Pinoy Playlist Music Festival (PPMF) returns to celebrate the diversity and creativity of Filipino music. From heartfelt ballads, pop, to bold new sounds across all genres and generations, PPMF 2025 highlights how Pinoy music continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in Filipino stories and spirit. 

With the theme, “Halo-halo, Sapin-sapin, Sabay-sabay,” this acknowledges that Pinoy Music is first, a layered variety – halo-halo – of different flavors and sources; second, a spread of overlapping sheets of colored influences and inspiration across time – sapin-sapin- and; third, that Pinoys are all imbued with a deep musical sense to welcome all these simultaneously– sabay-sabay. 

This year’s lineup includes KIKX and Day One, Somatosonic, The Brat Pack, Gab Cabangon, The Bloomfields, Tres Marias, Trina Belamide, Dingdong Avanzado, Bugoy, and many more timeless Pinoy music. 3 days, 3 stages; all genres, all generations, all PINOY!


This year’s Ryan Cayabyab Awardees are Homer Flores, Lorrie Ilustre, and the APO Hiking Society. Each of the awardees excelled in their contributions to the aspects of music that National Artist for Music, Ryan Cayabyab pursued, that include composition, arrangement, or performance. Special performances by Zsa-Zsa Padilla, Nicole Asencio, The Itchyworms, and more, will grace the night to honor our beloved awardees. There will also be a special segment, Musik-A-laala, remembering legends National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, and Ms. Pilita Corrales, with special tribute performances. 

PPMF 2025 will also feature “PPMF Conversations” that will be candid and enlightening forums where the topics this year will be on “Outliving the Uso” with musical icons Zsa Zsa Padilla and National Artist for Music, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, who will share their insights on what it takes to live through the highs and lows of a life in music; “Music as Medicine” with medical students and researchers Justine Regala and Kasandra Tan, with science writer Maria Isabel Garcia, as we explore the role of NeuroArts in healing our bodies and souls; and “Musikastorya: 3 OPM Books in focus” a heralding of support for books on the history of Pinoy music and music icons, featuring books by Krina Cayabyab, Jim Paredes, and Susan Claire Agbayani. 

All of these are happening at the 3 stages of BGC Arts Center– the Globe Auditorium, Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, and Sun Life Amphitheater on November 28-30, 2025. 

Curated by Ryan Cayabyab, Moy Ortiz, Noel Ferrer, and Maria Isabel Garcia, PPMF 2025 invites everyone to celebrate the many voices, stories, and sounds that define Filipino music. 

Ticket Prices: 

● 1-Day Pass - ₱1,900* 

● Student Rate (up to college) - ₱750* 

● 3-Day Festival Pass - ₱3,900* 

*rates exclusive of ticketing charges 

Join the celebration of Pinoy music! See lineup of artists and get your tickets now at www.bgcartscenter.org/ppmf2025 or at TicketWorld outlets nationwide, including the BGC Arts Center Box Office. 

mindscool@bafi.org.ph


 Philippines Earns Silver Award for Exhibition Design at World Expo 2025 Osaka

The Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka proudly received the Silver Award for Exhibition Design, a recognition from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) for outstanding creativity, craftsmanship, and visitor engagement. The award honors self-built pavilions under 1,500 square meters that excel in exhibit design and storytelling.

Raquel Tria-Joya, Committee Head for Central Information, accepted the award on behalf of the Philippine Pavilion, joining representatives from Poland (Gold) and Austria (Bronze).

On the same day, the Philippines also held the official closing ceremony of its Pavilion — a celebration of six months of cultural exchange, innovation, and global collaboration. The event gathered dignitaries, partners, artists, and guests at the Yumeshima site, capping off a successful showcase of Filipino creativity and spirit.

Since opening in April, the Pavilion has welcomed over 1.1 million visitors, serving as a platform for showcasing the Philippines’ artistry, sustainability, and sense of community. Under the theme “Nature, Culture & Community — Woven Together for a Better Future,” it offered an immersive, multisensory experience that blended modern technology with traditional artistry — featuring AI-powered installations, live performances, culinary showcases, and intricate handwoven displays.

The closing program was led by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer and Philippine Organizing Committee Secretary-General Margarita Montemayor Nograles, joined by Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano and Tourism Undersecretary Myra Abubakar, who delivered the keynote message of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

“From the very beginning, we knew the Philippine Pavilion would be more than a structure — it would be our nation’s heartbeat at Expo 2025,” said Nograles. “We didn’t just build a pavilion. We built pride, hope, and a home for the Filipino spirit — here in Japan and in the eyes of the world.”

A Legacy That Lives On
The Pavilion made history as the first live-performance façade ever created by the Philippines for a World Expo. Its exterior was adorned with over 200 handwoven panels crafted by local artisans from all 18 regions — the largest weaving collaboration in Philippine Expo history. Inside, visitors experienced 18 large-scale handwoven art pieces, the AI-powered “Dancing with Nature” installation, interactive photo booths, the Habi Shop, and a Hilot Wellness Corner — all designed to highlight the country’s rich heritage and innovative future.

In its next chapter, key elements from the Pavilion will be repatriated to the National Museum of the Philippines and select regional sites. Some will also be featured at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) and Travex in Cebu, January 2026, ensuring that the Pavilion’s legacy continues beyond the Expo.

Reflecting on its impact, Nograles shared, “What we created here was more than an exhibit — it was a feeling of warmth, wonder, and welcome. Through this Pavilion, we invited the world to rediscover the Philippines, and we look forward to welcoming them again on our shores.”

A Platform for People, Partnerships, and Possibility
Throughout Expo 2025, the Philippine Pavilion served as a hub for cultural diplomacy, trade, and tourism development. From the Philippine National Day celebrations to MICE roadshows and business meetings, it fostered lasting partnerships that will continue to strengthen Philippine-Japanese relations.

As this milestone chapter closes, the message is clear: the Philippines’ story doesn’t end here. Through community-based tourism, heritage-driven storytelling, and global collaboration, the nation continues to showcase its heart, history, and hope — and invites the world to experience it firsthand.

 2GO, the country’s leading logistics and travel solutions provider, has opened a new branch along NAIA Road to make it easier for travelers, senders, and nearby businesses to access its services.


Conveniently located at the CAEMC Commercial Building near Park and Fly, the new 2GO NAIA Road Store offers a full suite of logistics and travel services — from parcel and document delivery to baggage and cargo shipping, both domestic and international. Customers can also book and purchase 2GO Travel tickets on-site.

“We’re excited to bring 2GO closer to our customers who are always on the move,” said Blessie Cruz, Vice President and Business Unit Head for 2GO Retail. “This new branch provides easy access to our services, especially for travelers heading to the airport.”

To celebrate its opening, 2GO is offering a 10% discount on all local and international shipments until October 31, 2025.

With the holiday season fast approaching, 2GO has strengthened its nationwide network across air, land, and sea to handle the expected increase in travel and delivery demand.

“Each Christmas season, our mission is to keep families connected and businesses running,” Cruz added. “Whether you’re sending gifts, shipping products, or flying to destinations like Siargao via our new Manila-Siargao weekly route, 2GO is here to deliver convenience and care.”

Customers can find the new branch by searching CAEMC Commercial Bldg., NAIA Road (near Park and Fly) on navigation apps.

Stay updated on promotions by following facebook.com/2GOExpressInc.

 Whether you are a student juggling assignments, a digital creative bringing bold ideas to life, or a professional staying on top of work anywhere, the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite, Galaxy Tab S10 FE series, and Galaxy Tab S11 series are built to help you keep tabs on what matters. 

With multi-active windows, AI-powered tools, and seamless multitasking features, these tablets put productivity, creativity, and connection right at your fingertips—ready to power you beyond the classroom, office, or even the comfort of home.

Galaxy Tab S10 Lite: Your Most Accessible Study Partner

For students in need of the perfect study partner, the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite makes keeping up with schoolwork effortless. Its powerful 8,000 mAh battery with fast charging keeps you going through marathon study sessions, while Circle to Search with Google delivers instant answers right when you need them. The vibrant display with Vision Booster and a 90Hz refresh rate, stays sharp and smooth—even under bright light. 

The Galaxy S10 Lite is also a true all-in-one study buddy. It comes with the S Pen, which makes jotting down notes a breeze! Plus, Samsung Notes is now smarter with Solve Math to help you work through equations and Handwriting Help to keep your notes neat and organized.  

The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite comes in Gray for ₱19,990 and if you buy it until October 31, 2025, you can get a free Lite Book Cover Keyboard Slim worth ₱7,990 and up to 10% off with select credit cards. You can also get up to 30% off on select wearable devices like the Galaxy Watch8 series, Galaxy Buds3 FE, and Galaxy Buds Core when you buy them with this tablet until September 30, 2025.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE series: The Upgraded Digital Canvass

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ are built for creators who need power and flexibility on the go. With Multi Active Windows, you can sketch, edit, and research all at once, while apps like Clip Studio Paint and LumaFusion bring professional tools to your fingertips. The S Pen delivers natural precision for drawing and design, backed by the Exynos 1580 processor for smooth, lag-free editing. And when it is time to share, Quick Share makes sending large projects to collaborators effortless.

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE is available in Wi-Fi and 5G versions priced at ₱26,990 and ₱31,990 respectively, while the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ can be yours for ₱34,990 and ₱39,990. Both come in Gray and Blue. Get a headstart with a full year free and 20% discount upon first-time subscription after GoodNotes, turning lectures and lessons into neatly organized insights for smart scribblers. An exclusive 50% discount on subscription on LumaFusion and a six-month free trial and 20% off on first-time subscriptions on Clip Studio Paint.

Galaxy Tab S11 Series: Redefining Power, Style, and Productivity

The Galaxy Tab S11 series is built for professionals and creators who demand more from their devices. With upgraded Samsung DeX supporting up to four workspaces, a redesigned S Pen for unmatched precision, and Galaxy AI features like Gemini Live, Writing Assist, and Drawing Assist, it redefines how you work and create. Stunning visuals shine on the Dynamic AMOLED display with 1,600 nits peak brightness, all in the ultra-slim 5.1mm Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra—durable with IP68 protection and powered by long-lasting batteries to keep up with your day.

Get the Galaxy Tab S11 starting at ₱52,990 (Wi-Fi) or ₱61,990 (5G). Upgrade to the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra from ₱85,990, with the 512GB variant exclusively available on the Samsung eStore for ₱91,990. Get up to P10,000 off on these tablets when you buy it with the Galaxy S25 Series, Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, and Galaxy Z Fold7 until September 30, 2025. Moreover, if you buy with select credit cards from September 19-15, you will get an additional 13% off, and 10% discount from September 26-30, 2025.

Raising the bar once again, Samsung proves that your whole life can truly live on a screen. Check out these links to know more about the Galaxy Tablets:

Galaxy Tab S10 Lite:

https://www.samsung.com/ph/tablets/galaxy-tab-s/galaxy-tab-s10-lite-gray-128gb-sm-x400nzaaxtc/ 

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series:

https://www.samsung.com/ph/tablets/galaxy-tab-s10-fe/buy/ 

Galaxy Tab S11 Series: 

https://www.samsung.com/ph/tablets/galaxy-tab-s/galaxy-tab-s11-ultra-gray-256gb-sm-x936bzadxtc/ 

For more info, visit Samsung Philippines Newsroom or Samsung.com.

Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit Nos. FTEB-235211, 236080, 236678 Series of 2025.


 

Leading global smart devices provider HONOR Philippines is once again making waves as it teases the upcoming launch of its next X Series smartphone this October, featuring upgraded durability designed to withstand water-related concerns.

“Following the back-to-back success of our HONOR X Series smartphones, we have continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation. This time, we are proud to introduce a top-notch, all-angle water-resistant smartphone that Filipino consumers can truly relate to,” said Mr. Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “This new device is set to elevate the lifestyle of Filipinos, addressing one of the biggest concerns of smartphone users today—water damage.”

As a global brand committed to revolutionizing human-to-device interactions through AI, HONOR revealed that this new addition to the X Series lineup will also debut a practical AI Button for an all-new, one-click AI experience. With a single press, users can instantly launch a customized app, clear background processes, or boost performance. Meanwhile, a long press activates powerful functions such as AI Translation and AI Creation, offering a truly personalized and seamless user experience.

More exciting updates about this latest HONOR device will be revealed in the coming days. Stay updated by visiting www.hihonor.com or following HONOR’s official social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To explore HONOR’s full list of retail stores, visit https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.