What If You Bring More? AirAsia Philippines Lets You Check In as Many Bags as You Need

As more travelers return home with extra pasalubong, souvenirs, and shopping finds, AirAsia Philippines reminds guests that they can check in as many bags as they need, with no weight limit, as long as the total weight falls within their purchased or complimentary baggage allowance.

Guests can purchase checked baggage allowances ranging from 20kg to 60kg, providing flexibility for both short and long trips. For safety reasons, however, each individual checked bag must not weigh more than 32kg, even if a higher baggage allowance has been purchased.

However, if you have purchased more than 30 kg of baggage allowance, please note that each bag you will be checking-in must follow the following requirements:

Several essential mobility items may be checked in free of charge, including:

• Baby strollers, buggies, and prams
• Wheelchairs and mobility devices
• Crutches and walking frames

RE-BOOKED TO AVOID OTHER FEES

Guests who purchase checked baggage before departure can save up to Php 919 compared to airport rates. Checked baggage can be purchased conveniently via the AirAsia MOVE app, the AirAsia website, or Ask Bo.

BUYING ADDITIONAL BAGGAGE AFTER BOOKING

Guests who wish to add or upgrade their checked baggage allowance after completing their booking may conveniently do so through the Manage My Booking feature or by chatting with Ask Bo up to two hours before their scheduled departure. Checked baggage may also be added at the airport check-in counter, subject to applicable airport baggage rates.

To purchase or upgrade checked baggage through Ask Bo:

• Chat with Ask Bo on the AirAsia MOVE app or website.
• Type "Purchase Add-ons (Seats, Baggage, Meals)".
• Select "Baggage" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.

CABIN BAGGAGE

For cabin baggage, guests are entitled to two carry-on items—one cabin bag and one personal item like a laptop bag or a hand bag—with a combined weight of up to 7kg. Those who need additional cabin space may opt for Xtra Carry-On, which increases the cabin baggage allowance to 14kg when pre-booked.

As travelers continue to embrace spontaneous shopping, longer vacations, and meaningful trips home, AirAsia Philippines' flexible baggage policy ensures guests can bring home more of what matters—without worrying about the number of bags they check in.

About AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Founded in 2001, AirAsia has stayed true to its purpose and tagline "Now Everyone Can Fly". The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations. Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world's first global low cost network carrier. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net zero target by 2050. In 2023, it avoided 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its narrowbody regional network through 20+ efficiency measures, saving US$40 million in fuel and over US$388,000 in shadow carbon costs.

NOTE: The Communications and Public Affairs Group kindly requests for all media partners to follow the correct typography for the brand – for airline (AirAsia) spelled as one word with both As capitalized; and for non-airline (AirAsia MOVE) with MOVE capitalized.. 

For more information, feel free to contact:

AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Team: paa_commsandpublicaffairs1@airasia.com

Pru Life UK marks 30 years with double win at the 2026 Insurance Asia Awards

Pru Life UK Head of Brand & Integrated Marketing Communications Kathryn Cajucom (middle) and Manager for Communications and Public Relations Lalaine Almazan (1st from right) accepted the recognitions at the Insurance Asia Awards.

Pru Life UK celebrates its 30th anniversary in the Philippines, marking another milestone in its mission to protect Filipino families and provide meaningful financial security to more communities. 

Pru Life UK won two prestigious awards at the 2026 Insurance Asia Awards: International Life Insurer of the Year - Philippines, its sixth consecutive title, and New Takaful Insurance Product of the Year - Philippines for PRUTerm Lindungi, the country's first Shariah-compliant Family Takaful product.

These awards demonstrate Pru Life UK's ongoing leadership in customer-centric growth, innovation, and financial inclusion. Pru Life UK has expanded to meet the needs of Filipinos since its inception in 1996, with over 35,000 agents and a nationwide network of over 200 branches, business centers, and general agency offices. 

 

In FY2025, the company maintained a strong performance, earning ₱10.0 billion in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent and a market-leading 13% share of new business sales. Premium income increased to ₱52.8 billion, ranking second in the industry with a 13% market share. Pru Life UK currently insures close to two million lives and serves nearly one million policyholders.

“Winning International Life Insurer of the Year for the sixth year in a row is both an honour and a responsibility. As we celebrate 30 years in the Philippines, this recognition inspires us to continue making protection more accessible, relevant, and meaningful for Filipinos. Our work continues, with Filipinos at the heart of everything we do.” ~Kathryn Cajucom, Vice President for Branding and Integrated Marketing Communications at Pru Life UK

Expanding protection for more Filipinos

Pru Life UK's New Takaful Insurance Product of the Year - Philippines award recognizes the company's pioneering role in introducing Islamic insurance to the Philippines. 

Pru Life UK has been raising awareness and trust in Takaful since becoming the Philippines' first licensed operator, through education sessions, grassroots engagement, and consultations with Islamic religious leaders, media, financial advisers, and communities, particularly in Mindanao. 

The focus of this effort is PRUTerm Lindungi, the Philippines' first Shariah-compliant Family Takaful product. It is intended to help underserved communities and reflects Pru Life UK's commitment to inclusive protection that takes into account diverse needs, values, and ways of life.

Looking ahead with purpose

Pru Life UK continues to provide solutions that meet its customers where they are. In 2025, it will launch traditional products that provide protection and payouts, as well as wealth solutions, to supplement its strong investment-linked insurance portfolio. 

Beyond its products, the company continues to support financial education, climate resilience, health, and disaster preparedness through Prudence Foundation initiatives such as Adopt-a-Madrasah and Cha-Ching.  

Pru Life UK remains committed to its mission of being partners for every life and protectors for every future, as it celebrates its third decade in the Philippines.

About Pru Life UK

Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.  

 

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of over 35,000 licensed agents. 

  

Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.   

Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 930,000 individual policyholders and more than 85,000 insured group members, and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of FY 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.   

Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, with a legacy of more than 175 years of safeguarding the future of millions of families for this generation and generations to come.   

Pru Life UK is headquartered in 9/F Uptown Place Tower 1,1 East 11th Drive, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its main customer center is located in G/F Cluster 2, Uptown Parade, Megaworld Blvd. corner 36th street Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its customer center contact details are: +63 (2) 88875433 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-107785465 (for domestic toll-free via PLDT landline), email: contact.us@prulifeuk.com.ph. 

The PRU customer center processes customer concerns based on applicable timelines provided by the law. Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ for the list of its branches and more information. 

Pru Life UK is legally permitted to provide financial products or services in the Philippines as regulated by the Insurance Commission. 

The Insurance Commission’s head office is located in 1071 United Nations Avenue Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Their Cebu District office is located at Unit 17, Ground and Second Floors, The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, while their Davao District office is in Door 2 & 3, 3rd Floor of YAP Building Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City. Visit www.insurance.gov.ph/contact-us/ for more information. 

Notes: 

*New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year  

 

Please use "Pru Life UK" when referring to the company.

About Prudence Foundation 

Established in 2011 in Hong Kong, Prudence Foundation is the community investment and philanthropic arm of Prudential plc. 

The Foundation builds financial wellbeing, and climate and health resilience for underserved Asian and African communities. We are committed to sustainable, long-term solutions that empower individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions, access affordable financial products, as well as be more prepared and protected against climate related health risks. We actively engage in public-private partnerships, collaborate with governments, NGOs, communities and other private sector entities to build collective efforts for lasting change. To date, our programmes are implemented across 16 markets in Asia and Africa, reaching millions of people. 

 

For more information: www.prudencefoundation.com 

Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. 

Ajinomoto Philippines supports 1st NDAP Food & Nutripreneurship Summit

In photo from left: Lawrence Kyle Dela Cruz, RND Program Chair, NDAP National Board Director for Food Service; APC RND Bea Menorca-De Jesus; APC Director for Marketing, Sales and Public Relations, Mika Makino, APC Food Service Division Corporate Chef Manager, Chef Glenn Dino; Shaylendra Andres, RND - NDAP National Vice President; Maria Eloisa Villaraza, RND, MSCN – NDAP Immediate Past President

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) recently attended the first Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP) Food & Nutripreneurship (FUN) Summit, which took place on July 3-4, 2026. The event brought together nutrition professionals, industry leaders, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the country. 

The summit, titled “Fueling Innovation in Food Service by Uniting Nutrition Advocates and Entrepreneurs and Nurturing Sustainable Ventures for Health and Wellness,” provided a forum for participants to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends and issues, and strengthen ties with other advocates committed to shaping the future of nutrition and food service in the Philippines.

Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC's registered nutritionist-dietitian, and Glen Dino, Food Service Division Corporate Chef Manager, led a lunch symposium emphasizing the importance of increasing vegetable consumption as one of the most effective strategies for improving human and environmental health. 

Chef Dino demonstrated quick and fun vegetable recipes such as Chopsuey Salad with CaterServe® Sesame Dressing and Mango Shrimp Salad with AJI-MAYO® Professional Style Mayonnaise. Both used umami or savory flavors to enhance the "linamnam" factor of vegetable dishes, making them tastier and more appealing.

“The reality we’re seeing from DOST-FNRI data is that there is a gap between nutrition and sustainability in the country now. While millions of Filipinos are not meeting their daily energy needs, household plate waste continues to rise, and vegetables are among the most wasted. Vegetables should be at the center of this conversation because increasing consumption supports nutritional goals such as providing essential vitamins and minerals, and fiber. At the same time, it contributes to sustainability as plant-based foods have lower environmental footprint.” ~Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC’s Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) continues to strengthen its partnership with the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP) in advancing nutrition, health, and sustainability initiatives. Shown are NDAP Adviser Zenaida Velasco (center), flanked by Mika Makino, APC Director for Marketing, Sales and Public Relations (left), and Bea Menorca-de Jesus, RND, APC Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (right)

This message is also central to APC's flagship nutritional campaign, I Love Veggie-Licious®. Since 2023, APC has been encouraging Filipinos to eat more vegetables by visiting schools and communities across the country to provide practical nutrition education and cooking demonstrations. The initiative aims to provide families, particularly mothers, with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate vegetables into their daily meals and develop the habit of eating healthier, in line with APC's corporate slogan, "Eat Well, Live Well."

“NDAP recognizes the value of multisectoral participation in promoting safe, sustainable, and evidence-based public health nutrition education for Filipinos. This event provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and practices among nutrition professionals, businesses, food service organizations, and other stakeholders in support of shared public health and nutrition goals.” ~Lawrence Kyle Dela Cruz, RND Program Chair, NDAP National Board Director for Food Service

I Love Veggie-Licious® is one of the major ways APC continues to contribute to the Ajinomoto Group’s 2030 outcomes — help extend the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and to reduce its environmental impact by 50%. 

Likewise, APC continues to support organizations like NDAP, that share the company’s commitment to promoting nutrition, health and sustainability. 

Ched Chairperson Agrupis, 3 others face Ombudsman complaint over Program Closures, Alleged Bad Faith

Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and four other CHED officials are facing a graft and administrative misconduct complaint before the Ombudsman's Office in connection with the closure of several degree programs at campuses affiliated with a major private higher education network.

The complaint also names Agrupis' chief of staff and three regional directors, who oversee CHED operations across the country. The complaint charges them with violating Section 3 (e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as grave misconduct, oppression, and conduct detrimental to the best interests of the service.

According to the complaint, CHED issued resolutions in early March 2026 ordering the closure or phase-out of several degree programs at the network's three campuses, citing noncompliance with regulatory requirements for program administration, faculty, and facilities. The institution that operates the affected campuses claims it did not contest the closures. The complaint criticizes CHED's handling of the public rollout, specifically a series of advisories posted on CHED's official website and Facebook pages that directly named the affected campuses, with public comments left open on the posts.

The complaint claims that because the campuses share a single, well-known brand, the public misinterpreted the advisories as signaling the closure of the entire institution, rather than just a few programs at three of its approximately 150 campuses. Campus administrators across the network reportedly received a slew of concerned calls from students, parents, and partner institutions who believed the entire system was closing.

The complaint further alleges that the institution, through its representative, sent three separate written appeals to Chairperson Agrupis between late April and early May 2026, requesting that CHED coordinate an orderly transition and refrain from further public dissemination while the matter was being resolved. Each letter reportedly received an automated acknowledgment but no substantive response. Despite these requests, the complaint alleges that CHED re-published the advisories on Facebook in mid-May, this time with comments enabled, causing additional reputational and financial harm during a critical enrollment period.

According to the complaint, the resulting damage was significant enough to prompt inquiries from the institution's bank and media coverage, as well as contribute to lost enrollment opportunities that may be difficult to fully recover.

Beyond its own case, the complaint accuses CHED of applying regulatory standards unevenly. It cites public statements from a lawmaker and prior news reports to show that hundreds of teacher education programs across the country were flagged for closure due to licensure exam performance, but were not treated with the same urgency and public scrutiny as the campuses at the center of this complaint. The complainant claims that vigorous public action in one case and comparative inaction in others demonstrates bias.

The Ombudsman's complaint is not the institution's only legal action. The company has filed a complaint with the Anti-Red Tape Authority regarding CHED's failure to respond to its appeals. They are also seeking an injunction in a Quezon City trial court to prevent further dissemination of the advisories and recover ₱20 million in moral damages.

The Iconic Blue Magic Opens at SM Center Sangandaan

For many Filipinos, Blue Magic has long been associated with significant life events. From teddy bears and novelty gifts to keepsakes for birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries, the homegrown brand has spent nearly four decades helping customers commemorate special occasions.

Caloocan shoppers now have easier access to their favorite gift items thanks to the opening of Blue Magic's newest store on the ground floor of SM Center Sangandaan, which is conveniently located near Watsons.

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Blue Magic was founded in 1985 and has since grown to become one of the country's most well-known gift retailers, offering plush toys, novelty items, home décor, and gift options for every occasion. Its enduring appeal stems from its ability to combine affordable finds with sentimental value, making it a popular shopping destination for generations of Filipinos.

The new store offers a diverse range of gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holidays, and everyday occasions. Whether customers want a simple token of appreciation or a meaningful present, the store has gift ideas for every budget and occasion.

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Customers can also receive additional benefits through the Blue-tiful Rewards program. Shoppers with purchase receipts totaling ₱5,000 until December 31, 2026 can qualify for VIP status and receive 10% off select regular-priced items for a year.

Blue Magic also has a pop-up store on the mall's 5th Floor for shoppers who are closer to SM City Grand Central, making it another convenient location to find thoughtful gifts.

With the opening of its newest branch at your favorite SM Center Sangandaan, as well as its presence at SM City Grand Central, Blue Magic continues to make its signature gift selections more accessible to shoppers in northern Metro Manila.

Tanduay Raises the Bar for Philippine Rums Anew with Two Gold Wins in the U.S.

Tanduay's position as a leading producer of premium rums was strengthened when two of its products received Gold Medals at the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards, which took place on June 10 in Chicago, USA.

Tanduay Double Rum and Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years both received 95 points in a contest to determine how well spirits perform in real-world hospitality settings.

“The awards Tanduay has received throughout the years show that Philippine rums can truly compete with the world’s best. And what makes our latest wins at the Bar-tender Spirits Awards even more special is that it was judged by a panel composed ex-clusively of bartenders and hospitality professionals. These are the people who know what spirits truly shine from shelf to glass. These international awards reflect Tanduay’s commitment to Filipino craftsmanship and innovation, and they inspire us to continue showcasing the best of the Philippines on the global stage.” ~Roy Kristoffer Sumang, Tanduay Interna-tional Business Development Manager

Two of Tanduay’s Finest Premium Rums

Tanduay Double Rum is a blend of 16 and 5 year-old rums that are aged an additional two years in ex-bourbon barrels. This aging process enhances the award-winning rum's flavor harmony from start to finish, making it an excellent sipping rum.

According to the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards’ tasting notes, Tanduay Double Rum’s “aromas of honeysuckle, marzipan, and nutmeg lead to a palate of toasted toffee and cacao, culminating in a soft, long, and very pleasant finish.”

Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years, another internationally recognized product, is a bold blend of rums aged in oak barrels for a decade. It is an overproof rum with an ABV of 50.5%.

In the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards, its tasting notes were “aromas of honey, dried fruit, and spice” that “lead to a smooth, approachable palate with evolving candied fruit notes and a balanced, lingering finish.”

How Products Are Scored

Spirits are evaluated based on their mixability (how well they blend or combine in cocktails), balance and versatility (flavor and aroma), and taste, mouthfeel, and finish. They are also judged on their packaging, creative design, la-bel quality, label details, back-bar appeal, and functionality (including shape, size, weight, and ease of pouring), as well as their value, or how much they cost and what value they offer.

Bronze Medals are given to spirits who score 80-84 points, Silver to those who score 85-89 points, Gold to those who score 90-95 points, and Double Gold to those who score 96 or more points.

More About the Bartender Spirits Awards

The Bartender Spirits Awards seek to identify products that perform well in the United States' on-premise market, assisting bars, restaurants, hotels, and hospitality venues in discovering spirits with high commercial potential. 

The competition is judged entirely by hospitality professionals, and the winning spirits are recognized for their quality and practicality in real-world beverage programs.

Learn more about Tanduay’s products and latest events and promotions by following its  official social media accounts. Tanduay products are available via its official e-commerce site, www.shots.ph, and from leading liquor stores and supermarkets nation-wide.

About Tanduay

Tanduay is one of the most-awarded rum brands in the Philippines, receiving various local and international citations. In 2017, it was declared the World’s No. 1 Rum by Drinks International magazine. Tanduay will hold this title for nine consecutive years.

Tanduay started out as a distillery in Hagonoy, Bulacan, a province in the island of Luzon known for its heroes and craftsmen. It changed ownership throughout the decades and has been under the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, Inc., one of the biggest conglomerates in the Philippines, since 1988.

Even as the years passed, Tanduay has maintained the traditional way of distilling its rums, a practice that started in its now decommissioned Manila distillery. It has likewise consistently maintained its product quality, ensuring that Filipinos and foreigners alike will enjoy the same taste and aroma of a Tanduay product wherever they are in the world

More Miles Than Milestones? Agrupis' Foreign Trips Face Scrutiny

Shirley Agrupis, Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), is under increasing scrutiny for her frequent foreign engagements, raising questions about whether she has become the agency's most traveled chairperson in history—and what Philippine higher education has gained from her trips abroad.

Agrupis' increasingly visible presence at international meetings has piqued the interest of critics and education sector observers, who are now calling for greater transparency regarding the number, cost, and outcomes of her overseas trips.

Her latest trip to Paris has brought the issue back into focus.

In a social media post, Agrupis described the extreme heat in Paris, claiming that temperatures had reached 43 degrees Celsius and were "too hard to tolerate/survive."

She also made broad observations about Paris' preparedness for climate change, claiming that the "world's famous City apparently is not ready or have not anticipated that climate change was coming."

Agrupis went on to complain about the lack of air conditioning in homes, apartments, some hotels, and public places, claiming there was "practically NO place to hang on" in the heat.

The remarks raised eyebrows over the tone of a senior Philippine government official commenting publicly on conditions in a host country while attending an international engagement.

Agrupis ended her post with a call to action on climate change: “LET US save our planet EARTH.”

The post drew reactions online, including one social media user who remarked: “Let's save our planet earth tapos nag travel sa Paris. Hahaha.”

Beyond the social media exchange, however, questions over Agrupis' foreign travel remain.

Critics have begun to question whether her overseas schedule has surpassed that of previous CHED chairpersons. A review and public disclosure of CHED's official travel records could reveal the number of trips Agrupis has made, their funding sources, and the measurable outcomes of each engagement.

Foreign travel is not uncommon for the head of CHED, especially as Philippine universities expand international partnerships and participate in regional and global education programs.

However, observers believe the frequency of such engagements should be accompanied by clear and tangible benefits for the country's higher education sector.

How many overseas trips has Agrupis made since taking office? How much money has been spent on these engagements, and what concrete programs, partnerships, or opportunities have they created for Filipino students and institutions?

At a time when CHED continues to face pressing domestic concerns, the growing focus on Agrupis' international travel is unlikely to fade without greater transparency.

The records can be used to determine whether Agrupis is CHED's most traveled chairperson. The more important question is what Philippine higher education has gained from all those miles.