Author: Press Release

Join your clan and break the storm in Tarkir: Dragonstorm
Last 4 April, Wizards of the Coast launched Prerelease events for Tarkir: Dragonstorm, the latest set for the world-renowned trading card game, Magic: The Gathering (MTG). Return to the iconic plane of Tarkir, where wild dragons and fearsome clans clash in immense battles for power and survival. Tarkir: Dragonstorm will be released for tabletop on 11 April 2025.

A New Age of Tarkir

Tarkir is embroiled in massive and terrifying dragonstorms, raging across the land and spawning wild dragons, the likes of which Tarkir has never seen. New and powerful Spirit Dragons has been summoned from the storms, forcing out the previous dragonlords and emboldening the five clans into a battle for supremacy of the land. Now, amidst the draconic maelstrom, Narset and Elspeth seek to end both the dragonstorms spreading beyond the plane, whilst Sarkhan Vol stands in their way. Meanwhile, Jace seeks something deep in the Meditation Realm which may threaten the multiverse!

New Mechanics

Emblaze your decks with a flight of new Dragon cards and bring destruction from above with two brand new dragon-themed abilities:
- Dragonstorms are enchantments with powerful enters abilities that you return to your hand for recasting when you play a Dragon.
- Omen is a new card subtype that lets you choose whether to cast a small spell that then shuffles into your library, or a big Dragon. Talk about an imposing presence!
The five clans of Tarkir are back, each with their own vibrant culture and immersive gameplay. Find your clan and join the fight with a playstyle that fits you, including a new keyword for each clan:
- Endure, the Abzan (White, Black, Green) keyword focuses on counters. When playing creatures with Endure players may add N +1/+1 counters or create N/N Spirit tokens.
- Flurry, the Jeskai (Blue, Red, White) keyword allows for mini combo turns with multiple spells. Cards with Flurry trigger an additional effect when you cast your second spell each turn.
- Renew, the Sultai (Black, Blue, Green) keyword allows players to exile cards from their graveyard as a sorcery for fun and profit. To Renew, spend some mana and exile the card for a powerful result.
- Mobilize, the Mardu (Red, White, Black) keyword aims to boost a go-wide strategy for the turn. Creatures with Mobilize trigger when attacking and create more attackers with menace that are sacrificed at the beginning of the next end step.
- Harmonize, the Temur (Green, Blue, Red) keyword is all about big creatures reducing costs. You may cast a card with Harmonize from your graveyard for its Harmonize cost and may tap an untapped creature you control to pay its power in generic mana.
Battle Alongside Your Clan

Each clan’s unique three colour gameplay and new abilities offer fresh strategies to wield as you fight for survival. Choose your clan and prepare for battle with five new Commander decks, each featuring a legendary clan leader of Tarkir and a Spirit Dragon. Each deck is ready to play right out of the box and contains everything you need to play Magic’s most popular multiplayer format.

Collecting Tarkir: Dragonstorm

Tarkir: Dragonstorm features a trove of relics for your clan to claim with coveted cards, new card treatments, and thematic foils that bring Tarkir to life. The pride of Tarkir’s treasures is Mox Jasper, a powerful addition to any dragon deck. Regular and Draconic treatments can be found in Play Boosters and Collector Boosters. The serialised version, limited to 500, features exclusive Dan Frazier artwork and Retro frame, can be found in Collector Boosters only.

Tarkir has a rich history, and the latest set features a range of showcase treatments that honour the legacy of the clans and dragons. The Dragonic cards celebrates the wild dragons of the plane with a themed frame, while the Borderless Clans Cards bring the five factions to life with a unified theme. The elder dragon Ugin’s influence over Tarkir is manifest in new Ghostfire cards, special art and card frames imbued with Ugin’s ethereal presence.

Deadly dragons can have a cute side. There are six new Borderless Reversible cards each featuring a fearsome and adorable version of your favourite winged creatures.

Fetch lands are back in the Special Guest slot! Pull powerful enemy fetch lands for your favourite decks, with a Tarkir twist. New textured Dragonscale Foil fetch lands bring an immersive visual and tactile experience to the storied landscapes of the plane. These are exclusive to Collector Boosters.

The presence of dragons can be felt across Tarkir, their approach heralded by ominous shadows depicted in Full-Art Basic Lands that show the scale of these wild creatures. Tarkir: Dragonstorm offers a second treatment of Full-Art Basic Lands, offering a close and personal look at the plane’s dragons. Count yourself either very lucky, or unlucky, to stare into these eyes!

Magic: The Gathering: Tarkir: Dragonstorm includes Play Boosters, Collector Boosters, Commander Decks, Prerelease Packs, and Bundles.

For more information on Tarkir: Dragonstorm, visit: https://magic.wizards.com/en/products/tarkir-dragonstorm
April 8, 2025
Ed Sheeran Announces Brand New Single ‘AZIZAM’’ released on April 4th

Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of “Azizam”. A Persian term of endearment that means “my dear” or “my beloved,” Ed’s new song is a return to joy, to light, to love and to fun! “Azizam” began as a meeting of minds in the studio with Swedish/Iranian producer Ilya Salmanzadeh (Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Ellie Goudling, Sam Smith). Driven by Ed’s relentless curiosity they soon realised how much Persian and Irish folk music have in common and how only Ed could set those influences in a pop context. The result is a hedonistic technicolor call to action to live the moment “in between the dancing lights” on the dancefloor until the Sun rises. A celebration of cross-cultural collaborations brought to life, this rhythmic pop song is about the universality of emotion.

Ed said…“Even though it’s completely different to anything that I’ve ever done before, Azizam feels familiar to me. I wanted to create a party atmosphere in a song and Ilya Salmanzadeh, who I worked with on the track, helped bring that to life. He was so inspiring to work with.”

In the video accompanying the single release, Ed embarks on a journey across the US and UK with a pink, heart-shaped balloon in tow. He takes in the sights of New York from an iconic yellow taxi, cruises through Los Angeles in a classic open-top car, and braves the elements in rural Massachusetts. Along the way, he leads a street party in New Orleans and makes stops in Boston and Nashville. And, of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to his beloved Ipswich Town FC. Watch Here

After closing the chapter on his Mathematics era, Ed Sheeran is finally back and stepping boldly into a fresh new phase for 2025. An artist who has continuously pushed himself, and his craft, into new territory, Sheeran has collaborated with producers and writers from across the globe on his upcoming album, which promises to be one of the years defining pop records (details of which will be released soon).

FOR MORE ON ED SHEERAN:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

April 8, 2025
Sweeten Your Day with Lush Sour’s Fruity Kick

Feeling stuck in a daily grind that’s all work and no play? What if a tiny treat could flip the script and sprinkle some excitement into your routine? Pop an exciting twist to your busy days with Jack ‘n Jill Lush Sour, a chewy candy that’s bursting with fruity-sour flavors. This tasty treat is an ideal pick-me-up for those in-between moments when you are looking to reward yourself for finishing your to-do’s or even when just chilling with friends. Whether you’re powering through tasks or kicking back with friends, this little gem is your ticket to a mini adventure—no plane ticket required.

A Crunchy-Chewy Flavor Fiesta

Lush Sour isn’t just candy—it’s a vibe. Picture this: a crisp outer shell that cracks open to reveal a chewy core, delivering a texture party in every bite. It’s playful, it’s satisfying, and it’s downright delicious. Available in two bold flavors, there’s something for every craving. Zesty Lemon brings a citrusy punch that’ll wake up your senses with its tangy brightness—perfect for a midday reset. Meanwhile, Very Strawberry blends sweet and sour into a berry blast that’s pure joy in candy form. Which flavor’s calling your name?

Your On-the-Go Fun Fix

Lush Sour comes in a resealable bag so you can enjoy it anytime, anywhere. You can stash it in your bag for a quick burst of fun during study breaks, hangout sessions with your friends, or just whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

Affordable Thrills at P24.50

All this fun and flavor are available at a price that’s easy on the wallet. Get your stash of Lush Sour at your nearest supermarket or convenience and drug stores for as low as P24.50 per pack. Stock up and keep the good vibes rolling without a second thought. It’s proof that big fun can come in small, wallet-friendly packages.

With Lush Sour’s crunchy-chewy texture and its delightful fruity-sour flavors, you’re in for an exciting pick-me-up on the go. Try #LushSour today and experience a fun, fruity twist to your day.

Ready to shake up your day? Lush Sour’s fruity-sour magic is waiting to turn mundane moments into mini celebrations. Grab yours, pop one in, and let the good times roll. Trust us—this is one local treat you’ll wish you’d tried sooner. What’s stopping you from adding that zesty twist right now?

Lush Sour is a product of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), maker of well-loved Pinoy snack and beverage products such as C2 Cool and Clean, Great Taste Coffee, 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).

April 7, 2025
RHK Land & The Velaris Residences Present All Fur Love Pet Fair for Animal Welfare

All Fur Love: A Pet Fair for Pets and Their Humans was held at The Velaris Residences Show Gallery in Bridgetowne in partnership with Biyaya Animal Care, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Cats of Bridgetowne, TrueValue, Handyman, and popular pet brands like Pet Lovers Centre, Whole Pet Kitchen, Wooftop, Spoiled Pets Club, The Pet Project, Hyugo, Clifford and Felix, Fetch Naturals, Bow Wow, Cat Chew, and Royal Canin.

Aside from the booths, pet lovers enjoyed free vet consultation by Biyaya Animal Care and a pet photo booth by Frisky Pawtraits.

The event also featured insightful talks by prominent voices in animal welfare. Rina Ortiz of Biyaya Animal Care discussed the state of animal welfare in the country and how individuals can contribute to positive change. Sharon Bengzon-Yap of PAWS addressed the humane management of community cats. Veterinarian Dr. Gab Almera spoke about responsible pet parenting and the importance of pet healthcare. Finally, Keith Salas of South City K9 emphasized the importance of dog training and how it can foster a deeper connection between owners and their pets.

For homebuyers with pets, The Velaris Residences’ stance on pets and animal welfare is a game-changer. They welcomed news of the estate taking its commitment to animal welfare a step further by ensuring a more compassionate and pet-friendly community.

RHK Land head of marketing Martha Herrera-Subido shared, “I am very proud to say that The Velaris Residences is a pet-friendly development. Our pet policy will allow residents to have pets inside their units. But RHK Land’s commitment goes beyond our pet policy. In preparation for the turnover of our South Tower in May this year, RHK Land launched a TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return) program for the stray cats of Bridgetowne. We’ve already completed two TNVR runs in partnership with Biyaya Animal Care’s TNVR team, and we’ve successfully neutered and vaccinated 45 cats in the estate. We believe this program is groundbreaking and cements RHK Land’s commitment to animal welfare.”

TNVR, or Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return, offers a humane, effective, and practical solution to managing stray cat populations. This method involves the humane catching of stray cats, neutering them and vaccinating them against rabies, and then safely returning them to their outdoor territories. By preventing uncontrolled breeding, TNVR directly reduces the number of kittens born outdoors, thereby reducing their population over time. TNVR also significantly reduces nuisance behaviors associated with unfixed strays such as fighting and yowling, leading to a more tranquil residential environment. Moreover, vaccinated and sterilized cats act as a natural, on-site defense, limiting the spread of diseases within the community and effectively deterring new, unfixed cats from entering and multiplying. This proactive approach fosters a healthier, more stable, and ultimately, a more desirable neighborhood for all residents.

In essence, All Fur Love at The Velaris Residences wasn’t just a pet fair; it was a powerful statement of RHK Land’s dedication to creating a truly inclusive and harmonious living environment. By championing initiatives like TNVR and fostering open dialogue on animal welfare, The Velaris Residences demonstrates that luxury living extends beyond material comforts to embrace a compassionate and responsible approach to community. This commitment to coexistence, where both humans and animals thrive, solidifies The Velaris Residences as a pioneering force in redefining luxurious, pet-friendly living.

To learn more about The Velaris Residences, visit thevelarisresidences.com.

April 4, 2025
A Rewind: Ayala Malls Cinemas Revives Filipino Film Classics on the Big Screen

Ayala Malls is redefining the way Filipinos relax and experience meaningful moments across generations. With a deep appreciation for the arts and its role in strengthening national identity, Ayala Malls is committed to creating spaces where culture and community thrive.

Watch Film Classics in Full Cinematic Glory

Ayala Malls Cinemas is offering a unique cinematic experience that celebrates Filipino heritage through “A Rewind,” a special initiative in partnership with the ABS-CBN Film Archives and Restoration.

Starting this April, “A Rewind” will screen restored Filipino film classics at select Ayala Malls Cinemas, including Ayala Malls The 30th, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls MarQuee Mall, and Ayala Malls Legazpi. This initiative aims to make these timeless films accessible to a wider audience, with special ticket rates of P180 for regular tickets and P160 for students, who simply need to present a valid school ID upon purchase at the ticket booth.

With “A Rewind”, moviegoers and film enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the full glory of these restored film classics on the big screen. Complemented by plush seating, state-of-the-art sound systems, and a comfortable setting, Ayala Malls Cinemas promises an unparalleled cinematic experience that brings the magic of these films back to life.

A Celebration of Philippine Cinema

The inaugural screenings at Ayala Malls Cinemas this coming April 9 to 13 will feature “Kailan Ka Magiging Akin”, directed by Chito Roño and starring Janice de Belen, Gabby Concepcion, Charo Santos, Gina Alajar, Eddie Gutierrez, and Cherry Pie Picache, alongside Mario O’Hara’s “Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak” featuring Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar, Celeste Legazpi, and Matet.

In the coming months, Ayala Malls Cinemas “A Rewind” will showcase a diverse range of Filipino film classics spanning genres such as horror, drama, comedy, and fantasy. These films will explore themes like family, relationships, and gender identity, offering something for everyone.

By bringing classic Filipino films to the big screen, Ayala Malls creates a meaningful experience for customers. More than just entertainment, it is a heartfelt journey that allows Filipinos to reconnect with their roots, cherish the unique stories and artistry of their heritage, and bridge the gap between generations. Through these efforts, Ayala Malls ensures that culture and communities continue to thrive, enriching the lives of Filipinos for generations to come.

For more information and screening schedules, visit Ayala Malls Cinemas’ official website at www.sureseats.com and facebook.com/AyalaMallsCinemas.

April 3, 2025
Araneta City glows in blue for inclusion and equality

This April 2, Araneta City once again joins the global celebration of World Autism Awareness Day to reinforce its commitment to inclusivity, understanding, and appreciation of all individuals.

Every year on this day, communities worldwide unite to enhance understanding, inspire action, and provide greater support for individuals with autism. This year, the City of Firsts partnered with the Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities, Inc. (PACDLD) to come up with meaningful activities from April 2 to 4 that celebrate the talents and contributions of individuals with autism, raise awareness, and encourage community support.

“At Araneta City, inclusivity isn’t just a concept. It is a daily commitment to create spaces where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and celebrated,” Marjorie Go, VP for Marketing of Araneta City said.

At Gateway Mall 2, visitors can journey through the history of autism with an engaging and informative exhibit at “Spectrum Fest: Celebrating Autism Through History and Fun”. From 10 am to 5 pm on April 2 until 4, everyone is invited to explore interactive displays, enjoy inflatables, and participate in kiddie activities designed to foster understanding and joy.

Over at Gateway Mall 1, there will be the “Pages and Puppetry: Celebrating Autism Awareness Through Storytelling” event in collaboration with the National Council on Disability Affairs. From 10 am to 12 noon on April 2, this storytelling session promises to captivate hearts and open minds, helping children and adults alike understand autism through delightful narratives and puppetry.

To further shed light on this important advocacy, the Quantum Skyview at Gateway Mall 2 will glow blue at various intervals on April 2 to signify Araneta City’s global solidarity and support for autism awareness. Starting at 12 noon, the lights will remind mallgoers of the color blue as the symbol of equality and inclusion for people who have autism.

Smart Araneta Coliseum will also join the worldwide observance by lighting up in blue on the evening of April 2. This annual tradition is especially significant this year, as it coincides with the Big Dome’s 65th anniversary, reinforcing the role of this iconic venue as not just a place for entertainment and sports, but as a destination where everyone is celebrated and welcomed.

“Our event venues have always been a beacon of inclusion, equality, and diversity,” Go emphasized. “They have proudly hosted events and initiatives that bring important advocacies to the forefront, making them not only iconic venues but also a symbol of hope and acceptance for many. We are proud to light them up in blue as we mark World Autism Awareness Day.”

To further enrich the day’s events, Gateway Gallery will conduct a special consultative dialogue at 1 pm for parents of newly diagnosed children with autism, and will host the annual Autism Advocate Awards at 3 pm to recognize individuals and groups who have significantly contributed to raising autism awareness and promoting inclusion. These insightful gatherings will provide a comforting space to gain valuable insights and guidance from autism advocates, fostering community support and empowerment.

“We invite everyone to join us at Araneta City in celebrating the wonderful diversity that makes our community vibrant. Let’s come together to celebrate and express our support for people on the autism spectrum,” Go concluded.

April 3, 2025
Eight Perfect Reasons to Attend Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025
Thinking of going to a wedding fair this weekend? You must, especially when it’s The Peninsula Manila’s elegant Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025 that’s taking place on April 5 and 6, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.

Partnering with industry leaders Christine Ong-Te Events (COTE) and top fashion designer Michael Leyva, along with other inspiring leaders from the Philippine wedding and events industry, Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025 promises to provide couples with all the creative motivation they’ll need, but also (hopefully) get a lot done in two days while perusing and choosing from a range of wedding and celebratory essentials, each one chosen for their signature style and savoir faire – from bridal finery to tabletop decorations, delicious cakes and beautiful bouquets to honeymoon and holiday destinations, photographers, events hosts, and many more.

But if you’re still undecided whether to attend or not, we decided to ask some of our partners for their expert advise on why you should go to Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025.

Eight Great Reasons Why You Should Attend Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025

1. Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025 is the epitome of one-stop shopping, but more FABULOUS!
Planning a wedding takes a lot of time, especially when you have to drive through Manila for meetings and appointments. At Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025, you’ll get to meet expert stylists face-to-face under one roof, sample cakes, try on wedding gowns, and accomplish so much more in just a few hours. And they’re all the very best in their field. Ask them anything, don’t be shy! There is no such thing as a bad question!

2. Michael Leyva’s Couture Collection Show on April 6, Sunday, at 7:00 pm

Discover Michael Leyva’s couture collection of bridal and debutante fashions, as well elegant evening wear on Sunday, April 6, at The Lobby.

One of the youngest and most successful designers of his generation, Michael Leyva is known for his timeless and elegant designs and bold innovations that has seen him reap laurels in the Philippines and abroad. His collections have graced global runways in cities like Dubai and Los Angeles, where his modern take on Filipino fashion has captivated international audiences.

Michael Leyva will showcase his couture collection on Sunday, April 6, against the backdrop of The Lobby’s iconic “Sunburst” sculpture by National Artist Napoleon “Billy” Abueva.

3. Get inspired by the latest trends

A lot of what you see online on Instagram, Pinterest, and other websites will come to life during your visit to Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025. The fair’s vendors, stylists, and suppliers—all trusted industry experts—will bring you up to speed with the latest trends in the wedding and events industry, and you’ll learn to incorporate them into your big day (and how they might impact on your budget).

4. It’s an interactive experience like no other

You can see, feel, touch and taste—things that you can’t do when looking at a magazine or researching online. Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025 is full of interactive experiences like trying out beauty styles, discovering cake flavors you didn’t even know existed, tasting cocktails.

Listening to a string quartet perform, etc. This is the beauty of observing vendors and suppliers in action at Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025—it takes out the guesswork!

5. Check out the venue

Whether for a wedding, birthday, christening, or a major conference, going in person to Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025 will give you the opportunity to explore venues like the Rigodon Ballroom or The Conservatory and envision with ease what your big day will look like. Also, with The Peninsula Manila’s Events Team on hand to answer all your questions, you can be assured you and your guests will be properly cared for.

6. Enjoy freebies

At Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025, many wedding and events suppliers will share samples of their products!

7. Save money

A lot of the vendors and suppliers at Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025 will be offering exclusive offers. Book on the same day and you can save even more!

8. Enjoy the day

Make it a fun day with friends and family members who are just as excited as you are about your special day! And who knows what surprises lie in store for you. While wedding and event planning has the potential to be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. Not when meeting the right stylists and exhibitors at Weddings at The Peninsula and More.

Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025 will take place on April 5 and 6, Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

For inquiries about Weddings at The Peninsula and More 2025, please call (63 2) 887-2888, extension 6579 and 6573 (Wedding Sales), email jonnayeh@peninsula.com or marizsison@peninsula.com or visit peninsula.com.
April 2, 2025
Jollibee Kicks Off Summer Saya Treats – Bringing Extra Joy to Every Summer Adventure!

Summer is here, and that means more time for fun, travel, and bonding with loved ones! Whether it’s hitting the beach, going on a road trip, or simply enjoying the season’s laid-back vibes, there’s no better way to make summer extra special than with delicious treats and exciting offers.

That’s why Jollibee is making the season even jollier with its biggest summer campaign yet— the Summer Saya Treats!

This campaign is all about celebrating the extra saya that comes with spending summer with family and friends, made even more enjoyable with Jollibee’s exciting lineup of sulit offers, promos, and exclusive treats designed to match every adventure.

Enjoy the Summer Saya Treats and Exciting Deals! Kicking off Summer Saya Treats, Jollibee is rolling out a series of sulit offers and must-try deals that will bring even more joy to your favorite summer activities:

March 21 – Summer Delights with Umbrella Promo

The Summer Saya excitement officially launched on March 21, giving consumers a limited-edition Jollibee Umbrella for just ₱149 with any value meal purchase paired with choice of Summer Delight: Mango Jelly Sundae, Cookies & Cream Sundae, or Iced Mocha—perfect for staying cool under the sun! Promo is until April 30, 2025 at participating Jollibee stores nationwide. Available via Dine-In, Take Out, and Drive-Thru.

March 28 – Crunchy Chicken Sandwich with Free Soda Float Upgrade

Beat the heat while enjoying a delicious Crunchy Chicken Sandwich! Starting March 28, get a Free Soda Float upgrade when you buy a Crunchy Chicken Sandwich with Fries & Drink for just ₱125 (Save ₱25), making snack time even more refreshing and sulit!

Promo is until April 30, 2025 in all Jollibee stores nationwide. Available via Dine-In, Take Out, and Drive-Thru. Price varies.

April 1 – 20 – Lenten Deals with Visita Iglesia Digital Map

For those observing Lenten traditions, Jollibee makes it easy to enjoy a satisfying, meat-free option with its Tuna Pie with Fries & Drink for only ₱145 (Save ₱12). Plus, consumers can access Jollibee’s Visita Iglesia Digital Map featuring recommended and notable Churches , making their Holy Week experience even more memorable and convenient.

Extra Saya, Extra Bonding, Extra Fun!

“Summer is all about creating fun-filled moments with family and friends, and we at Jollibee want to make those experiences even more special,” said Eloise Siccion, Assistant Vice President and Head of Trade Marketing Group at Jollibee Philippines. “With the Summer Saya Treats, we’re bringing extra saya with sulit promos and exclusive treats that perfectly complement all your summer adventures,” she added.

Jollibee has even more exciting offers in store throughout the season! Consumers can look forward to new promos, special treats, and exclusive deals rolling out in the coming months. Order now and make this summer extra special with Jollibee’s delicious, sulit offers made for sharing and bonding! For more updates, follow @Jollibee on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. You may also visit https://www.jollibee.com.ph/ for more info.

March 30, 2025
Straits Interactive and Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines (AAP)Spearhead Philippines’ First National AI Prompt Design Challenge

Following the success of the inaugural Singapore National AI Prompt Design Challenge last year, Data and AI governance experts Straits Interactive is partnering with the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines (AAP) to launch the competition for the first time in the Philippines.

The challenge is open to business professionals and students who have no coding knowledge but want to learn how to build generative AI tools to future-proof their careers. This nationwide competition aims to elevate generative AI skills in the Philippines by introducing participants to the basics of prompt engineering – the backbone that enables generative AI tools to generate insights, automate tasks, and solve real-world problems across different business areas such as education, legal, marketing and training.

Open to Filipinos from All Walks of Life
“This prompt competition is not targeted at data scientists and coders, but instead at people who hold the domain expertise to guide the Large Language Models (LLMs) to create robust AI assistants. Our goal with this competition is to harness the immense potential of Gen AI while ensuring that its development remains grounded in ethical principles and responsible practices. By engaging students, professionals, and innovators from diverse backgrounds, we aim to democratize AI and make its benefits accessible to everyone.” says Kevin Shepherdson, CEO and Founder of Straits Interactive.

A past winner from the Open Category of the National AI Prompt Design Challenge in Singapore last year shared their experience. “As a business owner, I was amazed how quickly I could build practical in-house IT solutions that cut development and troubleshooting time. With the skills we learned from the bootcamp, I believe that everyone can do it if you just put in the time and effort,” said Ronald Soh, Business Development Director, NSIT Training, who was able to create an IT Support Technical Advisor app with his team. The app is designed to provide cost-effective technical support for Singapore SMEs.

The National AI Prompt Design Challenge also follows the national government’s thrust to establish the Philippines as a center of excellence in AI R&D, reflected in the Department of Trade and Industry’s creation of the Center for AI Research (CAIR) and the launch of the National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0.

How the Challenge Works

Participants will begin with a comprehensive 3-hour bootcamp, where they’ll learn best practices in generative AI prompt design, ethical AI applications, and security considerations. They will then take on a hands-on challenge, using their skills to develop Gen AI-powered tools and apps. The teams that create the best gen AI tools will be awarded cash prizes and industry recognition.

The challenge is open to individuals and teams from various backgrounds, including business professionals looking to integrate Gen AI into their operations, educators who want to develop and deploy gen AI-powered learning tools, legal experts exploring Gen AI’s role in law and compliance, and students interested in learning prompt engineering, an essential skill of the future workforce.

Now Open for Registration

Registration runs from March 28 – May 25, 2025 while the competition runs from June 17-20, 2025 with its venue partners Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Angeles University Foundation (AUF) and Mapua Malayan Colleges Laguna. Interested participants may sign up at https://ai-promptchallenge.com/ph

March 28, 2025
UAE’s Prime Group Honors Goldilocks with Top Halal and Excellence Awards

UAE-based Prime Group, a globally recognized leader in quality assurance, compliance, and certification in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, honored Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc. with two excellence awards at the Stakeholders Recognition Day & Gala Night held in Al Habtoor Palace Hotel in Dubai last February 19, 2025.

Goldilocks received the prestigious “Sustaining Halal Champion Excellence Award” for demonstrating consistent and exceptional commitment to upholding and promoting Halal standards. This reflects the Filipino brand’s dedication to quality and compliance with Halal principles, including Islamic dietary and ethical guidelines.

In addition, Goldilocks was recognized for “Product & System Excellence Award”, which honors the company for its outstanding performance in both product quality and operational excellence in manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and management practices.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition for our lasting commitment to Halal quality and food safety worldwide. We take pride in the confidence and trust placed in Goldilocks by the Muslim community across the globe. Our commitment to quality and inclusivity remains at the heart of our journey as a world-class Filipino brand,” shares Sheila Marie Pabalate-Rea, Vice President for Quality Assurance and Technical Services at Goldilocks.

March 27, 2025