Awaken your inspiration and prepare to be captivated at Philippine International Furniture Show!

At the Philippine International Furniture Show, which takes place at SMX Manila from March 5–7, homeowners, merchants, and furniture buyers can immerse themselves in a world of traditional pieces that capture Filipino culture as well as custom and contemporary craftsmanship. Learn why Manila is becoming more well-known worldwide.

Discover tales through opulent furnishings, beautiful handwoven patterns, and eco-friendly technology that is revolutionizing homes all over the world. Speak with designers personally to learn about new collections and limited-edition products that are only available at PIFS. The subject for this year, "Furniture in Motion, Heritage in Transition," honors the masters; each Filipino creation tells a story about customs and life's art.

Your complimentary access pass awaits! Experience the show by securing your pre-registration for FREE. Scan the QR code or visit: https://www.pifs.ph/registration 

The future of Philippine furniture design is evolving.

Are you ready to see how important crafting mastery is?  See the combined artistry of local and foreign Filipino designers at the next PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE SHOW and discover their invaluable, distinctive craft skills that elevate furniture above its cost.

Get ready to be captivated, challenged, and inspired! 

PIFS is happening from March 5-7, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

Register to visit at: https://www.pifs.ph/registration

Complimentary entry when you pre-register before March 4, 11:59 PM. 

The discussion continues. INTERIOR+DESIGN MANILA 2026, which will be held at SMX Manila from March 5–7, 2026, builds on the fascinating exploration of coastal identity and tropical mobility from the previous year and invites you to a brand-new masterclass in living. This year, we are focusing on a design idea that shifts the focus of the human experience from the beach to the interior of the house.

Learn about a design-driven renaissance that emphasizes reestablishing a relationship with nature and enjoying the beauty of the "imperfect" handcrafted touch. Whether you are here for professional education or personal inspiration, see how we are bridging the gap between our rich heritage and the global future of life-centered settings.

Follow your design calling. 

Pre-register to visit FREE until March 4, 11:59 PM: http://www.interioranddesignmanila.com/registration

The AMA School of Medicine participates in the third leg of the "Lab for All" Program in San Juan, La Union

The AMA School of Medicine (ASM/AMASOM) demonstrated its strong commitment to medical quality and community involvement by actively participating in the third leg of the global "Lab for All" program in San Juan, La Union. The Office of the First Lady is spearheading the initiative under the leadership of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Enhancing impoverished Filipino communities' access to essential health and social services is the main goal of her campaigning.

Through the "Lab for All" program, the First Lady continues to advocate for inclusive and people-centered governance, ensuring that local communities have access to vital government services. Her tireless efforts have improved access to digital services, livelihood support, social safety, and health care for families nationwide, particularly in underprivileged and remote areas.

ASM remains committed to producing medical professionals who are socially responsible and globally competitive as a proud member of the AMA Education System. In keeping with this objective, the ASM medical team provided free medical consultations, basic health screenings, and risk assessment services to residents of 41 San Juan barangays, assisting 1,476 patients and community members.

The activity was carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Local Government Unit of San Juan, La Union, and other participating organizations.

The organization's substantial contribution was made possible by the dedicated effort of ASM's faculty physicians, who are all members of the school's academic and instructional personnel. Along with Drs. Dean Michael Maniwa headed the medical mission with John Rey Gonzales, Jonathan Iledan, and Eric De Leon, who exemplified ASM's ideals of clinical excellence, professionalism, and compassionate care.

As evidence of ASM's growing international student body and commitment to multicultural medical education, four (4) medical clerks—international medical students enrolled at the institution—helped the faculty physicians. While assigned to the Risk Assessment Station, the clerks managed patient triage, preliminary screening, and cooperation with partner organizations, gaining hands-on experience in community-based healthcare delivery.

Their participation reflects ASM's strong emphasis on experiential learning, which develops students' teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and patient-centered competencies while enabling both domestic and international students to take part directly in national public health projects.

Through its continued involvement in the "Lab for All" project, the AMA School of Medicine reiterates its role as an essential partner in advancing the First Lady's objective of accessible, responsive, and integrated public services. It also strengthens ASM's position as a top medical school in the AMA Education System by fusing academic excellence, global perspective, and social responsibility.

Supporting the program's later stages, encouraging population health, preventative care, and cooperative public service, and producing qualified, compassionate, and community-focused physicians for the Philippines and the rest of the globe are all important priorities for ASM.

36 Top Players Enter the GameZone Tour Finals

A new era of Tongits action will begin this year as GameZone, the leading developer of card games in the Philippines, introduces the revamped GameZone Tour, in which 36 competitors will vie for a coveted title and the majority of the ₱10,000,000 prize fund. Its successful 2024 debut as the Tongits Champion Cup (TCC) is where the GameZone Tour got its start. 

The September Arena and the Summer Showdown were two thrilling events added to the competition a year later, when it was renamed the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC).

In both tournaments, the country's best Tongits players demonstrated remarkable accuracy, strategy, and in-depth card game knowledge. The GameZone Tour will increase the level of competition by introducing the Tongits Plus Champions Cup (TPCC) for the first of its four main seasons in 2026. 

The Tongits champion will be chosen from among the 36 top Tongits masters that are competing. The winner will receive half of the ₱10,000,000 prize pool. The tournament will take place at the PNB Financial Center in Pasay City from March 7 to 8.

The qualified players were selected from a pool of GameZone Tongits players following an intense, multi-phase, eight-week online qualifying process that separated the best competitors. All of the 36 best players' expenses, including accommodation and travel support, will be paid for as they get ready for the official start of the main war. 

The top 12 finishers from a field of 36 players advance outright in the Tongits Plus Champions Cup (TPCC) Elimination Round, the first of three rounds. The remaining 24 competitors will move on to the Revival Round, where half of them will have another chance to participate in the initial qualifying round of the next stage.

The top nine players will advance and continue their title quest on the last day of the event after the Promotional Round, which ends on the first day. The tournament's historic opening day will conclude with the Semifinal on Day 2. 

At this level, the nine remaining competitors will fight for the three coveted spots in the final round. The most gifted player in the competition will be proclaimed the winner at the Grand Stage, which marks the end of the TPCC. The final rating and major prizes will also be awarded.

A side tournament will also take place, apart from the main competition, where players will vie for a share of the ₱500,000 prize pool. 

Tongits fans can watch the action unfold on the main TPCC stage alongside other events via the GameZone official website: gzone.ph

Experience the Real GameZone, visit the official website to know more about the tournament: https://gzone.ph/promotionV2/detail/130.

About DigiPlus

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates GameZone with more to come. For more information visit www.digiplus.com.ph and https://gzone.ph/

McDonald’s Brings Back the Cheese and Chili Con Carne Dunks, Plus the Ebi Burger

“The return of both the Cheese and Chili Con Carne Dunks is McDonald’s way of digging deeper into the Pinoy sawsawan culture, which inherently invites sharing and creativity. Filipino culture encourages participation and individual creation in the way we consume our food, and this is exactly how our customers enjoyed the Dunks last year when they created new flavors and combinations with other favorites from our menu. The Ebi Burger is another product we’ve been wanting to offer again and offering it alongside the two Dunks would make for exciting new flavor combinations that we’re sure our customers will explore.” ~Ada Almendras-Lazaro, McDonald’s Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer

With the Cheese dip and Chili Con Carne Dunk being reintroduced on February 18, McDonald's Philippines is inviting customers to "dunk into flavor" once more. The third time is definitely the charm. This year marks the return of the Ebi Burger, a 2025 fan favorite that created innumerable alternative ways to enjoy other well-liked McDonald's dishes.

The taste of the two Dunks is just as good as they look. A delicious and enticing cheese sauce is the Cheese Dunk. The Chili Con Carne Dunk is another delicious sauce that blends the strong flavors of beef, chili, and additional spices. Both pair nicely with other McDonald's dishes and everyone's favorite cheeseburgers. 

The Ebi Burger, a welcome addition to McDonald's menu during Lent, will also be made available again this year. With a rich, smooth cheese sauce, everyone's favorite crispy shrimp patty has been transformed into a creamy seafood delight.

Both the Cheese and Chili Con Carne Dunks, as well as the Ebi Burger, are available through dine-in, take-out, drive thru, and delivery via McDelivery, Grab Food or Food Panda. For more information about McDonald’s products and promos visit  www.mcdonalds.com.ph. 

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

Kaing Mang Inasal Stories debut with trending JMFyang episode

“The series is part of our on-going Kaing Mang Inasal campaign. It is a celebration of the Mang Inasal experience—grill expertise, abundance, and the no-judgment, come-as-you-are warm ambiance in our restaurants.” ~Mike V. Castro, Mang Inasal President

Mang Inasal, the Philippines' Grill Expert, is introducing its distinctive IhawSarap and UnliSaya experience to TikTok with its first-ever Kaing Mang Inasal Stories, an eight-episode series based on the real, uncensored moments individuals share over their beloved Mang Inasal meals.

In the first episode, which started with real firstdate vibes on Valentine's Day, JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith played a new couple going on their first date. They find their most genuine, carefree selves when they indulge in their favorite Mang Inasal delicacies.

The show went viral on Valentine's Day as viewers shared how they could relate to the usual awkwardness of first dates.

“Ganyan talaga sa Mang Inasal, makakalimutan mong demure ka sa sobrang komportable at sarap ng pagkain tapos kasama pa yong taong komportable ka rin, (dining at Mang Inasal really has that comfortable vibe because you can be who you are as you enjoy satisfying food shared with a loved one you are truly comfortable dining with).” ~One follower commented

New episodes of the brand's first narrative series, Kaing Mang Inasal Stories, which showcases actual IhawSarap and UnliSaya experiences, will air every Friday at 3 PM through April. 

Do you want more Mang Inasal exclusives now? Visit www.manginasal.ph for the latest information; visit manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery offers; and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more updates on Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya!

The Chinese New Year countdown celebration is brought to Lucky Chinatown by Pru Life UK

“As we welcome the Chinese New Year, we are reminded that true prosperity begins with protection—safeguarding our families, our dreams, and the future we are building together. By being part of this celebration, we honour tradition while reaffirming our promise that Filipino families can Count on Us to be there, through every season of life.” ~Kathryn Cajucom, Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications of Pru Life UK

The Lucky Chinatown Chinese New Year 2026 Countdown Celebration, a cultural event held at Manila's Lucky Chinatown, honored the Year of the Horse with Pru Life UK, the country's leading life insurance carrier. 

The event, which focused on themes of togetherness, hope, and protection, brought together families, partners, and the local community through a lively program of customary rituals, live performances, and key countdown moments. This illustrated Pru Life UK's commitment to helping Filipinos through important life stages.

The festivities began on February 16 with a special countdown and the ceremonial gong ringing, a long-standing tradition that symbolizes wealth and good fortune. 

The evening came to life with musical performances, including enthralling sets by Lola Amour and Dionela, who gave the cultural celebration a contemporary touch as the excitement mounted around midnight. Additionally, mall visitors had the opportunity to catch PRUsperity at the Pru Life UK booth located in the Lucky Chinatown mall atrium. A personalized Chinese name calligraphy bookmark, a sentimental remembrance that symbolizes good fortune and new beginnings for the upcoming year, was handed to guests along with the chance to have their photos taken.

An exciting and momentous new year began with a spectacular fireworks display. 

Family-friendly and retail-focused midday events continued the celebrations on February 17. Highlights included an astrological predicting session with feng shui master Johnson Chua that offered insights for the next year and a vibrant lion and dragon dance. 

Live performances concluded the program and kept the happy vibe going throughout the day. By holding the Lucky Chinatown Chinese New Year 2026 Countdown Celebration, Pru Life UK reaffirmed its reputation as a trustworthy life partner, allowing Filipinos to begin the year with assurance and security and reaffirming their ability to always rely on PRU for protection.

About Pru Life UK

Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.  

 

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of close to 38,000 licensed agents. 

  

Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.   

Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 930,000 individual policyholders and more than 85,000 insured group members, and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of FY 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.   

Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, with a legacy of more than 175 years of safeguarding the future of millions of families for this generation and generations to come.   

Pru Life UK is headquartered in 9/F Uptown Place Tower 1,1 East 11th Drive, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its main customer center is located in G/F Cluster 2, Uptown Parade, Megaworld Blvd. corner 36th street Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its customer center contact details are: +63 (2) 88875433 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-107785465 (for domestic toll-free via PLDT landline), email: contact.us@prulifeuk.com.ph. 

The PRU customer center processes customer concerns based on applicable timelines provided by the law. Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ for the list of its branches and more information. 

Pru Life UK is legally permitted to provide financial products or services in the Philippines as regulated by the Insurance Commission. 

The Insurance Commission’s head office is located in 1071 United Nations Avenue Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Their Cebu District office is located at Unit 17, Ground and Second Floors, The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, while their Davao District office is in Door 2 & 3, 3rd Floor of YAP Building Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City. Visit www.insurance.gov.ph/contact-us/ for more information. 

‘Songs For Selina’ to debut in Philippine cinemas next month

“The entire film is deeply personal. It draws from our own lived experiences, the stories of our peers, and the unspoken truths that quietly exist within the industry. As artists ourselves, we understand the fear of being marginalized or blacklisted for addressing uncomfortable truths, especially in systems where power is unevenly distributed. That vulnerability is precisely why we chose to tell this story through film and music. Major studios and networks are not the only path. There is a space for us, and it’s time we collectively step into it—to strengthen, diversify, and elevate the state of our entertainment industry. The tracks were very much inspired by my own career, which made the songwriting process feel natural and intuitive. Each song was carefully shaped to serve the story—tailoring the lyrics and emotion to the script so that the music actively moves the narrative forward.” ~Jay R, CEO of Homeworkz Entertainment and the R&B singer behind enduring hits such as Sining and Bakit Pa Ba

The film delves into the realm of power, fame, and survival within the music business.

It's official: on March 18, 2026, the musically themed drama Songs For Selina will debut in theaters around the country. 

The film provides a sad yet accurate portrayal of the brutal realities of the music industry, and it was previously chosen by Tubi and Amazon Prime US for its North American premiere last year. In Songs For Selina, Mica Javier and Rachel Coates portray Selina and Maya, two musical soulmates whose bond is destroyed by the harsh and cutthroat character of the industry they once aspired to rule together.

Jay R, one of the movie's executive producers, highlights the importance of independent narrative in an industry that is usually driven by financial gain.

Songs For Selina features an ensemble cast that includes Jay R, Rachel Alejandro, Audie Gemora, Nicole Laurel, Leanne Mamonong, and Gian Magdangal.

Jay R. also co-wrote and produced the original movie soundtrack, which featured solo and duet performances by the main performers Rachel Coates and Mica Javier.

Songs For Selina is brought to you by Homeworkz Entertainment and is distributed in the Philippines by Black Cap Pictures.