A New Horizon for AirAsia Philippines: Office Launch and PhP77 Mid-Year Sale Take Off

Office launch coincides with Mid-year sale from as low as PhP77 one-way base fare

In a powerful display of growth, optimism and commitment to World’s Best service, AirAsia Philippines marked a significant milestone as it officially unveiled its new headquarters in Pasay.

Dubbed as “The Red Horizon”, the new office will serve as the home of over 1,500 Filipino Allstars, reinforcing the airline’s long-term commitment to democratizing air travel by offering value-driven air transport in the Philippine market.

The opening was graced by one of the topnotchers in the recently concluded 2025 midterm elections, Senator Erwin Tulfo together with airport and aviation officials including Office for Transportation Security Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar, Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Eric Ines, and Civil Aeronautics Board Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla.

Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes together with Deputy Group CEO for Airline Operations Capt. Chester Voo of the AirAsia Aviation Group, AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Suresh Bangah and the Philippine leadership team led the warm welcome among guests in the new office.

"I think the resilience of Philippine AirAsia is something to marvel at. I'm someone who never gives up. I will fight to the end. But it's tough fighting alone. And so it was amazing to see the energy. I will still remember coming to the old office and the greeting I got. The energy of this company is unbelievable. It is true, there is no AirAsia company like this. The great thing about this airline, we've gone from two planes to 255. We've been through COVID. We started with 200,000 passengers, and this year we're carrying 90 million. We're just short of carrying 1 billion people since we started this airline 23 years ago. But we're all the same. We're exactly the same. Everyone has maintained their humility, maintained their hard work, and most important about AirAsia is our passion to be the best.” Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes shares.

In his message, Senator Tulfo lauded AirAsia’s efforts in ensuring safe journeys among the Filipino people, “From its humble beginnings, AirAsia has become a pioneer in budget air travel—not just connecting destinations, but connecting dreams, families, businesses, and cultures. It brought the skies closer to millions of Filipinos and travelers around Asia by making flying affordable, accessible, and enjoyable.

As a public servant, I deeply value how AirAsia plays a role in economic development, tourism, job creation, and nation-building. Your growth is the country’s gain. And rest assured, we will continue to support an environment where enterprises like AirAsia can soar even higher. “

The new facility is a Filipino-inspired space that reflects modern values of inclusivity, collaboration, and national pride. Its key function rooms are named The Philippines, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao which symbolize unity and regional representation.

The headquarters also features dedicated prayer rooms to support spiritual inclusivity, a fully equipped gym to encourage health and wellness as well as People First Stop, a dedicated space that reflects our commitment to putting people first. It serves as a hub for support, connection, and care including a safe venue for mental health pep talks for those who need a moment to pause.

AirAsia Philippines Rolls Out Mid-Year Sale with Fares as Low as PHP77 on 330k Seats

As it opens a new chapter with Red Horizon, AirAsia Philippines continues to deliver on its mission of making travel more accessible with the launch of its Mid-Year Sale—offering one-way base fares from as low as PHP77.

With over 330,000 seats available, guests can book their low-fare getaway from July 7 to 13, 2025, for travel between August 1 and October 15, 2025—perfect for third-quarter trips, long weekends, and early ‘ber-month’ escapes.

Whether flying home or exploring new destinations, travelers can enjoy this promo on all 10 domestic routes, including Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, Roxas City, Tacloban, and Cagayan de Oro.

For international travel, guests can also plan ahead and fly to Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Hong Kong to welcome the start of the cooler season. Or they can explore the culture and tourist spots in Macao, Bangkok, and Kota Kinabalu with friends and family.

“Mapasakin Ka” — The Surprise Sam and Moira Collab

 

“Mapasakin Ka” — The Surprise Sam and Moira Collab

Sam Concepcion is one busy guy. His first-ever series with GMA, Beauty Empire, just premiered on Viu last June 16, and will then be seen on GMA starting July 7. He is also returning on stage as Joseph in Joseph the Dreamer at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza this July.

As if those were not enough, Sam just dropped a new single under Universal Records last July 4 — and it is a surprise collaboration with Moira Dela Torre. 

Entitled “Mapasakin Ka,” the duet is a heartfelt love song with soft harmonies and vivid imagery — expressing sincerity, longing, and devotion. At its core, it’s a gentle plea for love to be returned, sung in the most honest way the heart knows how.

Sam and Moira are known for their soulful voice and emotive singing, and there is definitely a lot of that in this unexpected collaboration, especially with lyrics such as: “Pag-ibig mo na ang hanap ng aking kamay, handang-handang marinig ang tanging tunay na nararamdaman mo sa’kin, o, aking sinta.”

This musical partnership may be unexpected for a lot of people, but it makes so much sense. Sam’s soulful voice perfectly fits the message and the melody of a song about yearning, while Moira’s melancholic singing style and soothing voice provide a contrasting yet complementary contribution to “Mapasakin Ka.”

This power duet from Sam and Moira is now available on all major streaming platforms. You can catch “Mapasakin Ka” in Beauty Empire, and be sure to check out the lyric video on Universal Records' YouTube channel. Stay tuned for the official music video coming soon!

Slurpee® Gets a Sweet Twist: 7-Eleven & Mister Donut Debut New Dessert Collab

 When it comes to innovative snack ideas, leave it to 7-Elevento make bold moves that are sure to surprise everyone. In its newest collaboration with Mister Donut, the convenience store giant is transforming the classic Slurpee into a delectable dessert with the exciting launch of Slurpee® Donuts.

 

Slurpee® has been a go-to favorite at 7-Eleven for years, beloved for its icy, refreshing goodness and variety of flavors. Now, that same iconic experience is reimagined into a soft, delicious donut perfect for grab-and-go snacking, and can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere.

 

Slurpee® Donuts come in two delicious flavors, offering something for every sweet tooth. If one is looking for an easy midday pick-me-up, they can choose the Cotton Candy flavor, a ring donut with cotton candy filling, blue sanding, and white chocolate streaks. This variant is reminiscent of the tasty, melt-in-your-mouth cotton candy treat everybody loved eating as a kid.

There’s also the Iskrambol flavor that offers a nostalgic experience in every bite, inspired by the famous Filipino street treat, ice scramble. This ring donut is filled with an iskrambol-flavored surprise, topped with pink vanilla glaze, mini marshmallows, and a sprinkle of powdered milk.

 

This first-of-its-kind fusion between Slurpee® and Mister Donut is now available for a limited time in 7-Eleven stores nationwide. Slurpee Donuts start at just ₱55 each and are best enjoyed with a refreshing Slurpee drink. Be sure to try one while supplies last. 

 

In true Slurpee® fashion, 7-Eleven is also preparing to unveil a new Slurpee® flavor very soon—another bold surprise that customers can look forward to at their paboritong kapitbahay.

 

Like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter and TikTok for more information.

National Hopia Day Goes Nationwide: Affordable Treats, New Flavors, and a Whole Lot of Family Fun

It’s Nutrition Month this July, and while we often focus on leafy greens and healthy grains, let’s not forget the joy of sharing comforting, culture-rich food with our families. And this month, there’s one special snack making a nationwide comeback: hopia!

Yes, you read that right—Eng Bee Tin’s National Hopia Day is back, and this year it’s going nationwide!

From its roots in Binondo, Eng Bee Tin has grown into a beloved Filipino-Chinese household name, and now in its 113th year, they’re bringing the hopia celebration to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. If you remember last year’s epic kickoff at the Mall of Asia Music Hall (we do!), it was a joyful tribute to Filipino family values, tradition, and—of course—snacking.

This year, National Hopia Day 2025 is giving moms, dads, and kiddos more reasons to smile with bigger discounts, more locations, and yes—new flavors!

Hopia, Hope, and ₱20 Goodness

With rising prices affecting household budgets, finding an affordable treat the whole family can enjoy feels like a win. Enter the Hopia Etneb—a ₱20 coffee-flavored hopia that’s Eng Bee Tin’s way of giving back to the community. The name "Etneb" (a playful take on "twenty") is more than a promo—it's a statement that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.

Inspired by Mayor Isko Moreno, who planted the idea during his earlier term and now revived with his return to Manila City Hall, Hopia Etneb is all about keeping tradition accessible. It’s a perfect “pang-merienda” for moms needing a quick pick-me-up (hello coffee flavor!) or an after-school treat for the kids.

Flavors for Every Family Member

Last year, the surprise bestseller was the Hopia Sisig—a savory-sarap twist that got everyone talking. This year, the flavor adventure continues with:

• Pineapple with Salted Egg – a sweet-salty tropical combo that's both familiar and fresh.

• Mango Hopia – bright, fruity, and a perfect way to sneak fruit into dessert!

• Chilimansi Hopia – yes, the pancit canton-inspired flavor is now hopping into hopia! Tangy, spicy, and sure to be a hit for adventurous tastebuds.

  

And if you're like us, always dreaming of new food mashups—we're hopia-ing (see what we did there?) that Eng Bee Tin surprises us with a milk tea-flavored hopia someday soon. Just imagine: the chewy, creamy goodness of milk tea wrapped in hopia. A mom can dream, right?

A Whole Month of Celebration

Starting every Monday of July, participating Eng Bee Tin items will be available at 10% off. But make sure to block your calendars for July 18–20, the main event weekend when 20% discounts are offered nationwide!

For moms outside Metro Manila—don’t worry. Robinsons Galleria Cebu (July 16–20) and Gaisano Mall Davao (July 23–27) will host special pop-up activations, complete with fun family activities and games like the popular Hopia Hakot Challenge (imagine filling a basket with hopia in seconds—instant pantry win!).

More Than Just a Snack

What we love most about National Hopia Day isn’t just the hopia—it’s the story behind it. Each flaky piece is a reminder of heritage, of sharing food over stories, and of how something so simple can bring so much comfort. Eng Bee Tin COO Gerik Chua says it best:

“This isn’t just about hopia. It’s about honoring our roots, celebrating our community, and recognizing how food brings us together across generations.”

His sister Roche Chua, Finance Manager, echoed that sentiment:

“Every hopia tells a story. Through National Hopia Day, we celebrate culture, comfort, and the delicious flavors of home.”

And as Operations Executive Gerald Chua pointed out, this annual event is also a tribute to the loyal customers who have supported the brand for generations. “They are more than customers—they are family,” he said.

Eng Bee Tin is also teasing the launch of even more exclusive hopia flavors during NHD 2025—offering Filipino-inspired twists that fans can only taste during the celebration period.

So, whether you’re a longtime fan of the ube pastillas hopia or someone curious to try the new “secret menu” flavors, now’s the time to hop(ia) in on the fun.

From Manila to Cebu to Davao, National Hopia Day 2025 promises to be a month-long flavor fest of heritage, nostalgia, and joyful unity. Because at the heart of it all, hopia isn't just a snack—it’s a symbol of who we are and the stories we continue to share.

Follow @iloveengbeetin on social media for updates, promo mechanics, and more hopia-filled surprises.

Puregold’s OPM Con 2025 Brings Pinoy Pride to the Philippine Arena

I’ve always been a proud fan of SB19—I’ve seen them live countless times, and every single performance has left me in awe. So when I found out they were part of Puregold OPM Con 2025, it was an instant yes for me. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Sharing the stage with an all-star lineup of today’s top OPM artists, SB19 delivered a performance that truly felt like the moment of a lifetime.

The Philippine Arena came alive last July 5, 2025, with a tidal wave of OPM pride and Pinoy energy. Tens of thousands of fans packed the country’s largest indoor venue for Puregold’s OPM Con 2025, a groundbreaking celebration that brought together everyday shoppers, influencers, and music lovers from all corners of the Philippines—and even overseas. With a powerhouse lineup featuring BINI, SB19, Flow G, Skusta Clee, G22, KAIA, and SunKissed Lola, the night was more than a concert. It was a movement—proof that Puregold’s support for Filipino talent resonates far beyond the shelves of its stores.

We’ve always believed that our connection with our shoppers goes beyond the checkout counter,” Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold, shared. “We are gratified to know that through Puregold OPM Con 2025, we gave our loyal members an unforgettable celebration of Filipino music, talent, and pride on a massive scale.” 

From the first beat to the final encore, the night unfolded like a love letter to the many sounds of original panalo music. Each set brought its own flavor, and the audience responded to every shift.

The crowd was as diverse as the setlist. Everyday shoppers stood shoulder to shoulder with influencers and local celebrities. It was proof that music, like Puregold, cuts across communities. Thanks to ticket redemption events held nationwide, fans traveled from across the country, while some even flew in from other parts of Asia and the UAE, just to be part of the moment.

Fans in attendance even got to enjoy a premier VIP experience that included a soundcheck party before the concert proper. On top of that, freebies overflowed from top consumer brands that included Nestle Bear Brand, Nestle Chuckie, Great Taste, Jack 'n Jill, Cream-O, Coca-Cola, Nutriboost Kids, Nissin Wafer, Lucky Me!, Argentina, Angel, Tide, Safeguard, Cream Silk, Surf, Alaska, Doowee Donut, Del Monte Fruity Zing, Nestle Carnation, Nissin Noodles, Magnolia Cheezee, Purefoods, Champion, and Colgate.

From Luzon to Mindanao, Puregold’s OPM Con 2025 united Filipinos in a powerful celebration of identity, pride, and sound. As Piedad affirmed, “Puregold is about building meaningful experiences for the communities we serve.” And yes, more than just a concert, it turned out to be one of the most successful and talked-about music events of the year.

Stay in the loop. Subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and @puregoldph on TikTok.

Samsung launches its new Vision AI TVs in the Philippines

In its effort to simplify life at home through artificial intelligence, Global No. 1 TV and soundbar brand Samsung officially launched its new Vision AI TVs and sound devices at the Vision AI Experience pop-up last June 27 to 29 at Shangri-La Plaza Grand Atrium. 

Powered by Samsung Vision AI—a suite of entertainment, personalization, and lifestyle solutions—Samsung’s TVs have become more than a device for entertainment, and now a trusted companion that enriches life at home. 

Samsung Vision AI, Elevating Everyone’s Everyday

With most Filipinos living fast-paced and busy day by day, Samsung Vision AI TVs are designed to help you slow down by elevating their routines, ultimately simplifying, enhancing, and empowering one’s daily experiences. Visitors saw firsthand how the Vision AI TVs support different lifestyles and passions through the various lifestyle zones, which showcased different capabilities ranging from The Frame’s AI Customization to the Neo QLED 8K’s AI Entertainment.

Home Buddies Founder Mayora Frances Cabatuando was one of many who witnessed the potential of Vision AI TVs in transforming the home thanks to their intuitive AI features. “With AI, it’s very intuitive. Whatever’s on your mind, you can make it [a reality] with the Samsung Vision AI TVs,” she remarked.

For Filipinos like Mayora Frances, who live independently, AI TVs become your new home buddy that learns and evolves with you, making your home life fuller, even when you're alone. No matter the size of your living space, the Neo QLED AI TV makes it easy to monitor your home, enabled by SmartThings, allowing you to easily track the status and energy use of your connected devices directly on the TV screen.

Lola Amour and Over October also had a go at the Vision AI experience, having seen the infinite possibilities that Samsung’s Vision AI TVs bring, from working out more efficiently to effortless controls. Apart from the QLED AI TV’s stunning picture quality, thanks to its Real Quantum Dot technology, it also works seamlessly with the Galaxy Watch to record and check your physical activity and effortlessly control the TV with the Universal Gesture. 

For those who want to sing their hearts out to Lola Amour and Over October’s songs at home, the Neo QLED 8K AI TV also works as your karaoke buddy. Using the Mobile to Mic feature, your smartphone can become your microphone—an easy way to turn your living room into a karaoke booth!

When it comes to upscaled entertainment, the Neo QLED 8K AI TV enhances any content to 8K quality to keep you immersed in every scene. Meanwhile, the Samsung OLED AI TV increases your chances of victory at every game with its glare-free technology that minimizes distractions and keeps you focused and Motion Xcelerator 165Hz technology for ultra-smooth gameplay. Paired with the new QS700F Q Soundbar that packs a powerful punch—now with a more compact but more powerful subwoofer for booming sound—you have a premier entertainment hub at home.

Apart from these AI-powered functionalities, Samsung also gives homeowners the power to customize their space as they see fit with The Frame. With a built-in Art Store that has over 3,000 art pieces to choose from and interchangeable bezels, your TV can easily fit the aesthetics of your interior with just a few tweaks.

As personalized and adaptive screens, the Samsung Vision AI TV adapts to your needs, learns your lifestyle, and connects you to endless possibilities, saving time, creating more worthwhile moments with your family, making the most of your passions, and elevating your everyday experience. Take home a Samsung Vision AI TV today to save up to PHP 36,500 and receive premium freebies worth up to PHP 82,499, plus a Samsung Care+ Premium worth PHP 10,000.

Now That My Kids Are Grown, It’s My Turn to Get Smart About Money

A mom's journey into financial literacy with the help of Tala’s TALAkayan

When you're a mom, especially in a traditional Filipino household, your whole life revolves around your family. I spent most of my adult years making sure my children had what they needed—education, packed lunches, tuition money, birthday cakes, new barongs and dresses for job interviews. And by God’s grace, all three of them are now professionals. Independent. Stable.

But now that the house is quieter, the laundry loads are fewer, and my wallet isn't constantly being raided for school projects or allowance—I’ve been thinking: what about me?

I’m not getting any younger. And even though I’ve been working hard my whole life, I realized something important recently: I never really learned how to manage money. I knew how to spend wisely and sacrifice—that comes naturally to any mother. But save for myself? Invest? Understand credit? Plan for retirement? No one ever taught me how to do that.

That’s why Tala’s TALAkayan struck a chord in me.

It's Never Too Late To Learn

We live in a world where things like "financial literacy," "credit scores," and "investment portfolios" are thrown around so easily—usually by people who already grew up comfortable. But for many of us, especially women who gave everything to their families, these things can feel intimidating or even embarrassing to ask about.

That’s why I appreciated TALAkayan so much. It’s not a lecture. It’s not condescending. It’s not reserved for bankers or businessmen. It’s for people like me—Filipinos who want to do better with their money but don’t know where to start.

TALAkayan started out as workshops in places like Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Laguna—even Singapore, for OFWs. But now, they’ve made it even more accessible. They’re uploading short, practical videos every week on Facebook and Instagram—tackling everything from budgeting tricks to understanding insurance and investing.

Yes, even investing. Something I used to think was just for rich people.

My Children Take Care of Me, But I Want to Take Care of Myself, Too

My children have always been generous. They send money, treat me out, and make sure I never go without. But I don’t want to be a burden. I want to be able to stand on my own feet, even in my later years.

More than that, I want to set an example for them—that financial growth doesn’t stop at 50 or 60. It’s never too late to learn, adjust, and invest.

After watching just a few TALAkayan videos, I finally understood why I should consider insurance. Not just for protection, but for peace of mind. I finally saw how I could start small with savings, and even try investing, little by little. It’s empowering to know that I can still plan for a future that includes me—my dreams, my needs, my independence.

From “Budgeting for the Kids” to “Planning for Myself”

Back then, budgeting meant figuring out how to make five lunches fit into one salary. Now, budgeting means choosing where to put my savings so it can grow. The principles are similar—but this time, I’m not just surviving, I’m thinking ahead.

And thanks to the guidance of financial educators like Salve Ibañez, who led one of TALAkayan’s special sessions, I no longer feel ashamed that I started late. As she said:

“You are not defined by when you started in your financial journey, but the steps you take to achieve progress.”

That line stayed with me. Because now, I’m taking the steps.

This Is Financial Education for Real People

Since it started, TALAkayan has helped over 1,200 people—from jeepney drivers to small business owners to overseas workers. People who didn’t get formal financial education, but who are eager to learn, improve, and move forward.

I’m proud to be one of them.

This isn’t just about pesos and centavos—it’s about confidence, clarity, and freedom. Freedom from always worrying, from feeling behind, from thinking “sayang, if only I had known this earlier.”

To Fellow Moms (and Lolas) Reading This

If you’re like me—someone who spent years taking care of everyone else—maybe it’s time to take care of you. Learn how money works. Learn how to make it grow. Learn how to protect it. And do it without shame, without fear, without feeling "too old" or "too late."

You don’t need to enroll in a seminar or read thick textbooks. You can start small. Watch a video. Open the Tala app. Ask questions.

And know that you are never alone in this journey.

Because financial education isn't just for the young or wealthy. It’s for all of us. And with programs like TALAkayan, it’s finally within reach.

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Ready to start your journey?
Visit tala.ph or follow Tala Philippines on Facebook and Instagram. Your next step toward financial confidence could be just one video away.