Platinum Karaoke Marks 25 Years with Launch of First-Ever Platinum Soundscape Concept Store at SM Makati

Ready to sing your heart out in style?
Platinum Karaoke just turned 25—and they’re celebrating big with the launch of their first-ever Platinum Soundscape Concept Store in SM Makati Cyberzone. From high-tech karaoke machines to an actual singing room in-store, here’s why this spot is a must-visit for every music-loving Pinoy.

This is a pioneering retail space that elevates how Filipinos and music lovers around the world experience sound, connection, and innovation.

For a quarter of a century, Platinum Karaoke has been more than a brand. It has been a part of every Filipino home, celebration, and memory. From barkada karaoke nights to family reunions and solo sing-along sessions, Platinum Karaoke has united generations through the power of music. Now, with the launch of the Platinum Karaoke Concept Store, the brand ushers in the next chapter in Filipino entertainment, one where cutting-edgetechnology, tradition, and togetherness come alive in immersive, accessible, and future-ready ways, highlightingthe brand’s expansion into the broader audio entertainment category.

“Platinum Karaoke is built on Filipino pride, created by Filipinos, for Filipinos, and now reaching music enthusiasts across the globe. With the launch of our first Concept Store, we are proud to mark this milestone, to broaden our footprint in the audio entertainment spacealong with the unparalleled karaoke experience that has defined our brand,” said Bianca Teodoro, Brand Manager, Platinum Karaoke.

“Our distinctive Platinum Karaoke experience affirms our commitment to constant innovation not just to keep up with the times, but to elevate how families, friends, and communities connect and entertain, through music and sharing fun and memorable moments, whether at gatherings and parties at home or event venues or across digital platforms,” Teodoro added.

Platinum Karaoke Concept Store

Located at SM Makati Cyberzone, the Platinum Karaoke Concept Store is designed for everyone. From Gen Z creators and on-the-go vloggers, podcasters to karaoke-loving titos and titas, and grandparents reliving timeless classics. It features a dedicated KTV Room for hands-on product trials, sing-along sessions, and immersive sound experiences across the brand’s wide range of innovations.

The Platinum Karaoke Concept Store showcases its most advanced systems, including the Alpha 2, a flagship all-in-one entertainment hub that combines karaoke, Android TV, digital TV, and smart features like voice assistants, YouTube streaming, Pro Score singing duels, and custom pitch effects. Customers can also explore portable speakers, wearable audio gear, wireless mics, amplifiers, and soundbars for home theaters, podcasts, parties, and everyday entertainment on the go.

Daryl Ong Performs Live and Sings with Fans through Platinum Karaoke Experience

As part of the anniversary celebration, Daryl Ong, one of the country’s most soulful and versatile balladeers will perform at the launch event. With over 1 million YouTube subscribers, viral covers, and millions of views for songs like "Stay," "Ikaw na Nga," and "All of Me," Daryl has earned a loyal global following for his emotional vocal style and heartfelt performances. At the event, he will not only perform live but also join customers in intimate karaoke sessions, bringing the Platinum Karaoke soundscape to life.

Over the years, Platinum Karaoke has been endorsed by beloved Filipino entertainers including Vice Ganda, Angeline Quinto, Morisette, the phenomenal love team AlDub composed of Maine Mendoza and Alden Richardsand the love tandem of KathNiel the once inseparable Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, cementing its place in pop culture history. 

Sound Made in the Philippines, Designed for the World

What truly sets Platinum apart is not just technology, but the way it brings people together. Every innovation is made with the intention to foster harmony through music and sound wherever they are and across continents.

For more info and to find out the latest updates, visit https://platinumkaraoke.com/                  or follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePlatinumKaraoke  or Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/platinumkaraokephofficial/  or Official Tiktok account at https://www.tiktok.com/@platinumkaraoke.ph.

TOPTEN10 Brings Seoul Street Style to the Philippines—At Surprisingly Great Prices

 Say ‘annyeong’ to your newest wardrobe obsession at prices you'll love

The Korean fashion drop that we’ve been waiting for is finally here! 

Now is your chance to revamp your everyday wardrobe as TOPTEN10, the first Korean fashion brand in the Philippines, finally brings their latest collection featuring Seoul’s signature street-meets-minimalist style straight to your closet. The best part? It’s all priced better than you’d expect.

Known as the go-to fashion brand for Koreans, TOPTEN10 features a curated collection of breathable, versatile K-style staples made for everyday wear. Designed with innovative COOL Air Technology, each piece keeps you cool, dry, and light, with quick-drying and water-resistant fabric. Pulling off that clean, minimalist look straight out of a K-drama—whether in school, work, or just out and about—has never felt this effortless and comfy.  

For women

Take on the semester in true K-style with TOPTEN10’s cropped polos. Stylish and breathable, these cropped polos are made with lightweight fabric that helps regulate your body temperature on busy days. 

For those who want to serve a more casual yet trendy vibe, bouclé t-shirts are your new fashion besties. These pieces are soft, textured basics that are incredibly easy to style. Available in a range of colors, from dainty neutrals to pops of color, there’s definitely something that will fit your vibe.

And why let the rain cramp your style? TOPTEN10’s soft cropped hoodies are here to keep you cozy and cute. These hoodies are perfect for chilly classrooms and cold, rainy days. 

Need extra coverage? They also have sports collection jackets, made with water-resistant and quick-drying fabric that can keep you warm, dry, yet stylish all day long.

Pair any of these tops with TOPTEN10’s denim midi skirts for a polished look, or go for wide-leg jeans if you’re after comfort. Their sleek denim dress also brings you a put-together vibe with less effort. Just slip on a pair of sneakers or flats and you’re ready to head out for your morning class—or coffee date with friends. 

For men

Who says Filipino men can't pull off a style like our oppas? 

TOPTEN10’s new lineup of pieces for men includes versatile cotton vests that are easy to layer and tailored blazers that give off a clean, modern edge to your everyday wear. 

Whether you’re attending a class or heading out for a date, you can elevate your K-style with their latest structured jackets. Pair them with deep indigo jeans that offer a classic fit and vintage flair, and you’re good to go! 

For bottoms, you can try out their sweat shorts, designed for laid-back days or casual school activities that are perfect when you’re on the move but still want to look your best.

Snuggle up on rainy days with TOPTEN10’s range of cozy jackets that provide you with enough warmth. They also have select water-resistant jackets to keep you effortlessly stylish and dry, even when the weather isn’t. 

For kids

K-style isn’t just for the grown-ups. TOPTEN10’s new Kids Collection is filled with colorful, comfy, and functional pieces that are perfect for both school days, playdates, weekend outings, and everything in between. Each piece strikes a balance between comfort and sustainability, making it perfect for energetic playtimes and fun-filled days,  letting your kids move freely while still looking on-trend. 

“We're thrilled to bring this new collection from Seoul to Manila, bringing our mission of Everyday Good Wear to life. We’re making it easier than ever to elevate your wardrobe with our trendy, versatile, and functional essentials that anyone can pull off wherever the day takes you,” said Josefina Calalo, TOPTEN10 Philippines Retail Operations Director.

Discover the full collection in-store at TOPTEN10’s biggest branch at Gateway Mall 2, Upper Ground B, or visit their very first store in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia, Level 3, South Entertainment Mall. You can also follow them on their Instagram and Facebook accounts for the latest drops and exclusive deals.

HOPE partners with Penshoppe to blend style and purpose in the new Penshoppe x HOPE Collection

HOPE, the Philippines’ first certified B Corp and a leading nation-building organization, joins forces with Penshoppe, the leading Philippine fashion brand, to blend style and purpose in the new Penshoppe x HOPE Collection.

The collaboration brings a limited-edition lineup of wardrobe staples including polo shirts, tshirts, caps, pullover sweaters, hoodies, and tote bags—designed with both form and function in mind. More than just fashion-forward, each piece contributes to a powerful cause: a portion of proceeds from every purchase will help fund the building of public school classrooms in underserved communities across the Philippines.

This partnership is part of HOPE’s expanded efforts under Generation HOPE, a campaign launched to scale its impact through purpose-led collaborations. As one of its first major initiatives, the Penshoppe x HOPE Collection continues HOPE’s mission of transforming everyday purchases into meaningful contributions for public education.

HOPE Founder Nanette Medved-Po shared her excitement about the collaboration, “Fashion has the ability to inspire, to express, and to influence. Partnering with a major fashion brand like Penshoppe allows us to tap into that influence in a meaningful way - bringing purpose into people’s everyday purchases. We’re thrilled to be working together to make education more accessible to Filipino public school students.”

The Penshoppe x HOPE Cropped Pullover Sweater and Crew Graphic Shirt

The Penshoppe x HOPE Collection also features minimalist designs with subtle messaging that reflect the values of both brands: confidence, optimism, and collective progress. Whether you’re looking for everyday essentials or meaningful gifts, the collection offers a chance to wear your support on your sleeve.

Alice Liu, President and CEO of GOLDEN ABC, the retailer behind the Penshoppe Group, echoed the significance of the campaign, “The Penshoppe Group, through its brands, has always endeavored fashion experiences that inspire greatness. We’re motivated to do well as a business so we can do even more good for society, which is why we’re grateful to be working with Hope to make a difference in the education sector.”

The collection is now available in Penshoppe stores nationwide and online at https://www.penshoppe.com/pages/penshoppexhope. 

For more information about Generation HOPE, please visit https://www.generationhope.ph/ or follow HOPE on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/generationhope.ph or @generationhope.ph on Instagram for more updates.

Goodday Makes ‘Friztory’ with Record-Breaking Soda Party

Something fizzy, fun, and “friztastic” is coming your way. Asahi Beverages Philippines and Universal Robina Corporation are about to make “Friztory” with the launch of their boldest beverage innovation yet—Goodday Friz, happening on July 30, 2025, at Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan, Bridgetowne in Quezon City.

The upcoming event promises to be a bubbly and unforgettable celebration as the brand attempts to set the Guinness World Record for the Largest Carbonated Beverage Party. Picture hundreds of guests raising their cans of Goodday Friz in perfect sync—a unified, fizzy toast that turns the launch into a history-making moment for the books.

The event marks the official reveal of Goodday Friz—a one-of-a-kind fusion of cultured milk and soda, delivering bold refreshment with added health benefits thanks to its paraprobiotics, Lac-Shield. Adding to the excitement, the up and coming P-pop sensation CLOUD 7 will be unveiled as Goodday’s first-ever brand ambassadors. With their exciting live performance and good vibes all around, attendees can enjoy their first sip of Goodday Friz—refreshing, fun, and crazy good.

The event is free admission, and the first 700 registrants will receive exclusive CLOUD 7 merchandise. They can also look forward to a day of free-flowing Goodday Friz drinks, and interactive-themed games. 

This includes Friz Fill-Up Frenzy, which invites players to catch fizzy bubbles, cultured milk, and juicy oranges in a fast-paced race to fill up their can meter. Meanwhile, Friz Fuzed offers a puzzle challenge that tests players’ wits as they work to unlock the perfect path to Friz.

Goodday Friz comes in two refreshingly bold flavors—Original and Orange—each packed with paraprobiotics to help boost your immunity. Blending the milky smoothness of cultured milk with the sparkling zest of soda, it’s a light, guilt-free drink that’s low in calories and big on flavor. Whether you’re chilling solo or vibing with your crew, Friz is made to refresh your taste buds and energize your vibe.

With star power, a shot at Guinness World Record glory, and a drink that redefines refreshment—this isn’t just a product launch, this is a chance to be part of Friztory.

Ever Bilena celebrates a new milestone with the launch of its first-ever flagship kiosk at Robinsons Place Ermita

 Homegrown beauty giant and the top 1 local color cosmetics brand, Ever Bilena celebrates a new milestone with the launch of its first-ever flagship kiosk at Robinsons Place Ermita.  Located at the 2nd Floor, Pedro Gil Wing (across Lee and in front of Straightforward), the kiosk marks Ever Bilena’s expansion into experiential retail.

As part of its grand opening festivities, Ever Bilena is offering a range of exclusive promotions: Customers can enjoy free EB Tote Bag for a minimum ₱499 single-receipt purchase; free EB Curved Eyelash Curler for a minimum ₱599 purchase; or free EB Glazed Lip Booster for a minimum ₱699 purchase. Offers are available until July 31 or while supplies last!

In addition, all Ever Bilena lipsticks (yes, this includes their OG matte lipsticks, tinted lip balms, tinted lip oils, and even multipots!) will be offered at a special 50% discount until   July 31, 2025, exclusively at the new kiosk.

Fans of Pond Naravit, Ever Bilena’s newest endorser, will also enjoy special perks tied to the EB Daily Dose collection. With every purchase of Daily Dose products, customers can take home exciting freebies: Buy one (1) item to get a free Pond photo strip and poster, buy two (2) items and take home a photo strip, poster, and Daily Dose cap; and buy eight (8) items to have an additional Daily Dose water tumbler to the full set of freebies.

Moreover, the first 30 customers to purchase ₱1,999 worth of Daily Dose products will also receive an exclusive inflatable bag (not available anywhere else!)

As an added treat, a bedazzling station will be available on-site, allowing customers to personalize and decorate their Ever Bilena products! An extra fun and creative touch to the overall shopping experience.

Denice Sy, Ever Bilena’s chief sales and marketing officer, shared the inspiration behind the brand’s first kiosk: “Opening our flagship kiosk is a major step forward in bringing Ever Bilena even closer to our customers,” she said. “We wanted to create a space where beauty lovers can interact with our products firsthand, enjoy exclusive deals, and experience the joy and creativity that defines the Ever Bilena brand.”

The kiosk will continue to offer exciting in-store activities in the coming weeks!

Hit the Road in Style: Scenic Road Trips You Need on Your Bucket List

 We don’t always take road trips to escape. Sometimes, we take them to feel more present, to discover hidden gems, and to make unforgettable memories. As writer Angela N. Blount once said, “Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.”  

In rural Philippines, where every curve in the road may reveal a mountain, a scenic cliff or a coastline, road trips are more than a way to travel, they’re a chance to reconnect with nature, with friends, or even with yourself.  This is the kind of thrill that only a road trip can offer — an adventure that will stay with you for a long time.

And with PLDT Home’s One Mega Giveaway (OMG) promo, your next adventure could come with a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, ₱1 million in cash, or free fiber internet for life.

 

Before we tell you how, let’s talk about where to go. Here are four road trips from Manila that are scenic, soul-stirring, and full of moments that you’ll never forget.  

SCTEX Highway Central Luzon

 

1. SCTEX and Halsema Highway: Baguio and beyond 

Also known as the Baguio-Bontoc Road or Mountain Trail, the Halsema Highway climbs steadily from the lowlands of La Trinidad, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of urban life. Once dubbed the “death highway,” Halsema is now a stunning route through the Cordillera mountains. 

The journey begins on the outskirts of Baguio City. As your Toyota Fortuner navigates the winding ascent, you’ll see the landscape transforming: terraced mountainsides sculpted by indigenous hands over centuries cascade down. During planting season, these terraces mirror the sky in pools of water; during harvest, they turn golden in celebration of abundance.

 

Stop at Atok, Benguet’s Highest Point marker. On clear days, Mt. Pulag, the country’s third-highest peak, looms in the distance, its summit often haloed with a sea of clouds that locals call the “playground of the gods.”

 

The true magic of the Halsema Highway isn’t just in its breathtaking vistas, but in the intimate glimpses of mountain life it offers. Indigenous Igorot communities continue their ways alongside the modern road, women in traditional garb carry baskets of produce on their heads.

 

By the time you reach Sagada or Bontoc, you’ve traversed not just a highway but a living museum of Philippine highland culture, where the past and present coexist in balance.

 

2. SCTEX to Clark: A short but satisfying drive
You can also make a quick escape to Central Luzon’s rich culture with a trip to Clark, Pampanga.. Take Skyway 3, then North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), continue on to SCTEX and exit at Clark North for a smooth two-hour drive depending on traffic.

 

After exploring golf courses, high-end integrated resorts, and shopping malls in Clark, indulge in Pampanga’s cultural and natural attractions including famous Kapampangan restaurants — artist and chef Claude Tayag’s Bale Dutung, which now has a walk-in restaurant in addition to the private dining, reservations-only section. Then check out where Claude took Anthony Bourdain to introduce him to Kapampangan cuisine: Aling Lucing (for sisig) and ARlyns Carinderia (for papaitan).

 

3. The Tanay-Infanta Road: The Sierra Madre’s secret pass

Some of the most rewarding journeys are those less traveled, and the road from Tanay, Rizal, to Infanta, Quezon, remains one of Luzon’s best-kept secrets. This route cuts through the heart of the Sierra Madre mountain range, the longest in the Philippines-- offering a breathtaking transition from the outskirts of Metro Manila to the wild Pacific coast.

 

The adventure begins in the rolling hills of Tanay, where weekend motorcyclists gather at viewpoints overlooking the Laguna de Bay. As you continue, Manila’s sprawl disappears behind you, replaced by increasingly dense forests and the air grows noticeably cooler and fresher.

 

Indigenous Dumagat communities, who have called these mountains home for centuries, maintain small settlements along the route where traditional crafts and mountain foods can sometimes be purchased from roadside stands.

 

The true drama of this journey comes at Bantakay Falls and the series of hairpin turns known locally as “Magnetic Hill.” As you descend toward Infanta, Quezon, the view gives way to coconut plantations, and eventually, the vast Pacific Ocean.

 

4. Pan-Philippine Highway: Bicolandia’s coastal escape

A road trip through the Bicol region offers more than just the perfect view of Mayon Volcano—it’s a slow-burning adventure that builds with every kilometer. In Legazpi City, the iconic cone-shaped volcano looms dramatically in the backdrop. If you want to go further, follow the Pan-Philippine Highway south through lush coconut plantations and sleepy fishing towns toward the province of Sorsogon.

The drive itself is a visual feast: rice paddies that stretch endlessly on one side, while glimpses of the Pacific Ocean peek out from winding coastal roads. Stop by Bacon District for panoramic sea cliffs, then detour to the quaint town of Donsol, where you can swim with whale sharks (butanding) during peak season. Cap off your journey in Matnog, where pink sandbeaches and crystal-clear waters await.

It’s a soul-soothing escape deep into the heart of southern Luzon, where every stop is a reminder that sometimes, the best trips are the ones less hyped.

Drive a Toyota Fortuner on your next road trip

What if upgrading your internet could also upgrade your travel bucket list — and your entire life? PLDT Home One Mega Giveaway (OMG) Promo is back in its second year. New subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber automatically get a chance to win OMG-worthy prizes that go way beyond fast internet.

 

You can’t help but say OMG! to these prizes: one brand new 2025 Toyota Fortuner, ₱1 million in cash, and free fiber broadband For Life. There will also be 10 winners of ₱100,000 in cash, and 10 free fiber broadband for one year. Winners will be drawn in August.

 

For more information, visit www.pldthome.com/omg2025.  

 

Why You Should Buy #YourAIPhone HONOR 400 5G

Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines recently launched its newest flagship mid-range smartphone HONOR 400 5G. Still available in stunning colors—Midnight Black, Tidal Blue and Desert Gold—the HONOR 400 5G is priced at only Php 22,999. 

Why You Should Buy HONOR 400 5G 

The HONOR 400 5G offers an impressive photography experience with its 200MP AI main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and 50MP portrait selfie camera. Features like AI Super Zoom, AI Portrait Snap, and HD Moving Photo ensure high-quality shots, while the Film Simulation and Harcourt Portrait modes add cinematic effects. The AI Editing includes tools like AI Eraser to remove unwanted objects, AI Outpainting to extend images, and AI Face Tune for flawless open-eyed photos. Using Google's state of the art video generation model, Veo 2 on Google Cloud’s Vertex AI, users can explore different possibilities through image to video generations. 

Also powered by a 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery with up to 88W HONOR Wired SuperCharge, the HONOR 400 5G offers you all-day power whenever you are on the move. Designed to withstand everyday drops with SGS 5-Star Drop Resistance for overall unit and offers IP66 dust and water resistance, The screen of the HONOR 400 5G can be used easily with wet hands, offering practical usability. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 Mobile Platform ensures a smoother performance and higher graphics rendering for better gaming.  

Featuring a 6.55-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2736×1264 resolution, and 460 PPI for vibrant visuals, the HONOR 400 supports 100% DCI-P3 and 5000nits peak brightness for visibility even in direct sunlight. Sunlight Display Enhancement improves outdoor visibility, while HONOR Eye Comfort technologies like 3840Hz Risk-Free Dimming, Low Blue Light, Dynamic Dimming, and Circadian Night Mode reduce eye strain. The AI Defocus Display reduces eye fatigue, and Ultra Dark Mode dims to 1.5nit for nighttime use. The Motion Sickness Relief feature helps reduce nausea with sensors and visual stabilization while moving in the car. It also supports Super Rainproof Touch, allowing smooth and responsive use even in wet hands scenarios. 

Running on MagicOS 9.0, the HONOR 400 5G offers a plethora of flagship-level AI innovations, including Magic Portal 2.0, AI Writing Tools, AI Recorder, AI Translation, AI Deepfake Detection, and much more.   

Pricing and Availability 

Available in stunning color options—Midnight Black, Tidal Blue and Desert Gold—the HONOR 400 5G is now available for across the Philippines for only Php 22,999 (24GB + 512GB)! Get it now at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, and online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_H400_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_H400_PR, and TikTok Shop https://bit.ly/TikTok_H400_PR. 

You can also #BringPhotosToLife with #YourAIPhone via Home Credit easy installments of as low as ₱979/month for 18 months! Check the best HONOR products and deals for you here: https://hcph.info/3I2m1gb. 

 

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

UNIQLO App’s 5th Anniversary Celebration: Sign Up and Enjoy Exclusive Deals

Come celebrate by signing up as a UNIQLO App Member to get tons of exciting benefits and exclusive deals this July

 

UNIQLO marks the milestone 5th anniversary of the UNIQLO App this July with a month-long celebration, treating members to tons of exciting deals and extended benefits.

 

The UNIQLO App testifies to the idea that there’s more to online shopping than convenience. Members have always enjoyed tons of perks with the UNIQLO App and are set to get lots more with the 5th-anniversary promos.

 

For instance, UNIQLO App members will have access to online-exclusive items every week. The line-up includes the Women’s Flannel Boxy Shirt and Men’s Flannel Long Sleeve Shirt from July 7 to 13, as well as new colors of the UNIQLO Sweat Wide Pants the week after. On the week of July 21 to 27, UNIQLO App members get first dibs on the Washable Knitted Bra Top. Lastly, from July 28 to August 3, they get to enjoy the Women’s Merino Crew Neck Cardigan and the Men’s Merino Knitted Polo Shirt.

 

There are limited offers as well running in the first half of July. Up for grabs at huge discounts are the W’s AIRism UV Protection Full Zip Hoodie and DRY-EX UV Protection Full Zip Hoodie, both at P990 from P1490, and the W’s AIRism Soft Cropped T-shirt at P590 from P790, among others.

 

UNIQLO App members will also be treated to a couple of special promotions. First, a chance to win a P100,000-UNIQLO-shopping-spree simply by having their app scanned. To join, members need to shop in-store and reach a minimum amount of P3,500, have their app scanned upon payment at the cashier, and turn on notifications to keep track of the weekly winners. Another special promotion gives app members a Magsafe Tumbler Novelty Item for every P3,500 purchase from July 18 to 24. Customers will receive a blind box and receive one color from five selections: white, cream, blue, black, and orange.

 

These 5th-anniversary promotions are just added benefits that UNIQLO App members get to enjoy. Aside from shopping convenience, using the UNIQLO App gives them several shopping advantages, including having access to extra sizes like XS, 2XL, and 3XL that are available exclusively online. They also receive a P300-welcome voucher upon downloading the app. Lastly, UNIQLO App members enjoy exclusive limited offers that include access to special prices, which can be availed both online and in-store.

 

Enjoy these benefits and make the most of the 5th-anniversary promotions by becoming a member of the UNIQLO App today. Visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ to learn more, and follow @uniqlo on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram for all the latest news and updates.

Igloo’s Weather Index Insurance: A Lifeline for Filipino Farmers Facing Climate Losses

 After months of scorching heat, the country is now grappling with torrential rains as the rainy season sets in. While the rains offer hope for renewed harvests, they also carry the threat of stronger, more destructive typhoons. Despite their vital role in food production, farmers remain among the most vulnerable, repeatedly bearing the brunt of extreme weather with limited protection.

In 2024, the Department of Agriculture reported agricultural losses amounting to ₱57.8 billion, affecting over 1.4 million farmers and fisherfolk across the country. These losses were caused by a mix of calamities, including El Niño-induced droughts, typhoons, pests, and volcanic activity. El Niño alone accounted for ₱15.7 billion in damages, severely hitting key crops like rice and corn. Despite this, only one-third of farmers in the country are insured, according to the World Bank, even with government-subsidized premiums.

In its commitment to make insurance more accessible, leading insurtech Igloo aims to help bridge this protection gap with Weather Index Insurance (WII), an index-based insurance coverage specifically aimed to protect agriculture businesses and farmers against climate risks.

Unlike traditional insurance, which requires assessing actual damages after a disaster, WII  uses measurable weather data, such as rainfall, temperature, or wind speed as triggers for payouts. When a predefined threshold is crossed, compensation is automatically released, enabling faster and more objective claims processing.

This parametric model has already been successfully deployed in Vietnam, where WII is available through telecommunications company  MobiFone’s agricultural app, MobiAgri, which uses the latest technologies in Big Data, AI, blockchain, AR, and VR to support digital farming. By embedding Igloo’s Rainfall Weather Index Insurance into MobiAgri, the initiative offers a holistic platform designed to improve crop yields, manage climate risks, and promote sustainable farming. Deployment is in 18 provinces and cities, supported by a network of over 2,000 rain stations and 650 meteorological stations. 

“We believe the same model can be applied to the Philippines, where frequent typhoons and prolonged droughts continue to impact agricultural productivity,” said John Chen, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines and Thailand.  The company has been in talks with local stakeholders to introduce weather-based coverage and is actively looking to expand its offerings in the country 

“With the right partners, including government agencies to agritech platforms and cooperatives, we can bring insurance closer to Filipino farmers and equip them with the tools to better withstand the effects of climate change,” Chen added.

Learn more about Igloo’s products and services by visiting iglooinsure.com