The TNT Tropang 5G team manager plus other hoop stars brings the Jolas Cup Back to Cagayan de Oro

For love of the game, PLDT Home and TNT Tropang 5G bring fans closer to the action. Basketball legend Jojo Lastimosa and stars Poy Erram, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin unite on stage with the lucky winners of their hand-signed TNT jerseys.

The Philippines continues to produce world-class basketball talent – but as PBA legend and current TNT Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa has long believed, talent alone isn’t enough without opportunity. For young athletes, sports can open doors – but only when the right support systems are in place. This is where connectivity, community, and committed partners like PLDT Home play a crucial role.

Since launching the Jolas Cup in 2004, Lastimosa has championed grassroots basketball as a way to empower the youth. In 2026, that mission was strengthened by PLDT Home’s support, as the tournament returned to Cagayan de Oro – bringing not just competition but also access, visibility, and opportunity for the next generation.

Kicked off last April 22 at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre, Jolas Cup 2026 gathered top teams from schools and barangays across the city, transforming the venue into a dynamic space where talent met opportunity. The tournament aimed to bring together young athletes from Cagayan de Oro and nearby areas, competing in six divisions: 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, 22U men’s, and 22U women’s. It concludes on May 16 with the championship games of all six divisions.

PLDT Home Fiber was among the brands powering the tournament opening ceremonies, as players and attendees stayed connected throughout the event – from real-time updates to digital engagement that extended the reach of the tournament beyond the court.

The opening ceremonies were led by Lastimosa, alongside fellow TNT Tropang 5G players who share roots in Mindanao, including Poy Erram, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin. Their presence reinforced the importance of giving back – made even more impactful through platforms like the Jolas Cup supported by partners who share the same vision.

“Malipayon gyud ko nga nakabalik ko diri sa Cagayan de Oro aron maghatag og oportunidad sa mga batan-on. Mao ni ang sinugdanan sa daghan kaayo’ng damgo (I’m truly happy to be back in Cagayan de Oro to give young players opportunities. This is where many dreams begin),” said Lastimosa.

TNT Tropang 5G players join the Jolas Cup opening in Cagayan de Oro, showing support for young athletes and championing opportunities for the next generation of hoopers.

To help kickstart the young athletes with their dreams, PLDT Home Fiber shall award all champion teams with a Fiber Plan 1699 for one year.

“We want to ensure they will experience meaningful connections even off the court,” Lastimosa said.

Local fans share a lighthearted moment with PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa during the PLDT Home Fiber Fastbreak event.

Beyond the games, PLDT Home brought the tournament experience closer to the community through branded activations, including interactive booths and connectivity zones that allowed fans and families to engage with the event in real time. These initiatives highlighted how reliable internet access plays an increasingly important role in sports development – whether it’s accessing training content, sharing game highlights, or staying connected to wider opportunities.

For Lastimosa, that connection is essential to building the future of Philippine basketball.

“Importante kaayo nga konektado ang kabatan-onan—dili lang sa internet, kundi sa ilang mga pangandoy ug oportunidad (It’s important for the youth to stay connected—not just to the internet, but to their dreams and opportunities),” he said.

Players echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how meaningful it is to return home and inspire the next generation – now with stronger platforms and support systems behind them.

TNT Tropang 5G stars Rey Nambatac, Poy Erram, and Glenn Khobuntin share hands-on tips and mentorship with Cagayan de Oro's promising young players

By supporting initiatives like the Jolas Cup, PLDT Home continues to go beyond providing connectivity – actively supporting communities, enabling dreams, and helping young dreamers stay connected to what matters most starting from the home.

“By bridging passion and opportunity, the brand plays a vital role in shaping not just better players, but stronger futures,” said PLDT Home First Vice President for Acquisition Marketing Patrick S. Tang. “No matter where you are in the Philippines and whatever passion you pursue, we’re here for you. Count on our reliable connectivity to give you stronger, more meaningful connections as you start your dreams right at home.”

From sports to school work and more, fire up your family’s passion at home with fast and reliable internet connectivity by PLDT Home Fiber. Visit pldthome.com to know more about these amazing Fiber deals available for Plan 999 and up.

Apply for Fiber Unli All 1399 from May 1 to May 31, 2026 and enjoy free installation (save P3,600), free speedboost up to 200 Mbps, unli entertainment on Cignal, and a chance to win free Fiber Broadband for Life! Apply until June 30, 2026 to avail up to P41,000 off on Samsung TVs and other devices as an exclusive offer.

Recognized for programs delivering impact across key stakeholders

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines—foodpanda Philippines clinched multiple wins at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the region’s premier business awards recognizing innovation in communications and public service across 29 markets.

The honors span purpose-driven platforms built for foodpanda’s customers, partner riders, and vendor partners. Under the category for Innovation in Community Relations or Public Service Communications, Silver Stevie Awards were given to Pasko Na, We Gotchu, a community-led holiday initiative that translated the brand’s promise into on-ground acts of care, and Pau-tastic Party ng Taon, a multi-city celebration honoring delivery riders by highlighting their stories, welfare, and year-long contributions.

Meanwhile, under the Award for Innovation in the Use of Events, Panda Plates earned a Silver Stevie Award for redefining food crawls as a scalable storytelling and growth platform for partner vendors. CRAVE (Celebrating Relationships & Advancing Valuable Experiences), a nationwide vendor engagement program, received a Bronze Stevie Award for strengthening partnerships and trust through locally grounded events.

Collectively, these wins emphasize the company’s focus on scalable, long-term platforms rather than one-off campaigns—delivering sustained value through stakeholder empowerment, partnership-building, and meaningful community impact.

A soft, pretty crowd-pleaser that leans youthful but still feels polished.

Hi, glamazons! If you are in the mood for a fragrance that feels light, pretty, and effortlessly put together, Zara Wonder Rose is one of those easy picks you will keep reaching for. It has that fresh, everyday charm that works whether you are heading out or just want to feel a little extra polished.

The Scent

Wonder Rose opens with a bright, slightly juicy touch of red fruits. Think soft berries instead of anything sharp or syrupy. Almost immediately, a delicate floral heart comes through. The rose here is light and airy, not powdery or vintage. It blends seamlessly with a fresh, dewy softness that keeps everything feeling modern.

As it settles, the base becomes gently creamy with a soft vanilla warmth. There is a clean, skin-like quality that keeps the fragrance from leaning too sweet. Overall, it is feminine, fresh, and easy to wear in the most effortless way.

Notes

Top: Red fruits

Heart: Rose

Base: Vanilla

Longevity

Expect around 3 to 5 hours on the skin. It becomes more intimate as it wears, but the soft vanilla base tends to linger a bit longer on clothes. This is one you will likely want to reapply if you are out all day.

Projection and Sillage

Projection is moderate during the first hour, then softens into a close-to-the-skin scent. Sillage is light and clean. It leaves a subtle, fresh trail rather than a bold statement.

When to Wear

Perfect for daytime. Think school, casual brunches, errands, or even just a quiet day when you want to feel fresh and pretty. It shines in warm weather because it never feels heavy.

Comparisons and Similarities

Wonder Rose often reminds people of a few high-end fragrances, though it captures the overall vibe more than being an exact match.

Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet gives a similar airy floral feel with that soft peony and rose combination. Wonder Rose is a bit sweeter and more relaxed.

Chloé Eau de Parfum also centers on rose, but it is more powdery and sophisticated with stronger staying power. Wonder Rose feels lighter and more playful.

Lancôme Idôle shares a clean, modern rose profile with a fresh, almost luminous quality. Idôle leans more refined and slightly musky with better longevity and projection, while Wonder Rose feels softer, fruitier, and more casual. They sit in the same family, but Idôle comes across as more elevated and long-wearing.

The Verdict

Zara Wonder Rose is not meant to be bold or dramatic. It is pretty, clean, and incredibly easy to wear. The kind of fragrance that quietly becomes part of your daily routine.

If you want something long-lasting or statement-making, this may not be it. But if you are after a soft, feminine scent that always feels appropriate, this one delivers.

Thanks for dropping by and may the glam be with you always!

The truth is, you can only be accountable for your own actions, words, and growth. You cannot carry the weight of someone else’s unwillingness to heal or face themselves. At the end of the day, holding onto that responsibility will only drain you of the energy you need to nurture your own well-being.

So the next time you find yourself questioning why someone treated you a certain way, take a pause. Remind yourself that their reaction may not be about you at all. It may simply be a mirror of what they are struggling with internally.

Sometimes the best choice is to be kind, even to people you do not understand. Whatever it is, it is not always about you.

Beauty routines tend to evolve over time. Some products stay forever, while others slowly make their way into the daily rotation until one day you realize they have become essentials.

Lately, I have found myself reaching for the same products again and again. Some are luxurious staples, some are wonderfully reliable classics, and a few are impressive local finds that deserve their moment on the vanity.

These are my current top ten beauty essentials that have earned a permanent spot in my routine.

1. D’Alba First Spray Serum

Price: around ₱1,600 – ₱2,000

This is one of those products that makes the entire routine feel a little more luxurious.

The D’Alba First Spray Serum works beautifully as both skincare and makeup prep. A few spritzes instantly refresh the skin and create a hydrated base that helps makeup apply more smoothly. The mist is incredibly fine and leaves the skin looking naturally radiant without feeling heavy.

2. Dior Backstage Highlighter Palette

Price: around ₱2,900 – ₱3,200

If there is one thing Dior does exceptionally well, it is glow.

The Dior Backstage highlighters create that luminous, lit-from-within effect that never looks overly glittery. The powders are finely milled and blend effortlessly into the skin, giving a soft radiance that enhances the complexion.

3. Nivea Classic Creme

Price: around ₱230 – ₱350

Some classics remain beloved for a reason.

The Nivea Classic Creme is rich, deeply moisturizing, and incredibly dependable. Whenever my skin feels dry or needs extra care, this is one of the products I reach for. In a world full of constant skincare launches, it is comforting to keep a timeless favorite nearby.

4. Detail Cosmetics Fresh Filter Foundation

Price: around ₱499 – ₱599

This foundation has been such a pleasant discovery.

Detail Cosmetics’ Fresh Filter Foundation gives a soft, natural skin finish that feels breathable while still evening out the complexion. It blends beautifully and leaves the skin looking fresh and healthy. For everyday wear, it strikes a lovely balance between coverage and comfort.

5. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

Price: around ₱3,000 – ₱3,400

Charlotte Tilbury is known for creating products that give that soft-focus, polished finish, and this powder definitely delivers.

It lightly sets the makeup while subtly blurring the skin, creating a refined look without appearing heavy or dry. A light sweep across the T-zone instantly brings everything together.

6. Dazzle Me Get a Grip Setting Spray

Price: around ₱199 – ₱249

A good setting spray can make all the difference in how makeup holds up throughout the day.

The Dazzle Me Get a Grip Setting Spray helps lock everything in place while still allowing the skin to look natural. It helps the layers of makeup melt together so the final result appears seamless and fresh.

7. MAC Matte Blush

Price: around ₱1,750 – ₱1,950

A little blush can truly bring life back into the face, and MAC’s matte blushes are classics for a reason.

They provide a beautiful flush of color that is easy to build and blend, allowing you to control how subtle or vibrant you want the look to be. It is one of those reliable staples that always works.

8. GRWM Master Gel Liner Duo Dual-Ended Eyeliner Pencil

Price: around ₱299 – ₱349

This eyeliner has been such a practical addition to my makeup kit.

The dual-ended design makes it convenient for different looks, and the gel formula glides smoothly without tugging on the eyelids. It defines the eyes nicely while still being easy to work with.

9. Careline Instant Filter Pore-Refining Primer

Price: around ₱299 – ₱349

A good base can make all the difference in how makeup sits on the skin.

The Careline Instant Filter Pore-Refining Primer helps smooth the skin and create a more even canvas before foundation. It softens the appearance of pores and allows makeup to glide on more evenly for a polished finish.

10. MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation

Price: around ₱2,400 – ₱2,700

Sometimes you just need a product that does it all.

The MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation is one of those reliable multitaskers that can act as both a setting powder and additional coverage when needed. It evens out the complexion quickly and gives the skin a clean, polished look.

Final Thoughts

What I love most about this lineup is the balance between luxury and local finds. Some products bring that indulgent, high-end experience, while others prove that great beauty essentials do not always have to come with a hefty price tag.

Together, these ten products make up a routine that feels polished, dependable, and just a little bit indulgent.

Thank you so much for dropping by.

✨ May the glam be with you, always. ✨