The Manila Hotel, in partnership with Designers Circle Philippines (DCP), presents Timeless, an exhibit of modern Filipiniana bridal gowns, on display at the hotel’s iconic Grand Lobby until August 7, 2025.

Celebrating the elegance of the Filipino love story, Timeless brings together nine esteemed designers from DCP: Edwin Uy, Rafael Gonzales, Bepz Torres, Joy Aaliwin, Laura Santos, Alistair Balane, Ganda Anore, Will Salvador, and Johnny Abad. Each designer offers a unique interpretation of the traditional Filipiniana silhouette, reimagined with contemporary sophistication. From voluminous ruffles and intricate beadwork to modern necklines and romantic lace, the exhibit highlights the evolving artistry of Filipino bridal fashion.

“This is the first time The Manila Hotel and Designers Circle Philippines have partnered in an all-Filipiniana bridal exhibit. The collection honors heritage while embracing innovation, reflecting the same values that The Manila Hotel upholds. As the Grand Dame of the Philippines, we continue to champion Filipino artistry and cultural pride while adapting to the tastes of the modern generation,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

Set beneath the chandeliers and arches of the historic Grand Lobby, Timeless invites brides-to-be, fashion enthusiasts, and culture lovers to witness the craftsmanship of modern Filipino design.

Timeless is on display at the Grand Lobby until August 7, 2025. Admission is free.

With heavy rains and floods, many companies and agencies prompted to suspension of work, many of us are forced to stay indoors. While the weather outside may be gloomy, there are still plenty of ways to stay safe, comfortable, productive—and even helpful—while at home.

Here’s a simple and easy-to-follow list of things you can do without stepping outside. We’ve grouped them from personal comfort and bonding to doing your part to help those affected by the storm.

1. Binge-Watch Your Favorite Movies and Teleseryes

Take this time to relax and catch up on series or films you've missed. Streaming platforms are full of feel-good shows or drama-packed teleseryes to keep you entertained.

Suggested movies and series to watch:

• Miss Granny (Pinoy version) – for family laughs and touching moments
• The Rain (Netflix) – fitting for the weather, with a survival twist
• Reply 1988 – a warm Korean drama perfect for bonding
• The Glory – if you’re in the mood for intense storytelling
• The Broken Marriage Vow – for teleserye lovers

2. Go on a Mini Food Trip Inside Your Fridge

No need to head out, just explore what’s inside your refrigerator or pantry. Try to whip up something fun or new with what’s already available. Get creative with leftover dishes or invent your own rainy-day snacks.

3. Snuggle and Cuddle Time

Cold weather? Perfect excuse to cuddle. Whether it’s with your partner, kids, or even your fur babies, now’s the time to slow down and enjoy these quiet, cozy moments. A warm blanket, a warm drink, and a warm hug can go a long way.

4. Play Indoor Games with Your Family

Bond over classic board games, card games, or even charades. You don’t need fancy equipment—just bring out the laughter and fun. It’s a great way to pass the time and strengthen family ties.

5. Organize and Clean Your Space

Now that you’re homebound, why not do a little decluttering? Rearrange your room, tidy up your shelves, or sort out your closet. A cleaner space can lift your mood during dreary days.

6. Read a Book or Listen to a Podcast

Grab a book you’ve been putting off or listen to podcasts that inspire, entertain, or inform. This is a great chance to rest your eyes from screens and slow things down.

7. Reflect and Pray for Others’ Safety

Spare a moment for those who are experiencing the worst of the storm—those displaced, affected by floods, or without electricity. A short prayer goes a long way in showing compassion and hope.

8. Do Online Fundraising for Affected Communities

Use your social media platform for good. Set up a simple fundraising drive or online campaign for those in need. Many people want to help but don’t know where to start—be the spark.

9. Donate to Legitimate Organizations Online

There are many trusted groups running relief operations. Check their official websites or pages for GCash, bank transfer, or online donation portals. Every little amount helps.

Here are some of the organizations:

• Philippine Red Cross
• ABS-CBN Foundation
• Kapuso Foundation
• Caritas Manila

On July 24, 2025, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan passed away at age 71. But for millions of children who grew up in the 1980s and ’90s, he was far more than a champion, he was a hero who shaped their childhoods.

In his red-and-yellow outfit, handlebar mustache and bandanna, Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler. He was “The Hulkster,” a symbol of strength, optimism and good overcoming evil. Every time he raised his arms, flexed his muscles and prepared for that signature leg drop, kids across not only in America but the whole world, echoed his words: “Say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself”.

HONOR Philippines may be gearing up to launch the HONOR 400 Pro 5G, following the success of its HONOR 400 5G model. The company recently shared a teaser that has sparked speculation among fans.

In a social media post, HONOR revealed a promotional image featuring brand ambassadors Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia alongside what appears to be a new device.

“You should know by now that we love surprising and treating our HONOR fans. They asked for it, and now, we are giving it to them. We are very excited for the coming days so stay tuned,” said Stephen Cheng, vice president of HONOR Philippines.

In an age where reputations can rise and fall with the click of a camera, a moment on the jumbotron turned into a cautionary tale for tech leaders everywhere.

Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, a U.S.-based data orchestration company, found himself at the center of a viral scandal after being caught on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert, embracing a woman who was not his wife. The video made its rounds online, sparking speculation, criticism, and ultimately, Byron’s quiet resignation.

While the details remain largely unconfirmed by Byron himself, the fallout offers more than tabloid fodder. It delivers a series of real-world lessons for CEOs, public figures, and professionals in a digital-first world.

1. You Are Always on Camera, Even When You Think You’re Not

Whether it’s a corporate event, a concert, or a coffee run, today’s leaders walk through life under a lens. The Coldplay kiss cam wasn’t surveillance, it was entertainment. But in seconds, it became an unexpected public relations disaster.

Lesson: If you're in a position of visibility, assume you are always being seen. Transparency isn’t just a virtue, it’s survival.

2. Personal Conduct Reflects Company Values

Byron’s moment wasn’t about the software he sold or the deals he signed. It was about trust. In tech, where data and reliability go hand in hand, perceived personal dishonesty can spill over into public distrust of your leadership and brand.

Lesson: For CEOs and founders, the line between personal and professional image is almost invisible. Stakeholders expect integrity beyond the boardroom.

3. Crisis Moves Faster Than the Facts

The speed of social media is relentless. Within hours of the video going viral, rumors flooded forums, news headlines, and LinkedIn feeds. Byron stepped down quietly, without issuing a detailed public explanation. But by then, public opinion had already shifted.

Lesson: In crisis PR, silence can be interpreted as guilt. Even a short, factual statement can help regain control of the narrative. Delay only lets speculation grow.

4. There’s No Such Thing as “Off the Clock” Anymore

Once upon a time, what happened on weekends stayed there. Not anymore. Today, a CEO at a concert becomes a story not because of where he is, but who he is.

Lesson: Leadership isn’t a 9-to-5 responsibility. For better or worse, reputation is a 24/7 job.

5. Culture Is Watching, and Responding

The backlash wasn’t limited to gossip. For many, it was about accountability. Viewers online drew attention to workplace ethics, the power imbalance in leadership, and the broader cultural issue of infidelity and power dynamics.

Lesson: Modern audiences, especially employees and consumers—value authenticity and ethical leadership. Cultural misalignment can hurt morale, recruitment, and brand trust.

6. When Trust Is Lost, It’s Hard to Rebuild

Byron’s resignation may have spared Astronomer a prolonged PR war, but trust lost is not easily regained. The company’s leadership must now refocus on its mission and rebuild its credibility, internally and externally.

Lesson: Crisis can force change, but rebuilding requires transparency, consistent behavior, and often, new leadership.

A Kiss, A Camera, and a Cautionary Tale

The Astronomer CEO scandal wasn’t just a gossip headline, it was a case study in modern leadership, crisis communication, and digital-era vulnerability.

In the end, it wasn’t about infidelity alone, it was about how one moment of poor judgment, caught on camera, could shake the foundation of a growing tech brand. And for professionals in any industry, the real takeaway is simple: personal integrity is public capital. Guard it well.

A Familiar Story, Told the Filipino Way: Inside the Local Adaptation of It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

When a beloved Korean drama lands in the Philippines, it comes with big expectations, and even bigger emotions. But in the Philippine adaptation of It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, viewers are getting more than just a retelling. They’re getting a story reshaped with Filipino soul,one that hits closer to home, both in heart and in truth.

Premiered yesterday, July 21 on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5, that is while everyone is busy clearing water and carrying their belongings on higher grounds because of the flood. It was also early streamed on Netflix (July 18) and iWant (July 19). This highly anticipated teleserye is led by powerhouse stars Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino. But beyond the casting, this reimagining stands out for one reason: it was built with the Filipino viewer in mind, every step of the way.

Filipino mountaineer and entrepreneur Jeno Panganiban has returned to the country after etching his name into history as the youngest male Filipino to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world at 8,849 meters above sea level.

Jeno’s successful ascent is more than just a personal victory, it is a story of transformation, perseverance, and national pride. Powered by grit and proper nutrition from his official partner Century Tuna, Jeno’s feat marks a significant milestone nearly two decades after the first Filipino reached Everest’s summit.

Carrying the Nation to the Top of the World

“When we were approaching the summit, I felt proud and emotional,” Panganiban recalled. “We knew the whole country was watching. And when I raised the Philippine flag at the top of the world, I knew this journey wasn’t just mine, it was for every Filipino who dares to dream.”

For Jeno, the moment wasn’t only about the view or the victory. It was about carrying a nation’s hopes, strength, and resilience to one of the most unforgiving places on Earth.

  

A Teleserye, a Scandal, and a Startup—What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Every now and then, a primetime drama mirrors real-life issues so closely that it doesn’t just entertain, it influences how people think and feel about certain industries. This is what ABS-CBN’s new teleserye Sins of the Father is beginning to stir up in the minds of Filipino audiences. The gripping series, which revolves around investment fraud, networking schemes, and the dark side of quick wealth, comes at an interesting time—just as a new network marketing company, Ascendra International, is beginning to take root in the Philippines.

With its official soft launch on June 30 in Mandaluyong City, Ascendra introduced itself as a new breed of network marketing firm: one that prioritizes financial empowerment, affordable non-life insurance, and ethical entrepreneurship. But as viewers binge through the dramatic unraveling of Sins of the Father, some can't help but draw parallels, or worse, suspicions, between the show’s fictional "Yayaman Tayo Investment Fund" and real-world networking ventures, especially those that are just starting out.

Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino headline the Philippine adaptation of the award-winning Korean drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, set to premiere July 21 on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5. The series will stream in advance on Netflix starting July 18, and on iWant on July 19.

The local remake centers on Patpat (Garcia), a psychiatric ward caregiver who has spent most of his life looking after his older brother Matmat (Aquino), a man living with autism. Their routine is disrupted when they meet Mia (Curtis), a successful yet emotionally distant children’s book author known for her cold and eccentric demeanor.

As their lives intertwine, the three confront childhood trauma and emotional wounds, setting them on a path toward healing, self-discovery, and love.

Reimagined through a Filipino lens, the series aims to deliver a heartfelt exploration of mental health, emotional resilience, and the enduring strength of love.

“This is a universal story that everyone would be able to relate to. It’s a healing story and it’s a beautiful journey of love. And at the end of the day, every Filipino, whether it’s family or friends, will be able to relate to the story of healing, pain, and love,” said Anne, who plays the lead character Mia Hernandez, during the series’ mediacon last Monday (June 30).

Director Mae Cruz-Alviar also explained the show's approach in tackling mental health issues for Filipino audiences.

“Kailangan natin i-ayon sa pagtanggap ng audience sa ganitong talakayan tungkol sa mental health. Kasi hindi ganun kalaki ang awareness, so kailangan namin i-handle na ‘wag biglaan ‘yung audience, na ‘wag sila ma-overwhelm. So there is careful handling in telling the story but also staying true to the core of the show,” she shared.

Joshua related how he identified with his character in the series. “Nakaka-relate ako sa kanya kasi parehas kaming mapagmahal na kapatid at nangungulila sa nanay. Pati ‘yung pagka-burned out ng character ko, naramdaman ko rin.”

Meanwhile, Carlo, who plays the character of Matmat Gonzales, underwent immersions in special schools for persons with different levels of autism and several intensive workshops.

Completing the stellar cast are Rio Locsin, Bobot Mortiz, Michael De Mesa, Maricel Laxa, Agot Isidro, Enchong Dee, Kaori Oinuma, Bodjie Pascua, Ana Abad Santos, Sharmaine Suarez, Xyriel Manabat, Louise Abuel, Francis Magundayao, Alora Sasam, Alyssa Muhlach, Bianca De Vera, Aljon Mendoza, and Mark Oblea. “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” is led by directors Mae Cruz-Alviar and Raymond Ocampo, creative producer Henry Quitain, and Star Creatives business unit head Des M. De Guzman.

Catch the most-awaited Philippine adaptation of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” starting July 21 on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5, weeknights at 8:45 PM. Watch it in advance on Netflix (July 18) and iWant (July 19).

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, or visit corporate.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases.

A new chapter in the Philippine financial and network marketing landscape officially began on June 30 with the soft launch of Ascendra International, a rising company that aims to disrupt traditional multi-level marketing by focusing on affordable non-life insurance products and genuine financial empowerment.

Held at the 6th Floor of the Global Link Center in Mandaluyong, the launch event gathered partners, guests, and industry veterans to witness what the company describes as a “values-driven evolution” in the world of network marketing.