Voltes V Forever: Bandai’s Capsule Toys Made in the Philippines Spark Nostalgia

 For nearly 50 years, Voltes V has captivated fans across generations, and now, its legacy continues with these capsule toys. While the series premiered in Japan in 1977, production and planning began as early as 1975—making this milestone even more meaningful.

This Voltes V capsule toy project was Initiated by Bandai Inc. in Japan and crafted by Bandai Namco Philippines Inc. (BNPI) in Batangas, which offers fans a unique way to celebrate the show’s impact for half a century and generations of fans.

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Iconic Designs, Perfectly Captured

The memorable characters and scenes from Voltes V are immortalized in acrylic charms. It’s a creative nod to the anime’s enduring legacy, especially among Filipino fans. Now, they can fondly look back on these iconic scenes with their own miniature accessories, now available in capsule vending machines.

Proudly Filipino-Made

The story of these toys begins in the LIMA Technology Center, Lipa City, Batangas, where BNPI, a leader in Capsule Toy Vending Machine Manufacturing, brings them to life. Since 2012, BNPI has been creating capsule toys and vending machines for global markets and has become the world's leading producer of Gashapon Station™ vending machines, manufacturing about 80 to 90% of them in the Philippines.

If you didn’t already know, "Gashapon®" refers to BANDAI’s capsule toy brand, sold through Gashapon Station™ (the brand’s capsule vending machines) that bring excitement to collectors worldwide. Each capsule holds a surprise, making every turn of the handle a thrilling experience. Many new capsule toy products are released every month, including some capsule toys - like the Voltes V capsule toys - that are made in the Philippines, a testament to the skill and dedication of Filipino workers.    This isn’t just about manufacturing—it’s about community. BNPI has been a cornerstone of local economic growth, providing jobs and showcasing Filipino craftsmanship to the world. By purchasing these toys, fans are directly supporting the people and talent behind their creation.

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A Legacy Loved by Generations

Voltes V’s story has captivated generations since its inception, starting with production efforts dating back to 1975 and its premiere in Japan in 1977. With the 50th anniversary on the horizon, these toys are a fitting tribute to an anime that has become a cultural icon in the Philippines. Whether you grew up watching the show or are discovering it through its live-action adaptation, these toys connect past and present in a meaningful way.

These toys are a rare find for collectors. The Gashapon Bandai Official Shop and select capsule vending machines are the only places where you can get your hands on these treasures.

Celebrate Filipino Ingenuity

These capsule toys are more than just collectibles—they’re symbols of Filipino pride, creativity, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Voltes V or a collector of rare finds, these toys offer a chance to celebrate a legacy that’s uniquely ours. Find them today at the Gashapon Bandai Official Shop or capsule vending machines across Metro Manila and select locations in Japan.

For more information, visit BNPI’s official website. You can also follow them on the official GBO Philippines and the official BNPI Facebook account.

Top Up and Cash In: Metrobank Rewards You with up to PHP 10,000

Whenever you receive extra funds, where do you put it? Some choose to grow their savings and add it to their bank account. For others, it’s the perfect chance to indulge in their interests—whether it’s upgrading their gear for a new hobby or booking a ticket for that long-awaited trip to their dream travel destination—guilt-free. 

But what if you can do both?   

With Metrobank’s new offer, existing accountholders can put their money to work and grow their savings – allowing them to fund their interests! Introducing Metrobank’s Spark Your Interest promo: a rewarding opportunity to earn up to PHP 10,000 cash gift by simply depositing more to your Metrobank Personal Deposit account from now until May 15, 2025. 

Here's how the promo works:  

• If you opened your first Metrobank Personal Deposit (savings or checking) account on or before June 30, 2024, you qualify for this promo.  
• Add at least PHP 50,000 to your Personal Deposit (savings or checking) account and maintain that for at least six months to receive a cash gift ranging from PHP 1,500 to a generous PHP 10,000. Refer to the Cash Gift guide table to know how much cash rewards you earned. 
• Don’t forget! Before you top up your account, be sure to register to join the promo. Send an email to customercare@metrobank.com.ph or call (02) 88-700-700. Provide your contact details linked to your Metrobank app or Metrobank online account. 
• Wait for a confirmation SMS on your promo registration. 
• Once received, you can start topping up your funds and maintain them in your account for 6 months after your registration month. 

 Here’s the Cash Gift guide for Metrobank’s Spark Your Interest promo: 

 

Top up amount   (Must be maintained in your account for six months)	Cash Gift you'll receive
PHP 50,000 to PHP 99,999.99	PHP 1,500
PHP 100,000 to PHP 499,999.99	PHP 2,000
PHP 500,000 and up	PHP 10,000

 

Earning more money and growing your savings is that easy! So don't let your spare funds go to waste – take advantage of Metrobank's Spark Your Interest promo and turn your savings into rewards. It's a simple, secure, and effective way to achieve your financial goals.  

To learn more about this new offer, visit https://www.metrobank.com.ph/promos/spark-your-interest. 

Egg-citing Easter Adventures for the Whole Family at Solaire

Solaire Resort Entertainment City offers an adventurous and exciting Easter Sunday celebration for the entire family on April 20. 

The day starts with a Sunday mass at 10AM in the Grand Ballroom followed by a range of interactive activities with luxurious brunch buffets for everyone to enjoy. With fun-filled events like Easter egg hunts, bunny hopscotch races, face painting, and egg decorating, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.

Earn special discounts and Easter goodie bags when you accomplish all activities with the family. The Grand Ballroom holds easter egg hunting for all ages and bouncy inflatables to enjoy. At the Sky Tower area, kids can pick their own eggs to decorate at Waterside, complete a carrot toss at Oasis, and hop through Easter-patterned squares for a fun hopscotch activity at Fresh. 

At the Theatre Cafe, kids can enjoy cookies and cupcake decorating, face painting, balloon sculpting, and enhance their creativity through a coloring mural. You might just also catchEaster Bunny hopping around—so, snap a picture with him and your whole family!

 

Indulge in an exquisite Easter brunch buffet at Finestra, Red Lantern, and Yakumi. Finestra offers casatiello, a ham and cheese savory cake together with herbs risotto, poached salmon,and chocolate eggs. Enjoy unlimited flutes of champagne, a seafood tower served directly at your table, a cold cuts station, a roast beef station by the kitchen counter, and luxurious desserts from a rich mille-feuille, macarons, tartalettes, homemade gelato, and more!

 

Eat all you can at Red Lantern with a dim sum buffet featuring crystal skin lobster dumplings, crispy deep-fried cheese and prawn spring rolls, baked signature black pepper wagyu beef tart,steamed Teochew dumpling, and more. At Yakumi, prepare for a sumptuous feast with eight live stations to choose from. Seafood lovers can enjoy grilled Boston lobster, scallops, blue marlin, prawns, and mackerel in the teppanyaki live station. You can also choose from a fine selection of meats like Kinross lamb chops, US ribeye steak, and Japanese sausage.

 

For an Easter-inspired afternoon tea, delight in a wide array of tea sandwiches, delectable pastries and freshly baked scones at Oasis Garden Café. These include a savory chorizo and egg mousse tea sandwich, an orange cinnamon sable, Cheshire Pork Pie with glazed apple, and more. Enjoy it all with a pot of tea, an easter-inspired mocktail or sparkling wine, and freshly brewed coffee.

 

Complete your Easter celebration by booking a Deluxe Room with a city or garden view for only Php 10,500 nett until April 18. Book now by calling 8888-8888 or email reservations@solaireresort.com for a joyful Easter at Solaire Resort Entertainment City.

 

DigiPlus Shines at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards with Multiple Gold Honors

 DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer in digital entertainment in the Philippines and the company behind leading gaming brands such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, won seven honors –  including five coveted gold awards – at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. This milestone places DigiPlus among the most awarded companies in the region this year, spotlighting its strategic growth and transformative impact across digital entertainment, social development, and investor relations. 

The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are the only business awards program that recognizes innovation across all 29 markets in the region. Widely regarded as the world’s premier business awards, the Stevie Awards represent a prestigious recognition of business excellence. 

 

DigiPlus bagged five Gold Stevies for ‘Innovative Achievement in Growth’, ‘Innovation in Investor Relations’, ‘Excellence in Social Impact Companies’, ‘Innovation in Annual Reports’, and ‘Innovation in Corporate Websites’. The company also clinched Silver and Bronze Stevies for ‘Achievement in Product Innovation’ and ‘Innovation in Brand Renovation’ respectively. 

 

At the core of these wins is DigiPlus’ commitment to innovation and digital transformation. From redefining the player experience through localized and immersive content, to launching a refreshed brand identity that resonates with a more connected and tech-savvy user base, DigiPlus has embraced a future-forward mindset. The company’s calculated investments in big data, cutting-edge technologies, and stakeholder engagement have not only fueled business growth, but also opened inclusive pathways to digital participation through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation. 

 

“This momentous victory at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards affirms DigiPlus’ emergence as a true powerhouse of innovation and progress, reshaping industry boundaries and redefining digital consumer engagement on a global scale,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco. "Through consistent growth and business performance, DigiPlus reaffirms its unwavering commitment to creating long-term value.”

 

Winning entries in the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards undergo a rigorous, multi-layered evaluation by an esteemed panel of judges composed of business and industry leaders across the region. "The 12th Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards received an impressive array of outstanding entries," said Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards. "This year’s winners have clearly shown their dedication to innovation, and we commend their resilience and imaginative efforts.”

 

BUM Black Army launches its latest collection “Outland Explorer”

BUM Black Army proudly announces the launch of its latest collection, “Outland Explorer”—a dynamic fusion of utilitarian fashion, earth tones, and streetwear aesthetics designed for modern urban adventurers. 

Built for those who seek both style and functionality, BUM Black Army Outland Explorer offers versatile pieces that seamlessly adapt to city life and beyond. 

This latest drop redefines streetwear with modular designs that cater to movement, convenience, and innovation.

Function Meets Style: 

Utilitarian Pieces for Every JourneyThe Outland Explorer collection introduces a new era of fashion-forward adaptability. 

Designed for those who are always on the move, these functional pieces provide the ultimate blend of practicality and edgy street style.

Detachable Pants – These innovative pants easily transform into shorts, offering flexibility for changing environments and temperatures.

Convertible Shorts with Detachable Pockets – A first in urban fashion, these pockets detach and convert into a stylish sling bag, ensuring a hands-free and hassle-free experience.

Jackets & Cargo Joggers – Featuring multiple pockets and functional zippers, these pieces provide ample storage without compromising on style.

Earth Tones & Streetwear Vibes

Inspired by nature and the cityscape, the “Outland Explorer” collection embraces earthy hues like olive, sand, and charcoal ensuring a rugged yet modern aesthetic that suits both casual explorers and trendsetters.

The Outland Explorer collection is now available online at https://bumblackarmy.com, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. 

In stores at BUM Black Army boutiques and leading department stores nationwide Join the movement.

Explore, adapt, and redefine urban adventure with Outland Explorer! #BUMBlackArmy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6NCBCMhKsM

HONOR officially unveiled its most affordable line-up – the HONOR X5b and X5b Plus!

Global technology brand HONOR officially unveiled its most affordable line-up with the leading eCommerce platform Lazada Philippines – the HONOR X5b and X5b Plus. Shoppers can get HONOR X5b exclusively on Lazada this coming 4.4 Summer SuliTipid Sale (https://bit.ly/HONORxLazada44SummerSuliTipid) for only Php 3,499! 

The event featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between HONOR and Lazada, solidifying their collaboration to bring innovative technology to Filipino consumers. The partnership aims to leverage Lazada’s expansive reach and HONOR’s cutting-edge products to deliver an exceptional shopping experience. 

"At Lazada, we're committed to offering Filipinos something that's Always Better. We are very proud of our continued partnership with HONOR and this exclusive launch of the HONOR X5b, offering the market a high-quality product at a great price," said Alvin Ching, Head of Seller Operations at Lazada Philippines. 

“Our collaboration with Lazada underscores our shared vision of making advanced technology accessible to everyone. The HONOR X5b is a testament to our commitment to providing stylish, reliable, and high-performing devices for Filipinos,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. 

Exclusive Availability on Lazada 

The HONOR X5b is available exclusively on Lazada, further cementing the platform’s reputation as a hub for exclusive deals and innovative products. This partnership ensures that customers can enjoy a seamless shopping experience coupled with the reliability of HONOR’s advanced technology. 

HONOR X5b: Stylish and High-Performing at an Affordable Price 

Designed for budget-conscious users, the HONOR X5b offers an immersive 6.56-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. It also boasts a 50MP AI-enhanced camera, allowing users to capture stunning photos with incredible detail. The device is powered by a long-lasting 5100mAh battery, ensuring all-day performance, while its sleek design makes it an elegant and practical choice for everyday use. HONOR X5b Plus: Enhanced Performance and Premium Features 

Complementing the X5b, the HONOR X5b Plus offers a more powerful experience with enhanced features. It retains stylish design and reliable battery life while incorporating additional performance upgrades, making it ideal for users who need a more robust smartphone experience. The X5b Plus is built for those who want an optimized blend of efficiency, power, and photography capabilities in an accessible package. 

Availability and Pricing 

The HONOR X5b is available exclusively on Lazada 4.4 for a special price of PHP 3,499 (discounted from PHP 4,199) until April 4 only. It comes in Midnight Black and Ocean Blue color options. To celebrate the launch, customers can enjoy special discounts, Lazada vouchers, and free returns for a seamless shopping experience. 

The HONOR X5b Plus is available at an SRP of PHP 4,999 in Midnight Black and Ocean Blue color options. Customers can purchase it online through Lazada, as well as in HONOR Experience Stores and authorized retail partners nationwide. 

For more information on the HONOR X5b, X5b Plus, and other exciting offers, visit Lazada’s website (https://bit.ly/HONORxLazada44SummerSuliTipid)

or download the app. Stay updated on the latest from HONOR by following their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. 

For more information, visit HONOR’s 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/.