Vivo Philippines Brings NBA and WNBA Legends Jason Kidd and Lauren Jackson to Manila

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Basketball fans in the Philippines are in for a memorable experience as Vivo Philippines brings NBA and WNBA legends Jason Kidd and Lauren Jackson to Manila for an exclusive fan meet-and-greet on August 28, 2026.

The event will take place from 5 PM to 6 PM at the Vivo Concept Store in SM Megamall Building B, featuring on-stage conversations, fan interactions, and a special opportunity for selected fans to meet the two basketball icons. Only 15 fans will be selected, with each receiving an official photo opportunity and a signed poster.

How to Join

Fans who want to participate can follow these simple steps:

• Follow Vivo Philippines on Facebook.
• Comment “vivo Meet & Greet with Jason & Lauren” on the designated Facebook post.
• Use the hashtags #vivoxNBA and #vivoX300Ultra.

The event will be hosted by KC Montero, who will guide conversations with Kidd and Jackson, giving fans a closer look at their careers and experiences in professional basketball.

Jackson is a three-time WNBA MVP, two-time WNBA champion, five-time Olympic medalist, FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup champion, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer. She also made her return to the Olympic stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics following an eight-year break from basketball.

Kidd is an NBA champion, 10-time NBA All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer. Renowned for his court vision and playmaking abilities, the former point guard later continued his basketball career as an NBA coach.

Bringing Fans Closer to the Action

The experience will also highlight the Vivo X300 Ultra, the company's flagship smartphone featuring Triple ZEISS Master Lenses, including an 85mm ZEISS Gimbal-Grade APO Telephoto Camera. Its advanced imaging capabilities are designed to bring distant subjects closer, making it particularly useful for capturing sporting events and other experiences from a distance.

Fans who cannot attend in person can still join the experience online. The Vivo Philippines Facebook page will livestream the event on August 29 from 5 PM to 6 PM, with the action captured using the Vivo X300 Ultra.

Viewers can click “Going” on the Facebook Event and enable notifications for the livestream. An online giveaway will also give participants a chance to win NBA merchandise by commenting “vivo Meet & Greet with Jason & Lauren” and using #vivoxNBA and #vivoX300Ultra.

For more technology, lifestyle, and event updates, follow Vivo Philippines on social media.

AI-Powered Legal Research: Navigating Philippine Foreclosure Law with Confidence

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Legal disputes involving foreclosed properties can become complicated when a purchaser seeks possession but discovers that another person is already occupying the property and claims an independent right to it. Under Philippine law, determining who has the stronger claim requires more than simply reading a single statute. It requires careful examination of legislation, procedural rules, and decades of Supreme Court jurisprudence.

The general rule is that after the redemption period expires and ownership is consolidated, a foreclosure purchaser is ordinarily entitled to a writ of possession. However, the situation can change when a third party in actual possession claims a right that is independent of the debtor-mortgagor.

This legal distinction was the focus of a research test conducted using Intellegal, a Philippine-focused legal research platform. The system examined the requirements for obtaining a writ of possession following an extrajudicial foreclosure under Act No. 3135 and analyzed when a third party may resist the purchaser's request. Its research brought together statutes, procedural authorities, court issuances, and 110 Supreme Court decisions issued between 1941 and 2023.

One of the key findings concerns timing. During the redemption period, Section 7 of Act No. 3135 generally requires a verified ex parte application, proper court proceedings, and a bond equivalent to 12 months' use of the property. Once the redemption period has expired without redemption and ownership has been consolidated, the purchaser's position becomes stronger. Upon proper proof of title and the other requirements, the issuance of a writ of possession is generally considered a ministerial duty, and a bond is ordinarily unnecessary.

The critical exception involves third-party occupants. A person whose claim is merely derived from the mortgagor generally cannot defeat the summary possession process by simply challenging the foreclosure. However, a genuine third party asserting an independent right adverse to the mortgagor may require the court to examine evidence, potentially forcing the purchaser to pursue an ordinary action for possession.

Intellegal's approach emphasizes the importance of traceable legal research. Its Visual Digest helps lawyers understand lengthy decisions through structured timelines and arguments. Citation Map connects cases, statutes, and doctrines so authorities can be traced directly. Deep Synthesis breaks complex legal questions into focused research issues and produces source-linked reports.

For Philippine lawyers, the value of legal AI is therefore not simply generating fluent answers. It is building a research trail that can be checked, challenged, and verified against the underlying authorities.

As legal research becomes increasingly technology-driven, platforms such as Intellegal demonstrate how AI can help lawyers move from a difficult legal question to the authorities that deserve closer attention—while leaving professional judgment where it belongs: with counsel.

Every Bottle Tells a Story: How a Shared Love for Coca-Cola Built a Community Across Generations

Quezon City, Philippines— Across the Philippines, independent communities of Coca-Cola collectors continue to connect through shared memorabilia, stories, and friendships built over time. These groups—formed organically by enthusiasts—reflect a broader culture of collecting that brings together people from different backgrounds through a common appreciation for the brand.

Among these communities is the Coca-Cola Collectors Club Philippines, one of several independent collector groups in the country. It has brought together collectors and enthusiasts who share an interest in Coca-Cola memorabilia since 2015.

What began as a space for enthusiasts has grown into a multi-generational network built on shared stories, friendships, and a lasting connection through collecting Coca-Cola items. On June 20, 2026, members gathered to mark the group’s 11th anniversary and celebrate the people who continue to shape their community.

From hobby to community

Founded by collector Jay-Ar Mendoza, the club draws members from different backgrounds and age groups—from Gen Z hobbyists to long-time enthusiasts. Like many collector communities, members trade, exchange, and showcase Coca-Cola memorabilia while organizing meetups, anniversary gatherings, and exhibits. Over the years, many have also connected with fellow collectors overseas, expanding friendships beyond the Philippines.

Today, the club is led by President Edward Secerio, a member since its early days. His journey began with a single Coca-Cola alarm clock, which he picked up after closing his computer shop and looking for a new hobby. What started as a simple interest grew into a long-term passion, driven by the excitement of discovering pieces he did not yet own.

“More than anything, I want to see the club long after my time. Of course, I’ll guide it as long as I can, but what matters is that the community we’ve built remains strong and relevant. My goal is simple: it is to help shape a community that can grow and still be here for a long time, just like Coca-Cola itself,” Edward shared.

A connection beyond collecting

For some members, the connection to Coca-Cola is both professional and personal. Norman Lontoc, also a member of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club since 2015, first encountered the brand in his career as a Materials and Control Planning Analyst at Coca-Cola from 1992 to 1998. His exposure to promotional items, including miniature bottles, sparked his interest in collecting in the mid-1990s.

Over time, this interest deepened into an appreciation for Coca-Cola’s art and design—something shared by many collectors, including artists and creatives drawn to the brand’s visual identity.

For Norman, each collectible carries a story. “Every bottle has a story,” he said, reflecting on the memories tied to each piece he has acquired over the years.

On what the club means to him after more than a decade, he added: “It means a lot, because this is where you meet new people and bring them into something shared. You build friendships, then you become part of a community grounded in a common interest. You start to value these kinds of connections and the memories you make with them more as you grow older.”

Connecting generations through collecting

One of the things that makes collecting unique is how it connects generations. Across different communities, longtime collectors share stories and experiences alongside younger enthusiasts who are discovering the hobby for themselves.

Within the Coca-Cola Collectors Club Philippines, pioneer members Tatay Dong and Nanay Tess have turned collecting into a shared family activity, even involving their youngest daughter in fairs and exhibits. Their collection includes vintage Coca-Cola items dating back to the 1940s, which they regularly showcase in mall displays and collector events.

Ms. Angie, now 77 years old, represents another layer of the collecting community. Although she only recently joined the club, her collecting journey began in the 1970s. She has welcomed fellow collectors into her home to view her collection—a practice common across collector circles, where enthusiasts visit one another, exchange items, and learn from shared experiences.

At the same time, a new generation is finding its place in the community. Among them is Papi Louie, a toy collector and content creator who documents his collecting journey online. Like many younger collectors today, Louie first entered the hobby through “anik-anik” culture and online collector communities before expanding into Coca-Cola memorabilia.

“As a new member, I'm excited to learn more about Coca-Cola memorabilia, discover new pieces, and build friendships with fellow collectors. As a content creator, I'm also looking forward to sharing these experiences with a wider audience and hopefully inspiring more people to appreciate the stories, history, and community behind collecting,” Louie shared.

A shared culture of collecting

The Coca-Cola Collectors Club 11th anniversary was a celebration of the broader collecting culture—where enthusiasts come together to celebrate a shared interest and the connections that come with it. Representatives from Coca-Cola Philippines also attended the event as guests, including Sr. Director of Public Affairs, Sustainability & Communications Christine Ponce-Garcia, who met with attendees and recognized the passion shared across the collecting community.

"It's meaningful to see how collecting continues to bring people together across generations. Behind every bottle, every collection are personal stories, friendships, and memories that reflect the many ways Coca-Cola has been present in their everyday life over time," said Ponce-Garcia.

Across the country, independent Coca-Cola collector communities continue to bring together people from different walks of life. More than collections of items, they reflect how shared interests can create meaningful connections—linking generations through stories, experiences, and a collective appreciation that continues to evolve over time.

To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines and its community, visit www.coca-cola.com/ph/en.

The Coca-Cola Collectors Club Philippines is an independent fan community. It is not owned, operated, or officially endorsed by Coca-Cola Philippines.

FUNaloMAX Launches Next-Gen App: Unlocking Fast-Track VIP Status and Unstoppable Mobile Play

Manila, Philippines — FUNaloMAX, a product of Solaire, has officially launched its next-generation mobile app alongside the highly anticipated MAX REWARDS VIP program. Engineered to conquer the realities of Philippine internet connectivity, the new platform delivers world-class gaming prestige with lightning-fast accessibility.

A Technological Game Changer

FUNaloMAX abandoned heavy third-party frameworks to build a custom, in-house architecture engineered for speed — faster load times, optimized screens for slower connections, and frictionless Face ID login.

“FUNaloMAX is purpose-built for a broader, more dynamic audience — players who want a faster, bolder experience on their own terms,” said Gregory Francis Hawkins, Bloomberry Resorts Corporation President & COO. “We are no longer dependent on third-party platforms to execute our vision.”

The Fast-Track to Elite VIP Status

The app introduces MAX REWARDS, a disruptive six-tier loyalty system built around instant gratification, featuring a first-of-its-kind “Daily Shortcut” that lets players jump from entry-level Spade Rookie to elite Joker tier in a single day of focused play.

Frictionless Cashouts & Real-World Luxury

Every real-money wager on premium slots, live casino tables, and nostalgic Bingo and Perya games instantly generates MAX Points (MP), immediately convertible into e-vouchers, with seamless deposits and cashouts powered by Maya and DragonPay. In its next phase, the MAX Rewards Shop will unlock premium physical items and exclusive luxury hospitality experiences powered by Solaire.

Experience the new standard of mobile play. Download the FUNaloMAX app today for free on the Apple iOS App Store or via Android APK.

Eastern Communications Secures Multiple Wins at the 2026 Marketing-Interactive Awards

Eastern Communications earned multiple recognitions at the 2026 Marketing Excellence Awards and Marketing Event Awards, highlighting the company’s continued commitment to delivering technology-driven solutions and meaningful experiences for customers and communities.

The telecommunications and ICT solutions provider received awards for initiatives spanning digital inclusion and customer experience, reinforcing its “High Tech, High Touch” approach to creating connections that go beyond technology.

Last August 8, at the 2026 Marketing Excellence Awards held at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City, Eastern was awarded the Bronze Award for Excellence in CSR / Cause Marketing for its initiative, “Uplifting Far-Flung Schools & Communities in the Philippines through Satellite Internet.” The recognition underscores Eastern's commitment to using technology to expand access to education, information, and digital opportunities for underserved communities.

Through Project Maaasahan, Eastern Communications' digital inclusion initiative in partnership with Unconnected.org, the Department of Education, and local government units, deployed satellite-powered internet and Maaasahan Kits to public schools in geographically isolated communities. Its first phase connected 10 public schools across 10 provinces, benefiting 2,785 students and 155 teachers, while creating opportunities for more than 29,500 residents in surrounding communities. The connected schools also serve as free community Wi-Fi hubs, extending connectivity beyond the classroom.

Beyond its community initiatives, Eastern Communications was recognized at the 2026 Marketing Event Awards in Singapore with the Silver Award for Best Event: <100 Attendees for its “Redefining Customer Experience Through Eastern Communications’ Titanium Tier Launch.”

Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the award-winning event marked the launch of Titanium, the newest and most exclusive tier of Eastern Communications’ loyalty program, Link VIP Club. Rather than presenting privileges through traditional marketing materials, the brand brought the Titanium Tier to life through a curated collection of original artworks, transforming service benefits into compelling visual stories.

By bringing together art, culture, and customer engagement, Eastern Communications elevated the launch beyond a conventional tier announcement. The initiative celebrated Filipino creativity while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to personalized experiences. More importantly, it positioned the Titanium Tier not simply as a service upgrade, but as a meaningful expression of trust, partnership, and shared growth between Eastern Communications and its clients.

The recognition underscores Eastern Communications’ continued commitment to creating experiences that deepen customer relationships and demonstrate the value of meaningful connections beyond technology.

“For us, these recognitions go beyond individual campaigns. They reflect how Eastern Communications continues to evolve its marketing approach, from simply communicating what we offer to creating experiences and initiatives that showcase the value of meaningful connections,” said Jurelyn San Antonio, Campaign Management Manager.

These recognitions underscore Eastern Communications’ broader commitment to integrating brand storytelling, customer experience, community impact, and technology to create meaningful connections. As the company continues to innovate in an evolving digital landscape, it remains committed to its “High Tech, High Touch” approach, combining reliable technology with personalized experiences to create opportunities and deliver notable impact.

To discover how Eastern Communications can help your business build stronger connections through reliable connectivity and innovative ICT solutions, visit www.eastern.com.ph