Rakuten Viki Marks Pride Month With New BL Releases "Love Class 3" and "The Lie We Lived In"

Rakuten Viki, the global streaming destination for Asian entertainment, is celebrating Pride Month with two new BL titles– Love Class 3, the latest chapter in its beloved campus romance franchise, and The Lie We Lived In, a gripping mystery thriller romance– both now streaming on Viki across the Americas, Europe, Oceania, Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Thailand.

The latest installment of the popular Korean BL franchise Love Class follows aspiring idols navigating friendship, ambition, and romance amid the pressures of the entertainment industry. Following the success of its first two seasons and strong audience reception in markets such as Japan, Love Class 3 expands the series with a fresh story that speaks directly to Southeast Asia's passionate K-pop and BL fan communities.

The series follows Hyun Jae (Sae Byeol), a trainee who successfully debuts after competing on an idol survival program, and Soo An (Seo Yi Han), whose journey takes a different path. Years after being separated by their careers, the two reunite through a professional project and must navigate lingering feelings in an industry where personal relationships often come under intense scrutiny.

With K-pop continuing to shape youth culture across Southeast Asia, Love Class 3 offers a relatable coming-of-age story that explores identity, ambition, friendship, and love through the experiences of young performers chasing their dreams.

The series also marks a milestone for Korean BL productions as the first Korean BL drama to launch simultaneously in more than 190 countries worldwide, reflecting the growing global appetite for Korean BL storytelling.

Adding to its regional appeal is the inclusion of Thai actor Panutuch Saelee alongside South Korean performers Lee Woo Jin, Seo Yi Han, and Sae Byeol of K-pop group WAKER, who makes his acting debut in the series. The cross-cultural cast reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of Asian entertainment and offers audiences in Southeast Asia a familiar connection within a globally streamed production.

Where Love Class 3 leans into coming-of-age longing, The Lie We Lived In is a genre-defying BL thriller that weaves mystery, crime, and forbidden romance into one pulse-pounding story. When contract killer Seo I Do (Kim Seung Beom) is ordered to hold his target captive, the arrival of an unexpected houseguest throws everything off plan.

Forced into a week of tense cohabitation under a stolen identity, I Do finds himself in an increasingly dangerous game — especially when he discovers the cheerful stranger getting closer to him is actually a detective hunting the truth. I Do is forced to confront an impossible choice: complete the mission or risk everything for someone who could destroy him. Starring Kim Seung Beom alongside debut performers Kim Gyeong Min and Lee Jeong Ho, the series marks a bold arrival of fresh talent on screen.

“This June, Rakuten Viki marks Pride Month by spotlighting stories that celebrate love and belonging. The release of Love Class 3 and The Lie We Lived In is part of that celebration — a reminder that stories of identity, connection, and community resonate across every border,” said Karen Paek, Vice President of Marketing at Rakuten Viki. “With these new titles, viewers will find characters navigating the challenges of pursuing their dreams while discovering who they are and the connections that matter most to them. We are excited to bring this new season to fans as part of our commitment to making diverse Asian stories accessible to global audiences.”

Both titles are available to stream on Viki in the Philippines and Thailand — joining a growing slate of BL favorites including Wishing Upon the Shooting Stars, Sammy's Children's Day, and Feel What You Feel.

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Thousands Flock to Manila as Coco Martin and Julia Montes Kick_Off Nationwide Motorcade for “Sigabo”

Coco Martin and Julia Montes felt the love from thousands of Kapamilyas who flocked to the streets of Manila on Saturday (June 6) as they kicked off their nationwide motorcade for ABS-CBN’s highly anticipated primetime series, “Coco Martin’s Sigabo.”

Large crowds gathered in key locations in Manila, including, Quiapo, Divisoria, Tondo, and Blumentritt, for the almost-seven hour grand motorcade to catch a glimpse of Ang Hari ng Aksyon sa Ating Henerasyon, Coco Martin and Prime Actress Julia Montes, together with the rest of the cast members of “Sigabo.”

The fun-filled event was welcomed with overwhelming support from fans who were able to enjoy handshakes and selfies with the cast, including impromptu song and dance performances led by Coco.

Apart from the lead stars, several cast members of “Sigabo” joined the motorcade such as Joey Marquez, Carmi Martin, Chanda Romero, Irma Adlawan, JC De Vera, Richard Quan, Jerald Napoles, and more.

The nationwide motorcade is expected to have stops in Cebu, Cavite, Palawan, and Pampanga as “Sigabo” gears up for its premiere on June 22.

Coco earlier teased that the ABS-CBN series will be an exciting mix of action, comedy, and romance that families will surely enjoy.

Don’t miss the action-packed premiere of “Coco Martin’s Sigabo” this June 22 (Monday) at 8 PM on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, iWant, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube.

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

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A1 Expands “Love in the Philippines Tour 2026” with Third Show in Santa Rosa Laguna

British-Norwegian Boy Band A1 confirms additional Laguna date amid strong demand for their October Philippine return

There are comebacks - and then there’s the kind that keeps multiplying by fan demand.

A1 are set to return to the Philippines this October 2026, and what was already shaping up to be a two-city pop celebration has now grown even bigger with the announcement of a third show in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

The newly added stop lands on 18 October 2026 (Sunday) at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex, completing a tightly packed Philippine run that now spans Cebu, Manila, and South Luzon. Tickets go on sale, June 15, 12 noon onwards.

The expanded itinerary comes ahead of what is expected to be one of the group’s most emotional and high-energy Asia visits in recent years, following continued strong fan response to their previous Philippine tours.

Across the dates, A1—Paul Marazzi, Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark Read, and Ben Adams—will revisit the songs that defined their rise during the late 1990s pop era, a catalogue that continues to resonate deeply with Filipino audiences decades later.

Expect live renditions of signature tracks including “Like a Rose,” “Everytime,” “Heaven by Your Side,” and “Same Old Brand New You,” each performance reinforcing the enduring bond between the group and their Philippine fanbase alongside new music.

Their return follows the success of their earlier Valentine’s run in 2025, which drew strong turnout across key cities and reaffirmed their status as one of the most supported international pop acts in the country.

PHILIPPINE TOUR 2026 – FULL RUN

CEBU

16 October 2026 (Friday) | Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino | 8:00 P

MANILA 17 October 2026 (Saturday) | New Frontier Theater | 8:00 PM

SANTA ROSA (NEWLY ADDED) 18 October 2026 (Sunday) | Sta. Rosa Sports Complex | 8:00 PM

TICKET DETAILS

CEBU (Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino) 

VIP – ₱5,000 

GOLD – ₱4,000 

SILVER – ₱3,000 

BRONZE – ₱2,000 

BALCONY – ₱1,000 

Exclusive of ticketing charges

MANILA (New Frontier Theater, Quezon City) 

ORCHESTRA VIP - ₱6,750 

ORCHESTRA B - ₱5,750 

ORCHESTRA C - ₱4,750 

BALCONY VIP (Loge) - ₱6,250 

BALCONY 1 - ₱4,500 

BALCONY 2 - ₱3,500 

Exclusive of ticketing charges

SANTA ROSA (Sta. Rosa Sports Complex) 

VIP - 5,500 Peso 

GOLD - 4,500 Peso 

LOWER BOX CENTER - 3,500 Peso 

LOWER BOX LEFT / RIGHT - 3,000 Peso 

UPPER BOX -1,500 Peso 

*Exclusive of ticket service charge

TICKET ON-SALE

Tickets go on sale 15 June 2026, 12:00 NN via Ticketmelon 

Available at: https://www.ticketmelon.com/ConcertRepublic/A1LoveinThePH 

Ticketmelon hotline: +63 961526 7695

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More Filipinos Can Stream iWant Shows Using Free Data via the DITO App

Viewers from across the country can stream their favorite Filipino series and movies for free via the DITO App as iWant and DITO Telecommunity forged a partnership to bring more Filipino feels closer to viewers nationwide.

DITO Prepaid subscribers can enjoy free 1GB/day streaming of iWant shows by using the official DITO app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store). Non-DITO users may avail of DITO Prepaid SIM Cards and download the DITO App. They can then click on DITO Plus and select the iWant icon to start watching.

Subscribers can binge-watch their favorite Kapamilya shows for free, including "It's Showtime" and "TV Patrol," teleseryes "Blood vs Duty," "The Alibi: Ang Buong Katotohanan," and ABS-CBN Studios and GMA Network's collaboration "Secrets of Hotel 88." Viewers can also stream for free the upcoming primetime series "Sigabo" starring Coco Martin and Julia Montes.

DITO users can relive ABS-CBN's hits for free on iWant, such as "Be Careful with My Heart" and "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano," plus box-office flicks "The Hows of Us," "Hello, Love, Goodbye," "One More Chance," and "Four Sisters and a Wedding." Fans of BINI can also watch specials on iWant via DITO, including "BINI Docuseries," "BINI World Tour Series," "BINI Walo Hanggang Disyerto" and their reality songwriting competition "BINIverse and Chorus."

Also, DITO app users can stream iWant originals released until 2025 for free such as "Ghosting," "AFAM Wives Club," "Love at First Spike," "Benta Nights," and "He's Into Her," to name a few.

The partnership was formalized during a contract signing on June 4, attended by ABS-CBN officials Jamie Lopez, head of ABS-CBN Digital; Jolly P. Estaris, head of iWant; and Abigail Ng Sy, head of ABS-CBN Consumer Sales. Representing DITO were Atty. Adel Tamano, chief revenue officer; Miriam Choa, deputy chief revenue officer; and Clarissa Mendoza, head of OTT Product and Digital Partnerships.

iWant, the home of Filipino feels, continues to grow as a leading Filipino streaming platform, offering a wide range of movies, series, live channels, originals, and short-form content that viewers can enjoy anytime and anywhere across multiple devices.

DITO Telecommunity, one the country's major telecommunications service providers, provides fast and reliable data. It has been named the number one Rated Mobile Network in the Philippines by independent analytics firm Ookla for the second half of 2025, and the Fastest Mobile Network in the Philippines by Opensignal, an independent global standard for analyzing consumer mobile experience.

Through the partnership, more Filipinos can now enjoy easier and free access to their favorite Filipino stories and entertainment experiences on iWant.

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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Palawan Group of Companies x JCI Manila Joined Forces for a Massive Celebration of Health, Wellness, and Community Spirit

Demonstrating a shared vision for health, wellness, and community spirit, the Palawan Group of Companies, the country's trusted leader in financial services, recently supported JCI Manila's highly anticipated Colorfest Carnival Run 2026 held on May 31, 2026, at the SM MOA Concert Grounds. The event drew over 8,000 enthusiastic runners, families, and fitness advocates for an energetic morning filled with vibrant colors, meaningful camaraderie, and a shared commitment to mental health awareness.

Organized by JCI Manila, the Colorfest Carnival Run 2026 successfully fused the excitement of a fitness fun run with the whimsical charm of a carnival. Participants of all ages navigated routes splashed with vivid, eco-friendly color powders while enjoying carnival-themed activations, games, and entertainment booths throughout the venue.

"JCI Manila believes advocacy becomes more meaningful when people actively participate rather than simply observe. Through events like this, individuals can contribute to a larger movement while demonstrating solidarity with those facing mental health challenges," said Edison Ke, President of JCI Manila.

As the event's major partner, the Palawan Group of Companies reinforced its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote community well-being and meaningful social impact.

Palawan executives, from left to right: Chief Marketing Officer Bernard Kaibigan, CSR Manager Angela Villanueva, and IMC Head Jeff Dimaano, joined JCI Manila’s Colorfest Carnival Run.

JCI Manila officers stand united at the JCI Manila Colorfest Carnival Run, taking meaningful strides to raise awareness, spark conversations, and support mental health in our communities.

"Palawan Group hopes to help build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities by supporting initiatives that address issues affecting Filipinos' well-being. Our collaboration with JCI Manila reflects our ongoing mission to support initiatives that uplift the well-being of Filipino families. Seeing the community come together in such a joyful, active celebration of health is truly inspiring," said Angela Villanueva, CSR Manager of the Palawan Group of Companies."

At the event, Palawan Group brought interactive activations and merchandise giveaways, while highlighting its integrated financial services designed to make everyday transactions easier and more accessible for Filipinos nationwide.

Through interactive on-ground activations, Palawan Group engaged participants and showcased its seamless financial ecosystem, highlighting how its trusted services continue to bring convenience, accessibility, and financial empowerment closer to Filipinos nationwide.

Beyond supporting the event experience, the Palawan Group of Companies underscored the importance of advancing conversations around mental health and contributing to initiatives that create lasting impact in communities.

"We believe that this is a very important step towards a better Philippines, where psychologically and emotionally healthier Filipinos thrive, and where there is no place for stigma and judgment about mental wellness. Together with JCI Manila and the Philippine Mental Health Association, we at the Palawan Group of Companies believe that no one should suffer alone in silence," said Bernard Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer of the Palawan Group of Companies.

JCI Manila expressed appreciation to its partners and sponsors whose support helped make the event possible. The collaboration demonstrated how organizations can work together to champion active lifestyles, mental health awareness, and stronger community engagement.

The festivities culminated in a grand post-race celebration featuring live music, colorful countdowns, and exciting raffle draws, leaving participants energized and eager to attend future editions of the event.

More importantly, the event translated participation into meaningful action. Proceeds from the initiative will support the renovation of the wellness facility at the Philippine Mental Health Association, creating a more supportive environment for individuals seeking mental health services and reinforcing the shared goal of promoting greater awareness, understanding, and care for mental wellness.

Palawan’s mascot Pikoy joined runners at the Colorfest Carnival Run 2026, reflecting how collaboration between the private sector and community organizations helps transform advocacy into action. 

The success of the Colorfest Carnival Run 2026 highlights the impact of meaningful partnerships between community organizations and the private sector, demonstrating how collective action, advocacy, and community engagement can create positive change for Filipinos.

About Palawan Group of Companies:

The Palawan Group of Companies has been a trusted partner of Filipinos for four decades. Its products and services include Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Pawnshop Jewelry, Palawan Express Pera Padala (Domestic and International), Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Gold, Palawan for Business, Palawan Credit, and its e-wallet arm, PalawanPay, which is now trusted by 22 million Filipinos.

Today, the Palawan Group is one of the country’s fastest-growing financial institutions and the market leader in pawning and remittance, with over 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide. It is trusted by millions of Sukis for services that are mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos (affordable, reliable, and hassle-free).

Staying true to its bricktech approach, the company introduced PalawanPay to give Sukis the flexibility to transact anytime, anywhere — pwede sa branch, pwede sa app. Beyond remittances, PalawanPay also provides convenient access to bill payments, mobile load top-ups, pawn renewals, QR Ph scan-to-pay transactions, and gold and jewelry purchases.

The Palawan Group of Companies operates under the supervision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites.

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Mystery Deepens in “The Secrets of Hotel 88” as It Nears Its Finale

The search for the truth reaches a critical turning point in GMA Network and ABS-CBN’s collaboration series “The Secrets of Hotel 88” as the series heads into its final two weeks, bringing viewers closer to the answers behind the hotel's long-buried secrets.

Since premiering in February, “The Secrets of Hotel 88” has kept audiences invested with its intriguing mystery, shocking revelations, and compelling characters as the secrets behind the hotel gradually unravel. The series currently holds the top spot among iWant's most-watched shows.

In the past episodes, viewers were stunned when Sandro (Christian Vasquez) revealed to Leon (River Joseph) that he was responsible for the deaths of best friends, Michael (Gardo Versoza) and Frederico (Dominic Ochoa). The revelation also confirmed that Sandro was behind the string of deaths that had plagued Hotel 88.

Now, siblings Gio (Brent Manalo), Martin (Ralph De Leon), and Kiko (Will Ashley) are working together to complete the map that could lead them to the hidden treasure and uncover the truth behind the hotel’s many mysteries. Meanwhile, Sandro (Christian Vasquez) and Andy (Ryan Eigenmann) have joined forces in a race to complete the map before the Almazan brothers.

With only two weeks left before the finale, viewers can expect more revelations, intense confrontations, and unexpected twists. Who will be the first to uncover the hidden treasure of Hotel 88? Will the Almazans be able to save Leon? Or will another life be lost following Monette’s (Klarisse de Guzman) death?

Catch the thrilling final weeks of “The Secrets of Hotel 88” Monday to Friday at 9:35 PM on GMA Prime, Kapamilya Online Live, and Kapuso Stream, and at 11:25 PM on GTV. Viewers can also watch episodes seven days in advance on iWant.

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, or visit the ABS-CBN Newsroom.

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From Grocery Cart to Concert Seat: How to Get Free Tickets to Puregold’s OPM Con Generations

The countdown to Puregold’s OPM Con Generations is officially on! As OPM fans gear up for a night headlined by some of today’s brightest talents in Original Pinoy Music, Puregold is launching its signature ticket redemption activities on June 12, giving customers the chance to secure free concert tickets through their grocery purchases.

Happening on July 11 at the Araneta Coliseum, OPM Con Generations will bring together SB19, Ben&Ben, Alamat, Flow G, Skusta Clee, SunKissed Lola, G22, KAIA, and Xonara for an epic night of retailtainment, the third of Puregold’s much-celebrated annual music event.

From June 12 onwards, Aling Puring and Perks members may redeem free concert tickets through qualified single-receipt purchases made at participating Puregold stores.

“Every year, we look forward to seeing the excitement that OPM Con brings to our customers,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold Price Club, Inc. “We know that OPM is more than just music for many Filipinos—it is part of our identity, woven into our memories, milestones, and everyday lives.”

According to Hayagan-Piedad, what makes this experience special is that it starts long before the concert itself. “Through our ticket redemption program, even a regular grocery trip can become the beginning of a memorable fan journey, bringing friends and families closer to the artists, songs, and communities that mean so much to them.”

To avail of tickets, customers with an active Aling Puring or Perks membership must first secure a queueing number for their preferred ticket tier before shopping. The queueing number confirms availability for a specific section and reserves the member’s slot for that ticket category. After completing their purchase, members may proceed to the ticket redemption booth and present their Aling Puring or Perks card, queueing number, and official receipt to claim their concert ticket.

The required minimum single-receipt purchase amounts for each ticket category are as follows:

VIP Standing - ₱8,500 minimum purchase

Patron - ₱7,000 minimum purchase

Lower Box - ₱5,500 minimum purchase

Upper Box - ₱4,000 minimum purchase

General Admission - ₱2,500 minimum purchase

Obstructed Upper Box - ₱1,500 minimum purchase

Obstructed General Admission - ₱1,500 minimum purchase

Each qualified transaction entitles a member to one concert ticket, with a maximum of two tickets per member throughout the ticketing period. If a member makes more than two qualified transactions, only the two transactions with the highest purchase amounts will be honored. For VIP Standing and Patron tickets, cash-in to P-Wallet account will be allowed as proof of purchase to redeem a ticket.

Concert tickets are non-transferable and are not intended for resale. Puregold reserves the right to cancel tickets or refuse entry to holders of tickets obtained through unauthorized channels.

Minors attending the concert must be accompanied by an adult ticketholder. A waiver must also be accomplished upon entry to the venue.

Tickets for OPM Con Generations may be redeemed across participating Puregold stores nationwide: Taytay, Rizal; Biñan, Laguna; Anabu-Imus, Cavite; Valenzuela; QI Central, Quezon City; Cubao, Quezon City; Fairview Terraces, Quezon City; Tayuman, Tondo, Manila; Parañaque; Kalentong, San Andres, Manila; Q. Plaza, Cainta, Rizal; and San Pedro, Laguna.

For customers in the provinces, Puregold is rolling out a limited Regional Fan Pass initiative, giving more fans outside Metro Manila and even outside the Philippines, the opportunity to sign up and avail of tickets while supplies last.

With ticket inventory expected to move quickly across all tiers, customers are encouraged to visit participating stores early and secure their preferred sections while available.

For updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and X, and @puregoldph on TikTok.

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Mark Lapid: Building a Legacy of Public Service Beyond Politics and Showbiz

More than just a familiar name and the son of Senator Lito Lapid, Mark Lapid (born Marco Tadeo Lapid) has established a strong reputation based on real accomplishments, devoted public service, and a commitment to nation building.

Known as Kuya Mark by his peers and those around him, he is a trusted government official, leader in tourism development, former provincial governor, and actor. He currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). This agency, part of the Department of Tourism, develops and manages tourism-related infrastructure and investment zones throughout the Philippines.

Mark first served as TIEZA's COO from 2009 to 2016 under President Benigno Aquino III. He returned to lead TIEZA in 2021 after being reappointed by President Rodrigo Duterte. Upon his return, he faced an agency struggling during one of the toughest times in its history. The COVID-19 pandemic had devastated the tourism industry, halting travel and severely impacting TIEZA’s main source of revenue—the travel tax. Consequently, the agency found itself in a challenging financial situation just as the country started to recover.

“We were at a negative 98. Because travel tax is our main funding source, the absence of travel during the lockdowns meant there was virtually no income coming in. We had to recalibrate and rethink our approach,” he said.

The challenge was daunting, but it also offered a chance to rebuild. Using his prior experience as TIEZA chief in 2008, Mark concentrated on restoring financial stability while ensuring that essential tourism infrastructure projects kept progressing. Through careful management and strategic oversight, the agency slowly regained its footing.

The results have been impressive. By 2025, TIEZA reported collections of over P1 billion, exceeding its pre-pandemic figures from 2019 and signaling a strong recovery for both the agency and the broader tourism sector.

For Mark, however, financial recovery is just one aspect of the story. His main priorities focus on strengthening the infrastructure that supports the country's growing tourism sector. Some of the agency's key projects include rehabilitating Burnham Park, expanding sewage treatment facilities in El Nido, and modernizing 10 domestic airports around the country.

These initiatives aim to improve accessibility, sustainability, and visitor experience—important elements as the Philippines continues to attract more local and international travelers.

“Our focus is on implementation,” he says. “We need to ensure that tourism infrastructure keeps pace with demand and contributes to long-term, sustainable growth.”

Collaboration between national agencies and local governments is becoming more vital in promoting sustainable tourism development throughout the Philippines. For Mark, creating strong partnerships with Local Government Units (LGUs) is crucial for unlocking the full potential of regional destinations. He noted that transportation infrastructure remains key to tourism development. Improved access, he stressed, not only makes destinations more appealing to visitors but also creates economic opportunities for local communities.

As tourist arrivals keep rising across the nation, making sure that key gateways and transport networks can handle the growing demand has become a priority for TIEZA. Upgrades to airport facilities, road networks, and rail connectivity could make traveling to and within Bicol easier for both domestic and international visitors.

As tourism rebounds across the country, TIEZA’s recovery exemplifies the sector’s resilience and the need to invest in infrastructure that can support future growth. With significant projects in progress and revenues exceeding pre-pandemic levels, the agency is positioning itself for recovery and continued expansion in the years to come.

Among his many projects to strenghten the Philippine tourism include:

• Burnham Park rehabilitation
• Baguio Sewerage and Water Treatment Project
• Tourism infrastructure projects in Oriental Mindoro 
• Development and rehabilitation initiatives for Mount Data Hotel and Banaue Hotel
• Expansion of Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) and partnerships with local government units such as Santa Rosa and Silay to support tourism investments and development
• Attraction of more than ₱20 billion in tourism-related investment commitments covering destination infrastructure, hospitality developments, and tourism support facilities

More about Mark Lapid:

Before his national government role, Mark served as Governor of Pampanga from 2004 to 2007, becoming one of the youngest provincial governors in Philippine history when he was elected at 24. During his term, he prioritized local development, modernizing public services, and provincial governance.

In 2016, he ran for a seat in the Philippine Senate, furthering his involvement in national public service. Outside of government, Mark has also pursued a career in the entertainment industry. He has appeared in several Filipino action films and TV projects. Following his role in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, he is set to take on a new character in the highly anticipated series "Sigabo," premiering on June 22.

Mark holds a Master's Degree in Development Management from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and earned a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM). He has also enhanced his leadership and governance skills through executive education programs at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

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HONOR Makes Back-to-School Shopping ‘Bongga’ with Big 6.6 Deals and Student Productivity Bundles

Leading global AI devices provider HONOR Philippines is making back-to-school shopping more exciting with its “HONOR Bonggang Back-to-School 6.6 Sale,” offering huge discounts, productivity bundles, and exclusive online deals across all HONOR channels from June 1 to 8, 2026.

Students, young professionals, and tech enthusiasts can now enjoy smarter and more affordable upgrades through HONOR’s biggest back-to-school offers yet.

Leading the campaign is the “Student Productivity Bundle,” where customers can get up to Php 3,000 OFF on selected HONOR tablets when purchased together with the HONOR Choice Pencil and the all-new HONOR Choice Earbuds X7 Lite. The promo applies to participating HONOR tablets, excluding MagicPad 3, making it easier for students to build their ideal productivity setup for learning, creativity, and everyday use.

Meanwhile, the highly popular HONOR 600 Series joins the 6.6 celebration with an exclusive Php 1,000 discount, bundled with a FREE HONOR Bluetooth Speaker II worth Php 1,999 and a Globe 5G Prepaid SIM, giving fans even more value for their next AI smartphone upgrade.

“Back-to-school season is an important moment for students and families preparing for a more productive year ahead. Through our Back-to-School 6.6 Sale, we want to make premium technology and HONOR AI-powered devices more accessible while giving Filipino consumers unbeatable value across our ecosystem,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

Adding to the excitement is the debut of the HONOR Choice Earbuds X7 Lite, now officially available in HONOR’s online stores.

Originally priced at Php 1,999, the sleek and feature-packed earbuds are available for only Php 1,099 throughout the entire month of June across all official online channels, making it the perfect everyday audio companion for students and on-the-go users.

Shoppers can also enjoy platform-exclusive surprises during the campaign:

• Shopee – Up to 70% OFF on HONOR X7d (limited quantity only) on June 5 at 12NN

• Lazada – Grab the HONOR X5c Plus for only Php 6 (limited quantity only) on June 6 at 12MN

• TikTok Shop – Enjoy Live-exclusive vouchers worth up to Php 2,850 plus Student Productivity Bundles

The HONOR Bonggang Back-to-School 6.6 Sale runs across all HONOR channels, while the HONOR Choice Earbuds X7 Lite promo continues until June 30, 2026, through HONOR’s official online stores.

Don’t miss the chance to make this school season smarter, more productive, and definitely more “bongga” with HONOR. 

For more exciting announcements, 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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Maki Embraces Bittersweet Love in New Single "Habangbuhay Pansamantala" Featuring SB19 Justin

Maki continues to expand his “KOLORCOASTER” universe with the release of his pink-themed single “habangbuhay pansamantala” and its music video.

“It’s very contrastingna ipagsama but it all makes sense kasi it reflects yung nafi-feel ko na forever ba akong magiging temporary na tao for other people,” shared Maki about the title of his latest song.

Dubbed as the “pink anthem,” the soft and emotive track captures the pain of being treated as a second choice in a relationship while still hoping for a love that lasts. Maki composed the song, while he co-produced it alongside Jacob Clemente, Tati de Mesa, and Jovel Rivera, blending vulnerable storytelling with heartfelt melodies that resonate deeply with listeners.

The “Dilaw” hitmaker also opened up about collaborating with Justin of SB19 for the music video, praising the latter’s creativity and vision.

“Justin is a very intelligent creative person. Sobrang gets namin yung isa’t isa kaya no’ng sinabi ko yung ideas ko sa kanya, game agad siya. Super gaan niyang katrabaho,” Maki said.

The singer-songwriter from ABS-CBN Music recently surpassed 1 billion all-time streams on Spotify following the massive success of his debut album “KOLORCOASTER.” He is also gearing up for his Southeast Asian concert tour with stops at The Theatre at Mediacorp in Singapore on June 13 and Bengkel Space in Jakarta, Indonesia on June 14. Fans may purchase tickets via makikolorcoastertour.myx.global.

“We’ll do our best to showcase Filipino talent and OPM outside of the Philippines. Para sa akin, mas maganda na sinusuportahan natin yung concerts ng local artists, kilala man sila o hindi, kaya sana let’s explore and try to invest kasi everyone is doing their best,” Maki expressed.

In celebration of the “habangbuhay pansamantala” release, Maki held a free show dubbed "Pink Fest” last May 29 at the TriNoma Activity Center. He is also set to headline the “Pink Room” at Solaire North on June 5.

Feel the heartwrenching message of “habangbuhay pansamantala” available on all digital streaming platforms and join Maki on his “KOLORCOASTER” tour in Singapore and Jakarta this June 13 and 14. For details, follow Tarsier Records on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

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