Tuesday, October 13, 2026
ILOILO, Philippines, September 25, 2026 — LG Electronics Philippines brought music, movement and local talent together as LG xboom IDOL 2026 made its Iloilo stop at Festive Walk Iloilo, giving aspiring Filipino singers and dancers a platform to showcase their skills in front of the local community. The Iloilo leg welcomed 14 registrants, with 11 semi-finalists advancing to the competition. Seven semi-finalists also came together for the opening production number, setting an energetic tone for a day celebrating music, performance and local talent.
Iloilo Talent Takes Center Stage
More than a competition, LG xboom IDOL 2026 gave emerging performers an opportunity to step onto the stage, connect with an audience and share their talent through music and dance.
After a series of performances, Idel Siaotong Navarro of Banate, Mark Anthony Layson of Bacolod and Jayne Raizel T. Sajulla of Molo emerged as the competition’s Top 3 finalists.
Following the final performances, Jayne Raizel T. Sajulla was named the Iloilo winner and Grand Finalist, earning an average score of 95.98 percent and securing her place in the next stage of the competition.
Winners Bring Home LG xboom Prizes
The competition brought added excitement through prizes designed to keep the music going beyond the stage. As part of the elimination-round prize mechanics, standout performers received an LG xboom Stage 501 with Php 5,000 in cash, while other selected performers took home an LG xboom Mini with Php 2,000 in cash. These same elimination-round prizes were also featured in the previously approved LG xboom IDOL releases for Tagbilaran, Davao, and Subic.
The journey to the national finals brings even bigger rewards. The 5th place winner will receive Php 10,000 and a 50-inch LG Nano UHD 4K Smart TV. The 3rd and 4th place winners will each receive Php 20,000 and a 50-inch LG Nano UHD 4K Smart TV, while the 2nd place winner will take home Php 50,000 and a 55-inch LG Nano UHD 4K Smart TV. The 1st place winner will receive Php 100,000 and a trip for two to Seoul, South Korea.
A Stage Built for Big Voices and Bigger Moments
At the heart of the LG xboom IDOL experience is the LG xboom Stage 501, a portable Bluetooth party speaker built around interactive, shared music experiences.
Its AI Karaoke Master can transform virtually any song into a karaoke track in real time without requiring dedicated karaoke tracks. Built-in AI Vocal Remover and Key Changer let users adjust vocals and pitch directly on the speaker or through the companion app, making it easier to turn everyday listening into a karaoke experience.
The LG xboom Stage 501 delivers up to 220 watts of output when plugged in and up to 160 watts on battery, along with up to 25 hours of battery life. Sound tuned by will.i.am, together with AI Sound and Space Calibration Pro, helps optimize audio based on the content and surrounding environment.
Its combination of powerful sound, AI-powered karaoke and long playtime makes the LG xboom Stage 501 a natural fit for karaoke nights, performances, parties and other music-led gatherings. LG positions the Stage 501 as the ideal party speaker for social gatherings, featuring AI Karaoke Master, Vocal Remover and Key Changer, up to 25 hours of playtime, and xboom Signature Sound by will.i.am.
Celebrating Music and Community
“Through LG xboom IDOL, we want to create more opportunities for aspiring performers to be seen, heard, and celebrated,” said Yongwoo Park, Media Solutions Product Director, LG Electronics Philippines. “It’s our way of bringing people closer to music while showing how LG xboom can make every performance feel more alive, more shared, and more memorable.” The Iloilo program was hosted by Ayumi Cassandra Zerrudo, with Matthew Edward Tiu, Monica Dipad and AG Constantino serving as judges.
Adding to the celebration, the SALOG Dance Troupe delivered a special intermission performance. Event attendees also had the opportunity to take part in the festivities through a raffle, with 10 LG xboom Minis given away during the program.
LG xboom IDOL 2026 Heads to Manila
LG xboom IDOL 2026 is set to conclude on November 7 at the SM MOA Music Hall, giving more aspiring singers and dancers the opportunity to step into the spotlight. Through LG xboom IDOL 2026, LG Electronics Philippines continues to bring its sound experience closer to Filipino music fans while creating opportunities for emerging performers to showcase their talents, foster community connections, and bring people together through music and shared experiences.
Monday, October 12, 2026
In photo (L-R): British Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton OBE; Dr. Juan Alfonso Tanghal, Pru Life UK-sponsored Chevening scholar Batch 2026-2027; and Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and CEO.
Taguig City, Philippines, 7 October 2026 - Pru Life UK is supporting its sponsored Chevening Scholar, Dr. Juan Alfonso Tanghal to begin his MSc in Health Policy, Planning and Financing at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Tanghal is among 13 Filipinos selected for the 43rd batch of Chevening Scholars, joining an international community of future leaders chosen for their potential to drive positive change in their countries and communities.
Chevening has a strong track record in the Philippines, with more than 600 Filipinos having pursued postgraduate studies in the UK through the programme. Its alumni include leaders across government, media, business, academia and civil society, among them journalist Howie Severino, former University of the Philippines President Danilo Concepcion and diplomat Manuel Teehankee. Dr. Tanghal now joins this network as part of the 43rd batch of Filipino Chevening Scholars.
For Dr. Tanghal, Chevening is the next step in a career focused on strengthening public health systems. A Medical Officer at the Department of Health’s Bureau of International Health Cooperation, he works on foreign-assisted health programmes with development partners including the Asian Development Bank, Global Fund, and United Nations Population Fund. He previously worked in health operations at the Department of Health and in health policy and systems research at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
His studies at LSE will allow him to deepen his expertise in how health systems are planned, financed and strengthened, building on his experience in medicine, economics, public policy and international development.
“Chevening is about investing in people with the potential to turn knowledge into meaningful change, and that is what we see in Dr. Tanghal,” said Pru Life UK President and CEO Sanjay Chakrabarty.”Helping Filipinos live healthier, more secure lives has always been our purpose, and we’re proud to support someone whose work drives towards the same goal.”
As part of Prudential plc, a company whose roots began in London more than 175 years ago, Pru Life UK is proud to support a UK Government programme that opens world-class opportunities to Filipino leaders. By helping talented Filipinos take the next step towards their ambitions and bring that knowledge home, the Company is helping turn potential into progress.
Pru Life UK has supported the Chevening Scholarship programme in the Philippines since 2018, working with the British Government to expand opportunities for promising Filipino professionals to pursue postgraduate education in the UK.
The partnership reflects a shared connection between the UK and the Philippines. Pru Life UK is the Philippine subsidiary of Prudential plc, which was founded in London in 1848. Today, that heritage continues through Pru Life UK’s commitment to helping Filipinos build more secure futures and pursue the ambitions that matter to them.
Chevening is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and partner organisations. Scholars receive support to pursue a one-year master’s degree at a UK university while gaining access to academic, professional and cultural experiences and becoming part of a lifelong global network.
Through its continued support for Chevening, Pru Life UK is helping make Filipinos' promises to their loved ones real by investing in education and supporting future leaders who can bring new ideas, skills, and perspectives back to the Philippines.
Upcoming new album, wor$t man in america, out December 4, 2026
"one of 2026’s breakout pop stars” - THE NEW YORK TIMES
“a straight-up rock star” - VARIETY
“Slayyyter has fine-tuned one of the most visually alluring and intellectually interesting aesthetics in contemporary pop music” - BILLBOARD
(Los Angeles, CA) October 9, 2026 - Today, SLAYYYTER releases new song and self-directed video, “i think he’s got a girl” out everywhere now via RECORDS / Columbia Records. The release arrives following the announcement of wor$t man in america, the ‘brother’ album to this spring’s critically acclaimed WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA, due out December 4th via RECORDS / Columbia Records.
LISTEN TO “i think he’s got a girl” HERE
WATCH “i think he’s got a girl” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE
PRE-SAVE / PRE-ORDER wor$t man in america HERE
Built around mounting suspicion and vulnerability, “i think he’s got a girl” captures the unraveling of a relationship with raw, emotionally charged honesty. The track has already built a strong fan following through its live performances throughout the sold-out WOR$T GIRL IN THE WORLD TOUR ahead of its official release. The vintage-inspired official music video, directed by SLAYYYTER, is out now.
Download Press Photos HERE | Credit: Kait Muro
Earlier this week, SLAYYYTER announced wor$t man in america, the counterpart to this spring’s critically acclaimed WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA. The new album introduces contrasting visuals and a fresh perspective on the themes and ideas explored in the project before it.
While wor$t man in america is comprised entirely of new songs, each track is connected to the world established by WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA. Some songs act as direct inversions, while others revisit familiar ideas from an entirely new angle, creating a parallel narrative that both mirrors and challenges the original project.
Download Artwork HERE
“i think he’s got a girl” follows the release of singles “brand new chanel$” and “crank 2”, the former of which marked her debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at #98. Slayyyter performed “brand new chanel$” live for triple j’s Like A Version - watch HERE.
The entirely sold out WOR$T GIRL IN THE WORLD tour began in July with three shows in SLAYYYTER’s hometown of St. Louis and hit major cities across the United States. The tour continues globally with shows in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Berlin, and more before wrapping in London on November 5, 2026. SLAYYYTER is joined by Pearly Drops for all UK dates. Kalika will join as support for all EU dates.
This month, SLAYYYTER was announced as part of the Laneway 2027 and Lollapalooza South America lineups, during which she will perform her acclaimed live set across Australia, New Zealand and South America.
SLAYYYTER 2026-27 LIVE DATES
10/09/26 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - ZIG Festival^ SOLD OUT
10/10/26 - São Paulo, Brazil - ZIG Festival^ SOLD OUT
10/18/26 - Paris, France - Le Trianon** SOLD OUT
10/19/26 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso** SOLD OUT
10/20/26 - Cologne, Germany - Die Kantine** SOLD OUT
10/22/26 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega** SOLD OUT
10/23/26 - Hamburg, Germany - Fabrik** SOLD OUT
10/24/26 - Warsaw, Poland - Palladium** SOLD OUT
10/26/26 - Prague, Czechia - Lucerna Music Bar** SOLD OUT
10/27/26 - Berlin, Germany - Metropol** SOLD OUT
10/28/26 - Antwerp, Belgium - Trix** SOLD OUT
10/30/26 - Manchester, United Kingdom - Albert Hall* SOLD OUT
10/31/26 - Birmingham, United Kingdom - O2 Institute* SOLD OUT
11/01/26 - Glasgow, United Kingdom - O2 Academy* SOLD OUT
11/03/26 - Brighton, United Kingdom - CHALK* SOLD OUT
11/05/26 - London, United Kingdom - Roundhouse* SOLD OUT
2/12/27 - Sydney, Australia - Laneway Festival^
2/13/27 - Brisbane, Australia - Laneway Festival^
2/19/27 - Melbourne, Australia - Laneway Festival^
2/21/27 - Auckland, New Zealand - Laneway Festival^
3/12/27 - 3/14/27 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Lollapalooza Argentina^
3/12/27 - 3/14/27 - Santiago, Chile - Lollapalooza Chile^
3/19/27 - 3/21/27 - São Paulo, Brazil - Lollapalooza Brazil^
*with support from Pearly Drops; **with support from KALIKA
^festival date
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Louie De Real, Executive Director of Security Bank Foundation (fourth from left), and Ricardo Llego, Partnership Officer (second from right), receive a donation from Security Bank’s security agencies alongside Gen. Billy Beltran, Security and Safety Head (sixth from left), and Col. Ferjen Torred, Branch Security Operations and Investigation Head (third from left).
Makati, Philippines — The people who help protect Security Bank every day are also helping build a better future for Filipino children.
Six accredited security agency partners donated cash and in-kind support to Security Bank Foundation’s (SBFI) Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan campaign. Their contributions will help fund the construction of classrooms for public schools across the country.
"As a Security Banker and someone who works closely with our security agency partners, I strongly believe in Security Bank Foundation's advocacy for education. That's why I invited our partner agencies to join us in nation-building by supporting the Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan campaign," said Gen. Billy Beltran, Chief Security Officer at Security Bank.
The participating agencies were Eparwa Security Services, Gallantry Security and Investigation Agency, Magno's Security & Investigation Services, Tarsier Security Agency, BOS Security Solutions and Services, and Quiambao Security Specialists.
The initiative was led by Gen. Beltran and Col. Ferjen Torred, Special Operations Head of the Bank’s Security and Safety Division.
This year, Security Bank Foundation is constructing 60 classrooms for eight public schools nationwide. The agencies’ contributions will help cover rising construction costs and enable SBFI to serve more students and communities.
The campaign forms part of Security Bank Foundation’s Build a School, Build a Nation program. Since 2011, the program has helped address the country's classroom shortage by constructing school facilities for public schools nationwide.
Security Bank Foundation invites individuals and organizations to take part in the campaign. Every contribution helps bring more Filipino children closer to safe and conducive spaces where they can learn, grow, and build their futures. Donate through the Bayanihan Para sa Silid-Aralan donation form.
Public Solicitation Permit No.: DSWD-SB-PSP-S-2026-000082
Learn more here: www.securitybank.com/foundation/
Saving means different things to different people—from managing daily expenses to building an emergency fund or planning for the future. But with competing priorities, knowing where to put your money first can be challenging. TransUnion’s most recent Consumer Pulse Study found that 49% of Filipino consumers increased their emergency savings, while Sun Life’s 2026 Financial Resilience Index found that managing daily expenses is the top financial priority for more than half of Filipinos.
With priorities ranging from daily needs to future goals, saving is ultimately about finding habits that fit your life and give your money purpose.
To help Filipinos navigate their personal finance journeys, Jax Reyes, a well-known finance content creator recognized for making personal finance and money management more accessible online, shares practical advice on everything from saving and budgeting to making the most of your money.
“Not making a move is still a move. Not making a decision is still a decision. Every month, naka-upo yung pera mo sa same account. That is still a decision. But do you know that the quietness in that decision is costing you something?” said Jax.
Through a series of modules, Jax helps you identify what type of saver you are, find an approach that works for you, and discover how you can make your savings work toward your goals. Have a look and see which type of saver you are:
“May Naitabi” — The Accidental Saver
For the “Ay, may natira pala” saver, putting money aside isn’t always part of a carefully planned routine. Savings happen almost by accident—whatever remains after bills, essentials, and a little spending. The catch is that when this extra money stays in the same account as everyday funds, it can easily get spent without getting noticed.
A simple way to make this habit more intentional is to give those small, irregular amounts a dedicated place to stay. With a high yield savings account in GSave, even your may naitabi money can earn up to 3.5%, instead of simply sitting in your account. After all, saving doesn’t always have to start big—it can start with whatever you have left, as long as you make the effort to keep it saved.
“May Huhugutin” — The Rainy-Day Saver
For the “may huhugutin” saver, having a financial safety net brings peace of mind. You like knowing there’s money set aside for the unexpected, but when your emergency fund sits in the same account as your everyday money, it can be tempting to treat it as part of your daily spend. One way to make your emergency fund work better is to give it a dedicated place, separate from the money you use day to day.
With a dedicated GSave account, your emergency savings can be kept out of sight from your everyday balance, while still remaining accessible when a genuine need comes up. Because when it comes to rainy-day funds, the goal is may huhugutin when you really need it—not when you’re short on your weekend splurge.
“May Pinaglalaanan” — The Goal-Setter
For the “may pinaglalaanan” saver, every peso has a purpose. You may be saving for a long-awaited trip, a big purchase, or another goal that you’re hoping to check off soon. The challenge comes when goal money and everyday spending share the same account—you have to constantly keep track of what’s “untouchable” and what’s actually available to spend.
Giving each goal its own dedicated place can make saving feel more tangible and help you stay accountable. With GSave, you can set aside money for a specific goal and easily see your progress along the way, without having to do the mental math every time you check your balance. After all, it’s easier to reach your goals when you see how far you’ve come.
“May Pinaghahandaan” — The Future Thinker
For the “may pinaghahandaan” saver, saving is all about thinking ahead. You’re not just preparing for your next purchase or vacation—you’re setting money aside for bigger milestones, whether that’s a future home, your child’s education, retirement, or another long-term dream. But when those savings simply sit in a regular account for years, they may not be doing much beyond waiting for the day you need them.
Giving long-term savings a dedicated place can help you stay focused on the future while allowing your money to potentially grow over time. With GSave, you can set aside money for tomorrow in a dedicated account, while options like UNO Time Deposit offer rates of up to 5.5% p.a. for funds you’re ready to set aside for longer. This way, you can keep money for today separate from what you’re preparing for tomorrow—and let your savings start working toward that future today.
“Hindi lang talaga siya about dapat magaling ka sa pera. It’s really about choosing a partner kung saan mo dapat ilagay. Saan siya mas magwo-work hard for you? Sometimes, the convenience, the complacency, is costing you. This is [an option] where you can put your money where it’s working for you—that’s what’s important. This is the real upgrade. Because siyempre, we all want it to be easy, but pinaka-importante is that I want it to be beneficial for you as well,” noted Jax.
Want to find the saving style that works best for you? Explore Jax’s modules on saving for practical tips on building better saving habits.
This October, Your Savings Could Come With More Reasons to Grow
Whatever your savings style, putting your money aside can be more rewarding when you have more reasons to stay on track. This October, GSave gives savers another reason to make their money moves count with GCash Shake It Up!
You don’t have to wait until payday to get started—simply open the GCash app each day and tap on an eligible product, such as GSave or GFunds, to unlock one free daily shake. Each shake automatically gives you one raffle entry for a chance to win Php 10,000 in cash, while also giving you the chance to score instant shopping vouchers worth Php 1, Php 50, or Php 200.
Save to Win Bigger
Ready to level up your wealth? Save or invest at least PHP 1,000 in eligible Wealth Management products like GSave or GFunds to earn one raffle entry per ₱1,000 deposited (for GSave, funds must remain in the account for at least 7 days).
The promo is open to both new and existing users, giving everyone a chance to win exciting prizes throughout the campaign. Up for grabs are:
- October 1-15: One Yamaha Aerox scooter
- October 16-31: The campaign’s grand prize of PHP 500,000 in cash
There’s no one right way to save—the best approach is the one that fits your habits, goals, and priorities. Whether you’re may naitabi, may huhugutin, may pinaglalaanan, or may pinaghahandaan, giving your savings a dedicated place can help you stay intentional about where your money goes. Because smart money habits don’t have to feel restrictive—they can help your money grow while giving you something to look forward to along the way.
To open an account on GSave you must be a Filipino Citizen, at least 18 years old, and a fully verified GCash user. Ready to grow your money? You may access GSave through the GCash dashboard or find it under “Grow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!
Employee feedback highlights strong workplace culture, flexibility, and collaboration
Security Bank received a Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026 award from HR Asia, marking the Bank’s third consecutive year earning the recognition. Nerissa Berba, Chief People Officer of Security Bank, accepted the award on behalf of the Bank during the gala dinner and awards ceremony on October 6, 2026.
Makati City, Philippines — Security Bank has been named one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026, marking its third consecutive year receiving the award.
The award is based on employee feedback gathered through HR Asia’s Team Engagement Assessment survey, which measures workplace culture, employee engagement, and organizational practices across participating companies in the region.
Security Bank scored above market benchmarks across several measures assessed in the survey. Employees were more likely than the market average to recommend Security Bank as a great place to work, with a score of 4.06 compared with the benchmark of 3.86.
Among the Bank’s strongest results was workplace flexibility, where it scored 4.63 against the market benchmark of 3.86. Employees also gave above-market ratings for collaboration, inclusion, and workplace culture.
“What makes this recognition meaningful is that it comes directly from employee feedback,” said Nerissa Berba, Chief People Officer of Security Bank. “Receiving it for the third consecutive year reflects the strength of our workplace culture and the experience of our employees across the Bank.”
“While we’re proud of this recognition, our focus remains on listening to our employees and continuously improving the employee experience,” Berba added.
Organized by HR Asia, the Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards recognize organizations with strong workplace cultures and employee engagement practices based on employee feedback and organizational assessments.
Security Bank previously received the recognition in 2024 and 2025.
More reasons to stay active, with 108 pickleball courts nationwide, SM is the country’s largest destination for pickleball, bringing communities to play and connect!
Pickleball and active living are rapidly becoming part of the Filipino lifestyle, with more communities embracing the sport as a fun, social, and accessible way to stay active and connect with others.
As home to the country’s largest pickleball destination, SM Pickleball continues to expand its presence with the opening of six new courts at SM City East Ortigas, bringing the total number of SM Pickleball courts nationwide to 108 across 33 SM malls. The expansion provides more players and communities with dedicated spaces to play, connect, and grow their passion for the sport.
Tapping off a good game at the newly opened SM Pickleball courts at SM City East Ortigas.
(L-R) TV personality and pickleball enthusiast Eric “Eruption” Tai, Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations ,SM Supermalls, Ronald Allan Brosas, Senior Assistant Vice President of SM Sports & Leisure Centers ,Joseph Francis Silva, and Asia’s No.1 ranked women’s singles pickleball player, Anna Clarice Patrimonio.
The new courts officially opened on September 25, with an open play featuring celebrities who have become active in pickleball and have been seen playing in
SM Pickleball courts. Joining Ronald Allan Brosas,Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations of SM Supermalls, and Joseph Francis Silva,Senior Assistant Vice President of Sports & Leisure Centers were celebrity guests, Anna Clarice Patrimonio, Cherry Pie Picache, Nikki Valdez, Diana Zubiri, Eruption, Andy Smith, Mark Solis, Meg Imperial, Carlene Aguilar, Inez Veneracion, Vince Abrenica and Sophie Albert.
Celebrities and pickleball enthusiasts gather for an open play match during the launch of the six new SM Pickleball courts at SM City East Ortigas.
Designed for both seasoned athletes and beginners, the new courts provide a welcoming space where individuals, families, friends, and communities from the eastern side of the metro can come together through sport. A dedicated private court is also available for guests who want to enjoy exclusive matches with family, colleagues, or fellow enthusiasts, whether for a friendly match, a casual get-together, or simply to spend time with their peers on their gala days.
Celebrity guests, and pickleball enthusiasts come together during the launch of the six new SM Pickleball courts at SM City East Ortigas.
“Expanding SM Pickleball to East Ortigas is all about making the sport accessible and bringing it closer to home. Beyond building courts, we’re creating a welcoming space across Metro Manila where players of all skill levels can come together, build lasting friendships, and help grow the pickleball community” said Joseph Francis Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President of SM Sports & Leisure Centers.
The newly opened SM Pickleball facility at SM City East Ortigas features six courts with a dedicated private court, giving players more space to enjoy a game or two on their gala days.
Through SM Sports & Leisure, pickleball is becoming more than just a fast-growing sport in the country. It is helping foster a culture of active living, community engagement, and everyday wellness, making healthy and enjoyable experiences more accessible to Filipinos nationwide.
For court reservations and inquiries, visit https://reclub.co/clubs/@sm-x-paloo-east-ortigas
Follow @smsupermalls and @smgamepark for more updates.
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