The Past Takes Center Stage at NEWSTALGIA

PROJECT ZENITH Explores the Power of Memory in Modern Marketing

There is something unforgettable about the things we grew up with. A familiar commercial, an old OPM playlist, or even simple tambayan moments can instantly bring people back to a feeling, a memory, or a certain time in their lives. Today, brands continue to use these emotional connections to create stories that audiences genuinely remember.

Bringing this idea to life, PROJECT ZENITH, a premier student-led production under the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Business Administration, presents NEWSTALGIA: When Memories Meet Marketing on June 9, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at PUP Bulwagang Balagtas.

Designed as an immersive academic experience, NEWSTALGIA explores how nostalgia shapes consumer behavior, emotional engagement, and brand relevance in today’s fast-evolving marketing landscape. Through insightful discussions and creative experiences, the event highlights how familiar memories and cultural touchpoints become powerful tools for meaningful storytelling and audience connection.

Participants can expect interactive activities, nostalgic themed spaces, competitions, and performances that celebrate Filipino culture and shared experiences. Hosting the event are Buknoy Gonzales and Angelica Marie Sanchez, who will bring energy and entertainment to the afternoon program.

Adding to the excitement are special performances from indie pop artist Harry Ocampo, rising Filipino R&B boy group Xerenade, and a surprise special guest whose songs may already hold a place in audiences’ childhood memories.

Expected to gather hundreds of participants fondly called “Bagets,” NEWSTALGIA welcomes PUP Marketing students, fellow Iskolar ng Bayan, partner schools, alumni, organizations, and anyone interested in branding, storytelling, and marketing innovation.

Gusto mo bang sumama?

📍 NEWSTALGIA: When Memories Meet Marketing
🗓 June 9, 2026 (Tuesday)
🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📌 PUP Bulwagang Balagtas

Register here:
http://tiny.cc/NEWSTALGIA

COLORFUL Unveils Immersive COMPUTEX 2026 Showroom Experience in Taipei

TAIPEI, Taiwan – COLORFUL Technology Company Limited, a globally recognized manufacturer of gaming PC components, laptops, and Hi-Fi audio products, has announced an exciting off-site showroom experience for COMPUTEX 2026. Hosted at the Taipei Marriott Hotel from June 2 to June 5, the showcase promises an immersive journey through the company’s expanding ecosystem of gaming, lifestyle, and creator-focused technologies.

Designed to offer visitors a hands-on experience, the showroom will feature four uniquely themed zones that highlight COLORFUL’s latest innovations. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore new products from the COLORFIRE MEOW series, advanced gaming laptops, premium peripherals, custom-built PCs, and the newest additions to the iGame and Battle-Ax hardware families.

One of the key attractions is the Home Experience Zone, which demonstrates how modern computing hardware can seamlessly blend into contemporary living environments. The centerpiece of this area is the iGame Ultra Zero PC Set, showcasing COLORFUL’s innovative “Zero-Cable” ecosystem. The concept emphasizes clean aesthetics, minimal clutter, and elegant integration of high-performance hardware into everyday home spaces, moving beyond traditional gaming-focused designs.

The Laptops & Peripherals Experience Zone introduces the latest generation of COLORFUL mobile computing devices, led by the new iGame ORIGO series. Other featured products include the EVOL X16 Pro, EVOL P16 Pro, MEOW R16 Ultra, MEOW R16 Pro, and the Rimbook S1 Plus. Visitors will also get an early look at a new liquid-cooled gaming laptop concept. Complementing the laptops are premium Hi-Fi products from the COLORFIRE and COLORFLY brands, showcasing advanced Bluetooth connectivity, multi-device support, and seamless cross-platform integration. The lightweight Rimbook L1 Plus, featuring a slim metal chassis, a 16-inch 2.5K display, and AMD Ryzen-powered performance, will also be highlighted.

Another major attraction is the MEOW Internet Café Experience Zone, inspired by COLORFUL’s flagship esports entertainment complex in Chengdu, China. This interactive space recreates a futuristic gaming café environment that combines industrial aesthetics with playful pet-themed design elements, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of social gaming and entertainment venues.

For PC enthusiasts, the Component and PC Zone showcases the latest iGame and Battle-Ax products. Highlights include the recently launched iGame Z890 Ultra-S W motherboard, designed for Intel Core Ultra 200S Series processors, and the newly redesigned iGame Ultra Series PC, featuring a bold graffiti-inspired aesthetic and optimized cooling performance.

With innovative product displays, immersive environments, and hands-on demonstrations, COLORFUL’s COMPUTEX 2026 showroom aims to deliver an engaging experience for gamers, creators, and technology enthusiasts alike. Visitors attending COMPUTEX are invited to explore the showcase at the Grand Space on the third floor of the Taipei Marriott Hotel and discover the next generation of COLORFUL technology.

Smart Blocks Almost a Billion Text Scams in Q1

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has blocked more than 955,000,000 text messages related to scams and phishing activities in the first quarter of 2026. It also blacklisted almost 200,000 mobile numbers linked to fraudulent activities from its network.

“Scammers are exploiting devices that imitate legitimate cell towers to send fraudulent messages directly to nearby phones,” said Menardo 'Butch' Jimenez Jr., PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network. “This is why we continue to strengthen our network defenses while working closely with government partners to help protect our customers.”

Smart, together with its value brand TNT, recently launched anti–text scam awareness videos to amplify the government’s campaign against fraudulent activities carried out using mobile technology.

“Protecting Filipinos from online scams requires strong collaboration across government, industry, and the public,” Jimenez Jr. added. “By raising awareness and strengthening safeguards across networks, we can make it harder for criminals to exploit mobile technologies.”

PLDT and Smart said consumers can spot potential text scams through several warning signs. Fraudulent messages often create urgency—claiming an account will be suspended, rewards points are expiring, or access credentials will be revoked. Others promise prizes or exclusive deals to lure recipients into clicking embedded links.

In some cases, the scams may involve signal hijacking, a tactic that allows criminals to send phishing messages directly to nearby phones.

The method uses devices known as IMSI catchers—rogue base stations that impersonate legitimate cellular towers to trick phones into connecting to them. Once linked, the device can transmit text messages directly to those handsets without relying on the telecom operator’s messaging network. A sudden downgrade from 5G to older networks, such as 2G, before suspicious messages arrive, may indicate the presence of malicious fake cell towers.

The companies urge customers to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and to report suspicious texts through Smart’s HULISCAM portal at https://smart.com.ph/huliscam, its verified social media accounts, or the Smart hotline *888.

Vivo X300 FE Arrives in the Philippines: Flagship Photography and Power in a Compact Design

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Vivo continues to strengthen its premium smartphone lineup with the introduction of the new Vivo X300 FE, a compact flagship device designed for creators, photographers, and modern professionals who need powerful performance without the bulk. Priced at Php 54,999, the Vivo X300 FE is now available for pre-order nationwide until June 5, offering consumers a compelling blend of professional imaging, flagship-level hardware, and long-lasting reliability.

Built for urban explorers and content creators, the Vivo X300 FE combines premium photography capabilities, intelligent software, and a sleek flat-design body that is both stylish and practical. Despite its compact form factor, the device retains Vivo’s renowned ZEISS co-engineered imaging system, bringing professional-grade photography to users who are constantly creating and sharing content on the go.

The smartphone features an advanced triple-camera setup, including a 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, 50MP ZEISS Main Camera, and a 110° Ultra-Wide Low-Distortion Camera. This versatile system allows users to capture stunning landscapes, detailed portraits, and everyday moments with exceptional clarity and natural color reproduction. The highlight of the setup is the 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, which delivers impressive long-range photography while preserving texture, depth, and image quality.

For creators seeking even greater zoom capabilities, Vivo also introduces the Vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2, sold separately for Php 13,999. Featuring a 200mm equivalent focal length, 15 high-transmittance glass elements, and a compact optical design, the accessory transforms the X300 FE into a highly capable long-range photography tool while maintaining portability at just 153 grams.

Beyond imaging, the Vivo X300 FE delivers a premium user experience through its 6.31-inch display, ultra-narrow bezels, slim 7.99mm profile, and lightweight 191g build. Available in Mist Purple and Luxe Black, the device features a Metallic Sand AG glass back that enhances grip while resisting fingerprints. An aerospace-grade aluminum frame further improves durability without compromising portability.

Powering the device is the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, ensuring smooth multitasking, responsive gaming, and efficient content editing. Supporting this performance is a massive 6500mAh BlueVolt Battery with 90W FlashCharge and 40W Wireless Charge, providing all-day endurance for demanding users.

Designed for long-term use, the Vivo X300 FE includes IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance, five years of Android OS upgrades, seven years of security updates, and five years of smooth performance optimization.

Customers who pre-order the Vivo X300 FE at Vivo stores nationwide will receive a Vivo X Series VIP Exclusive Card and a free limited-edition Vivo Buds Air3. Online buyers through the Vivo e-store will also receive an exclusive creator-focused camera bag. Flexible financing is available through Home Credit Philippines, with installment plans starting at just Php 76 per day at 0% interest for up to 18 months.

With the Vivo X300 FE, Vivo demonstrates that flagship innovation can come in a compact package, delivering professional photography, premium performance, and lasting reliability for creators who want to capture every story, anytime and anywhere.

PHILSME Business Expo Opens Biggest Edition Yet, Showcasing Innovation and Growth for Filipino MSMEs

MANILA, Philippines — The 18th PHILSME Business Expo & Conference officially opened at the SMX Convention Center Manila, bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs, business leaders, government representatives, startup founders, and industry partners for what organizers describe as the largest PHILSME event in its history.

The two-day expo commenced with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, joined by sponsors, exhibitors, and key stakeholders from the country’s thriving small and medium enterprise sector. The opening ceremony was hosted by veteran broadcaster David Celdran, who welcomed attendees from across the Philippines and highlighted the importance of community-driven business development.

“Every edition of this Expo is a testament to what happens when a community truly and genuinely believes in one another — and when we all come together to believe in the power of Filipino business,” Celdran said during the program.

Esguerra-Abrenilla expressed gratitude to the SME community for its continued support and emphasized PHILSME’s commitment to creating better opportunities for entrepreneurs. “We try to keep on getting better and better for you and because of you,” she told attendees.

In her keynote address, DTI Undersecretary Lantayona underscored the vital role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in nation-building. She noted that the impact of businesses extends beyond financial success, contributing to stronger communities and a brighter future for Filipinos.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the first-ever PHILSME Business Magazine, introduced by PHILSME Media Director and Editor Angie Quadra-Balibay. The publication aims to document the journeys, challenges, and achievements of Filipino entrepreneurs through in-depth storytelling rather than traditional business advice. The launch featured a magazine exhibit and meet-and-greet opportunities with contributors and featured business leaders.

The expo also hosted a media presser focused on MSME growth and innovation, featuring executives from GCash for Business, Skyro, Adobe, and Esquire Financing, who discussed financing accessibility, digital transformation, marketing strategies, AI-powered solutions, and business expansion opportunities.

Adding an international perspective, PHILSME partnered with GMA Pinoy TV for a panel discussion featuring overseas Filipino entrepreneurs sharing insights on how global work experiences can inspire entrepreneurship and contribute to national development.

Carrying the theme “Legacy in Motion: Empowering Growth to the Nation,” the 18th PHILSME Business Expo & Conference spans two halls at SMX Convention Center Manila and is expected to attract more than 12,000 visitors, showcase 190 exhibitors, and present over 260 business solutions designed to help Filipino MSMEs grow, innovate, and succeed.