In a groundbreaking collaboration, LG Philippines and National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Reyes Cabrera have joined forces to bring advanced OLED technology to the BenCab Museum in Tuba, Benguet. This partnership redefines how art is experienced, introducing a cutting-edge digital platform for Filipino creativity.

LG Electronics (LG) has once again secured its position in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the thirteenth consecutive year. The DJSI World ranks the top 10 percent of the largest 2,500 global companies based on their economic, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, serving as a critical benchmark for investors assessing corporate sustainability.

Notably, LG earned the highest overall score in the Leisure Equipment & Products and Consumer Electronics industry category. Furthermore, it remains the only South Korean company to be included in this category for 13 years running.

Additionally, LG has been included in the DJSI Asia Pacific (top 20 percent of the 600 largest companies in the Asia-Pacific region) and DJSI Korea (top 30 percent of the 200 largest companies in Korea) for 15 and 16 consecutive years, respectively.

LG received high evaluations across various ESG areas, including environmental policy and management, human rights management, human resource management, customer relations, supply chain management and product responsibility management.

Under the ESG management vision of Better Life for All, LG is carrying out various activities with the strategy of 3C for the planet (Carbon neutrality, Circularity, and Clean technology) and 3D for people (Decent workplace, Diversity & inclusion, and Design for all).

To achieve its 3C goals for the planet, LG has set ambitious targets, including reaching carbon neutrality in its product manufacturing process by 2030 and transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.

Specifically, LG plans to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1) and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 2) in the product production stage by 54.6 percent compared to 2017 levels. This will be accomplished through process improvements, the introduction of energy-saving technologies and the use of renewable energy. Notably, LG was the first company in the home appliance industry to obtain UN carbon credits in 2015.

In addition, LG is focused on reducing the unit greenhouse gas emissions of its seven major product groups (TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, home and system air conditioners, and monitors) by 20 percent compared to 2020 levels during the product use stage (Scope 3). This commitment involves various activities aimed at improving the energy efficiency of individual products, thereby reducing overall carbon emissions.

As a member of the UN Global Compact and the Responsible Business Alliance, LG complies with international human rights and labor standards and is enhancing its human rights management processes to respond to strengthening global ESG-related legislation.

In the ESG evaluation and rating announcement results published by the Korea Corporate Governance Service this year, LG received an overall A grade for four consecutive years. LG also received an A grade for five consecutive years in the ESG evaluation conducted by the global ESG evaluation agency Morgan Stanley Capital International, gaining recognition for its ESG management performance from credible domestic and international institutions.

Every new year, we hear it time and again: This year will be different.

It’s a chance to quit those bad habits, tackle long-standing goals, and build a healthier future. With each January, we’re inspired by the promise of a fresh start—an ideal time to stop smoking, adopt cleaner habits, and finally prioritize well-being.

Yet, more often than not, these resolutions fizzle out. Plans that feel achievable in the moment tend to fade, proving unsustainable or simply out of reach. The truth is, waiting for the perfect time often leads to wasted opportunities.

That’s why investing in your health now is the best course of action. Seize this moment to make lasting changes, because the future you’re working toward deserves more than a fleeting resolution. It's about building the foundation for a healthier, stronger life—not just for this year, but for all the years to come.

Ever thought about seeing the world from a whole new angle? The vivo X200 Pro lets you do just that by turning everyday moments into something extraordinary through macro photography.

Whether you dream of becoming a professional photographer or simply enjoy snapping shots for fun, there’s something truly captivating about zooming in on life’s tiny details. Macro photography offers an exciting gateway into this world, revealing beauty you might never have noticed before.

This approach isn’t just about capturing close-ups—it teaches patience, sharpens your attention to detail, and sparks creativity. Plus, it opens your eyes to the often-overlooked marvels around you, making everyday life feel a little more magical.

The best part? The vivo X200 Pro features a powerful camera system that will be your companion on this fun photography journey as you open your eyes to the world's hidden wonders!

[Embed https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7455998830564216071]

ZEISS-powered excellence in every shot

Co-engineered with ZEISS, the vivo X200 Pro redefines what you can expect from smartphone photography and more!

Equipped with industry's highest 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, the vivo X200 Pro offers five innovative telephoto capabilities, including the Telephoto Macro mode, designed to capture intricate details with stunning clarity.

While lenses of this caliber usually come at a premium, the collaboration between vivo and ZEISS has made these specialized lenses and superior optics accessible to everyday consumers. 

Pop star JADE rings in 2025 with her much-awaited single, "IT Girl."

The bold electro-pop track, filled with heavy bass and cheeky flair, was co-written by JADE alongside producers Cirkut and Lostboy, known for their work with Charli XCX and Lady Gaga. The song’s sharp lyrics draw from JADE’s personal journey through the music industry, shedding light on the demanding and often cutthroat side of fame.

Fans have eagerly awaited the release ever since a snippet was teased at the end of JADE’s previous hit, "Angel of My Dreams." The teaser sparked a frenzy, with many clamoring for the full track.

“‘IT Girl’ is like the feisty little sister to ‘Angel of My Dreams,’” JADE explains. “There’s still a lot people don’t know about me, and I wanted to surprise them and stir things up a bit. I write from my experiences, and I won’t sugarcoat it. This is my reality.”

This season, Robinsons Appliances is making your holiday shopping more rewarding than ever! From November 18, 2024, to January 26, 2025, every purchase could be your ticket to winning up to ₱100,000 worth of appliances and other incredible prizes.

Whether you’re upgrading your home, treating yourself, or gifting loved ones, Robinsons Appliances’ Holiday Wins Raffle Promo transforms your purchases into extraordinary rewards. 

In a bid to redefine financial access for Filipinos, Luis “Chavit” Singson officially launched the VBank app mid December at the Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Quezon City and was assisted by Veteran Comedienne, Ai-ai Delas Alas. This digital banking platform promises to simplify banking for Filipinos, particularly those in underserved communities.

VBank allows users to open a bank account entirely through the app, eliminating the need for traditional paperwork or trips to a physical branch. The app’s features include sending money to all banks and e-wallets, bill payments, and mobile load purchases.

Download via Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vigan.viganbanking.mobile

App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/vbank-ph/id6478899702

As the Philippines grapples with an alarming rise in dengue cases, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are calling for a renewed focus on prevention and the adoption of forward-thinking solutions to address healthcare gaps in dengue management and prevention.

Exacerbated by rising global temperatures, dengue fever has become an increasingly critical seasonal challenge in the country. Frequent typhoons and heightened annual rainfall create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, particularly in vulnerable grassroots communities. From January to October 2024, the Philippines reported 314,785 dengue cases and 3,000 deaths, making it the country with the highest number of cases and fatalities in ASEAN. [1]

In an interview, Dr. Florentina Ty, the immediate past President of the Philippine Pediatrics Society (PPS), emphasizes the necessity of proactive dengue prevention strategies. "We must move beyond a 'ningas kugon’ (hardworking or great at first, but eventually, no longer continues what was started.) approach of reacting only when outbreaks have escalated, especially at the community level—and instead embed sustained, proactive measures into our healthcare system to combat dengue effectively."

Fighting with one hand tied behind our backs

The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian nation to report a dengue epidemic in 1954. Since then, the country has consistently struggled to curb dengue cases and prevent hundreds of deaths—mostly children—each year. Furthermore, subsequent dengue infections pose a greater risk of developing severe symptoms such as hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

Despite all this, the Philippines has long been at a disadvantage in fighting dengue. While 24 other nations, including neighboring ASEAN countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, have successfully classified dengue as a vaccine-preventable disease through comprehensive strategies, the Philippines continues to lag behind. [2]

The absence of an FDA-approved dengue vaccine in the country creates a critical gap in its efforts to address this decades-long public health challenge, leaving the nation vulnerable to repeated outbreaks and preventable deaths.

The controversy surrounding the previous dengue vaccine has further compounded the issue. While allegations against the first generation of dengue vaccine were ultimately unproven, the politicization of the situation eroded public confidence in vaccines and created a lasting setback for the country’s healthcare system.

Hope for a better tomorrow

Emerging regional strategies offer a promising blueprint for the Philippines. Through comprehensive public health interventions, neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Singapore have demonstrated remarkable progress. Sri Lanka, in particular, has dramatically reduced dengue case fatality rates from 5% in 1996 to near-zero levels in 2024.[3]

Health experts highlight these nations’ integrated approaches—combining targeted vaccination programs, aggressive vector control measures, and widespread community education—as a model that the Philippines can adopt to address its own dengue burden.

Central to this success is the introduction of the second-generation dengue vaccine, which offers renewed hope in the fight against the disease. Already approved in several ASEAN nations, this vaccine overcomes many of its predecessor's limitations by providing protection regardless of prior exposure to the dengue virus.

“The second-generation dengue vaccine has a higher safety profile,” emphasized Dr. Ty. “It can be administered to patients even without previous exposure to dengue.”

The new dengue vaccine, developed using a dengue virus backbone rather than the yellow fever virus used in its predecessors, marks a significant advancement in the fight against all dengue serotypes. Particularly, this vaccine has shown efficacy against dengue type 2 (DENV-2) —the strain responsible for the most severe cases.[4] By eliminating the need for prior screening to determine exposure and addressing the side effects associated with first-generation vaccines, this second-generation vaccine offers a safer, more accessible solution for widespread immunization efforts.

Achieving zero dengue death

The Department of Health's 5S Preventive Dengue Campaign—Search and Destroy, Self-Protection, Seek Early Consultation, Support Fogging, and Sustain Hydration—remains the cornerstone of dengue prevention in the Philippines.

However, Dr. Ty stressed the critical need for a dedicated champion in each community to proactively monitor grassroots situations, ensuring the sustainability and continuity of initiatives and policies despite changes in leadership. She emphasized that combating dengue effectively requires a collective responsibility and a whole-of-community approach.

The Philippine medical community remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving “Zero Dengue Deaths by 2030,” which aligns with the World Health Organization's sustainable development goals. “Achieving zero dengue deaths by 2030 is possible if we work together—other countries have done it,” said Dr. Ty. “By prioritizing vector control and the possibility of integrating the use of vaccines, we have a stronger chance of reducing dengue cases and reaching zero mortality.”

Dr. Ty also underscored the lessons from the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, which demonstrated how widespread immunization and robust public health strategies can effectively reduce infection rates and save lives. She noted that the success of these campaigns provides a valuable framework for dengue prevention, highlighting the parallel significance of integrating vaccines to complement existing healthcare practices and mitigate disease burdens.

Healthcare professionals continue the call toward sustainable actions and innovative solutions to combat dengue effectively. Just as neighboring countries have made significant strides in reducing dengue mortality, Filipino healthcare professionals hope for a better future where our communities are safeguarded from the devastating impact of this preventable disease.

References:
1.https://www.adva.asia/dengue-dashboard/
2.https://www.precisionvaccinations.com/second-gen-dengue-vaccine-found-24-countries-2024-07-29
3.https://www.who.int/srilanka/news/detail/14-08-2024-sri-lanka-successfully-conducts-capacity-building-program-in-clinical-management-of-dengue--for-bangladeshi-health-staff#:~:text=Dengue%20is%20a%20public%20health,time%20to%200.07%25%20in%202023
4.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1477893923000583 .

The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and creating unforgettable memories. At Timezone Trinoma, this spirit came alive in the most heartwarming way as the entertainment center hosted a special thanksgiving event, bringing together media friends, children from Save the Children, and the magic of Christmas.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis is set to release her fifth studio album, Not That Girl, on Friday, January 10, 2025. The album will be available on all major digital platforms worldwide.

Not That Girl offers a glimpse into Almalbis’ personal journey, tackling themes of healing, resilience, and self-discovery. The album draws inspiration from her experiences with mental and emotional health, using music to open conversations about overcoming challenges and addressing the stigma surrounding depression.

To celebrate the release, Almalbis will perform live on the same day at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City. The intimate show will feature a mix of her greatest hits and tracks from the new album. Joining her onstage are notable local artists Kai del Rio, .bird, Twin Lobster, and Johnoy Danao, making the event a night to remember for music fans.

A few hours ago, Almalbis shared a vulnerable reflection on her experience with depression, emphasizing the importance of support and self-expression. In an Instagram post, she wrote: “But through it all, I was never really alone. I had the support of people who prayed for me, listened to me, loved me, and continually reminded me to remain in God. Their presence was a lifeline. In the midst of the pain, my friends encouraged me to write. And so, I did. The songs came so naturally, almost effortlessly. I was reminded of the days when I was a teenager, overwhelmed by emotions, and the only way I could process them was to pour them into my writing. It felt like I was reconnecting with something deep within me.”

FranSeth’s love team is set to make their big-screen debut this Christmas at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) with "My Future You", a heartwarming romantic-family drama from Regal Entertainment.

The film, starring Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, premieres on December 25, 2024, as part of the MMFF’s golden anniversary lineup. It follows two individuals connected by a mysterious comet and a dating app that bridges their timelines—2009 and 2024. As they work to rewrite the past to create a brighter future, their decisions spark unexpected twists along the way.

Joining FranSeth (as their love team is fondly called) is a stellar cast, including Almira Muhlach, Christian Vasquez, Peewee O’Hara, Bodjie Pascua, Mosang, Marcus Madrigal, Vance Larena, Izzy Canillo, Angelica Lao, with special participation by Alex Calleja and Donna Cariaga.
v With its once-in-a-blue-moon Rated G classification from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), 'My Future You' is indeed the best choice for a feel-good, family-friendly movie this Christmas — perfect for viewers of all ages!

 

The holiday season just got more exciting with the Infinix X-Mas Lucky Draw. From December 10 to 31, Infinix fans have a chance to win amazing prizes, including the latest ZERO Flip, HOT 50 Pro+, and GT 20 Pro.

Infinix X-Mas Lucky Draw is open to everyone who purchases any Infinix mobile phone in offline partnered stores nationwide and online stores. Each purchase is equivalent to one entry in the e-raffle, to which customers have to scan a QR code and complete the Infinix X-Mas Lucky Draw registration. The promo will be open until December 31, 2024 at 11:59 pm. Check out the full mechanics here.