THE CITY’S NEWEST FINDS: A LOOK AT THE LATEST ADDITIONS TO THE METRO’S FASHION AND DINING SCENE

PHILIPPINES - The metro is always moving, but every so often, something new catches your eye—and earns a permanent spot on your radar. From standout style to soulful comfort food, these new spots across the city aren’t just worth visiting—they’re worth talking about. Whether you're after something fresh to wear or a new favorite place to dine, here are some of the latest openings around town that deserve a spot on your weekend plans.

8 Seconds at Uptown Bonifacio

Korean fashion continues to shape the global style scene, and 8 Seconds brings that energy straight to Uptown. Expect a thoughtful mix of everyday pieces and trend-forward silhouettes—casual, cool, and distinctly current. Whether you're after streetwear with an edge or effortless layers with polish, this new arrival makes dressing up feel exciting again. GF

Mama Lou’s at Greenhouse at the Village Square Alabang

Tucked inside the serene garden enclave of Alabang, Mama Lou’s is a warm, familiar addition—with just the right touch of elegance. The Italian favorites are comforting, yes, but there’s also a quiet sophistication in the way the dishes are crafted and served. Think cozy countryside dining, elevated just enough to make it special without ever losing its heart. GF

BEHIND THE BEATS: YOUNG COCOA AND DEMI’S “CHEAP THRILLS” STORY

 This collaboration invites listeners to “let go, lean in, and find joy in life’s simpler pleasures”

 PHILIPPINES – Rising Filipino artists Young Cocoa and DEMI have teamed up on their latest single, “Cheap Thrills,” a delightful track that captures the lighthearted rush of young romance.

Released today via Sony Music Entertainment, the smooth jam shines with its captivating sense of ease and simplicity, going for subtlety instead of flashy distractions. What started as a solo demo quickly evolved into a ‘joint’ earworm that invites listeners to let go, lean in, and find joy in life’s simpler pleasures: no frills, just feels.

“I’ve always wondered how a track of mine would sound with a female artist,” shares Young Cocoa. “When JGreg and I finished the demo, we felt like the song was missing a big piece, and that’s when we thought of having DEMI on it. The goal of the collaboration really was to create a compelling sound through contrast, highlighting two distinct styles on this one track—one that DEMI wouldn’t normally be on given her sonic choices historically. We’re similar enough to be on the same wavelength but different enough to be distinct, and that’s how I knew we’d gel well on this.”

LULU MONEY JOINS THE ARGENTINA FOOTBALL STORY, BRINGING WORLD CHAMPIONS CLOSER TO FILIPINO FANS

 This partnership, part of LuLu Financial Holdings’ wider deal with AFA across ten countries, brings the world champions closer to fans across Southeast Asia.

The partnership signing ceremony was led by notable figures in attendance, including LuLu Financial Holdings Founder and Managing Director Adeeb Ahamed (fourth from the left), Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni (fifth from the left), and Ambassador of Argentina to UAE His Excellency Jorge Agustin Molina Arambarri (second from the left)

PHILIPPINES - LuLu Money, a leading cross-border payments provider in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong, has announced a partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), signing on as their Regional Fintech Partners for these four countries.

This sponsorship is part of a larger global agreement through which the various entities under LuLu Financial Holdings, across 10 countries, will become official AFA partners within their respective regions. This collaboration caters to Filipino communities, both at home and abroad, who rely on LuLu Money for seamless remittances and have a growing passion for international football. In India, LuLu Forex, a leading foreign exchange provider, and LuLu Finserv, the group’s microlending and financial services arm, will represent the brand. Meanwhile, LuLu Exchange will take on the partnership role in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.

WOLF ALICE RETURN WITH BRAND NEW SINGLE ‘THE SOFA’

PHILIPPINES - 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.

 

‘The Sofa’ is the album’s psychological portrait which is a microcosm of the wider themes it reckons with: falling in love with your life for exactly what it is and finally letting go of unrealised dreams without shame, guilt or disappointment as you grow older. Unspooling like a daydream on an idle afternoon, ‘The Sofa’ is a piano ballad fortified by the best songwriting of Ellie Rowsell’s career - radical in its unflinching honesty. “Didn’t make it out to California / Where I thought I might clean the slate / Feels a little like I’m stuck in Seven Sisters / North London, oh England / And maybe that’s ok,” Rowsell sings. In abandoning the self-consciousness which weighs down your twenties, Wolf Alice reach a point of hard-won serenity.

 

Rowsell shares: “It’s about not trying so hard to figure everything out, reflecting on getting older and trying not to agonise over things that have or haven’t happened in your life. It’s also about trying to get to grips with the polarising aspects of one’s life when you’re in a band. You’ve just played a huge tour - and you come home, and you have your dinner on the sofa. For me, it’s summed up in how I treat TV. I used to never watch the same thing twice because I thought I’ve got so much to discover! And now I’m like, It's okay if I just want to rewatch Peep Show for the thirteenth time.”

PUMA’S PRIME SQUARED IS THE STREETWEAR VIBE WE ALL NEED

 

PUMA Prime Squared Collection

PHILIPPINES – PUMA Southeast Asia is proud to launch the Prime Squared collection, a bold new chapter in streetwear designed to meet the demands of fast-paced city life. This latest collection fuses style with cutting-edge fashion, capturing the spirit, energy, and individuality found in the heartbeat of urban streets.

The Prime Squared collection represents a fusion of bold expression and urban utility, it’s made for the street — where energy, culture, and motion collide. Every piece is designed to keep up with the relentless rhythm of city life while making a distinct visual statement.

PUMA Prime Squared Collection Drop 1

The collection will roll out in two drops. Drop 1 features a versatile palette of earthy and neutral tones such as Khaki, White, Black, and Muted Green. Drop 2 introduces a more vibrant colour story, including striking hues like Electric Blue, deep Wine Red, and soft Blush Pink.

HUAWEI PURA 80 SERIES UNVEILED WITH GRANDEUR AT BANGKOK’S APAC LAUNCH

Peter Liu - Director of Flagship Handsets GTM

 

PHILIPPINES — HUAWEI introduced a new generation of innovative products last July 22 at a major Asia-Pacific launch event in Bangkok themed “Fashion Next.” Among the latest lineup of devices were the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, which redefines mobile photography with its industry-first switchable dual telephoto system and ultra-large sensor technology^[1], and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5-inch PaperMatte Edition (2025), a PC-like tablet designed for seamless productivity on the go.

 

As part of the event, XMAGE APAC was also held in Bangkok, showcasing outstanding photography from across the region and celebrating the power of visual storytelling. It was also officially announced that XMAGE will return to Paris later this year, with the global “The World, You and Me” XMAGE Awards Ceremony and Exhibition.

 

A New Benchmark for Mobile Imaging

Held at One Bangkok Forum, the launch event brought together industry partners, media, HUAWEI fans, and key opinion leaders to witness HUAWEI’s latest advancements in smartphone imaging and mobile innovation with the debut of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series.

 

“Huawei never stops pushing the boundaries of mobile technology, not just to lead in innovation, but to create meaningful experiences that serve human expression,” said Peter Liu, Flagship Handsets GTM Director at HUAWEI. “From foldables to imaging, we believe the best camera is the one you have with you, not only to capture images, but to tell stories, stir emotions, and connect lives. This philosophy guides everything we do, inspiring new ways of seeing, working, and creating.”

 

CHAMBER OF COSMETICS INDUSTRY OF THE PHILIPPINES ANNOUNCES COSMETICON YEAR 3: A DEEP DIVE INTO PRODUCT SAFETY ASSESSMENT

 

PHILIPPINES – The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) proudly announces the return of its highly anticipated annual event, Cosmeticon Year 3, scheduled this August 28th, 8am-5pm at the F1 Hotel, BGC. This year's event will focus on the critical and ever-evolving field of Product Safety Assessment, offering a comprehensive, one-day intensive program designed to maximize productivity and deliver invaluable insights to industry professionals.

 

Recognizing the dynamic nature of the cosmetics landscape, CCIP has consolidated the previous two-day program into a single, power-packed day, ensuring attendees gain maximum knowledge efficiently without compromising on depth.

 

Cosmeticon Year 3 will bring together leading experts to discuss crucial topics surrounding product safety, a cornerstone for building consumer trust and ensuring brand integrity in the competitive beauty market. The program features an impressive lineup of speakers and sessions, including the following but not limited to: