Honoring the Heroes Who Shaped Us: Gabay Guro’s Star-Studded Tribute to Teachers This October 25!

From the moment we first stepped into a classroom, teachers became the guiding light that shaped our dreams and built the foundations of who we are today. They were our first mentors, cheerleaders, and life coaches—instilling lessons that went far beyond books and blackboards. This October 25, Gabay Guro honors these everyday heroes through a grand celebration filled with gratitude, inspiration, and star-studded performances. Some of the country’s brightest celebrities will take the stage to show their support for the noble mission of empowering teachers, proving once again that behind every success story is a teacher who believed first.

This October 25, 2025 (Saturday) at the Meralco Theatre, Gabay Guro continues its 18-year legacy of honoring the nation’s educators through the Grand Gathering 2025 — the country’s most meaningful celebration dedicated to Filipino teachers — following the successful Teacher’s Fests held in Ilocos Norte, Koronadal, Biñan, and Dumaguete, as well as the National Teachers’ Day celebration at the Mall of Asia Arena last October 6, spearheaded by the Department of Education with a portion led by Gabay Guro. It stands as a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who continue to build the nation — one lesson, one learner, and and life at a time. 

Gabay Guro chairperson and Metro Pacific chief finance, risk, and sustainability officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla (center) led the Gabay Guro Grand Gathering 2025 press conference held on Oct. 13, joined by Gabay Guro volunteer Gary Dujali (left) and Gabay Guro artists Poppert Bernadas, Jona, and Jed Madela.

 

Under the banner theme “Our Teachers: Heroes of Learning, Builders of Tomorrow,” Gabay Guro continues its legacy of uplifting educators through scholarships, livelihood programs, digital training, and community support. Behind this inspiring celebration are the PLDT-Smart Foundation and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), in partnership with PLDT Home, Smart, PLDT Managers’ Club, mWelland the Department of Education (DepEd). Together, they lead this year’s Gabay Guro Grand Gathering, a powerful celebration of gratitude honoring the dedication, resilience, and lifelong service of Filipino teachers who continue to shape the nation’s future.

Gabay Guro chairperson and Metro Pacific chief finance, risk, and sustainability officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla (center) joins Gabay Guro volunteers Gary Dujali (left) and Linette Garcia-Perez (right), along with Gabay Guro artists Poppert Bernadas, Jona, and Jed Madela, at the event’s press conference held last October 13.

Leading this year’s tribute is Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Chairperson of Gabay Guro, mWell President and CEO, and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), whose vision continues to empower and inspire educators across the country. Under her leadership, Gabay Guro remains steadfast in championing teachers through scholarships, transformative programs that strengthen the pillars of education and community building. 

“This year’s Grand Gathering is more than a show — it’s a love letter to our teachers,” said Chaye Cabal-Revilla. “Through music, laughter, and celebration, we want them to feel how deeply the nation values their sacrifice and passion. Every performance and every song is a tribute to their unwavering spirit. We want our teachers to laugh, sing, and dance with their favorite stars because they deserve a celebration that mirrors the joy and dedication they bring to every Filipino classroom. This is our way of saying thank you — with music, fun, and heartfelt appreciation.”

An Inspiring Concert Lineup

With the theme "Sayawan, Kasiyahan, Kalusugan at UnliKantahan," this year's Gabay Guro Grand Gathering unites OPM legends and today's rising stars in spectacular "collab" performances that capture the energy and heart of Filipino teachers.

The celebration kicks off with an exciting pre-show featuring the Vibe Hosts and the TML Crew, setting the stage for a day of rhythm, inspiration, and gratitude for teachers across the nation.

The main program opens with the dynamic energy of Teacher Georcelle and G-Force, whose electrifying performance promises to set the tone for a day of celebration and passion.

Audiences will be treated to world-class vocals from OPM's finest — Jed Madela, Jona, Erik Santos, and Poppert Bernadas — as they deliver powerful and emotional renditions that pay tribute to the selflessness and dedication of Filipino teachers.

Adding inspiration to the lineup, the Inspirational Diva Jamie Rivera will uplift the crowd with her timeless songs of faith and gratitude — a fitting reminder of the heart behind every teacher's mission to nurture and guide.

Bringing color and confidence to the stage, Precious Paula Nicole, the Drag Race Philippines Season 1 winner, will dazzle the audience with a stunning and empowering performance that embodies joy, pride, and self-expression.

Completing the all-star celebration, Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid will headline the show with her signature powerhouse vocals and heartfelt tribute to educators — capping the day with a performance that promises to be both emotional and unforgettable.

Guiding the festivities with warmth and charisma are MJ Lastimosa and Dylan Menor, who will serve as the event's hosts — bringing energy, charm, and heartfelt appreciation for the teachers who continue to inspire generations.

As the excitement builds, more artists are expected to join the lineup as the October 25 celebration draws near — promising an even bigger, more inspiring tribute to the nation's modern-day heroes.

Beyond world-class entertainment, teachers attending the Grand Gathering can also look forward to exciting prizes and surprises throughout the event — including cash prizes of up to ₱1 million, gift certificates, Cignal entertainment packages, and the grand prize of a brand new Cherry Tiggo Touring. These rewards symbolize Gabay Guro's gratitude for the teachers' unwavering service and the joy they continue to bring to generations of learners.

Entrance to the Grand Gathering is free, but teachers are encouraged to pre-register through their local DepEd divisions to ensure smooth access to the event.

For teachers who cannot join the face-to-face celebration on October 25, the Gabay Guro Grand Gathering will be livestreamed via the Gabay Guro Facebook page and YouTube channel, allowing educators across the country to take part in this meaningful celebration from wherever they are.

More than just a concert, the Gabay Guro Grand Gathering 2025 is a celebration of heart and purpose — blending entertainment and advocacy under the movement's enduring banner: "Our Teachers: Heroes of Learning, Builders of Tomorrow." For over 18 years, Gabay Guro has been a pillar of support for Filipino educators, empowering them through scholarships, livelihood programs, digital innovations, housing assistance, and training initiatives that help strengthen communities across the country.

As the curtain falls at the Meralco Theatre, the message of Gabay Guro shines brighter than ever: to uplift, empower, and celebrate every Filipino teacher who continues to shape the nation's future — one song, one lesson, and one child at a time.

For more information on how to participate in Gabay Guro's 2025 events, visit their official website, and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Celebrate the Most Joyful Season Yet with Samsung’s Big Holiday Deals!

The merriest time of the year is definitely here as global number one TV and sound device brand Samsung gives every Filipino family a reason to kickstart the festive season with its super big holiday deals on its selected televisions and sound devices.

As families start gearing up for the most festive season, Samsung makes it easier than ever to upgrade their home entertainment setup and experience the magic of the holidays in bigger, smarter, and more connected ways.

Smarter, Easier Holiday Celebrations with Vision AI

Your holiday viewing is bigger and better with Samsung Vision AI, transporting you inside the worlds of your favorite holiday films or TV shows. This enhances the resolution of the content you’re viewing, giving you breathtaking sharpness and detail each time. With Vision AI, you can pair your Galaxy Watch to your TV for a more intuitive viewing experience, thanks to Universal Gestures.

Beyond enhancing your entertainment experience, Vision AI TVs are designed with a range of smart features to help make your holiday preparations feel easier and lighter. These televisions also double as smart hubs that keep you in control of your household. From keeping track of your devices’ energy consumption to serving as a pet-sitter while you’re away, Vision AI TVs handle everyday routines with ease, so you’re always focused on making memories with loved ones during the holidays.

Big Viewing, Bigger Celebrations At Home

Whether it’s watching timeless holiday films, streaming the latest series, or reliving family memories during a reunion, Samsung’s big, premium TVs turn every viewing moment into something special. The Neo QLED Vision AI TV sets the standard for big, bold viewing. Every twinkle of light in your festive films of choice bursts with stunning clarity, thanks to the TV’s NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor and AI Upscaling technology. Even with daylight pouring in through the window, its glare-free screen keeps the picture perfectly clear, making your favorite Christmas films unfold on the big screen, right in your living room.  

For those who want to bring the full brilliance of holiday viewing to life, Samsung’s OLED 4K Vision AI TV paints every scene with a billion shades of color. It expresses the deepest blacks and the most radiant colors, creating a cinematic warmth perfect for quiet nights in. Besides holiday viewing, the TV also elevates the gaming experience with its Ultimate Gaming Pack. This delivers an ultra-smooth, low-latency, immersive experience, perfect for friendly matches against loved ones during holiday celebrations.

Meanwhile, the QLED 4K Vision AI TV fills homes with colorful energy, bringing a cheerful vibrance to every moment. Its Real Quantum Dot Technology, which uses non-cadmium quantum dots, and 100% Color Volume delivers rich, life-like visuals that make your choice of entertainment look livelier. For households that value security along with high-quality viewing, the Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV offers robust privacy protection with Samsung Knox Security, while expressing glorious visuals with Crystal Processor 4K and 4K Upscaling technology.

Turn Up the Sound of Festive Fun 

Aside from immersive visuals, Samsung big TVs make any holiday viewing and celebration come alive with powerful audio. Through Q Symphony, these TVs work in perfect harmony with compatible Samsung soundbars to deliver a richer, more cinematic experience that fills your home with festive energy. 

The Q990F 11.1.4ch AI Q Soundbar is your ticket to a full, surround-sound holiday spectacle. The integrated Wireless Dolby Atmos and SpaceFit Sound Pro tunes sound to match your space, filling every corner with audio magic. For cozier spaces, the Q600F 3.1.2ch AI Q Soundbar is a slimmer, more compact option that doesn’t compromise on performance, delivering crisp, balanced sound that adjusts to whatever you’re watching, whether it’s holiday carols or Christmas comedies. Meanwhile, the B450 2.1ch B Soundbar brings a fuller range of sound with deeper, powerful bass. Its dynamic Game Mode makes holiday gaming marathons with your loved ones that much more thrilling. 

No holiday gathering is complete without festive music. To light up the vibe of your holiday get-togethers at home, you will never go wrong with the MX-T70 Sound Tower 1500 watts. With a powerful bass booster and bi-directional design, this sound tower is a powerhouse for festive party tunes. Meanwhile, you can roll in heart-pounding beats to any party with the MX-ST50F Sound Tower. Its built-in wheels and telescoping handle makes it easy to bring the sound tower anywhere, while the LED party lights amp up the vibe of your holiday celebrations. With its heavy-punching battery, you can keep the tunes coming for up to 18 hours.

Come Home to Bigger Holiday Moments with Samsung’s Big Holiday Deals

This season of giving, Samsung makes it easier to elevate your home entertainment with Big Holiday Deals on its latest TVs and sound devices. Enjoy exclusive savings of up to PHP44,000 and get a free soundbar worth up to PHP82,999 on select Vision AI TVs. Avail bundle offers and holiday promos until December 31, 2025 only.

Get up to 30% off on premium appliance care for your Samsung TVs when you add Samsung Care+ Premium to your TV purchases on the Samsung Online Store or the Shop app. Enjoy extended warranty coverage and expert maintenance services for your televisions for as low as PHP 5,799/year*.

To know more about Samsung TVs and Big Holiday Deals, visit https://news.samsung.com/ph/. 

More Than a Meal: How Chowking Shapes Careers, Culture, and Lasting Connections

 For forty years, Chowking has been part of the Filipino story from family gatherings over siopao and halo-halo, late-night meals shared with friends, to everyday comfort during life’s busiest seasons. But beyond the food and familiar flavors, Chowking has also been where many discovered something deeper: a place to grow, to belong, and to provide for the families they love.

For John David Urbi and Fatima “Timi” Abutog, Chowking became more than a workplace. It became a backdrop to milestones that shaped not only their careers, but also their lives.

John’s Journey: From Dishwasher to Leader

When John joined Chowking in 2006, he was a working student assigned to the dishwashing station. He never imagined that the kitchen he first entered would one day lead him into management.

Over the years, John rose from dishwasher to cook, to restaurant manager, and now serves as Area Manager, proof of how far curiosity, humility, and perseverance can take someone.

“Everything I do is always for the customer,” he shared. But what truly defined his journey were the mentors who believed in him. “May mga leaders who influenced me na nag-stick talaga. ’Yun ang nagbigay ng impact sa’kin.”

John credits one of his former managers for opening the door for him to grow into leadership. “Results are important,” John reflected, “pero ang mas importante, nagdadagdag ka ng value sa iba.”

 

What started as a way to support his family as a student has since blossomed into a career where he uplifts others — fromthe teammates he now mentors, to the family members who share in his success.

Now in a leadership role himself, John is focused on paying that gift forward. His advice to younger teammates is simple yet timeless: “Be open to learnings. Every role, every experience teaches you something that lasts.”

Timi’s Story: Leaving, Returning, and Rediscovering Purpose

For Timi Abutog, Chowking was the place where she first tested her leadership wings. Joining as a management trainee in 2011, she quickly rose to become a store manager before transitioning to restaurant systems and business center roles.

But her path wasn’t a straight one. At one point, Timi left Chowking to explore other opportunities. Yet in stepping away, she found clarity she didn’t know she was searching for. 

Other workplaces made her feel like just another number, but it was in that contrast that she realized what made Chowking different. When she returned, it was with a deeper sense of purpose and belonging, knowing she had found a place where she truly felt at home.

That realization drew her back. And when she returned, she found a Chowking that was even more future-forward and innovative yet still grounded in the same culture she cherished. “The humility to learn, the customer focus, the collaboration, and the fun, hindi nagbago,” she said with a smile.

Coming back gave her the chance to lead with renewed purpose. She was able to build connections that went beyond work andshape a team culture rooted in care and collaboration.

A Culture with “Puso”

Despite their different journeys, both John and Timi point to the same thread running through their stories: Chowking’s culture.

“May puso, no matter what,” said Timi.

For John, what stood out most was how Chowking’s culture made him feel capable of more than he imagined for himself. “May mga leaders who influenced me na nag-stick talaga, kasi pinaniwala nila ako na kaya ko,” he shared. 

To him, this is what defines the Chowking way: a culture that creates belief. It’s a place where people are encouraged to stretch, grow, and discover strengths they never thought they had. 

It’s also a culture that strengthens families and communities, reminding employees that every small win at work can translate into bigger joys at home, and shared success with their teams.

Beyond Food, Toward Belonging

Chowking may be best known for its blend of delicious and accessible Chinese and Filipino flavors, but its true legacy lies in the lives it touches from families who find comfort in a shared meal, to employees like John and Timi who discover belonging, purpose, and growth.

As John put it: “We touch lives every day. Chowking will always be part of Filipino moments.”

And as Timi reflected: “It’s a place where you can be more than your role. Dito, you can grow, you can be heard, and you can be something more.”

A Legacy of Memories and Meaning

As Chowking marks its 40th year, stories like John’s and Timi’s remind us of what has always set the brand apart. More than its signature dishes, Chowking’s real recipe for longevity has been the people who give it heart, and the core memories they help create for millions of Filipinos.

“John and Timi’s stories remind us that beyond the food we serve, Chowking is also about the people who bring our brand to life every day,” said Chowking President Ken Lingan. “Their journeys reflect the heart of our culture, one that values growth, humility, and connection. It’s what makes Chowking a space to belong, and not just a place to work.”

Experience the S25 FE, Tab S11, and Buds3 FE for a Complete Ecosystem Upgrade

 Work, play, and connect  — the latest Galaxy devices brings flagship features and a seamless ecosystem experience within reach

 

Elevate your every day with Samsung's latest innovations: the Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Tab S11, and Galaxy Buds3 FE. These powerful Galaxy devices create a seamless Galaxy ecosystem which combines  the latest technology with convenient connectivity - and is easy on the wallet! 

 

 

The Power of the Galaxy Ecosystem: Seamlessly Integrated to Your Daily Living

These new Samsung devices don't just work well individually—they work brilliantly together. The Galaxy ecosystem is built to handle the natural rhythm of your day, giving you a smooth, uninterrupted experience whether you're working, playing, or relaxing. 

This deep integration is all about seamless, uninterrupted flow between your devices, significantly enhancing both communication and productivity.

This efficiency is exemplified by features like the effortless Flow from Phone to Tablet, which allows you to start a video call on your Galaxy S25 FE while on the go and instantaneously switch it to the larger Galaxy Tab S11 screen upon arriving at your desk, all without interruption; you can even copy text on the S25 FE and paste it directly into a Tab S11 document. 

The experience is further streamlined by Intuitive Audio Switching, ensuring your Galaxy Buds3 FE automatically recognizes the active device. For instance, if you're listening to music on the Tab S11 and a call comes in on your S25 FE, the audio will automatically switch to your phone and then seamlessly revert back to your tablet once the call ends. 

Finally, Simplified File Sharing is made easy with Quick Share, providing a rapid and secure way to transfer photos, videos, and large documents among your Samsung devices, allowing a smooth transition from capturing an image to editing and sharing it.

This level of connectivity means less hassle and more focus on what matters to you. 

 

Next-Level Performance: Power and Efficiency Across All Galaxy Devices

The Galaxy S25 FE puts true flagship power right in your hand. Take beautiful, social-media-worthy pictures with a triple rear camera system (50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto) and a 12MP front camera, and scroll feeds or watch movies in rich, vivid color with fluid motion over a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen, an Exynos 2400 chipset and 8GB of RAM on a 4900mAh battery. 

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S11 allows you uninterrupted entertainment and productivity.  Binge-watch your favorite show or scribble down that big idea with the improved S Pen that comes with Galaxy Tab S11. It also comes with a new Samsung DeX Extended Mode with a progressive multi-screen arrangements and customizable workstations, enabling movies to come to life, as well as an 3nm processor that allows you to multitask all day long without any trouble.

Then tune out the noise with the Galaxy Buds3 FE. Designed for all-day comfort, they feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to silence the buzz of commute or office chatter, letting you enjoy rich, balanced sound. They even provide as much as 8 hours of playtime (6 hours with ANC) and accept Bluetooth 5.4. You can also enjoy features such as real-time translation, thanks to Galaxy AI. Clear call quality ensures you’re always heard, no matter where life takes you.

 

Availability and Pricing

Now is the moment to trade in your old devices and enter an entirely connected world with these latest Galaxy devices that makes the flagship experience more accessible than ever! The Galaxy S25 FE,  Tab S11 and Galaxy Buds FE are already available for purchase through the Samsung online store, authorized retailers, and carrier partners. Pricing starts at Php 39,990 for the Galaxy S25 FE, Php 52,990 for the Galaxy Tab S11, and Php 6,990 for the Galaxy Buds3 FE.

 

Don’t miss out and make the switch by visiting https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s25/buy/, https://www.samsung.com/ph/tablets/galaxy-tab-s11/buy/, https://www.samsung.com/ph/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-gray-sm-r420nzaaasa/. 

For more info, visit Samsung Philippines Newsroom or Samsung.com.

HONOR X7d Launches in the Philippines: Water-Resistant AI Powerhouse Starts at Just ₱7,299

 Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR Philippines today announced the launch of its all-new HONOR X7d, the latest addition to its acclaimed X Series line-up for as low as Php 7,299! Get it during pre-order period until October 24, 2025 and get a FREE HONOR Camping Light Speaker worth Php 4,999. Head on to your nearest HONOR Experience and Partner Stores.

 

“The HONOR X7d represents HONOR’s dedication to providing practical, feature-rich smartphones catering to the needs of budget-conscious consumers who still desire AI interaction in their mobile devices. Setting a benchmark as a powerful budget phone with enhanced durability and brand-new AI experience in the market, the HONOR X7d brings 5-star Premium Drop Protection, IP65 Water Resistance, a robust 6500mAh Dual-cell Battery, 108MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera and stunning Instant AI Button,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

Exceptional Durability with All-around Protections

 

Positioned as a durable entry-level phone, the latest HONOR X7d showcases comprehensive drop protection with prestigious SGS Premium Performance Certification of Drop & Crush Resistance, offering impressive resistance to drops from heights of up to 1.8 meters.  The corners reinforced by Rhinoceros-like structure Bulletproof Vests Design, Cushioning and Fall Protection Architecture and Decentralized Force Design safeguards the phones from different daily impacts.

 

Equipped with an IP65 Water Resistance, the HONOR X7d’s robust design is further enhanced, making it not afraid of washing, rinsing and water spray. This device has been tested to function after being submerged in water for up to 1 minute at a depth of 0.5 meter, making it a dependable companion in various settings and situations. Meanwhile, with the Wet-hand Touch Enhancement, users can also have smooth experience even with wet or greasy fingers.

 

Exceptional Battery with Enhanced Safety & Strength

 

Equipped with a large 6500mAh Battery, the HONOR X7d provides price-level biggest battery life, offering all-day lasting and 5 years Super Durable. The Double-cell Battery Structure design offers longer lasting, faster charging as well as a stronger and safer structure. With multi-point temperature monitoring, the battery performs well in temperatures from -20°C to 55°C, which allows it to work perfectly in the harshest conditions from blizzards to deserts. Additionally. The 35W wired HONOR SuperCharge8 rapidly revives the battery for extended usage.

 

Practical AI Button for All New AI Experience 

 

As the first smartphone in its class to feature AI Button, the HONOR X7d offers brand-new AI interaction through this subtle design. Simply put, the AI button has two ways to interact which correspond to different functions. With a single click, users can open APP which they customize or perform background cleaning and speeding up, while with a long press, users can activate functions like AI Translation and AI Creation, delivering a truly personalized and seamless user experience. 

 

Additionally, powered by the latest MagicOS 9.0 based on Android 15, the HONOR X7d carries various other intelligence features including Magic Capsule, Magic Portal, Circle to search and Google Gemini Assistant, offering AI Editing functions including AI Outpainting, Al Upscale, AI Cutout and so on, making it the best partner for work and life.

 

AI-powered Smartphone Photography Experience

 

Equipped with a 108MP Ultra-Clear Camera, the HONOR X7d captures images with exceptional details and enhanced brightness, empowering users to have the best photography experience even at night. With 3x Lossless Zoom and three distinct portrait modes - 1x Environmental Portrait, 2x Atmospheric Portrait, and 3x Close-up Portrait - users can create stunning portrait shots with diverse focal lengths. Furthermore, the HONOR X7d integrates AI photography features like HONOR AI Eraser, AI Remove Reflection and AI Style, improving image quality and promoting users’ photo editing experience on smartphones.

 

Generous Storage Saving All Precious Memories

 

The HONOR X7d comes equipped with 512 GB large internal storage at most providing ample space for years of precious memories. This power efficiency is complemented by HONOR’s innovative RAM Turbo Technology, which effectively provides a 16GB RAM equivalent experience (8GB physical + 8GB virtual). It ensures smooth performance even after extended use, allowing users to multitask and switch between apps effortlessly.

 

Pricing and Availability

Catering to users’ diverse style preferences, the HONOR X7d is available in 3 captivating colorways: Desert Gold, Ocean Cyan, and Velvet Black. Starting from October 14 to 24, 2025, you can pre-order the HONOR X7d (512GB Variant) for only Php 9,999 to get a FREE HONOR Camping Light Speaker worth Php 4,999 at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores.

 

HONOR X7d (256GB Variant) will also be available exclusively online for only Php 7,299: Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X7d_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X7d_PR), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X7d_PR).

For more information about the HONOR X7d, you may visit:https://bit.ly/WEB_X7d_PR. Stay updated by visiting www.hihonor.com or following HONOR’s official social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To explore HONOR’s full list of retail stores, visit https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.