A Match Made in the Kitchen: Coco Martin and Julia Montes Celebrate the Ultimate ‘Perfect Match’ with REGASCO

 

There is nothing quite like finding the one that makes everything complete. This year, Republic Gas Corporation (REGASCO), the country’s leading LPG brand, officially unveils its highly anticipated campaign, “Kitchen’s Perfect Match!”—bringing together a partnership that is truly written in the stars.

Joining forces to light up Filipino kitchens nationwide are superstar Coco Martin and his real-life "perfect match," actress Julia Montes, as REGASCO’s newest brand ambassador. While this marks Coco’s third successful year as the trusted face of the brand, it is Julia’s spectacular first year joining the REGASCO family.

Much like Coco and Julia, who are widely celebrated as being absolutely "made for each other," REGASCO is a brand "made for your home." Together, they represent the ultimate synergy of warmth, safety, and trust.

 

The Perfect Recipe: Tested by Time, Proven by Love

Every great relationship is built on trust, consistency, and showing up every day. For nearly three decades, REGASCO has been doing exactly that for millions of Filipino households. As the campaign highlights: “Perfect sa kusina, maaasahan sa negosyo! Subok at pinagtitibay ng panahonkaya garantisadong quality, sakto sa timbang at safe!”(Perfect for the kitchen, reliable for business! Tested and strengthened by time, guaranteeing quality, correct weight, and safety!)

For Coco and Julia, teaming up with REGASCO was a natural choice because it mirrors their own commitment to quality and longevity.

"Kusina ay kumpleto, basta’t kasama ang REGASCO!" (The kitchen is complete as long as you have REGASCO!) shares Julia Montes, expressing her excitement over her first year with the brand.

Coco Martin, celebrating his milestone third year, agrees wholeheartedly. "Sa pagsasamang subok, doon ka na sasigurado—REGASCO!" (In a partnership that has been tried and tested, go with the one you can be sure of—REGASCO!)

A Perfect Match for the Entire Nation

Just as a great love story spreads joy far and wide, REGASCO has expanded its reach so that every Filipino, from Luzon to Mindanao, can experience their premium service. No matter where you are in the country, your kitchen's perfect partner is always within reach.

REGASCO’s nationwide love story features:

• Over 30 state-of-the-art refilling plants strategically located across the country.

• More than 400+ showrooms and retail storesnationwide.

• A massive, dedicated network of over 2,000+ active dealers bringing safe cooking straight to your doorstep.

• To ensure that the flame of this partnership never flickers, REGASCO maintains a powerhouse alliance with South Pacific Inc. (SPI), one of the largest and most modern LPG import terminals in the Philippines. This strategic match guarantees an uninterrupted, secure supply of LPG so families and businesses never have to worry about running out of gas.

• In a crowded market of choices, REGASCO invites everyone to stop searching and settle down with the best. When it comes to safety, honesty, and quality, Filipino homes have truly found their Kitchen’s Perfect Match.

Converge Launches “BizFriend Rewards” Program to Strengthen MSME Partnerships Beyond Connectivity

Converge isstrengthening its commitment to Filipino entrepreneurs with the launch of BizFriend Rewards, a loyalty and engagement program designed to support micro, small, and mediumenterprises (MSMEs) not only through reliable connectivity butalso through meaningful rewards, experiences, and growthopportunities.

The initiative signals a strategic shift by Converge SMESolutions to position itself as a long-term partner in the successof its MSME customers.

“MSMEs are at the heart of our growth story, and BizFriendRewards reflects how we value them beyond transactions,” saidDindo Marzan, Senior Vice President and Head of SME Groupat Converge. “We want our customers to feel that they are notjust subscribers, but partners we grow with.”

“BizFriend Rewards was designed to make our MSMEcustomers feel genuinely valued—not just for their subscriptions, but for the ambition and resilience they bring totheir businesses every day,” according to Thirdee Deacosta,Loyalty and Retention Manager at Converge. “Through thisprogram, we hope to create stronger relationships built on trust, appreciation, and shared growth.”  

At the core of the program are three pillars designed to addressdifferent dimensions of the MSME journey: Choice, Chill, and Circle

BizFriend Choice offers customers flexibility through a curatedselection of perks and freebies when they renew their contractsor upgrade their plans. This approach reinforces loyalty bygiving businesses options that directly add value to their operations.

“Business owners today want solutions that adapt to theirneeds,” Marzan added. “By giving them choice, we empowerthem to get more from their partnership with us.”

BizFriend Chill, on the other hand, builds connections through shared experiences. It focuses on creating memorable momentsthat go beyond traditional customer engagement. From privatescreenings and concerts to curated dining and seasonal events,the program fosters stronger connections between Converge andits MSME base.

“We believe relationships are built not just in boardrooms, but inshared moments,” Marzan noted. “These experiences are ourway of celebrating our customers and their journey.”

Finally, BizFriend Circle drives growth through community andvisibility, serving as a platform for business development. It offers workshops, seminars, and opportunities for MSMEs togain exposure through trade events and digital promotions, with the goal of helping entrepreneurs expand their reach and capabilities.

“Our role goes beyond providing internet connectivity—we arehere to enable growth,” Marzan emphasized. “ThroughBizFriend Circle, we are opening doors for MSMEs to learn,connect, and thrive.”

With BizFriend Rewards, Converge aims to redefine customerengagement in the MSME connectivity space by delivering a holistic program that combines exclusive perks, lifestyle experiences, and business empowerment.

For her part, Angela Gutierrez, Vice President and Head ofConverge SME Marketing, said the company is buildingsomething more enduring than a service relationship. “WithBizFriend Rewards, we are creating a community where ourcustomers feel supported every step of the way.”

Fear Around Every Corner: A Review of Backrooms

Backrooms delivers a suspense-filled experience that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish. The film effectively builds tension through its eerie atmosphere, unsettling environments, and constant sense of uncertainty, making audiences feel as though they are trapped alongside the characters. Every hallway, corner, and shadow adds to the growing mystery, creating an immersive horror experience that is both captivating and nerve-racking.

What makes the movie particularly enjoyable is how it balances psychological suspense with thrilling moments. Instead of relying solely on jump scares, Backrooms creates fear through anticipation and the unknown, keeping viewers guessing about what lies ahead. The film’s unpredictable twists and haunting visuals add to the excitement, making it difficult to look away.

Fans of suspense and horror will appreciate the movie’s ability to maintain tension throughout its runtime. Backrooms offers a chilling journey that combines mystery, fear, and adrenaline, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone looking for a thrilling cinematic experience that lingers even after the credits roll.

With LIKAS, Isha Ponti Shares a Deeply Personal Story of Growth, Healing, and Self-Love Through Music

A new voice in Original Pilipino Music is steadily capturing hearts — and her name is Isha Ponti.

Emerging singer-songwriter Isha Ponti is set to introduce her highly anticipated new studio album, “LIKAS,” a deeply emotional and artistically rich collection of songs that reflects the realities of love, growth, healing, and self-discovery.

The title LIKAS stands for Longing. Illusion. Kindness. Acceptance. Self-love. — five powerful themes that shape the soul of the album and the emotional journey behind every track.

Written entirely by Isha Ponti herself, LIKAS is a testament to her authenticity as a songwriter and storyteller. The melodies and arrangements were collaboratively crafted by Isha Ponti and acclaimed musical director and producer Adonis Tabanda, creating a sound that blends modern OPM sensibilities with timeless emotional depth.

At only a young age, Isha Ponti has already begun carving her place in the evolving landscape of Filipino music. Media outlets have recognized her as one of the promising new artists in OPM, highlighting not only her vocal talent but also her remarkable ability to write songs that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level.


The album features ten emotionally charged tracks:

'Darating'

'Numero'

'Hinga'

'Kabanata'

'Halika'

'Warmth'

'Gulong'

'Bakas'

'Riversky'

'Mismo'

Among the standout songs in the album is “Kabanata,” a breakout single that has already gained impressive momentum across digital streaming platforms and Philippine radio. Available on Spotify and all major music platforms worldwide, “Kabanata” continues to reach a growing audience through its heartfelt lyricism and relatable storytelling. The song has also enjoyed strong support from top radio stations in the Philippines, further solidifying Isha Ponti’s rising presence in the OPM scene.

Music streaming has become a defining force in the growth of Filipino music globally, with Spotify reporting a massive increase in worldwide streams of Pinoy music in recent years. In this vibrant musical era, Isha Ponti emerges as part of a new generation of Filipino artists creating emotionally driven music that connects deeply with listeners both in the Philippines and abroad.

More than just an album, LIKAS is described as an emotional sanctuary — a body of work born from vulnerability, reflection, and courage. Every song carries fragments of personal experiences, quiet heartbreaks, hopeful beginnings, and the universal desire to be understood and accepted.

To celebrate the release of the album, a special album launch event entitled “Isha Ponti: LIKAS” is scheduled on June 20, 2026 (Saturday), at 7:00 PM at VIVA Cafe, with special guests expected to join the celebration. The event promises an intimate and memorable evening filled with live performances, storytelling, and the heartfelt music that defines the LIKAS experience.

Under the musical direction of Adonis Tabanda, the launch is expected to showcase not only Isha Ponti’s artistry as a performer, but also her evolution as a songwriter whose music speaks to the emotions many people quietly carry within themselves.

As anticipation continues to build, LIKAS stands poised to become one of the most heartfelt and compelling OPM releases of the year — an album that invites listeners to breathe, reflect, heal, and ultimately embrace themselves fully.

With LIKAS, Isha Ponti is not simply releasing music. She is opening her heart — and in doing so, she may very well become one of the defining new voices of contemporary Filipino music.  

Congratulations to Isha Ponti on her remarkable achievement of earning two nominations at the 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music. Being recognized for Christmas Song of the Year for “CHRISTmas With You” and New Female Recording Artist of the Year is a testament to her passion, talent, and growing impact in the music industry.

For updates and announcements, follow Isha Ponti and Ponti Entertainment Production on social media platforms.

Puregold ignites a celebration of Filipino artistry and identity in OPM Con Generations, with SB19, Ben&Ben, Alamat, Flow G, and more

 

Original Pinoy Music (OPM) has long been the language—across generations—of Filipino sentiments, memories, and identity. On July 11, Puregold’s profound connection to OPM takes center stage at the Araneta Coliseum as it mounts a concert that is bigger, louder, and prouder than ever. 

 

More than just a grand music production, Puregold’s OPM Con has evolved into the company’s signature retailtainment platform, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in merging retail, entertainment, and Pinoy fan culture in epic events. Through the years, Filipinos found their voices in music—in songs they grew up with, lyrics they quote online, anthems they scream during concerts, and fandoms that become families, built around artists they love. 

 

After Puregold’s two straight years of sold-out concert crowds and viral fan moments—and amid nationwide anticipation—the much-celebrated music event of the year returns. Dubbed “OPM Con Generations,” it is set to gather today’s biggest talents for a night that revels in the evolving sound of Filipino music, and the communities that have formed around it. 

 

To begin with, acclaimed folk-pop Ben&Ben and rising P-Pop group Alamat will charm the audience not only as performers, but also as two of Puregold’s newest brand ambassadors—a major moment for the devoted fan communities they proudly call “Liwanag” and “Magiliw.”

 

This year’s lineup is the concert’s strongest yet, featuring the most sought-after names shaping the local music landscape, led by P-Pop kings SB19, rap heavyweight Flow G, crowd-favorite rapper Skusta Clee, well-loved rock band SunKissed Lola, and breakout all-female P-Pop acts G22, KAIA, and Xonara. 

 

From arena-shaking P-pop performances and rap anthems to emotional sing-alongs and viral chart-toppers, “OPM Con Generations” promises an unforgettable celebration of Filipino music across genres, generations, and fandoms.

 

Since launching in 2024, OPM Con has quickly become one of the country’s most anticipated live music events, sparking nationwide fan frenzy through Puregold’s signature ticket redemption mechanics, where grocery shopping transforms into a full-scale fan experience. 

 

“Music has a unique way of bringing people together, no matter the generation or genre,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold Price Club Inc. “Through OPM Con Generations, Puregold hopes to create a space where loyal Puregold customers and fans can proudly gather, interact, and celebrate Philippine artistry and culture.”

 

Ticket-selling for OPM Con Generations officially begins on June 12 across 12 participating Puregold stores nationwide: Taytay, Rizal; Biñan, Laguna; Anabu-Imus, Cavite; Valenzuela; QI Central, Quezon City; Cubao, Quezon City; Fairview Terraces, Quezon City; Tayuman, Tondo, Manila; Sucat, Parañaque; Kalentong, San Andres, Manila; Sto. Domingo Cainta Junction, Rizal; and San Pedro, Laguna.

 

Aling Puring and Perks members may redeem free concert tickets through qualified single-receipt grocery purchases made at participating stores. Ticket tiers include VIP Standing for a minimum purchase of P8,500, Patron for P7,000, Lower Box for P5,500, Upper Box for P4,000, General Admission for P2,500, and Obstructed Upper Box and Obstructed General Admission for P1,500.

 

For customers in the provinces, Puregold is also rolling out a limited Regional Fan Pass initiative, giving more fans outside Metro Manila the opportunity to sign up and avail of tickets while supplies last.

 

For updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and X, and @puregoldph on TikTok.