HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series and WATCH D3 Now Available in the Philippines, Starting at PHP 14,999

Manila, Philippines — HUAWEI has officially launched its latest wearables in the Philippines, introducing the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series and HUAWEI WATCH D3 with prices starting at PHP 14,999. The new lineup combines advanced sports tracking, AI-powered insights, and proactive health monitoring to help users make more informed decisions about their daily routines.

Smarter Sports Tracking with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series

Designed for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series features the Sunflower Positioning System and AI-XDR Positioning for reliable GPS route tracking, including in challenging environments. With more than 100 sports modes, climb planning, and climb reminders, the smartwatch helps users monitor their performance and approach training with greater precision.

AI-powered Workout Analysis also transforms fitness data into personalized coaching, recovery insights, and recommendations for future workouts. The series includes a Diabetes Risk Study, while the WATCH GT 7 Pro additionally offers a Coronary Heart Disease Study.

HUAWEI WATCH D3 Focuses on Cardiovascular Health

For users prioritizing everyday health awareness, the HUAWEI WATCH D3 offers 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring through an ultra-narrow airbag strap. Its updated monitoring schedule reduces daily cuff inflations from 27 to seven, helping minimize interruptions throughout the day and night.

The smartwatch features Daily Blood Pressure Summary, reminders, and Health Glance for a consolidated view of key health indicators. CE-certified ECG and PPG measurements provide additional cardiovascular insights, while AI-powered Health Insights helps users understand daily blood pressure patterns. Its On-wrist Health Community feature also allows users to follow loved ones’ health information.

Pricing and First-Sale Promotions

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 46mm and 41mm start at PHP 14,999, while the WATCH GT 7 Pro is available for PHP 18,999. The HUAWEI WATCH D3 is priced at PHP 26,999.

Until November 11, 2026, eligible purchases can benefit from first-sale offers worth up to PHP 8,416, including discounts, complimentary HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2, one-month HUAWEI Health+ membership, one-month HUAWEI Watch Face VIP access, and a two-year warranty, subject to applicable terms.

Customers can purchase the devices through the HUAWEI Online Store, Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and participating HUAWEI Experience Stores. Selected stores will also offer a complimentary mWell Health Pass Gift Code worth PHP 399 to the first 100 qualifying customers.

With premium designs, smarter fitness features, and expanded health monitoring capabilities, HUAWEI’s latest wearables offer Filipino consumers more ways to stay active and connected to their well-being.

Bloomberry Expands Digital Gaming Portfolio, Launches OnlyFun.PH

Manila, Philippines — Bloomberry Resorts Corp. is expanding its digital gaming business with the launch of OnlyFun.PH — the country’s first regulated live interactive entertainment platform combining gaming, livestreaming, and creator-led content.

The new platform forms part of Bloomberry’s FUNaloMAX digital portfolio and is designed to tap the growing preference of Filipino consumers for mobile entertainment, livestreaming, and real-time interaction.

OnlyFun.PH combines online gaming with live shows hosted by digital personalities and streamers. Users can interact with hosts and other content while accessing gaming features within the same platform.

Bloomberry said the service complements FUNaloMAX, its core online gaming platform, while allowing the company to reach consumers looking for a more social and interactive form of digital entertainment.

“As digital entertainment continues to reshape how Filipinos consume content, the launch of OnlyFun.PH reflects our mission to meet the demand of modern consumers for interactive, creator-driven media,” said Kelvin Kuan, Vice President, Head of Online Gaming at Bloomberry Resorts Corp.

Kuan said the platform seeks to offer a locally tailored mix of gaming and live entertainment while maintaining responsible gaming safeguards.

“By combining regulated gaming with live digital entertainment, we are delivering a fresh, locally tailored format that sets a new benchmark for online entertainment in the Philippines while upholding strict responsible gaming standards,” he said.

OnlyFun.PH operates under the license and regulation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). The platform uses Know-Your-Customer (KYC) identity verification, data security measures, and built-in player controls intended to provide a safe and secure user environment.

Bloomberry said it plans to gradually expand OnlyFun.PH by introducing more original interactive programs and features, as well as partnerships with additional hosts, content creators and streamers.

The launch further expands Bloomberry’s presence beyond its traditional integrated resort operations as the company builds its position in the country’s growing regulated digital gaming market.

Vivo V80 Lite Brings “Living at Full Bar” to Life at Pickleball-Themed Launch in BGC

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Vivo Philippines officially launched the Vivo V80 Lite in the Philippines on October 4, bringing its “Living at Full Bar” campaign to life through a pickleball-themed launch event at Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

The event brought together pickleball enthusiasts, Vivo fans, and guests for a day filled with competition, activities, and entertainment. Vivo brand ambassador Marian Rivera also joined the celebration, sharing how the smartphone’s long-lasting battery fits into her busy lifestyle.

Vivo V80 Lite Crowns Pickleball Challenge Champions

The pickleball tournament put participants’ skills, teamwork, and stamina to the test. Players battled across the court through powerful swings, quick movements, and intense rallies as they competed for the championship title.

After several rounds of competition, Karl de Leon and Mimi Abesamis emerged as the champions, with each receiving a Vivo V80 Lite as their prize.

The tournament highlighted the importance of having enough energy to keep going—something that the Vivo V80 Lite is designed to deliver through its 10,000mAh BlueVolt Battery. The large-capacity battery provides users with the power they need for work, entertainment, communication, and everyday activities without constantly worrying about their next charge.

Marian Rivera on Living at Full Bar

As an actress, wife, and mother, Marian Rivera knows what it means to have a packed schedule. She shared that the Vivo V80 Lite helps support her active lifestyle by giving her extra power throughout the day.

“I can start my morning with family time, then may work, meetings, errands — walang pause button,” Marian said. “Kaya happy ako sa 10,000mAh BlueVolt Battery, hindi ko kailangang isipin agad kung saan ako makakapag-charge.”

She added that being fully charged gives her the freedom to enjoy every moment of her day.

Power for Every Adventure

Beyond its long-lasting battery, the Vivo V80 Lite comes with IP68 and IP69 protection, making it designed for busy lifestyles and everyday adventures. Whether users are working, spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying their day, the smartphone is built to keep up.

The Vivo V80 Lite starts at Php 24,999 and is available for pre-order until October 16 through Vivo physical stores, the Vivo e-store, and the Vivo Store app.

Pre-order customers can receive up to Php 1,500 in discounts, a four-year battery warranty, Vivo Silver membership privileges, free Vivo Buds Air3, and 100GB of Google One cloud storage for six months.

DSWD Brings UPLIFT Financial Aid Straight to GCash Wallets to Help Households Absorb Rising Living Costs

For families facing rising costs and financial pressures, government assistance can provide much-needed support to meet immediate needs and regain stability.

To make that support easier to access, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with GCash, is expanding digital access to DSWD UPLIFT assistance, giving eligible beneficiaries the option to receive subsequent payouts through their GCash wallets.

The initiative supports the rollout of the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program, a relief initiative established under Executive Order No. 110 to help protect vulnerable sectors and cushion the impact of global oil shocks and rising inflation. Under the expanded DSWD UPLIFT Assistance Program, targeted cash assistance will reach 7.5 million households through DSWD.

The digital disbursement initiative also comes as the government works to cushion the impact of the energy emergency on vulnerable families nationwide. By expanding access to digital channels, beneficiaries can receive subsequent assistance through a more convenient and accessible option, reducing the need to spend additional time and resources accessing government support.

While the initial DSWD UPLIFT payouts will be distributed in cash, beneficiaries are encouraged to transition to digital channels for succeeding disbursements. As part of the UPLIFT Caravan, GCash is supporting the initiative by assisting beneficiaries with account onboarding, giving those who choose GCash the option to receive future assistance directly through the GCash Fund Disbursement Service (FDS).

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said it was the President's directive to disburse the much-needed aid in a quick and convenient manner, understanding that beneficiaries need immediate relief.

"Mula ngayon hanggang sa December, kapag kukunin n'yo na yung ₱2,000 n'yo, sa digital wallet na lang," he stressed. (From now until December, when you claim your ₱2,000, you can receive it directly through your digital wallet.)

Along with this, Secretary Gatchalian encouraged those who do not have a digital wallet yet to set one up so they can receive the funds without the hassle.

"GCash is honored to continuously support DSWD in expanding digital access to government services. Access is not only about receiving support, but also about making the experience more convenient, secure, and dignified for the people we serve. By giving beneficiaries a digital option, we hope to make DSWD UPLIFT assistance easier to access while giving them greater choice in how they receive and manage their financial support," said GCash Vice President and Head of B2B Sales, Cleo Celeste Santos.

The partnership demonstrates how digital financial services can make social protection more accessible while helping beneficiaries take greater control of their financial assistance. By bringing government support directly to beneficiaries through a channel they can access and manage digitally, the initiative aims to reduce barriers to receiving assistance and help create pathways toward greater financial inclusion and opportunity.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

SHDA Welcomes DOJ Opinion Streamlining Land Transfers, Calls for Uniform Guidelines to Accelerate Affordable Housing

Manila, Philippines – As the country faces a critical need for affordable housing, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA)—the country's premier housing developers' organization—backs a Department of Justice (DOJ) legal opinion that removes a major bureaucratic hurdle to acquiring land for new communities.

DOJ Legal Opinion No. 16, Series of 2026, states that private agricultural land transactions without an existing Notice of Coverage (NOC) no longer require a Land Transfer Clearance (LTC) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). The DOJ determined that the five-hectare retention limit, which served as the legal basis for the clearance, ceased to be effective following the statutory cutoff on June 30, 2014, also known as the CARPER Deadline.

For housing development proponents, the LTC has been an added administrative step before land acquisition can move forward. Removing it for unencumbered titles lets developers proceed more efficiently toward title transfer, project financing, permitting, construction, and site preparation. For SHDA, speed does not mean cutting corners. Housing developers remain committed to full compliance with existing national and local laws, including, but not limited to, DAR land use conversion requirements, local zoning ordinances, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) environmental clearance requirements, and other housing development regulations.

“Predictability in land administration is important to keeping housing projects moving,” said Engr. Francis Richmond Z. Villegas, SHDA Chairman of the Board. “A clear and consistent process allows developers and other stakeholders to make informed decisions, manage project timelines, and pursue investments with confidence. We see this as an opportunity to support a framework that is responsive to the needs of the housing industry while remaining aligned with existing laws and regulations.”

SHDA members build 80% of the homes produced in the Philippines each year. The association said that reducing transaction costs and administrative delays is a step toward expanding the supply of affordable homes for Filipino families.

Even with the clearance requirement lifted, SHDA said that consistent implementation will decide whether these gains are felt on the ground. To ensure an orderly transition, the association is urging DAR, the Land Registration Authority (LRA), and Registers of Deeds (RODs) to issue joint administrative guidelines establishing standardized procedures and documentary requirements nationwide.

"The DOJ opinion gives the industry legal clarity. What we need now is the same clarity on the ground. Joint guidelines from DAR, LRA, and the RODs will ensure that every office applies the ruling the same way, so landowners, developers, and financial institutions can move forward with certainty," said Mr. Kerwin V. Padua, SHDA National President.

SHDA reiterated its commitment to continued dialogue with government agencies toward a clear, efficient, and predictable land administration framework that supports responsible development and addresses the country's housing needs.