Cheesy, Anghang, and XTRA BIG: PAYLESS Serves It Hot

Finding a snack or meal that’s both filling and flavorful without breaking the bank can feel like a rare win. This is why Payless XTRA BIG is giving you more reasons to celebrate with its newest flavor, Chili Cheese. 

This new flavor provides a perfect combination of swabeng anghang from chili, and linamnam from cheddar cheese, creating a “Cheesy-Anghang Sarap” experience. Inspired by the viral international flavor pairing, Payless XTRA BIG makes indulgence accessible, all in a sulit package that delivers generous portions where you get MORE but pay less.

Cheesy-Anghang Sarap That Gives You More

At the heart of Payless XTRA BIG Chili Cheese is its signature balance of swabeng anghang and cheddar-namnam, a combination that delivers the perfect “Cheesy-Anghang Sarap” in every bite. It’s a flavor experience at a price that stays true to everyday value.

For just Php 17.75 SRP, noodle lovers truly get more: more flavor, more satisfaction, and more sulit with every pack. With its “extra big” serving at 128g, Payless XTRA BIG proves that you don’t have to spend more to enjoy a filling and flavorful snack.

The new Payless XTRA Big Chili Cheese brings in “Cheesy-Anghang Sarap” in one sulit package

International Flavor, Everyday Value

Payless XTRA BIG Chili Cheese is for those who want a premium taste experience on a budget. Whether it’s for a quick merienda or a late-night snack during a gaming session, the new variant offers a rich, spicy-cheesy experience that is perfect for sharing or solo snacking.

Alongside Chili Cheese, fans can also explore other favorite variants under the Payless XTRA BIG line such as Xtra Hot, Kalamansi, Chilimansi, Sweet & Spicy, and Original, each delivering its own unique flavor punch. 

Try the new Payless XTRA BIG Chili Cheese. It’s available in stores and supermarkets nationwide.

Acer wraps up Edu Summit Asia Pacific 2026, pushes inclusive AI adoption in education

Acer successfully concluded its Acer Edu Summit Asia Pacific 2026, reaffirming its commitment to advancing education across the region as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the future of learning. Under the theme “Future-Ready Learning: AI, Innovation, and Human-Centered Education,” the summit brought together education stakeholders in the region to drive inclusive AI adoption and accelerate meaningful transformation in education.

The summit was held in Jakarta on April 22–23, following its debut in 2025. It convened delegations from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, reinforcing Indonesia’s role as a key market in Acer’s digital education ecosystem. The event served as a platform for cross-sector dialogue, enabling educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to exchange insights and explore practical applications of technology to enhance learning outcomes.

 

 

Andrew Hou, President of Pan Asia Pacific Operations at Acer Inc., said, “The Acer Edu Summit Asia Pacific reflects our ongoing commitment to shaping the future of education through technology. Through this event, we are also strengthening regional collaboration among countries to drive collective progress in education. At Acer, we believe that meaningful transformation happens when innovation is guided by human needs. This summit is part of our continuous efforts to empower educators, institutions, and policymakers to build an inclusive, future-ready learning ecosystem across the region.”

 

Collaboration Forum for an Adaptive and Sustainable Education Sector

Over the course of two days, the Acer Edu Summit Asia Pacific 2026 brought together discussion sessions, presentations, and knowledge-sharing forums exploring how AI can be effectively integrated into education. Key topics included personalized learning, the enhancement of digital literacy, and the evolving role of educators alongside technological innovation. As a strategic platform for educational transformation, the summit emphasized a human-centered approach where technology and educators work in harmony to build a more inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable education system, while encouraging the development of new ideas and solutions that foster creativity and unlock potential.

 

This year’s Acer Edu Summit featured the latest work in AI education from the MIT Media Lab’s City Science Group and introduced its Learning Foundry for AI and Robotics (FAIR). Dr. Michael Lin, Research Scientist at MIT, together with Dr. Wolfgang Gruel, Professor at Stuttgart Media University and Research Affiliate at the MIT Media Lab, shared how Learning FAIR leverages AI to enable personalized, scalable learning and better prepare students for the future. Their session explored how emerging technologies are reshaping education and empowering learners to address real-world urban challenges.

The summit also brought together diverse perspectives on AI in education through sessions led by academics and industry leaders from across the region. Among them, Jun-Yu Fan, President of Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, presented a compelling roadmap for pedagogical transformation, "The Algorithm of the Nursing Soul," illustrating the shift from rote learning to AI-enhanced clinical insight. Complementing this academic vision, Charles Le, AI Solutions Senior Manager at Altos Computing, addressed the critical imperative of building robust educational infrastructure to accelerate AI implementation.

Extending these discussions into practical application, Altos Computing demonstrated its full-stack AI infrastructure, headlined by the high-performance Altos BrainSphere™ R680 F7 AI server and the P330 F6 SE, P130 F10, and GB10 F1 AI Workstations. This robust foundation is optimized by the Altos aiWorks GPU resource management platform, while the Altos aiGeni AI deployment platform streamlines the entire AI lifecycle. By integrating  OpenClaw to accelerate Enterprise Agentic AI adoption, Altos empowers institutions to bridge the gap between infrastructure setup and the seamless deployment of autonomous AI agents.

Acer also highlighted its latest Copilot+ PCs powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3 processors, including the TravelMate P4 Spin 14 AI, TravelMate P4 14 AI, and TravelMate P2 AI series, as recommended devices for modern classrooms. Designed to be lightweight and versatile, these devices support both teaching and learning needs. The TravelMate P4 Spin 14 AI, with its touchscreen and stylus, enables more interactive classroom activities, while the TravelMate P2 AI series offers reliable performance and long battery life for extended use, supporting flexible and collaborative learning experiences.

The Acer Edu Summit Asia Pacific 2026 is part of Acer's ongoing efforts to create opportunities for collaboration between the worlds of education, technology, and public policy in order to jointly create future-ready, human-centered learning. Through this initiative, Acer continues to harness technology to make education more adaptive and inclusive.

 

For more information, visit the Acer for Education site.

TCL Marks Anniversary with “Cool More, Save More” Promo

 Big milestones deserve even bigger deals! TCL, the global leader in TV and air conditioning tech, is celebrating its anniversary with the “Cool More, Save More” Promo. Get ready for the ultimate upgrade: you can now score the AI Full DC Basic Inverter Window AC for only ₱13,495 (down from its original price of ₱23,495)! Don’t miss your chance to bring home the Philippines' #1 brand at an unbeatable value.

Beating the summer heat shouldn't have to break the bank. TCL has the perfect solution with the best cooling deals in town. Stay refreshed and save big as TCL offers its lowest prices yet on its air conditioners!

 

“Reaching the top of the Panel TV and window AC market is a milestone we share with all of you. In honor of this achievement, we’ve prepared an anniversary promo featuring our best offers of the year. We invite everyone to join the celebration and enjoy these well-deserved treats,” TCL CEO Peter Chen excitedly announced.

 

Full-Blast Savings

 

The TCL AI Full DC Inverter Window Air Conditioner line redefines home comfort by delivering up to 75% in energy savings without compromising on power. Engineered with variable-speed motors for rapid cooling and whisper-quiet operation, these units integrate seamlessly into the modern home. 

 

Beyond efficiency, the series features eco-friendly R32 refrigerant, 4-way air deflection for uniform cooling, and intuitive Smart AI control for effortless management via smartphone.

 

Experience the perfect balance of comfort and efficiency with smart cooling solutions that adapt to your lifestyle. Our AI-driven systems ensure you stay chill without the high bill, utilizing precision engineering to maintain your ideal temperature while slashing energy waste. 

 

Enjoy a smarter, cooler home where comfort and savings live in perfect harmony.

 

The TCL “Cool More, Save More” Anniversary Promotion will run from May 1-31, 2026, at all authorized TCL Dealers.

For more details, log in to www.tcl.com or follow TCL's official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

HONOR Teases Big Reveal at Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Coronation Night

Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines is once again making the unexpected happen as it teased a potential partnership with Miss Universe Philippines 2026. 

 

Early hints of the new smartphone suggested a strong focus on next-level AI imaging capabilities, intelligent features, and a seamless user experience tailored for today’s fast-paced digital lifestyle. Designed for a new generation of creators and storytellers, the upcoming device promises to transform the way users capture, create, and share content. 

 

“For our upcoming launch, we take pride to partner with Miss Universe Philippines 2026. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to confidence, innovation, and empowering individuals to express their authentic selves. Through HONOR, we aim to amplify the voices and stories of modern Filipinos—celebrating beauty that goes beyond the surface and into creativity, purpose, and impact,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. 

 

To learn more about this exciting news, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines),Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

Experience First-Ever Live Scoring at Miss Universe Philippines 2026 with Maya

 For the first time in Philippine pageant history, the crown won’t be decided by judges alone. This year, Filipinos get to take the judge’s seat.

 

Powered by Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines and Official Voting Partner of Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) 2026, coronation night transforms into a fully interactive experience—where fans can score candidates live, in real time, alongside the Selection Committee.

 

From Viewer to Judge: A Major, Major Shift

MUPh raises the stakes by giving fans a more meaningful role during the most anticipated night of the competition.

 

Through Maya’s live scoring feature, audiences can evaluate candidates as they compete across key segments—from swimsuit to evening gown to Q&A. Every walk. Every answer. Every moment. Now comes with a score—from you.

 

How It Works: Your Front-Row Seat to Judging

Joining the live scoring experience is simple and seamless through the Maya app:

• Step 1: Through the MUPh tile in the Maya app, purchase a Premium Pass, and review the instructions and scoring guide.

• Step 2: During the coronation night, enter the active competition round (e.g., Swimsuit, Evening Gown, Q&A) and review the candidates

• Step 3: Score each candidate based on your evaluation (from 1 to 10) and review your scores after each round

 

From confidence and stage presence to overall impact and suitability to the round, fans can judge using guided criteria—making the experience both fun and meaningful.

 

 

More Than Just Voting—A Voice That Counts

Beyond live scoring, fans can continue to support their favorite queens throughout the competition by getting FREE votes every day or buying more votes for your MUPh bets. 

 

With Maya powering this innovation, pageantry evolves into something more dynamic—where fan support doesn’t just live in comments or conversations, but becomes part of the journey itself.

 

Because on coronation night, when everything is on the line, one thing becomes clear: The universe isn’t just watching. The universe is judging.

 

U vote. U decide. U crown. For free. U vote with Maya.

TECNO CAMON 50 Series Powers Earth Day Run Manila with 15,000 Participants, Featuring Sarah Geronimo

TECNO brought major launch-week energy to the Manila leg of Earth Day Run 2026organized by RUNRIO at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, as the CAMON 50 Series took center stage at one of the most high-profile public events of the season, drawing more than 15,000 participants and creating a major moment for the brand in the Philippines. The Manila leg — the largest of the three-city series — marked a powerful convergence of TECNO’s flagship smartphone launch and RUNRIO’s nationwide green movement.

As thousands of runners, families, communities, and fitness enthusiasts gathered in Manila, TECNO transformed the event into a live showcase for the CAMON 50 Series — highlighting how the device is built for movement, expression, and real-life moments that happen fast.

One of the product’s standout features, Super-Zoom FlashSnap, was naturally brought to life in the event environment, where runners in motion, finish-line reactions, group celebrations, and high-energy community scenes created the perfect setting to demonstrate the CAMON 50 Series’ motion-capture capabilities.

Sarah Geronimo Leads the program and Experiences CAMON 50 Series

The Manila event became even more special with the presence of TECNO CAMON 50 Series ambassador Sarah Geronimo, who joined the activities and took part in the product experience, adding star power and greater public attention to an already highly visible launch-week activation.

Her appearance helped strengthen TECNO’s connection with Filipino consumers while further amplifying the CAMON 50 Series’ positioning as a smartphone built not only for imaging, but also for lifestyle, movement, and meaningful everyday moments.

Wearables Make Their Mark

Alongside the CAMON 50 Series, TECNO also showcased its growing smart lifestyle ecosystem through wearable products such as Watch NEO and FreeHear 2, reinforcing the brand’s push toward a more connected, expressive, and active user experience.

TECNO’s Commitment to the Planet and the Filipino Community

More than a sponsorship, TECNO’s participation in Earth Day Run Manila reflected a broader message about the role of technology in modern life — helping people capture better, live more actively, and connect more deeply with the moments and causes that matter.

“Earth Day Run Manila gave us the opportunity to bring the CAMON 50 Series into a space filled with energy, purpose, and real human moments,” said Jason Wong, Country Manager of TECNO Philippines. “It was the ideal setting to show how our latest smartphone and wearable products fit naturally into the lives of Filipinos who move, create, and live fully.”

Following the strong response in Manila, TECNO will continue the momentum of its Earth Day Run participation in Cebu on April 26 at the SM Seaside, extending the CAMON 50 Series story through more community-driven, high-visibility experiences in the market.

 

Filipina Moms Power 66% of Businesses—Scaling Still Out of Reach for Many

Filipina entrepreneurs—many of them mothers—are powering the Philippine economy, owning 66% of existing businesses and 62% of newly registered enterprises. Yet despite this outsized contribution, many women-led MSMEs struggle to scale due to limited access to capital, gaps in digital adoption, and the challenge of balancing business and family responsibilities.

Despite their strong presence, many women-led enterprises remain constrained—highlighting the need for more coordinated support systems to help them grow and scale sustainably.

At the recent 4th Gawad Madiskarte, leaders from government and development organizations emphasized a clear call: resilience alone is not enough. Filipina entrepreneurs need stronger institutional support to scale.

Mayor Joy Belmonte of the Quezon City Government 

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted the role of local governments in helping entrepreneurs transition from informal ventures into scalable enterprises. Programs like “Pangkabuhayang QC” provide capital assistance and mentorship to support business formalization and growth.

“Our goal is to guide entrepreneurs as they grow into formal enterprises that can create more opportunities,” Belmonte said, adding that support systems such as accessible childcare services are equally critical in enabling mothers to focus on innovation and expansion.

UN Women Philippines Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina

Echoing this call, UN Women Philippines Country ProgrammeCoordinator Rosalyn Mesina described investing in women entrepreneurs as a “smart macroeconomic strategy,” noting that many remain underserved despite their significant presence in the MSME sector.

“Women entrepreneurs must not only be supported, they must be seen, recognized, and protected within the system,” Mesina said, calling for gender-responsive policies and stronger leadership commitment.

Meanwhile, Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla pointed to digital inclusion as a critical growth driver. Programs such as Elevate AIDA are already equipping women with skills in artificial intelligence and data annotation, opening up new income opportunities, particularly for those working from home.

Marking its fifth year, PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)—now one of the largest mompreneur communities in the Philippines with over 228,000 members—is strengthening its role as a key enabler of growth, supporting women from startup to scale through training, mentorship, and community.

Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer

“At its core, entrepreneurship goes beyond hitting sales targets. It is about building a strong support system that empowers entrepreneurs to sustain growth, overcome challenges, and scale with confidence, so they can better serve Filipino communities and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer of PLDT.

Through training, mentorship, and peer support, MMPH helps women launch and grow their businesses. The platform also spotlights success stories through its annual Gawad Madiskarteawards, recognizing outstanding mompreneurs across different stages of business.

From home kitchens to online marketplaces, Filipina mompreneurs continue to turn small spaces into thriving enterprises— uplifting families and communities along the way.

But unlocking the full potential of women-led MSMEs will require more than resilience. It will take coordinated action across government, private sector, and communities to ensure these businesses not only survive, but scale.

As MMPH enters its fifth year, the message is clear: investing in the Filipina entrepreneur is not just a social good. It is an economic imperative.

TCL Brings Its Signature Innovation to Your Desktop in Partnership with Circuit Base

 TCL Electronics, the Philippines’ #1 Panel TV brand and a global leader in display and cooling technology, officially marks a new milestone with a product line designed to redefine the intersection of work and play. Leveraging its world-class panel expertise, TCL is set to dominate a brand-new space with the official launch of the TCL Monitor held recently at the Circuit Base flagship store in Quezon City.

 

TCL expands its legacy of excellence with its official entry into the Philippine monitor market. From high-stakes professional productivity to deeply immersive cinematic experiences, this launch represents the definitive shift in viewing habits that Filipino consumers have been waiting for.

 

“TCL’s vision has always been to 'Inspire Greatness,' and we do that by putting innovative tech within everyone's reach. Our new monitor line is a testament to that—combining cutting-edge performance with a price point that empowers the community. We aren't just selling screens; we are providing the gateway to better productivity and world-class entertainment, made accessible through our trusted partners at Circuit Base,” says Joseph Cernitchez, TCL Brand Manager.

 

 

Redefining the View

 

(L-R) TCL Brand Manager Joseph Cernitchez, TCL Assistant Product Manager Oriana Jang, Circuit Base President & CEO Margaret Tan Bueno, TCL B2B Sales Officer  Alvin Racks Uy, Circuit Base Executive Officer Jovencito Almendras, and Brand Management Head Dustin Kwan.

 

The TCL Monitor is purpose-built to seamlessly adapt from a high-performance professional workspace to an immersive gaming setup, delivering versatility, speed, and visual precision for today’s multi-functional users.

 

During the launch event at Laptop Factory, guests were immersed in a dynamic presentation showcasing the cutting-edge capabilities of the new TCL Monitor lineup. The session placed a spotlight on TCL’s unique value proposition: the seamless fusion of high-speed innovation and market-leading accessibility, proving that superior performance is now within reach for every Filipino.

Welcoming guests and shoppers to the Laptop Factory flagship store was Margaret Tan Bueno, Owner of Circuit Base. She couldn't hide her excitement about the store's newest arrival: the TCL Monitor.

"TCL is a brand I’ve always relied on personally for its durability," Ms. Bueno shared. "I’m so happy that TCL Monitors have officially arrived at Laptop Factory! We’ve put together some incredible exclusive bundles and packages that you won't find anywhere else. Come visit any of our branches and grab yours today!"

Ms. Oriana Jiang, TCL Assistant Product Manager, spearheaded the product introduction, offering a strategic outlook on TCL’s entry into the local scene. During her presentation, she provided key insights into how TCL’s monitor lineup is poised to disrupt the competitive Philippine market by leveraging the brand's global display expertise and a deep understanding of the Filipino consumer.

TCL Assistant Product Manager Oriana Jang and Circuit Base President & CEO Margaret Tan Bueno

 

She says, “TCL isn't just a monitor brand; we are the creators of the technology itself. Unlike competitors who rely on third-party suppliers, we manufacture our own panels, allowing us to oversee every detail of the production process. This vertical integration ensures that every screen meets our rigorous standards for consistency and color. For the Filipino consumer, the benefit is clear: you no longer have to choose between 'affordable' and 'high-performance'—TCL delivers both.”

 

Engineered for excellence, the TCL Monitor features a 144Hz Native Refresh Rate and Precise Dimming for fluid, high-contrast visuals. With a 93% DCI-P3 Wide Color Gamut and 450 nits of Peak Brightness, colors remain vibrant and true-to-life. To support long-term productivity, the display is TÜV Rheinland certified for Flicker-Free and Low Blue Light performance, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience even during extended use.

For more details, log in to www.tcl.com or follow TCL Official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

TechLife Launches First Portable Monitor in PH

 Built for multi-hyphenate users, TechLife empowers effortless transitions between 

work, play, and creativity

TechLife marks a new addition to its ecosystem for productivity, entertainment, and creative workflows with the launch of the TechLife Portable Monitor. Bringing “Productivity Meets Portability” to life, the device comes in a sleek, travel-ready form that adapts to the flexible, modern lifestyles of multi-hyphenate users. 

This versatile second screen features a 15.6” Full HD IPS Display, Ultra Slim Aluminum Design, and a Universal Plug-and-Play Compatibility, extending workspace, elevating casual gameplay, or supporting creative projects that enable users to do more without interruption and move fluidly between tasks, passions, and moments of downtime in one adaptable setup. 

Taken together, the TechLife Portable Monitor’s value becomes more evident in how each feature supports specific everyday use cases. 

 

A Practical Second Screen for Everyday Tasks

The 15.6” Full HD IPS Display provides clear visibility from different angles, making it suitable for multitasking, presentations, and extended screen use. With a 1920x1080 resolution and a slim bezel design, it enhances viewing experience with sharp text and detailed images, while providing enough room to comfortably manage multiple windows side by side within a compact form factor, which reduces the need to constantly switch tabs. 

 

Ultra-Slim Design Without Compromise

Built with a slim aluminum body measuring 5-9mm profile, the TechLife Portable Monitor is easy to carry and fits naturally into everyday setups, while maintaining a sleek, modern look. It adds screen space without taking up much space, placed beside a laptop at a desk or used in more compact environments like cafés or shared workspaces. The build ensures reliable everyday use without compromising mobility. It is also complemented by a Magnetic Stand Cover that provides a more refined alternative to traditional kickstands and adjustable brackets. 

 

Effortless Setup Across Devices

The TechLife Portable Monitor supports plug-and-play connectivity across laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles, allowing users to get started without going through a long setup process. It connects quickly via USB-C and Mini HDMI ports, enabling broad device compatibility, and smooth switching between devices throughout the day. This makes it easy to move from work tasks to gaming or content viewing without needing to troubleshoot connections.

 

Launch-Only Offers Across Online Platforms

Following its official launch, the TechLife Portable Monitor retails at P7,999 SRP and comes with a FREE Protective Case, available exclusively on online platforms.

From April 24 to May 7, customers can take advantage of the exclusive platform deals as TechLife is rolling out limited-time early-bird offers across Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.

With vouchers applied, fans can score the TechLife Portable Monitor for as low as P6,204 on Shopee, P6,569 on Lazada, and P6,423 on TikTok. 

For exclusive offers and the latest updates, follow TechLife on its official social media pages on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

 

Jollibee Gives Burger Steak a Hearty Upgrade, Adds New Burger Steak Supreme to the Menu

 

Jollibee has upgraded its Burger Steak rice meal and has also introduced a new variant, Burger Steak Supreme, as Filipino families continue to look for meals that are delicious, satisfying and affordable. 

The Philippines’ no. 1 fast food chain said the improved Burger Steak now comes with more sauce to enhance flavor and overall experience, while keeping its starting price at ₱70 for a solo order.

“We’re seeing that customers are paying closer attention to taste, how filling a meal is, and price, so we’re giving them a pangmalakasang (power-packed) rice meal,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “We focused on improving the experience of a familiar product while also introducing a new option for those who want a bigger meal.”

The improvement is supported with materials featuring Joshua Garcia, highlighting the need of Filipinos for meals that can fill their cravings.

Jollibee said the move is part of its effort to respond to changing consumer needs, particularly the demand for meals that combine taste, serving size, and affordability.

The saucier-sarap Burger Steak is available nationwide for dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and delivery. Meanwhile, customers can enjoy the Burger Steak Supreme in select stores only. 

 

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com , and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!