If you've been wanting to try an action camera but don't want to spend a huge amount on one, the LUMOS DOMINATE Action Camera might be worth checking out!
For Pride Month 2026, SM Beauty once again brought So Much Pride to life—creating a vibrant celebration where beauty became a platform for visibility, self-expression, and the stories of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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| So Much Pride Arch at the SM North The Block Atrium |
SM Beauty’s annual campaign for Pride Month, So Much Pride, proved to be a success yet again. The overwhelming support and clamour proves how SM Beauty stays true to its advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community with a message all about owning your spotlight with the return of this yearly event.
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| So Much Pride Mall Pop-Up at SM North The Block Atrium |
The week-long occasion from June 25 to July 1, 2026 brought exciting promos, discounts, and deals for all shoppers through participating brands including BLK, Happy Skin, BYS, IMMA, OTWOO, Absidy, Issy, Maybelline, Avon, Vice, Skintific, Chic Centre, Bobbie, Hued, Nivea, YOU, Dazzle Me, GlamFX, Sola, Cosrx, BBIA, OMG, Barenbliss, Revlon, Lavojoy, Too Cool For School, Ready Set Glow, and Timephoria.
The campaign also featured a lively event at SM City North EDSA The Block last June 26, with the theme Disco Proud: Shine Loud, Shine Proud. Different beauty personalities and lifestyle content creators from the LGBTQIA+ community shared their unique insight when it comes to visibility and self-expression.
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| Retty Contreras, Senior Marketing Manager of SM Beauty & LOOK At Me, giving the opening remarks |
AC Soriano served as host, getting everyone hyped up for a jam-packed program. Retty Contreras, SM Beauty Senior Marketing Manager, gave the opening remarks, emphasizing SM Beauty’s core beliefs as a fierce ally to its clients beyond Pride Month.
“SM Beauty has always been proud to stand alongside the LGBTQIA+ community, and we’re equally proud that this commitment continues beyond the month of June. We know that true inclusion isn’t a one-time campaign—it’s something we strive to live every day through the brands we carry, the experiences we create, and the community we continue to build together. We’re proud to be a space where you can bloom beautifully into your most authentic self,” shared Contreras.
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| Maureen Biology post-drag performance with host AC Soriano |
Engaging brand segments soon followed along with a drag performance by Maureen Biology. Drag Race Philippines judge and the first transgender woman news anchor KaladKaren took to the stage with content creator Teree Daisuke for Avon. Trans advocate and beauty influencer Rica Salomon delivered a brand talk for Timephoria.
Celebrity makeup artist Muriel Vega Perez and content creator Paul Allen shared some beauty tips and tricks with Sola, while Johnrey Almonte aka @johnreyislife put on a ramp competition with Barenbliss. Asha Sole was also spotted, talking about how you can play with colors in your way with OMG!
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| Game participants for Barenbliss’ brand segment |
SM Beauty’s So Much Pride remains to be an annual renewal of the country’s leading beauty authority to its loudest and strongest audience. SM Beauty is always inspired by the fearlessness of the LGBTQIA+ community. Always ahead of trend and sensitive to their personal needs, SM Beauty strives to create spaces for expression and connection in all its 79 stores nationwide.
Take the spotlight with SM Beauty and discover more brands that help you feel like your true self!
Follow @smbeautyph on Instagram for more updates, and stay tuned for exciting promos, exclusive deals, and pop-ups!
BTS ticketing season is officially here!
The moment tour dates and ticketing started rolling out, my group chats have basically turned into budgeting support groups. Every day, someone is calculating ticket prices, comparing flight costs, looking at hotel options, or trying to figure out which stop makes the most financial sense.
As exciting as it all is, there's one thing many fans can relate to: concerts are expensive!
As more Filipinos explore the diverse cuisines of Southeast Asia, Tiong Bahru Singapore Flavours has emerged as a favorite destination for food lovers seeking a genuine taste of Singapore. Through its carefully prepared menu, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to consistency, the restaurant has built a loyal following of local patrons who return time and again for the specialties they know and love.
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| Tiong Bahru Singapore Flavours continues to welcome customers across its growing network of branches, including its location in Greenhills. |
The Philippines has always been a country of destinations. Across 7,641 islands, its geography has shaped how Filipinos travel and trade across regions. What was once understood mainly through leisure is now becoming a lifestyle: cities and corridors are no longer only visited but chosen for study, residence, and return throughout the year. The archipelago is evolving into a network of everyday destinations, where movement creates a measurable need for well-located developments.
Tourism remains an indicator of this momentum. In 2025, the Philippines recorded 6.48 million inbound arrivals, including foreign visitors and returning Overseas Filipinos, while generating an estimated PHP 694 billion in travel receipts, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). Beyond arrivals, DOT also emphasized value creation, domestic travel, enterprise connectivity, employment generation, workforce skills, and service standards in the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028.
Money has long been at the heart of Filipino storytelling. From family dramas to OFW narratives and rags-to-riches arcs, Philippine cinema and television have consistently mirrored how Filipinos earn, spend, sacrifice, and define success. In the second episode of Moneygurado docuseries, Metrobank turns to one of the country’s most acclaimed filmmakers to look at how Filipino culture and media shape the way people think about debt, sacrifice, and success.
Through its diverse selection of signature Singapore classics, Tiong Bahru Singapore Flavours continues to introduce Filipinos to the bold and comforting dishes that define Singapore’s vibrant food scene.
For many diners, Hainanese Chicken Rice is often the first introduction to Singaporean cuisine. While undeniably iconic, the country’s culinary identity goes far beyond a single dish, shaped by generations of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences.
After setting a strong precedent with its 2025 debut, Puregold officially kicked off its 2026 Hakot Relay series in Iloilo, bringing a high-energy opening leg while providing practical value for communities across the Visayas.
Held on April 25 along Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, Puregold brought its Hakot Relay Iloilo to life, combining its signature race experience with live performances from crowd-favorite Pinoy hip-hop artists Skusta Clee and Flow G. As the first of three nationwide stops, the Iloilo leg signaled a more expansive rollout for the Hakot Relay in 2026.
Participants from across the region set off at the starting line of the Puregold Hakot Relay Iloilo, signaling the start of the 2026 nationwide series.
A steady stream of participants moves along Iloilo Sunset Boulevard as the Puregold Hakot Relay Iloilo kicks off its opening leg.
Finisher medals await participants of the Puregold Hakot Relay upon completing the race.
Participants walk along the track of the Puregold Hakot Relay, carrying their hakot bags filled with grocery items from the race.
Smiles and conversation are seen along the route as runners carry items gathered throughout the Puregold Hakot Relay.
Participants from across the region—including Bacolod, Cebu, Antique, and other parts of Panay—made their way to Iloilo, taking part in the activities. For many, the experience went beyond participation, offering the opportunity to secure essential groceries at a time when rising fuel costs and increasing prices of everyday goods continue to impact household budgets.
Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club Inc., shared that the initiative reflects the brand’s continued commitment to creating community-driven programs that benefit Filipino households.
The Puregold Hakot Relay brings together participants of all kinds, including families taking part along the route.
Energy builds as runners move forward from the starting line at the Puregold Hakot Relay.
A lively moment unfolds among friends taking part in the hakot relay, with various grocery items in hand.
From everyday goods to bulk items, participants carry their haul along the route during the race.
Rows of filled Puregold Hakot Relay bags are lined up ahead of distribution during the event.
"We want to create experiences that bring people together while also delivering real value to our communities—something that reflects what Puregold stands for. The Hakot Relay is one way we’re able to connect with Filipinos by giving them something they can both enjoy and take home, especially at a time when basic needs matter even more. We look forward to sharing this to more areas and reaching even more customers,” he said.
Beaming smiles and a full bag of goods reflect the experience at the Puregold Hakot Relay Iloilo.
A wide selection of goods from Puregold is prepared at all stations around Iloilo Sunset Boulevard.
A full load of goods showcases the volume collected during the Puregold Hakot Relay.
Finisher medals are awarded to participants upon completing the Puregold Hakot Relay.
Families take part in the Puregold Hakot Relay Iloilo, sharing the experience across all ages.
More than a standard race format, the Hakot Relay takes on deeper meaning in today’s context, where rising prices and ongoing uncertainties have made everyday expenses more challenging for many Filipinos. In this sense, it serves as a timely response to the needs of families across the country. By uniting people through a shared activity while allowing them to take home essential items, the initiative reflects both a sense of community and tangible support.
“We’re happy to introduce the Hakot Relay to more regions this year, starting with the Visayas. It’s our way of giving back by creating something people can enjoy collectively, while also helping in a simple but meaningful way. Seeing that kind of response here in Iloilo makes this leg more fulfilling for us,” said Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad.
A display of creativity and expression highlights the atmosphere at the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, with runners wearing costumes of all kinds.
The Iloilo A’TIN fanbase joins the race, carrying their banner while taking part in the day’s activities.
A mix of ages is seen along the course, underscoring the event’s inclusive appeal.
Wide smiles and raised hands capture the excitement of the Iloilo leg, with runners carrying large Puregold items gathered during the race.
A group comes together with filled bags and an assortment of Puregold products, with their grins showing the experience and the volume gathered during the race.
The Iloilo leg also underscored Puregold’s continued strength in mounting large-scale, on-ground experiences, building on the success of its inaugural Hakot Relay in 2025. Race waves, loot stations, and on-ground activations were carried out with strong organization, ensuring that participants were able to fully experience both the activity and its deeper purpose.
Runners crossed the finish line with finisher’s medals, grocery bags, and exclusive event merchandise, with select waves also receiving surprise item drops along the course. More than event giveaways, these take-home items offered relevant resources—something participants could use for their households in the months ahead.
A full cart of goods shows the practical value of the event, with items that can help support everyday needs beyond the race.
Colorful costumes stand out along the course, adding to the event's dynamic energy.
The concert segment draws families, with younger attendees among those enjoying the event.
Live performances from Pinoy hip-hop artists bring added energy to the Puregold Hakot Relay as crowds fill the venue during the concert segment.
Flow G takes the stage with a high-energy performance that keeps the crowd locked in.
As the series continues its nationwide run, Puregold builds on a concept that resonates for its relevance in today’s environment. With upcoming legs set for South Luzon and Metro Manila, the Puregold Hakot Relay 2026 reaches more communities, delivering a panalo experience that connects people together while responding to the everyday realities faced by Filipino households.
A fan-favorite in Pinoy hip-hop, Skusta Clee performs a set familiar to many in the crowd.
An enthusiastic, packed crowd fills the concert segment of the event.
The beat takes over the space as Flow G runs through his set, with the crowd moving along to each track.
Skusta Clee brings his signature sound to the stage, filling the concert with a strong, upbeat feel.
Loud cheers and shared reactions spread through the crowd as attendees take in the performance.
Stay in the loop. Subscribe to the Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter and @puregoldph on TikTok.
In her opening speech for the convention, Kim Reyes, Director of Beauty Business Unit and Commercial Services Division of Watsons mentioned how BEAUTYCON is more than just products. “It has always been about people—the incredible community we have built with our partners who continue to innovate, inspire, and bring the best of beauty to our customers.”
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| An electrifying opening performance takes center stage, marking a vibrant and memorable start to BEAUTYCON 2026. |
This year’s BEAUTYCON was made unique as it coincided with the 185th anniversary of AS Watson, the mother company of Watsons. Carrying the anniversary message, “Grow As One,” Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson graced the opening program of BEAUTYCON 2026.
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| Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson welcomes guests at the ribbon cutting ceremony. |
“Beauty in the Philippines is vibrant, expressive, and joyful—and that spirit is exactly what we are celebrating today,” shared Dr. Ngai in her speech. “From our beginnings in 1841 as a small dispensary in Hong Kong, we have grown into the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer. But no matter how much we grow, our purpose remains the same: to put a smile on our customers’ faces, today, and tomorrow.”
Over 185 brands welcomed beautyholics to the event, coupled with informative programs, panel discussions, and workshops featuring the country’s most-beloved celebrities, beauty experts, and wellness personalities. These include Heart Evangelista, Piolo Pascual, Andrea Brilliantes, Catriona Gray, Alden Richards, Enchong Dee, Belle Mariano, Maris Racal, Barbie Imperial, Kylie Versoza, and two- time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
Albert Kurniawan, Paul Nebres, Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho were some of the key figures that also took to the BEAUTYCON stage to share their expert insights and recommendations.
BEAUTYCON 2026 guests were treated to exclusive discounts, vouchers, and gifts with purchase, alongside creative, interactive booths as every brand mounted engaging concepts and activations. Attendees also enjoyed free derma consultations from volunteers of the Philippine Dermatological Society, adding an expert-led, skin- first experience to the event. BEAUTYCON 2026 also saw the debut of new products and launches across many of its participating brands.
In an effort to make the shopping experience seamless and enjoyable, BEAUTYCON 2026 featured multiple cashier stops throughout the 9,000 square-inch convention floor. Shoppers were also given the option to skip the line through the Watsons app’s Click & Collect feature.
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| Host Nicole Andersson takes the stage, bringing energy and charm to BEAUTYCON 2026. |
BEAUTYCON 2026 is a definitive beauty event as it sets the beauty trends in real life through thoughtful and personality interactions with its community. Inspired by the inclusive and evolving definition of beauty shaped by Watsons’ 185-year legacy of innovation and expertise, BEAUTYCON 2026 accomplished its goal of championing a diverse and empowered beauty community.
Watch out for the next edition of BEAUTYCON!
Follow @smbeauty, @watsonph, and @lookatme_ph on Instagram for more updates!
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ABOUT ME
I am a solo female traveler (usually in Korea), a hallyu fan girl (Kpop and Kdrama), and I try my best to experience the world as a first-timer.
email me: mail.anagon@yahoo.com
email me: mail.anagon@yahoo.com









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