Mayor Isko Moreno, Wife Dynee to Lead as Hermano and Hermana Mayor at Flores de Mayo in Manila

The Manila Hotel led by President Atty. Joey Lina paid a courtesy call on Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has graciously accepted the invitation to serve as Hermano Mayor of Flores de Mayo, with his wife, Mrs. Diana Lyn “Dynee” Domagoso, accepting the role of Hermana Mayor, lending their full support to the revival of a cherished celebration of faith, culture, and fashion. 

Set on May 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Manila Hotel and Quirino Grandstand, this year’s theme, “Dalisay at Halimuyak”, draws from the ideas of purity and fragrance. During a courtesy call by The Manila Hotel President Atty. Joey Lina, Mayor Isko expressed his support for the event and the value of initiatives that uplift the community, honor Manila’s legacy, and create opportunities for artists and designers to contribute to a tradition deeply rooted in Filipino faith and identity. He noted, “Maaalala natin ang pamana sa atin.” 

The event is mounted by The Manila Hotel, in partnership with the City Government of Manila and the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP), with support from Manila, My Manila of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM). 

A long-standing Catholic tradition in the Philippines dating back to the 1800s, Flores de Mayo remains one of the country’s enduring expressions of Marian devotion. At The Manila Hotel, the celebration assumed a distinctive place in Manila’s cultural calendar beginning in 1979 through the Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre de Niño Jesus, established that same year with Ben Farrales, the Dean of Filipino Fashion, as founding chair. 

From the outset, the tradition linked Marian devotion with Manila’s cultural life. Revived in 2019 before being paused by the pandemic, it returns this year as a tribute to a city where faith, culture, and fashion continue to meet. 

This year’s celebration also carries a meaningful social purpose, with proceeds and partnerships intended to benefit Young Focus and the Children’s First 1000 Days Coalition, supporting programs for children, families, education, and nutrition. 

Further expressing his enthusiasm for the procession, Mayor Isko said: “Wala nang gasolinang kailangan dahil lakad ito. Ang ganda naman… we practice what we preach. Sabi ko, energy saving.” His remark reflected his support for a celebration that offers hope and solidarity amid today’s global challenges. 

Meanwhile, the event is also in close coordination with government partners for security and traffic management for an orderly celebration. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has

committed at least 300 personnel for security, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will assist in traffic management. The participation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as arch bearers is also being arranged. 

With Mayor Isko and Mrs. Domagoso serving as Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayor, Flores de Mayo at The Manila Hotel is poised to become one of Manila’s most visible cultural events of the season — honoring a beloved Filipino tradition while reaffirming the capital’s place as a center of devotion, heritage, and civic life. 

Fortune, Grace, and Restraint: A Mother’s ₱271-Million Moment

There are moments that divide a life into before and after.

For “Angel,” a mother and sari-sari store owner from Central Luzon, that moment arrived quietly—without spectacle, without warning—on an ordinary morning just before the day’s responsibilities began. Between preparing breakfast and opening her small neighborhood store, she glanced at her phone and encountered a number so vast it seemed almost abstract:

₱271,433,871.79.

It is the kind of figure that belongs to the realm of imagination. Yet for Angel, it became reality—an extraordinary windfall from Casino Plus, where she had been playing casually, and always with intention.

What followed was not exuberance, but stillness.

“Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala,” she reflects softly. “Hindi ko naman talaga inaasahan.”

A life-changing win, guided by control and discipline.  For Angel, playing with limits made all the difference.

The Elegance of Restraint

If there is a defining quality in Angel’s story, it is not luck—but discipline.

Long before the jackpot, her life was shaped by a quiet rigor familiar to many Filipino women: managing a household, sustaining a small business, and ensuring that every peso served a purpose. Leisure, when it came, was modest and contained—brief moments of play, never indulgence.

Her approach to gaming mirrored this philosophy. It was never about pursuit, but about pause.

She set limits. She honored them. And she walked away when needed.

In a world that often equates aspiration with excess, Angel embodies a more enduring ideal: restraint as a form of wisdom.

Trust, Transparency, and the Modern Filipino Player

There is, inevitably, a quiet skepticism that accompanies stories of sudden fortune—the lingering question of whether such wins are real, or merely imagined narratives amplified by chance.

Angel’s experience offers a grounded answer.

Behind the life-changing figure is a system designed for legitimacy. As a platform licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Casino Plus operates within a regulatory framework that mandates strict verification protocols, secure digital processes, and accountable payout mechanisms.

Every win undergoes Know Your Customer (KYC) verification and multi-layered validation before release—ensuring that outcomes are not only possible, but properly documented, processed, and delivered.

For Angel, this translated into something tangible: certainty.

“Napakadali at maayos ang proseso. Inalalayan nila ako.”

In a landscape where trust is often questioned, her story stands not as an exception—but as proof of a system working as intended.

A Different Kind of Wealth

Sudden fortune often invites urgency—the impulse to acquire, to expand, to transform outwardly.

Angel chose otherwise.

Her first instinct was not to spend, but to reflect.

“Hindi ko po mamadaliin. Pag-iisipan ko muna.”

Her priorities remain elegantly simple: a permanent home for her family, and an uncompromised education for her children. These are not grand gestures of wealth, but enduring investments in dignity and stability.

It is a perspective that reflects a deeper understanding: that wealth, when approached with clarity, becomes not a spectacle—but a foundation.

The Quiet Power of Possibility

In many ways, Angel’s story resonates not because of the size of the prize—but because of its familiarity.

She is not an outlier in ambition. She is emblematic of it.

Across the Philippines, sari-sari stores line narrow streets and barangay corners—micro-enterprises powered largely by women who balance entrepreneurship with caregiving. These are lives defined not by excess, but by endurance, adaptability, and quiet hope.

Angel’s win does not erase that story—it amplifies it.

And perhaps that is what makes it compelling for a broader audience: not the spectacle of ₱271 million, but the image of a mother who, even in the face of extraordinary change, remains anchored to the same values that shaped her before it.

Measured. Responsible. Forward-looking.

Living Well, Playing Right

In the end, Angel offers no grand philosophy—only a principle shaped by lived experience:

“Importante ang control. Dapat alam mo ang limit mo.”

It is a sentiment that resonates beyond gaming. It speaks to a broader ethos of modern aspiration—where success is not defined by how much one gains, but by how thoughtfully one chooses to live.

Because true luxury, as Angel’s story reveals, is not found in the scale of fortune—but in the grace with which it is held.

Responsible Gaming Advisory

Gaming should be approached as a form of entertainment. Only play with money you can afford to lose and never chase your losses. Casino Plus is licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and operates in full compliance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice.

About Casino Plus

Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

NUSTAR Online drives pre-pageant efforts as Official Presenter of Binibining Pilipinas 2026

The official Top 36 candidates of Binibining Pilipinas 2026.

Prior to its official announcement, NUSTAR Online had already shown its intent to support the mission of Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) through its oldest active national beauty pageant in the country, Binibining Pilipinas, championing empowered Filipina women and the enduring spirit of sisterhood that defines the pageant.

Driven by this eagerness and a shared vision, the lifestyle gaming brand secured a three-year partnership, stepping in as the Official Presenter. Since then, NUSTAR Online has demonstrated a strong, hands-on presence, reinforcing its active role in key pre-pageant milestones leading up to the coronation night.

From the final screening and official announcement of candidates to the sashing ceremony and a series of upcoming pocket events, NUSTAR Online continues to create touchpoints that enhance the overall pageant experience. As a lifestyle-driven brand, it goes beyond sponsorship by celebrating individuality and empowering confidence through what BBP represents, as defined by NUSTAR Online: Beauty, Body, and Personality. These pillars guide the brand in recognizing a candidate who truly embodies the modern Filipina.

Final Screening and Announcement of Candidates

On March 23, the official final screening and announcement of candidates took place in a closed-door judging at the New Frontier Theater. Representing NUSTAR Online on the panel was Brand Manager Alex Barcela, who played a key role in selecting the final roster.

“As early as the screening stage, NUSTAR Online has been fully involved in the Binibining Pilipinas journey. Being part of the panel allowed us to take a more active role in identifying candidates who reflect the confidence and individuality that the brand stands for. It was not an easy process, but it reflects how committed we are to being hands-on from the very beginning and in shaping a meaningful experience for both the candidates and the audience,” Barcela shared.

Binibinis receive exclusive initial welcome kits from NUSTAR Online

Following the screening, the final 36 candidates were welcomed with exclusive kits from NUSTAR Online. This marked the start of the brand’s active engagement with each Binibini as they move forward in the competition.

Official Sashing Ceremony

Binibinis pose after being officially sashed at the ceremony.

The momentum continued at the official sashing ceremony on April 6, 2026, attended by media, pageant enthusiasts, and partner sponsors. The event formally introduced the 36 candidates, representing provinces and cities across the Philippines, marking the beginning of their journey toward the crown.

The program opened with remarks from Irene Jose, COO of Uniprom Inc., followed by a message from Pia Roxas Ojeda-Banal, a member of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) Executive Committee, who highlighted the significance of this year’s pageant and its partnerships.

“It takes a village to go on this journey. And the sashing ceremony is really ‘Day One’ for our batch of 36 girls this year. So, thank you to the villages that helped them get to where they are today, and those that will walk with them toward coronation night,” Ojeda said.

Adding prestige to the moment, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1971 Vida Doria also joined on stage for the ceremonial sashing, reflecting the pageant’s legacy of excellence.

As the competition progresses, NUSTAR Online continues to build a platform that brings fans closer to each candidate’s journey. With more pocket events, brand-led activities, and digital initiatives lined up in the coming months, anticipation continues to build toward coronation night.

NUSTAR Online’s early and hands-on involvement signals a partnership that is not only visible, but consistently engaged, setting the stage for an exciting and elevated Binibining Pilipinas 2026 experience.

The lifestyle gaming brand also continues to elevate its offerings through exclusive promotions such as the Luxury Summer Getaway, where players have the chance to experience a 5-star stay at NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu. For more exclusive content, events, and premium lifestyle experiences, follow NUSTAR Online on social media at @nustaronline.

About NUSTAR Online

NUSTAR Online is the Philippines’ premier luxury lifestyle gaming and entertainment platform, licensed under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Built on innovation, elegance, and responsible gaming, it offers a premium digital environment with curated casino games, exclusive content, and user-focused rewards—redefining how Filipinos experience online entertainment. Designed for both modern and seasoned players, NUSTAR Online delivers world-class play through style, safety, and convenience. Players can visit www.nustargame.com or follow @nustaronline on social media. New users may also enjoy up to ₱6,566 in bonus credits upon registration and up to 1% Cashback daily.

Seize the Sun: Treat Yourself to a Sunkissed Getaway at Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery

As the summer heat sets in, Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery Collection offers a luxe opportunity to indulge in a timely staycation with its Sunkissed Escape package. Designed for those seeking a blend of comfort, relaxation, and vibrant city life, this all-inclusive package promises a summer getaway like no other.

Stay in the Heart of Manila

With the Sunkissed Escape package, guests can enjoy an overnight stay in a Superior Room, offering a serene retreat after a day of city exploration. The hotel’s stylish rooms, equipped with modern amenities, provide the perfect blend of comfort and luxury, serving as a peaceful haven in the heart of Manila’s dynamic district.

The package also includes a delightful breakfast for two, ensuring a perfect start to the day with a selection of both local and international dishes. Guests can further indulge with PHP 1,000 worth of dining credits, which can be used at the hotel’s renowned dining venues: Admiral Club Manila Bay (the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant), El Atrio (a cozy lobby lounge), and Ruby Wong’s Godown (a hidden speakeasy bar). Each venue offers carefully curated meals and beverages in a chic and sophisticated atmosphere.

At just PHP 9,926, the Sunkissed Escape package presents incredible value, offering the perfect excuse for a luxurious stay in Manila.

Enjoy Happy Hour in Style

No summer escape is complete without a refreshing cocktail in hand. At Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery, happy hour is more than just a brief moment—it’s a time to savor, unwind, and enjoy the hotel’s vibrant atmosphere. With the Sunkissed Escape package, guests can indulge in daily happy hour specials that span multiple locations throughout the hotel.

  • Gin and Tonic will be served from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at El Atrio, offering the perfect afternoon refreshment.
  • Aperol Spritz is available from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Coconut Grove, setting the stage for a relaxing evening.
  • From 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, guests can enjoy signature cocktails such as Ruby’s Rehab, Fiery Dragon, and more, at Ruby Wong’s Godown, adding a touch of elegance to their evening.

Each happy hour experience is designed to cater to different moods, ensuring there’s a perfect moment for every guest. 

Whether sipping a drink by the hotel pool, lounging in a cozy bar, or mingling with fellow guests, happy hour at Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery becomes an integral part of the summer experience.

More Than a Stay—A Summer Experience

The Sunkissed Escape is not just a room package; it’s a gateway to a luxurious summer experience. Whether for couples, families, or solo travelers, this package offers everything needed to create unforgettable memories in Manila.

Experience the ultimate summer getaway at Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery, where sun, sips, and exceptional stays come together for the perfect escape. For more information and to make a reservation, follow the hotel’s official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Vespa: Redefining Italian Elegance in Manila

Vespa Philippines at Makina Moto 2026

Beyond mere utility, certain brands inhabit a realm of narrative and intent; they are silent envoys of character that articulate identity through the simple power of their presence. Vespa has long occupied this rare space, existing less as a machine and more as a manifesto of style.

Today, in a moment where the precision of luxury craftsmanship meets the spirit of the open road, Piaggio Philippines Corporation unveils two (2) new masterpieces of an enduring ideal. Debuting exclusively at Makina Moto 2026, the Vespa Sprint and Primavera 180cc collections emerge not merely as machines, but as declarations of high style at the SMX Convention Center.

Since 1946, Vespa has occupied a position that no other motorized vehicle has dared to inhabit — somewhere between art, architecture, and wearable luxury. The Sprint and Primavera are not newcomers to this legacy; they are its living continuation—now arriving in the Philippines with a presence and gravitas long awaited by the local market.

To own a Vespa is to acquire a piece of Italian culture, a statement as deliberate as a bespoke suit from a Milanese tailor. This new 180cc generation introduces refined elements that speak to the connoisseur:

Vespa Primavera 180cc: Carries the warmth and romance of a tradition that celebrates life and beauty. Its signature silhouette is elevated by newly designed rims and a redesigned speedometer, striking a balance between heritage aesthetics and modern clarity. The Primavera range is offered at Php 218,000 for the Standard variant, Php 228,000 for the Primavera S, and Php 268,000 for the Primavera Tech—each reflecting a refined evolution of timeless style with progressively advanced features.

Vespa Sprint 180cc: Speaks the vocabulary of the contemporary connoisseur, with sharp, sculpted lines and proportions honed over decades. While it retains its unmistakable Vespa identity, the Sprint introduces a more dynamic edge, further enhanced by a high-definition dashboard in the Tech variant that acts as a digital heart within a classic frame. The Sprint lineup starts at Php 238,000 for the Standard variant, Php 248,000 for the Sprint S, and Php 288,000 for the Sprint Tech, offering a spectrum of choices that blend performance, innovation, and iconic design.

What distinguishes Vespa from the mechanical is intention. The experience is elevated by an enhanced 180cc engine, engineered to provide a smooth, resonant power delivery that matches its visual poise.

In a nod to effortless modern luxury, the Keyless Start system replaces the traditional ignition with a seamless, fluid transition from standing to riding. This grace in motion is secured by advanced ABS brakes, providing a composed, confidence-inspiring stop that mirrors the bike’s agile nature.

For the Filipino owner, choosing a Vespa communicates a worldliness and a refusal to settle for the anonymous. It is an object that enhances its environment, whether parked on a café terrace in Bonifacio Global City or gliding through Old Manila at golden hour.

Every curve, from the architectural flow of the rims to the intuitive interface of the dashboard, has been refined through a process mirroring the great European workshops—slow, deliberate, and guided by beauty. It is, in the truest sense, a fashion accessory—one that happens to move.

The new Vespa 180cc lineup is ready to be experienced at authorized dealerships nationwide.

The Full House Breakfast: A Meal You Don’t Overthink

“Where should we eat?” We’ve all asked it. Usually when we’re tired, hungry, or just can’t decide. Sometimes we want something brand new; other times, we crave something effortless. But every now and then, you find yourself certain about the one place you already know will hit the spot.

For a lot of us, that’s Pancake House.

Since its beginning, Pancake House has been that in-between place a lot of us keep coming back to. Not quite home, not quite out, but something familiar in its own way. It’s the place you grew up going to after Sunday mass, or where you end up after a long day seeking a taste of something familiar. No guessing, no overthinking, just food you know you’ll enjoy.

This season, Pancake House is leaning into comfort with the launch of the Full House Breakfast.

The Anatomy of a Classic 
The Full House Breakfast gives the “greatest hits” of the morning table:

  • Classic Pancake & Waffle Duo
  • 3 pcs. Crispy Bacon Strips
  • Choice of 3 pcs. Country Sausage or 2 pcs. Sweet Ham
  • 2 Eggs
  • Grilled Tomato

At just ₱499, enjoy a plate where sweet meets savory, soft meets crisp, and indulgent meets familiar. It is a recipe that treats balance as its primary ingredient. 

Whether you’re dining in or grabbing it on the go, the all-day offering meets you exactly where you are at:

  • Dine-in: Comes with your choice of coffee or tea (hot tea or iced tea)
  • Takeout: Includes your choice of coffee or tea, bottled water, or Minute Maid Orange Juice
  • Curbside® Pick-up & Delivery: Comes with your choice of bottled water or Minute Maid Orange Juice

For guests who are looking to elevate that experience, they can upgrade their meal with Coco Fruit Coolers, a refreshment made with real coconut water and tropical fruit bits for an additional ₱109. It’s a light, revitalizing option made for warmer days—a modern twist on the classic breakfast ritual that complements without overpowering.

Why We Keep Coming Back

The Full House Breakfast isn’t just a new addition to the menu, it’s a love letter to everything Pancake House does best. For pancake and waffle loyalists, hearty breakfast fans, and anyone who lives for those slow, feel-good mornings. This is the dish that delivers every time. Familiar, filling, and effortlessly satisfying.

Available from April 1 to June 30, 2026, across all Pancake House stores, the Full House Breakfast celebrates everything we love about the classics. So the next time you’re asking, “Where should we eat?”—you might already be craving the answer. 

Vice Ganda and GameZone embody the Heart of a Champion in the new TVC

The official poster of Vice Ganda and GameZone Tour winner Tatay Igno and wife

Asia’s Phenomenal unkabogable Superstar, Vice Ganda stars in the inspiring journey of grand champion Benigno “Tatay Igno” Casayuran, the oldest winner of the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup: Summer Showdown now rebranded as the GameZone Tour. Similar to Vice Ganda, this champion’s story continues to inspire audiences on screen, capturing the hearts of many across the nation.

Vice Ganda leads the storytelling in the commercial, adding a heartfelt tone that resonates with the fans, conveying a message of determination and perseverance, while introducing viewers to a story that goes far beyond competition, stating that “Pag may laban ang puso, ‘yan ang tunay na panalo.” The GameZone brand ambassador, expressed admiration for Tatay Igno and his wife congratulating them both as they were also present during the TVC shoot.

The commercial follows Tatay Igno as a humble participant to grand champion, going through round after round during the tournament and eventually winning it all, a life changing and hardfought moment driven by passion that will now be shown on screen and every mainstream platform. 

The journey of Tatay Igno might be familiar to some, a heartwarming story of sacrifice as his ultimate goal exceeded his expectations, initially joining the tournament to reach the top 9 to help in the expenses of his wife’s ongoing treatment, he pushed through the finals and won it all, not only for himself but for his family.

Vice Ganda together with Tatay Igno and wife on set for their TV Commercial Shoot

The TV Commercial campaign aims to emphasize real players, real stories, and meaningful motivations that highlight GameZone’s community. The story of Tatay Igno and his journey as a champion serves as a powerful reminder that victories are won and celebrated beyond the game. Exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the commercial shoot will be posted on the official GameZone social media pages inspiring gamers, fans, and audiences through a powerful and heartfelt story.

DigiPlus and GameZone continue to uphold its commitment to responsible gaming and fair play, while celebrating real champions, showcasing that every player can become a champion. 

With the release of GameZone’s TV commercial, its message conveys an inspiring journey, while also delivering a message of support and a reminder from Vice Ganda and PAGCOR to play for fun and play responsibly. Reminding us that gambling is not an accepted way of livelihood and doesn’t solve financial problems. Gambling can be addictive, it pays to know when to stop.

Experience the Real GameZone, watch the exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and the full TVC of Tatay Igno with Vice Ganda on the official social media page of the GameZone

About DigiPlus

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

About GameZone

GameZone is a PAGCOR-licensed online gaming platform in the Philippines delivering secure and competitive Player vs. Player gaming experiences. Through the GameZone Tour, it is the pioneer of Tablegame Tournament in the Philippines specializing in popular Filipino card games such as Tongits and Pusoy, elevating traditional Filipino gameplay into modern competitive tournaments. With real-time gameplay, high-stakes competitions, and over 1,500 premium games, GameZone is building the country’s premier platform for skill-based gaming and digital competition. 

For more information, visit www.gzone.ph and follow @taragamezone and @gamezonetour on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Ikaw ang Alas! Manny Pacquiao named as newest GameZone brand ambassador

Mr. Manny Pacquiao and team, together with Mr. Eusebio H. Tanco and Mr. Jasper Vicencio at the GameZone booth

Filipino   boxing   icon   Manny   Pacquiao   has   been   named   as   the   newest   ambassador   of GameZone, officially joining the DigiPlus family in a ceremonial signing that happened on March 25, 2026 at the Shangri-La The Fort Manila.

The boxer was first teased as an ambassador during the newly rebranded GameZone Tour: Tongits Plus Champions Cup Season 4 on March 8, with the Ikaw ang Alas campaign  shown on the stage, screens, and backdrops where players and guests got the chance to take a glimpse of GameZone’s newest ambassador.

Known and recognized as the most iconic Filipino athlete worldwide, boxing’s lone  eight-division champion embodies discipline, resilience, and integrity, which are the values that align with GameZone’s competitive excellence and its Real Player, Real Game mantra. With the launch of the GameZone Tour the Pambansang Kamao amplifies its players, instilling a championship mindset to become the Alas in every game they play.  

The event served as a milestone for DigiPlus and GameZone, as it also highlighted the partnership with MannyPay, an online payment service where Pacquiao also serves as Chairman, giving players access to smooth transactions through the platform in the GameZone app.

DigiPlus and all its brands remain to be the nation’s leading digital entertainment platform, now with Manny Pacquiao as an ambassador of the brand who was joined with Mr. Eusebio H. Tanco, Chairman of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., and Mr. Jasper Vicencio, President of Total GameZone Xtreme Inc., who was also present during the ceremonial signing.

A knockout partnership: MannyPay Chairman Manny Pacquiao shakes hands with DigiPlus Interactive Corp. Chairman Eusebio Tanco, along with MannyPay President & CEO Marc Bundalian and AB Leisure Exponent Inc. & Total GameZone Xtreme Inc., President Jasper Vicencio

In addition, the company aims to elevate every player’s experience while also keeping its commitment to responsible gaming along with its announcement “The Strongest Move Is Knowing When To Stop” campaign. GameZone also announced its partnership with a brand video starring the champion himself which is available to watch in the GameZone official page

Multiplying the fun during the press conference a special flash mob performance was held with dancers and guests putting on the Pacman facemask with an impersonator joining the dance. The champion also took a jab at the GameZone booth, showcasing his strength in boxing.

The brand has also added Manny Pacquiao-themed games such as Pacquiao Fortune, Manny Punch, and many more to its application creating new and exciting features for players to enjoy. 

Known for its player-versus-player (PVP) experience in traditional Filipino card games such as Tongits and Pusoy, the partnership between the DigiPlus owned GameZone and Pacquiao adds credibility to the PAGCOR licensed and leading platform’s venture into mainstream entertainment and sports industry.

DigiPlus Interactive Corporation highlights its partnership with both Manny Pacquiao’s and GameZone’s commitment to elevating digital entertainment while promoting responsible gaming initiatives, and supporting the growth and evolution as the top and most trusted online card game platform.

About DigiPlus

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

About GameZone

GameZone is a PAGCOR-licensed online gaming platform in the Philippines delivering secure and competitive Player vs. Player gaming experiences. Through the GameZone Tour, it is the pioneer of Tablegame Tournament in the Philippines specializing in popular Filipino card games such as Tongits and Pusoy, elevating traditional Filipino gameplay into modern competitive tournaments. With real-time gameplay, high-stakes competitions, and over 1,500 premium games, GameZone is building the country’s premier platform for skill-based gaming and digital competition. 

For more information, visit www.gzone.ph and follow @taragamezone and @gamezonetour on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Working From Home, Living Near Everything: Why This Setup Is Quietly Winning Today

A typical workday looks different when everything you need is within walking distance—where home, work, and daily essentials come together in one integrated environment

As more Filipinos embrace remote and hybrid work, SMDC’s ready-for-occupancy homes within integrated SM communities offer a more practical way to live—where daily needs, work, and life come together seamlessly.

What began as a necessity during the pandemic has quietly become a long-term shift. Across industries, companies continue to adopt remote and hybrid work arrangements, not as a temporary fix but as a more efficient way to operate in an increasingly unpredictable environment. For many Filipinos, working from home is no longer a privilege. It is simply how work gets done. 

The Real Cost of Going Out

At the same time, the cost of going out has become harder to ignore. Fuel prices continue to rise, traffic remains a daily uncertainty, and the time spent just getting from one place to another carries a real cost – financial, physical, and mental. In this context, working from home has evolved into something more practical. It is a way to take back control over time, expenses, and energy.

When Working From Home Isn’t Enough

But as more people settle into this setup, a more honest reality is setting in. Working from home does not automatically make life easier. It only works when the environment around it keeps up. Without that, the day begins to feel fragmented. Meals become an afterthought, errands pile up, and stepping out for a simple reset requires more effort than it should.

Daily traffic remains a constant challenge, reinforcing the value of living closer to where work, errands, and everyday activities happen.

A Shift in What Makes a Home Work

This is where the conversation is shifting. The question is no longer just whether a home can accommodate work, but whether it can support the entire rhythm of daily life around it. Because the real advantage of working from home is not staying in. It is having the freedom to move through your day without unnecessary friction.

The Rise of the “Everything Within Reach” Setup

A more effective setup is quietly emerging—one where everything you need is already within reach.Stepping out for a quick meal between meetings takes minutes, not a drive. Errands can be done in between tasks, not postponed until the weekend. Even a short walk outside can break the monotony of long work hours without disrupting the day.

Where the SMDC Advantage Comes In

This is where SMDC’s ready-for-occupancy developments offer a clear and tangible advantage.

Located within or directly connected to SM’s established communities, these homes are built around a functioning, everyday ecosystem. Residents are not moving into an isolated building waiting to grow into its surroundings. They are stepping into an environment that already works.

Designed Around Everyday Life

Groceries are within walking distance, with no need to plan ahead or rely on delivery.

Dining options are immediately available, whether for a quick meal between calls or a place to unwind after work. Essential services, from pharmacies to banks to wellness, are part of the same environment. Even leisure and open spaces are accessible without needing to leave the area.

This kind of proximity changes how a day unfolds. Tasks that would normally take hours can be done in minutes. Decisions that would require planning become effortless. The need to spend on fuel, delivery fees, or unnecessary trips is significantly reduced.

More importantly, it creates a sense of ease that is difficult to replicate in developments that are still waiting for their surroundings to catch up.

Working from home becomes more sustainable when the environment supports it—offering space to focus, reset, and move seamlessly through the day.

Why Ready-for-Occupancy Matters Now

This is also why ready-for-occupancy homes are gaining renewed attention. In a time when conditions continue to shift, buyers are placing greater value on what is already there. They are choosing homes that allow them to move in, settle in, and immediately benefit from a setup that supports how they live and work today.

A Quiet Shift in What “Value” Means

In many ways, this marks a quiet but important shift in how value is defined in real estate. It is no longer just about space or even price. It is about how well a home reduces the friction of everyday life.

The Setup That Works

And for a growing number of Filipinos, the winning setup is becoming clear. Not just a home where you can work. But a place where everything you need works around you.

For those considering a home that aligns with how life is evolving, SMDC’s ready-for-occupancy and pre-selling developments offer a practical place to start.

More details are available at www.smdc.com.

P25 million at stake in Jagat real-life coin hunt

Innovative map-based social platform Jagat is taking the spirit of the Easter Sunday Treasure Hunt over the holidays straight to the real and busy streets of the Philippines with Coin Hunt, its newest and most exciting event to date.

Since launching its interactive event on February 25, Jagat has given away around P25 million in prizes for Coin Hunt nationwide.

With Coin Hunt, players only need to register at Jagat and check the map for coins scattered near familiar neighborhoods and area landmarks. These in-app coins contain clues that help players find their real-world location.

Should the players find the coins and complete the corresponding tasks, they can redeem their rewards in the app.

As of April 6, more than 500,000 players across Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao have already joined the exhilarating real-world search for precious prize coins, but the fun does not stop there.

Jagat Coin Hunt players flex their successful real-world finds

Jagat is adding even more excitement for those out and about on the Philippines’ busy, sweltering sidewalks with the Easter Sunday Treasure Hunt, slated from April 5 to April 26.

If players find special coins related to this new event, they have a chance to win exciting prizes, such as iPhone 17s, a BYD car worth P1.5 million, and fuel vouchers, among others.

Make no mistake, though, the Jagat Coin Hunt is not just a solo experience. Players are encouraged to invite their friends for a safer, more fun, and more efficient hunting experience.

Combining real-world exploration with social interaction, Jagat aims to keep users connected with friends and explore more ways to socialize through features like real-time location sharing and footprint tracking.