The biggest Fries Party is happening this September 4 at McDonald's

“Since National Fries Day last July, we've seen Filipinos continue celebrating their love for McDonald’s World Famous Fries every FryDay. Fry Fest is the culmination of that celebration—a special moment that brings together our community of Fries fans to share their passion for their favorite fries, create memorable experiences together, and celebrate what has become a nationwide movement of Fry lovers.” ~Ada Almendras-Lazaro, McDonald’s Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer

McDonald's Philippines will celebrate its World Famous Fries with its first-ever McDo Fry Fest on September 4. The event will take place concurrently in 64 locations across the country, bringing together the largest community of Fries Lovers.

From 2:00 to 4:30 in the evening. On September 4, McDonald's Philippines will hold a first-of-its-kind event to honor its World Famous Fries and the individuals who helped make them one of the most well-liked McDonald's products in the country. At the upcoming Fry Fest, fans can partake in fun games and interactive activities, eat endless servings of fries, and win a limited-edition Fries pouch.

Straight cut from whole potatoes, McDonald's World Famous Fries are deep-fried, salted, and served hot and crispy. They can be eaten by themselves or with other McDonald's food items, and they are typically served with ketchup.

Between now and the day of the event, fans and customers can take part in the Fry Fest by going to the nearest participating store and scanning the Fry Fest QR code with the McDonald's app. The registration fee is P330. Registration fee is at P330. 

The following are the participating McDonald’s stores where the Fry Fest will be held:

LUZON

1. Almanza, Las Pinas City
2. Angeles Intersection, Pampanga
3. Antler’s Dasmarinas, Cavite
4. Bacolor, Pampanga
5. Baguio Insular
6. Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong City
7. C4 Caloocan
8. Cabuyao JP Rizal, Laguna
9. Calapan Mindoro
10. Cayetano Blvd., Taguig City
11. Ciudad de Victoria, Bulacan
12. Commonwealth, Quezon City
13. Congressional Caloocan
14. Cupang Balanga
15. E. Rodriguez, Quezon City
16. Eastwood
17. Eastland Cogeo
18. Ema Town, Meycauayan, Bulacan
19. Greenbelt, Makati City
20. Iriga City, Camarines Sur
21. Jose Abad Santos, Manila
22. Karuhatan, Valenzuela
23. Las Pinas, Las Pinas City
24. Lingayen, Pangasinan
25. Lucena, Quezon Province
26. Malagasang, Imus, Cavite
27. Maple Grove, Cavite
28. Marcos Highway, Marikina City
29. Market Market, Taguig City
30. McKinley West, Taguig City
31. Moonwalk, Paranaque
32. Mulawin, Bulacan
33. New Molino, Cavite
34. North Congressional, Quezon City
35. Nueno, Cavite
36. Open Canal, Imus City, Cavite
37. P.Campa, Manila
38. P. Guevarra, San Juan
39. Phinma Calamba
40. Pili, Camsur
41. R. Magsaysay, Manila
42. San Pablo Plaza, Laguna
43. Savano Park, Bulacan
44. Sindalan, Pampanga
45. Taft, Manila
46. Tarlac Romuluo
47. Timog Tobias, Quezon City
48. Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City
49. Vigan, Ilocos Sur
50. Villaruel, Pasay

VISAYAS

1. Il Corso, Cebu
2. Mactan Town Center, Cebu
3. Mandalagan, Bacolod
4. Pison, Iloilo
5. Tacloban Real
6. Tubigon, Bohol

MINDANAO

1. Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro
2. Bolton, Davao
3. Sta. Ana, Davao
4. Iligan, San Miguel
5. Kidapawan, Cotabato
6. Mati, Davao
7. Matina Crossing, Davao
8. Surigao City

Slots are on a limited and first-come, first-serve basis and are available until September 4.

Celebrate your love for McDonald’s World Famous Fries with fellow fries lovers this coming Fry Fest. For more information on the mechanics, visit https://www.mcdonalds.com.ph/press-center/join-the-mcdo-fry-fest. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FEB-265661, Series of 2026.

For more information about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, on Facebook, on Instagram, and on X. 

When Innovation Meets Everyday Life at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion

Every facet of Filipino life has been impacted by technology, from how we work and stay in touch to how we take care of our health and make our homes more comfortable. As these lifestyles continue to evolve, it has become increasingly important to find practical solutions that make daily tasks easier, healthier, and more convenient.

The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2026, which will take place from September 17 to 19 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, will teach Filipinos how Taiwan innovation fits into these familiar moments. The pavilion, which has the theme "Empowering a Smarter Future," will feature 24 Taiwan Excellence-awarded brands from four categories: Intelligent Technology, Smart Life, Smart Healthcare, and Consumer Electronics. When viewed as a whole, the showcase offers insight into how technology can become a useful part of modern life.

Meet Familiar Faces at the Pavilion 

The experience will be enhanced by the participation of Filipino celebrities Dimples Romana and Ivana Alawi in the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2026. Their presence brings a familiar Filipino perspective and demonstrates how innovation and technology can naturally become part of modern lifestyles.

Visitors can also expect to see FuBear, Taiwan Excellence's brand ambassador, who will engage with attendees at the pavilion and make appearances over the course of the three-day event. FuBear's mission is to introduce the world to Taiwan's best goods, innovations, and environmentally conscious way of life.

Innovation Designed Around Everyday Life 

Technology is not always associated with complexity or the future. Sometimes it's as easy as having better tools to support personal well-being, staying connected, improving the comfort of your home, or figuring out a more clever and practical way to handle daily tasks.

The goods on display at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion reflect these common needs. While Smart Life focuses on products that enhance everyday comfort and convenience, Intelligent Technology highlights solutions for building smarter environments. While consumer electronics offers technologies suitable for today's connected lifestyles, smart healthcare highlights innovative solutions that support health and wellness.

Instead of just showcasing new technologies, the pavilion allows guests to observe how these Innovations can be incorporated into everyday activities. From finding practical home technology to Examining gadgets for connectivity and health, the experience provides a closer look at how Taiwanese companies are developing goods in response to shifting consumer demands.

A Closer Look at Taiwan's Award-Winning Innovations 

The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion will bring together products from participating Taiwan brands, allowing Filipino consumers to explore different technologies in one space. 

On September 17, representatives from participating Taiwan companies and organizations will also share messages highlighting Taiwan's continued focus on innovation, international collaboration and the development of products that meet the needs of consumers around the world. 

Visitors can also take part in interactive activities and experience selected products through hands-on experiences and even win amazing instant prizes! This allows them to move beyond simply viewing the technologies and gain a better understanding of how these innovations can be used in everyday settings. 

For more information and updates on the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2026, follow Taiwan Excellence on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

Philippine Pickleball Federation forms strong team for World Cup

A strong and fighting team will represent the country in the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam from August 30 to September 6.

Leander Lazaro and Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa, two of the country's best athletes, will lead the Philippine team in the prestigious competition, which is expected to draw roughly 4,000 athletes from 80 countries competing in five categories for a $500,000 prize pool.

Because they both want to improve Philippine pickleball and give Filipino players more opportunities, the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) and Skechers continue to fund initiatives that give athletes a stage on which to compete, interact, and grow. 

The growing popularity of pickleball and PPF's efforts to improve the path for Filipino athletes to compete at the professional and international levels serve as examples of this commitment as Team Philippines prepares to compete at the Pickleball World Cup.

"We believe that every Filipino athlete deserves the opportunity to dream bigger, compete with confidence, and take their talent to the world stage—that's why we're committed to giving athletes the comfort and support they need to go further, and show the world what they're made of. As Team Philippines takes on the world in Da Nang, Skechers is honored to be part of this historical journey of our Filipino athletes." ~Camille Coronel, Skechers Marketing Manager

Nik Isagan, Patrick Mendoza, Johnny Arcilla, and Ruben Gonzales—all former members of the national lawn tennis team—join Lazaro in the Men's Open division. A reserve is Johwee Sam Bernales.

In the Women's Open division, Lim-Narvasa will compete alongside Lauren Mercado, Fatima Amirul, Kelsey Larente, and Medelene Saraza, with Jessica Agra acting as a reserve.

The selection process was carried out by the federation's Tournaments Committee and the Selection Committee, which consists of a panel of respectable players, a local coach, and a high-performance international coach, according to PPF President Shery (Shawy) Cu.

The panel's decision was based on the athletes' performance in elite, international competitions and leagues as well as their involvement in Federation events like open tryouts.

Cu claims that players were selected based on their ability to work well as a team, their ability to adapt to different match formats, and their individual performance—all of which are critical in a rotating team format.

“Pickleball has established its strong growth  in the Philippines, and Team Philippines going to Da Nang is a significant show of competitiveness of our athletes. To every Filipino fan and supporter—rally behind this team. They are fighting for all of us. And to everyone who believes in what Philippine pickleball can become, this is just the beginning.” ~Shery (Shawy) Cu, PPF President

This commitment was shared by Skechers Country Manager Suzette Pasustento, who emphasized the company's continued support for initiatives that empower athletes, expand player opportunities, and cultivate a lively pickleball community—from grassroots participation to national and international competition.

“The Philippines is already one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in Asia, and the world is watching. Soon we will also see major tournaments taking place here in the Philippines.” ~Suzette Pasustento, Skechers Country Manager

The Philippine delegation will also see action across the Seniors, Masters, and Juniors categories. Rounding up the national roster are Annie Legaspi, Edshel Pagaiguron, Minerva San Jose, and Lilibeth Pulido in the Women’s Seniors division; Angelo Enad, Lucob Chan, Rico del Rosario, and Gilbert Medina in the Men’s Seniors division.

Conrada Henson, Lea Camarao, Liza Badion, and Leah Aragon in the Women’s Masters division; Jose Allan Avila, Carlos Darren Badion, Clinton Lee and Allan Hermano in the Men’s Masters division.

In the Boys’ Juniors division, representing the country are Mackonner Dy, Matt Daniel Navarro, Alva Bual, and Randy Lee Capoquian while Syesha Bree Rivera, Rain Isabelle Astano, Rhenna May Tavera, and Adreanna Pastor will vie in the Girls’ Juniors division.

Skechers introduced performance footwear all over the world, including pickleball shoes made especially to meet the demands of the court.  In the Philippines, Skechers' Viper Court line of pickleball shoes has been the top seller.

Globe ‘Just for You Goes Extreme’ with Fresh Customer Experiences to Connect, Care, and Delight!

“Connectivity means different things at different moments for every customer. Sometimes it’s about being able to reach someone when it matters, while other times it’s about making everyday tasks easier or simply enjoying more of what they love. Our goal is to understand those moments and make the Globe experience work around them, strengthening the systems and applications customers use, making them more dependable and reliable. Together with Globe, customers can progress further than they could ever do so on their own.” ~KD Dizon, Globe Chief Marketing Officer

Globe leaders at the latest The Blueprint by Globe, where the company unveiled new ways to make connectivity more convenient, rewarding and personal for customers.

Globe's The Blueprint, which launches in August, brings together new technologies, partnerships, and consumer experiences to enhance more personal moments. By focusing on connectivity with greater convenience and value catered to each individual customer, Globe is enhancing the overall experience.

This year's first two events, which explored the growing importance of connectivity and how it helps Filipinos work, learn, earn, relocate, and maintain relationships with those they love, are expanded upon in the most recent Blueprint.  This time, the focus is on making the most of that connection rather than just being connected, whether it be through easier access to services, more relevant offers, additional benefits, or experiences focused on what customers find enjoyable.

KD Dizon, Globe Chief Marketing Officer

917 GDay 2026, Globe's annual customer celebration, will return with more unforgettable moments and surprises that make customers feel valued. Globe also introduced the new Globe Circle, which recognizes customers who rely on Globe for mobile and home connectivity and gives them access to additional benefits, incentives, and experiences during their time with Globe.

As connectivity becomes more and more integrated with how people live, move, work, play, and explore, Globe also unveiled new offers in the areas of roaming, digital lifestyle partnerships, and home internet. Experiences with short-form entertainment platform ReelShort, fitness platform Strava, and Meta AI have given customers more ways to enjoy the things they love with their Globe connection. Additionally, new roaming and home internet options offer more flexibility and value whether they are traveling or staying connected at home.

Globe is also helping customers make more eco-friendly choices with Green GSM, an all-electric ride-hailing service that uses VinFast electric cars. Thanks to the initiative, consumers can now select a more eco-friendly form of transportation, and drivers can help make the switch to electric vehicles.

As TM celebrates its 25th anniversary, customers can look forward to a year-long celebration with extra rewards, everyday value, and shared experiences. Nationwide TeaM Fair caravans will bring games, activities, and prizes closer to communities, with Dionela and SB19 performing at the TeaM Fair Concert on September 12.

Together, these initiatives show how Globe is expanding the advantages that customers can obtain from their connectivity, from easier access and more customized value to experiences, rewards, and benefits that fit into their everyday schedules.

When considered collectively, these initiatives demonstrate how Globe is expanding the role of connectivity beyond access to enhance the everyday lives of its clients.

SONY CORPORATION

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net

 

*Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

Delicious and nutritious soup recipes with Ajinomoto Philippines

Rainy Habagat nites make you crave hot, filling soup that you can prepare in a matter of minutes after a demanding day at work or school.

You can avoid slow cooking without compromising flavor by using AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, a well-liked flavor enhancer that is often used to intensify deliciousness in vegetable recipes, meat dishes, sauces, broths, soups, and much more. 

To give foods like vegetables, meats, and seafood a tasty, savory boost, add a "tak, tak, tak" of MSG, the purest form of umami. No additional calories, unnecessary color, or complex flavors are added by MSG. MSG helps you reduce your sodium intake while adding depth of flavor because it only has about one-third of the sodium present in table salt.

Here are two easy soup recipes from Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC)’s Cookmunity website to bookmark for the rainy months:

• Egg Drop Soup

This filling soup is perfect for warm evenings because it evokes happy childhood memories and the happiness of being safe at home with the family. With just one sip and that umami explosion, stress can be removed and the body rehydrated.

Ingredients

• 6 cups (1500ml) Water
• 1/2 cup (65g) Carrots, cubed
• 2/3 cup (80g) Corn kernel, canned
• 2/3 cup (80g) Green peas, canned
• 3 Tbsps. (30g) Cornstarch
• 5 Tbsps. (75ml) Water for slurry
• 1 pack (11g) AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning
• 4 pcs. (200g) Eggs, beaten
• 1 Tbsp. (15ml) Water for egg mixture
• 1 tsp. (5g) Salt
• 1/2 tsp. (3ml) Sesame oil

 

Procedure

1. BOIL. In a pot, boil water. Once boiling, add carrots, corn and green peas. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Once vegetables are cooked, add cornstarch slurry.
2. SEASON. Add AJI-NO-MOTO® and salt then mix well. In a bowl, whisk eggs and water. Add egg mixture to the pot gradually while mixing. Turn off heat and add salt and sesame oil.
3. SERVE. Transfer onto serving bowls and enjoy. Can be garnished with spring onions.

• Molo Soup

The garlicky, meaty flavor of Molo soup, a popular Filipino classic, is enhanced by AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. This tasty broth soothes the senses and offers reassuring nourishment.

Ingredients     

• 1 3/4 cups (375g) Pork, ground
• 1/2 cup (100g) Potato, minced
• 1/4 cup (35g) Carrots, minced
• 1/2 pc. (30g) White onions, minced
• 1 pc. (50g) Egg, beaten
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 20 pcs. Molo wrapper
• 2 Tbsps. (30ml) Cooking oil
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Red onions, minced
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Garlic, minced
• 4 cups (1000ml) Water
• 1 1/2 Tbsps. (20g) AJINOMOTO® Chicken Powder
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Soy Sauce
• 1 pack (11g) AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning
• 3 Tbsps. (20g) Spring onions, chopped
• 2 Tbsps. (10) Toasted garlic

 

Procedure

1. MIX. In a large bowl, mix pork, potato, carrots, white onions, egg, and salt.
2. MOLD. Take 1 tsp. of the mixture and place it in the middle of the molo wrapper. Dampen the molo wrapper with beaten egg to seal. Repeat until finished.
3. SAUTE. In a pot, heat oil to sauté red onions and garlic until fragrant.
4. SIMMER. Add water and AJINOMOTO® Chicken Powder, wait for it to simmer.
5. UMAMI-MIX. Add soy sauce and AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and stir.
6. SIMMER. Add molo dumplings onto the pot. Cook for 5-8 minutes.
7. SERVE. Transfer onto serving bowl and garnish with spring onions and toasted garlic.

Online Education (OEd) Brings Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum Online, Putting Career Readiness at the Center

As Philippine senior high school education moves into a new phase, Online Education (OEd) is positioning flexible online learning alongside a curriculum that is increasingly focused on practical skills, career pathways, and college and job preparation.

As Filipino students prepare for college and the workforce, OEd's Senior High School program is also changing.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, OEd will offer the Strengthened Senior High School (SSHS) Curriculum, which mirrors the framework under DepEd Order No. 17, s. 2026 as well as DepEd Order No. 009, s. School calendar for three terms. 2026.

The modification goes beyond simply updating the OEd curriculum. It gives students an additional way to get ready for an increasingly skills-driven economy by combining the flexibility of online learning with a more effective and career-focused Senior High School curriculum.

A New SHS for a Changing Future

One of the most noticeable changes is the shift to a three-term academic structure with 215 class days distributed throughout the school year.

Additionally, 180 instructional hours—60 hours per term—have been allotted to core subjects. The additional instructional time serves as a buffer against potential disruptions and guaranties that students complete the required learning competencies.

The revised structure also places a greater emphasis on electives and hands-on learning.

Academic Track students will take an elective in Grade 11, but Tech-Pro students will have much more time for hands-on learning (a Tech-Pro elective is allotted 330 instructional hours over three terms).

With a 320-hour requirement that enables the integration of recently introduced subjects while providing students with practical experience, Work Immersion remains a significant component of the curriculum.

The changes reflect a broader trend in senior high school, where students are shifting from simply completing courses to developing skills that will support them in their future academic and professional pursuits. More Choices and Clearer Career Paths

The revised curriculum also expands the conversation about what students can do beyond senior high school.

The updated fields represented in OEd's aligned programs include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Business and Entrepreneurship; ICT Support and Computer Programming Technologies; Creative Arts and Design Technology; Hospitality and Tourism; Sports, Health and Wellness; and Arts, Social Science, and Humanities.

These pathways can help students make connections between their Senior High School education and possible careers and industries, ranging from engineering, nursing, and technology to entrepreneurship, hospitality, tourism, creative industries, and sports.

Additional structural changes are also introduced by the curriculum. The former "Doorways" have been renamed Cross-Track options to allow for greater flexibility across learning pathways. In order to facilitate the progressive development of research competencies, Research Methods has also been divided into Research 1 and Research 2.

More Choices, Clearer Career Pathways

 

Students graduate from senior high school with an understanding of how education connects to future opportunities.

Where Flexibility Meets Career Readiness OEd's proposal is particularly relevant because education is moving away from the traditional classroom at the same time as the curriculum change.

OEd's online learning model allows senior high school students to pursue the enhanced curriculum with greater flexibility in where and how they study.

That can be particularly beneficial for students balancing work, family responsibilities, hobbies, or circumstances that make consistent attendance in class difficult.

OEd's approach combines two increasingly important priorities in Philippine education: better preparation for life after senior high school and greater accessibility in the delivery of that education.

For parents, the shift can also change the way Senior High School choices are evaluated.

Nowadays, it's more crucial to think about which learning pathway will best prepare a student for entrepreneurship, college, the workforce, or other opportunities than just which strand they should follow skills development. Building Education Around What Comes Next.

The revised curriculum is still being applied in a changing way. OEd's curriculum materials state that subject codes are still undergoing final review and development. Following curriculum development and validation, corresponding codes and additional technical information will be added.

However, the larger academic structure, subject distribution, and curriculum design already set the framework for implementation.

That distinction is very important. Senior high school is expected to do more than just act as a transitional institution between basic education and college. It must help young Filipinos identify their strengths, develop relevant skills, and make more informed decisions about their future.

OEd's Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum brings this objective into the context of online learning.

"NEW SHS" is the campaign's tagline. Instead of just changing the subjects or schedules, OEd is presenting the curriculum shift as a chance for students to reevaluate how Senior High School can prepare them for the future.

In an economy where industries, technology, and the skills that employers need are always evolving, education must be able to adapt.

The future of Senior High School may therefore be measured not simply by how much students learn, but by how well that learning prepares them for what comes after graduation. By combining the Strengthened SHS Curriculum with flexible online education, OEd is betting that students should not have to choose between an education that fits their lives and one that prepares them for their future.

Tap, pay, and go: BPI highlights effortless convenience of Google Pay for Android users

"We want our customers to experience the ultimate blend of convenience and modern lifestyle freedom. By linking their BPI Debit Mastercard to Google Wallet, our millions of Android users can turn their phones into a secure, all-in-one payment tool. It’s about making everyday purchases simpler, faster, and seamlessly integrated into your routine, backed by the trusted security of BPI." ~Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, BPI Head of Consumer Banking

Speed and security in a single tap: BPI Debit Mastercard holders can check out effortlessly by unlocking their Android device and holding it near any contactless payment terminal.

By integrating their BPI Debit Mastercards into Google Wallet, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is encouraging Android users to improve their everyday dining and shopping experiences. This gives customers even more flexibility in how they manage their daily transactions.

Google Pay is meant to complement BPI's existing payment methods, which include physical cards and QR scans via the BPI app, and offers an extremely fast "tap-and-go" lifestyle. Whether they are running grocery errands, getting coffee in the morning, or checking out online, customers can instantly finish transactions without ever opening a wallet or bag.

Since its April 15 launch, Google Wallet has made it easy for BPI Debit Mastercard holders to add their cards. Every transaction is protected by multi-layered security measures, ensuring that actual card information is never revealed to retailers.

How to Enroll BPI Debit Mastercard:

• Download and open the Google Wallet app on your NFC-enabled Android phone.
• Tap ‘Add a card’ and select ‘Payment card’ to add your card.
• Use your camera to scan your card or enter your card details manually.
• Agree to Google Pay and BPI’s Terms and Conditions.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your card via SMS One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
• Once your card is verified, it is ready to use with Google Pay.

Clients may use Google Pay anywhere contactless payments are embraced:

• In stores featuring contactless payment terminals
• In mobile apps that support Google Pay
• On websites offering Google Pay at checkout

As consumers embrace digital payment solutions, BPI urges everyone to adopt safe banking practices. BPI reminds clients that they should never divulge their passwords, CVVs, OTPs, PINs, or other account credentials to anyone, including those posing as BPI representatives. Reputable BPI representatives will never ask for this information.

BPI's commitment to empowering more Filipinos to use and access modern payment technologies is demonstrated by Google Pay's availability for BPI Debit Mastercard holders. Even as payment preferences shift, BPI is dedicated to offering secure, practical, and customer-focused solutions that support routine financial transactions.

For more information on how to add a BPI Debit Mastercard to Google Wallet and use Google Pay, visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/bank/digital-banking/digital-wallets.