Saturday, February 28, 2026

New Moon PH and Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Strengthen Partnership with Official Contract Signing



In a powerful celebration of beauty, purpose, and holistic wellness, New Moon PH seals partnership with Miss Universe Philippines 2026 as the pageant'sOfficial Women's Health Partner through a meaningful contract signing event on February 27,2026.

Building on a successful collaboration last 2025 where New Moon PH proudly served as one of
the official partners of Miss Universe Philippines, the renewed partnership marks a deeper, more
intentional commitment to empowering Filipina beauty from within.  




During the contract signing, Miss Jonah Sison-Ramos, CEO and Founder of New Moon PH, shared the deeper intention behind the partnership: “Our continued partnership with Miss Universe Philippines is deeply meaningful to us. Last year, we proudly stood as their women’s health partner with our Hormo Balance. It was meaningful to see delegates openly share their experiences with PCOS, including Ahtisa Manalo and Winwyn Marquez”.

“We were inspired by how they used their platforms to raise awareness about PCOS and normalize conversations about women’s hormonal health, that's why we want to continue that this year”, Miss Jonah added.

From the side of Miss Universe Philippines 2026, the partnership is equally rooted in alignment and shared purpose. When asked about how the organization selects its sponsors, MUPH Executive Vice-President, Voltaire Tayag emphasized that collaborations go beyond branding.“It’s never just about having a partnership, we carefully look at a brand’s vision and values. When we met the New Moon PH team, there was an immediate connection—we knew that this was going to happen because we share the same values and advocacy.  




” With the success of their partnership, New Moon PH takes its role further by highlighting its
signature wellness pairing, Power Duo+, composed of Soft Glow+ and Hormo Balance supporting the journey of this year’s delegates, not only in their preparations for the crown but in their overall well-being for a lifetime. Soft Glow+ is formulated with 200mg S-Acetyl Glutathione,, Tripeptide Collagen, Sakura Extract, White Tomato Powder, Sodium Ascorbate, Zinc Glycinate, Black Pepper Extract to help promote brighter, more radiant skin, supports natural detoxification, and boosts overall wellness perfectly complementing the confidence and poise essential on and off the pageant stage. 
Hormo Balance, on the other hand, is crafted with essential ingredients such as Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol to support women’s hormonal balance and complex symptoms of PCOS. An essential yet often overlooked pillar of overall wellness, especially for high-performing women managing demanding schedules.  




Happening just in time for New Moon PH’s Women’s Month campaign, “Tell Her Story, ” featuring Ahtisa Manalo as its newest ambassador, with the campaign message “Her Story,
Told. Balanced hormones. Visible glow”. 
The strengthened partnership further amplifies the brand’s advocacy of empowering women to own their narratives confidently and unapologetically. 

As Miss Universe Philippines 2026 marks the beginning of a new era of empowered, purpose-driven women, New Moon PH proudly stands beside them not only as a sponsor, but as a wellness ally committed to helping every woman glow confidently and live in balance. The partnership sends a strong message and affirms every Filipina, that wellness is power, balance is strength, and choosing yourself every single day is the most beautiful decision of all.

Monday, February 23, 2026

People Power 40 Kick-Off Concert: Raw, Real, and for Everyone




Gritty, grounded, and pulsating with energy

These words aptly describe the recent People Power 40 Kick-Off Concert, which successfully bridged generations while remaining firmly connected to the country’s socio-political landscape.

 



With its innovative, inclusive, and in-your-face approach, pundits say the concert offered a fresh and memorable way to launch the EDSA People Power I commemoration. They also congratulated the organizers — Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), Kaya Natin!, Senator Bam Aquino, and Mayor Joy Belmonte — for mounting the successful event.  




The concert featured a mix of performances by singers, rock bands, rappers, stand-up comedians, a dance group, uniting audiences across generations and sending a strong message against corruption while underscoring the country’s sovereignty. 





After a somber opening by acoustic icon Ice Seguerra with his moving rendition of “Bayan Ko,” against the dramatic light show illuminating the Quezon Memorial Circle pylon, the concert burst into high-energy performances, keeping the 20,000-plus crowd on their feet and evoking memories of the 2022 presidential campaign of former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.

Bringing back memories of the glory days of their father, the late “King of Rap” Francis Magalona, Elmo and Arkin Magalona performed some of his most iconic hits, including “1-800-Ninety-Six,” “Kaleidoscope World,” and the crowd-favorite “Ito Ang Gusto Ko.”

Hip-hop group Morobeats delivered an expletive-laden, fiery performance, firing up the crowd while sending bold messages against government corruption and China’s harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

The audience also enjoyed a mix of musical genres that spanned generations, with performances by Ebe Dancel, Over October, Earl Agustin, and Rivermaya -- creating an experience that resonated with Filipinos of all ages.

Nica Del Rosario, composer of the 2022 campaign anthem “Rosas,” shone with her performance of “Tala” and her duet with rapper Pio Balbuena for “Kapangyarihan.” Balbuena, for his part, delivered a standout performance, belting out hits such as “44 Bars,” “Republika ng Tambay,” and “Akinse.”

Femme MNL, a collective of LGBTQIA+ dancers, captivated the audience with a high-energy playback Rihanna set, while Chelsea Alley showcased their signature heavy metal rock with powerful hits “We Are,” “Camouflage,” and “Heneral.”

OPM legends Janno Gibbs and Ogie Alcasid brought nostalgia and their trademark showmanship, performing “Pinakamagandang Lalaki” and a duet of “Handog ng Pilipino,” followed by Alcasid’s solo hits “Sige Laglagan Na” and “Nandito Ako.”

In between musical acts, comedians Alex Calleja and Red Ollero had the crowd roaring with laughter, delivering sharp, uncensored takes on current controversies and everyday Filipino life.

In the same way they ignited the stage earlier, the Magalona siblings closed the event with a repeat of their rousing performance of “Ito Ang Gusto Ko”, which will serve as a call to action for current and future Filipinos.

Capping the night was a spectacular 10-minute fireworks display, leaving the crowd buzzing about the concert long after they went home.

Following its successful staging, pundits claim the concert offered a fresh way to remember and honor EDSA People Power I. By blending nostalgia with bold calls to hold corrupt officials accountable, they claimed it was undoubtedly a memorable way to kick off the 40th anniversary of EDSA 1.

Ilocos Sur Festival 2026: Bringing the people together as One Ilocos Sur.




Across twelve extraordinary days, Ilocos Sur Festival 2026 became a powerful expression of unity—where culture thrived, faith endured, joy echoed, and pride flourished. From the first light of prayer to the final encore of the night, every Ilocano—farmers, fisherfolk, balikbayans, and Gen Z creatives—stood together in one grand celebration.  




The festival opened with the Ilocos Sur Trade and Food Fair, where local government units, MSMEs, and artisans transformed simple booths into eye-catching galleries of culture and creativity. From the Municipality of Caoayan’s winning booth to innovative products like Double Cacao Delight and Ube Vinegar, the fair proved that Ilocano craftsmanship and entrepreneurship are very much alive and thriving. Artisans also took the spotlight in on-the-spot craft demos and the Most Innovative Product Competition, blending tradition with modern market appeal. 





The province then came together in prayer through the Eucharistic Celebration and Los Patrones Procession, a solemn display of faith and unity that brought together clergy, officials, and devotees under one spiritual banner. Not long after, the streets exploded in color with the Grand Parade, where local government units rolled out story-filled floats and performers in vibrant costumes, with the Municipalities of Sinait, Sigay, and Narvacan emerging as float competition winners. The parade was also attended by all sectors uniting the people in one event. The Grand Opening at Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur sealed the tone of the festival: a dazzling drone show, an illuminated Provincial Capitol display, and performances by Kai Montinola and Kyle Echarri framed a night of lights, legacy, and shared pride. The Grand Parade drew a record-breaking crowd of 40,000 participants, the highest turnout in recent years.

The day after, Agri Day had the spotlight shifted to the hands that feed Ilocos Sur—its farmers and fisherfolk—at the Narvacan Farmers Market on 2 February 2026. Tractor floats paraded in style, with Narvacan topping the competition, while Bantay was hailed as “AGRI-Pinaka Productive LGU,” underscoring agriculture as the province’s lifeblood. The festival then extended a warm embrace to its global family through “An Evening with the Balikbayans” at CHAVIT Coliseum, where Ilocanos from abroad were honored for their contributions and enduring love for home, highlighted by the presentation of the Global ONE Ilocos Sur Association (GO ISA).

Alongside heritage, pop culture had its moment with the Esports and Cosplay Competition, where anime, game, and comic characters came alive in cloth and mecha categories judged by Myrtle Sarrosa and fellow enthusiasts. The energy shifted yet again with Bingo Night at Quirino Stadium, as thousands played for big prizes, culminating in a thrilling 100,000 pesos grand blackout win that had the entire crowd roaring.

Culture took a bold turn at Tinnatoan: Tattoo Expo, where traditional and contemporary tattoo artists, including Kalinga mambabatok and descendants of Apo Whang-Od, showcased tattooing as living heritage and identity. Honors were given to artists and cultural bearers, and the Best of Show competition spotlighted pieces that fused symbolism with innovation.

From skin art to stage presence, Mister Ilocos Sur 2026 crowned Aries Ronie Patis of Santa Cruz as Mister Ilocos Sur, alongside gentlemen recognized for goodwill, culture, and leadership—proving that modern Ilocano masculinity is built on strength, service, and cultural pride. On the coast, Bangkarera put fisherfolk and racers in the limelight, as boats sliced through the water in multiple race categories—National Open Formula, National Open Panaltagan, Bachola and Rakit, honoring sea-based skills and coastal communities.

The adrenaline did not stop there. A two-day Motocross Competition in the Municipality of Salcedo turned rugged terrain into a playground of speed and skill, featuring categories from 65cc and Ladies Class to the heart-stopping Pro Open race. Riders, brands, and fans came together in a high-octane celebration that positioned Ilocos Sur as a rising hub for extreme sports and adventure tourism.

Inclusivity, beauty, and self-expression took center stage at the Ilocos Sur Pride Queen 2026 Coronation Night, where Luivie Bitongan of Candon City led a court of powerful Pride Queens who turned the CHAVIT Coliseum into a stage of authenticity and courage. Later, Miss Ilocos Sur 2026 crowned Narvacan’s Nathalie Clarin as its new queen, with court members representing tourism and environment, and special awards like Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown celebrating poise and performance. The Miss Ilocos Sur 2026 Coronation Night recorded 1.7 million views, with online publicity materials reaching up to 855,742 individuals online.

Across festival grounds, eighteen municipalities raised their festival archs—towering artworks of wood, craft, and symbolism—with Alilem, Burgos, and Suyo earning top honors for their stunning cultural gateways. The Tribute to Elderlies 2026 then shifted the mood to gratitude, as the province honored its senior citizens, recognized ten distinguished elders, and celebrated tradition-keepers through a cultural dance competition won by Santa.

Meanwhile, the youth lit up the stage in the Street Dance and Showdown Competition, where San Juan reclaimed the championship while Vigan City and Candon City claimed the 2nd and 3rd place respectively. The Showdown Competition was also enjoined by guest artists Maris Racal and Paul Salas.. Gen Z-arzuela brought theater to life with young ensembles updating zarzuela with modern twists, with PPSK from the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Kayaw Teatro, and Talento Likha leading the winners and individual acting awards highlighting raw talent.

While the Foam Fest: Run and Rave pulled in around 15,000 runners, dancers, and revelers who started the day with Zumba and foam runs and ended it under rave lights with DJs and a high-energy performance from Flow G, proving that fitness and fun make a perfect festival pair. Battle of the Bands turned the province into a live music arena, with The Puppets, Vin & Vin, and Day Ones topping their categories and multiple special awards recognizing the strength of Ilocos Sur’s homegrown music scene.

Service remained at the heart of the celebration through the ONE Ilocos Sur Health Caravan in Galimuyod, where residents received medical and dental services, free eyeglasses, medicines, assistive devices, food packs, and more—showing that true festivals uplift lives beyond the stage. Pammadayaw: Father Jose Burgos Award honored community champions in fields from education and health to arts and innovation, shining a light on quiet heroes whose work transforms everyday life.  






As the 12-day festival drew to a close, a Thanksgiving Mass gathered officials, partners, performers, and citizens to reflect on a safe, meaningful, and successful celebration. Later that evening, over 30,000 people attended ONE Ilocos Sur Night, which wrapped up the festivities in spectacular fashion with performances by Arthur Nery, Adie, Yeng Constantino, FitterKarma, Earl Agustin. ISF 2026 content garnered an impressive 46.9 million views and reached 2.7 million people, reflecting the festival’s strong online presence and lasting impact across audiences. The night culminated in a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the sky—sealing the promise of more stories, more memories, and more reasons to say: Agbiag, Ilocos Sur!

Thursday, February 19, 2026

From entertainment to education: how the Puregold Channel is helping revitalize ‘last mile’ schools




In a move that aims to revitalize the country’s ‘last mile’ schools, Puregold Price Club Inc. President Vincent Co is investing Puregold Channel’s total streaming revenue in his Pusong Panalo Program.

A personal initiative of Vincent, himself, the Pusong Panalo Program seeks to aid underserved public schools nationwide through interventions that address both immediate needs and structural gaps: solar panels for schools with limited access to electricity; livelihood packages for teachers; grocery support for students; classroom renovations; and assorted learning equipment. The program aspires to reach at least 10,000 students in 30 public schools around the archipelago by 2028. 





The Puregold Channel on YouTube serves as the company’s hub for its “retailtainment” strategy, an integrated content ecosystem spanning free digital series, music collaborations with leading OPM artists, and original Filipino storytelling through the annual Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival. The channel has surpassed 300,000 subscribers, earning YouTube’s Silver Play Button and establishing itself as one of the most robust brand-owned media platforms in Philippine retail.

But the metric that matters most is not just Puregold Channel‘s subscriber growth. Vincent’s success with these retailtainment ventures has allowed him to direct more resources towards one of the company’s strongest advocacies. Every view on the channel translates into revenue, and every peso of that revenue is reinvested in public education. With this model, audience engagement is no longer a vanity metric; it is a funding mechanism. Performance drives purpose, scale enables service.

For Vincent Co, the convergence of business growth and social investment is not a communications narrative but a leadership mandate. Retailtainment, in this context, is not merely a growth lever, but a means to mobilize capital toward outcomes that endure beyond quarterly performance. 





Under Vincent Co’s stewardship, Puregold content with a social impact is not treated as a byproduct of success, but as one of its clearest indicators.

Monday, February 9, 2026

Pokwang Opens Up About Jewelry Loss During Visit to Maddox Jewelry Showroom



Despite having experienced an unfortunate incident involving the loss of valuable jewelry, comedienne and television host Pokwang continues her passion for purchasing and collecting fine pieces.

 

Pokwang shared the story during her guest appearance on the YouTube channel of Ms. Charo Cordial (YouTube: @Maddox_Jewelry), when she visited the Maddox Jewelry showroom located at 1011 JP Rizal Street, Concepcion Uno, Marikina City, Metro Manila.

 

During their conversation, Ms. Charo asked Pokwang about the incident involving her missing jewelry. The actress candidly recalled losing not only jewelry but also a wristwatch while filming a movie. 




 

“Ay, ooTapos relo. Shooting ng pelikulaPinahubad sa akin no’ng nasa wardrobe. Taposhindi ko na alam kung kanino ko naabot. Wala namang umaamin

 

"On the set, nagmamadali kami, hindi ko namaalala. Nasa elevator kami no’n. P350,000 ang bili ko ro’n.  Sigehayaan mo na."

 

Despite the experience, Pokwang remains active in buying and collecting jewelry. As both Pokwang and Ms. Charo are entrepreneurs and online sellers, their relationship goes beyond buyer and seller. Aside from purchasing jewelry from Maddox, Pokwang has also sold some of her own jewelry pieces to the brand. She likewise shared her Mamang Pokwang gourmet products with Ms. Charo.

 

Widely trusted for her expertise in fine jewelry, particularly diamonds, Ms. Charo has earned the confidence of numerous celebrities. Today, she is also recognized as a credible and influential content creator and vlogger in the jewelry industry.

 

Many of Maddox Jewelry’s clients have become engaging and inspiring subjects for Ms. Charo’svlogs. During casual conversations while browsing jewelry, clients often share personal stories and experiences, making each episode both authentic and compelling.

 

As of press time, Ms. Charo’s vlog featuring Pokwang has garnered significant attention and high viewership. In addition to discussing the lost jewelry, the two also touched on topics such as Pokwang’s former partner, her experiences with bashers, and other personal insights.

 

The full video can still be viewed on the Maddox_Jewelry YouTube channel, as well as on Maddox’s official social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Notably, the video has already reached 1.8 million views on Maddox’s official Facebook account in just one day.

 

From being a Licensed Agricultural Engineer to becoming a respected jewelry industry leader and a trusted celebrity content creator, Ms. Charo Cordial continues to redefine success through expertise, authenticity, and innovation.