soundcore Launches Space 2 with Big Sound, All-Day Battery Life and Great Value

 

MANILA, Philippines – Whether it’s a daily commute, working in a café, or a long-haul flight, moments of uninterrupted focus have become increasingly rare, making the right pair of headphones an everyday essential. For this reason, soundcore, the premium audio brand under Anker Innovations, introduces the new Space 2 headphones. 

Designed to deliver first-class comfort, the Space 2 combines intelligent noise cancellation, immersive audio, and all-day wearability to offer big sound and long battery life at great value – keeping pace with everything from daily commutes and workdays to long flights and travels. 

Intelligent sound and supreme comfort

The Space 2 features an advanced adaptive noise cancellation that intelligently responds to changing environments. Its four-stage noise cancellation technology automatically adjusts to surrounding conditions, effectively reducing low-frequency sounds like city traffic and airplane engines. 

For a more personalized listening experience, users can customize their sound through  the soundcore app, which features an eight-band equalizer that allows them to fine-tune audio based on their preferred music genres and listening styles. 

Complementing its immersive audio is an equally thoughtful design for all-day comfort. Its ergonomic over-ear design features soft memory foam padding that naturally adapts to different head shapes, delivering a secure yet cushioned fit that stays comfortable for hours. Integrated controls on the ear cups provide quick access to playback, volume, power, and a customizable multi-function button that can switch noise-canceling modes or be programmed for features such as soundcore’s AI assistant Anka, real-time translation, and other shortcuts.

Built for better workdays 

Whether working remotely or taking calls on-the-go, the Space 2 is equipped with three AI-enhanced microphones that intelligently reduce background noise while isolating the user’s voice for clearer calls and virtual meetings. 

Bluetooth 6.1 allows users to stay connected to both their smartphone and laptop simultaneously, making it effortless to switch between music, meetings and calls. Smart Wearing Detection adds another layer of convenience by automatically pausing audio when the headphones are removed and resuming playback once they're worn again.

Battery life ready for all-day listening 

Great sound and all-day comfort are only part of the equation. The Space 2's long battery life ensures it's ready to keep pace with busy schedules, offering up to 50 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled and  up to 70 hours with ANC turned off, minimizing the need for frequent charging.

Running low before heading out on a run or maybe a walk isn't a problem either; just five minutes of charging provides up to four  hours of listening time, perfect before heading out for a workout, commute or flight. The headphones charge via USB-C and come complete with an AUX cable and protective carrying pouch.

 

Where to get the soundcore Space 2 

Whether it's making long-haul travel more comfortable, tuning out distractions during the daily commute, or staying focused throughout the workday, the Space 2 delivers premium features typically found in higher-priced headphones.

Available in black and white colorways, the soundcore Space 2 retails for PHP 7,995 via the brand’s official website and online stores on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop. 

For the latest updates, follow soundcore on Facebook and Instagram.

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For more information, please contact:

Bea Cuenco

Senior Account Manager, Rebel Marketing

beacuenco@rebelmarketing.com.ph

About soundcore

soundcore, an Anker Innovations brand, creates audio products that help spark emotions through music. This includes premium noise-cancelling TWS earbuds and headphones, smart wearable audio devices, and Bluetooth speakers. For more information, please visit soundcore.com.

About Anker Innovations

Anker Innovations is a global smart hardware technology company dedicated to igniting possibilities through ultimate innovation. Today, the company is harnessing AI and robotics to deliver category-defining products in charging, energy storage, smart appliances, home security,creative tools and audio-video. Its family of brands includes Anker, Anker SOLIX, eufy, eufyMake, and soundcore. For more information, visit anker-in.com.

More information on Anker Innovations and its various brands can be found at anker.com.

Big Home and Tech Upgrades are Now Within Reach with Maya Mini Payments at 0% Interest

Upgrading your laptop, replacing an old washing machine, or finally bringing home that new TV doesn't have to mean paying everything upfront. 

From August 1 to October 31, 2026, Maya, the country's leading digital financial services platform, is offering cardholders the opportunity to convert eligible electronics and home appliance purchases made with the Maya Black Credit Card or Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card into a  3-month Mini Payment plan with an effective 0% interest. To make the offer even sweeter, processing fees are waived for Mini Payments created until September 30, 2026.

The flexibility doesn't stop there. Purchases continue to earn instant Maya Miles with the Maya Black Credit Card or Landers Cashback Points with the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, allowing cardholders to keep earning rewards while paying over time.

Getting started is simple:

1. Make a single straight purchase worth at least ₱10,000 using your Maya Black Credit Card or Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card.

2. Wait for the transaction to be posted in your Maya app.

3. Select the transaction and tap Convert to Mini Payments.

4. Choose the 3-month Mini Payment plan to enjoy the promo.

Note: Mini Payments are initially billed with the standard monthly interest, but Maya automatically credits back the applicable interest every first week of the following month once the Mini Payment plan is posted in the credit statement, giving eligible purchases an effective 0% interest.

Whether you're replacing essential appliances or finally upgrading your favorite gadgets, Maya Mini Payments makes it easier to bring home what you need today while paying over time.

To see which merchants are eligible for the promo and view the complete mechanics, visit maya.ph/minipaymentpromo before making your purchase. 

Follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

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About Maya 

Maya is the #1 Fintech Ecosystem in the Philippines, with Maya, the #1 Digital Bank, and Maya Business, the #1 Omni-Channel Payment Processor. Maya Bank is a digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor. To learn more about Maya, check out maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow Maya at @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and @mayaofficialph on Twitter.   

 

Level Up ang Weeknight Ulam with the Hamilton Beach Air Grill

 

Transform your daily dining routine and elevate your home-cooked meals with America's No. 1 small kitchen appliance brand.

Tired of serving the same old fried or stewed dishes every single night and longing for inihaw foods? Weeknight dinners in a busy household can often feel repetitive but transforming your daily dining routine doesn't have to mean spending hours over a hot stove or taking a long time to heat up a conventional grill. If you want to Level Up your Weeknight Ulam, bringing home the best smart multi-functional BBQ Air Grill and fryer is the game-changer you need.

Discover the Hamilton Beach Air Grill AF06201—a smart griller and air fryer powerhouse designed specifically for the modern Pinoy kitchen. Backed by America's No. 1 small kitchen appliance brand, this sleek countertop companion lets you enjoy authentic, restaurant-quality grilled and fried favorites right at home, minus the smoke and messy cleanup.

By combining high-velocity air circulation with a heavy-duty, high-heat non-stick ceramic grill plate and basket, the AirGrill infuses authentic grill marks and smoky char into everyday proteins—without the smoke, the charcoal prep, or the messy cleanup. Suddenly, that humble Petsa de Peligro pork chop undergoes a glow-up into a juicy, premium charred pork steak. Frozen chicken transforms into a perfectly crisp,  BBQ Inasal in a fraction of the usual cooking time.

Key Features of Smart Grilling

• Air Turbo 360° Technology: Cooks food thoroughly without the need for oil, delivering a deliciously crispy texture while keeping meals healthy.

• Ultra-High Temperature Control: Reaches a maximum searing temperature of 230°C to quickly seal in natural juices by crisping the edges.

• Extra-Thick & Extra-Wide Grill Plates: Designed to retain heat and control temperatures effectively, the baking tray is spacious enough to cook up to 6 steaks at a single go or 900g of French fries.

• Reduced Oil Smoke System: Engineered to keep oil smoke out of your kitchen, ensuring a pleasant, smoke-free cooking experience.

• Hassle-Free Maintenance: Features a durable ceramic coating that is wear-resistant and easy to clean, paired with a removable oil-resistant plate.

• 15 Versatile Preset Menus: Take the guesswork out of cooking with dedicated presets for French fries, pizza, sweet potato, cheese toast, egg tart, steak, drumstick, chicken wings, duck, eggplant, fish, shrimp, sausage, kebab, and dried fruit.

Whether you are searing juicy steaks, grilling smoky eggplant, or whipping up a batch of crispy fries for the family, the Hamilton Beach AirGrill turns ordinary ingredients into extraordinary feasts. Say goodbye to kitchen burnout and hello to a smarter, tastier way to cook!

Discover Hamilton Beach Air Grill at L Smart Lounge Greenhills or Ayala Solenad. It is also available at Larx Trading, 91 Don Jose Street, Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City. 

Visit our facebook page for more information facebook.com/hamiltonbeachphils

Jollibee is Voted USA TODAY’s No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken for Third Straight Year

THREE YEARS AT NO. 1. Jollibee has been voted the No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in the U.S. in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year, reinforcing Chickenjoy’s reputation for being the consistently crispy, juicy, and delicious fried chicken in one of the world’s most competitive quick-service restaurant markets.

Key Highlights:

• Jollibee’s has been named the No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in the U.S. for the third consecutive year. 

• The recognition reflects continued consumer preference for Chickenjoy in the U.S., one of the world’s most competitive quick-service restaurant markets. 

• The three-year winning streak reinforces Jollibee’s reputation for consistently delivering superior taste and quality. 

• The recognition strengthens Jollibee’s growing appeal among customers in the U.S.and around the world, reinforcing the brand’s momentum as it continues to expand internationally. 

MANILA, Philippines. July 20, 2026. – Jollibee has once again been hailed the No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in the U.S. in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, securing the top spot for the third consecutive year.

Voted on by USA TODAY readers, the latest recognition reaffirms Jollibee Chickenjoy’s reputation for consistently delivering the crispy, juicy, and delicious taste that customers love in the highly competitive U.S quick-service restaurant market. Its third straight win also shows that Chickenjoy fried chicken’s exceptional taste is not a one-time achievement, but a quality standard that Jollibee continues to uphold.

“Receiving this recognition for the third consecutive year is especially meaningful because it reflects the consistency of the quality, taste, and customer experience that we work hard to deliver with every serving in Chickenjoy,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group Global President and Chief Executive Officer. “It gives us even greater confidence in Jollibee’s ability to deepen customer trust and brand love in more markets, as we continue bringing the products and experiences that have made our brand a source of joy for many families.”

A consistent standard of superior taste

Known for its golden, crispy exterior and juicy, delicious chicken, Chickenjoy fried chicken continues to earn the loyalty of customers across markets. 

The win marks another milestone in Jollibee’s growing list of international accolades, having previously been named: The Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken by Eater.com (2022) for Chickenjoy, and Best Chain Fried Chicken in America by Thrillist (2021).

With around 100 stores in North America and over 1,800 locations worldwide, Jollibee has become one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands globally. The brand continues to attract fans across cultures through its joyful customer experience and crave-worthy offerings, with recognitions such as USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award adding to its global brand momentum.

“We are deeply grateful to the USA TODAY readers who voted for Jollibee and to our loyal customers who continue to share their love for the brand,” said Maribeth dela Cruz, Jollibee Philippine Brands North America President. “This recognition also reflects the dedication of our teams who prepare and serve Chickenjoy every day, helping ensure a joyful and satisfying experience with every visit. It inspires us to keep delivering the Jollibee experience people love, while introducing it to even more customers across North America and beyond.”

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards feature recommendations across food, travel, destinations, and experiences in the United States. Nominees are selected by experts, while the final rankings are determined through public voting.

View the complete USA TODAY 10Best Fast Food Fried Chicken list. 

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About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the "Company") is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 20 brands (the "Jollibee Group") with over 10,400 stores and cafés across 33 countries.

The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine (9) wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five (5) franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), Shabu All Day (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S., and in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology. 

The Jollibee Group's global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Company has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a five-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies, Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List and Time100 Most Influential Companies.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Completed short films get their shot at Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival Panorama Shorts Section

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is bolstering its support for Filipino filmmakers by introducing—for the first time ever—the new Panorama Shorts Section, which will feature previously completed short films from both professional and student filmmakers.

Set apart from the festival’s grant categories, where selected filmmakers receive production funding to create new films, the Panorama Shorts Section is designed as a curated showcase of finished works. The initiative will allow more filmmakers to join the festival even if they did not participate in its production grant program.

The new section will feature ten never-before-shown Filipino short films, each marking its national premiere during the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival. The selected films will be screened at Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas from September 23 to October 4.

“The Panorama Shorts Section is yet another way for Puregold CinePanalo to continue expanding opportunities for Filipino filmmakers,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold.

“Every year, we see more deserving stories and more exceptional talent that deserve to be discovered. Through the Panorama Shorts Section, we’re granting another platform where these Filipino voices can reach audiences on the big screen.”

The Panorama Shorts Section is open to Filipino filmmakers who are at least 15 years old, including students, emerging filmmakers, independent creators, and industry professionals.

Eligible entries must be completed short films with a maximum running time of 20 minutes. Films must have finished production between January 1, 2025 and July 30, 2026, with all music and other creative materials in either original form or properly cleared for commercial use.

To preserve the excitement of discovery, selected films must be making their Philippine premiere. Student thesis films that have only been screened within their respective academic institutions remain eligible.

Submissions are open until 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2026. Applicants must complete the online application form at the following link. The form requires a screener link to the finished film, a synopsis and logline in either Filipino or English, the director’s résumé with links to previous works, and two recent photographs.

The official selection of ten Panorama Shorts Section films will be announced on August 23, 2026.

Although the Panorama Shorts Section is a non-competition showcase, one selected film will receive the Best Panorama Short Film award along with a ₱100,000 cash prize, to be presented during the annual Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival Awards Night.

Hayagan-Piedad encourages filmmakers from across the country—whether students, emerging storytellers, or experienced creators—to submit their completed films and become part of Puregold CinePanalo’s growing celebration of Filipino cinema.

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.

Jollibee celebrates Filipino fandom with exclusive JolliBINI Meal Bundles

Jollibee the Philippines' number one fast food chain, is giving fans another reason to enjoy their favorite meals with the launch of the exclusive JolliBINI Bundles. Available for a limited time, the new promotion pairs Jollibee's best-loved menu favorites with exclusive collectibles inspired by the nation's biggest P-pop girl group, BINI.

Available from July 15 to August 31, the JolliBINI Bundles let customers enjoy iconic Jollibee favorites while collecting limited-edition merchandise featuring all eight BINI members. Every bundle comes with random member collectibles, while lucky customers also have the chance to receive a rare Special Group Photocard.

"At Jollibee, we always look for new ways to make every meal more joyful and memorable for our customers," said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. "With the JolliBINI Bundles, fans can enjoy their Jollibee favorites while collecting exclusive BINI-inspired merchandise. Every visit becomes an opportunity to discover a new collectible, celebrate their favorite member, and create moments worth sharing with fellow BLOOMs. We hope this campaign brings even more joy as fans collect, trade, and complete their JolliBINI collection together."

Customers can enjoy two bundle options during the promotional period. The JolliBINI Bundle A, starting at ₱269, includes a choice of an Original or Special Cheesy Yumburger, one-piece Chickenjoy with rice, a regular drink, and one random JolliBINI Collectible Set consisting of a Bag Charm and Photocard. Meanwhile, the JolliBINI Bundle B, starting at ₱399, comes with a choice of an Original or Special Double Cheesy Yumburger, one-piece Chickenjoy with rice, a large drink, and two random JolliBINI Collectible Sets.

By pairing exclusive collectibles with Jollibee's iconic menu favorites, the latest Jollibee and BINI collaboration transforms every meal into an exciting unboxing experience that fans can enjoy and share.

The launch is expected to spark another wave of online excitement, with BLOOMs sharing unboxing videos, collection reveals, photocard trades, and bag charm styling across social media as they race to complete the full JolliBINI collection and find the coveted Special Group Photocard.

The JolliBINI Bundles will be available in all Jollibee stores nationwide from July 15 to August 31 for dine-in and takeout.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

About Jollibee

Jollibee is the largest fast food chain brand in the Philippines, operating a network of more than 1,600 stores in 17 countries. A dominant market leader in the Philippines, Jollibee enjoys the lion’s share of the local market that is more than all the other multinational fast-food brands in PH combined. With a strict adherence to the highest standards of food quality, service and cleanliness, Jollibee serves great-tasting, high-quality and affordable food products to include its superior-tasting Chickenjoy, mouth-watering Yumburger, and deliciously satisfying Jolly Spaghetti among other delicious products.

Jollibee has embarked on an aggressive international expansion plan, with more than 270 international branches in the United States, Canada, China (Hong Kong & Macau), Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Italy, Spain, and in the United Kingdom.

3 Tips to Help Freelancers Price Their Work More Confidently

 

MANILA, Philippines - Learning how to set rates is one of the hardest parts of freelancing. It can be difficult to know whether you’re charging too much, too little, or just enough. If you’re a young freelancer trying to figure it out, here’s an expert guide to pricing your work from three seasoned professionals.

1. Start with a minimum sustainable rate

For many new freelancers, the first step in pricing starts with an important personal consideration: How much do you actually need to earn to make freelancing sustainable? For finance expert Arnel Legaspi, this means building a baseline rate that reflects the minimum needed to sustain both your personal and work expenses.

A freelancer's organized workspace, showing the planning behind setting a sustainable baseline rate.

“I studied freelance platforms to understand what clients were typically willing to pay and what other editors were charging. This became my minimum rate and gave me a realistic starting point,” he recounts.

Meanwhile, for social media manager Kyla Dizon, that baseline becomes clearer when you also factor in the costs of running your freelance business. “From internet bills and electricity to software subscriptions, tools should be taken into account because these things help you do your work,” she explains. Once these expenses are identified, freelancers can identify a true minimum rate that ensures every project contributes to financial sustainability.

2. Charge for the value you are able to provide – not just the hours spent 

Pricing should reflect the value you bring to a client’s business. According to content creator Rini Mendoza, many freelancers fall into the trap of accepting underpaid work just to build experience, but this often leads to undervaluing their own growth. ”The biggest lesson I’ve learned about pricing as a freelancer over the years is that not every work project is to be accepted or considered, especially when the clients are lowballing. That’s why, as they always say, know your worth as a freelancer!” she shares. 

Rini at work, putting into practice the importance of pricing her services based on the value she brings.

When pricing your work as a freelancer, it helps to present yourself as a partner in your client’s growth. Regardless of whether you are a social media manager, virtual assistant, financial planner, graphic designer, or writer, you are being hired because your work creates outcomes, not just output. 

For Kyla, this shift in mindset is what also builds your confidence when pricing your work, so she encourages freelancers to ask: By doing your job, what do you offer your client? How much time are you saving your client? When you understand the value you bring to the table, it becomes easier to price your services with confidence. 

3. Account for platform costs, taxes, and other deductions 

Freelancers have to deal with transfer fees, platform charges, taxes, software subscriptions, and payment delays. For freelancers working with international clients and earning in currencies like USD, exchange rates and conversion timing can also make earnings unpredictable.

Arnel balances client projects while keeping track of his freelance earnings through the GCash Virtual US Account.

Because of this, Arnel, Kyla, and Rini think beyond just setting rates. They also consider how effectively they can manage what they earn. They use the GCash Virtual US Account, a new feature in the GCash app that lets freelancers receive USD payments from clients directly and convert earnings to PHP when it makes the most sense for them. Once withdrawn, funds can be used directly for bills, savings, and other everyday expenses. 

For freelancers, pricing confidently goes beyond setting a rate and involves understanding how that rate is affected by fees, timing, and conversions. Follow these three tips for pricing your work and be sure to use the right tools to support you, like the GCash Virtual US Account.

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About GCash

GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash’s mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

G-Xchange Inc. (GXI) is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). To know more, Visit the GCash Help Center or call us at 2882 (Globe/TM) / (02) 7213-9999 (Globe Landline), or Internet Call through the Help Center.