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23 July 2025

Newsletter: 19-Year-Old Breakout Artist Rol3ert Shines on New UK Garage-Inspired Track “who do u love?” – Out July 16

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Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert (pronounced Robert) continues his meteoric rise with a captivating feature on the third single from Sony’s Keep in Touch, a boundary-pushing music project spotlighting the freshest talents in dance, club, and R&B music. Titled “who do u love?”, the track is produced by Fukuoka-based dance music talent mee mee mee and lands on all platforms July 16.

22 July 2025

Newsletter: The Company Makati to Open in August: Global Coworking Brand Expands Footprint in Manila’s Premier Business District

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This August, the nation’s premier business district adds a fresh face to its landscape as The Company Makati opens in Legazpi Village. Managed by Zeroten Philippines Inc., the local arm of Japan’s Zero-Ten Park Co., Ltd., the launch signals another big step for a brand rooted in Cebu and now thriving across Japan, Singapore, Hawaii, and Vietnam.

Newsletter: When Tech Decides to Have Fun: Xpress Super App x Tommie King’s “Palihim” Proves Business Can Still Play

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Xpress Super App and hip-hop artist Tommie King teamed up on Palihim, a Manila-shot music video celebrating culture over KPIs. Reflecting Xpress’ Pinoy Pride. Every Ride. ethos, the bold collaboration showcases how tech can resonate beyond metrics through authentic, creative risks. Already disrupting mobility in Manila, Boracay, and soon Palawan, Xpress proves innovation is about meaning. Watch Palihim now.

21 July 2025

Newsletter: From Boracay to Palawan: Xpress Super App Expands Island Mobility Network

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After a landmark success in Boracay, Xpress Super App is gearing up to launch operations in Palawan this Q4 2025, aiming to transform island mobility once again — this time with deeper government collaboration and community integration.

Newsletter: Popolo Music Group and Daewon Entertainment Launch AuditionKpop.com

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Popolo Music Group (PMG) and Daewon Entertainment have launched AuditionKpop.com, a groundbreaking global audition platform that allows aspiring P-Pop and K-Pop artists to audition for over 50 music labels and production companies through one unified site. Exceptional applicants will be invited to join PMG’s elite 6-month training program, focusing on singing, dancing, stage presence, and media handling, with the chance to earn a full recording contract under PMG.

20 July 2025

Newsletter: bneXt Joins Forces with LambdaTest to Power Device and App Testing at Scale

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bneXt and LambdaTest partnership to deliver scalable, cloud-based testing for modern development

bneXt Inc., a trusted technology solutions provider, announces a strategic partnership with LambdaTest, a leading platform for continuous quality testing in the cloud. The collaboration empowers organizations to test their web and mobile applications faster, more efficiently, and with greater precision, meeting the demands of today’s fast-paced development cycles. 

Newsletter: Tyla drops new single “Is It”

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After teasing fans with her new single via social media, TYLA is adding fuel to the fire of summer with the release of her highly anticipated new single and music video, “IS IT,” available now. The new record welcomes TYLA’s audience back to the epicenter of the dance floor as she gears up for a #WEWANNAPARTY summer.

Newsletter: AICON PH 2025: The Biggest AI Learning Event in the Country

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On July 23, 2025, the SMX Convention Center Aura in Bonifacio Global City will become the hub of the country’s AI conversation as AICON PH 2025 brings together decision-makers, professionals, educators, and students for a full day of learning, collaboration, and community.

Now on its 10th year, what started in 2016 as the Big Data Analytics Conference has grown into a national platform for learning, exchange, and collaboration. Today, AICON PH reflects how far the conversation has come—from data to intelligent systems, from hype to hands-on use. Through the years, the goal has stayed the same: to make advanced technologies more useful and more accessible to more people.

This year’s theme, “Making AI Real, Making AI Matter,” reflects this direction. It is a response to all the noise and hype around AI. Instead of just talking about the future, AICON PH 2025 focuses on what’s already working, where help is needed, and how we can make AI more helpful, fair, and accessible for more people.

This year’s event will focus on the people and principles behind AI. Plenary sessions and panels will explore the human side of AI—how it affects the way we live, work, and learn—as well as the growing conversation around sovereign AI and national capacity. The breakout sessions will offer practical stories and lessons on a wide range of topics, including agentic AI, turning insights into real impact, building an organization of innovators, and reimagining learning for those outside traditional education systems.

What is AICON PH?
AICON PH is the Philippines’ flagship learning event on artificial intelligence, focused on promoting practical, inclusive, and accessible AI for everyone. Organized by the Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP), AICON PH builds a bridge between curiosity and capability—helping Filipinos better understand AI, not just as a technology, but as a tool for real-world problem-solving in communities, classrooms, and companies.

The event is designed for everyone—from software developers and business analysts to educators, business leaders, policymakers, and students. Its mission: make AI education part of our national learning agenda and ensure no one gets left behind in the age of intelligent systems.

A Powerful Lineup of Speakers and Panelists
This year's keynote stage features a powerful mix of local and international voices on AI, including:

Michelle Alarcon, President of AAP

Arsenio Balisacan, PhD, Secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev)

Edwine Carrie, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines Resident Representative

Pedro Campelo, Partner at LTPlabs

Wing Kin Cheung, President & CEO of BEEINFOTECH

Two high-impact panel discussions will also unpack thought leadership on the human side of AI and sovereign AI. The panels will feature leaders from Alibaba Cloud, AWS, BeeInfoTech, Google, LTPlabs, SGV & Co., and UNDP.

Breakout Tracks for Every Role in the AI Ecosystem
In the afternoon, participants can choose from five focused breakout tracks based on their role and interest: Developer, Development Manager & Tech Leader, Strategist & Business Leader, Deployer, and Educator.

These tracks go beyond theory, offering hands-on learning, case studies, and live demonstrations. Among the highlights:

Globe Telecom shares how it built an organization of AI innovators.

GCash leads a Moral Imagination Workshop on ethical AI strategy.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment explores AI in education.

RCBC gives a behind-the-scenes look at ML/AI Ops in banking.

Ayala, San Miguel Corporation, Globe, and Sprout join a fireside chat on applied AI in business.

Eskwelabs hosts a live AI showcase for executives and leaders.

Sandiwaan Center for Learning leads a discussion on AI and inclusive learning.

The day will also feature the awarding of the winners of the 1st National AI Prompt Design Challenge organized by Straits Interactive and AAP.

Collaborators and Key Supporters
This year’s event is made possible through the support and collaboration of key partners and organizations who share the same vision for a more inclusive AI future. AICON PH 2025 is proudly organized by the AAP together with co-organizers Alibaba Cloud and BeeinfotechPH, and co-presented by JPMorganChase, LTPlabs, and SGV & Co.

Official ambassadors include Acer, AMD, Ayala Corporation, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Google, and PMI Philip Morris International. Our session sponsors include Accenture, AWS, Eskwelabs, GCash, Globe, and Káyana; while De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, Emerson, Insight, KPMG, Multisys, N-PAX, Philtech, and Stratpoint are featured exhibitors. We are also grateful for the support of QBE Insurance, Reyes Tacandong & Co., San Miguel Corporation, and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres.

The event is also made possible with the help of its media partners NEN Digital, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Business Mirror, Business World, Malaya Business Insight, VRITimes, Philippines Graphic, Kwento Co, Out of The Box Media,  Village Connect Magazine and WhenInManila.com.

About the AAP
The Analytics & AI Association of the Philippines (AAP) is the National Industry TVET Board for Analytics & AI championing the responsible and inclusive use of data and artificial intelligence in the country. AAP leads national conversations, develops industry-academe-government partnerships, and builds tools, frameworks, and learning ecosystems to help Filipinos thrive in the age of data and AI. Visit www.aap.ph for more information.

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19 July 2025

Newsletter: Filipino Excellence Shines at the Feel it Pilipinas Blue Jacket Ceremony 2025

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The Golden Ballroom of Okada Manila glistened with national pride and creative energy on July 11, 2025, as the Feel it Pilipinas Blue Jacket Ceremony 2025 brought together the country’s brightest stars in the performing arts.

Newsletter: ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse Calls for Startups to Drive Impact across ASEAN

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The second phase of ASEAN Sparks, Catalyse, officially started with the open call for clean energy and climate tech startups until 20 July 2025! Consisting of extensive workshops and mentoring sessions in August until October 2025, Catalyse aims to support startups in achieving exponential growth and opens a path for startups to pitch their innovation in the international stage of ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2025.

Newsletter: Wolf Alice return with brand new single ‘The Sofa’

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Generational British band Wolf Alice share new single, ‘The Sofa’ - another dimension to their highly anticipated fourth studio album The Clearing confirmed for release on August 22nd. Following a triumphant return to the stage with headlining festival performances at Primavera - where they unveiled ‘The Sofa’ for one of the first times, had thousands singing along - and a history-defining Glastonbury set on home soil, this new era announces Wolf Alice as a band who are in a league entirely of their own. 

18 July 2025

Newsletter: UP Scientists’ Invention Could Lower Terahertz Antenna Device Cost

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By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

Scientists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) have developed a new semiconductor structure that could lead to more affordable and reliable terahertz (THz) technology—used in applications ranging from medical imaging to high-speed wireless communication.

Newsletter: We Are Imaginary reflects on toxic relationships in dreamy new track “Stockholm”

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Filipino indie rock outfit We Are Imaginary are back with “Stockholm,” the latest single from their forthcoming self-titled album, set to be released on vinyl under Eikon Records in mid-2025.

Newsletter: Changemakers gather at Impact Happy Hours to discuss the wellbeing of Filipino parents and families.

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Changemakers from various backgrounds and sectors gathered at Impact Happy Hours last July 2, at Refinery, Shangri-La Plaza Mall. The event has been running since 2017 and has been a community space for individuals and organizations interested in social impact to connect and collaborate. Impact Happy Hours’ main organizers are entrepreneur support organizations Villgro Philippines, xchange, and Ashoka Philippines, but the event has also been co-hosted with different partner organizations who have designed several ways to facilitate connections between attendees. The featured partner of last night’s event was the Good Start Challenge.

Newsletter: GIVĒON releases new sophmore album BELOVED

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“Giveon’s identifiable baritone voice, wrapped around relationship musings, has consistently cut through the vibe-centered and party-focused R&B that’s dominated the past decade.” – Associated Press
“Rich and authentic beloved BELOVED feels indebted to Al Green, Philly soul, the Jackson 5, and Blaxploitation soundtracks.” – Rolling Stone
GIVĒON’s return to the spotlight has featured his fourth Hot 100 chart hit, and widespread critical acclaim, including ‘4-stars’ from Rolling Stone. It now includes the release of the seven-time GRAMMY®-nominee’s second studio album, BELOVED, executive-produced by Sevn Thomas