On Your Marks, Get Set, Celebrate: ACER DAY Turns 10 with The Music Run

Acer Philippines is set to host a run unlike any other, where every step moves to the beat, complete with music-filled routes, exciting brand experiences, and a high-energy finish-line celebration at the Music Run on August 22, 2026, at the SM MOA Complex.

The Music Run is famous for its Sound Track Run Course, a route filled with adrenaline-pumping beats that take your run to the next level. Run, jog, walk, or dance your way through themed Music Zones along the 5km and 10km routes.

The run officially kicks off Acer's 10th Acer Day celebration, themed "Shift the Game." The celebration brings together three of this generation's biggest passions: fitness, entertainment, and technology.

Acer Day is Acer's way of connecting with its consumers and breaking down barriers between people and technology. It's a regional celebration built on innovation and community, packed with unique experiences and exclusive promotions.

"The Music Run reflects our commitment to creating experiences that bring people together beyond technology. As we celebrate 50 years of Acer and 10 years of Acer Day, we can't wait to see our community rally and shift the game with us," said Mart Maranon, Marketing Manager at Acer Philippines.

Race finishers can keep the celebration going by attending the Acer Day Concert at the Araneta Coliseum on August 30, 2026, with General Admission, Upper Box, and Lower Box options bundled with race registration. Register now at https://raceonic.com/sites/the-music-run-volume-2.

For more information about Acer and Acer Day, follow Acer Philippines on social media: @AcerPH 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 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.

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Gladys Reyes Makes Recording Debut with Campy Song "Primera Kontrabida"

Seasoned actress-host Gladys Reyes steps into the recording scene with “Primera Kontrabida,” a novelty pop song inspired by the iconic roles she has played over the years.

The track is a fun and campy anthem celebrating the Star Magic artist's enduring mark as the 'Primera Kontrabida' in showbiz while reminding listeners that true evil exists beyond the screen, in the form of dishonesty, manipulation, and greed.

StarPop teased the music drop with photos of Gladys’ most famous villainous characters, including Betsy in “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes,” Mayet in “Ang the Breadwinner Is…,” Salve in “Here Comes the Groom,” and Clara in “Mara Clara.”

Gladys first performed the song live at the “Primera Kontrabida Sings” event held last August 1 at Riser Lounge.

“Primera Kontrabida” was composed by ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo, who also co-produced it with StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos.

The song is out now on music streaming platforms. For more details on Glady’s music, follow StarPop on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Alexa Ilacad Brings the Heat to Jollibee Philippines’ Spicy Chickenjoy

For Filipinos who believe fried chicken tastes even better with a little kick, Jollibee is turning up the heat with Spicy Chickenjoy, putting the spotlight on a familiar favorite with a flavor profile designed to deliver more than just the sting of spice.

Jollibee Spicy Chickenjoy combines its signature crispy, juicy chicken with a blend of spices, bringing a noticeable kick to every bite. Rather than treating spiciness as a test of endurance, the brand is framing it as another layer of flavor to enjoy.

“Spiciness should not simply be about tolerating the heat. It should be about enjoying what the spice brings to the overall flavor experience. With Spicy Chickenjoy, we want Filipinos to discover that spicy can be exciting, flavorful and, most importantly, delicious,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines.

The move also comes as spicy flavors continue to gain a place among Filipino food preferences. According to research, 13 percent of surveyed adult Filipinos, or roughly one in eight, identified spicy as a taste preference. While the findings do not suggest that spicy food appeals to everyone, they point to a notable group of consumers who enjoy the added flavor and heat that spicy food brings.

Jollibee is bringing that flavor story to life with Alexa Ilacad, an actress, singer and performer known for her energetic personality and strong connection with younger Filipino audiences. Her naturally lively and expressive persona makes her a fitting face for Spicy Chickenjoy, particularly for a campaign that seeks to portray spice not as something intimidating, but as something fun, exciting and full of character.

For Ilacad, whose public persona often combines confidence, playfulness and youthful energy, the partnership gives Jollibee a way to personify the product's fiery personality while keeping the focus on the enjoyment that comes with every bite.

With Spicy Chickenjoy, Jollibee is ultimately asking consumers to look at spicy food beyond the question of how much heat they can handle. The bigger question, it suggests, is how much flavor they can enjoy.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

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Breaking News: HONOR Robot Phone Coming Soon in the Philippines

Global leading AI device ecosystem company HONOR today announced the launch of the highly anticipated HONOR Robot Phone. A revolutionary, category-creating device, the Robot Phone shatters the physical boundaries of traditional mobile technology by integrating a fully motorized 3-axis mechanical gimbal directly into its premium smartphone design. It combines selected elements of ARRI Image Science and professional cinema workflows, going beyond a traditional smartphone to serve as an active physical companion and a formidable mobile production studio.

The Industry's First Smartphone with a 4DoF Titanium Agile Gimbal

The HONOR Robot Phone integrates an ultra-compact 4DoF mechanical system featuring the HONOR Titanium Agile Gimbal. Developed through 60 manufacturing processes, the system integrates more than 100 precision components and is supported by more than 100 patents. Compared with mainstream gimbals, HONOR has reduced the overall system size by 65% while increasing structural strength by 200%.

Its 2.6g Titanium Gimbal Motor enables control speeds of up to 360° per second, while the HONOR Super steel Flip Motor delivers a torque density of 120 N·m/L. Together, these technologies enable fast, precise movement and stable positioning within a pocketable flagship design.

Intelligent Imaging Through the HONOR–ARRI Cinematic Imaging Partnership

The HONOR Robot Phone marks the first product milestone under the Cinematic Imaging Partnership between HONOR and ARRI, the world-renowned designer of professional cinema cameras. Moving beyond simple filters, the device adapts selected elements of ARRI Image Science and professional cinema workflow for use in a smartphone.

The rear camera setup is anchored by a Dual 200MP Camera system, featuring a 200MP Agile Gimbal Main Camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor and f/1.6 aperture, paired with a 200MP Periscope Telephoto Camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and 2.7x optical zoom. The 200MP Agile Gimbal Main Camera supports 10-bit ARRI LogC3 recording in ARRI CINEMA mode, while a 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera with a 122° field of view completes the versatile imaging system.

Through the HONOR–ARRI Cinematic Imaging Partnership, the Robot Phone combines ARRI LogC3, ARRI Wide Gamut 3 and ARRI Looks with the HONOR H1 Image Chip. AI noise reduction improves video SNR by 8 dB, while AI dynamic range optimization supports up to 14 stops of dynamic range.

The video pipeline performs noise reduction earlier in the RAW domain, processes data in 14-bit 4:4:4, and outputs 10-bit LogC3 and 4:2:2 video, preserving more usable image information for post-production. ARRI Looks can also be previewed in real time, helping creators achieve a controlled cinematic look more easily.

For creators, ARRI LogC3 preserves more highlight and shadow information for post-production, while ARRI Wide Gamut 3 provides a broader color space and ARRI Looks offer controlled cinematic color styles. Footage can also be taken into professional editing tools such as DaVinci Resolve, where creators can directly apply ARRI LUTs as part of a complete mobile capture-to-post-production workflow.

“For more than a century, ARRI has helped filmmakers translate technology into compelling visual stories. Our cooperation with HONOR brings selected elements of ARRI Image Science and professional workflow thinking into a new mobile context, giving creators greater consistency, control, and creative flexibility from capture through post-production. With the HONOR Robot Phone, we are taking an important first step in exploring how established cinematic principles can support a new generation of visual storytellers,” said Harald Brendel, Director of Image Science at ARRI.

As part of this ongoing work, the companies will continue to refine and advance the integrated imaging technologies and workflows based on technical validation and real-world use.

Embodied AI and Hands-Free Creation Powered by MagicOS

Pioneering a new era of multimodal embodied interaction, the Robot Phone introduces AI-powered, robot-grade motion control that transforms the device into an autonomous personal camera crew. The camera arm supports a range of cinematic movement modes, including Tilt Lock, First Person View (FPV), FPV Vertical and AI SpinShot, helping creators capture smoother and more dynamic footage with greater ease.

Running on MagicOS, the HONOR Robot Phone introduces YOYO Robot Mode, combining multimodal perception, contextual understanding, gesture recognition and physical movement. Voice Source Localization and AI Live-Tracking allow the camera to automatically pan and tilt, keeping users in frame while recording a vlog, live-streaming or moving during a video call. Hands-free gesture controls also allow users to deploy the camera arm and capture shots without touching the device. Beyond imaging, YOYO Auto Execution enables the system-level AI agent to understand user intent and execute complex, multi-step tasks across supported applications and system settings. Through its open Agent Skills interface, the Robot Phone enables third-party developers to create new experiences using its gimbal, perception and embodied-interaction capabilities.

Elite Flagship Performance and Premium Craftsmanship

Powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, the Robot Phone delivers flagship performance for AI processing, imaging and multitasking. An advanced, custom-built cooling system seamlessly dissipates heat, ensuring the device maintains peak performance even during extended recording sessions. Meanwhile, the 7,060mAh Next Gen HONOR Silicon-carbon Battery supports all-day endurance, together with 120W Wired and 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge.

The HONOR Robot Phone features an Android-first all-metal integrated molding unibody. It features a stunning 6.31-inch LTPO OLED HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display protected by the HONOR NanoCrystal Shield. The screen supports adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rates and reaches an astonishing peak brightness of 6,800 nits. Advanced eye-comfort technologies, including 4320Hz PWM dimming, provide a comfortable viewing experience during extended use.

A Global Journey to Launch

The official HONOR Robot Phone launch event represents the culmination of a spectacular global journey. First showcased at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in March to critical acclaim, the device went on to captivate the film industry with stunning stabilized tracking shots at the Cannes Film Festival’s China Night and the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. Now beginning its commercial rollout, the Robot Phone is ready to democratize professional filmmaking for consumers worldwide.

Get updated on everything HONOR by visiting www.honor.com/ph and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

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Alexa Ilacad and the S.O.S.H. Girls Near Their Redemption Behind the Photo Leaks Fallout in the Finale of "Miss Behave"

Alexa Ilacad and the rest of the S.O.S.H. Girls are closing in on their quest for redemption as they round out their plans to seek revenge on those who leaked their private photos and the anguish it caused in the finale episode of "Miss Behave," now streaming on iWant.

Before the finale, lead star Alexa took the opportunity to express her gratitude to everyone who has supported "Miss Behave" since its premiere last June 3. She also celebrated how the series sparked meaningful conversations on social media for its empowering portrayal of women, the cast's standout performances, and the viral TikTok edits inspired by its most memorable scenes.

"I want to say thank you so much sa lahat ng sumuporta sa show naming 'Miss Behave.' We appreciate all your comments, feedback, and the TikTok edits you do online. We appreciate your efforts in making us trend all the time. It's been a wonderful journey, and sadly, all things must come to an end," Alexa said.

Leading to its finale episode, Marla (Alexa) reconciled with April (Andi Abaya) upon finding out that she helped leak her private photos due to her boastful reputation. But with the past set aside, Marla, alongside April, Isobel (Reign Parani), Nyx (Xyriel Manabat), and Daphne (Rans Rifol), sets her sights on prom night to unveil to the whole school the vile behavior of Cole (JC Alcantara) and his friends behind the photo leaks scandal.

The cast also got together for a watch party last August 5 (Wednesday) as they culminated the finale of their iWant original, which consistently listed itself as one of the most watched shows on the platform.

Catch the finale of "Miss Behave" now streaming exclusively on iWant, the Home of Filipino Feels. Viewers can stream all its episodes through iWant subscription plans starting at P35 per month in the Philippines, and USD 4.99 per month in the United States* (*promo price until October 31, 2026) and for the rest of the world.

Enjoy all the feels you want, only on iWant, the largest library of Filipino feels. Download the app via Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Stay updated by following iWant on Facebook, TikTok, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

For other updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit corporate.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

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Kyle Echarri's "Pangako" Trends, Enters Billboard PH's Top 100 Chart and With Over 23 Million Streams on Spotify to Date

Kyle Echarri’s 2018 dance-pop single “Pangako,” which has become a popular dance challenge and lyric-video edit trend on TikTok, has entered the Billboard Philippines’ Hot 100 chart at no. 94 this week.

“This song is almost 8 years old but thank you everyone who’s listening to it again,” posted Kyle on X.

His fans eagerly responded, commending the song’s timeless appeal and encouraging the talented singer-actor, who first rose to fame through “The Voice Kids Philippines” season 2, to release an album again.

“Pangako” was composed by Gabriel Tagadtad, arranged by Theo Martel, and produced by StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos. The song was included in Kyle’s self-titled album also released in 2018. He first performed it live during the 2018 MYX Music Awards at the Araneta Coliseum.

The song has already generated over 23 million streams on Spotify while its official music video has 14 million views on YouTube.

Continue streaming Kyle’s “Pangako” and his other songs on Spotify.

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HONOR Philippines is Set to Redefine What a Foldable Phone Can Be

Global AI devices provider HONOR Philippines has officially begun teasing what could be its most ambitious flagship device yet, signaling the arrival of a breakthrough that promises to challenge expectations in the premium foldable smartphone category.

Designed for those who demand both style and substance, HONOR's upcoming foldable phone was set to combine sophisticated craftsmanship, exceptional durability, and next-generation AI experiences into an ultra-premium device. More than just another foldable, it represents HONOR's continued commitment to delivering cutting-edge innovation without compromise.

"This is more than the launch of a new device - it marks another milestone in our journey to bring meaningful innovation to consumers," said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. "We're excited to share what we've been working on and show everyone why this upcoming flagship deserves the spotlight."

Stay updated on everything HONOR by visiting www.honor.com/ph and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

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Rayu Gravador and Frances Lacap Win Sparkle Campus Cuties Year 2

Rayu Gravador of FEU Manila and Frances Lacap of Enderun College were named Spakle Ultimate Campus Cuties in the Season 2 finale held on Sunday, August 9, at Studio 7 GMA Network Center.

Known respectively as “Ang Cutie Lover Boy ng Bulacan” and “Ang Go-getter Influencer ng New Manila,” both rising stars secured an exclusive contracts with GMA Network after beating out 18 other student finalists in a star-studded finale.

GMA Network and Sparkle executives turned out in full force to support the young contenders, led by GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Sparkle First Vice President Joy Marcelo, Sparkle Senior Assistant Vice President for Talent Sales, Branding, and Marketing Anne Puno-Ignacio, Assistant Vice President for Talent Recruitment and Development Jenny Donato, Assistant Vice President for Talent Management Tracy Garcia, creative writer-director Aloy Adlawan, and Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials, and Alternative Productions for Entertainment Group Gigi Santiago-Lara Gigi Santiago-Lara.

To determine who had true celebrity potential, a nine-member judging panel - composed of Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Ms. Joy Marcelo, Mr. Aloy Adlawan, Mr. Neil Gumban, Sofia Pablo, Josh Ford, Clifford, Mr. Marco Agana, and Mr. Nat Manilag evaluated the contestants through three major challenges.

The finalists first strutted their stuff in a stylish runway segment, then proved their acting chops live on stage alongside Sparkle talents Sofia Pablo, Ralph Miaco, and Andrei Fajardo.

Before the main announcement, several special awards were handed out. These are:

GMA Playlist Choice Award - Ethan Bañares and Mary Francine Pamintuan

Studio Who Star Awards - Ethan Benares and Frances Lacap 

TikTok Live Viewers Choice Award - Rayu Gravador

Social Media Favorites - Rayu Gravador and Frances Lacap 

The competition narrowed down to the Top 10 finalists: 

Rayu Gravador

Frances Lacap

Geanne Castro

Madoxx Miguel

Mhai Arekat

Enzo Torrano

Abi Arnold

Rion Cheng

Ysa Prats

Ronnie Pasamba

All Top 10 faced a crucial Question and Answer portion to test their intelligence, composure, and eloquence under pressure.

Following this, the judges selected the Top 6 finalists: 

Ysa Prats

Enzo Torrano

Ronnie Pasamba

Abi Arnold

Rayu Gravador

Frances Lacap

In the final reveal, Ysa Prats and Enzo Torrano were named 2nd runners-up, while Ronnie Pasamba and Abi Arnold earned 1st runner-up honors. Standing supreme at the top, Rayu Gravador and Frances Lacap were officially crowned the grand winners of Campus Cutie Season 2.

All Top 6 contenders received official management contracts with Sparkle, with grand winners Rayu Gravador and Frances Lacap securing the coveted five-year contracts with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

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Puregold Launches ‘Teatro Panalo,’ Opens Search for Outstanding Filipino Plays

The curtain is about to rise on another “panalo” cultural experience from Puregold - this time, one that brings the world of Filipino theater closer to both the artists who create it and the audiences who deserve to experience it.

Further expanding its commitment to champion Filipino creativity and showcase these talents to more audiences, Puregold proudly announces Teatro Panalo, an inaugural theater festival that aims to discover, develop, and stage compelling new one-act plays and musicals by Filipino playwrights.

Produced and organized by Wishbone Collective, Inc. and presented by Puregold, the incubation theater festival is a platform where original works can evolve from script to stage with professional dramaturgical support, production resources, and valuable audience engagement.

Twelve (12) original works—eight (8) straight plays and four (4) musicals—will be selected to receive full production as part of the festival, with each playwright receiving Php 100,000 in financial compensation.

Following the festival, one straight play and one musical will also be awarded full-length development grants, an opportunity for further artistic growth and eventual commercial production.

For Puregold, Teatro Panalo reflects the company’s continuing belief that meaningful experiences should be as accessible as possible, because this is the true “panalo” experience.

“Puregold has always been present in the everyday lives of Filipino communities,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold. “Through Teatro Panalo, we hope to be present in another meaningful way by creating spaces where people can come together, exchange new ideas, and see Filipino artistry come to life on stage.”

Hayagan-Piedad said the initiative is rooted in Puregold’s understanding of service as something that extends beyond the transactional.

“Being of service to a community is not limited to what happens inside our stores. It also means listening to what matters to people and supporting experiences that help communities feel seen, connected, and represented,” she said. “Theater has the power to create that kind of shared experience.”

Festival Director Vincent de Jesus emphasized that Teatro Panalo is equally about nurturing artists as it is about discovering outstanding material.

“We’re looking for authentic voices, fresh perspectives, and stories that deserve to be seen on the stage,” he said. “The festival is designed to help playwrights realize the full potential of their work through collaboration with experienced theaterpractitioners, while also giving audiences the opportunity to encounter exciting new Filipino stories.”

Submissions are now officially open to amateur and professional Filipino playwrights aged 18 and above at the time of application. Entries may be written in Filipino or English and must be original one-act works, either straight plays or musicals. Adaptations, translations, and AI-generated creative works are not eligible. The festival welcomes submissions across genres, styles, and theatrical forms, provided they are original works intended for approximately 35 to 40 minutes of stage performance.

Interested applicants must submit their entries no later than 11:59 p.m. on September 11, 2026. Applications should include a completed one-act script, synopsis, logline, playwright’s development vision, supporting documents, and, for musical entries, demo recordings.

A shortlist of sixteen (16) plays and eight (8) musicals will be announced on October 6. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their works to the Selection Committee on October 14 to 16, and a final lineup of eight (8) straight plays and four (4) musicals will be announced on October 16.

Selected playwrights will participate in Wishbone’s professional incubation program, which includes dramaturgical guidance, production support, and the opportunity to have their work staged before live audiences during the inaugural festival, currently scheduled for February to March 2027.

De Jesus added, “Original stories have always shaped communities, reflected generations, and inspired change. With Puregold Teatro Panalo, the next great Filipino play may be waiting behind an unopened script. Puregold is inviting playwrights from across the country to bring those stories to the stage.”

Complete festival mechanics, eligibility requirements, and application details are available through the official Puregold Teatro Panalo submission form: https://bit.ly/PGTeatroPanalo.

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A New HONOR Begins: Powering the Future of AI

Pivoting from a “smartphone manufacturer” into a globally leading “AI device ecosystem company” is a radical redefinition of HONOR’s future. This redefinition is a new identity born organically - after relentless breakthroughs across technology, markets, and industry dimensions.

When a tech company begins to rethink the relationship between AI and humans differently, and when its trajectory consistently defies outside expectations, change becomes inevitable. Brand renewal is the necessary outward expression of that change.

Boundaries are shattering. Growth is accelerating. HONOR is no longer just the phone maker it once was. Marked by the advent of "Robot Phone" - a truly new species - HONOR has officially entered the next phase as an AI device ecosystem company. From on-device AI to system-wide synergy; from global foldable leadership to winning a half marathon with a humanoid robot; from AiMAGE, the industry’s first end-cloud collaborative computational photography system, to partnering with ARRI to usher in a cinematic era of mobile imaging; from the species evolution of Phone to RobotPhone; from traditional operating systems to the generational leap of Agentic OS; from a single device to building an open, co-created, and shared AI device ecosystem - HONOR has turned its Alpha strategy and AHI philosophy from blueprint into reality through a series of hardcore breakthroughs. 

The market has given the most honest answer: in Q1 2026, HONOR achieved counter-trend growth of 25%, becoming the only Chinese brand to post positive growth; overseas revenue accounted for more than half; and foldable phones firmly held the global Top 2 spot. Success is no accident - it is the natural emergence of qualitative change when long-term quantitative accumulation reaches its critical point.

The pace of transformation is quickening, and the direction grows ever clearer. HONOR’s brand character is evolving in tandem — it is no longer just a breaker of cold specs, but a brand that steps actively into the cultural sphere of the younger generation: partnering with top-tier global events, striking a chord of passion through extreme exploration; co-branding with designer toys, turning the brand into a statement of attitude. What young people feel is not a lofty tech giant, but a companion who understands them, dares to be different, and is willing to run alongside them.

This brand renewal is a comprehensive upgrade that spans technology, industry, ecosystem, and the core of the brand. It is not the end, but an entirely new beginning: HONOR is no longer being defined — it is defining; no longer following the wind — it is becoming the wind; no longer merely a companion — it is an initiator of change. ‘Dare to be’ has long been etched deep into HONOR’s DNA. The future is here. HONOR aspires to be a cool company, joining forces with the coolest people in the world to chase the frontiers of imagination, and together, create a cool AI future that belongs to everyone.

To learn more about this exciting news, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

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