Arsenal and TCL Strengthen Ties Through Multi-Year Global Partnership

Arsenal and TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics, have announced the expansion of their partnership into a multi-year global agreement. Building on a successful regional collaboration since 2023, TCL will now become Arsenal’s Official Global Consumer Electronics Partner, further strengthening the connection with supporters across international markets.

Arsenal and TCL began working together in 2023 as regional partners focused on the UK, Middle East, and Africa. As Global Partner, TCL will take the partnership to new markets, deepening the connection with Arsenal supporters around the world.

The partnership builds on two years of impactful content and engagement with supporters, aligned to the brands’ shared values of progress, innovation, and excellence.

Following on from the Inspire Greatness activation, supporters can expect further storytelling through the partnership, including men’s first team player and newly appointed TCL ambassador, Bukayo Saka as well as with our UEFA Women’s Champions League winning women’s team as the partnership encompasses both men’s and women’s first teams.

Arsenal’s flagship matchday show, Live from N5 will also see TCL product integration, further connecting and engaging with the club’s global supporter-base.

Arsenal men’s first team will travel to Singapore and Hong Kong for their pre-season tour this summer, the latter being home to TCL’s global headquarters - allowing the club to engage and activate with supporters, bringing unique experiences and content to local markets.

Highlights of the partnership to date include:

 

●      Last year’s ‘Go Big with TCL’ digital video commercial starring Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Mo Elneny, promoting the TCL XL TV collection. See here.

●      ‘Inspire Greatness’ DVC with Mikel Merino, Declan Rice and Ben White – TCL and Arsenal connecting to inspire communities on and off the pitch. More details can be found here.

●      A Meet and Greet with players in Dubai during warm weather training for TCL customers and Arsenal supporters.

●      Arsenal legend Robert Pires’ visit to TCL trade exhibit at IFA Berlin in 2023, the world’s largest home innovation and tech event.

●      Last year Invincibles defender Martin Keown was also a special guest at TCL’s regional product launch in Turkey – speaking to guests and TCL staff.

 

Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal said: “We are immensely proud of our work with TCL, which has laid the foundation for a new chapter in our relationship and is a testament to our collaboration and shared values. As our new Global Partner, we look forward to continuing this successful relationship, working together to achieve our goals, with our supporters at the heart of everything we do together.”

TCL CEO Peter Chen said: "We are proud to elevate our partnership with Arsenal to a global level, marking a significant milestone for TCL. This expanded alliance reflects our shared ambition to lead through excellence, innovation, and passion.

As a brand committed to shaping the future of smart living, this global partnership allows us to strengthen our connection with fans worldwide and deliver immersive experiences that unite the power of technology with the spirit of sport. We look forward to building a lasting legacy together that inspires greatness across every corner of the world."

 

 

 

LIXIL Celebrates Property Industry Excellence: American Standard and GROHE Support the Asia Pacific International Property & Hotel Awards 2025–26

 LIXIL power brands, American Standard and GROHE, honored outstanding achievements across the property industry at the Asia Pacific International Property & Hotel Awards 2025-26. The prestigious event welcomed guests and industry luminaries to celebrate excellence across architecture, interior design, real estate and property development. The event recognized six hundred thirty (630) winning companies from across the Asia Pacific and culminated in a gala event with the announcement and presentation of the American Standard Innovation Award, the GROHE Sustainability Award and the GROHE Luxury Award.

This year’s theme drew on the four elements—Earth, Fire, Water, and Air—that symbolize the critical global challenges we must address through our innovative property approach. The event received more than 800 entries which were judged by a panel of over 100 industry experts and peers. Each entry was meticulously evaluated for design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and dedication to sustainability. By country, Thailand garnered the highest number of awards (109), followed by China (76). Notable achievements were recorded by Malaysia (68), India (65), Indonesia (59) and Hongkong (42).

Audrey Yeo, Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific said, “Our seven‑year headline sponsorship with the International Property Awards demonstrates LIXIL’s unwavering commitment to industry excellence in the property sector. In the APAC region, this collaboration has elevated the profiles of deserving architects, designers, and developers, granting them well‑earned international recognition. The growing prominence of the Asia Pacific Property Awards year after year, underscores the event’s distinctive value to the architecture and design community as well as to our industry partners.”

“Through American Standard and GROHE brands, we are proud to collaborate with the IPA in advancing our purpose: making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. We look forward to continuing our journey with the IPA and its winners, forging stronger collaborations that inspire design excellence and sustainable innovation.” added Audrey.

LIXIL’s consumer-focused approach and how water shapes our living environments was explored at the IPA by Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia during his seminar on Water as Experience: Elevating Everyday Rituals. Through this, he invited the audience to reconceive water not merely as a utility but as a dynamic catalyst for vitality and calm—an elemental medium through which industry partners can collaborate to craft environments that relax, energize, and meaningfully enrich everyday life.

The American Standard booth celebrated 150 years of trust and innovation, inspired by life. Guests explored the new Acacia Supasleek collection and a showcase of purposefully designed products, including the DuoStix Hand Shower and Hygiene Spray, EasyFlo Collection, Aero-lite Wall Hung Shower Toilet, and the new WizFlo Hand Shower.

The GROHE SPA exhibit was built on the concept of “Aquatecture”- the fusion of water and architecture, celebrating the significance and importance of water in architecture, and the health and well-being benefits this infusion brings. Guests were equally captivated by the GROHE Allure Gravity faucet, whose interchangeable cover plates—crafted from Caesarstone marble, glass, or mirror—offers an unparalleled freedom of expression.

At the event, the Stone Experience Center—MM Galleri by CNS Designworks, Indonesia was honored with the GROHE Luxury Award. This award celebrates 'New Luxury'— a blend of exceptional design and luxurious interiors with values of responsibility, conscious consumption, and sustainability. The Stone Experience Center is a groundbreaking space that redefines natural stone’s role in contemporary design: it demonstrates how marble and onyx can be engineered into elegant, lightweight, and fluid architectural forms. Leveraging cutting‑edge technology, ultra‑thin layers of these stones are bent into graceful, flowing shapes, using just 10 % of the material and cutting waste by 70 %—setting new benchmarks for resource efficiency and sustainable fabrication.

This year’s GROHE Sustainability Award went to Starfish, Phu Quoc by SOG design, Vietnam—a 58‑hectare development devoted to ecological preservation and climate resilience. 76% of the site is dedicated to open spaces with native landscaping and mature tree conservation (90% preserved). Their passive cooling strategies, optimal building orientation, and green roofs work in concert to slash energy consumption, while respecting the land’s natural topography avoids major grading and safeguards biodiversity. By weaving vernacular architecture together with renewable‑energy systems and low‑impact infrastructure, Starfish sets a new standard for sustainable, regenerative development in tropical settings.

 

The American Standard Innovation Award was presented to Ansaya Phuket Sylva, Thailand. The project is crafted to maximize green spaces within the home, fostering a deep connection with nature that not only elevates well-being but also improves air quality. By relying on smart-home devices, its design intelligence harnesses natural ventilation, strategic shading, and spatial planning to ensure a cooler, brighter, and more comfortable living space with minimal energy consumption. Every architectural element is purposefully designed to support wellness, sustainability, and effortless living—demonstrating that true innovation arises when design serves both people and nature.

 

To view the complete list of winners at the Asia Pacific International Property and Hotel Awards, please visit – https://propertyawards.net/region/asia-pacific/?fwp_winner_year=2025-winners

 

 

 

Kathryn Bernardo Shares Her Secret to Staying Ganado: Great Taste White

The actress says she always starts her day with her favorite coffee—Great Taste White, now reformulated to be mas creamy, at mas ma-kape, kaya mas pinasarap.

No matter how glamorous their lives seem, celebrities also go through their own daily grind. Early call times, events, and hectic moments on set—the list goes on. And just like us, they need a morning pick-me-up to power through a packed schedule.

 

For actress Kathryn Bernardo, coffee is an essential part of her day. Whether she’s gearing up for a busy schedule or easing into the morning, a great cup of coffee helps her keep ganado throughout the day. Her go-to? None other than Great Taste White. 

 

A more exciting timpla of her favorite coffee

During a recent interview, Kathryn shares that she is thrilled to see that Great Taste White’s tamang timplashe’s always loved is even more enjoyable now. The actress also points out that the reformulated blend is mascreamy and mas ma-kape

 

“Nakakatuwa na the brand also improved!” Kathryn says. “Masarap na dati [pero] in-improve pa ngayon to cater all ages, my age, yung lahat.”

 

She explains: “Ang Great Taste White ngayon, mascreamy at mas ma-kape. So, mas pinasarap pa yungtamang timpla niya.”  

 

Keeping her ganado every day

 

With the reformulated Great Taste White as part of her everyday routine, Kathryn shares she’s more ganado than ever to start each day. And because she’s not a morning person, the actress says it has become a reliable “partner” during busy days. 

 

“Parang may ka-partner ako parati, especially with my line of work, it's very busy,” Kathryn says.

 

“It's important na mayroon kang something na tutulong sa'yo para magawa mo yung mga tasks mo for that day,” she explains. “Siguro for me, pag sa taping or sa shooting, I need something to keep me awake so that I can give it my all.” 

 

Giving the new Great Taste White a try

For Kathryn, the new Great Taste White has the right balance, which makes all the difference. And this is also the reason coffee lovers should give it a try.

 

“Kasi [ako], [gusto ko yung] tamang timpla ng coffee—not too sweet, not too strong,” the actress shares. “[Kung] kailangan mo yung tamang timpla, I think yung brand naGreat Taste White mabibigay yun sa lahat ng consumers natin.”

 

Kathryn adds: “More than anything, I think, bigyan lang ngchance, subukan. And then I'm sure na kapag masubukanmo, hanap-hanapin mo siya.”

 

Try the new Great Taste White’s mas ma-kape, mas creamy, at mas pinasarap na tamang timpla. Lipat na sa mas pinasarap na Great Taste White! 

 

Follow Great Taste on Facebook for updates.

 

Great Taste White is a product of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), maker of well-loved Pinoy snack and beverage products such as C2 Cool and Clean, Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Nova, Maxx, Cloud 9, Magic Crackers, and many others. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).   

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.