Category: Business Mirror

There’s something satisfying about being trusted to cook your own steak.

At House of Wagyu Stonegrill, diners don’t simply wait for their meal to arrive. Instead, slices of premium Wagyu are served alongside a volcanic stone heated to nearly 380 degrees Celsius, allowing guests to cook each piece to their preferred doneness. The familiar sizzle, rising aroma, and the simple act of turning every slice make the meal as interactive as it is indulgent.

That signature dining ritual has been the restaurant’s calling card for nearly two decades.

Now, after 17 years in business, the Filipino-owned steakhouse has opened its flagship restaurant at Okada Manila, expanding the experience with live-fire cooking, tableside preparations, and elegant spaces designed for intimate dinners and celebrations.

Fire, then stone

THE biggest addition to the new flagship is a Spanish-built Pira oven fueled by sustainable coconut charcoal. Selected steaks are first roasted over live fire to develop a caramelized crust before they’re brought to the table, where diners complete the cooking on the restaurant’s signature volcanic stone.

The live-fire technique also extends to seafood and vegetables, giving the menu more variety while keeping premium Wagyu at the center of the experience.

‘The Stonegrill has always been the heart of House of Wagyu,’ founder Corinne Castañeda said during the opening on July 14, 2026.

‘The Pira simply gives us another way to express fire. Together, they create a dining experience where the kitchen begins the story, and the guest completes it.’

The new branch also adds a touch of tableside theater. Caesar salad is prepared beside diners, Crêpe Suzette is flambéed before serving, while the restaurant’s Grade 10 Tomahawk is finished with flames, fresh rosemary, and its signature cowboy butter.

A new chapter

FOUNDED in 2008, House of Wagyu Stonegrill has built a loyal following for its premium Japanese Wagyu and interactive dining concept.

The move to Okada Manila marks the brand’s biggest milestone yet after the integrated resort invited the restaurant to become part of its growing lineup of dining destinations.

For Castañeda, the new flagship goes beyond offering premium cuts of beef.

‘Receiving an invitation from Okada Manila was both an honor and a responsibility,’ she said. ‘Every restaurant we’ve opened has helped shape House of Wagyu. Opening at Okada Manila allowed us to build on that journey while creating something unique for this remarkable setting.’

Designed by Castañeda herself, the restaurant takes inspiration from the movement of the sea, featuring an undulating ceiling installation, an onyx bar, and commissioned artworks from artist Dominik Haring.

For more intimate occasions, guests can book one of the private dining rooms as well.

The moodier Onyx Room is suited for smaller gatherings, while the Horizon Room opens up to views of Manila Bay, making it an easy choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate dinners.

More than a meal

THE opening was attended by Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, who noted that the occasion coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

He also highlighted Saga Wagyu, one of the restaurant’s premium offerings, as a reflection of Japan’s long tradition of craftsmanship and quality.

‘With this restaurant, I believe we’ve found yet another avenue for our friendship and perhaps our stomachs to grow further,’ Endo added.

While the flagship introduces new cooking techniques and a more refined setting, Castañeda said the restaurant’s focus remains unchanged.

‘Every decision we make begins with the guest,’ she said.

‘Whether it’s the food, the design, or the service, we want our guests to leave feeling relaxed, well cared for, and already looking forward to their next visit. The food matters enormously, but the memories created around the table matter even more.’

For diners, that means more than enjoying a premium steak.

At the new House of Wagyu Stonegrill flagship, dinner becomes part culinary experience, part tableside performance, and a reminder that sometimes the best seat in the house is the one where you’re invited to take part in the cooking.

In a fast-paced world that never stops moving, from the bustling streets of BGC to the daily commute across Metro Manila, being completely cut off from your surroundings isn’t always the safest or most practical choice. Enter the OpenDots 2, the next generation of everyday clip-on earbuds designed for Filipinos who value incredible sound without losing touch with reality. Whether you’re navigating the MRT or finding your flow in a busy local café, OpenDots 2 seamlessly blends your music with your everyday life.

To celebrate this milestone in wearable design, Shokz hosted an exclusive, immersive event to reveal the next chapter of audio technology where fashion, artistry, and sound come together. The unveiling of the OpenDots 2 took place on July 23, 2026, at Enderun Events in Taguig, where guests came elegantly dressed in gold and pearls to match the sophisticated feel of the earbuds. Larger-Than-Life Sound, Zero Compromises

Delivering massive audio, the OpenDots 2 features Shokz Bassphere 2.0 technology, utilizing dual 11.8mm drivers that produce power equivalent to a massive 16mm speaker. With a redesigned diaphragm that reduces distortion by 70% and upgraded Dolby Audio, every beat of your favorite tracks gains new depth while preserving the spacious soundstage and crystal-clear vocals you love.

Privacy Meets Street Smarts

Staying aware of your surroundings is crucial for safety in the city, but your playlist should remain yours. Shokz DirectPitch Technology uses reverse sound waves to guide audio precisely into your ear, significantly reducing sound leakage.

Tropical-Ready Comfort and Stability

Designed to feel as light as air, the OpenDots 2 weigh only 6.4 grams per earbud, engineered to minimize pressure even during extended wear. This featherlight profile is secured by the flexible JointArc, a nickel-titanium plate enclosed in soft silicone that adapts naturally to any ear shape, ensuring a snug fit through intense workouts or long trips. Furthermore, an IP57 rating makes them fully dust- and water-resistant, rendering them perfectly equipped to handle sudden Philippine downpours or sweaty gym sessions.

Effortless Communication in the Chaos

Taking calls on a noisy street is no longer a struggle. A three-microphone system equipped with a dedicated bone conduction microphone isolates your voice from background noise. This keeps your calls crisp and clear, whether you are on a windy beach run or working in a bustling café.

Smart, Intuitive, and Built for the Long Haul

Built to survive the longest traffic jams, the OpenDots 2 delivers up to 40 hours of total battery life using the Qi-certified wireless charging case, with a quick five-minute charge providing two hours of playback. Shokz has reimagined user convenience by making the earbuds entirely interchangeable; they automatically detect which ear they are on and adjust the stereo channels accordingly, eliminating the need to check for left or right labels. This is paired with smart wear detection that automatically pauses your music when removed and resumes when put back on. To prevent interruptions from sweaty hair or false inputs, a high-precision force sensor replaces traditional touch controls, allowing you to manage tracks, volume, and calls with a simple pinch. Staying connected is seamless with Bluetooth 6.1, Multipoint Pairing, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair, while the built-in tracking feature allows you to locate lost earbuds on a map and receive Drop Alerts if they fall out.

A Tone for Every Mood

To match your personal style, the OpenDots 2 is available in three stunning aesthetics. You can choose Pearl White for a soft pearlescent sheen with refined gold accents that create a clean, quietly elegant look. For a subtle, balanced option, Grey blends silver and gray tones inspired by moonstone with a soft metallic depth. Finally, Black offers a timeless, versatile deep shade with a smooth, understated texture that is easy to wear anywhere.

Clip On, Tune In. OpenDots 2 is more than an accessory; it’s your companion for every journey, workout, and creative spark. Experience the freedom of open-ear listening without compromising on sound.

Shokz is distributed in the Philippines by Innovee Trading Inc. The all-new Shokz OpenDots 2 is now available at Power Mac Center and The Loop stores nationwide with a suggested retail price of P12,990. For more information and the latest updates, follow Shokz Philippines on Instagram (@shokzph) and Facebook, or Innovee Trading Inc. on Instagram (@innoveeph) and Facebook.

But somehow, something intervened. A project came, I earned the equity in seven months, the house pushed through. Then, just as I paid that last installment, the project stopped. Timing? Something more? I shrugged and looked up, quietly grateful.

Then it happened again. I’d long wanted my own car-public transpo was a hassle-and was searching for easy financing on whatever I could find. Then came a promotion, and with it, a used Volkswagen Beetle, paid in installments over a year. I hadn’t asked for it, but there it was, once again at just the right time.

For years I watched friends and colleagues surge ahead with computers I couldn’t afford. I ached to work from home. Then a graphics company hired me as a creative consultant and lent me a Mac-not new, but perfectly functional.

But somehow, something intervened. A project came, I earned the equity in seven months, the house pushed through. Then, just as I paid that last installment, the project stopped. Timing? Something more? I shrugged and looked up, quietly grateful.

Then it happened again. I’d long wanted my own car-public transpo was a hassle-and was searching for easy financing on whatever I could find. Then came a promotion, and with it, a used Volkswagen Beetle, paid in installments over a year. I hadn’t asked for it, but there it was, once again at just the right time.

For years I watched friends and colleagues surge ahead with computers I couldn’t afford. I ached to work from home. Then a graphics company hired me as a creative consultant and lent me a Mac-not new, but perfectly functional.

My son nagged me for a PlayStation, but it was too expensive. I made him wait a Christmas, promising one the next year if he worked hard and saved. Sure enough, prices dropped, better models arrived, and a bonus let me buy it.

Remember my first big investment after getting married, the life insurance? It wasn’t easy to part with my money to pay premiums month after month, year after year. But in a way I never expected, it paid off. The policy came from a mutual company, so the insurance I bought made me a part owner. Then I received notice that the company had decided to demutualize and offer shares to the public. As compensation, I received a sizable lump sum-right when my savings were nearly depleted because I had no regular income after choosing to go on my own. Isn’t life wonderful? A blessing always arrives at just the right time.

For years, I persevered in driving my old VW Beetle. With every mile, the wear showed: it broke down often, the paint faded, and rust gnawed into the fenders. I wanted a new car, but I couldn’t afford one. All I could manage was to have it repaired again and again. It was so old and beat-up that my kids didn’t want me to drive them to or from school. They didn’t want to be seen in it, and the teasing and embarrassment stung-but I shrugged it off. In due time, I said to myself. True enough, in due time, I got a better car-not new, but better. It even had air conditioning.

I got it on very easy terms from a colleague who was earning a lot of money selling smuggled goods. He wanted to buy a new, more flashy car and offered me his old one on extremely friendly terms-almost like a giveaway. He basically just wanted to get rid of it.

Why me? He once rode in my beat-up Volkswagen by chance, and maybe he felt sorry for me. Was it coincidence? Luck? Divine providence? Whatever it is, it never fails me.

After his college graduation, my son was eager to get a job and start earning his own money. Peer-group pressure only intensified that urgency, so he applied to as many companies as he could. Soon, he was getting interview calls. After his fifth job interview, however, he felt discouraged-especially when he learned that many of his co-graduates had already been accepted elsewhere. What he hadn’t realized was that, with each interview, he was gradually losing his fear of facing other people.

But my son was desperate to get a job, any job, to avoid losing face. One day, I ran into an acquaintance from a mutual fund company who mentioned an accounting department opening. I passed it on; he applied reluctantly, but his interview ease and confidence landed him the job. See, I told him, you just have to wait and trust.

If one has the right attitude, waiting can be seen as a process of building up to the right or should I say the ripe moment. What seem to be failures are sometimes the prologue to something great about to happen. It is like earning points for the big moment.

Like a boat on water, I went where the flow took me. When I needed something that I felt I had earned, something came to help me out.

One day the friend who sold me the second-hand car came over to my house. He was in dire straits; he had terminal liver cancer. He needed money for his hospitalization and medicines. As I was driving him back to the jeepney terminal, he said to me: ‘I envy you. Here you have your own house. You have a car. You don’t have many debts. While here I am, sick, no savings, no life or medical insurance company will touch me…probably I didn’t have my priorities set right. I wish….’ He choked.

I quietly replied: ‘Perhaps, you wanted too much too early.’

‘To everything there is a season’ is a popular quote from the Ecclesiastes. In life, factors you can’t control will build up like clouds to that point in your life when the blessings will pour down. Seeding the heavens for a few drops of rain don’t really work. And if it does rain, it doesn’t last. Because nature, like life, cannot be hurried. This is why we need to restrain ourselves and learn to curb the impulse to pluck the fruit when it’s not yet ripe.

It is a choice that takes sacrifice, a tremendous effort of denying oneself and delaying satisfaction until the right time has come.

So, as I look back at the first 75 years of my life, may I say not in a shy way that indeed I did all that, and I did it my Wei.

For motorcycle enthusiasts balancing the thrill of aggressive backroad carving with the reality of daily urban traffic, clutch control has always been a double-edged sword. Pulling the lever hundreds of times in stop-and-go congestion quickly turns passion into left-hand fatigue.

Enter Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), which recently unveiled its updated lineup of middleweight Big Bikes featuring one of the most significant transmission innovations in recent motorcycling history: Honda E-Clutch technology.

What is the Honda E-Clutch Technology?

The Honda E-Clutch bridges the gap between a traditional manual gearbox, a full-fledged quickshifter, and Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

Equipped with an electronic actuator unit featuring dual internal motors, the system automatically controls clutch engagement and disengagement based on parameters like vehicle speed, engine RPM, gear position, throttle angle, and gear pedal pressure.

Key Benefits of the E-Clutch System:

Stall-Free Operation: Riders can start, gear up, shift down, and bring the bike to a complete stop without ever pulling the clutch lever.

Seamless Quickshifting: Under hard acceleration, it functions as an ultra-smooth quickshifter for upshifts and downshifts.

Instant Manual Override: The traditional clutch lever remains on the left handlebar. If you want to manually feather the clutch, launch hard, or maintain total mechanical control during spirited rides, simply pull the lever-the system instantly yields to manual input.

The Big Bike E-Clutch Lineup

Honda has rolled out the E-Clutch option across several of its flagship middleweight and adventure Big Bike models:

1. Honda CB650R and CBR650R E-Clutch

Powered by Honda’s smooth, high-revving 649cc DOHC 16-valve inline-four engine producing 93.4 hp, both the naked streetfighter CB650R and full-faired CBR650R gain massive daily usability with the E-Clutch. Paired with 41mm Showa® SFF-BP inverted forks, dual 310mm front disc brakes with radial-mount calipers, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and a 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity, these 650cc machines offer high performance with zero traffic stress.

2. Honda NX500 E-Clutch

For adventure tourers, the versatile NX500 paired with the E-Clutch system offers effortless gear transitions whether navigating city roads or tackling light off-road trails. Its punchy 471cc parallel-twin engine, combined with seamless shift management, keeps momentum smooth across long distances.

3. Honda CBR500R and CB500 Hornet E-Clutch

Bringing E-Clutch technology down to the highly accessible 500cc class, the CBR500R and CB500 Hornet make middleweight entry easier than ever. Offering Fireblade-inspired aerodynamic styling, a 471cc DOHC engine (47 hp / 43 Nm torque), and lightweight handling, these models prove that advanced riding tech isn’t strictly reserved for liter-class superbikes.

Connected Ecosystem: MyHonda+ App

Alongside the launch of its E-Clutch lineup, Honda unveiled its updated digital ecosystem anchored by the MyHonda+ Philippines app. Riders can manage their ‘digital garage,’ schedule dealer service appointments, check model specs, and track community events-ensuring that modern motorcycle innovation is backed by digital convenience.

IN a continued effort to make games a platform for fun and safety online, leading gaming company Riot Games has introduced new parental controls in the US for its titles to combat toxicity.

Riot Games has been on the front lines in fighting toxicity in games, especially with the gaming world known for its unforgiving trash-talking culture that led to several altercations, both online and offline, even more so in online games such as League of Legends, Valorant, and TFT.

In fact, back in 2022, Riot forged a partnership with another gaming company, Ubisoft, to launch the ‘Zero Harms in Comms’ project, having a database partnership training artificial intelligence (AI) to gather data detecting toxic behavior.

Today, their latest initiative is parental control, allowing the parents of players aged 18 below to have control over what the underage player plays, and who they engage with within the Riot Games’ circle of titles.

Enabling parental control settings allows them to turn text and voice

chat off; limit text and voice chat to friends only; prevent sending or accepting friend requests; view the friends connected to their child’s account; restrict access to specific Riot games; and disable account access entirely.

To enable parental control, the parents must enter Parent Portal by logging in using their child’s account and providing an email address designated under the account management tab. They will then receive an email that will enable them to access Parent Portal.

In their FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), Riot Games reassured parents that their child would be unable to remove or bypass the parental control once enabled. They may only do so once they turn 18.

Currently, this feature is available only on League of Legends, Valorant, and TFT on PC, with TFT on mobile planned to have the same feature by early 2027.

Riot Games plans to bring this feature to more countries.

However, they acknowledge that ‘different countries have different restrictions, guidelines, and requirements of parental control settings.’

Where volcanoes, white sandy shores, hot springs, wellness, and solar power shape the island.

I remember my first time in Camiguin in 2010. It was a joint birthday trip with Kristina when our friend Lot invited us to celebrate in her hometown of Cagayan de Oro. From there, we ferried to Camiguin and spent the day circling the island aboard a rented jeepney.

Sixteen years later, I returned a little older, wiser, a few pounds heavier, but with the same wide-eyed curiosity. This visit comes with an advocacy. Traveling with the Mindanao Goes Solar movement, I became more aware of how global events can ripple through islands that depend on tourism. Yet Camiguin remains a place for reflection, where white-sand beaches, scenic roads, and the presence of Mount Hibok-Hibok remind me why I keep coming back.

Going Around the Island

The best way to experience Camiguin is on two wheels. I rented a scooter for just 400 pesos a day and spent my first morning café hopping, eventually settling in at the roadside Saga Café for a couple of hours of remote work. That afternoon, I rode through mountain roads to Utopia Café, located high above the coast with sweeping views of the sea.

The next day, I traced another loop around the island’s slopes, passing picturesque roads, cooling off at the refreshing Sa-ay Cold Spring, and stopping at more mountainside cafés. Before heading back, I followed a trail into a forest of towering pine trees, then carefully descended the steep mountain road, putting plenty of faith in my scooter’s brakes.

Another morning, we rented a boat for 500 pesos (good for five to six people) near Paras Beach Resort to catch the sunrise at White Island Sandbar, perhaps Camiguin’s most photographed place. I also revisited Katibawasan Falls and the ruins of the Old Spanish Church of Bonbon.

Eerie Wonders and Marine Sanctuaries

No trip to Camiguin is complete without tracing its volcanic past, preserved in the most peculiar marine sites. The Sunken Cemetery is a haunting reminder of the island’s geology, submerged during the 1871 eruption of Mount Vulcan Daan. What once was a burial ground is now marked by a giant white cross erected in 1982, standing above a thriving underwater ecosystem.

Nearby, Mantigue Island, a four-hectare marine sanctuary just offshore, reflects Camiguin’s commitment to conservation. Managed by local families serving as guides, it protects both forest and reef from overdevelopment. Snorkeling here reveals clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and occasional sightings of endangered hawksbill sea turtles.

Staying in an Eco-Friendly Accommodation

My home for several days on the island is Haruhay Eco-Beach Tavern. ‘Haruhay,’ a Cebuano word for peace and ease, perfectly captures the atmosphere here-relaxed.

Unlike many places that use ‘eco’ as a marketing label, Haruhay practices low-impact living. Instead of plastic coffee sachets, fresh coffee beans are provided in the room. Toiletries are stored in reusable glass bottles, sourced from eco-stores. There is no air-conditioning; only low-energy fans and the natural ocean breeze, making sleep feel natural in a beachfront setting. Sunlight fills the lofts by day, while a garden of herbs and vegetables flows toward the shore.

Meals are entirely plant-based, prepared from scratch just steps away at Daos Plant-Based Kitchen, whose vegan menu quickly became a highlight of my stay.

I’ve always preferred small-scale accommodation, and Haruhay, with just three loft villas, is the perfect choice. It is also a labor of love of its owner, Potpot Pinili, a fellow travel writer who finally settled on the island, building an eco-community and one of Camiguin’s most unique stays.

The Island’s Capitol Taps Into the Sun

While experiencing island living at Haruhay, we discovered positive shifts happening across the province. Our visit was in connection with the Mindanao Goes Solar initiative, an energy movement actively promoting rooftop solar power across Mindanao to combat erratic grid supplies and skyrocketing fuel costs.

For many residents, solar is no longer optional but practical. Graham, a local IT professional working from home, invested 350,000 pesos in a 6-kW solar PV system to offset frequent brownouts and high electricity rates. His monthly bill dropped from 30,000 to 20,000. For him, solar is not an expense but a long-term savings tool that stabilizes daily living and work.

This transition is also visible at the provincial level. The Camiguin Provincial Capitol has installed solar systems and battery storage across key facilities, addressing electricity bills that once reached nearly 900,000 pesos a month. Governor Romualdo described the shift as a necessity. The solar rollout has significantly reduced expenses, with plans to expand to hospitals and remote schools, easing dependence on Camiguin Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CAMELCO) and diesel-based generators.

As sustainability awareness grows, Camiguin’s direction is becoming clearer: align tourism and governance with renewable energy. The next step, advocates say, is wider adoption among SMEs, supported by net metering. According to Philline Donggay of Mindanao Goes Solar, net metering allows households and businesses to sell excess solar power back to the grid, reducing costs and strengthening resilience while accelerating the clean energy transition.

As my experience has shown, Camiguin offers both first-time and returning visitors remarkable experiences at every turn; at its hot and cold springs, along its beaches, and even across its seven volcanoes. At the same time, the island is beginning to move in a more intentional direction, embracing eco-friendly practices and expanding its use of solar energy at both household and government levels. In this balance, Camiguin remains a place worth coming back to, again and again.

NEW ZEALAND has welcomed the signing of the first memorandum of cooperation (MOC) in education with the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between both countries and creating a framework for collaboration across all levels of education.

The MOC was announced during the official visit by Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt. Hon. Winston Peters of New Zealand, coinciding with the two countries’ 60 years of diplomatic relations.

The memorandum formalizes and reaffirms the commitment of the New Zealand Ministry of Education, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to work in partnership with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as well as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This includes partnership in the full education spectrum: from early childhood to tertiary, technical and vocational education, and training.

ENZ Group General Manager for International and Sector Engagement Sahinde Pala said the MOC reflects the strength of an education partnership that has been steadily growing between the two countries.

‘This [MOC] is an important step forward in our education partnership,’ Pala said. ‘It builds on years of collaboration between our governments, education agencies and institutions, [while providing] a framework to deepen that cooperation for years to come.’

Improved understanding, recognition

THE embassy said the arrangement will promote: (1) greater student, educator and academic mobility; (2) stronger institutional and research partnerships; and (3) knowledge sharing in areas such as education policy, qualifications recognition, workforce development, lifelong learning and capacity building.

A key example is the partnership between the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and CHED, including qualifications referencing work that has improved understanding and recognition of bachelor’s degrees between the countries, as well as supported learner and labor mobility.

The relationship is also supported by regular ministerial engagement and education policy dialogue. In 2025, delegations from CHED and TESDA met with ministers, senior officials and government agencies.

The education relationship between the countries is built on genuine two-way exchange. While increasing numbers of Filipino students are choosing the Oceanic country for their studies, the two benefit from the flow of knowledge, skills, research and professional connections that education partnerships create. Education has become one of the strongest foundations of the broader New Zealand-Philippines relationship.

Growing education linkages

SINCE 2014, 335 Filipinos have received Manaaki Scholarships across tertiary study, short-term training and English language programs that help scholars build skills, gain global experience and create lasting links binding New Zealand and the Philippines.

Both countries also work together to strengthen education systems through regional and multilateral fora, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC forum and Asean-related education initiatives, where both countries advance shared priorities in quality education, skills development and workforce readiness.

The Philippines is one of New Zealand’s most important education partners in Southeast Asia. Filipino student enrolments have grown by 36 percent since 2023, as it reached 2,635 students in 2025, making the Philippines New Zealand’s ninth-largest international student market.

Building on this momentum, a delegation of 16 New Zealand education providers will return for the ‘Study with New Zealand Study Expos’ in Cebu on September 19, 2026 and Iloilo on September 22, 2026. They are expected to give Filipino students and families the opportunity to meet education providers directly and explore the range of study opportunities available in the Oceanic country.

With a strong dealer confidence in Suzuki Philippines’ long-term growth, trusted dealer groups are actively investing in modernized facilities to enhance accessibility and elevate the customer ownership experience nationwide. This significantly expands Suzuki’s nationwide footprint through a series of dealership groundbreakings, relocations, relaunches, and facility upgrades across Northern Luzon, Visayas, and Metro Manila from July to September 2026.

Key network expansion highlights

Northern Luzon

(Elite North Autocars, Inc.)

Suzuki Auto Iguig (Cagayan): Groundbreaking of a brand-new 3S (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) facility along the National Highway in Sta. Teresa, Iguig.

Suzuki Auto Tuguegarao: Relocation of its 3S Satellite (3SS) facility to a larger, more prominent site along Cagayan Valley Road.

Visayas Region

(Sakura Autoworld, Inc. and Cebu Autocentrale Corp.)

Suzuki Auto Tacloban: Official relaunch at a new standalone 3S facility in Abucay, featuring expanded service workshops.

Suzuki Auto Iloilo: Complete facility renovation and expansion, equipped with a dedicated e VITARA charging station in preparation for Suzuki’s electrified vehicle lineup.

Suzuki Auto SM Consolacion (Cebu): Relaunch and showroom modernization.

Metro Manila

(Wheels, Inc.)

n Suzuki Auto Manila Bay: Relocation to a new, accessible facility in Pasay City featuring enhanced customer safety measures and expanded parking space.

Partnering for Future Mobility

Norihide Takei, Director and General Manager for SPH’s Automobile Division, emphasized the importance of these collaborative investments:

‘The continued investments of our dealer partners reflect the strong trust and confidence they have placed in Suzuki Philippines and in the future of our brand. Each new dealership, relocation, renovation, and facility enhancement represents a shared commitment to providing a better ownership experience and bringing Suzuki closer to more Filipino communities.’

Through these nationwide developments, Suzuki Philippines and its dealer network reinforce their shared commitment to expanding accessibility, enhancing service standards, and driving sustainable mobility forward for drivers across the country.

CAMPI-TMA January-June 2026 sales data ranks OMODA and JAECOO among the country’s top three Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) brands as the company expands to 40 dealerships nationwide and showcases AIMOGA AI innovation.

Makati City, Philippines – July 22, 2026 – OMODA and JAECOO Philippines continues its rapid growth in the country’s automotive industry after securing the No. 3 position in the Philippine Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) market, according to the latest January-June 2026 sales report released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).

The milestone coincides with the official Philippine launch of the all-new JAECOO J5 EV, further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to accelerating the country’s transition toward intelligent, sustainable, and technology-driven mobility.

According to the latest CAMPI-TMA report, OMODA and JAECOO recorded 1,484 BEV units sold during the first half of 2026, ranking behind only VinFast (3,342 units) and Tesla (2,374 units). The achievement reflects the growing confidence of Filipino customers in the brand’s expanding portfolio of intelligent new energy vehicles and reinforces OMODA and JAECOO’s position as one of the country’s fastest-growing electric vehicle brands.

In July, the global football world crowned its new champion on the pitch. At OMODA and JAECOO, that same spirit resonates: the relentless pursuit of excellence, the discipline to go the distance, and the nerve to perform when it matters most. The JAECOO J5 EV proves that same champion spirit on the road. Ranked No.1 for the pure EV sales in Thailand and Indonesia’s for the first half of 2026, J5 EV officially made its Philippine debut. Combining intelligent technology, premium comfort, and practical electric mobility, the J5 EV expands OMODA and JAECOO’s growing electrified vehicle lineup designed for Filipino motorists.

Further reinforcing its confidence in the JAECOO J5 EV’s battery durability and long-term reliability, OMODA and JAECOO Philippines announced an industry-leading Battery State of Health (SOH) Warranty. Should the battery’s State of Health fall below 70% within the applicable warranty period, the company will replace the battery free of charge, subject to the terms and conditions of the warranty. This customer-first commitment is believed to be among the first of its kind in the Philippine automotive market, providing owners with greater peace of mind and confidence in their transition to electric mobility.

AIMOGA, OMODA and JAECOO’s AI humanoid robot demonstrated the brand’s vision of AI-driven mobility and customer engagement, showing how next-gen AI enhances customer experience and underscores its commitment to innovation beyond electrification.

Supporting its strong market momentum, OMODA and JAECOO Philippines has expanded its nationwide dealership network to 26 locations, with more openings planned to enhance customer access to intelligent vehicles, after-sales services, and customer support across the country. The achievement reflects the confidence dealer partners have placed in OMODA and JAECOO and positions the company to serve a growing customer base more effectively.

The combination of its top-three BEV market ranking, rapid dealership expansion, and the successful launch of the all-new JAECOO J5 EV underscores OMODA and JAECOO Philippines’ commitment to shaping the future of intelligent and sustainable mobility. As the company continues to introduce innovative products and advanced technologies to the Philippine market, it remains focused on making electrified mobility more accessible and delivering greater value to Filipino consumers.

What? HONOR Philippines is giving away 101 HONOR gadgets to its growing community with its biggest giveaway yet! Known for continuously surprising consumers with blockbuster promotions – from giving away luxury vehicles to exclusive rewards – HONOR is once again raising the bar by putting 101 HONOR devices up for grabs in a nationwide giveaway, including the latest HONOR 600 Series.

This celebrates the overwhelming support of HONOR fans while making the brand’s innovative technology more accessible to everyone. Joining is as easy as it gets. Participants simply need to comment on the official giveaway post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18wfpQRyTc/ – no follow required!

‘Our fans have always been at the heart of everything we do. This giveaway is our way of thanking them for their continued trust and support while giving more Filipinos the opportunity to experience HONOR technology,’ said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.