niko and … Brings Evangelion to Manila for a Limited-Time 30th Anniversary Collaboration

niko and … is gearing up to bring a burst of anime energy to Manila as its limited-edition Evangelion collection lands at SM Mall of Asia on December 12. EVA fans, collectors, and fashion lovers are in for a treat as the collaboration drops exclusive pieces created for the 30th anniversary of Neon Genesis Evangelion and available only for a limited time. With its mix of style, nostalgia, and Japanese creativity, the release is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated crossovers of the season. The launch marks the global celebration of the anime’s milestone and highlights the growing presence of niko and … and ADASTRIA in the Philippine market.

The Evangelion collaboration serves as the newest example of this creativity. The collection reinterprets key elements from the series through clean silhouettes, subtle graphics, and styles meant for daily wear, allowing fans and new audiences to experience the world of Evangelion in a fresh and accessible way.

As a style editorial brand, niko and… encapsulates culture, design, and everyday living into a one creative playground, fostering a creative ecosystem that enables collaborations with a wide range of IPs, artists, and labels. This identity produces unique offerings that go beyond traditional retail, while its editorial and flexible approach ensures every project is rich in storytelling, functionality, and immersive consumer experiences.

Grounded in its Japanese heritage, the brand showcases meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design across apparel, accessories, room items, and collaborative lines, bringing the best of modern Japanese lifestyle into everyday customers. The brand’s Japanese origin remains central to how it designs and produces each collection. Its pieces reflect Japanese craftsmanship, attention to detail, and an ability to translate cultural ideas into modern lifestyle items. This gives customers access to the latest trends from Japan through apparel, accessories, room items, and collaborative lines that blend creativity with everyday function.

A Collaboration That Signals Bigger Plans for the Philippines

niko and … is currently located at SM Mall of Asia, but the brand has expressed clear interest in opening more stores in the Philippines. The management team aims to bring the brand closer to more consumers and believes Filipino shoppers respond strongly to design, quality, and cultural expression. The Evangelion launch signals the beginning of a broader Philippines strategy built on expansion and creative experiences.

This direction is guided by ADASTRIA, one of Japan’s largest fashion houses with a long history of cultivating lifestyle brands. Its multi-brand strategy has built many household names in Japan and is shaped by a strong understanding of culture, design, and consumer behavior. The group views the Philippines as a promising market and is exploring the introduction of more brands to the country to create long-term relevance in the region.

“Filipino consumers value design, story, and creativity,” says Daisuke Fujii, CEO of Adastria. “We see strong interest in Japanese culture and the ideas behind it. This collaboration is our way of celebrating Evangelion’s legacy while showing what we hope to build here. We want to grow with the market and bring more of our brands and experiences to the Philippines.”

Ahead of the launch, the niko and … store at SM Mall of Asia is being transformed into an Evangelion themed space. The setup includes curated displays, visual cues from the series, and anniversary elements that reflect both the anime’s legacy and the brand’s editorial approach to storytelling. niko and …’s collaborations with globally beloved franchises like Stranger Things, Sesame Street, Looney Tunes, Thomas & Friends, and PlayStation tap into nostalgia while bringing unique narratives and design perspectives, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to connecting with diverse audiences through storytelling, creativity, and culturally resonant experiences, a philosophy now extended to its growing presence in the Philippines.

The collaboration arrives at a time when pop culture and lifestyle continue to intersect in the Philippines. Anime, fashion, and design now influence how Filipinos express personal style both online and offline. niko and … aims to support this growing movement by offering Japanese design, creative partnerships, and lifestyle experiences grounded in culture.

The Evangelion x niko and … collection will be available starting December 12 at the niko and … store, SM Mall of Asia.

Zed Raises $16.5M in Series A Round Backed by Accel

Zed, the credit card startup reinventing banking for the next generation of Filipinos, today announced it has raised US$16.5 million in Series A funding led by Accel, the top-tier venture capital firm known for backing industry-defining companies like Facebook, Spotify, Slack, and Dropbox.

This investment marks a significant milestone for the Philippine startup ecosystem, bringing one of Silicon Valley’s most prestigious investors to the country. Accel joins existing investors Valar Ventures and notable angels including Immad Akhund and Dalton Caldwell, bringing Zed’s total funding to $22.5 million.

Philippines-based credit card startup Zed has raised $16.5M in a Series A round led by Silicon Valley-based investor Accel. This marks a key milestone in expanding credit access across the country and the Southeast Asian region. (L-R: Kathryn Vitug, Matthew Bernardo, Steve Abraham, Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Matthew Steinpreis.)

AI-Native Banking For a New Generation

Zed is solving a problem that millions of young Filipino professionals face: a banking system stuck in the past. Despite having college degrees, stable incomes and professional careers, many young people are rejected by traditional banks due to credit factors embedded in their credit score that don't actually reflect their risk – like the age of their existing credit accounts. This leaves a huge segment of potentially prime customers unserved.

Zed removes these barriers by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to underwrite customers based on current income, transaction data, and other data sources outside of just traditional credit scores. The result is a premium credit card optimized for how young people spend today:

• Global Travel: Zero FX fees or markup, making it the most cost-effective way to spend internationally.

• Smart Security: Unlimited virtual cards with custom spend limits, and auto-closure settings (e.g. single-use or 24-hour cards) for safer online shopping.

• P2P on Credit: The ability to split bills and send money seamlessly, settling later with the monthly statement.

Backed by the Best 

The round is led by Accel, a firm with a decades-long track record of identifying global category leaders early. The investment validates Zed’s ambition to harness AI in serving the vast, credit-worthy population that has been shut out of the global banking system.

“In leading Zed’s Series A, we’re backing a team with the skill and ambition to build AI-powered finance that’s transparent, personal, and accessible for customers overlooked by today’s banks worldwide,” said Nafis Jamal, Partner at Accel.

Jamal added, “Young adults navigating the banking system for the first time often find its doors mostly shut. Opaque fees, clunky apps, and impersonal interactions make it clear these institutions were built for a different era (and a different customer).”

Explosive Growth and Future Plans 

Zed has seen massive demand since its invite-only launch. Strictly through word of mouth, the waitlist has swelled to nearly 200,000 sign-ups. Since the beginning of the year, the customer base has grown 10x and transaction volume has surged ~500%—all while the vast majority of the waitlist has yet to be invited.

With this new funding, Zed is accelerating its rollout to the waitlist and scaling its team. The company is actively hiring for Operations, Risk, Growth, and Support roles in Manila, as well as Product, Design, Data Science and Engineering roles in San Francisco.

“We’re reimagining financial tools to match the speed and ambition of this generation,” said Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Co-Founder of Zed.

“Banks in Southeast Asia are running on infrastructure designed for two decades ago,” added Steve Abraham, Co-Founder. “This round accelerates our plan to rebuild that stack. The world is changing with large language models maturing, and a new generation of experiences across industries will be born. We envision a future where we can deliver a level of personal, proactive banking that used to be reserved for the few, and make it accessible to everyone.”

Stay Crisp, Clean, and Weather-Ready With the LG Styler

 For many professionals, keeping workwear fresh and polished during unpredictable weather has become a seasonal challenge. With the LG Styler, the ultimate clothing care system, you can breeze into the rainy days and head into the next workday looking crisp, refreshed, and ready for any challenge, no matter the season. 

Whether in transit or at work, your clothes naturally absorb trace odors and airborne allergens.  The TrueSteam™ technology eliminates up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, with 100% water and no chemical additives. For delicate pieces like rain-soaked blazers or corporate suits, the Gentle Dry function uses the Heat-Pump Technology to dry fabrics at low temperatures, preventing shrinkage and damage while leaving them hygienically refreshed after every use. 

When it comes to uniforms and daily wear, the Moving Hanger simulates hand-waving motions up to 200 times per minute, gently shaking off dust and wrinkles. Paired with the Refresh function, it ensures clothes are crisp and odor-free, making it easy to rewear the same set of clothing. 

Sharp creases aren’t just a detail, it’s a statement of professionalism. With Pants Crease Care, slacks and trousers retain their lines while minimizing wrinkles, ensuring office-ready polish without the hassle of ironing. You can step out looking sharp, whether it’s for an early meeting, a last-minute presentation, or important client calls. 

Designed to create a more comfortable environment, the Dehumidifying function keeps indoor air fresh and free from excess moisture, even on the most humid days. To make life even easier, there’s no need to visit the dry cleaners, the LG Styler brings professional care right into your home. The LG ThinQ™ app gives you the convenience of controlling and monitoring your Styler remotely, so your clothes are ready exactly when you need them. 

In a season where rain showers and long days are unavoidable, the LG Styler eases you back into daily life, helping you look best without the extra effort, even on the dampest days. Step into each morning confident that your clothes are ready to match your schedule, no matter the forecast. After all, Life’s Good when every detail is cared for, letting you shine through the rain. 

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 www.lg.com/ph  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.  

 

UNIQLO × BABYMONSTER: The Brand’s First-Ever Collab with the Rising K-POP Phenomenon

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO announces the launch of K-POP Group BABYMONSTER UT, its first UT (UNIQLO T-shirt) collaboration collection with the popular K-pop idol group BABYMONSTER. The T-shirt designs capture the feel of“BATTER UP,”one of BABYMONSTER’s quintessential songs. A slightly wide boxy silhouette and shear body material were specially developed for this collection. Crew neck and V-neck types allow wearers to enjoy a variety of stylings. This engaging collection is inspired by the cool and powerful presence that the girls continue to express on the world stage.

UNIQLO teams up with K-pop’ s all-rounder , BABYMONSTER for a vibrant new

UT collection

New exclusive visuals for K-POP Group BABYMONSTER UT collection to be released

UNIQLO plans to release a series of new visuals with group members wearing the UT collection and showing a range of expressions, including group shots and solo cuts. Special visuals such as behind-the-scenes videos of the photoshoot and message videos for customers will be successively released. Through these visual the K-POP Group BABYMONSTER UT collection will provide a unique look into the world of BABYMONSTER.

Collaboration Overview

Launch date: February 2026

Product lineup: WOMEN T-shirts, 6 designs, PHP 790

Store availability: All UNIQLO stores in the Philippines, and the uniqlo.com online store

BABYMONSTER is multi-national K-POP girl group with members from South Korea, Thailand, and Japan that was formed in South Korea by YG Entertainment and debuted on April 1, 2024. The group emphasizes their "all-rounder" status with world-class vocals, dance, rap, and visuals.

Metrobank Empowers First-Time Investors with Simple and Secure Investment Options

 If you’re a young professional or just starting out, you’ve probably heard the advice to "invest your money," but the how-to part is either left to the unknown or felt complicated. There is also this belief back in the day that you need a huge amount of money to start your first investment.

The good news is banks like Metrobank are making investing, especially for first-time investors, easier, more accessible, and most importantly, secure.

The Bank recently introduced Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) Online, a feature in Metrobank Online–its internet banking platform– that enables clients to manage their accounts, make transactions, and explore investment options such as UITFs through a web browser on their computer or mobile device. 

Metrobank UITF Online makes the intimidating process of investing into a simple, confidence-building experience available right at your fingertips.

Your Path to Investing Just Got Easier

Moving your hard-earned savings into a strategic investment is a sign of financial maturity. Metrobank developed this new platform to provide three powerful benefits designed specifically for beginners:

1. Expertise Takes the Lead

One of the biggest anxieties in investing is the fear of making a wrong move. With UITFs, that concern is handled for you. When you invest, your money is pooled with others and managed by multi-awarded and highly skilled Metrobank fund managers.

This means your portfolio is constantly monitored, strategically grown, and backed by professional expertise—giving you the peace of mind of knowing your money is in good hands without requiring you to become a full-time market analyst overnight.

2. Convenience, Wherever You Are

Your time is valuable. Metrobank UITF Online is built to give you the convenience of technology, allowing you to start your investment journey with your device whenever and wherever you are.

• 24/7 Access: With Metrobank UITF Online, which you can access through your Metrobank Online account, you can start investing in UITFs, top up on your investments, and track your portfolio’s performance anytime, anywhere.

• In good, secure hands: Metrobank’s digital platform is built with global security standards, ensuring your transactions are safe and giving you peace of mind as you grow your wealth.

3. A Practical Starting Point

Investing should feel accessible, not exclusive.

• Affordable initial capital to invest: To help you take that crucial first step, you can begin your investment journey with a minimum amount of just PHP 10,000. This makes getting started in investing highly practical. 

• Plenty of options: You’ll have access to an extensive lineup of over 25 different UITF products through the platform, allowing you to choose an investment that best fits your comfort level and financial goals.

By simplifying the entry point and pairing digital convenience with professional management, Metrobank is ensuring that your journey from saving to investing is both secure and straightforward. Moving beyond traditional savings is a significant step, and now it's one you can take confidently with Metrobank UITF Online.

Ready to start growing your money? Learn more about Metrobank UITFs: https://www.metrobank.com.ph/investments/uitf

Start investing easily on Metrobank Online by visiting https://onlinebanking.metrobank.com.ph/

DigiPlus Foundation Leads ₱8-Million Relief Effort to Support Philippine Disaster Victims

In the wake of the Northern Cebu earthquake and the successive onslaught of Typhoons Tino and Uwan, DigiPlus Foundation, formerly known as BingoPlus Foundation and the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., has mobilized a total of ₱8 million worth of disaster relief to help nearly 70,000 Filipinos rebuild their lives across Visayas and other severely-affected provinces in Luzon through its “BayanihanPlus” Community Resilience Program.

Helping hand in Bulacan: DigiPlus Foundation’s Program Manager, Paul Tamayo, leads the distribution of relief goods to families in Bulacan displaced by Typhoon Uwan, ensuring aid reaches those needing to rebuild.

The Foundation reached an estimated 56,000 individuals affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Northern Cebu. Relief operations covered six hard-hit locations: Bogo, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Tabogon, and Borbon, where families faced damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods, and recurring aftershocks.

Following the devastating earthquakes, the DigiPlus Foundation rapidly expanded its nationwide relief operations to address the severe impacts of Typhoons Tino and Uwan, which brought heavy rains, floods, and landslides to Cebu and strong winds and widespread flooding to Luzon. The Foundation quickly coordinated with local government units to deliver essential aid to an estimated 14,350 affected individuals across targeted communities in Luzon, including Hagonoy, Bulacan; Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Dumaguete City and Bacolod City in Negros Island; and San Fabian, Pangasinan, as well as several barangays in Cebu City, reinforcing its sustained commitment to immediate disaster response and fostering community resilience throughout the Philippines.

“The scale of devastation from the recent Typhoons Tino and Uwan demands an even greater collective response to deliver hope to affected communities,” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of DigiPlus Foundation. “With affected areas spanning from Cebu to Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Pangasinan, we call on more partners to join our efforts. Working with our BingoPlus store volunteers and partners on the ground, we have already mobilized around ₱8 million in relief, but to truly help communities rebuild their lives, we need more support.”

Upholding the organization's nationwide commitment to disaster resilience, Michael Linatoc, Regional Manager for Luzon, emphasized the readiness of his team to mobilize for immediate rehabilitation efforts. Linatoc highlighted the inspiring dedication of the workforce in the Luzon as a benchmark for service, noting, "I witnessed the heroic efforts of our colleagues in the Visayas, and I am proud to see how our Luzon team mirrored this spirit in the areas of Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija to respond to the needs of affected communities," and assured the public that this spirit of solidarity extends northward. He confirmed that, likewise, branches in Luzon are fully prepared and eager to support the recovery of Filipinos devastated by the calamities, standing united with the rest of the nation in the mission to rebuild lives and livelihoods.

DigiPlus Foundation will continue working with local governments, partners, and its nationwide network of BingoPlus stores to support affected communities, from immediate relief to long-term recovery and resilience, staying true to its mission to multiply the good for Filipinos across the country.