LG’s Next-Gen XBOOM Delivers Style, Smarts, and Superior Sound

LG is redefining its sound experience with the launch of the new xboom lineup, an evolution from the bold power of XBOOM to a more elevated, design-forward approach to audio. Built for how people listen today, xboom blends sleek style, balanced acoustics, and smart features that adapt to any space, setting a new standard for portable sound.  

 

Bringing this vision to life, LG partnered with global music icon will.i.am as the lineup’s Experiential Architect. A nine-time Grammy winner and innovator at the intersection of music and technology, will.i.am fine-tuned the xboom collection to deliver richer, warmer tones and a more immersive listening experience, infusing every detail with creativity, precision, and cultural edge. 

 

LG xboom Stage 301  

 

 

 

 

The LG xboom Stage 301 delivers immersive sound powered by a 6.5” woofer and 2.5” midranges, filling the room with deep bass and wide-stereo clarity. With 12 hours of playtime, it’s built to keep the music going all day and night.  

 

 

 

It’s also IPX4-rated for water resistance, making it splash-proof and ready for anything, whether it’s a weekend get-together with friends or a classic karaoke night with the family. And with karaoke-ready mic controls and DJ effects accessible through the LG ThinQ app, turning any gathering into a full-on performance has never been easier.  

 

LG xboom Bounce 

 

 

 

The LG xboom Bounce lives up to its name, bringing powerful bass and vibrant energy that makes every beat feel like it’s in motion. Dual passive radiators and twin dome tweeters deliver lifelike clarity and rich detail, turning up the rhythm in any space. With an impressive 30-hour battery life, it’s built to keep the good times bouncing from sunrise to long after sunset.  

 

 

 

Rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, and tested to U.S. military standards, proven to pass all 7 durability tests including rain, vibration, impact, salt water spray, flooding, sand dust, and high temperature, it’s built for all kinds of spur-of-the-moment adventures. With its sleek design and grab-and-go strap, Bounce isn’t just a speaker, it’s your beat-on-the-go.  

 

LG xboom Grab 

 

 

 

 

Designed for outdoor fun, the LG xboom Grab packs crisp, dynamic sound through a high-performance 16mm dome tweeter, perfect for open-air playlists and on-the-go vibes. Its tube-shaped body is built for easy handling and adds a bold, modern edge to your look, while the stylish strap lets you carry or hang it with ease.  

 

 

Like the Bounce, it’s also rated IP67 for water and dust resistance and built to meet all the U.S. military durability standards, so you’re free to take it anywhere, rain or shine. With up to 20 hours of playtime, the Grab keeps your soundtrack going from morning hikes to late-night hangouts, proof that big sound can come in a small, adventure-ready package.  

 

LG xboom Buds 

 

 

 

The LG xboom Buds deliver rich, clear sound powered by a next-gen graphene-coated driver, bringing detailed, high-clarity audio straight to your ears. Whether you're on the move or in the zone, advanced noise cancellation blocks out traffic and road noise, while three mics, including two beamforming, keep your voice crystal clear on every call.  

 

 

The xboom Buds app lets you customize your sound with EQ settings and works seamlessly across iOS and Android. With up to 30 hours of playtime and an IPX4 water-resistant rating, these buds are built to keep up, because great sound should move with you, not slow you down.  

 

Smarter Listening with AI-Powered Features 

Across the entire xboom lineup, LG integrates intelligent features that elevate your audio experience. AI Sound automatically adjusts settings based on genre, while AI Calibration optimizes output according to your space. AI Lighting detects music mood and syncs lighting effects, and with Auracast™ Party Link, you can pair with unlimited xboom speakers in just one tap to create an even bigger soundstage. 

 

 

 

Life’s Good When Music Moves You  

Whether it’s a party, a chill day outdoors, or just your favorite playlist at home, the new LG xboom by will.i.am lineup redefines how you enjoy music. With expertly tuned sound, Life’s Good when the volume is just right.  

 

Life isn’t just about having the latest technology—it’s about the meaningful experiences it creates and the impact it brings to our everyday lives. Discover more at https://www.lg.com/ph/audio/xboom and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on https://www.linkedin.com/company/lg-electronics-philippines-inc/, www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines. 

 

TCL Stays on Top as PH’s Leading Panel TV Brand

 

Talk about a winning streak! For the second year running, TCL, the Triple Global Top 1 TV Brand and a leading force in consumer electronics, has absolutely dominated the No. 1 spot in the Panel TV Brand category, according to the recent Annual Cumulative Market Share Data for Panel TVs from TRS Research. This news powerfully solidifies TCL's position as a global powerhouse in the TV industry!

As they mark their 25th year in the business, TCL has once again hit a remarkable milestone: seizing the top spot in both market share (value and volume) for their core TV business! TCL has also dominated the premium TV segment, clinching the top position for QLED televisions, according to TRS research.

Just recently, TCL has been recognized with three Global TOP 1 rankings by the market research company Omdia, highlighting its leadership in ultra-large TVs, Mini LED TVs, and Google TVs.

According to Omdia's latest data, TCL led global shipments of 85-inch and larger TVs in 2024 with a 22.1% market share. Additionally, TCL secured the No. 1 position in Mini LED TV shipments with a 28.8% share and maintained its leadership in Google TV shipments globally from 2021 to 2024.

TCL has been a key player in bringing technological progress not only to Filipino homes but globally, consistently delivering innovations that transform everyday living. This legacy of pushing boundaries and redefining home experiences has made more intuitive, efficient, and powerful technologies accessible to a wider range of Filipino families and more.

 

"TCL has truly become a trailblazer, driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation, pushing beyond limits to develop cutting-edge, sustainable technologies. We believe this relentless pursuit of progress is what continues to elevate TCL's brand value. With this recognition, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped us achieve this remarkable milestone,” enthused by TCL Philippines’ visionary CEO Peter Chen.

Celebrating Excellence and Greatness

TCL has also embarked on an exhilarating new journey, relentlessly enhancing everyday living and empowering consumers with stylish, functional, and brilliantly smart products! This milestone is about boldly embracing a future where TCL remains passionately dedicated to envisioning and shaping the homes of tomorrow for every Filipino.

Another monumental milestone to celebrate is TCL's global partnership with the International Olympic Committee. This collaboration, extending through 2032, underscores TCL's dedication to innovation and excellence. Built on shared values of performance, passion, and a vision for greatness, this partnership will elevate the Olympic and Paralympic Games to new heights. TCL will enhance the Olympic Games by delivering cutting-edge technology to the Olympic Village and improving the global fan experience.

 

TCL products will drive new experiences for fans and athletes, from digital displays at the Olympic Games to household appliances in the Olympic Village. Through this new partnership, the organisations will also work together to bring the magic of the Olympic Games to billions of fans around the world through innovative marketing campaigns. TCL will play an important role as the IOC progresses its Olympic AI Agenda – including supporting fan and athlete experiences on site and at home. TCL will also support the “Athletes Moments” initiative at the Olympic Games allowing athletes to connect with loved ones around the world immediately after their competition.

“Through this partnership, TCL's innovations will ignite inspiration in billions, delivering exceptional experiences and contributing to a sustainable future all over the globe. TCL is committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility and fostering a better world,” shared by Mr. Peter Chen. CEO of TCL Philippines.

Looking ahead, TCL is poised for even greater achievements, expanding its ultra-large TV portfolio with cutting-edge Mini LED technologies to deliver even more immersive viewing experiences. Crucially, TCL's strong partnership with Google has been instrumental in its overall success. By seamlessly integrating Google TV's smart capabilities with its advanced displays, TCL remains committed to providing smarter, healthier lifestyles for consumers worldwide, promising an exciting future for home entertainment.

For more updates on TCL’s upcoming product Launch, log on to https://www.tcl.com/ph/en.

 

Palawan Pawnshop’s Lipat Sangla Gives Filipinos More Value for Their Pawned Items

Palawan Pawnshop is giving Filipinos better options to unlock more value from their pawned items through its Lipat Sangla initiative, a practical solution for those looking to get higher appraisals, lower interest rates, and greater take-home pay. Designed for customers who transfer their existing gold jewelry pawned at other pawnshops, Lipat Sangla helps maximize the earning potential of every sangla transaction. With flexible rates starting at just 2.5% interest per month, this program allows pawners to stretch the value of their item and receive a more significant portion of cash up front.

How Lipat Sangla Works

To qualify for Lipat Sangla, customers must present their most recent active pawn ticket for assessment at any Palawan Pawnshop branch. A branch associate will assist customers throughout the process, from redeeming the item to finalizing the new sangla transaction. They ensure that sukis understand the true cost of borrowing and how their jewelry is appraised.

If needed, Palawan Pawnshop can provide cash to redeem the item, which will then be pawned at the branch for an amount equivalent to or higher than the original principal. The appraisal value will follow Palawan Pawnshop's appraisal rate for regular customers. 

On top of higher appraisals and lower interest rates, customers will also receive ₱500 OFF sangla vouchers—up to five per person. These can be used as discounts to enjoy waived sangla interest on a principal amount of up to Php 100,000.  

Currently, Lipat Sangla applies exclusively to gold jewelry pawned at other pawnshops. Other items and services, including those offered through PalawanPay, are not yet covered, as sangla transactions require in-person processing. 

Big Savings, Big Value

Karlo M. Castro, President and CEO of the Palawan Group of Companies, said, “Lipat Sangla is designed to put more money back into the hands of our customers. By giving higher appraisals and offering lower interest, we’re helping Filipinos make smarter choices and maximize the full value of what they already own.”

This sentiment is also shared by the company’s Group Marketing Head Bernard Kaibigan, who remarked, “We understand how important it is for Filipinos to get the best value for their pawns. Through the Lipat Sangla initiative, we offer an option for everyone looking for a higher take home pay while giving them flexibility and the lowest interest for redemption of their gold jewelry pawn items.”

By removing the burden of high interest rates and replacing it with clear, customer-first options, Lipat Sangla becomes a bridge toward more sustainable financial choices. It empowers borrowers to break free from disadvantageous terms and shift toward a system that values transparency, flexibility, and genuine concern for their welfare.

Getting more value from your pawned jewelry is made attainable with Palawan Pawnshop’s Lipat Sangla. Visit any Palawan Pawnshop branch during business hours. For assistance, call Customer Care Hotline at (Globe) 0917-301-3868, (Sun) 0932-850-8613, or (Smart) 0998-962-1869.

Score Exclusive Deals on Childcare Must-Haves at Lazada’s Month-Long Mom & Baby Fair

 

Lazada Philippines, one of the country’s leading eCommerce platforms, invites moms, mother figures, and families to celebrate the joys of parenthood through its month-long Mom & Baby Fair happening from July 17 to August 17, 2025, exclusively on the platform’s LazMom channel.

Discover unbeatable deals and quality essentials at the Mom & Baby Fair, featuring mom-approved picks from trusted LazMall brands like Uni-Love, Joie Baby, Tiny Buds, Megasoft Hygienic, and Haleon. From baby care products and vitamins, to stylish fashion and gear for the little ones, shoppers can enjoy fast and free shipping, exclusive vouchers, and value-for-money offers from some of the most-loved names in the mom and baby category.

“The Mom & Baby Fair is all about celebrating the incredible journey of motherhood and supporting parents through every milestone with trusted products, reliable service, and value-driven shopping,” said Joey Bienvenida, Commercial Director at Lazada Philippines. “LazMom makes shopping easier and worry-free by offering a curated range of authentic products from LazMall, so parents can focus on what truly matters, being there with their kids every step of the way.”

Featured deals include:

• Uni-Love Baby Bottle Cleanser – from P496 to P248

• Joie Baby Black Juva Stroller – from P11,999 to P10,999

• Tiny Buds After Shots Soothing Gel – from P190 to P169

• Megasoft Lampein Pants – from P351.50 to P269.29

• Haleon Little Explorer Pack (Scott’s Vitamin C + DHA Gummies) – from P1,470 to P1,323

Beyond the shopping experience, LazMom is a growing community of moms, made even more rewarding through the LazMom Club, where members can access special perks and sign-up vouchers. For moms looking to turn their passion into purpose, the LazAffiliate Program offers an opportunity that connects creators with brands and sellers. By driving traffic and conversions through personalized recommendations, affiliates earn commissions for every successful sale with no cap. 

Shop the Mom & Baby Fair from July 17 to August 17, 2025, only on Lazada. Become a LazMom Club member today to enjoy exclusive benefits and more!

Follow Lazada Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

AirAsia Philippines Now Serving Taipei with 17 Flights a Week

In response to the growing travel demand between Manila and Taipei, AirAsia Philippines has ramped up its flight frequency to Taiwan's capital from 14 to 17 times weekly starting this July.

The move comes after AirAsia Philippines recorded a strong average load factor of 85% on its Taipei route, underscoring strong and consistent guest interest with Taipei being one of its top-performing international destinations of AirAsia Philippines.

From January to June 2025 alone, the airline flew over 70,000 guests to Taipei which is expected to increase following the extension of visa-free entry for Filipino travelers who are staying for 14 days to Taiwan until July 31, 2026.

“The additional flights come at the perfect time as we enter Q3 and gear up for the peak travel season. This move gets us ready for the expected surge in demand during the ‘Ber’ months, when many Filipinos head to Taipei to enjoy its cooler climate from September through February. It also allows us to serve our guests better by offering more options and flexibility whether they’re flying for leisure, business, or to reconnect with family and friends.” AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Suresh Bangah shares.

In addition to expanding flight frequencies, AirAsia Philippines continues to strengthen its 15 + 1 fleet to meet the rising demand across both domestic and international routes, reaffirming its commitment to accessible and reliable travel for all.

Smart Opens Pre-Orders for Samsung Galaxy Z7 Series Until July 31

 Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is enabling more Filipinos to unfold their power and live ultra as it makes the Samsung Galaxy Z7 Series – Z Fold7, Z Flip7, and Z Flip7 FE – available for pre-order from July 9 until July 31.  

 

Officially unveiled at the highly anticipated ‘Galaxy Unpacked’ event in Brooklyn, New York, Samsung’s latest flagship devices are pushing the boundaries of mobile technology and innovation to take the productivity, creativity, and style of customers to the next level.  

Enjoy FREE storage upgrade, e-vouchers, and more with Smart  

 

Smart subscribers who successfully pre-order within the designated period will enjoy FREE storage upgrade, that is, those who order the 256 GB variant will automatically get the 512 GB variant.   

 

On top of the FREE storage upgrade, subscribers who were able to pre-order via Smart Postpaid, Prepaid or Infinity can also enjoy amazing freebies, including up to 50% off on Samsung Care+ subscription, and a 30% discount on Samsung Galaxy Buds via Samsung.com.   

 

Get the Samsung Galaxy Z7 Series by heading to the nearest Smart Store or via https://smart.com.ph/GalaxyZ7Series, where subscribers can pair their preferred device with Smart Postpaid Plans+, Infinity Plans, or a Smart Prepaid bundle to suit their lifestyle.  

 

Enjoy exclusive Postpaid Perks with Plans+ 1999 and up, which comes with up to 3x data for 6 months when paired with a device. Subscribers who avail of the latest Samsung Galaxy Z7 Series via Postpaid Plans+ can also get a free Smart Tag worth P1,690.   

 

Exclusive pre-order rates lower than market SRP

 

Get the Samsung Galaxy Z7 devices with Postpaid Plans+ 1999 to enjoy the following pre-order offers inclusive of free upgrade to 512 GB from 256 GB storage: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 512GB for only P71,200 downpayment plus P1,200 per month; Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 512GB for only P43,000 DP plus P700 per month; and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE 256GB for only P36,400 DP plus P500 per month.  

 

Customers can take advantage of Smart’s flexible payment options, including credit card payments with 0% interest, loans with financing partners, and carrier bill financing on Smart Postpaid.  

  

Live ultra with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7  

 

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is sleeker than ever, featuring a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and HDR for immersive visuals. Now more powerful, it is the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series to date, designed  to deliver premium performance with a larger and more immersive display when unfolded.  

 

Photography enthusiasts can also get excited with the new Galaxy Z Fold7 featuring the first 200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, combining advanced hardware with intelligent processing for consistently stunning results. And with the device’s form factor, users can easily unfold the phone to edit photos and videos on the large, stunning screen—like having a creative studio in your hands.  

 

Galaxy Z Fold7 comes in Blue Shadow, Jetblack, and Silver Shadow. Its data storage variants include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.  

  

Unfold innovations with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7, Flip7 FE  

 

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 is designed for maximum portability with powerful performance that will fit in the palm of your hand. Engineered to handle the daily grind of its on-the-go users, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is Samsung’s most compact flip phone yet featuring an Infinite Flex Window and ultra-slim bezels.   

 

Samsung also announced the more accessible Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, designed to be compact when folded and expansive when opened. With a 6.7-inch Main Display and 50MP FlexCam, users can now capture content hands free without even opening their phone.   

 

Galaxy Z Flip7 comes in Blue Shadow, Jetblack, and Coralred with data storage options of 256GB and 512GB. Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is only available in Black with data storage of 256GB.   

 

Powered by Smart 5G

 

Customers can make the most of the Samsung Galaxy Z7 Series powered by Smart 5G, which features significantly faster speeds for uploading and downloading, and ultra-low latency – paving the way for amazing mobile experiences.  

 

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z7 Series now at the nearest Smart Store or via the Smart Online Store. 

 

 

 

5 Real-Life ‘Squid Game’ Experiences Around the World That You Can Actually Join

 

There’s no denying it: Squid Game isn’t just a show—it’s a global phenomenon.

The Netflix mega-hit isn’t just a gripping Korean action drama, it’s a cultural juggernaut that blends suspense, sharp social commentary, and unforgettable visuals. The popular series hits all the right spots that made it take off as a viral phenomenon, to the point that its iconic games have been turned into real-world installations around the world. Now, you too can try your hand at some of the challenges the characters have gone through (without the deadly consequences, of course).

If you’re able to jet-set, you may be able to check them out for yourself. Here are five real-life Squid Game experiences around the world you and your fam can add to your bucket list:    

Seoul, South Korea

No surprise here! Seoul tops the list as the birthplace of Squid Game. While already finished, the Netflix installation in the motherland built the immersive Squid Game: The Experience – offering diehard fans a chance to walk through the show’s twisted playground in the very country where it all began.

After taking on the Squid Game challenge, some of Seoul’s most famous sights await travelers, like the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, Lotte World, the various Hanok villages, and so much more.

London

London takes the Squid Game obsession to the next level with Squid Game: The Challenge – a reality series and live experience rolled into one. At Immerse LDN, fans can dive into a thrilling lineup of games straight from the show, including Red Light, Green Light, Marbles, Memory Steps, and Round and Round.

Think you can outsmart the competition? This is the chance to prove it – right in the heart of UK.

New York

For Squid Game fans in the US, the whole experience is still up and running in New York.

 

In the city that never sleeps, fans can test their luck and skill like Red Light, Green Light, Glass Bridge, and Warships at the Manhattan Mall. After all of that, they can relax and have a fill of their favorite Korean delicacies and soju cocktails at the Night Market, and cop some nice Squid Game merch.

 

Sydney

For hardcore fans who can make it to Sydney, Australia, the Squid Game: The Experience installation Down Under is an accessible destination. The first-season classics Red Light, Green Light, Marbles, and Glass Bridge await those who wish to test their skill and coordination.

 

After enjoying the immersive Squid Game atmosphere, fans can wander around the city and hit its famous spots, like the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and more.

 

 

 

 

 

Philippines

That’s right – we’ve got our own Squid Game experience, too, here at home! Fans of the hit Netflix series are getting an immersive experience brought to them by the country’s leading digital services provider PLDT Home, with a nationwide store takeover kicking off this July.

 

PLDT Home Fiber applicants can even join the six-game pentathlon inspired by the show for a chance to win P5,000! They can step into the show’s iconic challenges – minus the danger, of course – at PLDT Stores in SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM SouthMall, SM Lipa, SM Baguio, SM Seaside Cebu, and Abreeza Mall Davao.

 

Not into games? No problem. Sign up for a PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan 1599 at the events and get a free set of the iconic green tracksuit set from Puma – just like the one worn by Gi-hun and the gang.

 

“We know the impact Squid Game has globally including Filipino streamers. And so once again, we are here for our kababayans – breathing the hit show to life through interactive activations at our stores across the country,” said Patrick Tang, PLDT Home Acquisition Marketing First Vice President. “We can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the experience as they check out more unli entertainment options that come with our PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plans.”

 

Stream Squid Game Season 3 and enjoy more unli entertainment only with PLDT Home Fiber Netflix – the most value-packed internet & entertainment plan with complimentary Netflix Basic subscription. Apply for a PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plan at any PLDT store and experience Squid Game come to life with exciting rewards awaiting you!