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

LG Electronics Expands Fit & Max Solution Across Home Appliances

As modern homes become increasingly compact and multifunctional, consumers are looking for appliances that maximize both space and performance. LG Electronics is responding to this demand by expanding its innovative Fit & Max Solution beyond select refrigerators to include washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers.

Built around the concept “Fit Space, Max Life,” LG’s approach is designed to address one of the biggest challenges facing modern households: making the most of available living space without compromising on appliance capacity or functionality. The expanded solution combines installation flexibility and streamlined designs with the performance, energy efficiency, and convenience consumers expect from today’s home appliances.

The Fit & Max philosophy recognizes that appliance placement can have a significant impact on how efficiently a home operates. By offering designs that can adapt more naturally to different spaces, LG aims to give consumers greater flexibility when planning kitchens, laundry areas and other functional spaces. At the same time, the appliances are designed to maintain the capacity and capabilities needed for everyday household tasks.

The expansion also reflects broader changes in consumer expectations. Today’s homeowners and renters increasingly value products that blend seamlessly into their living environments while delivering practical benefits. Appliances are no longer simply functional necessities; they are becoming integrated elements of modern home design, where space efficiency, aesthetics, sustainability and smart functionality all play important roles.

LG will showcase its expanded Fit & Max Solution lineup at IFA 2026 in Berlin from September 4 to 8. The exhibition will provide an opportunity for consumers, industry professionals and technology enthusiasts to see how LG is applying its space-conscious design philosophy across multiple appliance categories.

Through the expanded lineup, LG Electronics is demonstrating that consumers should not have to choose between an appliance that fits their home and one that delivers strong performance. By combining thoughtful design with capacity, efficiency, and convenience, the company is positioning its Fit & Max Solution as a practical response to the evolving needs of modern living.

As homes continue to change, LG’s approach highlights an important direction for the appliance industry: better use of space does not have to mean sacrificing the features and performance people rely on every day.

PLDT to Block Over 100 Sites Streaming School Shootings, Extreme Violence

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. announced today that they will block more than one hundred websites found to be streaming or hosting footage of school shootings and other acts of extreme violence.

The move is part of the PLDT Group's broader commitment to keeping its networks safe, particularly for children and young people who are increasingly exposed to harmful content online.

"This is something we do not tolerate," said PLDT Chief Operating Officer Butch Jimenez. "We have decided to ban these kinds of sites preemptively, as soon as they are discovered. Our networks will not be used as a channel for content that glorifies violence and puts our communities, especially our children, at risk."

The company said the list of blocked sites will continue to grow as new ones are identified through its own monitoring efforts and in coordination with government agencies, child protection organizations, and parenting communities. Blocking is carried out at the network level, meaning the sites become inaccessible to all PLDT and Smart subscribers.

"There is no debate to be had here," Jimenez added. "Content that turns real-world violence into entertainment has no place on our networks and in our society, and we will keep acting decisively every time we find it."

The initiative builds on the PLDT Group's ongoing child protection and online safety programs, which include the blocking of sites hosting child sexual abuse material.

GCash Wins Big at 2026 Apac Tambuli Awards With Four Purpose-Driven Campaign Victories

GCash, the Philippines' leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem, took home four major accolades at the 2026 APAC Tambuli Awards, earning recognition for campaigns that delivered measurable results in civic accountability, public transit, and grassroots financial access.

The APAC Tambuli Awards, organized by the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), recognize brands that demonstrate both business growth and real-world social impact. Unlike awards that focus on marketing metrics alone, the Tambuli looks at campaigns that advance corporate purpose and human development. The 2026 edition centered on how digital transformation can address systemic gaps in society.

GCash earned a Gold Tambuli under Champions for Humanity: Building Character (Digital and Social Media) for its #MineAngBotoKo campaign. Working with independent media and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), GCash repurposed the familiar format of social media live-selling to confront the culture of vote-buying—turning a casual, everyday medium into a pointed call for voter accountability. It has strengthened in-app security monitoring and implemented stricter transaction guardrails during critical civic windows to prevent financial abuse tied to election periods.

A Silver Tambuli under Masters of Everyday Purpose: Delivering Brand Promise (Integrated) recognized the Commute Fast Lane initiative, a partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) that embedded cashless payment options at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, making everyday commute seamless. GCash plans to expand this digital payment infrastructure to other major transit networks across the Philippines.

The fintech leader also received two Bronze Tambuli awards for grassroots-focused initiatives. “Sachet Loans,” recognized for branded experience and activation, introduced a nano-financing model that allows users to borrow small amounts ranging from ₱100 to ₱300, providing a safe alternative to informal lending.

“Wais Tindera”, awarded for championing inclusive growth, brought financial literacy directly to communities through a nationwide caravan. The program equips sari-sari store owners with digital tools and cash management skills.

In addition to these recognitions, GCash Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Neil Trinidad was named one of the CMOs of the Decade, building on his earlier recognition as CMO of the Year in 2021.

"The 2026 APAC Tambuli Awards affirm that digital tools create the greatest impact when they serve a clear human purpose. At GCash, we build solutions that matter—from making daily commutes easier and supporting neighborhood stores to promoting accountability and inclusion," said Trinidad.

Together, the four Tambuli wins reflect how GCash has built campaigns that go beyond the app—touching public transport, neighborhood commerce, civic life, and financial literacy. Each initiative points to the same underlying goal: making digital finance work for every Filipino, regardless of where they live or what they earn.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.