Sining Filipina 2026: Catalyzing Women’s Leadership Through the Arts in the Philippines

In a nation where creativity flows as deeply as its rivers and resilience is woven into every community, Filipino women have long been the heart of culture—but rarely its public face. The Philippines is home to incredible artistic talent—but for far too long, Filipinas have been framed more as muses than as masters of their craft. They’ve inspired countless works of art, yet their own voices, visions, and leadership in the creative space have often been sidelined. Today, initiatives like the Sining Filipina national art competition are rewriting that story. Now in its third year, the 2026 edition is driving meaningful change under the powerful theme "Babae Para sa Bayan: Women Leading Change from Home to Nation." 

Amplifying Diverse Voices Across the Archipelago 

 

This year’s competition drew over 250 entries from every corner of the country, from Aparri in the northernmost tip of Luzon to Jolo in the southern reaches of Mindanao. Participants represented a wide spectrum of Filipino women: seasoned professional artists who have dedicated decades to their craft, emerging creatives just starting to share their work with the world, homemakers who turn everyday moments into art, entrepreneurs who blend creativity with business, and even women in correctional facilities—all of whom were given a vital platform to share their unique perspectives on leadership, community, and nation-building.

After careful review by a panel of respected art curators and cultural leaders, 55 artists were named semi-finalists, with 10 emerging as powerful ambassadors of contemporary Filipina expression. The top three winners represent the breadth and depth of talent across the Philippines: 

1st Place: "Helping Hands" by Marte Goyon (Manila) IN PHOTO (L-R) Ronald Ventura, Judge; Atty. Federico Tancongco, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, BDO; Manny Garibay, Judge; Marte Goyon; Elizabeth Sy, President and Chairperson, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Joaquin San Agustin, Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.

2nd Place: "Liwanag ni Maria" by Mary Joy Go (Bulacan) IN PHOTO (L-R): Atty. Federico Tancongco, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, BDO; Ronald Ventura, Judge; Mary Joy Go; Elizabeth Sy, President and Chairperson, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Joaquin San Agustin, Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.

 3rd Place: "From Home Outward" by Gerlynnia Aprille Gargo (Cebu) IN PHOTO (L-R): Atty. Federico Tancongco, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, BDO; Joanne Z. Zapanta, President, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc. (ZCME); Gerlynnia Gargo; Ms. Angela Hsu, Judge; Joaquin San Agustin, Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.

Special Award: 1 participant from the Women's Correctional Institution

Their works—spanning painting, sculpture, mixed media, and digital art—showcase not just exceptional creative skill, but the depth of insight and vision that women bring to shaping our society. From pieces that honor traditional heritage to those that challenge modern social norms, each artwork tells a story of strength, hope, and progress. 

Art as a Force for Empowerment

Sining Filipina is more than just a competition—it’s a strategic vehicle for advancing women’s rights and opportunities across the Philippines. Proceeds from artwork sales support programs run by the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc. (ZCME), a proud member of ZONTA International. These initiatives focus on empowering Filipino women through multiple avenues: providing scholarships for young women pursuing higher education, offering skills training to help women enter the workforce or start their own businesses, and advocating for policies that protect women from discrimination and violence.

By connecting art with advocacy, the movement ensures that every brushstroke, every sculpted form, and every creative concept contributes to building a more just and equitable nation. For many participating artists, especially those from marginalized communities, the competition is not only a chance to showcase their work but also to gain economic independence and become agents of change in their own neighborhoods. 

The success of Sining Filipina 2026 is made possible through a strong and purposeful partnership between BDO Unibank, SM Supermalls, and ZCME. This cross-sector collaboration demonstrates how businesses and nonprofits can work together to amplify social impact, turning creativity into a tool for inclusive growth. BDO Unibank provides financial and logistical support to ensure the competition is accessible to women across all regions, while SM Supermalls offers prime space for the exhibit, making the art available to thousands of visitors daily. ZCME brings decades of experience in women’s empowerment, ensuring that the initiative’s goals are rooted in meaningful action.

Together, these partners are proving that when private enterprise and civil society align around a shared vision, they can create lasting change that benefits not just individual women, but entire communities.

The winning pieces and selected semi-finalist works are on display in a special exhibit at the L2 Atrium at The Podium until March 19. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a business leader looking to support social causes, or simply someone who wants to stand with Filipino women, visiting the exhibit gives you the chance to appreciate powerful art while contributing to a meaningful mission. Representatives from ZCME are on-site daily to answer questions about the programs supported by the initiative and assist with artwork purchases. 

As we continue building a more equitable Philippines, initiatives like Sining Filipina remind us that creativity and leadership go hand in hand. When we elevate women’s voices in the arts, we pave the way for them to lead in every sphere of life—from their homes and communities to the highest levels of national development. 

Converge Accelerates Network Expansion to Roll Out Nearly 1 Million Ports in 2026

Leading Philippine fixed broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. will deploy nearly one million additional ports this year, aiming to bring world-class internet connectivity to more Filipinos across the country—with a particular focus on the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

The company has allocated up to P23 billion in capital expenditures for 2026, with most funds dedicated to strengthening and expanding its extensive network. This represents a roughly 30 percent increase from its total capex of P17.7 billion in 2025.

Each year, Converge designates a significant portion of its capital expenditure to "network hardening," including the installation of redundancy routes, while continuing to expand into new cities and municipalities. To rehabilitate infrastructure and prepare for wholesale demand, the company is speeding up its network rollout.

"We are investing heavily in our network expansion as we push harder for visibility in Visayas and Mindanao," said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. "At the same time, we are ramping up our Enterprise business amid increasing demand for quality connectivity and innovative solutions from enterprises of all sizes."

Key focus regions include Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao, where more than 100,000 ports will be ready for service this year. Newly rolled-out ports will serve areas such as Capiz, Samar, Bukidnon, Davao de Oro, and Sultan Kudarat.

With nearly three million residential subscribers in 2025, Converge achieved a port utilization rate of 37 percent. As of the end of 2025, the company had 9.2 million ports nationwide, translating to 66 percent of homes passed across the Philippines.

"We expect to further increase our port utilization even as we accelerate our port rollout, given the continued strong demand for our flagship FiberX plans, steady rise in our low-cost postpaid BIDA offering, and vigorous take-up of our prepaid internet service Surf2Sawa (S2S)," Uy added.

Converge was recognized by Ookla as the Philippines’ Best Fixed Network, Fastest Fixed Network, and provider of the Best Video Experience for the third and fourth quarters of 2025. In December 2025, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) proclaimed Converge as the national broadband leader, with the best average download speed, upload speed, and latency among major players.

The fiber internet leader closed out 2025 with 10.2 percent revenue growth to P44.8 billion, while net income rose by 9.6 percent to P11.9 billion.

Elevating the Olympic Experience: Alibaba Cloud Powers Sustainable, Efficient, and Intelligent Milano Cortina 2026 Games

Alibaba Group, a Worldwide TOP Partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), through its digital technology and intelligence backbone, Alibaba Cloud, has played a pivotal role in transforming the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (Milano Cortina 2026) into a landmark event for technological innovation. By integrating a comprehensive suite of advanced cloud and AI-driven solutions, Alibaba Cloud has significantly enhanced sustainability initiatives, optimized operational efficiencies, redefined broadcasting capabilities, and introduced the first application of large language model (LLM) technologies within the Olympic Movement.

Kirsty Coventry, International Olympic Committee President, lauded the technological advancements, stating, "Every Olympic Games leaves its own mark in terms of technological innovation. With Alibaba’s Cloud technologies and Qwen models, these Games have set a new benchmark for intelligence and creativity."

Dr. Feifei Li, Senior Vice President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group and President of International Business, emphasized the significance of these innovations: "Milano Cortina 2026 marks a milestone with the first use of LLM technologies in the Olympic history powered by Alibaba's Qwen models. Our cloud and AI-powered systems that supported Milano Cortina 2026 demonstrate our dedication to enabling smarter operations, deeper engagement, and new possibilities for the Olympic Movement."

Advancing Sustainability Through Intelligent Cloud Solutions

Alibaba Cloud's commitment to sustainability was evident through the deployment of AI-driven solutions and energy-efficient cloud infrastructure, enabling Milano Cortina 2026 to meticulously measure and analyze carbon emissions. This initiative establishes a replicable model for future host cities to achieve more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible Olympic Games.

Key sustainability systems developed and deployed include: 

- Enhanced Energy Data Management System: Implemented across all competition venues, this system provided the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee and the IOC with real-time monitoring and analysis of energy consumption and carbon emissions. Complementing this, an Intelligent Chatbot, powered by Alibaba’s Qwen large language models, offered staff instant access to historical and real-time insights on electricity usage and contingency planning for power demand.

- Energy Issue Tracking System: This system digitized workflows for identifying, escalating, and resolving energy anomalies, ensuring rapid responses and significantly improving operational efficiency.

- Codeveloped Sustainability Platform: This platform enabled organizers to assess the full lifecycle environmental footprint of Milano Cortina 2026, with a strategic focus on generating long-term benefits for local communities.

Revolutionizing Operational Efficiency Across a Geographically Diverse Games

Milano Cortina 2026 presented unique logistical challenges, spanning over 22,000 square kilometers across northern Italy’s alpine mountains and historic cities, making it the most geographically dispersed Winter Games in Olympic history. Alibaba Cloud’s systems were instrumental in facilitating game judging, coordinating logistics, and streamlining operations to ensure the seamless execution of the event.

Notable efficiency-enhancing systems and services include:

- Sophisticated Video Adjudication System: Debuting at Milano Cortina 2026, this system, built on Alibaba Cloud's low-latency livestreaming technology, was integrated into the core competition infrastructure. It enhanced officiating precision by synchronizing multi-signal video feeds, assisting referees in foul identification, and providing immediate arbitration playback for scoring disputes. This technology was successfully deployed in Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard Slopestyle events, ensuring accuracy for judging panels.

- Transportation Management System (TMS): Built on Alibaba Cloud, the TMS seamlessly connected venues across vast distances, providing precise mobility assurance for over 80,000 Olympic stakeholders, including IOC staff, athletes, volunteers, media, and key personnel. The Milano Cortina 2026 Transport App, alongside related system services, offered personalized journey planning and real-time updates via connected official transport services.

- Comprehensive Operational Service Applications: A range of critical applications, from an e-voucher system for meals serving tens of thousands of Olympic stakeholders to a meteorological service portal delivering real-time weather information for competition safety, all operated on Alibaba Cloud’s stable and resilient infrastructure.

- Apsara Video Technology: This technology powered cloud-based live streaming and broadcasting for Milano Cortina 2026, enabling global media access to press conferences, IOC daily briefings, and post-competition athlete interviews in real-time. The fully cloud-hosted Game Video Content Distribution service provided journalists with seamless video processing, editing, live and on-demand distribution, and secure download capabilities through Alibaba Cloud’s robust infrastructure.

AI-Powered Fan Engagement and Olympic Tradition Enhancement

Alibaba Cloud introduced innovative AI applications that enriched fan engagement and modernized cherished Olympic traditions:

- Intelligent Pin Trading Station: Located in the Milano Olympic Village, this AI-enabled station, powered by Alibaba’s Qwen model, offered a unique twist to the traditional pin trading. Combining embodied devices with an AI system capable of understanding both language and visuals, athletes could interact naturally using voice and gestures. The AI interpreted commands in real-time, guiding a robotic arm to select a pin left by a previous participant, facilitating over 8,000 exchanges and fostering deeper connections among athletes.

Intelligent Design: The Dawn of LLM Technologies in the Olympics

Milano Cortina 2026 marked a significant milestone with the pioneering use of LLM technologies, powered by Alibaba Cloud’s Qwen models, within the Olympic ecosystem. These advancements drove the IOC’s digital transformation, delivering a smarter and more connected Games. Qwen supported diverse applications, ranging from enhancing global fan engagement to streamlining information management and operational workflows.

Key AI-driven platforms included:

- Olympic AI Assistant, NOC AI Assistant, and Sports AI Platform: These platforms, built on Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure, facilitated multilingual fan interactions, intelligent content search, and large-scale media management. Collectively, these systems established new benchmarks for accessibility, efficiency, and intelligence within the Olympic environment.

Redefining Olympic Broadcasting Through Cloud Innovation

The collaboration with Alibaba Cloud significantly transformed Olympic broadcasting:

- OBS Live Cloud Platform: Powered by Alibaba Cloud, this platform revolutionized the production and delivery of the Olympic Games. By replacing traditional satellite operations, it provided flexible, scalable, and high-quality content distribution of 442 live video feeds for 42 broadcasters worldwide. This cloud-based approach led to a substantial reduction in physical footprint, with the Milano Cortina 2026 International Broadcasting Centre being 25% smaller than Beijing 2022 and 30% smaller than Pyeongchang 2018.

- Advanced AI Solutions in Broadcasting: Complementing the cloud platform were innovative AI solutions such as the Real-Time 360º Replay systems and the Qwen-powered Automatic Media Description System (AMD). These innovations modernized live production workflows, accelerated media turnaround speeds, and set a new standard for intelligent broadcasting. During Milano Cortina 2026, AMD processed livestream signals from 391 competition sessions, while Media Rights Holders (MRHs) gained access to 4,198 video highlights of exhilarating moments, all captured and produced by Alibaba Cloud's Real-Time 360º Replay systems.

Through its enduring partnership with the IOC, Alibaba Cloud continues to innovate and transform the Olympic Games, striving to create more sustainable, efficient, and intelligent experiences for participants and audiences globally.

Jollibee Bags Global Filipino Brand Excellence Award from PAFTA

Representatives of Jollibee and the Philippine Arts, Film & Television, Inc. (PAFTA) gather on stage as Jollibee receives the PAFTA Global Filipino Brand Excellence Award, a recognition that celebrates the brand’s journey from humble beginnings to a world-class Filipino brand that continues to bring pride, innovation, and joy to millions across the globe. 

Jollibee Philippines President Ferns Yu (right-hand side of the mascot) was joined onstage by (left to right) PAFTA Executive Vice President Christina Aliada, PAFTA Board Chairman Dr. Billy James Uy, Jollibee Philippines Head of Human Resources Belle Gosioco, and Jollibee Philippines Head of Finance, Stan Baltazar.

Global Filipino Business Icon & Lifetime Achievement Award Conferred on Jollibee Group Executive Chairman, Founder, and Chief Taste Officer Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong. The award recognizes him as a symbol of Filipino excellence, resilience, and entrepreneurial vision and was given by PAFTA, the Philippine Arts Film & Television, on February 21, 2026 at The Manila Hotel. 

About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the "Company") is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 19 brands (the "Jollibee Group") with over 10,000 stores and cafés across 33 countries.

The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine (9) wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five (5) franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology. 

 The Jollibee Group's global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

 The Company has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a four-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Her Power, Her Moment: GH Mall Celebrates Women’s Creativity, Strength & Expression This Women’s Month

GH Mall is thrilled to launch “Her Power, Her Moment” — a month-long Women’s Month celebration dedicated to honoring the diverse lives and achievements of women. This curated series of events combines wellness activities, artistic expression, and insightful masterclasses, creating a welcoming space where every woman can reflect, recharge, and truly shine.

Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience, featuring art therapy sessions, high-energy fitness classes, beauty workshops, and a grand fashion show that showcases style and individuality.

For the latest updates on “Her Power, Her Moment” at GH Mall, download the Ortigas Malls app, follow Ortigas Malls on Facebook, and stay connected with @greenhillsph on Instagram.

SM Center Sangandaan’s 3-Day Sale: Huge Deals & Amazing Prizes Await!

March weekends are getting a major upgrade—SM Center Sangandaan is hosting its highly anticipated 3-Day Sale on March 13, 14, and 15! It’s the perfect excuse for a fun family day out, where you can grab fantastic deals, check out your go-to stores, and enjoy a lively weekend at the mall.

For three days straight, enjoy up to 70% off on items across the entire mall. Save big on home necessities, gadgets, beauty products, and daily lifestyle goods. Top stores like SM Supermarket, Ace Hardware, Miniso, Watsons, and SM Appliance Center are joining in, along with over 100 other shops.

But that’s not all—there’s also an exciting raffle! Every Php 1,000 purchase receipt gives you one entry to win a brand-new Suzuki Dzire GL CVT Hybrid.

Even your coffee breaks can be rewarding with the ongoing Sip and Win Promo. Spend Php 500 at participating cafes, and get an e-raffle entry for a chance to win a special prize! This promo runs until April 10, turning a simple coffee run into a lucky opportunity. Whether you love espresso, latte, or iced drinks, every sip could bring a surprise.

With great bargains, amazing prizes, and new cafes to explore, SM Center Sangandaan’s 3-Day Sale is the ultimate weekend plan.

For more updates on mall events, follow SM Center Sangandaan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smcentersangandaan.

Lenovo Unveils Adaptive AI PCs, Modular Concepts, and Lenovo Qira Rollout at MWC 2026: Advancing Smarter AI for All Across Work, Creativity, and Gaming

At MWC® 2026, Lenovo™ has pulled back the curtain on a new generation of adaptive AI devices and forward-thinking concepts tailored for business pros, creators, students, and gamers alike. Headlined by innovative modular PC architecture, a glasses-free 3D laptop concept, a foldable gaming handheld, and the initial rollout of Lenovo Qira, the brand’s showcase highlights a clear shift in personal computing: systems that adapt intelligently to people and their daily environments.

Across its entire portfolio, Lenovo stays focused on delivering tech that’s more personalized, proactive, and secure—all while building a unified AI ecosystem that works seamlessly across devices. 

“The AI era won’t be defined by a single device or app, but by intelligent systems that connect everything we use,” said Luca Rossi, President of Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group. “We’re showing how Lenovo and Motorola are bringing that vision to life, combining adaptive hardware innovation with a single, system-level AI integration that works naturally across PCs, smartphones, tablets, wearables, and more. From premium mobile devices and game-changing form factors to the launch of Lenovo Qira, we’re building the broadest AI portfolio to deliver more connected, intuitive computing experiences built around people.”

Lenovo Qira: Personal Ambient Intelligence

Lenovo Qira is a Personal Ambient Intelligence built right into the system level of Lenovo and Motorola devices—not added on as a separate app. Working across supported PCs, tablets, smartphones, and wearables, it’s designed to keep task continuity smooth across devices and offer assistance based on what the user needs.

In the coming weeks, Lenovo Qira will roll out to over 20 devices in the brand’s PC lineup, covering Yoga™, IdeaPad™, Legion™, and ThinkPad™ families, via over-the-air updates and preloads. The Idea Tab Pro Gen 2 will also launch as Lenovo’s first tablet to feature the experience. The first wave of PC support will cover six languages across nine regions: English (U.S., U.K., India), Spanish (U.S./Latin America, Spain), French (France), Italian (Italy), German (Germany), and Portuguese (Brazil).

Lenovo Qira is built to keep evolving, expanding to more devices and enabling new experiences and partnerships. In 2026, it will add more languages and devices, including its debut on Motorola smartphones—further strengthening the unified AI ecosystem across Lenovo and Motorola.

Breakthrough Concepts: Exploring Adaptive Form Factors 

ThinkBook™ Modular AI PC Concept

Lenovo’s modular AI PC concept takes a “carry small, use big” approach to business computing. It features a 14-inch ultra-thin base system that supports interchangeable display setups, detachable input parts, and modular I/O elements. A secondary display can attach in multiple orientations or even replace the keyboard, expanding the workspace to around 19 inches while keeping portability intact. The concept shows how modular design could support changing workflows and extend device lifecycles in AI-ready settings.

Yoga Book Pro 3D Concept

For creators, Lenovo is showing off a glasses-free 3D laptop concept that lets users view and work with depth directly on the screen. By combining dual displays, AI-powered 2D-to-3D conversion, gesture controls, and easy-to-use creative tools, it cuts down on friction in immersive content creation and points to Lenovo’s exploration of spatial computing.

Legion Go Fold Concept

Gamers get a look at a foldable gaming handheld concept that pushes flexible hardware further. It shifts from a compact handheld size to a larger, immersive screen and supports multiple modes: handheld play, split-screen multitasking, expanded display gaming, and desktop-style use. It’s a demonstration of how flexible display tech could blend gaming and productivity in one device.

Commercial Portfolio: AI-Ready Platforms for Modern Work

Lenovo is updating its commercial PC lineup to help organizations adopt AI workflows at scale. 

ThinkPad T-Series – ThinkPad X13 Detachable – ThinkTab X11

- The refreshed ThinkPad T-Series brings improvements to serviceability, usability, and AI readiness, with select models earning top-tier iFixit repairability scores—reinforcing the brand’s focus on lifecycle value, less downtime, and sustainable fleet management.

- The ThinkPad X13 Detachable offers flexible, mobile-first productivity with integrated pen support and field-replaceable parts in a lightweight build, perfect for frontline and hybrid workers.

- The new ThinkTab X11 expands Lenovo’s reach into rugged mobility: a durable Android tablet built for tough industrial and frontline environments.

For small and medium businesses, the ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 6 delivers versatile multimode use and AI-powered collaboration features, while the ThinkVision™ M16 portable monitor adds lightweight screen expansion for flexible workstyles. Across all commercial devices, Lenovo integrates security, manageability, and lifecycle services to help businesses adopt AI tech with confidence.

Consumer and Gaming Portfolio: Intelligent Experiences for Everyday Use

For creators, students, and gamers, Lenovo’s latest devices balance performance, portability, and smart features to simplify daily tasks. 

Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14”, 11)

- The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14”, 11) pairs a premium convertible design with stunning OLED visuals and smart tools that streamline creative workflows.

- The Yoga Pro 7a (15”, 11) and IdeaPad Slim 5i Ultra (14”, 11) grow the brand’s AI-enabled laptop range, balancing power and portability for work and content creation.

- In tablets, the Idea Tab Pro Gen 2 offers smart learning and productivity features in a flexible form factor—and marks Lenovo’s first tablet with Lenovo Qira.

- For gaming, the lineup adds the Legion 7a (15”, 11) laptop and the Legion Tab (8.8”, 5), a high-performance tablet with a 3K display and advanced cooling.

Advancing Smarter AI for All

At MWC 2026, Lenovo makes its strategy clear: democratizing AI for everyone. By blending forward-looking hardware innovation with the rollout of Lenovo Qira, the brand is shaping a more connected, intuitive computing future—one where smart systems adapt to people, not the other way around.

For full details on all new devices, solutions, and concepts announced at MWC 2026, visit the Lenovo MWC 2026 Press Kit:

- Lenovo Scales Trusted AI-Powered Business Computing Through Modular Innovation and Enterprise Platforms

- Lenovo Expands Mobility, Creativity, and Productivity with New Consumer AI Laptops, Tablets, and Concepts at MWC 2026

Leave No One Behind: Converge’s Project PIGLET & Tech Donations Empower Mangyan Children for a Safer Internet

Converge extended more learning tablets to Stairway Foundation ICT Learning Center, building on its previous collaboration with the nonprofit to augment the digital capabilities of the students in the community.

Leading fiber broadband and tech provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. recently made a return trip to Barangay Baclayan in Oriental Mindoro to celebrate Safer Internet Month. This time, they brought their online safety campaign right to the doors of Baclayan Mangyan School, all while giving the students’ digital skills a big boost.

Through its Corporate Governance and Data Privacy (CGDP) Group, Converge worked with Grade 5 and 6 pupils on Project PIGLET (Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies). It’s a program that’s all about helping school kids get a better handle on digital literacy and how to keep their data private and secure. 

Converge AVP and Head of Data Privacy and Information Security Compliance Team Eumir Paolo Espiritu as he facilitated the digital literacy session to the Grade 5 and 6 pupils of Baclayan Mangyan School.

Eumir Paolo Espiritu, Assistant Vice President and Head of Converge’s Data Privacy and Information Security Compliance Team, pointed out that kids these days are more at risk from cyber threats like scams, identity theft, malware, and computer viruses. He said that teaching them how to protect themselves as early as possible is why they launched Project PIGLET back in 2024.

“Converge intends to visit different regions across the country to reach the unserved and underserved and increase the awareness of kids when it comes to data privacy and information security. At Converge, we leave no one behind, so this Safer Internet Month, we visited the indigenous children here in Mindoro to also promote the more responsible and positive use of digital technology,” he shared. 

Converge also donated learning materials to support the immediate needs of the students and teachers of the school.

During their visit, Converge put together fun storytelling sessions and handed out school supplies and snacks to the kids. But they didn’t stop there—they also gave the school’s digital setup a major upgrade by donating learning tablets and a smart TV to the Stairway Foundation ICT Learning Center. This was all made possible with help from Stairway Foundation, a local child-care group that’s long been supporting the students’ learning journey.

“Dahil nga Mangyan school ang aming paaralan, kaunti ang access namin sa equipment kaya malaking tulong ang mga dagdag na kagamitan para sa pag-aaral ng mga bata. Mahalaga rin ang ganitong mga initiative para maging aware ang mga estudyante sa mga nangyayari sa kapaligiran at hindi lang sila gumagamit ng gadgets basta-basta,” said Noemi Bonquin, Head Teacher III of Baclayan Mangyan School.

Baclayan Mangyan School teaches nearly 250 students from different Mangyan tribes in Puerto Galera. Converge first connected with the Mangyan community in Barangay Baclayan back in 2023, also working with Stairway Foundation. That first partnership led to Converge setting up free fiber internet at the ICT Learning Center and donating tablets to help the kids build their digital skills.

On top of that, Converge has teamed up with the non-profit on wider online safety efforts, especially to fight against cyber threats—most importantly, the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

SM Supermalls Celebrates Women’s Month with Wellness, Beauty, and Exclusive Deals

This March, SM Malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan honor women from all walks of life. In celebration of Women's Month, special deals and engaging experiences are offered to help women nourish their minds, bodies, and souls.

Self-Care

Holistic self-care takes center stage, encouraging women to prioritize their complete health. From skincare routines to relaxing techniques and inspiring self-care practices, SM's wellness stations and beauty zones provide opportunities to boost confidence, self-esteem, and empowerment.

• Pampering spa treatments. After an exciting Zumba class or a mindfulness exercise, women can relax with a peaceful body massage at Gwiyomi Gluta Spa, Wat Pho Thai Massage, and SKS Massage at SM Center Pulilan.

• Advanced beauty treatments. Rejuvenating experiences are provided by Royal Aesthetics' Sakura Drip treatment at SM City Baliwag and AesthetiQ's Pico Laser at SM City Marilao. Special discounts are also available on health and beauty services.

• Relaxation and nails. For a genuinely soothing experience, professional therapists provide a variety of nail care services at Nails.Glow Essence in SM City Marilao and AiNails and Body Talk at SM Center Pulilan.

• Enhancements to the skin. Professional beauty enhancement treatments are available at Dermcare in SM City Baliwag and Dermstrata at SM City Marilao for people looking for glowing skin.

The Pleasure of Exercise

Exercise enhances mental health in addition to physical fitness, and it's right at Anytime Fitness in SM City Baliwag. With its top-notch amenities and state-of-the-art facilities, Anytime Fitness provides a variety of cardio and strength training equipment as well as fitness classes. Members may also avail themselves of fitness consultation with coaches, as well as selected wellness programs.

Retail Therapy

Huge discounts on a selection of products and services designed specifically for women are available during the Women's Wednesday Sale on March 11, 18, and 25, and at the Women’s Wellness Sale, which runs until March 31 at SM Supermalls in Bulacan. 

As a true home of everyday celebrations, SM Supermalls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan advocate for health, joy, and self-care, encouraging women to put their health first both during and after the season.

Baguio blooms brighter as Jollibee spreads joy at Panagbenga 2026

Baguio City came alive as Jollibee, the Philippines' no. 1 fastfood chain, joined the vibrant Panagbenga Festival, delighting locals and tourists alike with a spectacular float, campus treats, and exclusive promos that added extra cheer to the City of Pines’ annual flower celebration. 

“Panagbenga shows Baguio at its most beautiful, and Jollibee is proud to fill it with joy,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “Whether it’s a float that amazes or treats that make every day special, our goal was simple, and that was to share joy with every person, everywhere.”

Building on its legacy of festival excellence, Jollibee participated in the large float competition with a spectacular floral masterpiece inspired by Cordilleran artistry. The float featured a miniature Stone Kingdom symbolizing the region’s creativity, a radiant cityscape in full bloom, a rotating Mines View observation deck showcasing Baguio’s scenic landscapes, and a giant Chickenjoy Bucket seemingly blossoming from a flower, capturing the festival’s playful and joyful spirit.

The celebration extended beyond the parade. Students at the University of the Philippines Baguio and the University of Baguio were delighted with free Crunchy Chicken Sandwiches and Iced Coffee, turning ordinary school days into moments of surprise and joy. Inside Jollibee stores, the Festival Treats Promo with Coca-Cola ran from February 27 to March 1, offering a free 1.5L Coke with every 8-piece Chickenjoy Bucket, while from February 27 to March 8, a free Go Large Coke was available with any Chickenjoy Value Meal.

Jollibee also partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to bring its BEE Earth’s Best Friend campaign to Benguet, promoting sustainable practices. Customers who opted not to use plastic utensils for take-out or drive-thru orders from February 27 to March 27 were rewarded with incentives for future visits. Music fans enjoyed a lively appearance from Jollibee and Friends at the Coke Studio Concert at Melvin Jones Football Grounds on February 27.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to share their Jollibee moments on social media using #JolliPanagbenga2026 for a chance to be featured on the brand’s official channels.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

Connectbase Expands Connectivity Ecosystem in Southeast Asia Through Strategic Collaboration with Converge

Collaboration brings the Philippines’ fastest pure-fiber and subsea infrastructure into the global Connectbase ecosystem 

Connectbase, the Operating System for Connected Commerce, today announced a strategic collaboration with Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (Converge), the Philippines’ leading broadband and technology provider, further expanding the Connectbase ecosystem in Southeast Asia and strengthening global access to one of the region’s fastest-growing digital markets. Through the collaboration, Converge joins the Connectbase platform, making its fiber and subsea infrastructure digitally accessible to carriers and enterprises worldwide through automated, API-driven connectivity commerce.

The collaboration extends Connectbase’s global reach into the Philippines while opening Converge’s high-performance pure-fiber network to a broader international buyer community. Global carriers and enterprises can now instantly discover serviceability, pricing, and availability across millions of Philippine locations—replacing historically manual, email-driven sourcing processes with real-time automation.

“As AI workloads, cloud regionalization, and cross-border enterprise operations accelerate across Southeast Asia, access to automated, location-precise connectivity has become critical infrastructure, not a procurement convenience,” said Ben Edmond, CEO of Connectbase. “Converge has built a world-class fiber network, and Connectbase provides the digital transmission that makes it globally consumable, putting millions of Philippine locations instantly on the screens of the world’s largest network buyers.”

Converge operates one of the youngest and most advanced end-to-end pure-fiber networks in the Philippines, spanning more than 896,000 kilometers,covering nearly 60% of the Philippine households. The company has also invested in major trans-Pacific subsea cable systems, directly connecting the Philippines to the United States, Singapore, and Hong Kong, strengthening regional and global connectivity resilience.

“This joint effort represents a major milestone in making the Philippines fully accessible to the global connectivity economy,” said Dennis Anthony H. Uy, CEO and Co-Founder of Converge. “By joining the Connectbase ecosystem, we are enabling carriers and enterprises worldwide to engage with our network in seconds rather than days, while supporting the continued growth of Southeast Asia’s digital economy.”

By onboarding to the Connectbase Seller Cloud, Converge transitions from manual quoting to automated responses, enabling rapid participation in global RFPs, greater visibility with international buyers, and reduced order fallout through precise, location-level serviceability data. Buyers gain access not only to high-quality fiber, but also to resilient, low-latency routes critical for cloud, enterprise, and BPO traffic.

“Buyers sourcing connectivity in the Philippines can now reduce sourcing cycles from weeks to minutes, while sellers gain immediate visibility into global demand without incremental sales overhead,” added Edmond. “This collaboration reinforces Connectbase’s role as the platform enabling global connectivity commerce, connecting buyers to trusted infrastructure in every major region.”

Beavers bring an unpredictable and unhinged comedy in new Disney and Pixar film "Hoppers"

The animated comedy that critics call “Pixar’s funniest movie ever” is now showing in cinemas nationwide 

(L-R): Ellen Bear, Dragonfly, Loaf, Mabel Beaver, Tom Lizard, King George, Lucy Deer, and Barbara Duck in Disney and Pixar’s HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

When the animal kingdom is faced with the threat of the destruction of their homes, it’s up to a passionate animal-loving teenager to save the day. In Disney and Pixar’s new comedy adventure “Hoppers,” its protagonist Mabel goes from fighting against the town’s mayor to hopping her consciousness into a robot beaver– all in the hopes of stopping the human threat. If that sounds like a loaded premise, it’s because it is; making “Hoppers” a wild and unexpected comedy that will leave audiences laughing out loud.

Now showing in Philippines cinemas nationwide, “Hoppers” delivers a unique comedic tone and fun characters as Mabel hops into beaver form to explore the many wonders of the animal kingdom. 

Mabel in Pixar's HOPPERS. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“The thing that always guided us was the comedy and the characters,” says director Daniel Chong (“We Bare Bears”). “That was what we chased the hardest. We knew it was our team’s strong suit, and we made sure early on to establish a unique comedic tone with fun characters to build everything on.”

“A story like this, with characters arguing constantly, has to be funny,” adds producer Nicole Paradis Grindle (“Incredibles 2”). “We wanted it to have emotion and feature a ton of action, too. It’s even a thriller when you get to the final scenes. But the humor was the initial key, since it brings people in. It’s an amazing story to tell in animation, this idea that we can see into that animal world and enjoy animals, as animals.” 

(L-R): Mabel Beaver (voice of Piper Curda), King George (voice of Bobby Moynihan), Tom Lizard (voice of Tom Law), and Loaf (voice of Eduardo Franco) in Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers,” releasing in U.S. theaters March 6, 2026. Photo courtesy of Disney/Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

In “Hoppers,” two worlds hang in the balance. The animal world, threatened by Mayor Jerry Generazzo (voiced by Jon Hamm) and the human world, threatened by retaliation from the animals. Finding herself in a bit of a pickle is Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda), a passionate animal lover that will use new technology to “hop” into a life-like robotic beaver, and will try to mend the situation between both worlds. What follows is a story filled with a lot of fun twists and turns, with loads of laughter and glade-saving action in between.

“Hoppers” also features the voices of Bobby Moynihan, Dave Franco, and Meryl Streep.

Hop to cinemas and see Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers”! Book your tickets now through: www.disney.ph/movies/hoppers.

Lenovo and Asian Hospital Strengthen Healthcare Delivery Through Standardized, Reliable PC Infrastructure

Lenovo has partnered with Asian Hospital and Medical Center to enhance clinical efficiency and accelerate the hospital’s digital transformation by standardizing endpoint devices across the institution. As part of the Metro Pacific Hospital (MPH) Group—which operates nearly 30 hospitals nationwide—Asian Hospital has been at the forefront of MPH’s initiative to unify and modernize PC infrastructure across its network. 

Asian Hospital, a premier tertiary institution located in the southern part of Metro Manila, is recognized as one of the group’s largest and most advanced facilities. Leading this effort is Frank N. Vibar, Chief Information Officer (CIO), who oversees hospital information systems (HIS), electronic medical records (EMR), network and data center infrastructure, and all end-user computing devices. 

“Our mandate is not just to digitize,” says Frank N. Vibar, CIO, Asian Hospital and Medical Center. “Our mandate is to ensure that every piece of technology we deploy ultimately makes it easier for our clinicians to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care.” 

Addressing Device Instability Affecting Patient Care

Prior to standardizing with Lenovo, Asian Hospital was using a wide mix of devices from multiple brands, resulting in inconsistencies in performance and reliability. Slowdowns, crashes, and unexpected shutdowns frequently disrupted clinical workflows, including medical record access and documentation. Device-related concerns were averaging over 200 support calls per month, often requiring urgent interventions from IT staff to keep care activities running. 

“In a hospital context, a failing laptop is not just an inconvenience—it has a direct impact on patient care,” explains Vibar. “If a doctor is recording diagnoses or reviewing patient data and the device slows down or crashes, it disrupts the entire care process and creates frustration for both clinician and patient.” 

This environment prompted Asian Hospital to seek a partner capable of delivering predictable, stable, and reliable end-user devices designed to support life-critical healthcare operations.

A Strategic Partnership for Standardization and Performance

Asian Hospital selected Lenovo for its strong reputation for reliability, enterprise-grade support, and robust product development.

“We needed a partner that could provide stability, consistency, and reliability—both in the devices themselves and in the support behind them,” says Vibar. “Lenovo gave us confidence that we could standardize without sacrificing performance or availability.” 

Through close coordination, Lenovo and Asian Hospital aligned device categories to specific user workflows—for finance, HR, mobile users, nurse stations, ER units, and clinical areas requiring barcode-scanning for closed-loop medication workflows.

“We know our workflow and Lenovo knows its products,” Vibar shares. “By collaborating on user profiles and device types, we were able to match our requirements with the right endpoints and ensure that every device deployed delivers real value to the user.” 

Transformative Results: From 200 Monthly Issues to Almost Zero

The transition to Lenovo devices has produced measurable improvements across Asian Hospital. As legacy devices were replaced with Lenovo units, monthly incident reports dropped from over 200 tickets to almost zero in Lenovo-equipped areas. 

“As we gradually replaced legacy devices with Lenovo, complaints about performance and breakdowns from our doctors and nurses went from over 200 tickets a month to almost zero,” says Vibar. “That translates directly into smoother access to our hospital information system and electronic medical records, and ultimately, better continuity of patient care.” 

The hospital also observed dramatically improved system performance, as doctors and nurses reported faster workflows and more stable access to HIS and EMR systems.

With endpoint issues nearly eliminated and more efficient IT operations, IT staff are now able to focus on upskilling in cybersecurity, networking, data analytics and AI integration. Additionally, with expanded availability of devices in critical areas, workflow analyses led to the deployment of additional Lenovo units in high-demand areas such as the Emergency Room. Signifying strong clinician satisfaction, users in Lenovo-enabled areas are now proactively requesting replacement of older units, signaling clear preference and confidence in the new standardized devices. 

Asian Hospital’s Vision and Lenovo’s Role

As part of the MPH Group, Asian Hospital is pursuing its vision of becoming a flagship smart hospital—both within the organization and across the Philippine healthcare sector.

“Asian Hospital aims to be a flagship smart hospital for our group and for the Philippines,” Vibar affirms. “We want to keep Filipino patients from having to go abroad for care, and at the same time attract patients from other countries.” 

With Lenovo as a long-term strategic partner, the hospital is ready to pilot new healthcare use cases, technologies, and innovations proven in hospitals abroad.

“If Lenovo has hospital use cases that are already tried and tested elsewhere, bring them here and we will help test them,” says Vibar. “If we see that a technology can improve healthcare delivery and patient care, we are ready to adopt it.” 

Asian Hospital’s partnership with Lenovo underscores its commitment to advancing digital healthcare and delivering reliable, patient-centered services supported by smart, standardized technology. 

Hoppers: A Fun, Heartfelt Disney-Pixar Adventure That’ll Make You Think About Our Planet

Rating: 5/5 ⭐

My Two Cents on Nature & Us

As a nature lover always doing my bit for the planet, I’ll be the first to say—there’s only so much one person can do. Modern tech and infrastructure have made life easier, but we can’t forget we’re not the only ones here. Every creature keeps our ecosystem balanced, and it’s unfair when they get hurt with no way to fight back.

If we all aimed for a healthy, thriving environment, our world would be so much better. Take the recent floods here, for example: corrupt contractors and negligent officials left ordinary people suffering most, and nature took a big hit too. It’s a harsh reminder we need to do better—for each other and every living thing. That’s why stories about this hit so close to home, and Hoppers does it perfectly. 

Now, Let’s Talk About Hoppers (No Spoilers, Promise!)

Every Disney-Pixar film has its own vibe, and Hoppers is one of their most fun and unique ones—hands down. We were so lucky to attend an advanced screening last February 27! Seeing it early felt like a dream, and I’ve been dying to share my thoughts ever since.

This animated comedy-adventure is hilarious, with jokes that land for kids and adults alike—no forced humor here! What’s really cool is it flips the script on classics like Finding Nemo and A Bug’s Life. Instead of animals acting like humans, we get a human living like an animal—sort of.

The story follows Mabel Tanaka a passionate animal lover voiced by Piper Curda, who uses new tech to “hop” her consciousness into a super realistic robotic beaver. Her goal? Talk directly to wildlife and save an ecosystem—something I’d definitely try if I could! Directed by Daniel Chong (creator of We Bare Bears, which I used to binge-watch) and produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle (who worked on Incredibles 2, another family favorite), this mind-bending adventure hits Philippine cinemas nationwide on March 4!

Comedy and characters were the team’s main focus, and it shows. They wanted something funny first, but also packed with emotion, action—even thriller vibes in the final scenes! And they nailed it. The idea of seeing the animal world as it really is, and enjoying animals for who they are, is perfect for animation.

As Mabel explores the animal kingdom as a beaver, she meets wonderful new friends and faces a big challenge—no spoilers, but she has to bring everyone together to stand up to a smooth-talking local mayor named Jerry Generazzo, voiced by Jon Hamm. The cast is stacked too, with Dave Franco and Meryl Streep also lending their voices—what an amazing lineup! It’s full of unexpected twists, and my kids and I laughed through most of it. But even though it’s super fun and unique for Disney-Pixar, it still has that heartfelt, meaningful message we love—especially about nature, animals, and balance, which means the world to me.

What You’ll Love Most About Hoppers

• The humor: Clever, silly, and for every age—you’ll laugh out loud, guaranteed. I already know I’ll be cackling in the theater!
• The fresh premise: Flipping the usual anthropomorphic trope makes for a fun, original watch. I’ve never seen anything quite like it from them.
• The heart: Like all great Disney-Pixar films, it has moments that’ll make you feel all the feels, without being overly sappy. I’m already preparing my tissues—just in case!
• The message: A gentle but clear wake-up call about caring for our planet and keeping nature in balance, never preachy. It’s exactly the kind of story we need right now.
• The animation: The animal world is brought to life so vividly—you’ll feel like you’re right there with Mabel, splashing in ponds and exploring woods.
• The cast: With names like Jon Hamm, Meryl Streep, and Dave Franco, the voice acting is top-notch. They really bring these characters to life!

Quick Film Lowdown

In Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers, Mabel Tanaka (Piper Curda) jumps into a robotic beaver to chat with animals directly. As she uncovers amazing secrets in the animal world, she befriends the charming King George (Bobby Moynihan) and has to rally all the animals to face a big threat—smooth-talking mayor Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm). The star-studded cast also includes Kathy Najimy, Dave Franco, and Meryl Streep. It’s directed by Daniel Chong, produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle, and has an original score by Mark Mothersbaugh. Catch it exclusively in Philippine cinemas nationwide on March 4!

Final Thoughts

Let’s be real—when it’s a Disney film, you know it’s going to be good. But Hoppers? It’s next-level. I’m giving it a full 5/5 not just because it’s funny and well-made, but because it talks about something close to my heart: nature and the balance we need to keep our planet alive. It’s full of laugh-out-loud moments, but also hits you right in the heart. It makes you think, and honestly? It’s a bit of a wake-up call too. If you love fun, heart, and stories that make you care more about our world, this is an absolute must-watch. I’m so grateful we got to see it early—now I just want everyone else to experience it too! 🦫🪵🐸🚣🏻‍♂️🦫🦫🦫🦎 (Oops! 🤭 Iykyk! 😁)