realme FanFest 2025 Kicks Off with The Juans and a Nationwide Songwriting Contest with a P300,000 Prize

realme FanFest 2025 Kicks Off with The Juans and a Nationwide Songwriting Contest with a P300,000 Prize

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

The brand’s month-long celebration returns with music-driven content, fan stories, and exciting rewards.

Building on the momentum of last year’s success, realme FanFest continues to grow and evolve in meaningful ways each year. What once began as a local celebration has now taken the regional stage: the realme FanFest 2024, brought to life in partnership with Stratminds Events, earned a nomination at the Marketing Events Awards 2025 in Singapore under the “Best Consumer Event: Product Launch/Re-Launch” category. Competing alongside global brands, this recognition is a testament to how realme’s fan-first campaigns continue to break boundaries and expectations.

Now, realme takes it even further as it celebrates the 7th annual FanFest this 2025 with the theme REALmix, a month-long celebration that brings fans front and center through music, stories, and exclusive prizes. More than just marking milestones, it’s about handing the mic to the Squad, inviting them to express what being part of the realme community truly means.

This year’s FanFest is anchored on three major initiatives that spotlight the real voices behind the brand.

The Real Soundtrack: Songwriting Contest

realme launches a nationwide songwriting competition open to aspiring musicians aged 18 and above. With themes centered on authenticity, togetherness, and community, the contest offers one lucky winner a P300,000 prize and the chance to have their song professionally recorded as the official track for realme’s holiday campaign. It’s an opportunity for emerging talent to step into the spotlight and be heard by a national audience.

Keeping It Real: Stories that resonate

Back by popular demand, the Keeping It Real series returns, featuring heartfelt stories from realme's most loyal fans and creators. As part of its ongoing commitment to celebrating real stories and meaningful connections, realme once again partnered with artists and personalities who have been part of its previous campaigns. This year, The Juans and Aiyana Perlas return to the spotlight, sharing personal narratives that highlight how realme has continuously supported their journeys—fueling their passion, purpose, and everyday breakthroughs. Episodes will be released weekly on realme’s official Facebook page, offering a deeper look into their lives behind the screens.

Weekly realMIX Giveaways

To keep the excitement high throughout August, realme is launching weekly digital giveaways. Fans can get a chance to win exclusive realme merchandise and products, just by participating in simple online activities. Aside from this, fans can also expect exciting promos and discounts online and in retail stores throughout the month.

This August, the spotlight is on the fans

More than a campaign, realme FanFest 2025 is a stage for self-expression, a space where stories are heard, talents are celebrated, and the Squad takes the lead.

Fans who want to join the songwriting contest or weekly giveaways can stay tuned for announcements and mechanics via realme’s official Facebook page. They can also look forward to exclusive promos and special discounts this August, making this year’s FanFest one they won’t want to miss.

Read More

HONOR 400 Pro 5G Powers In on August 2 at the GMA Gala 2025

HONOR 400 Pro 5G Powers In on August 2 at the GMA Gala 2025

Friday, August 1, 2025

HONOR 400 Pro 5G boasts 200MP Super Sensing AI Camera System

Leading global technology brand HONOR Philippines officially announced the arrival of the highly anticipated HONOR 400 Pro 5G in the Philippines. Mark your calendars as this smartphone with 200MP AI Camera is set to be launched on August 2, the same time as the GMA Gala 2025.

“We owe the success of the HONOR 400 5G to our HONOR fans, without a doubt, and with that, we are introducing the HONOR 400 Pro 5G. They asked for it and their wish is our command. Coming this August 2, HONOR fans and tech enthusiasts should definitely watch out for #YourAIPhone with 200MP AI Camera,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. “For two years straight now, we have partnered with GMA for its annual gala to really bring out the camera capabilities of our midrange heroes. We are excited to share this feat with them,” Cheng continued.

What do we know about HONOR 400 Pro 5G So Far

Addition to the exceptional AI photography experience and outstanding durability of the standard version, the HONOR 400 Pro 5G includes a 50MP Telephoto Camera with a Sony IMX856 sensor, 3x optical zoom, and OIS, ensuring detailed zoom shots. It is equipped with the AI Enhanced Portrait feature and delivers ultra-high-definition Portraits that ensure the true colors of every subject shine through.

Never miss the latest updates and visit HONOR’s official website at www.hihonor.com or follow their social media platforms

Read More

Gear Up for Another Fierce Season of the World’s Biggest Streetball Tournament as Red Bull Half Court Returns to the Philippines

Gear Up for Another Fierce Season of the World’s Biggest Streetball Tournament as Red Bull Half Court Returns to the Philippines

Get your squads ready as Red Bull Half Court returns to the Philippines for a brand-new season filled with unmatched energy, raw determination, and high-stakes action. The biggest 3-on-3 streetball tournament is the ultimate battlefield for rising local talent to prove their skills for a chance to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Final, set to take place in the UAE in November.

The Ultimate Streetball Tournament is Back in the Philippines

Red Bull Half Court brings the fastest version of 3-on-3 streetball to players across the globe. In partnership with FILA and Spalding, Red Bull Half Court will hold qualifier rounds across five continents and over 20 participating countries, including South Africa, Norway, and Kosovo as the rookies.

Legendary NBA shooting coach Chris ‘Lethal Shooter’ Matthews shared his excitement for this year’s tournament, saying, “Year after year, Red Bull Half court continues to push the game forward. Seeing the sport grow in new countries and watching these athletes bring their best is truly special. I can’t wait to see who makes it to the World FInal in the UAE.”

Unlike traditional basketball, Red Bull Half Court games only take up half the court, with teams of 3 players. Games follow FIBA rules and are played with a regulation time of 10 minutes and a maximum of 21 points. Winners of each match are determined by who reaches the highest score within the regulation time or who reaches the maximum number of points first.

To add a surprising twist to the game, teams who accumulate the most scoring points across all games will receive the “Own the Court” bonus that will help them advance to the next stage. Making the game faster and more intense, 3-point shots can be made from two special circles located behind the arc.

Red Bull Half Court, in partnership with 7-Eleven, ups the intensity for its 2025 season in the Philippines with a new 2-day competition structure for qualifier rounds. Regional qualifiers will take place in Davao on August 30 and 31, Cebu on September 13 and 14, and Manila on September 27 and 28. Elimination rounds are set to take place on the first day, while the qualifier showdown will happen on the second day. Winning teams from each regional qualifier will advance to the Red Bull Half Court National Final in Manila, happening on October 18, where each team, along with select wildcard teams, will face off for a chance to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Final in UAE.

Own the Court at Red Bull Half Court Philippines

Think your squad has what it takes to run the court? Gather a team of 3 to 4 players, who are 18 years old and above. Players must be residents of the Philippines, with at least 3 holding valid Philippine passports.

To register, simply purchase four cans of Red Bull from any 7-Eleven store and upload the receipt upon signing up through the official Red Bull Half Court website. Registered teams automatically get a set of light and dark Red Bull Half Court jerseys.

Lace up and register for the Red Bull Half Court qualifiers today! Catch the first qualifier round in Davao on August 30 and 31. Don’t miss the Red Bull Half Court National Final, happening in Manila on October 18.

For more information and updates, visit the official Red Bull website.

Read More

Your Passport to the World: Why More Healthcare Professionals Are Choosing OET

Your Passport to the World: Why More Healthcare Professionals Are Choosing OET

Thursday, July 31, 2025

For many Filipinos, working abroad isn’t just a dream, it’s a milestone, a path to financial security, and a testament to personal and professional growth. As global healthcare systems evolve, the demand for skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals has never been higher. That’s why more Filipino professionals are turning to OET, the global leader in English language testing designed for healthcare.

OET is more than a language test, it’s a trusted bridge to global careers. By assessing communication in real medical contexts, it ensures healthcare workers are equipped to meet international standards from day one. This context-based approach strengthens candidates’ competence and enhances their ability to connect with patients.


“The OET Test is specifically designed to assess healthcare professionals in the context of their daily practice,” said Jaime Cortes, OET Chief Executive Officer. “It enables them to demonstrate their communication skills using the language they already use on the job, whether that’s explaining symptoms to a patient, writing a referral, or coordinating care with colleagues. It’s more than a test, it’s a reflection of how healthcare is delivered in the real world.”

Confidence, Competitiveness, and Career Growth

There is a specific advantage offered to healthcare professionals who choose to sit the OET Test – it uses real life medical scenarios. This approach prepares candidates not only for OET and other clinical exams like the NCLEX or OSCE, but also for real-world challenges in the healthcare industry.


By focusing on clinical communication, not just academic English, the OET Test enhances a candidate’s ability to speak, write, listen, and read in a medical setting. This familiarity builds confidence, boosts performance, and makes OET a strategic choice for those aiming to thrive in global healthcare environments.

By passing the OET Test, doors are opened to careers in countries where demand for qualified healthcare workers is high. Employers worldwide trust OET candidates for their proven ability to communicate effectively in clinical settings, making them more competitive and job-ready.

Gaining Ground in the U.S.

With healthcare worker shortages in the United States, the demand for internationally trained professionals is growing, especially for Filipino nurses, who now make up an estimated 4% of the U.S. nursing population.


OET’s Test is officially accepted for nursing licensure and healthcare worker certification in major U.S. states, including Florida, Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York, all home to large Filipino communities and high healthcare hiring demand.


Further exemplifying its validity, the OET Test is also recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), a global leader in promoting quality healthcare, enabling access to U.S. residency programs and licensure for internationally trained professionals.

“These are high-opportunity markets for Filipino nurses,” explained Cortes. “What sets the OET test apart is its relevance. U.S. regulators and employers know that OET Test passers aren’t just fluent in English, they’re fluent in healthcare communication.”


Recognizing that passing the test is only part of a larger journey, OET has developed free, user-friendly tools to help candidates plan their move to the U.S. more confidently. Some of these include:

• OET’s downloadable U.S. Destination Guide - This function provides an overview of licensure requirements, helpful context about the American healthcare system and offers practical insights on how to launch a successful healthcare career in the United States.

• OET's Who Recognizes search tool, which allows candidates to find U.S. institutions that accept OET(filterable by minimum score and test mode accepted) -ultimately helping users streamline their applications and set clearer and realistic goals.

These resources are designed to help Filipino professionals succeed in the global healthcare arena by allowing them to focus on what matters most: preparing for their new careers.

Globally Recognized, Healthcare Specific

Recognized by over 450 organizations worldwide, including top regulators, hospitals, and universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada, passing the test opens a world of opportunity.


“OET empowers candidates by focusing on what matters most: the ability to care, collaborate, and communicate in real clinical settings,” Cortes added. “When you pass the OET Test, you’re not just proving your English, you’re proving you’re ready.”


For many Filipinos, taking the OET Test is more than a career move, it’s a step toward growth, stability, and the chance to uplift their families. It’s an opportunity to turn years of experience and dedication into success in the global workplace.OET isn’t just a test. It’s your passport to a more secure, fulfilling future, for you and your family.



ABOUT OET

OET is the global leader in English language testing for healthcare. We empower internationally trained healthcare professionals to communicate effectively in healthcare settings. Every month, we support tens-of-thousands of healthcare professionals from over 100 countries, who dream of taking their career further.

We help them to take their next step, whether they’re looking to expand their horizons or to advance their careers right where they are. Our test is recognised by 450+ organisations around the world, including for migration and licensing in Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK and more.

Unlike other general or academic English tests, our test has been developed specifically for 12 healthcare professions. We’ve worked with healthcare experts to design the test to include real workplace tasks and medical vocabulary, so healthcare professionals can feel confident they’re selecting an English test that’s relevant to their global healthcare career. Learn more at oet.com

Read More

Roy Veneracion: The Art of Syncretism at The Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel

Roy Veneracion: The Art of Syncretism at The Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

The Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel presents The Art of Syncretism, a compelling exhibition featuring the works of esteemed Filipino artist Roy Veneracion. Officially opened on July 16, 2025, the exhibit runs through August 16, 2025, offering hotel guests and art enthusiasts the opportunity to experience Veneracion’s signature aesthetic philosophy.

A pioneering force in the Philippine contemporary art, Veneracion is widely recognized for his use of Aesthetic Syncretism, a practice that interweaves seemingly opposing ideas, cultural references, and disparate visual idioms into a cohesive artistic language. Through this method, he creates intricate works that defy categorization and challenge conventional artistic norms. The 9-piece exhibit features a selection of Veneracion’s works, from translucent abstract compositions and bold, expressive brushstrokes to deeply symbolic and layered mixed-media pieces.

“Roy Veneracion’s ability to unify diverse elements into cohesive and thought-provoking pieces reflects a profound understanding of art as a living, evolving dialogue. We are honored to showcase this exhibit in the Art Gallery,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

Roy Veneracion: The Art of Syncretism is on display at the Art Gallery until August 16, 2025. Admission is free. For interested buyers, call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, or email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

Read More

Wolf Alice return with brand new single ‘The Sofa’

Wolf Alice return with brand new single ‘The Sofa’

Friday, July 18, 2025

Generational British band Wolf Alice share new single, ‘The Sofa’ - another dimension to their highly anticipated fourth studio album The Clearing confirmed for release on August 22nd. Following a triumphant return to the stage with headlining festival performances at Primavera - where they unveiled ‘The Sofa’ for one of the first times, had thousands singing along - and a history-defining Glastonbury set on home soil, this new era announces Wolf Alice as a band who are in a league entirely of their own.

‘The Sofa’ is the album’s psychological portrait which is a microcosm of the wider themes it reckons with: falling in love with your life for exactly what it is and finally letting go of unrealised dreams without shame, guilt or disappointment as you grow older. Unspooling like a daydream on an idle afternoon, ‘The Sofa’ is a piano ballad fortified by the best songwriting of Ellie Rowsell’s career - radical in its unflinching honesty. “Didn’t make it out to California / Where I thought I might clean the slate / Feels a little like I’m stuck in Seven Sisters / North London, oh England / And maybe that’s ok,” Rowsell sings. In abandoning the self-consciousness which weighs down your twenties, Wolf Alice reach a point of hard-won serenity.

Rowsell shares: “It’s about not trying so hard to figure everything out, reflecting on getting older and trying not to agonise over things that have or haven’t happened in your life. It’s also about trying to get to grips with the polarising aspects of one’s life when you’re in a band. You’ve just played a huge tour - and you come home, and you have your dinner on the sofa. For me, it’s summed up in how I treat TV. I used to never watch the same thing twice because I thought I’ve got so much to discover! And now I’m like, It's okay if I just want to rewatch Peep Show for the thirteenth time.”

Shot on the streets of the band's native North London in homage to the lyrics, the video for The Sofa captures the day-dreamy spirit of the song in boldly-coloured slow motion. Ellie is transported on a surreal fantasy through the euphoric messiness of British summertime street life while never leaving the comfort of her sofa. Inspired by classic street photography, these vignettes capture the blissed out interactions of people from all walks of life, celebrating the shared joy we feel with strangers on a sunny day. The video was directed by Fiona Jane Burgess (Christina Aguilera, girlinred, Gucci) and features numerous easter eggs for the band's up-coming album. Watch HERE.

Read More

Timeless: A Filipiniana Bridal Exhibit at The Manila Hotel’s Grand Lobby

Timeless: A Filipiniana Bridal Exhibit at The Manila Hotel’s Grand Lobby

The Manila Hotel, in partnership with Designers Circle Philippines (DCP), presents Timeless, an exhibit of modern Filipiniana bridal gowns, on display at the hotel’s iconic Grand Lobby until August 7, 2025.

Celebrating the elegance of the Filipino love story, Timeless brings together nine esteemed designers from DCP: Edwin Uy, Rafael Gonzales, Bepz Torres, Joy Aaliwin, Laura Santos, Alistair Balane, Ganda Anore, Will Salvador, and Johnny Abad. Each designer offers a unique interpretation of the traditional Filipiniana silhouette, reimagined with contemporary sophistication. From voluminous ruffles and intricate beadwork to modern necklines and romantic lace, the exhibit highlights the evolving artistry of Filipino bridal fashion.

“This is the first time The Manila Hotel and Designers Circle Philippines have partnered in an all-Filipiniana bridal exhibit. The collection honors heritage while embracing innovation, reflecting the same values that The Manila Hotel upholds. As the Grand Dame of the Philippines, we continue to champion Filipino artistry and cultural pride while adapting to the tastes of the modern generation,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

Set beneath the chandeliers and arches of the historic Grand Lobby, Timeless invites brides-to-be, fashion enthusiasts, and culture lovers to witness the craftsmanship of modern Filipino design.

Timeless is on display at the Grand Lobby until August 7, 2025. Admission is free.

Read More