Tuesday, July 28, 2026
In photo: Manila Water’s Ilugin Sewer Treatment Plant
Manila Water’s newly completed Sta. Monica sewer network and lift station projects expand sanitation coverage in Pasig City, conveying wastewater to treatment facilities such as the Ilugin Sewage Treatment Plant and helping protect public health and nearby waterways.
Manila Water continues to expand its sewer and sanitation coverage with the completion of the North Pasig Package 2 Sta. Monica Network and Lift Station Projects, helping ensure safer, cleaner, and more sustainable communities across its East Zone concession.
The newly completed facilities form part of the North and South Pasig Sewerage System under Manila Water’s Three River Masterplan, a long-term program that supports the rehabilitation of the Pasig-Marikina-San Juan River System while improving access to reliable sanitation services for customers.
The Sta. Monica Network Project includes a 0.165-kilometer gravity main and a 1.38-kilometer force main, with pipe depths ranging from 2 to 5 meters and pipe sizes between 250 and 400 millimeters. These were constructed using open-cut excavation methods to safely and efficiently install critical sewer infrastructure.
More importantly, the project brings significant benefits to communities by helping protect public health and improve overall quality of life. By collecting wastewater from households and conveying it to proper treatment facilities, the system reduces the risk of contamination, minimizes exposure to waterborne pollutants, and supports cleaner neighborhoods. It also plays a vital role in preventing untreated wastewater from flowing into creeks and rivers, helping sustain aquatic ecosystems and restore waterways that communities rely on.
Once fully operational, the broader North and South Pasig Sewerage System is expected to serve around 652,000 residents across Pasig City and parts of Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, Taytay, and Cainta, Rizal. In Pasig City alone, the system will cover about 60 percent of the area, significantly expanding access to safe and reliable sanitation services.
Collected wastewater will be conveyed to the Ilugin Sewage Treatment Plant, where it will undergo proper treatment before discharge to comply with Department of Environment and Natural Resources standards for Class C water quality, making it suitable for aquatic life and contributing to cleaner rivers that can support recreational uses such as boating and fishing.
“By expanding access to proper wastewater treatment, we help ensure that more communities benefit from cleaner surroundings, reduced health risks, and waterways that can sustain life and support future generations," Manila Water Corporate Communications Department Head Dittie Galang said.
The project supports national and local environmental goals, including the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, the Supreme Court Mandamus on Manila Bay rehabilitation, and ongoing initiatives of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. It also aligns with Pasig City’s push toward a greener and more environmentally responsible urban environment.
As Manila Water works toward full sanitation coverage in the East Zone, investments in sewerage infrastructure remain a priority. By expanding sewer networks, the company helps ensure that more households are connected to safe wastewater services, reinforcing its commitment to public health, environmental protection, and the long-term recovery of the country’s vital river systems.
24 July 2026 — Independent pop artist Estelle Fly is back with her first release of the year – ‘Bury it’ – a song about the power of unspoken attraction and the tension of deep yearning for someone you can’t fully have.
‘Bury it’ marks a defining new chapter in Estelle’s music career. Confident and unapologetically herself, the single embraces vulnerability and desire with newfound conviction, signalling a new era that pushes her sound forward while introducing herself to listeners old and new.
“This song feels like both an ending and a beginning,” said Estelle. “It represents me beautifully closing the chapter of everything that’s brought me to this point, and introducing what I like to call an era where I am exploring the concept of desire.”
“It’s an era where I finally have the freedom to explore ideas and emotions I’ve always wanted to write about. Not just about love, but also longing, vulnerability, confidence, attraction, and all the beautifully complicated parts of being human that I don’t always share openly.”
Listen to Estelle Fly’s ‘Bury it’ here
“Sonically, I wanted ‘Bury it’ to feel intimate and somewhat hypnotic, almost like you’re caught in a memory you don’t really want to leave. Lyrically, there’s a lot that’s intentionally left unsaid that is expressed through the music. Sometimes the strongest emotions are not the ones we confess, but the ones that we keep to ourselves.”
“With ‘Bury it’, I wanted to capture the tension of yearning for someone, but knowing you can’t fully have them. The feeling of the push and pull between wanting someone and choosing not to act on it is exciting, confusing and strangely addictive all at once. This feeling that we end up burying is usually the one that we remember the longest.”
In the music video for ‘Bury it’, Estelle plays an actor who is often cast as on-screen lovers with her co-star. Off camera, they’ve always been good friends, but over time, the lines between performance and reality begin to blur. When two people are reminded by the world constantly about their chemistry, you start to wonder if the feelings are acted out or have always been there.
Estelle Fly is one of the few pop artists from Singapore who strikes a fine balance between music and dance, having traversed through the entertainment scene in multiple roles as an idol and actress, and now an independent soloist. In 2025, Estelle released her latest EP ZONE, and took to the stage at Waterbomb Singapore. This year, she has been selected as a Spotify RADAR artist, and will be releasing new songs to mark her upcoming new era.
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
Watch the music video here
Set to headline Lollapalooza Chicago
Global superstar JENNIE releases her ethereal new single and music video “Less than a Lover,” available now via ODDATELIER/Columbia Records.
The single is JENNIE’s ode to summer, capturing the excitement and lingering emotions of a relationship that exists somewhere between friendship and romance. Written by JENNIE, the song explores the space with someone who is more than a friend but “Less than a Lover,” JENNIE embraces the confusion and exhilaration of an undefined connection. Expanding her sonic palette with a softer alternative-pop sound, the track pairs lo-fi guitar textures and vintage electric keyboards, JENNIE's vocals and lyricism, naturally expressing the subtle feelings that arise in a relationship that is neither friendship nor love. The accompanying music video, based on a story by JENNIE, sees her slip into another world, another character, another version of herself while shooting a short film with friends, where a faux love story shapes a new dynamic between them that was absent before.
JENNIE first teased “Less than a Lover” to a massive crowd during her historic headlining set at Governors Ball in June. Since then, she has dominated the festival stages at Mad Cool, Open’er and Roskilde. She will continue her summer festival run as a headliner at Lollapalooza in Chicago, before making her first-ever appearance at Summer Sonic Festival in Japan.
As one of the most influential global artists of her generation, JENNIE continues to redefine modern pop through her fearless artistry and creative vision. From record-breaking releases and sold-out performances to fashion partnerships, she has established herself as a singular force across music, fashion and culture, continuing to shape the entertainment landscape.
Every barkada starts with a first. Your first spontaneous café hop with new college friends, your first weekend road trip together, or your first concert with people who soon become your favorite memories. These shared experiences deserve more than a quick snapshot. They deserve photos everyone will want to save, share, and remember.
That's why OPPO is bringing the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G to the Philippines. Built around its Pocket Studio imaging experience and the all-new OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View, the upcoming smartphone is designed to help every barkada capture their first moments together without leaving anyone out of the story.
Professional-level imaging for every first barkada moment
The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is designed to make everyday photography feel more effortless and expressive. At the heart of its Pocket Studio experience are a 200MP Main Camera, a 50MP Ultra-Wide Selfie Camera, and Dual View Video, giving users the tools to capture group adventures, everyday moments, and creative content with professional-quality results.
So whatever moment you are capturing, be it a barkada food crawl, a weekend getaway, or your first day on campus, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is designed to make memorable group photos easier to create than ever.
A smarter way to get everyone into the shot
One of the biggest challenges of group photography is making sure everyone, including the person behind the camera, gets to be in the shot.
The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G introduces OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View, a first-of-its-kind innovation from a smartphone brand that reimagines the way people take group photos together. Working wirelessly with compatible OPPO devices, OPPO Bubble lets users preview the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G camera frame from another device and remotely trigger the shutter, making it easier to capture group shots without rushing back and forth to beat a timer.
It also opens up new possibilities for selfies and groufies by allowing users to take advantage of the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G’s powerful rear camera system while still seeing exactly how the shot is framed. Whether you're taking a family portrait, gathering your barkada for a travel photo, or documenting a concert or special celebration, OPPO Bubble transforms the way shared moments are captured, making professional-looking group shots easier, smarter, and more inclusive than ever before.
Designed for today's generation of creators
Designed for today's on-the-go creators, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G combines a sleek, premium design with advanced camera hardware and intelligent creative tools. Together with OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View, it is designed to make group photography and collaborative content more intuitive, whether users are meeting friends at a café, traveling with their barkada, or documenting a concert or celebration, all while delivering professional-looking results without relying on a complicated camera setup.
Because every first barkada moment deserves to be remembered.
The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is arriving soon in the Philippines, bringing its Pocket Studio imaging experience and OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View to help users capture every first barkada moment together.
Visit the nearest OPPO store to check it out yourself. For more details about the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G, visit OPPO Philippines' official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok for more updates and be among the first to discover the next evolution of smartphone photography.
Makati, Philippines— Security Bank is celebrating the 10th anniversary of ArteFino with exclusive privileges for its cardholders, while continuing its longstanding support for Filipino artisans, designers, and homegrown brands.
From July 30 to August 2, 2026, ArteFino’s Isang Dekada edition will bring together more than 100 Filipino brands across The Fifth, North Court, South Court, and Lifestyle Hall at Power Plant Mall in Makati City.
Throughout the four-day event, Security Bank cardholders will enjoy complimentary admission upon presentation of their Security Bank card, a dedicated payment lane for faster checkout, and flexible payment options, including 0% ChargeLight Installment for up to 12 months or Charge Now, Pay Later on a minimum single-receipt purchase of PHP10,000.
“ArteFino has always been about celebrating the people behind the craft. The makers, the stories, and the traditions they carry forward. That’s something we’re proud to support,” said Tanya Deakin, Corporate Communications Division Head of Security Bank. “As we celebrate 75 years of BetterBanking, we’re grateful to partner with organizations that create opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs while giving our clients access to experiences they’ll genuinely enjoy.”
Security Bank has proudly supported ArteFino over the years because the partnership reflects what BetterBanking is about—creating value not only for our clients, but also for the communities and businesses that help our economy grow.
Through HeArteFino, the partnership also helps strengthen artisan communities across the country. It has supported enterprises such as Zarah Juan, ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, and Project Nova, while helping develop the next generation of Filipino designers through the Makers Lab program.
For more information on Security Bank promotions, visit www.securitybank.com/promos/.
The five-track EP delves into grief, rage, and finding your way back to yourself
Singapore/Manila, Philippines – bloo!, the recording project of Singapore-based Filipino artist Thea Madrideo, has released her debut EP “in moments of stillness" on all major streaming platforms worldwide.
“in moments of stillness” is a five-track collection written entirely by Madrideo over two years in the quiet, disorienting aftermath of a life that changed overnight and in the slow, uneven work of returning to herself. The EP does not perform healing. It documents the act, honestly and in the order it actually happened.
Deeply entrenched in singer-songwriter intimacy and pop rock energy, bloo!'s sound carries the emotional directness of early 2000s lyricism, drawing from artists like Kitchie Nadal, Alanis Morissette, and Michelle Branch. Her lyrics move between English and Filipino, reflecting the natural texture of how she thinks and feels.
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The five tracks move through a complete emotional arc. “soup” opens the EP in a state of sabaw, the Filipino slang for a mind running on autopilot, surviving but not processing, until the weight compounds and overflows. “back2me” is the anger that finally gets permission to exist: petty on the surface, cathartic underneath, ending in the realization that running back to yourself is more freeing than running back to the source of pain. “that's why” is the record’s turning point: a vulnerable admission of self-blame and the courage it takes to finally place it somewhere real. “blue's clues” is the reminder that healing is not linear, the song for the 3am moment when stillness creeps back in and you appeal to choose yourself again. “dramatic” closes the EP not with romance, but with gratitude, written for every friend and family member who stayed patient and didn't think she was too much while she found her way back.
“They're not perfect. Some of them are messy and petty and unresolved, in the way that real feelings tend to be. But they're honest. And I think that's the thing that matters most when you're making music for the moments that are hard to name,” says Madrideo.
bloo! is named after the safe space where Madrideo wrote the EP's first song and the ones that followed. The project is produced in collaboration with a close circle of Manila-based musicians and producers.
TRACKLIST
01. soup
02. back2me
03. that's why
04. blue's clues
05. dramatic
Manila, Philippines – For many Filipino families, replacing an old aircon often feels like something you can only do when it completely stops working. After all, if it still turns on and cools a room, why replace it? But what many homeowners don’t realize is that an old aircon can quietly cost more over time – not just through higher electricity bills but also through the small discomforts that slowly become part of everyday life.
Maybe your room doesn’t feel as cool as it used to, or it takes longer to cool your space, or your monthly electric bill keeps going up even though your routines haven’t changed. These may seem like small inconveniences, but they’re often signs that your current unit is no longer keeping up with your household’s needs – and that it may be time for an upgrade.
A smart upgrade isn’t just about replacing an old appliance; it’s about creating a home that feels easier to live in every day. If you’re thinking about upgrading your aircon, here are three things to keep in mind.
- Prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness
One of the clearest signs your aircon may be due for an upgrade is when your electricity bill keeps rising even though your family’s usage hasn’t really changed. If you’re still using a non-inverter aircon, that may be the reason why.
Older aircons, especially non-inverter models, use more electricity just to keep a room cool, which is why many homeowners are encouraged to upgrade to an inverter. Instead of running at full power all the time, they use only the energy needed to keep a certain space comfortable. This helps lower unnecessary energy consumption and keeps electricity costs more manageable.
- Look beyond cooling and improve air quality at home
Another aspect that tends to get overlooked is air quality. Old aircons can accumulate dust, moisture, and bacteria, especially when filters and other internal components aren’t regularly maintained. This can affect homes with young children, elderly family members, or anyone sensitive to allergens. This is where upgrading could make a big difference, not just for cooling your home but for cleaner, healthier air for the family to breathe everyday.
- Invest in comfort-enhancing features
Older units may still cool a room, but often have drawbacks such as uneven airflow, noisy operation, or the need for manual adjustments. The right aircon should make comfort feel seamless, and the Carrier Aura Split is designed to meet that need.
Equipped with Energenius Inverter Technology to efficiently maintain your preferred temperature, it allows families to enjoy all-day cooling costing as little as ₱324 a month. That’s just around the cost of two large coffee orders at a coffee shop, or a quick lunch order you get on delivery, or one month’s streaming subscription. And for that same amount, you get long-lasting comfort all day for you and your family.
The Carrier Aura Split also makes comfort more personal. Its Follow Me function adds intelligence by adjusting the temperature based on where you are in the room, using its remote as a reference point. Its Intelligent Eye Sensor detects when a room has been empty for 30 minutes and switches the air conditioner to Eco Mode to help save energy.
The unit has Silent Mode that keeps noise as low as 20 dB, while 4-Way Airflow distributes cool air more evenly throughout the room. It also keeps your home feeling fresher, thanks to its Active Clean function and Tri-Filtration System which work together to help reduce dust, odors, and bacteria in the air.
Together, these features make comfort something you no longer have to worry about – your aircon simply takes care of it for you and your family.
Make the smart upgrade today for you and your family
Over time, an aircon upgrade can add up in savings, helping make the upgrade feel more worth it in the long run. If a high-efficiency air conditioner costs about ₱4,000 more upfront but delivers approximately ₱700 in monthly electricity savings, the additional cost can be recovered in around 5 to 6 months. After the payback period, the lower energy consumption translates into ongoing savings over the unit’s lifetime, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Available in 1.0HP, 1.5HP, 2.0HP, and 2.5HP depending on room size and cooling needs, the Carrier Aura line also includes models for various home requirements, such as the Carrier Aura Window for window-type installations and the Carrier Aura Slim for cooling modern, open-layout homes.
Whether you’re upgrading your bedroom aircon, improving your family’s shared living area, or refreshing your home office setup, choosing the right aircon can make a meaningful difference in the day-to-day comfort and expenses of your whole household. To learn more about Carrier Aura products, visit this link.
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