AirAsia Philippines Launches Flights to Vietnam from ₱888​

AirAsia Philippines begins 2026 with a significant expansion of its international network, including the opening of two new flights to Vietnam. This network expansion strengthens AirAsia's expanding foothold in Southeast Asia and provides more economical options for Filipino visitors to visit the region.

Guests can book flights from Manila to Hanoi and Da Nang with initial one-way base tickets starting at ₱888, exclusive of fees and surcharges, until February 1, 2026, with travel dates from March 20 to October 25, 2026.

Both routes will begin on March 20, 2026, giving customers plenty of time to plan and book affordable seats for their next overseas trip.

“The addition of Vietnam to our route network highlights AirAsia Philippines’ commitment to growth and leadership in the budget travel market. Our hope is to give Filipino travelers  more choices, better value, and easier access to exciting destinations in Southeast Asia. We also aim to bring more tourists to the Philippines to contribute to economic growth.” ~Capt. Suresh Bangah, CEO and President of AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia Philippines will operate four weekly flights to Hanoi and four weekly flights to Da Nang on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with convenient afternoon to evening departure times.

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.

Manila Water strengthens water and wastewater advocacy through Lakbayan

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through its flagship advocacy program Lakbayan, which provides educational facility tours designed to give participants an in-depth look at the Company’s water and wastewater facilities.

Manila Water, an East Zone concessionaire, is strengthening its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through its flagship advocacy program, Lakbayan, which offers educational facility tours that provide participants with an in-depth look at the company's water and wastewater facilities.

This campaign seeks to raise awareness of the importance of water and encourage responsible consumption among communities, partners, and stakeholders.

Lakbayan provides participants with a unique opportunity to experience the full water cycle, from raw water supply and treatment to distribution and wastewater management. Visitors visiting Manila Water's cutting-edge facilities can learn firsthand about the processes that maintain a safe, clean, and reliable water supply, as well as the systems that treat wastewater before returning it to the environment.

Since its debut in 2006, Lakbayan has brought together thousands of students, local government entities, and private businesses to create a better knowledge of the water cycle and our joint role in protecting this critical resource. In 2025, Manila Water, headed by its Advocacy Managers and Facility Managers, held 65 Lakbayan excursions, with 2,151 people participating.

Participating organizations included the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DILG-National Capital Region, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Government of Makati, Sangguniang Kabataan of Quezon City, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Pateros, San Agustin Seminary, University of the Philippines, Technological University of Philippines, Mariano Marcos State University, Western Mindanao State University, and other public and private schools.

“Water is a finite resource and its responsible use is a shared obligation, yet it is often overlooked. Lakbayan allows us to share the science, innovation and our dedication behind every drop. Our goal is to inspire individuals and organizations to take meaningful action, whether through simple daily habits or large-scale programs, to conserve water and protect the environment. Every effort, big or small, creates a ripple of impact.” ~Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through its flagship advocacy program Lakbayan, which provides educational facility tours designed to give participants an in-depth look at the Company’s water and wastewater facilities.

The show focuses on Manila Water's advocacy for water conservation and environmental protection. By demonstrating the complexities and necessity of water and wastewater management, Lakbayan encourages participants to become sustainability advocates in their own communities.

Manila Water welcomes all stakeholders to experience Lakbayan. For schedules and reservations, interested parties may email info@manilawater.com.

Acer Expands Connectivity Product Lineup with New Predator 5G CPE, Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Routers, and Mobile Hotspot

New Predator Connect X7S 5G CPE, Acer Connect Ovia Wi-Fi 7 mesh routers, and Acer Connect M4D 5G Mobile Wi-Fi deliver ultra-fast, secure connectivity for gaming, home, and on-the-go use.

Acer has expanded its connectivity product portfolio with four new networking devices that deliver next-generation Wi-Fi 7 and 5G capabilities to new use cases. The new lineup includes the Predator Connect X7S 5G CPE, the Acer Connect Ovia T360 Wi-Fi 7 Dual-Band Mesh Router, the Acer Connect Ovia T520 Wi-Fi 7 Tri-Band Mesh Router, and the Acer Connect M4D 5G Mobile Wi-Fi, all of which are designed to provide fast, stable, and secure connections for smart homes, gamers, hybrid workers, and frequent travelers.

Predator Connect X7S 5G CPE: 5G and Wi-Fi 7 for Gaming and Entertainment

For gamers and performance-oriented customers, the Predator Connect X7S 5G CPE provides 5G connectivity with downlink rates of up to 4.67 Gbps, allowing it to handle more demanding gaming and streaming scenarios even in areas with poor fiber connectivity. It supports tri-band Wi-Fi 7 (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands) to provide minimal latency and excellent throughput across the house.

Advanced Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and Wi-Fi 7 speeds of up to 5,764 Mbps improve responsiveness by using multiple bands to stabilize connections while many devices are active. The device supports Hybrid Quality of Service (QoS), which works with the Intel® Killer™ Prioritization Engine to optimize bandwidth for latency-sensitive and bandwidth-intensive applications including online gaming, video streaming, and cloud services.

The Predator Connect X7S 5G CPE supports Nano-SIM-based 5G or 4G LTE and comes with numerous antennas for robust signal reception. It can use its mobile connection as the primary link while also providing the option to switch to a backup 2.5 Gbps Ethernet WAN, ensuring uninterrupted access for gaming, streaming, and smart home control.

Acer Connect Ovia T360 Dual-Band and T520 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Mesh for Smart-Home and Small-Office Coverage

The Acer Connect Ovia T360 dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router provides high-speed access across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It can cover up to 90 m² per node, making it ideal for apartments or smaller households that require stable everyday coverage. The Acer Connect Ovia T520 tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router adds a 6 GHz band alongside 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, with each node covering up to 110 m² for larger living spaces or environments with more devices connected at the same time. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 speeds of up to 5,764 Mbps for heavier streaming and gaming workloads.

Both routers are designed to improve Wi-Fi coverage and reduce dead zones in homes and small offices, resulting in more consistent connectivity from room to room. Both support Wi-Fi 7 features such as MLO, which reduces latency and increases speed by accessing several bands simultaneously.

Their clean industrial designs blend nicely with modern environments, and specialized WAN and LAN ports enable high-speed cable connections to smart TVs, game consoles, and desktop PCs. In a multi-mesh design, additional nodes can be added as needed to enhance coverage, with automatic node switching facilitating a more seamless roaming experience as users move from room to room.

Acer Connect M4D 5G Mobile Wi-Fi: High-Speed Connectivity Anywhere

The Acer Connect M4D 5G Mobile Wi-Fi is a small, portable hotspot that can connect up to 16 devices at once via dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHZ + 5 GHz). It is intended for users who require dependable, high-speed internet on the go, whether they are traveling for business, commuting, attending events, or sharing access with friends, family, or colleagues.

The Acer Connect M4D has a battery life of up to 15 hours of average use while sharing its connection, which allows for a complete working day away from fixed power. It supports a variety of SIM formats, including Nano-SIM, eSIM, and Virtual SIM, allowing for 5G access across multiple operators and regions. It can also operate in Wi-Fi Internet Service Provider (WISP, Wi-Fi Extender) mode, connecting to an existing Wi-Fi AP (access point) and redistributing internet connectivity to other devices. Users can keep numerous eSIM profiles and swap providers as needed while traveling, allowing them to stay connected while they move between locations. The Acer Connect M4D enables USB tethering on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux operating systems.

With a supplied docking station, the Acer Connect M4D can function as a tiny home or business router, complete with an RJ45 LAN connector for wired devices. The docking station supports 5G NR to LAN and WAN (switchable via the screen) capabilities. On the security front, the device offers advanced WPA2/WPA3 encryption, firewalls, SIM lock, screen PIN lock, and VPN use to protect data. The Acer Connect M4D is designed to help customers stay connected and secure with no effort by automatically delivering software updates over-the-air (OTA).

Security and Simple Control Across the Predator and Acer Connect Ovia Lineup

The new Predator and Acer Connect Ovia devices prioritize simplicity of control and security. All three products may be managed via the Acer Connect app, which allows users to set up, adjust, or add mesh nodes, review connected devices, and configure guest access all from their smartphones. They also offer a standard set of security features, including as WPA3 encryption, VPN support, parental controls, and firewall settings, to protect home networks and linked devices from online threats.

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

About Acer 

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs nearly 12,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

© 2026 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.

Kickstart the New Year in Style with 10 Free Feel-Good Shows on Samsung TV Plus

Need some downtime to ease into 2026? Here's a hint from us: sit back and relax on the couch with these comforting shows to set the tone for new beginnings. Whether you're enjoying these snug moments with family or carving out some well-deserved me-time, some devoted TV time can provide a much-needed reset before the new year begins. 

 

Samsung TV Plus is a wonderful place to start, since it allows you to watch a variety of content directly from your Samsung Smart TV. All you need is a compatible Samsung Smart TV, a Samsung Account, and an internet connection.

Samsung TV Plus user interface on a Samsung Smart TV

From intense culinary battles and steamy kilig romance to mind-blowing myths that keep the barkada debating, and high-stakes game shows that keep the fun and suspense alive, here are our 10 feel-good picks for you to binge on during your downtime:  

1. MasterChef

Home cooks from many walks of life compete in the MasterChef kitchen, tackling high-pressure culinary tasks in the hopes of becoming the next food superstar. Renowned chefs set the tasks and judge each dish, so expect intense cook-offs, emotional eliminations, and a plethora of mouthwatering dishes.

2. Hell’s Kitchen

In Hell's Kitchen, two teams of aspiring cooks compete in grueling cooking tests and dinner services for the coveted position of head chef at a major restaurant, all under the supervision of world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.

3. Survivor

Survivor, one of television's most iconic franchises, transports players to distant regions where only the cleverest, bravest, and most savvy competitors survive. Expect dramatic alliances, audacious actions, and arduous trials as each contestant competes to outthink and outmaneuver the others in search of the coveted grand prize.

4. World of Love Island

In the ultimate love game, a group of singles travel to a villa in the sun on World of Love Island, hoping for a summer of passion and romance. To stay in paradise, the singles must capture the hearts of the audience. The audience at home determines who is removed, and the final pair wins the grand prize.

5. Deal or No Deal

Deal or No Deal, an iconic game show, spotlights competitors as they bargain, gamble, and maintain their cool for a chance at a life-changing financial reward. The tension builds with each box opened and transaction evaluated, resulting in exhilarating and surprising television that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

6. K-Food by CJ ENM

If you're looking for something new, K-Food by CJ ENM is a mouthwatering celebration of food and culture that delves into the flavors and tales of Korean cuisine. It includes classic recipes as well as contemporary variations.

7. Mythbusters

Curious minds will enjoy Mythbusters, in which a team of professionals tests urban legends and viral myths. Expect spectacular experiments and contagious humor as the Mythbusters crew reveals what's real and what's fantasy, making science both exhilarating and amusing.

8. Hot Ones

If you love celebrity interviews with a twist, Hot Ones is a must-watch. Follow the journey of some of the world’s biggest celebrities, as they squirm through burning-hot chicken wings while answering host Sean Evans’ tough questions – it’s as fun as it is fiery.

9. Come Dine With Me

A British institution, Come Dine With Me sees complete strangers compete to host the ultimate dinner party. Expect drama, laughs, and surprise culinary triumphs as they vie for a cash prize.

 

10. Premier Sports

If you are a sports fan, Premier Sports will be your go-to channel for all the action. Watch some of the world's most spectacular sporting events LIVE, including fights from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, National Football League, Cage Warriors, and Volleyball Nations League. 

As technology advancements influence how people consume information, Samsung is the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to offer a FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) service in the Philippines. Since its launch a year ago, Samsung TV Plus has provided a varied range of live TV channels around the region, including entertainment, news, and movies. It is now a reliable source of free, accessible content in the Philippines, with over 80 channels.

If you're seeking for entertainment without the cost or commitment of a subscription, Samsung TV Plus has you covered, with access to a world of classic shows as well as new, local programming. With an incredible lineup that includes celebratory music, delectable food, and global musical icons, the service has something for everyone. So, make a point of checking out Samsung TV Plus; you might just find your next favorite show—simply turn it on!

For more information, visit www.samsung.com/sg/tvs/smart-tv/samsung-tv-plus.   

AirAsia Philippines Welcomes 2026 with 27% Off All Seats, All Flights

AirAsia Philippines is kicking off the New Year by offering up to 27% off All Seats, All Flights across its domestic and international network.

As the World’s Best Low Cost Airline, AirAsia encourages travelers to finally tick destinations off their bucket lists without stretching their budgets. The New Year sale is a special treat, with the extra 1% symbolizing the excitement of entering 2026 and encouraging guests to go a little further, travel a little more, and start the year with something extra.

The New Year seat offer runs from January 5 to 11, 2026, with travel dates ranging from January 19 to November 30, 2026, and includes select itineraries from Manila and Cebu.

Guests flying from Cebu may get base fares as low as PHP 65 one-way to Iloilo, Caticlan, and Davao, PHP 437 to Macao, and PHP 1,459 to Kuala Lumpur.

Travelers traveling from Manila can buy one-way base fares beginning at PHP 145 to Iloilo, PHP 153 to Bacolod, and PHP 226 to Kalibo, as well as other discounted fares to other domestic destinations.

The sale also includes international destinations from Manila, with one-way base tickets as low as PHP 583 to Macao and PHP 729 to Kaohsiung and Taipei.

Seats are limited, therefore guests are encouraged to reserve early. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information and to secure discounted fares, guests may visit airasia.com or book directly via MOVE app.

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.

Acer Academy and Benilde taps technology to advance Deaf Education

In Photo from L-R: Clare Mari Acuesta, Business Partner Lead – Acer Academy; Cristian Caoagas, Head of Product Management for Commercial Business – Acer Philippines; Sue Ong Lim, Managing Director – Acer Philippines; Angelo Marco Lacson, Vice-Chancellor for Academics - De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde; Bea Francisco – Dean, School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde; Sherlo Reyes, Director External Linkages - De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

Acer Academy has signed a partnership agreement with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) to provide learning devices to deaf students through the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), a program dedicated to providing deaf Filipino learners with inclusive, high-quality education.

“Education is one of our priority segments. We always believe in the power of education.
In the Philippines, we have a program called Acer Academy. As of now, we already have more than 400 members nationwide. More than providing devices, we are committed to keeping the partnership with Benilde in terms of immersion programs and partnering with students with disabilities.” ~Sue Ong-Lim, Managing Director of Acer Philippines

Acer Academy donated five Acer TravelMate laptops to DLS-CSB. These devices are designed to assist SDEAS students in accessing online learning platforms, completing academic tasks and digital coursework, engaging in blended learning activities, and increasing their digital literacy and employability.

“Through this partnership, we are opening pathways not only for students but also for the Benildean community. It will strengthen digital capacity, promote skill development, and support inclusion.” ~Marian Patricia BEA Francisco, Dean of SDEAS, DSL CSB

Acer Academy in the Philippines is a program established by Acer to assist schools, colleges, and universities in integrating technology into learning by providing hardware, software, training, and support for the creation of digital classrooms, improving digital literacy, and encouraging educational creativity.

“Many think that Benilde is a school for those who have, but it's not true. Yes, we have students like that, but many are struggling to make ends meet. We take many of our own initiatives for advancement. We look for partners like Acer, benefactors, and donors who can help us provide more education to the underprivileged and others, including persons with disabilities or those with special learning needs.” ~Angelo Marco Lacson, Vice-Chancellor for Academics, DLS-CSB

For more information about Acer Academy, follow Acer Academy Philippines on social media accounts on Facebook or visit www.acer.com.

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs over 7,800 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

Bulacan, This Is Our First: Jiang Nan at SM City Marilao

Foodies in Bulacan now have another incentive to visit SM City Marilao, as Jiang Nan Hotpot has officially opened its doors to serve authentic Chinese cuisine that combine tradition, comfort, and robust flavors.

Jiang Nan Hotpot, located on the second level of the West Wing Expansion, serves a cuisine that focuses on rich sauces and meticulously made soup bases, ranging from light and salty to rich and aromatic. Diners can personalize their meals by choosing from a wide range of fresh ingredients, such as premium meats, veggies, shellfish, and noodles, which are prepared right at the table.

As SM City Marilao continues to thrive as a lifestyle destination, Jiang Nan Hotpot undoubtedly tops the list of comfort food restaurants, thanks to its flavorful offerings and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for those looking for quality food and a satisfying dining experience close to home.