Ed Sheeran is back with a brand-new single, “Sapphire”, dropping this June 5, 2025.

RELEASED ON 5TH JUNE 2025 

LISTEN HERE

  

Download single artwork /  Download photo by Petros Studio  

Ed Sheeran is set to release his new single, “Sapphire” on 5th June 2025 (Listen here).

Following the hedonistic, technicolor pop of “Azizam”and the classic, heartfelt nostalgia of “Old Phone”, Sheeran returns with “Sapphire”—a dazzling anthem of connection and unbridled joy. Radiating with vibrant pop energy and rich cross-cultural influences, the track is poised to make its mark on summer ‘25.

Sheeran’s “Sapphire” is a luminous celebration of love that transcends boundaries. Featuring captivating vocals, intricate South-Asian percussion, backing vocals and sitar by legendary Indian artist Arijit Singh, the song creates a unique tapestry that speaks to the universal language of love. Fans are taken on a sonic journey both intimate and expansive, brought to life by the production talents of Ilya Salmanzadeh, Johnny McDaid, and Savan Kotecha. 

Ed Sheeran says “Sapphire was the first song I finished for Play that made me know where the album was heading. It's why I finished the recording process in Goa surrounded by some of the best musicians in India. It was an incredible creative process. I shot the music video with Liam and Nic across my India tour earlier this year, we wanted to showcase the beauty and breadth of the country and its culture. The final jigsaw piece for me was getting Arijit on the record. It was a journey to get there and such an amazing day of music and family. Me and him have done a full Punjabi version of the song that will come out in the next few weeks, which has a lot more of him on it. This is the album version of the song, and my favourite song on the album. Hope you guys love it. x“

The video for “Sapphire” has been directed by Liam Pethick, features Arijit Singh and a cameo from iconic actor Shah Rukh Khan. It begins with Ed performing the song at dawn on a rooftop, then transitions to a vibrant journey across various locations. Ed's travels take him from the rooftop to serene beaches, riversides, bustling markets, local kitchens and Bollywood backlots. Highlights include meeting up with Arijit for a studio session and motorcycle ride around his hometown, plus a visit to the A.R. Rahman music school, where he performs with local musicians.

Ed Sheeran releases his new album ‘Play’ on 12th September 2025. (Pre-order here) After closing the chapter on his Mathematics series, Ed Sheeran is finally back and stepping boldly into a fresh new phase for 2025.   An artist known for constantly evolving, Sheeran’s latest album, 'Play' finds him exploring new musical ground through collaboration with producers and musicians from around the world, as well as diving deeper into the timeless sounds and themes that have made him one of the world’s best-loved pop artists. Inspired in part by his exposure to Indian and Persian musical cultures—and their surprising connections to the Irish folk tradition he grew up with, through shared scales, rhythms, and melodies—he explored this borderless musical language, giving the album its distinctive, fresh edge.  On more familiar ground, Sheeran also reminds us why he remains the most influential singer-songwriter of his generation, delivering a series of stunning ballads and acoustic-driven songs. The result is a collection that plays with both the familiar and the new, creating a bold, pop-driven sound that only Ed Sheeran could deliver — a vibrant showcase of his artistry that feels both exciting and transformative, and promises to be one of the defining albums of the year. 

Ed Sheeran has also announced three live shows at Portman Road, Ipswich which Sold-Out immediately. These kick off on Friday, July 11th, featuring special guests Myles Smith and Tori Kelly;  on July 12th the spotlight shifts to Busted and Dylan;  whilst on July 13th it will be James Blunt and Maisie Peters. These are set to take place at Ipswich Town FC’s iconic home ground - Ed being a lifelong supporter of the club, and the official shirt sponsor since 2021.  The three night stint will mark Ed’s first UK headline shows since 2023, and will include debut performances of tracks from ‘Play’ alongside fan favourites.  £1 from every ticket sold on these shows has been donated to the newly launched Live Trust, a new funding initiative from LIVE that will offer much needed financial support to those working across live music. The Live Trust will initially support the grassroots music sector that is such a vital part of the music ecosystem – from venues and artists to festivals and promoters.

 

 

From the Philippines to the World: Jollibee Honors New Bida Best Ambassadors

 From humble beginnings to becoming a global force, Jollibee has always believed in one powerful truth: the Filipino is world-class. Jollibee proudly launches its newest campaign, “Bida Best, Bida Pinoy”—a bold celebration of Filipino excellence, honoring the country’s finest who continue to shine on the world stage.

Jollibee celebrates world-class Pinoy excellence, introduces Bida Best Ambassadors at Bida Best, Bida Pinoy launch, bringing joy and pride to the whole nation (L-R) Leo Andrew Escutin, General Manager of SIBOL, SIBOL Men’s and Women’s teams, Dr. Reina Reyes, Pia Wurtzbach, Dorothy Dee-Ching, Jollibee VP and Head of Marketing, Elise Maog, Jollibee PR and Partnerships Lead, Dennis Reyes, Jollibee PR, Partnerships and Sustainability Head, QUICCS Maiquez, Hidilyn Diaz, and Frances Fajardo, Creative Director of UPeepz and UPeepz dance crew

Hosted by Gretchen Ho at Whitespace Manila, the launch was a joy-filled special event honoring Filipinos who have achieved global success in their respective fields. More than just a campaign, “Bida Best, Bida Pinoy” is a movement. It champions the spirit of the Filipino and highlights the stories of trailblazers who prove that we have what it takes to succeed on the global stage.

The event’s main highlight was the reveal of the Bida Best ambassadors–done so through an anthemic music video–who have showcased world-class Filipino talent on the global stage: 

• Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015, beauty queen, and humanitarian
• Carlos Yulo, Double Olympic gold medalist and world champion gymnast 
• Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist and a symbol of unbreakable will
• EJ Obiena, World-class pole vaulter, soaring beyond limits
• Dr. Reina Reyes, globally acclaimed astrophysicist and “the Filipina who proved Einstein right”
• Quiccs Maiquez, International toy design icon putting Pinoy street culture on the map
• SIBOL, World MLBB champion, the national Esports team competing—and winning—on the international scene
• UPeepz, World Hip Hop champion, electrifying global stages with Filipino creativity

Through their various achievements, they have inspired millions and brought joy to Filipinos around the world.

“This is our tribute to the many Filipinos who, just like Jollibee, have risen from humble beginnings to global success. We want to shine a spotlight on their achievements, because when we celebrate their stories, we celebrate the very best of what it means to be Filipino—resilient, passionate, joyful, and world-class,” said Dorothy Dee-Ching, Jollibee VP and Head of Marketing. 

Pia Wurtzbach talks about how Bida Best means being resilient and believing in oneself, despite the many challenges.

“I raised the flag for every dreamer who dared to believe even if all the odds were against them,” said Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey. “This campaign not only celebrates triumphs and successes, but at the center of it, the puso of every Pinoy who wants to pursue their dreams. This is what it means when we say “Bida ang puso sa tagumpay.”

Quiccs shares how staying true to his roots and childhood influences helped him create his own unique art style, which helped bring TEQ63 to life. 

“Excellence comes in many forms, [whether you’re] athletes, artists, creators, innovators. We all carry the flag in our own way,” said Quiccs, who reflected on his journey as an artist, creating TEQ63, and even accomplishing his dream collaboration with Jollibee. “To all young creatives out there, don’t be afraid to dream big, use your voice and style. Authenticity is your superpower, and your culture is the edge.”

One of the highlights of the program was the Bida Best booth reveal, which is a special exhibit that contains special items from each ambassador, including Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey’s iconic Miss Universe gown and Hidilyn Diaz’s Tokyo 2020 Gold Medal. 

In addition to the star-studded reveal, each ambassador participated in the Bida Best Talks—a panel discussion where they shared personal stories about their journeys, the challenges they overcame, and how they exemplify Jollibee’s values and mission. The talks offered insight into what it truly means to be “Bida Best.”

Hidilyn shares how winning the Olympic Gold wasn’t just a win for her after many setbacks, but also a win for the entire country, creating a historic first.

 

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagka-panalo ko ng medalya, ito ay para sa lahat ng mga Pilpino. Kaya natin maging world-class sa kahit anong sports. Ang bida sa lahat, ay ang pagtulong sa kapwa, pagiging inspirasyon sa kabataan, at pagmamahal sa bayan,” said Hidilyn Diaz. “Whatever your passion is, don’t let anyone tell you ‘hindi mo kaya.’”

Dr. Reina Reyes dedicated her message to all the young Filipino achievers and dreamers who want to reach for the stars.

 

Dr. Reina Reyes also believes in encouraging young Filipinos to follow their passions just like she did. “I want to share the gift of permission [that my parents gave me] to every Filipino kid so that they'll feel free and celebrated to be smart, to be curious, to dream big–as big as the universe,” she said. 

Representatives from SIBOL and UPeepz echoed this sentiment. They emphasized the dedication that their members put into their craft to showcase their talents on the global stage, and ultimately inspiring Filipinos of every age that they can achieve greatness too.

As the event came to a close, it left behind more than just inspiring stories—it sparked pride in what it means to be Filipino. Jollibee reminded everyone that being Bida Best isn’t just about success, but about heart, perseverance, and staying true to one’s roots. And with talents like these leading the way, the future of Filipino excellence looks brighter than ever.

Stay Connected, No Matter What: 3 Smart Reasons to Have a Backup Internet

 Imagine you’re on an important work call while your kids are researching online for a school project when suddenly, the connection drops. Your co-workers’ video freezes, and you hear your kids complaining about the internet. At this point, there is nothing you can do but wait for the connection to be fixed. If you don’t want to be caught in this situation, having a reliable backup is a must. And if you need more reasons why your home needs an “always-on” connection, here are three big ones.

1. Keep Your Productivity on Track

Today, we rely on the internet for almost everything, including our livelihoods. If you work from home, you know that a stable internet connection is non-negotiable. You can’t afford to miss online meetings and important emails or be offline during work hours.

And it’s not just you. If your kids are still studying, they need a reliable connection to finish their schoolwork. We can’t have them scrambling for a hotspot, especially at night. A failsafe backup, like a secondary LTE connection, ensures that everyone stays online by kicking in automatically when your primary line fails. It may not be as fast as your primary connection, but it will keep you connected. This brings us to the second reason…

2. Stay Connected, Especially During Emergencies

We live in an era where being connected is more important than ever—especially during emergencies. Need to contact emergency services? Attending a Telehealth appointment soon? Checking in on a loved one at the hospital for updates? Noticing unusual behavior in your pet and need to research symptoms online? Away from home and want to check your security cameras?

A primary connection with a reliable backup ensures that you’re always online when it matters the most. No need to worry about internet outages when you need access to crucial information or services.

3. Keep the Fun Going

After a long day, you deserve to unwind without frustration. A failsafe setup means that even during an outage, your household can still stream movies, play games, or stay in touch with family and friends.

While productivity and connectivity are top priorities, uninterrupted entertainment ensures that you can relax with confidence. It’s not just about fun—it’s about knowing that your downtime won’t be derailed.

Stay Connected with PLDT Home Always On

A failsafe internet backup isn’t just about avoiding headaches—it’s about being ready for anything. PLDT Home Always On features a built-in backup LTE that activates automatically when Fiber service becomes unavailable due to unexpected fiber cuts. These could be caused by events like cable theft or damage from road digging, tree trimming, extreme weather, and even rodent chewing. It also comes with a new WiFi 6 modem that supports up to 1Gbps on Fiber and UNLI LTE. Plus, it automatically notifies the repair team and creates a service repair ticket for you after 15 minutes.

With this kind of system, you’re future-proofing your home for a more productive, connected, and stress-free life. Don’t wait for the next outage to realize how much you need it. Get PLDT Home Always On today and stay online when it matters most.

Palawan Group of Companies' 40-Year Journey, Fueled by Employee Loyalty

 The Palawan Group of Companies, one of the leaders in financial services, kicked off the celebration of its 40thanniversary by honoring its most loyal and dedicated employees.

Recognized as the heroes who laid the foundation of the Palawan Group, individuals who have reached their 20th, 25th, and 30th year of service were celebrated for their contributions and their commitment to upholding husay na Tatak Palawan at serbisyong Pusong Palawan all these years. Awardees and their families were flown to the company’s headquarters in Puerto Princesa City and were given a much-deserved red carpet treatment.

The heartfelt ceremony, dubbed as ‘Gintong Lingkod Awards’,was attended by the company’s founders, leaders, and partners. It was intended to honor the awardees not only for their role in the growth of the business but also for living out the Palawan Group’s core values of humility and service.

In her welcome remarks, Palawan Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Korina Castro-Fernando, thanked the awardees for being “the founding ates and kuyas, ‘nangs and ‘nongs (big sisters and brothers) who lived out the Kulturang Palawan of integrity and sincere service – to sukis and to co-associates” as she emphasized that it is this culture that serves as the solid foundation that led the company to where it is today. She also reiterated her appreciation, on behalf of the Castro family, of the awardees’ faith in the company as it evolved from a single pawnshop in Puerto Princesa City to a globally recognized financial services provider known for its serbisyong Matataag, Maaasahan, at Mapagkakatiwalaan (enduring, dependable, trustworthy).

The leaders of the Palawan Group of Companies. Standing behind, from left: Korina Castro-Fernando; Chief Human Resources Officer; Roberto Ben M. Castro, Chief Operations Officer; Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer; front row, from left: Karlo M. Castro, Chief Executive Officer; Angelita M. Castro, co-founder and Deputy Chairman; Bobby L. Castro, Founder and Chairman; Lilian Castro-Selda, Chief Finance Officer

Korina Castro-Fernando, Chief Human Resources Officer, called the awardees the ‘nangs and ‘nongs (big sisters and brothers) who lived out the Kulturang Palawan of integrity and sincere service – to sukis and co-associates – passing down the culture to the younger breed of Palawan Group associates

This appreciation was echoed by co-founder and Deputy Chairman Angelita M. Castro, who remarked, “our awardees are not just witnesses to our history – they helped build it.” She further expressed, “kami man [ni Sir Bobby] ang nagsimula, hindi tayo aabot sa 40 years at sa tagumpay na tinatamasa natin ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyo, sa inyong sipag, at sa inyong pagmamahal sa ating kompanya. Salamat, maraming salamat sa inyo.”

Holding back tears, co-founder and Deputy Chairman Angelita (fondy called Ma’am/Nanay Angie), remarked: “Hindi tayo aabot sa 40 years at sa tagumpay na tinatamasa natin ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyo, sa inyong sipag, at sa inyong pagmamahal sa ating kompanya"

Select awardees delivered speeches – personal accounts of how being part of the Palawan Group impacted their lives – which earned a harmony of laughter, tears, and cheers from the audience.

Flora Mae Salarzon, a 25-year service awardee, remarked, “If I weren’t well-compensated, I would’ve left a long time ago. But when I say ‘compensated’, I don’t just mean in terms of salary. At Palawan, we are enriched mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. The company takes care of us as people—not just as employees. We are trained, guided, and equipped not just for work, but for life. [Our mentors in Palawan] help us grow as professionals, as parents, as members of the community. We learn how to balance our careers with our responsibilities at home, and how to prepare for our future. That kind of support is rare, and I’m truly grateful.”

Another 25-year service awardee, Ma. Criselda Emnace, emphasized how genuinely “malasakit” (care) to our Sukis served as the glue that holds the business together. She shared, “My job felt less like a job but more like a purpose. I discovered more profoundly that the key business acumen in a business like ours is Customer Love. I do my best to extend my services to customers the best way I know how.”

Each awardee received a 24K Palawan Gold coin as a token of appreciation. They were each called to the stage, accompanied by a loved one to receive the token, and received a warm embrace from the company’s leaders. Many also shared their personal journeys with the company, offering reflections that were both inspiring and moving.

The Gintong Lingkod awards is part of the Palawan Group of Companies’ efforts to nurture a workplace where employees are valued, empowered, and celebrated. It reflects the company’s commitment to upholding Tatak Palawan – the spirit of bayanihan and service.

Xiaomi Debuts the Upgraded Redmi Pad 2 4G

 Xiaomi today unveiled the Redmi Pad 2 4G — an entry-level entertainment tablet designed to bring upgraded features to a wider audience.

  

Featuring a high-definition display, robust battery life, powerful performance, and running on the latest Xiaomi HyperOS 2, the Redmi Pad 2 4G delivers an immersive experience for everyday entertainment.

 

Vivid visuals and rich sound, built for everyday enjoyment

The Redmi Pad 2 4G features an expansive 11-inch 2.5K display,¹ offering crystal-clear detail and vibrant colors for streaming, browsing, and casual gaming. 

 

With a pixel density of 274 ppi and a 90Hz AdaptiveSync refresh rate,² visuals stay exceptionally smooth even during fast-moving scenes. Featuring DC dimming and TÜV Rheinland certifications for Low Blue Light (Software Solution), Flicker Free, and Circadian Friendly, the Redmi Pad 2 4G ensures all-day eye comfort. Complementing the display is a quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos® and Hi-Res Audio, delivering an immersive sound experience for music, movies, and games.

 

Seamless interaction with Xiaomi HyperOS 2

Powered by Xiaomi HyperOS 2, the Redmi Pad 2 4G delivers a connected experience that integrates effortlessly across Xiaomi phones and tablets. 

 

With Xiaomi Interconnectivity features such as call sync, network sync, and shared clipboard,³ the tablet enables more intuitive workflows and greater flexibility across screens. Call sync allows incoming phone calls to be answered directly on the tablet, allowing you to stay connected without switching devices. When Wi-Fi is unavailable, network sync steps in, enabling quick access to your phone's hotspot with a single tap. Meanwhile, shared clipboard makes it easier to copy and paste text and images between your phone and tablet, as though working on the same device. Together, these features streamline daily workflows and enhance cross-device convenience.

 

Reliable performance and mobility with a sleek design

Equipped with the MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra processor, the Redmi Pad 2 4G delivers strong performance and an immersive experience for everyday entertainment. 

 

A massive 9000mAh battery supports long viewing sessions and extended use with fewer charging breaks. For those who need connectivity on the go, the Redmi Pad 2 4G offers the same entertainment-focused experience, featuring dual-SIM and dual 4G support.⁵ From watching shows during commutes to enjoying music or videos in outdoor settings, the Redmi Pad 2 4G enables on-the-go access to content without relying on Wi-Fi. The Redmi Pad 2 4G also features a metal unibody design,⁴ offering users a sophisticated tactile experience.

 

The Redmi Pad 2 4G also supports key accessories that enhance its versatility for entertainment and creativity.⁶ The Redmi Smart Pen offers a 60Hz refresh rate⁷ and millisecond-level low latency⁸ — delivering precise input for writing, sketching, and note-taking. Requiring just 10 grams of activation force,⁹ it enables a natural, pen-on-paper experience. Meanwhile, the Redmi Pad 2 Cover adds 360° protection and supports smart wake and sleep functionality, while its adjustable stand ensures stable, hands-free viewing with added comfort.

 

Price and availability¹⁶

The Redmi Pad 2 4G is available on the official Xiaomi store on Shopee and Lazada, as well as authorized Xiaomi stores nationwide in Graphite Gray,¹⁰ with two variants: 6GB+128GB (P10,499), and 8GB+256GB (P12,499)¹. A free Redmi Smart Pen or Redmi Buds 6 Active is also available as a Shopee exclusive from June 5 to 18, along with P500 off with the special voucher code RMIPAD2. Enjoy immersive entertainment and get your own Redmi Pad 2 4G today!

 

To learn more about the Redmi Pad 2 4G and other Xiaomi products, visit http://mi.com/ph. 

 

Redmi Pad 2 4G Quick Specs

	Redmi Pad 2 4G
Display	● 11-inch crystal-clear display¹  ● 2.5K resolution (2560 x 1600), 274 ppi ● Up to 90Hz refresh rate² ● Brightness: 500 nits (typ), 600 nits (Outdoor mode) ● 1500:1 contrast ratio  ● Color depth: 10-bit, 1.07 billion colors ● Reading mode ● Wet touch technology  ● DC dimming ● TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Software Solution) Certified ● TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certified ● TÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly Certified
Performance	● MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra o 6nm manufacturing process o CPU: A76+A55, 2xA76@2.2GHz+6xA55@2.0 GHz o GPU: Mali-G57 MC2 ● RAM: LPDDR4X, ROM: UFS 2.2 ● Available configurations: 4GB+128GB / 6GB+128GB / 8GB+256GB¹¹ ● Supports up to 2TB expandable storage¹²
Camera	● 8MP rear camera o 1/4", 1.12μm pixel size o f/2.0 ● 5MP front camera o 1/5", 1.12μm pixel size o f/2.2
Audio	● Quad speakers ● Dolby Atmos® ● Hi-Res Audio
Experience	● Xiaomi HyperOS 2³
Connectivity	● Dual SIM dual 4G⁵ ● Wi-Fi 5¹³ ● Bluetooth® 5.3
Design	● Colors: Graphite Gray, Mint Green¹⁰ ● Dimensions: 254.58mm x 166.04mm x 7.36mm¹⁴ ● Weight: 519g¹⁴
Battery & Charging	● 9000mAh (typ) battery ● 18W fast charging (inbox 15W)¹⁵ ● USB Type-C
Accessories	● Redmi Smart Pen⁶ ● Redmi Pad 2 Cover⁶ ● Redmi Pad 2 Screen Protector⁶

 

Disclaimers

¹ Redmi Pad 2 4G screen size is about 11 inches when measured diagonally. Viewable area is smaller due to the curved corners. Measurements between individual products may vary.

² Refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 90Hz for supported apps and games. Please refer to the actual experience.

³ Phones and tablets need to be upgraded to Xiaomi HyperOS 2 with Bluetooth and WLAN settings activated, log in to the same Xiaomi account, and make sure "Settings-Xiaomi Interconnectivity" is turned on. Availability of specific features, and services may vary depending on software version, apps and product model, please refer to the actual use.

⁴ The unibody metal design refers specifically to the back cover of the product and does not include the camera deco, buttons, card slots, or other components.

⁵ The actual use of 4G networks and frequency bands depends on local carrier deployment.

⁶ Accessories sold separately, availability may vary by regions.

⁷ Test data comes from Xiaomi Internal Lab and was obtained in comprehensive simulated scenarios. Data may vary due to differences in testing environments, software versions, and other factors. Please refer to the actual product.

⁸ Millisecond-grade ultra-low latency refers to performance achieved within Xiaomi's self-developed apps. Data tested in Xiaomi Internal Laboratory, actual result may vary. 

⁹ 10g specifically refers to when the pen body is at a 90° angle to the screen.

¹⁰ Color availability may vary between regions.

¹¹ Available storage and RAM are less than the total memory due to storage of operating system and software pre-installed on the device.

¹² Expandable storage card sold separately. 

¹³ Wi-Fi 5 capability may vary based on regional availability and local network support. Wi-Fi connectivity (including Wi-Fi frequency bands, Wi-Fi standards and other features as ratified in IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications) may vary based on regional availability and local network support. The function may be added via OTA when and where applicable.

¹⁴ Data tested in Xiaomi Internal Labs, actual results may vary.

¹⁵ Availability of in-box power adapter may vary by region, please consult the local seller on the availability of the power adapter in the box.

¹⁶ Prices for different markets may vary due to VAT, taxes, and other factors.