EMONG'S JOURNALS

Following the momentum of ShopeeVIP+, Shopee has announced its newest addition to the “Shopping meets Streaming with One subscription, more ways to stream!” offering: YouTube Premium Lite. Starting 11 November, ShopeeVIP+ subscribers in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines will have access to both YouTube Premium Lite and Netflix, with no additional fee beyond the ShopeeVIP+ subscription fee. With YouTube Premium Lite, ShopeeVIP+ subscribers can: Watch their favourite videos with fewer ads Download most videos to watch later, even without mobile data or Wi-Fi. Keep most videos playing in the background while using other apps or when the screen is locked Existing ShopeeVIP+ members can activate YouTube Premium Lite in the Shopee app or through the activation link sent via e-mail or SMS from 11 November at no additional cost. This latest addition strengthens the value of ShopeeVIP+ for Filipinos. Bey...

Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko is accelerating its long-term growth in the Philippines, expanding its retail footprint from six to nine stores across key economic and residential districts before the end of 2026. The expansion marks a major milestone in Anko’s local journey, taking the brand beyond Metro Manila for the first time since its Philippine debut in November 2024. The brand will enter the rapidly growing Southern Luzon corridor with upcoming store openings at Ayala Malls Nuvali in Laguna on November 12 and Ayala Malls Evo City in Cavite on November 27, while simultaneously deepening its urban presence at Festival Mall in Muntinlupa on December 10. The three stores will span 1,573.11 square meters, 1,261.20 square meters, and 1,530.29 square meters, respectively. The strategic move into Laguna and Cavite places Anko directly inside CALABARZON, one of the country’s most dynamic growth hubs. By anchoring in master-planned ...

From creative concepts to professional output, Samsung’s latest tablet empowers users to bring their biggest ideas to life Great work often begins with a single idea: a sketch waiting to take shape, a recipe ready to be perfected, a concept that needs refining, or a story waiting to be told. Turning that idea into something remarkable takes more than inspiration. It takes the right tools to explore possibilities, refine every detail, and bring creative visions to life. Designed for those who take pride in their craft, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ bring together powerful performance, an expansive display, and versatile productivity tools to help users move seamlessly from concept to creation. Whether in the studio, the kitchen, the office, or on the go, the Galaxy Tab S12 Series makes it easier to transform everyday ideas into meaningful work. Where ideas take shape From sketching designs to perfecting recipe...

If you’ve ever tried to process paperwork at a government office, you know the drill: you bring your ID, and right when you think you're good to go, the window clerk asks: "Sir/Ma'am, may isa pa po ba kayong ID?" Cue the panic. ​Well, those days of endless wallet-emptying might finally be numbered. The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) just dropped a massive reminder that could save millions of Filipinos from bureaucratic headache: When transacting with government agencies, one valid ID is enough. ​ What’s the Deal? ​ARTA Director-General Ernesto Perez stepped up to remind all government instrumentalities—including local government units (LGUs)—that demanding a second or third ID just to prove who you are is redundant, excessive, and straight-up illegal under current laws. ​● The National ID Connection: Under Section 12 of Republic Act No. 11055 (the Philippine Identification System Act), presenting your Philippine...

POCO, a leading tech brand, has recently launched in the Philippines the POCO X8s, the latest addition to POCO X Pro Series. Designed as a compact all-rounder, POCO X8s combines a flagship display, versatile cameras, a large battery, and responsive performance in a body made for comfortable one-handed use. Effortlessly Light, Brilliantly Vivid Measuring 8.06mm thick and weighing 187g,¹ POCO X8s brings everyday versatility to a compact design that is easy to hold and carry. A micro-curved aluminum frame and glass back provide a smooth, comfortable feel, while the camera module matches the body color for a clean, unified look. POCO X8s comes in blue, white, and black, with the black colorway featuring a black-and-silver design for a distinctive finish.² Framed by ultra-thin 1.18mm bezels,¹ the 6.35-inch 1.5K AMOLED display features an M10 display panel with up to 3,500 nits of multi-scenario peak brightness for clear visibility...

Christmas in the Philippines means a non-stop calendar of reunions, noche buenas, company parties, and endless toasts. But if you plan to get behind the wheel after a couple of beers, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) just gave everyone a very serious reason to pause. ​With Memorandum No. MVL-2026-242, the LTO has instructed law enforcement officers to strictly execute existing rules under Republic Act No. 10586 (the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013). Starting November 15, deputized officers will strictly enforce mandatory procedures that can easily result in the revocation of your driver’s license—or worse.   ​Before you hand over your keys to a valet or decide to "wing it" on the drive home, here is the breakdown of what's happening and how to protect yourself, your license, and everyone else on the road. ​ What’s New in the LTO Memo? ​There’s a lot of chatter online about breathalyzers, but here’s how ...

As parols go up and Christmas lights brighten homes, the holiday season offers a timely opportunity to think about energy use and improvements that can benefit households long after the celebrations end. For homeowners looking to reduce their energy consumption cost, installing solar panels may be worth considering to lower electricity bills over time. However, making the switch requires an upfront investment in equipment and installation. Metrobank’s Home Equity Loan offers eligible homeowners a way to finance this upgrade using the value of their existing residential property. Put your property’s value to work Metrobank’s Home Equity Loan allows eligible borrowers to access up to 70% of their property’s value, with payment terms of up to 10 years. This provides a financing option for homeowners who want to install solar panels without drawing entirely from their savings. According to Metrobank, homeownership is one of ...

Galaxy A18 delivers boosted performance and versatile camera experiences, while Galaxy A08 combines reliability and long-lasting battery life – with AI-powered features across both devices Samsung Electronics has unveiled the new Galaxy A18 and Galaxy A08, bringing more capable performance, long-term reliability and core AI experiences to users. Designed around the moments that matter – from streaming content and capturing memories to getting things done – the new Galaxy A series combines meaningful upgrades with the dependable Galaxy experience. “With the launch of Galaxy A18 and Galaxy A08, we are making meaningful mobile experiences more accessible by focusing on what users value most – smooth performance, durability, and essential mobile AI experiences,” said Kristine Go, Head of Mobile Experience for Samsung Electronics Philippines. “The Galaxy A18 focuses on everyday essentials with well-rounded features, while the Galaxy A08 off...

If you’ve ever had a morning flight out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) while living in or around Laguna, you already know the drill. Hours before wheels-up, you’re either bracing yourself for an exhausting midnight drive through Metro Manila traffic or piecing together a stressful chain of rides just to make check-in time. ​Thankfully, those days of transit gymnastics are taking a backseat. ​The launch of the direct point-to-point (P2P) bus service linking Nuvali directly to NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3 is a total game-changer for south-based travelers. Let’s break down why this route is about to become your new best friend before your next getaway. ​ Why This Route is a Major Win ​For the longest time, heading to the airport from the south meant choosing between two evils: paying an arm and...

The POCO C95 Pro has arrived in the Philippines, combining long-lasting battery life and immersive viewing in a smartphone built to keep users entertained, connected, and powered throughout the day. Massive Battery with 45W Turbo Charging POCO C95 Pro delivers impressive battery performance with a massive 7,500mAh (typ) battery, delivering over 2 days of use¹ for reliable performance whether you're working, streaming, or on the move. It also supports up to 91 hours of music playback,² allowing users to enjoy extended entertainment and productivity without constantly worrying about running low on power. When it is time to recharge, 45W turbo charging helps get the device back up and running quickly. Just 35 minutes of charging can provide all-day power,² helping minimize downtime. Adding practical versatility, POCO C95 Pro also supports reverse charging, allowing users to share power with other compatible accessories when needed.³ D...

Getting your favorite Chowking meals just got easier and more rewarding. The new Chowking mobile app gives customers a more convenient way to enjoy their favorite Chinese-inspired dishes while unlocking exclusive offers and benefits. More value with app-exclusive offers One of the biggest reasons to order through the Chowking app is getting access to offers available only through the platform. From exclusive promos to welcome treats for new users, customers can get more value from their Chowking orders simply by ordering directly through the app. A simpler way to order The new Chowking app is designed to make the journey from craving to check out faster and easier. Customers can now order in less steps thanks to improvements in menu navigation and delivery address selection. The app also gives customers more flexibility. Users can schedule orders in advance for delivery or pick-up, place pick-up orders at participating store...

The latest HONOR smartphone combines a 5,000mAh battery, 90Hz FullView Display, and an octa-core processor to deliver practical features for everyday use. Global AI devices provider HONOR Philippines introduces the HONOR Play 10, a smartphone designed to keep users connected and entertained throughout the day. Priced at PHP 6,999, the device combines practical performance, a long-lasting battery, and a large, smooth display to support everyday needs, from browsing social media and messaging to watching videos and enjoying casual entertainment. Here are three key features that make the HONOR Play 10 a practical companion for everyday use: Performance: Smooth Everyday Use Powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 octa-core processor and an Android Go experience, the HONOR Play 10 is built for everyday essentials, from using daily apps and browsing social media to enjoying casual entertainment. It comes in 3GB RAM + 64GB storage ...

Maris Racal wants more, more, more—and she’s making it Mini! The actress turns up the pop-star energy in Maya Black’s latest music video, serving edgy looks and her signature confidence against a catchy hyperpop track. But there’s a twist: everything she wants literally turns into a miniature version of itself, bringing the song’s “make it mini” message to life in a fun and unexpected way. Maris Racal makes everything Mini With its fashion-forward styling, chrome accents, and Maris in full pop-star mode, the music video gives Maya Black and Mini Payments a fresh, music-driven treatment. And while everything might be getting smaller on screen, the idea behind it is all about having more flexibility when it comes to bigger purchases. Because with Mini Payments, getting what you want doesn’t always have to mean paying for it all at once. Watch the new music video starring Maris Racal here:  Big purchase? Make it Mini! Wi...