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Philippine Student Visa Approvals to New Zealand Surge 31 Percent, Outpacing Most of Southeast Asia

  Right Education NZ says family friendly visa settings and lower costs than other English speaking study destinations are fuelling the rise AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, 10 August 2026.  Philippine student visa approvals to New Zealand rose 31.5 percent in the past financial year, official immigration data shows, outpacing nearly every other major Southeast Asian market. Immigration New Zealand approved 6,214 Philippine student visa applications in the 2025/26 financial year, up from 4,726 the year before. The figures come directly from Immigration New Zealand's own published statistics.  Only two other Southeast Asian markets grew faster in percentage terms, Laos at 34.3 percent and Malaysia at 32.5 percent, but neither comes close in raw numbers. The Philippines sent more than double the students of Vietnam, the next largest Southeast Asian source country, and nearly five times as many as Indonesia. Among the region's biggest markets, the Philippines is now growing fast...

A ₱76 Spin to ₱53.9 Million: Casino Plus Reports Latest Multi-Million Payout Following Billion-Peso Milestones

MANILA, Philippines, 10 AUGUST 2026 — Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), has confirmed its latest major jackpot payout: ₱53,913,617 won on the slot title Bao Zhu Zhao Fu. The verified jackpot was won on August 7, 2026, when a Casino Plus player transformed a single ₱76 wager into a ₱53.9 million jackpot. The win ranks among the operator’s highest individual single-spin payouts recorded in the third quarter of 2026, highlighting the scale of prizes available from relatively modest wagers on the platform. "This ₱53.9 million jackpot demonstrates Casino Plus' commitment to delivering exciting and transparent gaming experiences for millions of Filipino players," said Evan Spytma, Chief Executive Officer of Casino Plus. "A ₱76 bet turning into nearly ₱54 million demonstrates that life-changing wins can happen to anyone, on any spin. We congratulate ou...

IntouchCX Recognized with 2026 Sustainability Leadership Award for Advancing Measurable ESG Impact

    WINNIPEG, MB, August 7, 2026 — IntouchCX has been honored with the 2026 Sustainability Leadership Award by the Business Intelligence Group (BIG) for its measurable progress in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. IntouchCX embeds sustainability into its global operations across 25 campuses in 12 countries through responsible infrastructure (e.g., LEED Platinum-certified campus, water treatment facilities, and organic waste management) and social initiatives, including impact sourcing partnerships, support for diverse suppliers, and various diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and wellbeing programs. IntouchCX, a global leader in AI-powered customer experience (CX) management, trust and safety, digital engagement, and back-office operations, has been named a recipient of the  2026 Sustainability Leadership Award in the 10,000+ employees category by the Business Intelligence Group (BIG). The award recognizes organizations demonstrating measurable l...

Keepital Joins Livestock & Aquaculture Philippines 2026 to Support Industry Growth

  Livestock & Aquaculture Philippines 2026 showcased how innovation, collaboration, and digital visibility are shaping the future of the industry. By Shelby Garcia, Business Development Associate Livestock & Aquaculture Philippines 2026  once again brought together businesses, suppliers, industry experts, and professionals from across the livestock and aquaculture sectors. Returning for its second year, Keepital joined the exhibition to connect with exhibitors and demonstrate how businesses can continue building visibility beyond the event through digital solutions and online discoverability. Throughout the exhibition, Keepital showcased its B2B marketplace, SEO services, and industry directories to businesses looking to strengthen their online visibility. Visitors also learned about  Asia Marine Hub , the recently launched digital directory for Maps & Globe Specialists’ marine trade network that extends the visibility of marine industry exhibitors beyond ...

Avie Marucot: Where Old Hollywood Glamour Meets a Sustainable New Era

 As a quiet student, Avie Marucot found her earliest form of self-expression in the pages of her notebooks, where she would sketch princess gowns and dream up silhouettes of her own. What began as a simple pastime gradually became the foundation of a creative language—one rooted in femininity, imagination, and the timeless allure of fashion. Years later, that childhood fascination culminated in The Maiden, Avie’s debut fashion collection, presented on July 15, 2026, in Antipolo City. The title The Maiden speaks to beginnings—the first chapter of a new creative journey, and the enduring magic of experiencing something for the very first time. For Avie, a first collection is more than a debut; it is a moment meant to be remembered. Drawing inspiration from the glamour of 1950s Old Hollywood, Avie reinterprets the era’s romance and sophistication through a contemporary lens. The collection balances nostalgia with modern wearability, bringing dramatic silhouettes and feminine details i...

Carziqo Expands A-DS Autonomous Delivery Vehicle Operations to New York

   Carziqo has expanded its autonomous logistics footprint to New York, introducing its A-DS series autonomous delivery vehicles as part of the mobility technology company's broader strategy to develop intelligent, technology-driven urban delivery networks. The New York rollout represents the latest step in Carziqo's expansion of autonomous delivery operations into major metropolitan markets, where growing e-commerce volumes, high delivery density and increasing pressure on conventional last-mile logistics are creating demand for more efficient transportation solutions. According to Carziqo, the A-DS series is designed specifically for urban and last-mile logistics applications. The vehicles integrate autonomous driving technology, real-time fleet monitoring, route planning and centralized dispatch capabilities intended to support the movement of parcels and other eligible goods across high-demand delivery areas. Rather than operating as isolated vehicles, the A-DS units are ...

From Dream Home to Dream Getaway: Idesia Launches Bahay Goals, Buhay Goals Season 2 with a Trip to Boracay Up for Grabs

Every home has a story worth sharing, and this year, Idesia is giving homeowners an exciting reason to tell theirs. Following the success of its inaugural run, Bahay Goals, Buhay Goals Season 2 returns to celebrate the inspiring journeys of Idesia homeowners and homebuyers. Participants are invited to create a short-form vlog showcasing how their Idesia home has become the foundation for life's meaningful milestones, cherished memories, and personal achievements. This season's Grand Prize takes the celebration even further—from a dream home to a dream getaway. The winning entry will receive a 3-day, 2-night trip to Boracay for two, with round-trip airfare and accommodations included, allowing homeowners to create even more unforgettable memories beyond the comfort of their own home. "Through Bahay Goals, Buhay Goals, we want to celebrate the real experiences of our homeowners and inspire future homebuyers by showing how owning an Idesia home can help turn dreams into real...

Carziqo Community Teams Hold Exchange Meeting in Quezon City, Highlighting Collaboration, Leadership and Future Growth

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — A community exchange meeting involving Carziqo members from different professional and social backgrounds was recently held in Quezon City, bringing together two teams for discussions focused on leadership, team development, shared experiences, and the future direction of the mobility technology platform. The gathering was led by team leaders Gen Lucrecio Pingkian and Joselito, whose respective groups participated in a joint exchange designed to strengthen communication, encourage knowledge-sharing, and create stronger connections among members. Participants came from a range of professional backgrounds, reflecting the growing diversity of individuals taking part in Carziqo-related community activities. During the meeting, attendees shared their experiences in building and managing teams, discussed approaches to member development, and exchanged perspectives on how emerging technologies and new mobility models could influence Carziqo’s future expansion. Sever...

Casino Plus Brings the Fun to Davao City's ‘Kadayawan’ Festival

  MANILA, Philippines — Casino Plus, one of the country's leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), will join the celebration of the annual Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, taking over Davao Whisky Park with exciting games, prizes, and live performances. Under the banner "Casino Plus sa Kadayawan: Hantak Lingaw sa Dabaw," the brand joins Davao City's biggest annual cultural and thanksgiving festival from August 10 to 16. Kadayawan honors the city's harvest traditions and pays tribute to its indigenous and Moro communities. Guests at Davao Whisky Park can look forward to a full lineup of entertainment and activities, including drag performances, live sets from local bands, and DJ performances from local talents. "Kadayawan is a celebration of gratitude, culture, and community — values that resonate deeply with us at Casino Plus," said Evan Spytma, Casino Plus’ chief executiv...

Carziqo Plans Sunday Operations for Autonomous Ride-Hailing and Logistics Fleets

Autonomous mobility technology company Carziqo has announced plans to operate its autonomous ride-hailing and logistics vehicles seven days a week, ending a long-standing practice of suspending regular fleet operations every Sunday for centralized maintenance. Carziqo Chief Executive Officer Zaydenn Harrington disclosed the operational adjustment in a public statement on August 5, saying the company intends to replace its fixed weekly maintenance shutdown with a more flexible, vehicle-specific servicing system. Under the planned arrangement, autonomous ride-hailing vehicles and delivery units will remain available for deployment on Sundays. Each vehicle will instead be assigned an individual maintenance window based on operational schedules, mileage, technical condition and service requirements. According to the company, its fleet-management platform will coordinate when vehicles should travel to designated service locations for inspection, cleaning, preventive maintenance, software d...

Momcozy Launches Wellness 1 Warm-Massage Wearable Breast Pump Alongside Breathe & Breastfeed Across Southeast Asia

     A successful latch. Finding a pumping routine that works. Making it through the first week back at work. Getting through a difficult night and trying again the next morning. There is no single version of a successful breastfeeding journey. Some mothers breastfeed directly, some pump, and many do both. While breastfeeding is often discussed through recommendations, benefits and milestones, for mothers, progress is often found in smaller, everyday moments. This World Breastfeeding Month, Momcozy, the Global No.1 Wearable Breast Pump Brand trusted by more than five million mothers worldwide, is putting these moments at the heart of Breathe & Breastfeed, its regional initiative across Southeast Asia. Under the theme “Support for Every Latch, Letdown and Little Win,” Breathe & Breastfeed brings together professional guidance, practical innovation and community support to help mothers navigate the everyday realities of feeding and pumping — from finding credible an...

HopW Wins 2026 Open Cup, Capping Grassroots Rise for Filipino Young Athletes.

Manila, Philippines — July 25, 2026 — HopW Sports Academy, a Filipino football program built from local, community-level roots in Cavite, has added another chapter to its growth: a championship win at the 2026 Open Cup in Circulo Verde, taking the title in the U5 and U6 categories.  HopW’s identity has always been shaped by where it came from. Many of its players joined through neighborhood leagues before the program began entering regional and national competitions, and that local foundation has carried through as HopW has taken on international competition in recent years. “ Winning every tournament is a proud moment for everyone at HopW Sports Academy, ” said Head Coach Hopo. “ We started with a simple vision of giving every child an opportunity to play, learn, and grow through football. This achievement is a reward for the hard work, dedication, and belief of our players, coaches, and parents. It shows that with commitment and the right values, grassroots football can achieve ...

Spartan Philippines Officially Launches DEKA: The Global Standard of Hybrid Fitness Racing Arrives in the Country

  Spartan Philippines officially launched Spartan DEKA, introducing the global standard of hybrid fitness racing to the country on July 28, 2026, at the EDSA Shangri-La Plaza. The milestone event featured live demonstrations of DEKA's 10 standardized functional fitness zones and unveiled its first six official ambassadors, including celebrity athlete Alex Diaz and elite coaches across the Strong, Mile, and Fit categories. Highlighting a strategic partnership with the Department of Tourism's "Love The Philippines" campaign, the launch emphasized boosting sports tourism by attracting international competitors, paving the way for upcoming public activations and a new era of competitive fitness for Filipinos. MANDALUYONG CITY, PHILIPPINES – July 29, 2026 – Spartan Philippines ushered in a new era of competitive sports with the highly anticipated official launch of Spartan DEKA, held yesterday, July 28, at the Grand Atrium of EDSA Shangri-La Plaza. The momentous event int...

Former Senator Cynthia Villar Named CEO of the Year at 2026 Philippine Social Media Awards

    Former Senator Cynthia Villar was recognized as CEO of the Year for Humanitarian and Entrepreneurship during the 2026 Philippine Social Media Awards, in recognition of her decades of leadership in humanitarian service, environmental advocacy, and sustainable community development. The award honors Villar’s contributions as Managing Director of the Villar Foundation, where she has led programs focused on environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, livelihood generation, education, and community empowerment. Through these initiatives, the Foundation has implemented projects that benefit communities in Las Piñas and other parts of the country. Representing the former senator at the awarding ceremony was Senator Camille Villar, who accepted the recognition on her behalf. During the same event, the Villar Children’s Farm also received the Star Brand – Innovative Recreational Children’s Farm award, recognizing its unique concept of combining recreation, education, and env...