UNIQLO Unveils First-Ever Collaboration with NEEDLES, Blending Iconic LifeWear with Distinctive Japanese Style

 Global apparel retailer UNIQLO today announces the launch of UNIQLO and NEEDLES, the very first collaboration that combines UNIQLO's high-quality manufacturing with NEEDLES's aesthetic sense and foresight. Loved by fashion enthusiasts, NEEDLES is a brand designed by Keizo Shimizu, founder of the clothing store NEPENTHES. This new addition to LifeWear reflects UNIQLO's iconic fleece evolving with the refined taste of NEEDLES, emphasizing the true appeal of the product in a simple design.

Commenting on the new collaboration with UNIQLO, Keizo Shimizu said: Since founding NEPENTHES in 1988 and establishing NEEDLES in 1995, we have continued to share our thoughts and ideas with the world at our own pace from our location in Jingumae, in Tokyo. By adding the butterfly motif and silhouette to give UNIQLO's signature fleece a NEEDLES feel, we have created iconic and special items. We look forward to bringing the world of NEEDLES to a wider audience through this collaboration.

Three items brimming with discerning exactness evident in the basic design

The combination of NEEDLES's attention to detail and UNIQLO fleece has produced a special collection that embodies the beauty in basic design. Three types of items are available in simple, single tone colors of black, gray, beige and purple.

NEEDLES's signature color palette and aesthetic sense revealed in the details

The Fleece Full-zip Jacket, with its modern and relaxed silhouette and chic NEEDLES coloring, draws inspiration from vintage items from the 1970s. The Fleece Oversized Cardigan, available in solid colors and stripes, takes NEEDLES's iconic pattern and tailors it to match the UNIQLO fit. The Fleece Wide Pants have an elegant straight silhouette, with stripes down the side in the same color as the fabric for a sophisticated look. Enjoy this genderless new fleece collection with the aesthetic sense and worldview of NEEDLES made possible through collaboration with UNIQLO.

Collection Details

Launch date: October 31, 2025 (Friday)

Store availability: Full lineup at UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store, UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia, UNIQLO SM Megamall, and the uniqlo.com online store

Special website: https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/women/special-collaboration/uniqlo-and-needles 

Item Lineup

Fleece Full-zip Jacket 　₱2,490

Fleece Oversized Cardigan　 ₱1,990

Fleece Wide Pants　₱1,990

About NEEDLES

Founded in 1995 by Keizo Shimizu, the NEEDLES brand reflects a vision and personal viewpoint cultivated through 40 years of world travel and fashion industry experience. The brand name "NEEDLES" was coined by combining "needle" and "less," taking meaning from　"need-less," or not using more than necessary.

https://www.needles.jp/

The Nautilus at CaSoBe Makes Waves as the Philippines’ First EDGE Advanced-Certified Beachfront Condominium

 

At the Calatagan horizon where luxury meets responsibility, a new standard for coastal living is taking shape. The Nautilus at 15-hectare CaSoBe, Landco Pacific Corporation’s iconic 10-storey beachfront condotel in Batangas, has achieved the Preliminary EDGE Advanced Certification, making it the first residential and commercial beach condominium development in the country to earn this international recognition for sustainable design.

“The Nautilus sets a new benchmark as the first beachfront condominium development in the country with a Preliminary EDGE Advanced Certificate,” said Engr. Leandro A. Conti, PME, ASEAN Engineer, Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI) Chairman and President. “It is proof that sustainable design and aspirational living are not opposing ideals, but powerful partners in shaping resilient communities.” PGBI is the local partner of International Finance Corporation in EDGE Certification in the Philippines.

The Nautilus is named as the first Beachfront Condominium with EDGE  Advanced Certification in the country.

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), an innovation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), certifies buildings that meet stringent standards for resource efficiency. This global certification recognizes developments that achieve at least 20% savings in energy use, alongside significant reductions in water and embodied energy in materials.

According to the PGBI, The Nautilus is projected to achieve 43% energy savings, 37% water savings, and a 38% reduction in embodied energy of materials compared to local benchmarks. These figures translate into a tangible impact: The Nautilus is anticipated to conserve electricity that is enough to power 10 Filipino households for an entire year.

Purposeful Luxury by the Shore

Master-planned by Singapore’s Pomeroy Studio and designed by Visionarch, ranked among the top global firms, The Nautilus is a beacon of refined coastal living. Inspired by Jules Verne’s legendary submarine, The Nautilus rises along the Calatagan shoreline like a ship at anchor. Beyond its striking architecture, every detail is designed for an elevated coastal lifestyle: floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic sea views, spa sanctuaries, rooftop observatories, and infinity pools that capture the romance of a cruise liner docked by the shore; and

Yet beneath the glamour lies a future-forward design ethos. The Nautilus stand for eco-conscious innovations featuring solar panels on rooftops and canopies, double piping and water-efficient plumbing, EV charging stations, natural ventilation, and recycled materials. These makes The Nautilus a rare destination, where indulgence and responsibility flow seamlessly together.

“The Nautilus embodies our belief that true luxury is purposeful, where every moment of beauty comes with a responsibility to tread lightly on our planet. Sustainability is not an afterthought; it is at the heart of everything we do,” said Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO, Landco Pacific Corporation. “This recognition from the International Finance Corporation affirms Landco’s role in pioneering coastal communities that are both refined and resilient. Our commitment is to create places of lasting value, destinations that will stand as legacies for generations to come”

Sustainability as a Lifestyle Necessity

Once considered the domain of high-end estates, green and open spaces have now become essential to long-term livability. Research shows that properties near well-designed green zones enjoy value appreciation between 8–20%, proving that nature is not just a visual amenity but also an economic driver.

At The Nautilus, sustainability is not a social luxury but a lifestyle necessity. White sand beaches, clean sea water, landscaped spaces, natural lighting, and energy-efficient features aren’t just aesthetic choices, they enhance wellness, reduce stress, and offer refuge from the demands of urban life. By merging eco-friendly design with premium resort amenities, The Nautilus elevates coastal living into a holistic and healthy experience.

A New Benchmark for Philippine Beachfront Living

With 171 residential units and five commercial spaces, The Nautilus, a premium condotel within the award-winning CaSoBe development will be managed by Landco Lifestyle Ventures, the hospitality arm of Landco Pacific Corporation. The Nautilus offers flexible ownership options that combines rental income opportunities with the promise of long-term value appreciation.

Just 2–3 hours from Metro Manila, The Nautilus sits at CaSoBe, a master-planned beach tourism estate designed for leisure and lifestyle. The Nautilus provides residents daily access to resort-style living with white sand beaches, vibrant amenities, and a serene coastal environment. Surrounded by golf courses, polo fields, and nearby essentials like hospitals, markets, and schools, it strikes the perfect balance between escape and convenience.

All units at The Nautilus, offer priceless views of the bay, with layouts facing either the CaSoBē development along Miami South Street or Aquaria Water Park. Each residence includes open-air private outdoor spaces (balconies), a generous ceiling height of approximately 2.80 meters, and select energy-efficient appliances.

The Nautilus’ hotel facilities include The Captain's Table for lounging and light snacks, The Chamber conference room, The Abyss spa, and Nemo's Grove with lush greenery at the ground floor. At the 10th floor, residents can enjoy Nemo's Den and Sanctuary for relaxation, and The Engine Room gym with breathtaking views of the seascape and skyline. Leisure continues with The Arcade billiard hall, Captain's Hideout bar, and the Horizon Pool Deck with its infinity pool and double deck that evoke the feel of a cruise liner on land. Celestial Cuisine offers comfort food in a modern Bohemian-chic setting, while The Observatory on the 11th level provides panoramic views of the bay and the sprawling CaSoBē estate.

Other condotel amenities include two RFID-enabled scenic passenger elevators plus a service elevator, concierge services for both residents and hotel guests, an exclusive drop-off bay, 100% standby emergency power, CCTV monitoring of common areas, Wi-Fi access in select common spaces, a linen room on each residential floor, and an on-site clinic.

From the thrills of Aquaria Water Park to the charm of Crusoe Cabins, Cocoons, the Chairman’s Cabin, and the iconic CaSoBe Lighthouse, residents and visitors of The Nautilus also enjoy front-row access to the estate’s most beloved destinations. Perfect for weekend escapes, digital workcations, and beachfront celebrations, all within a vibrant resort community.

By achieving EDGE Advanced recognition, The Nautilus redefines beachfront living, not just as a retreat for today, but as a legacy for tomorrow.

For more info on The Nautilus,visit www.landco.ph or facebook.com/LandcoPacificCorporation.

A Taste of Australia Launches at Landmark Supermarket Makati, Bringing Aussie Favorites Closer to Home

 The flavors and vibrance of Australia are now closer than ever as “A Taste of Australia” officially launched at Landmark Supermarket Makati. The event was spearheaded by Landmark Chief Operating Officer Teddy Keng, Landmark SVP for Marketing Michelle Keng, and Hans Lim of NexTrade, with the support of Austrade and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Marc Innes-Brown, alongside representatives from leading Australian brands. 

If you’re craving Aussie favorites—from premium snacks to pantry staples—make sure to drop by Landmark Supermarket and experience a true taste of Australia. 

Adding excitement for shoppers, every purchase of participating Australian products until October 31 earns a raffle entry to win a Qantas Airways roundtrip ticket for two to Australia, an opportunity to explore its landscapes, flavors, and hospitality.

Bringing the Australian Way of Life to Filipino Homes

Australia is known for its clean, green lifestyle and wholesome choices, now within easy reach at Landmark through trusted brands.

Celebrating the best of Australia at Landmark. From left: Michelle Keng, SVP for Merchandising, The Landmark Corporation; Rey Co, Managing Director, High Tower Aussie Lamb; Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown; Hans Lim, SVP and General Manager, Nextrade Philippines Inc.; and Warren Chua, VP, Nature’s Harvest Corporation, mark the opening of A Taste of Australia at Landmark Supermarket Makati, showcasing premium Australian brands including Pure Harvest, MasterFoods, Earth Choice, and Yarra Valley Hilltop.

Pure Harvest brings organic almond, oat, soy, and rice milks from one of Australia’s pioneers in plant-based living – fully vegan products. Freedom Fresh Happy Nut delivers only the best Australian macadamia nuts in shell, in many different flavour profiles, perfect for breakfast or a light snack. Cobs Popcorn, made from non-GMO corn and only natural seasonings, are perfect for picnics, family gatherings and movie nights, or a healthy low-calorie snack. Busy weeknights are made easier with Dolmio, offering Italian-heritage pasta sauces for hearty meals, while MasterFoods elevates everyday cooking with its premium and trusted range of herbs, spices, and sauces. Leading the way for environmentally friendly and eco-conscious households, Earth Choice provides the highest quality Earth-safe, biodegradable, and effective cleaning.  Yarra Valley Hilltop offers only the freshest fruit juice from the harvests of the Yarra Valley region in Victoria. The Australian showcase also features other Australian icons like Rafferty’s Garden, Smoovi, Binda Valley, Lo Bros, Leggo’s, Infuzions, Charlie’s Fine Food Co., Tucker’s, Brookfarm, Bega, Vegemite, Chef Joey D, Arnott’s, Laucke, SPC, and Red Rock Deli.

Together, these brands reflect what Australians value most: natural goodness, trusted quality, and guaranteed everyday enjoyment.

Everyday Convenience, Premium Choices

These Australian favorites are available exclusively at Landmark branches in Makati, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, BGC, Alabang, and Nuvali, making it easy for families to bring home the best of Australia, from healthy and balanced meals to eco-friendly cleaning.

Strengthening Ties, Celebrating Culture

A Taste of Australia also highlights the growing partnership between Australia and the Philippines: supporting trade, showcasing sustainable producers, and celebrating shared love for good food and sharing joy together in community.

Discover the freshness, flavors, and spirit of Australia, now just an aisle away at Landmark. Visit your nearest branch or shop online at landmark.ph.  

realme 15T 5G: The Slim Powerhouse with a 7000mAh Battery for All-Day Performance

 Sleek, lightweight, and powered by a massive 7000mAh battery — the newest member of the realme 15 Series 5G smartphone empowers users to live more and charge less

Following the launch of the realme 15 Pro 5G and realme 15 5G, realme is set to introduce a new thin with the arrival of the realme 15T 5G, the latest member of the realme 15 Series 5G lineup.

At its core is a 7000mAh Massive Battery that redefines endurance, giving users the freedom to enjoy endless conversations, adventures, and even late-night workouts without the constant need to recharge. Backed by 60W SUPERVOOC Charge, the device powers up quickly, ensuring less time plugged in and more time enjoying activities.  

Beyond its battery, the realme 15T 5G makes a statement with its striking yet practical design. Measuring just 7.79mm thin in Suit Titanium and 7.89mm in Flowing Silver, the smartphone is remarkably slim for a device carrying such a large battery. Its metallic-textured mid-frame and matte-textured back cover not only adds character but also ensures comfort with its rounded corners and lightweight build of just 181g (Suit Titanium) and 183g (Flowing Silver).

Up front, the 6.57” AMOLED flat display with DT Star D+ glass protection delivers both durability and immersive visuals, making it perfect for streaming, gaming, or scrolling through memories.

Built to last yet crafted to stay light in hand, the realme 15T 5G is designed to keep pace with everything that matters day-to-day. 

The realme 15T 5G will officially arrive in the Philippines on October 8. To celebrate its arrival, every purchase comes with exclusive freebies worth up to PHP 2,898, including a TechLife Bluetooth Speaker 2 and a 1-Year Screen Damage Protection Plan. These freebies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at realme partner retailers, only while supplies last.

 Live more, charge less, and experience the new thin with the realme 15T 5G.

To know more updates on the realme 15T 5G, follow realme’s official website and Facebook page.

Watsons Club Marks 7th Anniversary with Exciting Wellness and Travel Getaway for Lucky Members and Their Barkada

 

Your health, beauty, and travel goals are set to take flight this year!

To celebrate the 7th anniversary of the largest health and beauty loyalty program in the country, Watsons Club is giving four lucky members — and their barkada — a wellness and wanderlust getaway.

Unlock the Watsons Club World of Rewards for a chance to win an unforgettable trip for four to stunning locations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, or Singapore. Beyond just a trip, the prize includes a complete wellness package with 3 days and 2 nights of travel, plus complimentary health and beauty services for an ultimate rewarding escapade.

Begin your journey by filling your basket with your favorite health and beauty essentials, available at over 1,100+ Watsons stores nationwide or via the Watsons App from August 21 to October 22, 2025. Reach a minimum single receipt purchase of Php 1,500 to automatically get one entry, while Elite Members enjoy two entries to double the chances of winning.

The anniversary celebration brings more rewards with amazing deals such as 70% off, Buy 1 Take 1 promos, Mix & Match offers, and more across a wide range of products, including OTC medicines, vitamins, skin care, haircare, men’s grooming, and more. 70 lucky members will also get a chance to win pampering perks from top health and beauty merchants in the country, such as free brow and waxing services from Browhaus and Strip Manila, and a salon package from David’s Salon.

The Watsons Club 7th Anniversary is in collaboration with brands including the Watsons Brand, Naturals by Watsons, Ellips, Aveeno, Garnier, Celeteque, Belo, and Physiogell. Keep the fun vibes going with health and wellness products from Watsons Generics, Allerta, Biogesic, Decolgen, Medicol Advance, Tuseran, Neozep Z Plus, Enervon, Myra E, Fortima, Conzace, Revicon, Skin Genie, Vantelin, and Regroe.

The adventure officially kicked off with a 3-day mall celebration at the SM Mall of Asia from September 28 to 30. The event transported attendees to the most popular destinations in Asia and showcased the best in all things health and beauty.

The rewards don’t stop there! Get FREE tickets to the upcoming Watsons Playlist this November when you spend as low as P2,000 via the Watsons App. Shop now and sing-along later with OPM icons such as Rico Blanco, Zack Tabudlo, Ben&Ben, and more, who will bring out all the feels and kilig!

Don’t miss out on all the fun! Be a Watsons Club member today and embark on your rewarding journey! Just download the app, register, and unlock a world of exciting rewards, special offers, and access to member-only events.

Stay in the loop on all the latest news and promos. Follow @watsonsph on Instagram, @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.

Strengthening Food Security Through the Power of Local Wisdom

 Across many parts of Asia, flavor is not just a matter of taste; it is a legacy, an identity, and a reflection of the human connection to nature. In Southeast Asia, the rich spices and traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations thrive due to the abundance of local food sources, including forests, fields, rice paddies, and rivers. However, climate change and the exploitation of natural resources are now threatening the continued availability of these local food sources.

In the Philippines, 2025 food security efforts increasingly focus on empowering communities and reviving indigenous farming. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set ambitious goals, including raising rice output  to 20.46 million metric tons and cutting post-harvest losses. Still, grassroots initiatives best reflect the nation’s wisdom. In Mindanao and the Cordillera, farmers cultivate traditional rice varieties like Tinawon and Unoy through ancestral practices that value biodiversity, seed saving, and communal labor. These methods have shown resilience to climate shocks and market shifts.

Local governments also play a vital role, tailoring strategies to community needs, building farm-to-market roads, supporting seed banks, and facilitating food-sharing networks. As the Philippines stands at a crossroads, food remains more than sustenance; it is a cultural and ecological legacy to protect and pass on.

La Ode visited Rimba Gupung and learned more about the local food wisdom

Nature as the Anchor of Dayak Desa Tribal Cultural Heritage

In the midst of this global vulnerability, Indonesia has the opportunity to preserve local practices that have  long adapted to natural change. In West Kalimantan, renowned for its rainforest and biodiversity, generational knowledge of farming, forest harvesting, and natural food processing has guided communities toward a regenerative food ecosystem. The Sintang Regency government supported the community effort through the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan (RENSTRA) allocating 2.16 million hectares for sustainable agriculture, an area 3.7 times the size of Bali.

Yet this wisdom risks being lost without wider recognition. To address this, Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (LTKL), together with youth centers in Sintang and Sanggau, launched the ExploNation program that invites content creators to showcase the link between local culture and conservation. Among them is La Ode, a top 10 contestant from MasterChef Indonesia Season 8, that explored Sintang’s cuisine shaped by Dayak, Malay, and Chinese influences. The exploration includes La Ode’s trip to Rimba Gupung and Kapuas River, discussing with local food activists in Sintang. ,. 

"The trekking trip to Rimba Gupung was a thrilling experience, discovering the Akar Bajakah (Bajakah Root), which can be drunk directly and is believed to have health benefits. We also harvested red fern shoots to be cooked for dinner with residents at Rumah Betang Ensaid Panjang. This made me realize how important it is to maintain the sustainability of the forest ecosystem, so that the inherited knowledge about roots, leaves, and fruits can continue to be utilized and the regeneration of culture remains unbroken," said La Ode.

He also stayed at Rumah Betang Ensaid Panjang, a communal home of 33 Dayak Desa families, where he learned how the community processes and stores ingredients from the Rimba Gupung. La Ode said, "The unforgettable experience was processing ikan pekasam (fermented fish) and mashed sweet potato leaves with the women of Ensaid Panjang Village. I learned that the effort to protect and restore nature is not only important for the environment but also contributes significantly to nurturing the culture passed down through generations. From that process, I realized that local food, sourced from the surrounding nature and processed with traditional wisdom, holds a much deeper value. It's not just food, but also a part of our cultural identity."

Building Capacity to Drive the Local Economy

As part of the ExploNation agenda, La Ode led a "Food Content Taking and Storytelling" workshop for 14 young people from Sintang, Sanggau, and Kapuas Hulu Regencies. This training helped them  hone storytelling skills and develop communication materials rooted in local culture, with the goal of empowering them as community narrators supporting West Kalimantan’s restorative economy. 

Kurniawan, Head of the Sintang Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA), stated, "We highly appreciate the enthusiasm of the young people in this activity as a tangible effort to promote the natural and cultural richness of Sintang. This initiative is a crucial step in raising awareness of the local cultural heritage and its relevance in protecting and restoring the environment for the well-being of the entire community."

The role of Sintang's local food has proven to contribute significantly to the creative economy and tourism sectors, which are the main pillars of the regional economy. This was evident in the 2025 Sintang Creative Economy and Culinary Exhibition, which involved 199 business actors and recorded total transactions of more than Rp2 billion in one week.

La Ode added, "Restoring the environment means restoring our own cultural roots. I believe the future of Sintang's food lies in our courage to see nature not as an object of exploitation, but as a source of life that must be cared for."

In the spirit of the ExploNation program, La Ode worked with residents to document Sintang and West Kalimantan food recipes. This step not only preserves Sintang's culinary heritage but also strengthens food security by anchoring it in culture amid modernization By encouraging the community to re-appreciate and develop local food ingredients, this initiative also creates innovative economic opportunities that involve farmers and businesses. This entire ecosystem contributes to the creation of a more self-sufficient, diverse, and sustainable food system.

The ExploNation program is expected to trigger a broader movement for environmental restoration, emphasizing the importance of a restorative economy as a development model that restores nature while also preserving culture. Through this approach, local food becomes not only an essential part of regional identity but also a sustainable economic pillar that ensures natural resources remain productive and protected, while strengthening the local community's identity and well-being.

5 Reasons to Turn Your Kitchen into a Foodie’s Paradise with Toshiba’s Nature Pure Series Refrigerator

 

The kitchen is a place of joy for every gourmet, whether you are hosting a dinner for friends, meal-prepping for the weeks’ worth of conscious cuisine, or simply cooking warm and delicious meals for your family. All you need is the right kitchen solution to cook up your magic.

Toshiba, the world’s leading manufacturer of artisanal home appliance solutions, redefines food storage with Asia Pacific’s first and biggest 711-liter Side-by-Side and Multidoor refrigerator, designed to deliver unmatched capacity and lasting freshness, transforming the kitchen into a gourmet paradise. 

Sizable Storage for Stocking up Groceries

 

Enjoy the convenience of keeping two weeks’ worth of groceries fresh with the Toshiba Nature Pure Series Refrigerator.

 

Grocery shopping multiple times a week to restock food essentials can be a chore. The Toshiba Nature Pure Series is designed to hold up to two weeks’ worth of groceries, ensuring that you always have ingredients on hand. You won’t have to worry about running out of organic fruits and vegetables, and you’ll have a sizable freezer space to store premium cuts of meat and meat substitutes.

Sophisticated Technology that Preserves Freshness

Toshiba Nature Pure Series Multi-Door Refrigerator

 

At the heart of the Nature Pure series is the PureAIR technology, which naturally purifies the air inside, reducing bacteria, neutralizing odors, and keeping ingredients and meals fresher for longer. Whether you’re preparing celebratory spreads ahead of time or carefully assembling the week’s balanced and nutritious meals, every item is stored in a clean, safe environment you can count on.

 

Tailored Storage Systems for Artisanal Ingredients

 

The Toshiba Nature Pure Series Refrigerator is designed with advanced technology to keep your food fresh, crisp, and full of flavor.

Featuring a smart cooling technology that keeps food at its best, the Toshiba Nature Pure refrigerators also offer super cooling and freezing functions that rapidly lower the temperature, preserving nutrients and flavors while slowing the growth of bacteria. You can easily store leftovers from yesterday’s get-together with friends or last night’s family dinner and have them for when the cravings kick in.

 

 

Sleek Design for a Modern Kitchen

 

With its sleek Morandi Gray finish, the Toshiba Nature Pure Series Multi-Door Refrigerator brings modern elegance to any kitchen.

 

Finished in a sleek Morandi Gray, the Toshiba Nature Pure refrigerators are not just about performance, they seamlessly blend style and practicality, creating a serene and calming home atmosphere. Their timeless design allows the refrigerator models to elegantly enhance any modern kitchen’s interior. 

From smart storage solutions to innovative features that keep food crisp and flavorful, Toshiba’s Nature Pure Series supports every part of your cooking journey and transforms your kitchen into a culinary haven—one fresh ingredient and one deliciously preserved meal at a time.

For more information on Toshiba’s brand-new Nature Pure refrigerator series, visit https://www.toshiba-lifestyle.com/ph and follow Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.