “Let’s Get It Started”, “The Time (Dirty Bit)”, “Don’t Stop The Party”, and many more.

 

Their eighth studio album, TRANSLATION, achieved staggering international success after its release in 2020. Featuring major collaborations with artists such as J Balvin, Ozuna, Maluma, Shakira, Nicky Jam, and Tyga, the long-player garnered eight nominations at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, including ‘Crossover Artist of the Year” and “Hot Latin Song of the Year” for “RITMO” and a nomination at the 2021 Latin Music Awards for ‘“Favorite Artists - Crossover”. The album resulted in a series of chart-topping singles, including the massively successful “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)” [feat. J Balvin] and “MAMACITA” [feat. Ozuna and J.Rey Soul], both of which achieved #1 status on three Billboard Charts each, numerous award nominations, and gold, platinum, and diamond certifications globally. The knockout album single from December 2020, “GIRL LIKE ME” [feat. Shakira] continued this streak, achieving success on Latin and Top 40 radio, sparking a viral TikTok challenge in late 2020, and scooping “Best Latin” award at the MTV VMAs, while 2021’s ‘HIT IT’ with Saweetie and Lele Pons racked up 5.8M global audio streams, 1.1M US audio streams and almost 10M YouTube views in its first week alone.

 

The success of TRANSLATION demonstrated Black Eyed Peas’ ability to reinvent themselves along with the changing times, a fact reconfirmed in 2022 when the band reunited with Shakira and David Guetta for DON’T YOU WORRY, the first single to drop from their ninth studio album ELEVATION. The hugely successful lead single was swiftly followed by the Anitta and El Alfa collaboration SIMPLY THE BEST. In 2023 true BEP fashion, harnessing the musical forces of the Americas, the next single BAILAR CONTIGO (with reggaeton superstar Daddy Yankee) followed by GUARANTEE 

SUMMER MIX), has opened up yet another brilliant chapter in the continuing story of the Black Eyed Peas in nothing less than international chart-topping style.

 

Follow @WilbrosLive on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

The HONOR X9c Smart 5G sells out after its debut on Shopee’s 3.3 Super Brand Marathon!

 The HONOR X9c Smart 5G sets the bar high as it sells out just a few hours after its debut on Shopee’s 3.3 Super Brand Marathon!

 

HONOR Philippines proudly announces the overwhelming success of its latest innovation, the HONOR X9c Smart 5G. Known for its durability, powerful performance, and stylish design, the smartphone sold out in record time.With your overwhelming support, HONOR keeps Php10,799 price tag of HONOR X9c Smart 5G until Shopee vouchers last with FREE HONOR Gift Earbuds II.

 

 

“We are thrilled by the incredible support and enthusiasm for the HONOR X9c Smart 5G. This achievement inspires us to continue delivering high-quality devices that cater to the needs of our valued customers. Don’t miss out, units will be available again starting March 4,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

 

Key Features of the HONOR X9c Smart 5G

1. Durability: With SGS 5-Star Comprehensive Reliability, the phone withstands drops up to 2 meters, resists scratches with its polycarbonate back, and thrives in extreme temperatures ranging from -30°C to 55°C.

2. Camera: Features a 108MP Main Camera and 5MP Ultra-Wide Camera, enhanced by AI Night Mode and Motion Sensing Capture for brilliant photos and videos.

3. Battery: Powered by a 5800mAh battery with up to 20 hours of video playback and 35W HONOR Super Charge for quick recharging.

4. Storage and Performance: Boasts 24GB RAM (12GB Physical + 12GB HONOR Turbo RAM) and 256GB Storage, complemented by Magic OS 8 for seamless multitasking.

5. Design: Slim and elegant at just 7.88mm thick, available in Midnight Black and Ocean Cyan. 

Pricing and Availability

 

Due to popular demand, HONOR is keeping the HONOR X9c Smart 5G at a special price of Php 10,799 until Shopee vouchers run out, bundled with FREE HONOR Gift Earbuds II.

Starting March 6, you can also get it exclusively on Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9cSmart_PR) for Php 11,799, or opt for SPayLater at just ₱120/day, PLUS enjoy a FREE HONOR Camping Light Speaker with every purchase!

 

For more information and 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 Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

LG unveils its newly upgraded air conditioner, the DUALCOOL

 LG Electronics (LG) recently unveiled its newly upgraded residential air conditioner, the DUALCOOL™ AI Air, with advanced AI Core-Tech. The latest model enhances comfort, improves energy efficiency, and elevates air quality like never before and comes in four HP variants: 1.0 HP, 1.5 HP, 2.0 HP, and 2.5 HP.

The latest DUALCOOL™ AI Air offers an optimized air conditioning environment customized to each user’s preferences. Powered by the AI DUAL Inverter™, the system detects the ambient temperature of the space and intelligently adjusts temperature, airflow direction and speed accordingly for consistent comfort. The AI Air mode features the Human Detecting Sensor, which precisely tracks the user’s location and learns usage patterns through spatial analysis by the ThinQ app to create the most efficient airflow pathway.1 The function also automatically adjusts the settings to create a comfortable indoor environment, delivering direct airflow for fast cooling or heating and transitioning to Soft Air mode with indirect airflow when the room reaches the ideal temperature.

 

 

In addition, the new model features Sleep Timer+, which analyzes user preferences and sleep patterns to provide a relaxing sleep environment. To ensure a restful night, Sleep Timer+ sets the ideal temperature and operates quietly during sleep hours. The DUAL Vane™ system and Soft Air function further improve airflow control for maximized comfort.

 

The DUALCOOL AI Air also employs an array of energy-saving features, reducing energy consumption with unparalleled convenience. Its AI kW Manager enables users to control electricity use by setting and monitoring usage limits. The Human Detecting Sensor and Window Open Detection allows the air conditioner to swiftly sense changes in the room, activating energy-saving mode when the space is unoccupied or if the temperature suddenly fluctuates.

 

Moreover, the new DUALCOOL AI Air simplifies clean air management with its All Cleaning mode, which can be activated with a single tap in the ThinQ app. This mode performs a full maintenance cycle, including condensed water generation and Freeze Cleaning™ to remove contaminants from the evaporator, as well as Auto Clean+ which automatically dries the interior of the air conditioner. This cycle is complemented by a multi-step filtration process. For even fresher, cleaner air, users can activate the Plasmaster™ Ionizer++, which can eliminate up to 99.9 percent of adhering bacteria,2 effectively capturing dust, bacteria and debris.

 

“The LG DUALCOOL AI Air exemplifies our dedication to enhancing indoor temperature control with latest air conditioners,” said James Lee, president of the LG ES Company. “We are committed to advancing our state-of-the-art AI technology to shape the future of innovative air conditioning solutions.”