A new era of competition: 36 top players enter the GameZone Tour finals

This year, GameZone, the biggest card game creator in the Philippines, will launch a redesigned GameZone Tour. 36 challengers will compete for a coveted title and a piece of the ₱10,000,000 prize pool. The GameZone Tour began with a successful start in 2024 as the Tongits Champion Cup (TCC). 

The competition was then relaunched as the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC), with two high-energy editions held a year later: the Summer Showdown and the September Arena.

Both competitions featured elite Tongits play, emphasizing precision, strategy, and high-level card game skill among the nation's best competitors. The Tongits Plus Champions Cup (TPCC) will debut as the first of GameZone Tour's four main seasons in 2026, intensifying competitiveness. 

The competition will feature 36 elite Tongits masters, with one set to be the Tongits champion. The winner would receive half of the ₱10,000,000 tournament prize fund, held on March 7 to 8 at PNB Financial Center in Pasay City.

The eligible players were chosen from a pool of GameZone Tongits players who competed in tough multi-stage, 8-week online qualifiers to choose the best of the best for the competition. All expenses, including lodging and travel support, will be covered for the 36 elite players as they prepare for the official start of the main war. 

Tongits Plus Champions Cup (TPCC) kicks off with a jam-packed Day 1 containing three rounds, starting with the Elimination Round, in which the top 12 finishers from a 36-player field advance outright. The remaining 24 contestants will advance to the Revival Round, where half of them will be given a second chance to join the initial qualifiers in the following stage.

The Promotional Round, which concludes the first day, will identify the top nine players who will proceed and continue their title quest on the final day of the event. Following the historic Day 1 of the tournament, Day 2 will begin with the Semifinal. 

This stage will see the nine remaining players compete for three prestigious berths in the final round. The Grand Stage, which concludes the TPCC, will proclaim the top tongits talented player of the event as champion, as well as give important prizes and final rankings.

A side tournament will also take place, apart from the main competition, where players will vie for a share of the ₱500,000 prize pool. 

Tongits fans can watch the action unfold on the main TPCC stage alongside other events via the GameZone official website: gzone.ph

Experience the Real GameZone, visit the official website to know more about the tournament: https://gzone.ph/promotionV2/detail/130.

About DigiPlus

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

Dunk Into Flavor Once Again as McDonald’s Brings Back the Cheese and Chili Con Carne Dunks, Plus the Ebi Burger

McDonald's Philippines encourages customers to "dunk into flavor" once more with the reintroduction of the Cheese dip and Chili Con Carne Dunk, which begins February 18. The Ebi Burger, a fan favorite from 2025 that opened up new ways to enjoy other cherished McDonald's foods, returns this year.

“The return of both the Cheese and Chili Con Carne Dunks is McDonald’s way of digging deeper into the Pinoy sawsawan culture, which inherently invites sharing and creativity. Filipino culture encourages participation and individual creation in the way we consume our food, and this is exactly how our customers enjoyed the Dunks last year when they created new flavors and combinations with other favorites from our menu. The Ebi Burger is another product we’ve been wanting to offer again and offering it alongside the two Dunks would make for exciting new flavor combinations that we’re sure our customers will explore.” ~Ada Almendras-Lazaro, McDonald’s Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer

The two Dunks are both tasty and visually appealing. There's Cheese Dunk, a delicious and addictive cheese sauce. There's also the chile Con Carne Dunk, a savory sauce with rich, meaty tastes of chile, beef, and spices. Both excellently complement everyone's favorite cheeseburgers and other McDonald's dishes. 

The Ebi Burger is also returning this year, a timely offering from McDonald's during Lent. It's everyone's favorite crispy shrimp patty, now enhanced with thick, velvety cheese sauce for a creamy seafood pleasure.

Both the Cheese and Chili Con Carne Dunks, as well as the Ebi Burger, are available through dine-in, take-out, drive thru, and delivery via McDelivery, Grab Food or Food Panda. For more information about McDonald’s products and promos visit  www.mcdonalds.com.ph. 

For more information about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, McDo.ph on Facebook, @mcdo_ph on Instagram, and @McDo_PH on X. 

Pru Life UK brings the Chinese New Year countdown celebration to Lucky Chinatown

Pru Life UK, the country's biggest life insurer, commemorated the Year of the Horse with the Lucky Chinatown Chinese New Year 2026 Countdown Celebration, a cultural event hosted in Manila's Lucky Chinatown.

Anchored on themes of togetherness, optimism, and protection, the celebration brought together families, partners, and the local community through a dynamic program of traditional rituals, live performances, and symbolic countdown moments, reflecting Pru Life UK's commitment to supporting Filipinos at life's milestones.

The festivities began on February 16 with a special countdown and the ceremonial sounding of the gong, which is a time-honored ritual that represents prosperity and good fortune.

As the clock approached midnight, the evening came alive with musical performances, including crowd-pleasing sets by Lola Amour and Dionela, providing a contemporary twist to the traditional festival. Mallgoers were also able to capture PRUsperity at the Pru Life UK booth located in the Lucky Chinatown mall atrium. Visitors were asked to have their photos taken and receive a personalized Chinese name calligraphy bookmark, a significant gift symbolizing good fortune and new beginnings for the coming year.

“As we welcome the Chinese New Year, we are reminded that true prosperity begins with protection—safeguarding our families, our dreams, and the future we are building together. By being part of this celebration, we honour tradition while reaffirming our promise that Filipino families can Count on Us to be there, through every season of life.” ~Kathryn Cajucom, Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications of Pru Life UK

A Grand Fireworks Musical Display heralded the New Year, indicating a hopeful and meaningful start. 

The celebrations continued on February 17 with daytime activities for families and shoppers. Highlights included a spectacular lion and dragon dance and an astrological forecast session presented by feng shui master Johnson Chua, who provided insights for the coming year. 

Live performers filled out the program, keeping the celebratory vibe alive all day. Pru Life UK underlined its role as a trusted life partner by presenting the Lucky Chinatown Chinese New Year 2026 Countdown Celebration, allowing Filipinos to start the year with confidence, security, and the certainty that when it comes to protection, they can always count on PRU.

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 close to 38,000 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. 

Cool and clean with a chance to win: C2 makes every bottle count this summer

February 1 to April 30, 2026, every bottle of C2 with a green cap could let you unlock exciting prizes, such as gadgets, e-credits, lifestyle items, and travel tickets, with its C2 Win It: Summer Promo 2026

Summer is about to get even more refreshing as C2 Cool and Clean introduces the "C2 Win It: Summer Promo 2026." From February 1 to April 30, 2026, every bottle of C2 with a green cap might unlock lifestyle rewards worth more than 3 million pesos.

Joining is as simple as one, two, three! Simply purchase any participating C2 variation with a green cap in the 335ml, 455ml, or 1L sizes. Choose from popular flavors like Classic Green Tea, Lemon, and Apple, or try cool summer options like Freeze Melon, Dalandan, and Peach Black Tea.

Then, PEEL the bottle label to reveal your unique code and enter it into the official C2 Cool and Clean Facebook Messenger discussion. Keep your bottle for verification, and you'll be in.

The awards are intended to make summertime more relaxing and pleasurable. Prizes include ₱100,000 in GCash credits, elegant devices like the iPad Air, iPhone 16 Pro, or MacBook Air, as well as lifestyle staples like Marshall, JBL, Fitbit, Nike, or Uniqlo gift cards. Aside from shopping and technology, C2 is also giving away fantasy vacations for two to Boracay, La Union, and any PH location of your choosing. Weekly winners receive ₱5,000 GCash credits, making every sip of C2 more enjoyable.

Ready-to-drink tea brand C2 Cool and Clean aims to make summer more refreshing and relaxing by giving away exciting lifestyle rewards worth over 3 million with its C2 Win It: Summer Promo 2026

C2 Cool and Clean is a ready-to-drink tea created from 100% genuine tea leaves and rich in antioxidants, making it the ideal companion for unwinding. With its delectable tastes and organically brewed goodness, the brand has encouraged everyone to take a break, replenish, and relax. This summer, every sip is more than simply leisure; it's also a chance to win big and live life cooler.

The C2 Win It: Summer Promo 2026 runs nationwide from February 1 to April 30, 2026. Participating SKUs include C2 335ml, 455ml, and 1L bottles with green caps. For full mechanics and updates, visit the official C2 Cool & Clean Facebook page or check out its website (www.c2coolandclean.com.ph).

C2 Cool and Clean is a product of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), maker of iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ snacking moments for decades. Made from 100% real tea leaves, C2 lets Filipinos switch to relax mode—bringing its naturally refreshing goodness to everyday moments of calm and enjoyment. To learn more about URC, visit its website, Facebook Page and TikTok account.

Cebu Pacific launches Chinese New Year seat sale, with fares as low as P88

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines' top airline, is celebrating the Chinese New Year with a special seat discount, giving tourists the signal they've been looking for to book their next 2026 vacation.

• Seal Sale Period: February 16-20, 2026
• Price Point: For as low as PHP 88 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges (until seats last)
• ravel Period: April 1 – October 31, 2026

Local travelers can fly to Boracay to experience its powdery white sand beaches and different water activities, or to Bohol to witness the Chocolate Hills, cruise along the Loboc River, and see centuries-old heritage sites.

Bangkok provides a combination of street food adventures and lively marketplaces, whilst Hong Kong has amusement parks, shopping districts, and gorgeous harbor vistas. These overseas destinations are accessible from all five CEB hubs: Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, providing tourists throughout the Philippines with easy direct flight alternatives.

CEB presently operates in 37 domestic and 26 overseas destinations throughout Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

CEB accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, for flight reservations and add-on purchases.

Visit www.cebupacificair.com or book directly via the Cebu Pacific app to secure your seats now.

Cebu Pacific's Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cebupacificairphilippines

X: https://twitter.com/CebuPacificAir

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cebupacificair

Hanabishi Celebrates Love and Luck This February With Amazing Discounts and More

Hanabishi Appliances encourages everyone to celebrate love and fresh beginnings in a practical way this February. Whether it's surprise your significant other with a smarter washing machine or finally investing in culinary appliances for your small business, your trusted kapartner brand encourages you to give wisely and make every peso count.

“We are blending the romantic spirit of Valentine’s Day and the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year with a multiplatform campaign that encourages meaningful gift-giving and sulit shopping. We hope that with these deals, you can find the best gifts for your loved one or even for yourself that will make everyday life easier, and bring comfort and joy long after these occasions are over. At Hanabishi, this month is all about celebrating love and abundance. Now is the perfect time to show your appreciation in meaningful and practical ways. Give gifts that truly last.” ~Cherish Ong-Chua, VP for Finance and Marketing at  Hanabishi Appliances

Multi-Platform Deals and an Exclusive TikTok Live Experience

Hanabishi's attractive promotions across its major e-commerce platforms are timed perfectly for the mid-month payday. From February 14 to 16, fans may save up to 10% on their favorite appliances at Hanabishi's official flagship shop during the Lazada Sulit Sweldo Sale. From February 14 to 16, Shopee's Mid-Month Payday Sale offers a 10% discount on site-wide items. 

Don't miss out on the TikTok Shop Lunar New Year Sale, which runs from February 15 to 17, where you can save up to 10% plus stackable platform-wide certificates. Meanwhile, Hanabishi is providing the largest discounts to TikTok Live, including up to 25% off during live sessions, exclusive live-only vouchers, and real-time product demos and Q&As.

A Website Exclusive for Practical Gift Givers

Hanabishi is also rewarding its loyal clients with its Valentine Reward Promotion, which runs from February 10 to February 28. The promotion is only available on www.myhanabishi.com, the brand's official e-commerce site. New and existing Kapartner members can redeem 500 Kapartner Points for a P200 discount voucher with a minimum expenditure of PhP1,000. 

Upon redemption, members will get an email with a coupon code and a direct connection to a curated product page displaying eligible items. For additional information about the promotion, please visit this site.

Hanabishi also offers the practical way to say “I Love You” by letting your loved ones choose their preferred Hanabishi product through specially designed Valentine’s and Chinese New Year E-Gift Cards worth P1,000. Visit this LINK  to purchase your E-Gift Cards now.

Young Filipinos favour human advice for life and health insurance decisions

Even as digital financial tools gain popularity, young Filipino adults aged 20 to 35 continue to prefer human financial counselors when making life and health insurance decisions. According to a recent study on the Financial Mindset of Young Adults in Asia conducted by Prudential plc, a leading Asia and Africa insurer and Pru Life UK's parent company, the Philippines is the most human advice-oriented of the seven Asian markets surveyed, with young adults preferring advisers to digital tools for insurance guidance.

This desire is placed against a widespread sense of uncertainty, with 73% of young Filipinos stating they live in an era of unpredictability, the most in the region. Their primary concerns are rising living costs, family health, and financial security and help in old age. In this climate, consistency and comfort are important, especially when it comes to decisions that affect one's health, money, and family.

Despite persistent uncertainties, young Filipinos are more positive about their financial future than their regional peers, with 81% expecting their personal financial condition to improve in the next five to ten years. While 38% anticipate more hazards emerging from the current uncertainties, 44% see more opportunities ahead.

When it comes to purchasing life or health insurance, 76% of young Filipinos prefer to see an insurance agent or specialist for guidance, compared to 24% in other Asian countries, who prefer digital tools such as comparison platforms and AI-powered tools. This preference for human guidance persists throughout the insurance journey, with the majority of respondents preferring advisers for assistance in identifying relevant products (68%), explaining coverage details (80%), navigating the claims process (71%), and managing their policies (65%).

While young Filipinos are digitally confident and actively use internet tools for research and everyday financial management, they seek advice when making high-stakes decisions. Life and health insurance decisions are considered as more than just transactions; they demand explanation, reassurance, and trust. This is supported by regular, in-person interactions with financial advisers, with 80% of young Filipinos having met or spoken with one in the previous five years.

This substantial correlation between client preferences and adviser-led engagement emphasizes the importance of Pru Life UK's over 38,000 licensed insurance agents nationally. Its extensive and digitally enabled agency force is poised to assist young Filipinos at critical moments, providing personalized advice, clear explanations, and trusted human guidance for life and health protection decisions, as digital tools improve access, speed, and convenience.

“We understand the hopes and challenges of young Filipinos in securing their financial future. This generation is purposefully planning for tomorrow while balancing the needs of today. We are committed to supporting their aspirations by providing solutions that are simple, accessible, and relevant to their lives. They can always Count on PRU in helping them protect their possibilities and nurture every promise for themselves and their families.” ~Kathryn Cajucom, Head of Brand & Integrated Marketing Communications at Pru Life UK

Financial Mindset of Young individuals in Asia studied 5,348 young individuals in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand using an online quantitative study from July to August 2025.

For deeper insights into the evolving priorities, concerns and preferences of Asia’s young adults, access the full report here.

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 close to 38,000 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 Q3 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 Prudential plc

Prudential provides life and health insurance and asset management in Greater China, ASEAN, India and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEX: 2378) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX: K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

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.

About the report

Financial Mindset of Young Adults in Asia is a Prudential commissioned report, delving into the insurance and investment experiences, preferences and attitudes of 5,348 people aged 20-35 in seven Asian markets through online quantitative survey. The survey was conducted in July-August 2025.