James Reid Surprises Mom with His New Look Using HONOR 600

 Filipino multi-hyphenate James Reid just proved that with the right tech, even a simple prank can turn into a viral-worthy moment. In his recent fun-filled post, Reid surprised fans by pranking his own mother—using the cutting-edge AI features of the all-new HONOR 600. 

In the video (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYZYFgYR_PA/)  posted online, Reid cleverly used the HONOR 600’s AI Image-to-Video 2.0 capabilities to create a hyper-realistic visual scenario that left his mom both confused and amused. What started as a casual moment at home quickly turned into a laugh-out-loud reveal, showcasing not just Reid’s playful personality, but also the powerful—and entertaining—potential of AI-driven creativity. 

The campaign highlights how the HONOR 600 isn’t just a smartphone—it’s a creative companion for a new generation that thrives on storytelling, humor, and originality. Whether it’s pulling off a harmless prank or producing scroll-stopping content, the device delivers an experience where imagination takes the lead. 

The HONOR 600 Series sees HONOR 600 5G priced at Php 25,999 for 8GB+256GB, Php 32,999 for 12GB+256, Php 37,999 for 12GB+512GB – and HONOR 600 5G Pro with 12GB+512GB for Php 49,999! 

From May 14 to 29, 2026 – get a chance to win a brand-new Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 when you pre-order HONOR 600 series and receive FREE HONOR Gift Box worth PHP 1,499 and FREE HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip worth PHP 4,999 when you claim on May 30, 2026. 

Run to any HONOR Experience and Partner Store or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_H600_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9d_Media) or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_H600_PR). 

For more exciting announcements, 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).

Reloading PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid Just Got Easier with Maya

 PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid users can now reload their internet faster and more conveniently through the Maya Shop on the Maya app and via nearest Maya Business Centers. 

This new loading option gives customers greater flexibility in managing their home internet, offering both cashless digital payments and assisted over-the-counter transactions within their communities. With just a few taps on the Maya app or a quick visit to a local retailer, users can stay connected for work, school, and entertainment hassle-free and on their own terms. 

 

“By expanding our loading channels through Maya’s consumer app and Maya Business Center retailer network, we’re making PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid more accessible, flexible, and aligned with how Filipinos live and use digital payments today,” says John Y. Palanca, PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business. 

 

Reloading via Maya seamlessly fits into customers’ daily routines, especially for those who already use the app for bills payment, money transfers, and shopping. For households that prefer in-person transactions, Maya Business Center outlets can also process PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid reloads. This brings essential internet services closer to home while providing small business owners with additional income opportunities.

 

“Digital payments play an important role in expanding access to essential services,” said Renan Santiago, Head of Retail & MSME Maya Business. “Enabling PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid on Maya gives customers a simple, cashless way to manage their home connectivity while supporting our initiatives to make digital payments inclusive across communities, whether via online or Maya Business Centers.”

To buy PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid load, customers can easily go to the nearest Maya Business Center in their community or purchase via the Maya app:

• Go to the Shop tile and click Broadband 

• Select PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid and choose your preferred Load 

• Enter your PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid account number and pay 

Once payment is successful, the load is instantly credited, allowing customers to continue enjoying reliable and uninterrupted fiber internet. Customers may check their myHome account to view the purchase details. 

PLDT Home continues to expand its digital and over-the-counter channels to make reliable and affordable home internet more accessible to Filipino families nationwide.

For more information on PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid and available loading options, visit pldthome.com/fiberprepaid. 

UNIQLO Says Thank You With Exclusive Offers and More

 At the heart of every UNIQLO Thank You Festival is a simple message: gratitude. As a celebration inspired by the customers and communities who continue to support the brand, the biannual festival transforms appreciation into meaningful experiences—from exclusive promotions and innovative essentials to initiatives that create positive impact beyond stores.

UNIQLO deeply values the unwavering support of its customers and communities. Serving as a heartfelt tribute to those who have made LifeWear a part of their daily lives, the UNIQLO Thank You Festival returns nationwide from May 22 to May 28. 

This year’s celebration goes beyond seasonal offers, as it also highlights purposeful partnerships, sustainability, and a deep commitment to social responsibility. Every story is shaped by care, innovation, and the people behind the brand who bring LifeWear to life every day.

A “Thank You” that Pays it Forward

In the spirit of giving back, UNIQLO Philippines is strengthening its support for local education. Recognizing the resource gaps in public schools, the brand recently broke ground on a new classroom at Tanda Elementary School in General Santos to support T’boli students. 

As part of its bigger Heart of LifeWear sustainability initiative, UNIQLO also donated AIRism shirts to students and teachers alike to champion comfort in the classroom. It adds to a milestone of over 35,000 LifeWear items distributed to communities in need and disaster relief efforts across the country, including pre-loved pieces donated by customers. The initiative proves that in UNIQLO’s Thank You Festival, the sense of gratitude reaches far and wide.

A “Thank You” Translated into Curated In-Store Experiences

The UNIQLO Thank You Festival transforms every UNIQLO store into a space of celebration, featuring exciting deals that reflect the brand's promise of quality and practicality. Everyone can join the fun and make the most out of these special promotions:

• Best-Value Everyday Essentials: Over 50 LifeWear items at special prices, with favorites like the Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt and kids' AIRism Cotton pieces starting at just PHP 390. 

• First-Time Offers: Significant savings on premium staples, now on sale for the first time, including Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirts (now PHP 1,490) and Oxford Boxy Long Sleeve Shirts (now PHP 990). 

• Exciting Collaborations: The highly anticipated UNIQLO and Cecilie Bahnsen womenswear collection officially launches on May 22, showcasing a line-up of romantic, feminine pieces for both women and girls. Customers are also rewarded with a free packable duffle bag for every single-receipt purchase of at least PHP 3,500 during the festival week.

A “Thank You” That Makes Shopping Online Even Easier

For this year’s Thank You Festival, UNIQLO continues to enhance the online shopping journey for UNIQLO App members. The week-long celebrations showcase exclusive sizes, pre-launch access, and improved "Voice of Customer" feedback features. With specialized online-to-offline corners in select stores, the brand also ensures that convenience and gratitude go hand-in-hand. 

More than a retail event, the UNIQLO Thank You Festival is a nationwide moment of connection. By blending customer-focused rewards with community-driven initiatives, UNIQLO reaffirms that the most meaningful way to say "thank you" is by contributing to an inclusive and better everyday life for all.

 

Celebrate the UNIQLO Thank You Festival by checking out UNIQLO in-store and online. For more information and to get all the latest updates on UNIQLO, visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo.ph on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram and TikTok. 

Disney+ Officially Starts Production on ‘Moving’ Season 2

 In a move sure to delight fans around the world, Disney+ today announced that production has begun on Moving Season 2, with stars Ryu Seungryong, Han Hyojoo, Zo Insung and Go Younjung set to return for the eagerly awaited second installment of the award-winning series about super-powered South Korean agents risking it all to protect their families.

 

Picking up in the days immediately after the Jeongwon High School Incident, Moving Season 2 will follow our heroes as they settle back into their everyday lives. But just as things seem to be returning to normal, new and familiar threats will emerge to endanger their loved ones.

 

With production on this highly anticipated series now officially underway, audiences can look forward to the return of Season 1 stars Ryu Seungryong, Han Hyojoo and Zo Insung as former super-powered special agents; Ryu Seungbum as the lethal assassin Frank, and Go Younjung, Kim Dohoon and Shim Dalgi as former Jeongwon High School students; as well as the newly announced Won Gyubin as Kim Bongseok.

 

Moving Season 2 marks the continued development of Kangfull’s streaming universe that audiences first immersed themselves in with Moving Season 1 and that later expanded with the release of Light Shop. Season 2’s world building will also be further enhanced by the exciting creative partnership between screenwriter Kangfull, and award-winning Kingdom director Kim Seonghun.

 

Speaking on the eve of the start of production, Kangfull – the creator of the original Moving webtoon universe and the screenwriter of Moving Season 1 and 2, said: "With the first season of Moving, my goal was to establish a new benchmark for Korean superhero narratives. For the second, I intend to raise that bar even higher, evolving the series into something truly exceptional."

 

To celebrate today’s announcement, a special teaser video was also released, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the first table read, as well as a greeting from some of the Season 2 cast.

 

Speaking on today’s announcement, Carol Choi, Executive Vice President of APAC Original Content Strategy at The Walt Disney Company said: “Moving demonstrated that premium Korean storytelling, rooted in emotion and delivered with cinematic ambition, can resonate with audiences around the world in a truly powerful way. As we look ahead to Season 2, we’re excited to build on that success with our creative partners and further expand the world of Moving for fans across the globe.”

 

First debuting in August 2023, Moving went on to become the most viewed Korean original series on Disney+ and Hulu* that year, with the series being dubbed “the next breakout hit from Asia” by Variety, and “surprising and powerful” by IGN. The series was nominated at the 29th Critics’ Choice Awards, and also took home awards for Best Creative, Best Visual Effects, Best Writer (Kangfull), Best Lead Actor (Ryu Seungryong), Best Newcomer Actor (Lee Jungha) and Best Newcomer Actress (Go Younjung) at Busan International Film Festival’s Asia Content Awards & Global OTT Awards, as well as the Best Series and Best Actress in a Series (Han Hyojoo) awards at the 59th Daejong International Film Award.

 

In its award-winning first season, Moving told the story of a group of South Korean special agents working to protect their super-powered children from harm and exploitation at the hands of malicious government agencies. Initially recruited because of their extraordinary abilities to fly, instantly heal, and use their enhanced senses in the field, the agents disappeared without a trace after being tasked with carrying out increasingly dubious missions. But with their children exhibiting similar abilities and a dangerous assassin rapidly picking off super-powered individuals, the parents were forced to leave their peaceful lives behind to become the “monsters” they once were. 

 

Fans of unmissable Korean storytelling can sign up to Disney+ today to enjoy immediate access to Moving Season 1 and Light Shop from Moving screenwriter Kangfull, as well as a whole host of other exceptional series including Perfect Crown, Nine Puzzles, Hyper Knife, A Shop for Killers, Big Bet, and so much more.

 

Stay tuned for more information about Moving Season 2 coming soon. The first season of Moving is now streaming on Disney+ globally.

 

*Based on hours streamed in its first 7 days streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Gets a Beauty Boost from Ever Bilena

Ever Bilena steps into a meaningful new chapter as it becomes the official color cosmetics sponsor of Miss Universe Philippines 2026 for the first time.

The partnership was introduced through a runway event at Ayala Malls Arca South, drawing an estimated crowd of 30,000. It was more than just a pageant appearance. It felt like a shared moment between the candidates and the women who see themselves in them.

Miss Universe Philippines 2026 candidates (L–R) include Alexandra Krishna Oriño of Albay; Megan Baldevia of Bacolod City; Felicia Aldanaof Bacoor City; Roxie Baeyens of Baguio City; Kathleen Dale Caseñas of Batangas City; Ryla Hernandez of Cabanatuan City; Erica Cadayday of Camiguin; Jencel Caña of Cavite;Apriel Smith of Cebu City; Nicole Borromeo of Cebu Province; Clarissa Westram of Cotabato Province; and Tyra Jane Godino of Dasmariñas City

One of the most memorable parts of the afternoon was when the delegates stepped off the stage and into the crowd, personally handing out Ever Bilena beauty kits along with fresh flowers. Each kit featured the brand’s best-selling Serum Tinted Lip Balm. It turned what could have been a typical event into something more personal. A simple but meaningful way to celebrate women, not just those on stage, but everyone watching.

The collaboration reflects Ever Bilena’s long-standing belief that beauty goes beyond makeup. It is about confidence, self-expression, and showing up as you are. Partnering with Miss Universe Philippines brings that message to a bigger platform, one that continues to shape how Filipina beauty is seen today.

“Ever Bilena has always been about empowering women through beauty,” said Rafeea Custodio, Brand Manager. As the competition continues, the brand also introduces the Miss Ever Bilena special award. This will be given to a candidate who best represents confidence, authenticity, and a kind of beauty that feels real and relatable.

More than a milestone for the brand, the partnership is a reminder of what Ever Bilena has always stood for. Beauty that includes, uplifts, and celebrates every Filipina.

Hong Kong’s Hasting Ng Wins Global Title at DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship 2025–26

 Hasting Ng of Hong Kong has been crowned Global Champion of the DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship 2025–26. Following an intense final at World of Coffee Bangkok 2026, Hasting secured the title against first runner-up Yasmim Rodrigues Sarandy da Silva (Brazil) and second runner-up Çetin Alpay Başkan (Türkiye), with a performance that perfectly captured this year’s theme, Espresso Your Flavour. 

This year’s competition went beyond technical mastery to celebrate individuality through flavour, storytelling and craft. By using DaVinci Gourmet’s flavour range as their toolkit, finalists were challenged to create beverages that reflected their personal journeys and cultural roots.

Hasting Ng impressed the judges with two distinct creations. His “Non-alcoholic Mulled Wine” combined Columbine Las Flores filter coffee with DaVinci Gourmet Spiced Chai and Blue Ocean syrups to build a complex, festive profile, followed by “Mango Sticky Rice”, a chilled co-fermentation espresso drink that served as a homage to Southeast Asian flavours, featuring DaVinci Gourmet Pandan and Lychee syrups. 

“Winning the Global Final in Bangkok is a milestone for me. This victory validates my belief that ‘simple is best’,” said Hasting. “When you have great ingredients and the variety of flavours from DaVinci Gourmet, you don't need to overcomplicate things to create something world-class. I wanted to bring the flavours of Thailand to the stage with my Mango Sticky Rice drink, and I’m happy it resonated with the judges.”

The Global Finalists (L-R): Yasmim Rodrigues Sarandy da Silva (Brazil, 1st Runner Up), Çetin Alpay Başkan (Türkiye, 2nd Runner Up), and Hasting Ng (Hong Kong, Champion).

The runners-up also delivered standout performances that pushed the boundaries of traditional coffee. 

Yasmim Rodrigues Sarandy da Silva (Brazil) showcased her heritage with “La Cura”, combining espresso and tea with mint, featuring DaVinci Gourmet Lemonade and Ginger syrups, and “Abuela”, a sparkling mix of carrot and beetroot juice incorporating DaVinci Gourmet Blood Orange and Almond syrups. “This competition has been an enriching journey of cultural exchange and learnings”, said Yasmim. “I am proud to have shared my beverage concepts and explored new flavour profiles on a global stage. This experience has only encouraged me to keep pushing the boundaries of creativity in my career.”

Çetin Alpay Başkan (Türkiye) delivered the savoury and bold purple basil tea-based “Aegean Breeze”, utilising DaVinci Gourmet Forest Berries syrup and Cheesecake sauce, and the “Pink Panther”, a cold brew creation featuring DaVinci Gourmet Pink Guava syrup and Condensed Milk Flavoured sauce. “Representing Türkiye and my region on the world stage, and exchanging ideas with such respected colleagues and judges has been a life-changing experience,” Çetin. “This journey with DaVinci Gourmet has been a significant milestone for my professional development, sharpening my technical skills and motivating me to reach new heights.”

The finalists were evaluated by a prestigious panel of judges, including Mikael Jasin (2024 World Barista Champion, Sensory Judge), Edward Choo (Founder of Toothless Coffee, Sensory Judge), Sarawut “Bank” Manngan (Three-time Thailand National Latte Art Champion, Technical Judge), and Shanya “Kath” Taratikundech (Founder, Promchim Coffee Academy, Sensory Judge).

“At the global finals, the theme ‘Espresso Your Flavour’ took on a powerful new meaning,” said Mikael Jasin. “I was looking for how these baristas could translate the unique flavours of their home regions into a sophisticated, global coffee experience. Each of these champions has navigated through an incredibly challenging journey, and they bring with them a depth of wisdom and expertise that was reflected in their creativity.”

“We saw more than just technical skill today; we saw identity,” said Eloise Dubuisson, General Manager, Food Service Brands, Marketing, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. “Hasting, Yasmim, and Çetin proved that the future of coffee is personal, and in this championship they’ve  set a new standard for beverage innovation.”

As the DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship 2025–26 concludes, the beverage solutions brand reaffirms its commitment to championing the artistry of baristas worldwide, providing the tools, flavours and platform for the next generation of coffee innovators to express who they are through what they do best.