Thursday, May 28, 2026
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ reopening of classes this June 2026 will gain added excitement and inspiration with the scheduled visit of 22-year-old Chinese actress Zhang Yingfei, the breakout star behind the viral vertical drama or micro-drama sensation “The Heiress Who Won with Brains,” whose lead character “Linda Walker” has become an online phenomenon among Filipino viewers.
From June 8 to 11, 2026, Zhang Yingfei will visit the Philippines to help promote the inspiring advocacy “Education for a Better Future” together with the educational charity projects of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII). Her visit coincides with the opening of classes nationwide on June 8, symbolically underscoring the importance of education, discipline, perseverance, and hope among Filipino youth.
The actress’ visit is expected to generate huge interest among students, educators, vloggers, social media influencers, and fans of Asian entertainment. The Linda Walker micro-drama series became wildly popular in the Philippines through localized Tagalog AI-dubbed clips widely shared on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and short-video platforms.
The story of a young woman who rises above poverty and adversity through intelligence, hard work, courage, and education deeply resonated with Filipino audiences. The character’s determination and moral strength sparked countless online discussions, memes, reaction videos, and motivational posts.
Prominent Filipino personalities including comedian-host Vice Ganda, singer Angeline Quinto, beauty queen Rania Mateo, and numerous vloggers and influencers have cited or discussed the viral “Linda Walker” phenomenon online, further boosting its popularity among Filipino netizens.
On June 8, 2026 Monday 9 am, Zhang Yingfei will make a courtesy visit on Manila Mayor Isko Moreno at City Hall, then FFCCCII shall arrange for her to tour historic Intramuros and the world's oldest Chinatown, the 432-year-old Binondo district. FFCCCII wants to help promote Philippine tourism.
One of the highlights of Zhang Yingfei’s Philippine visit will be her June 9, 2026, 10:00 a.m. outreach program at the 79-year-old Quezon City High School, one of Metro Manila’s oldest and most respected public high schools.
Joining the event are Education Secretary Sonny Angara, China Ambassador Jing Quan, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and FFCCCII officials led by President Victor Lim.
During the visit, Zhang Yingfei and the FFCCCII will distribute gifts and school supplies including notebooks, pens, toothpaste, soaps, and other useful items to students. She is also expected to deliver a short inspirational message encouraging Filipino youth to “study hard, dream big, and never surrender to difficulties.”
Organizers said the actress hopes her visit can help strengthen friendship, educational exchanges, and cultural understanding between the Filipino and Chinese peoples.
The FFCCCII has long been active in socio-economic, educational and civic causes, including the donation of 6,500 rural public school buildings nationwide under its "Operation Barrio Schools" project, calamity relief, medical missions, and its support Filipino Chinese fire volunteer brigades nationwide.
In an era dominated by fleeting online trends, organizers said the Linda Walker story stands out because it promotes timeless values: education, integrity, perseverance, family sacrifice, and the belief that intelligence and character can triumph over privilege and adversity. For many young Filipinos, “Linda Walker” has become more than a fictional character — she has become a symbol of hope.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2026
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Pay seamlessly abroad with your GCash Visa Card, featuring real-time forex updates and spend tracking via the GCash app
Hassle-free travel: Payments abroad made easier with GCash Visa Card
With the GCash Visa Card, users can view low and transparent forex rates upfront and track international spending in real time within the GCash app for a seamless travel experience
Recognizing that Filipino travelers are more mindful of their spending, the GCash Visa Card is a reliable way to manage travel funds, whether for essential business or a long-awaited family trip. Filipinos can conveniently pay for purchases abroad using the GCash Visa Card, providing a secure and transparent way to ensure every peso is spent wisely while away from home.
The GCash Visa card offers users transparency, real-time tracking, and universal accessibility across the globe, making it a preferred mode of payment when going overseas.
In fact, GCash Visa Card transactions made abroad accounted for 74% of total GCash Visa payment volume in 2025, a figure that shows the leadership of GCash in international payments.
Here are a few reasons why the GCash Visa Card is the best way to transact globally:
l Available in more than 150 million merchants worldwide: The GCash Visa Card offers unparalleled global utility, accepted at over 150 million merchants across more than 200 countries and territories. Whether transacting in-store or online, users are guaranteed a seamless and highly accessible payment experience that bridges the gap between local digital wallets and global commerce.
l Low & transparent forex rates: One of the key considerations for users spending abroad is understanding the true cost of each transaction, with exchange rates varying across providers. To address this, the GCash Visa Card enables users to view competitive foreign exchange rates directly within the GCash app. This feature allows cardholders to see exactly how their GCash wallet balance converts into foreign currency in real-time. By providing this upfront visibility, GCash eliminates the uncertainty of fluctuating rates, ensuring a hassle-free spending experience. Users can manage their travel budget with total confidence.
l Real-time spend tracking: Beyond visibility on rates, managing expenses in real time is equally important for travelers and overseas users. Traditional payment experiences often rely on end-of-cycle billing, which can make it harder to track day-to-day spending until after the fact. With the GCash Visa Card, transactions are reflected in real time within the app, allowing users to monitor their spending as it happens. This immediate feedback loop helps users stay aligned with their intended budgets and reduces the likelihood of unexpected charges accumulating unnoticed during travel or overseas use.
l Withdraw from ATMs abroad: Accessibility also plays a central role in supporting users abroad. Through Visa’s global network, the GCash Visa Card enables users to withdraw cash from ATMs across different countries. This broad acceptance gives users flexibility in how they access and use their funds.
“Travel should be about creating meaningful experiences, not worrying about how to pay abroad. With the GCash Visa Card, travelers can enjoy a more convenient and seamless payment experience wherever Visa is accepted, while having the confidence that their transactions are secure and protected every step of the way,” said Ren-ren Reyes Jr., president and CEO of GCash operator G-Xchange Inc.
As more Filipinos engage in cross-border travel and global digital transactions, the expectations around financial tools continue to evolve toward greater transparency and ease of use.
Through features that bring together upfront foreign exchange visibility, real-time spend tracking, and global acceptance, GCash supports users in navigating international spending with more confidence and control, helping make cross-border payments feel simpler and more predictable.
For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
The launch bridges tradition and modern education through stories that nurture literacy, creativity, and social awareness
In celebration of National Heritage Month, Lampara Books unveils its latest collection of literary and educational releases that honor the long-standing traditions of Filipino storytelling and encourage cultural appreciation and values formation among the next generation of readers.
The lineup includes Filipino classics, modern retellings, and innovative educational series that share the publishing house’s mission of providing accessible, values-based, and culturally relevant literature for Filipino children and families.
Among the highlights of the launch are two of Philippine literature’s most enduring masterpieces: Ibong Adarna and Florante at Laura. Edited by acclaimed scholar and children’s literature advocate Eugene Y. Evasco, the new edition of Ibong Adarna offers an enriched reading experience through chapter summaries, vocabulary guides, and comprehension prompts designed to support students, teachers, parents, and independent readers alike. The volume features cover art by Arnaldo Mirasol and interior illustrations by Randy Valiente.
The new edition of Florante at Laura modernizes the classic text yet carefully preserves its historical and linguistic character. With annotations, glossaries, discussion guides, and illustrations by Rowin Agarao, the new version is both a literary resource and an important educational tool for contemporary learners.
Also given a special highlight is the newest collection of Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, as masterfully retold by award-winning writer Christine S. Bellen-Ang, and brought vividly to life by an esteemed roster of Filipino illustrators. Inspired by the iconic stories of Severino Reyes, the collection reintroduces today’s young readers to narratives that have helmed generations through imagination, morality, wonder, and cultural memory.
“These stories have long occupied a cherished place in Filipino childhood,” shares Segundo D. Matias Jr., Founder of Lampara Books and Precious Pages Corporation. “Through these new editions, we hope to preserve their legacy while allowing a new generation of readers to discover the beauty, wisdom, and humanity found within Filipino storytelling traditions.”
In line with its mission to promote literacy and holistic learning, Lampara Books also launches several educational series that address current learning needs and social development of children. This includes the Decodable Comics for Fluency series in Filipino and English, which integrate Systematics Phonics and the Marungko Approach to reinforce foundational reading skills for beginners.
Written by Daisy Jane Calado, coordinated by Victor A. Villanueva, and illustrated by Rowin Agarao, the series combines engaging storytelling with workbook-based exercises that support comprehension and language development.
Also included in the launch is the Kids Have Rights! Series by Michellan Sarile-Alagao (illustrated by Kim Santiago), which introduces children to their fundamental rights through accessible language and relatable narratives. The Sari-Sari Books series by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz, illustrated by Domz Agsaway, celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and self-expression, empowering a new generation of readers to appreciate individuality and social understanding.
Lampara Books also expands its educational offerings with the inclusion of Disaster Ready-Kids Series by Zarah C. Gagatiga and illustrated by Juno Abreu, which introduces the concept of practical safety measures and disaster preparedness to children. Kaligtasan Para sa mga Bata by Mark Norman Boquiren (illustrated by Mark Norman Boquiren), on the other hand, promotes public safety awareness among young Filipinos.
With Lampara Books’ latest roster for the Heritage Month, reading is not just a tool to preserve culture and tradition. It is a strong foundation for education, imagination, and nation-building to prepare the next generation with the right mindset and heart to become better individuals.
For more information on the launch and featured titles, follow Lampara Books on its official social media channels.
The Marikina-based trio delivers a no-skips album driven by blues-infused rock ’n’ roll and working-class struggles
Filipino blues rock trio AME has officially released Kwentong Barbero, a seven-track album that tackles the unfiltered realities of everyday Filipino life. As one of the few active blues bands in the local music scene, AME takes the genre to a thrilling new place through its riveting balance of classic blues sound, ‘70s psychedelic rock, and contemporary punk edge.
Redefining OPM with their eclectic sound and personality, Kwentong Barbero delivers a record wity easygoing charm and confidence. The retro-modern album features previously released singles “Ipagpatawad Mo,” “Hala Bira,” and “Palaboy,” alongside four new tracks ready to hit hard and stay with the listeners until the final note.
From the urban grit of “BluKolar” to the poignant farewell in “Langit,” the record paints vibrant stories of love, survival, identity, and hope into anthems that cut across generations. “BluKolar,” in particular, connects the album to broader themes of labor, migration, and resilience, grounding AME’s music in the everyday struggles and aspirations of Filipino communities.
Tracks like “Sana Makapili” stands out for its reflective patriotism, while heartfelt stompers like “Sandal” reveals the band’s vulnerable side both as songwriters and performers. The result is a well-rounded, no-skips album that balances emotional depth with the glorious raggedness of rock n’ roll.
Musically, AME’s new record serves as both a homage to the timeless tradition of Filipino storytelling and the trio’s infectiously gritty approach to blues-infused rock music.
Tracklist
Sana Makapili
Palaboy
Ipagpatawad Mo
BluKolar
Sandal
Hala Bira
Langit
AME’s debut album, Kwentong Barbero is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via evosound Philippines.
About AME
AME is an indie-alternative rock blues band from Marikina known for their genre-bending sound that fuses nostalgic rock influences with modern pop sensibilities and emotionally charged lyricism. Since emerging in 2019, the band has steadily built a growing following through music that balances youthful energy with introspective storytelling — from the infectious groove of Ipagpatawad Mo to the heartfelt collaboration Balang Araw with Frank Ely, and now their upcoming album, Kwentong Barbero.
Blending driving guitars, soulful vocals, and blues-rooted instrumentation, AME delivers a sound that feels both fresh and familiar within the local indie scene. Their songs often explore themes of love, identity, struggle, and hope, capturing the rawness of youth alongside the emotional weight of lived experience. As one of the few active bands carrying blues influences into modern OPM, AME continues to carve out a distinct space in Filipino music — proving themselves to be one of the most promising acts shaping the next wave of local rock and blues.
Now available on all digital music platforms worldwide, the 8-track release unfolds like a single emotional journey: carefully sequenced, richly detailed, and impossible to skip.
Manila, Philippines – Following the radiant charm of their critically acclaimed debut DEFINITELY LOVE!, ALYSON returns to the spotlight with AFTER OURS—a sonically ambitious sophomore album released via Offshore Music Philippines.
ALYSON’s second full-length album lingers in the aftermath of a romantic connection, exploring uncertainty after intimacy, the temptation that complicates devotion, and the painful realization that love endures not through perfection but through choice. Embracing a more sophisticated approach to songwriting and production, AFTER OURS treats the art of listening to albums as a sanctimonious experience, with each track carefully sequenced and every detail presented with intentionality at every level.
In an era increasingly dominated by algorithmic design and standalone singles, ALYSON wants listeners to rediscover the beauty of experiencing albums as complete bodies of work that are meant to be lived through in sequence, with no skips. The record feels like one long night stretching into dawn.
Here’s a track-by-track description:
IKAW LAGI
Opening the record with festive beats and magnetic arrangements, “IKAW LAGI” is described as a “summery, ‘80s Latin-disco anthem” where the feelings of attraction and love are amplified to the max by its inescapable energy. The dancefloor-ready track captures the excitement of attraction at the beginning of a night out: where possibility is endless and every glance feels electrifying.
LANDI
A nighttime 80’s dancefloor track that takes listeners deeper into the long night, the song transports you to the set of the 1987 film, Dirty Dancing. It brings back the physicality and intimacy introduced in the previous album, showing two people unexpectedly synchronized to the beat amidst the chaos of the dance floor, getting closer, skin to skin, almost to a sensual breaking point.
BIGHANI
Exploring the connection between city pop and Brazilian tropical rhythms, the track marks the emotional escalation of the album. Beneath its shimmering production lies an internal conflict: temptation can drive a person crazy after a wonderful night, leading them to question their outlook on loyalty and love.
KUNG SAKALING TANAWIN
Delivering the record’s grandest emotional statements, the track gloriously channels the Manila Sound ballads from the ‘70s and ‘80s with sweeping orchestral arrangements ala Basil Valdez and Rey Valera. Drunk with nostalgia and yearning, the track meditates on the painful beauty of memory, asking whether love would still be chosen if one already knew how complicated and fragile everything would become.
TALAGA
A playful synth-pop track inspired by both Pinoy and Japanese pop sensibilities circa 1986, the track chronicles a lover’s quarrel filled with teasing tension and undeniable chemistry.
The release of the song is accompanied by a music video that pays tribute to the late-night music television performances of the ’80s and ‘90s (e.g., Ryan Ryan Musikahan). It also features rising pop artist Paprikka, who is known for her charismatic singing and soulful delivery.
GOODBYE, SUMMER
Integrating big band jazz, Motown grooves, city pop, and crooner-style Manila Sound into one cohesive package, “GOODBYE, SUMMER” is considered one of the album’s technical highlights. The groovy tune captures the exhaustion of heartbreak while confronting the lingering pain that still shadows it.
24/7 LOVE & CARE
Handpicked as the album’s focus track, the song embodies the accessibility and warmth that define ALYSON in their sincerest form. Featuring a simpler arrangement centered largely around the band’s five core members, the track represents clarity after emotional turbulence: a realization that despite temptation, confusion, and imperfection, there remains comfort and peace in enduring love.
‘DI MAKAPANIWALA
Sitting at the intersection of Japanese City Pop and Manila Sound, “‘DI MAKAPANIWALA” is an earnest closing track meant to cap off the emotional complexities of a night that was. It’s a simple message of hopefulness for a love that can make it to the dawn. Credits roll.
ALYSON’s AFTER OURS is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide this May 22, 2026, via Offshore Music Philippines. Watch the music video of “TALAGA”, debuting on YouTube tonight 9PM.
Your next visit to an OPPO Service Center may come with a few extra perks. Through its newest ‘Happy Weekend’ promo, OPPO Care is giving customers access to freebies, exclusive discounts, and special rewards alongside its after-sales services.
Available from May 29 to 31, 2026, the promo lets customers enjoy added value when visiting participating OPPO Service Centers nationwide, whether it's for repairs, device checkups, or other support services.
Rewards Based on Your Repair Cost
Customers who complete their device repairs during the promo period can receive special freebies depending on their total repair cost.
For OPPO A Series users:
PHP 1,201 to PHP 2,300: FREE USB Flash Drive
PHP 2,301 to PHP 3,900: FREE Type-C USB Cable
PHP 3,901 and above: FREE Black Automatic Umbrella
Meanwhile, Reno and Find Series users can enjoy even bigger rewards:
PHP 2,401 to PHP 5,500: FREE 2-in-1 Pillow
PHP 5,501 to PHP 10,000: FREE Ollie Elemental item
PHP 10,001 and above: FREE Charger Set (head charger + Type-C USB Cable)
Extra Perks for MyOPPO App Members
MyOPPO App members can also enjoy an exclusive 15% OFF on OPPO Tempered Glass for repairs worth PHP 1,201 and above. Customers simply need to present or scan their MyOPPO App Membership ID at participating service centers to redeem the discount.
The Happy Weekend Promo will be available at selected OPPO Service Centers nationwide, including:
SM City North EDSA
SM City Manila
SM City Dasmariñas
Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces
Pampanga
Bulacan
Davao
CDO
Tacloban
SM City Iloilo
SM City Zamboanga
SM City J Mall Cebu
Tuguegarao
Nueva Ecija
Robinsons Santiago
Abanao Square Baguio
SM City Gensan
SM City Masinag
OPPO Care’s Happy Weekend Promo will continue on selected weekends every month, giving users more chances to enjoy exclusive freebies and after-sales perks.
Hurry now, until supplies last only!
For updates and future schedules, follow OPPO Care-PH on Facebook and TikTok, or OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ and Facebook page.
Payment solutions provider VeritasPay Philippines Inc. is scaling up its nationwide presence as it accelerates support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adapting to an increasingly digital economy.
From an initial focus on Metro Manila and the broader Mega Manila area in 2021, the company has since expanded its reach to serve merchants across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, reflecting the growing demand for accessible and reliable digital payment infrastructure beyond urban centers.
Today, VeritasPay supports a growing base of merchants nationwide, offering businesses a unified platform to accept multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, QR code payments, and other digital channels.
“At the point of sale, speed and reliability are critical to customer experience,” Christopher James Payne, President and CEO of VeritasPay said, underscoring the role of seamless transactions in driving both customer satisfaction and business performance.
Unified payments platform
VeritasPay enables merchants to accept payments across various touchpoints from physical point-of-sale (POS) terminals and mobile devices to online checkout pages and banking channels, through a single provider. This integrated approach simplifies operations for businesses managing multiple sales environments or branch locations, eliminating the need to work with separate payment providers and enabling more consistent transaction processing.
“At VeritasPay, we remain committed to empowering businesses by delivering accessible, reliable, and innovative payment solutions that drive growth and long-term success,” said VeritasPay General Manager and Business Development Head, Carl Henrison Tienzo.
To support businesses at different stages of growth, VeritasPay structures its offerings into two core solution categories. Its In-Store suite, which comprises OnePOS, MobilePOS, and ExpressPOS, caters to day-to-day transactions at physical locations, offering merchants flexible options based on their setup and scale. Complementing this is its Online suite, which includes EasyLink, Checkout, Online Banking and Over-the-Counter, enabling businesses to accept payments remotely and expand into digital channels without overhauling their existing systems. Together, these solutions allow merchants to add new sales channels while operating within a single, unified payment ecosystem.
Growth targets for the year
Building on its nationwide footprint, VeritasPay said it now serves merchants across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, delivering technology-driven payment solutions across the country. The company is targeting a 30–40% increase in its merchant base this year, alongside a 45% rise in processed transaction volume, supported by continued investments in internal capabilities and strategic partnerships. With its expanding footprint and integrated solutions, VeritasPay aims to play a larger role in enabling SMEs across the Philippines to scale their operations and meet evolving consumer expectations.
Enhanced visibility for businesses
As SMEs expand, transaction visibility and operational oversight become increasingly important. VeritasPay provides centralized reporting tools that allow merchants to monitor sales, review payment activity, and track transactions by terminal, payment type, or location.
Such capabilities help business owners and managers identify trends, address discrepancies, and make data-driven decisions, particularly for enterprises operating across multiple branches.
Consistent customer experience
The shift toward digital payments has also heightened expectations for consistency. VeritasPay’s platform supports uniform payment acceptance across locations and channels, helping businesses deliver a seamless checkout experience whether transactions occur in-store, online, or remotely. This consistency reduces friction for customers while standardizing processes for frontline staff.
For more information, businesses may explore VeritasPay’s suite of payment solutions designed to support both in-store and online transactions.
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