2gather, 2gether in September Celebrate Market! Market!’s 22 Years of Journeying Through Life with the Community

“It’s where people come together. It is a familiar place, a part of a lot of people’s childhoods, and it is one of their constants, still serving them now in their adult lives. Market! Market! embraces the community’s diversity – everyone feels at home in the mall.” ~Cristina Ticzon-Locsin, Market! Market! General Manager

In September, go to Bonifacio Global City's (BGC) original community center. Have fun at the market! Market!For 22 years, 2gather, 2gether has been used to keep people's lives connected through a month-long series of games, social media, shared experiences, and anniversary shopping discounts and promotions.

2gather, 2gether at Market! Market!

Anniversary Offer! Sale! Take advantage of up to 70% off at participating merchant stores during every September weekend. Benefit from 22 discounts at participating stores, restaurants, and service providers. Customers with P7,000 worth of receipts from participating retailers will also receive a limited edition anniversary jacket.

Create more memories with your loved ones as a treat from Market! Market! 2+2 together in Hong Kong. Simply show accumulated receipts from participating merchants totaling P1,500 to enter to win a four-day, three-night, all-expense-paid trip to Hong Kong for four people.

Are you willing to take a chance? Take part in the Gaming Library and Market! Market!Visit the three-day High Stakes tabletop gaming event from September 4–6 to discover new games, network with other players, or take on more experienced players. To show off your skills, play board games, trading card games, and miniature games.

Register for the Know It All at the Food Choices Trivia Nite on September 11 to enjoy delectable food and company.

From September 15 to 20, make your way to The Gift Spot for limited edition 22nd anniversary apparels showcasing the people, connections, and communities that continue to shape Market! Market!

Bring your favorite people to Beyond Brews: Coffee & Matcha Festival from September 25 to 27 at the Activity Center and get a taste of different coffee brands, matcha brands and food brands. Perfect for coffee lovers, matcha enthusiasts, makers, creatives and curious minds.

For more details, visit Market! Market! Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MarketMarket

Globe unit m360 wins Gold - Most Innovative Tech Company of the Year Stevie® Award in 2026 International Business Awards®

“This Gold win is a recognition of what our team has built - a platform designed to solve real problems for Filipino businesses. It’s proof that innovation doesn’t have to come from Silicon Valley to compete on the world stage. This belongs to every person at m360 who worked to get us here. The CPaaS industry in the Philippines has historically been dominated by aggregators offering transmission - not intelligence. Businesses could send messages, but couldn't measure engagement, automate follow-up, or optimize campaigns without layering on expensive external tools. m360's 2024–2025 innovations directly address these gaps. Each product was built because the market needed it and no local provider had built it yet.” ~Ramon Hirang, m360 President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The 23rd Annual International Business Awards® are the world's premier business awards competition, recognizing outstanding organizations, executives, entrepreneurs, and teams worldwide.

Globe Telecom's m360 won a Gold Stevie® Award for Most Innovative Tech Company of the Year at The 23rd Annual International Business Awards® (IBAs).

Thanks to its innovation, a wallet-based, omnichannel Customer Engagement Platform, m360, a Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider under Brave Connective Holdings, Inc., has grown into one of the most creative tech companies in the world in just five years since its founding in 2021.

The International Business Awards are the world's leading business awards program. All individuals and organizations, whether public or private, for-profit or non-profit, large or small, are welcome to submit nominations. Entries for the 2026 IBAs were submitted by organizations from 82 nations and territories.

Winners will be celebrated during a gala event at the Pullman Paris Montparnasse on Wednesday, 28 October.

m360 also brought home a Silver award at the 2025 International Stevie Awards under the Achievement in Product Innovation category.

World class innovation, made in the Philippines

In 2025, m360 launched two market-first products that addressed an infrastructure gap on how Philippine businesses can automate and monitor engagement in digital marketing campaigns.

Businesses can design and execute multi-step, multi-channel outbound messaging sequences entirely within m360 with Flows, eliminating the need for third-party integration. Previously, only enterprise marketing automation suites—which are significantly more costly than m360 and take months to implement—were capable of doing this.

By natively delivering recipient-level engagement intelligence within the m360 broadcast dashboard, Click Tracking gives businesses real-time visibility into CTR, unique clicks per campaign, peak click timing by hourly intervals, device type breakdown, and geographic engagement down to the city level. Rather than being a one-way broadcast channel, it is now a measurable performance tool.

With clients spanning clinics, cooperatives, government agencies, banks, and retailers, m360 is bringing digital communication intelligence to every corner of the Philippine economy.

The 2026 International Business Awards

Businesses of all sizes and in nearly every industry submitted over 3,400 nominations this year for a range of awards, including Company of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Startup of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Executive of the Year.  

 

The Stevie Award nominations were evaluated by more than 200 international business professionals who served as judges on 9 specialized committees. The Stevie Award winners were chosen based on the judges' average scores from the independent judging process in June and July.

“The 2026 International Business Awards winners represent the very best in business achievement from organizations of all sizes and across virtually every industry. This year's winners have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, resilience, and results in a highly competitive global field. We congratulate every Stevie Award winner and look forward to celebrating their achievements together in Paris on October 28.” ~Maggie Miller, Stevie Awards President

Details about The International Business Awards and the lists of Stevie Award winners are available at http://IBA.Stevieawards.com

About m360

m360 is a Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider under Brave Connective Holdings, Inc., a Globe Telecom portfolio company. We help businesses connect with their customers through SMS, Viber, WhatsApp, and other messaging channels - enabling real-time, scalable, and meaningful communication across industries.

At m360, we believe that how we work matters as much as what we build. We are guided by five core values - Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, and Care - and we are committed to using our platform not just as a business tool, but as a force for genuine social good.

For more information, please visit m360 official website: https://www.m360.com.ph/

 

About the Stevie® Awards

Founded in 2002, the Stevie Awards are widely recognized as the world's premier business awards programs, honoring outstanding achievements in the workplace worldwide. The name "Stevie" is derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crowned."

The Stevie Awards include nine international business awards programs:

• Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards
• German Stevie Awards
• Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards
• The American Business Awards®
• The International Business Awards®
• Stevie Awards for Great Employers
• Stevie Awards for Women in Business
• Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence
• Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service

Each year, the Stevie Awards receive more than 12,000 nominations from organizations in more than 70 nations and territories, recognizing organizations of every size and the professionals behind their success. Learn more at www.StevieAwards.com.

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.