lifeandstyletoday.com

 The first sale for the new Infinix GT 30 Pro will be live on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop Shop on June 23, 9PM. 

 MANILA, Philippines – DigiPlus Interactive Corp., through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, has officially launched a strategic partnership with Edukasyon.ph to expand its flagship education initiative, the FutureSmart Program, strengthening the link between technology education and real-world employment for Filipinos. The ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing was held on May 26, 2025 at the AWS Philippines in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. 

As part of the partnership, DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation will allocate PHP 2 million in financial support for 50 scholars to complete the AWS re/Start program — a 12-week workforce development training program that prepares individuals for careers in the cloud. For post-training, Edukasyon.ph will provide job placement support to ensure graduates are connected to employment within three months.

The partnership will also connect these scholars and other AWS-certified professionals nationwide to career opportunities within DigiPlus and its network of tech industry partners.

This partnership aligns with DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation’s mission to equip Filipinos with the tools they need to thrive in a digital economy. It also reinforces the Foundation’s FutureSmart Program, which has already impacted over 5,000 students and teachers through scholarships, technology training, learning center donations, and employment pathways.

Earlier this year, the FutureSmart Program was recognized with a Gold Stevie Award for Excellence in Social Impact at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards in Seoul, South Korea. The award affirms the program’s success in driving real, measurable change and highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in scaling its impact.

“Winning the Gold Stevie Award is not just a recognition of our past efforts, but a push to do more, go further, and reach higher,” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation.

“FutureSmart is our way of turning education into a real, life-changing impact. With Edukasyon.ph and Amazon Web Services as partners, we are confident we can take even more learners from classroom to career."

DigiPlus won seven honors - including five coveted gold trophies - at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, making it one of the most awarded companies in the region this year. Widely regarded as the world’s premier business awards, the Stevie Awards represent a prestigious recognition of business excellence.

As the demand for digital skills continues to grow, DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation remain committed to investing in future- ready education and inclusive pathways to employment.

Through FutureSmart, the Foundation will continue shaping a workforce that is not only skilled but empowered to lead the country’s digital future.

View the official Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony video via this link:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1PDZCBawnX/

For more information on the FutureSmart Program and other initiatives, visit www.digiplus.com.ph/bingoplus-foundation

 Whether it’s a quick bite or something filling, it’s hard to beat having a good merienda treat to brighten up your mood. For us Pinoys, one of our favorite comfort snacks is definitely instant noodles. 

No matter the serving, you can’t deny that good noodles and pasta add more flavor to your merienda moments. For noodle lovers, having that variety in flavors can make any snack or mealtime more enjoyable. If you want those good vibes to get you going, here are some exciting flavor options you can explore: the Nissin Cup Noodles Spicy Korean Style Stew and Nissin Pasta Express Cheesy Ham & Bacon. For an authentic Asian noodle soup experience, Nissin’s Spicy Korean Style Stew offer that right balance of anghang and linamnam sarap. This cup noodle can satisfy your me-time cravings, and give you that much needed charge-up with its delicious, spicy Korean flavors – a spicy-namnam treat you can get hooked on.

If you want a more cheesy-linamnam choice, the Nissin Pasta Express Cheesy Ham & Bacon is a fun pasta offering that’s perfect for family merienda gatherings. Made with Nissin’s Straight Noodle

Technology, this gives you an authentic pasta experience that you can easily prepare in just four minutes. The cheesy sauce combined with the meaty ham and bacon bits give you a filling bite. If you want something quick and tasty, the Nissin Pasta Express Cheesy Ham & Bacon is a go-to snack choice that will surely bring more good vibes to your merienda.

When it comes to your merienda cravings, always make sure that it’s all good vibes and delicious flavors with Nissin’s Spicy Korean Style Stew and Pasta Express Cheesy Ham & Bacon. Get your noodle fix at your nearby supermarket and via leading online shops.

For more information on your favorite Nissin products, follow the brand on Facebook.

 Since 1875, American Standard has empowered homeowners to create spaces they cherish through solutions with purposeful designs and trusted performance. Today, the brand’s products—from faucets and showers to toilets and bathtubs—elevate homes, hotels, and public spaces worldwide. Built to last and designed with sustainability in mind, its offerings combine functionality with timeless design, transforming any space into an inviting environment. Inspired by a heritage of care, comfort, and hygiene, the brand remains driven by a commitment to enhance daily life. 

Celebrating its Innovation Journey in APAC

In the Asia-Pacific region, American Standard is pioneering innovative solutions designed to meet the unique challenges and needs of local consumers. With the award-winning Genie Hand Shower, the brand addresses low water pressure, delivering a revitalizing shower experience. The EasyFlo faucet redefines convenience with intuitive, user-friendly push button operation.

Understanding APAC’s diverse consumer needs, the brand introduced the DuoStix Hygiene Spray—a versatile tool engineered for both bathroom cleaning and gentle personal cleansing. The recently launched Loven collection, with soft curves and tapered design optimizes and enables consumers to create a comfortable bathroom even in limited spaces. Practical innovations like SpaceCreate (toilet tank storage) and CoolShield (anti-scalding shower mixers) further demonstrate the brand's commitment to uplift hygiene and enhance quality of life.

The brand continues to lead in hygiene innovation across Asia Pacific, delivering smart solutions tailored to the region’s evolving lifestyles. The E-Lite integrated shower toilet exemplifies this commitment, offering a seamless blend of comfort, hygiene, and convenience. With features like posterior and feminine cleansing, UV sterilization, and a self-cleaning nozzle, E-Lite ensures a refreshing and hygienic experience. Its intuitive design, including a pre-flush function and nozzle shutter, caters to the preferences of discerning homeowners, making it an ideal choice for modern living. 

In addition, American Standard fittings are now available in colors, empowering consumers to infuse their bathrooms with vibrant hues that reflect their personal style and create a home they truly love.

"We are proud to celebrate the 150th brand anniversary of our American Standard brand, honoring a legacy of trust and innovation built on a deep understanding of consumer needs and requirements . We have been improving homes around the world, designing purposeful bathroom and kitchen products that combine dependable yet inviting design with pioneering technologies. The brand refresh in 2023 with the focus on “LIFE. LOVE. HOME " reinforces our commitment to inspire people to create a home they will love every day.” said Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia.

150 Years of Trust: Shaping the Future of Design & Innovation

The brand’s 150th anniversary is not just a milestone—it’s a renewed pledge for the future of design and innovation. Reflecting this enduring commitment, American Standard will proudly serve as the headline sponsor of the upcoming Asia Pacific Property Awards for the seventh consecutive year, underscoring its commitment to supporting and celebrating industry excellence. Later this year, the brand will launch the fourth American Standard Design Awards (ASDA), a platform challenging emerging designers to reimagine consumer-centric bathroom solutions. This initiative will provide a stage for student talent to showcase their creativity to a judging panel of industry leaders.

Looking ahead, American Standard will continue to transform everyday experiences with the launch of new innovative solutions that blend industry-leading technology with purposeful design. These upcoming innovations aim to enhance daily routines by offering intuitive, user-friendly experiences that prioritize comfort and hygiene. By focusing on holistic design and practical elegance, the brand continues its commitment to elevating everyday living across the region. 

"Building on 150 years of trust, we are shaping the future of design and innovation with industry partnerships that transform everyday spaces. By collaborating closely with architects, designers, and industry partners, we are creating spaces and homes that are functional, comfortable, and a pleasure to stay in. We look forward to continuing to deliver on the American Standard promise of creating homes that people will love every day with our industry partners." said Audrey Yeo, Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific.

For more information about the Smart Washer M-bidet, visit American Standard's website or contact at www.americanstandard.ph. Follow American Standard on Facebook (@AmericanStandardPH) and Instagram (@americanstandard_ph) for more updates.

 Think you’ve seen everything Siargao and Boracay have to offer? Think again! This summer, travel lovers and content creators Laureen Uy and Maki Santos set out on their dream summer adventures to rediscover two of the Philippines’ most iconic vacation spots. 

But let’s get real: planning a dream summer trip isn’t always a breeze. Budgeting, racing for the best deals on flights and hotels, and even scrambling for cash when splitting bills with friends can get stressful. For many, it's the hassle that holds them back from achieving their dream summer.

Luckily, Laureen and Maki have found a way to skip the stress and go straight to the fun. From hidden dining gems to unique activities and the best sunset views, both creators have put together itineraries all booked and paid for with GCash, proving that even the most iconic destinations still have surprises to offer when everything’s made seamless.

Stay at the Center and Explore Beyond in Boracay

Boracay has always been special to Maki. But this time, her itinerary was all about going beyond the usual spots the island is known for and finding its best-kept secrets. She started her trip by checking in at the Four Points by Sheraton, right in the heart of Boracay. 

With her L.A.P. (Location, Aesthetic, Price) strategy, she prioritized finding a hotel in a 

central location, a stunning design, and affordability, made even easier with GGives, a feature on the GCash app that lets users pay for things that usually feel too expensive - like hotel bookings for a trip - and pay for them in easy installments, with no down payment needed! 

“I’ve always been the planner in the group... There’s a special kind of joy in watching my friends soak up the moment, knowing I helped bring it all together,” Maki explains.

Her journey to finding Boracay’s best-kept secrets took her paraw sailing to catch amazing views of the island on a traditional local sailboat made of wood and bamboo, an exhilarating adventure in Mainland Adventures Boracay, and even a Helicopter Ride to see the island from above. These activities can be paid for online with GCash via platforms such as Klook, so that everything is ready and raring to go at the destination.

Between activities, she also tried out new dining spots like Gyukatsu for melt-in-your-mouth Japanese beef, Mai Tai for island-inspired drinks, and Maze Wrap for a variety of Mediterranean wraps and rice meals. 

“What makes the experience even better is how seamless everything is with GCash. From booking activities to paying for meals, one tap and I’m all set!” Maki adds.

Food Hop and Island Hop in Siargao

Over in Siargao, Laureen Uy’s dream summer experience is one that embraces the spontaneity that comes with being able to travel with her besties! On a foodie-focused  girls’ trip that balanced local flavor and scenic adventure, Laureen’s itinerary is the perfect guide for anyone heading to Siargao this summer. 

Her first stop on her local restaurant hop was to enjoy a feast fresh from the sea at Cev, famous for their kinilaw and ceviche, before heading to Roots for some European flare, and Mondayyy’s Cafe, an all-day breakfast spot and one of Siargao’s newcomers to its exciting cafe scene. Every restaurant accepts QR payments via GCash, so every transaction is fast and seamless.

But this escape to Siargao wasn’t just about food. Laureen’s all-girls crew also set sail for a scenic island-hopping trip to Mam-on Island and Corregidor Island, taking in breathtaking views and topping it all off with a traditional boodle feast. It’s the perfect itinerary for anyone who’s craving an island adventure with friends. 

Another trip highlight for Laureen is enjoying a chill sunset session at Kanaloa Beach, complete with bonfires, kayaking, and beachside drinks.

“Hotel bookings, activities, shopping, and eating on the island? All check! Even down to travel insurance, just to make sure we’re protected from any unexpected hurdles, GCash has GInsure Travel Protect. At every point of planning from paying online, to scanning to pay with their merchants, and buying all my essentials, my summers are forever changed for the better,” Laureen excitedly shares.

Plan Your Dream Summer with GCash

Whether you're a meticulous planner or a spontaneous adventurer, one thing’s clear from Laureen and Maki’s trips: GCash is the way to pay for your dream summer. From booking hotels and buying insurance, to dining out, and joining activities, GCash made everything easier so they could focus on what really matters: rediscovering the magic of their favorite places.

Feeling so G to make your dream summer happen? Now’s your chance! Until May 18, send in your video entries to join GCash’s dream summer giveaway for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Boracay, complete with flights and accommodations courtesy of GCash! Visit the official GCash pages on Instagram and Facebook to learn more. 

 Ballet Manila continues the celebration of its 30th Anniversary with the restaging of the beloved classic, Swan Lake featuring an exceptional roster of ballet stars from San Francisco Ballet.

1. San Francisco Ballet soloist Katherine Barkman and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez will perform Ballet Manila’s Swan Lake (photo courtesy of Renee-Olson Productions)

“Bringing this masterpiece to life for our 30th anniversary season is very monumental as it underscores Ballet Manila’s dedication to the highest standards of classical ballet,” explains Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director.

This is further reinforced by Swan Lake’s two pairs of powerful main leads. On May 30, 2025 (8PM), May 31, 2025 (5PM), and June 1, 2025 (5PM), the production will be led by San Francisco’s first soloist Katherine Barkman, who will return to her Ballet Manila home stage to perform the dual roles Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan). A former mentee of Macuja Elizalde and principal dancer of Ballet Manila, Barkman will wow the audience with her mesmerizing technique and emotional depth in portraying the characters.

Dancing alongside Barkman is another award-winning danseur, Esteban Hernandez, principal dancer of San Francisco Ballet, whose commanding presence and exceptional virtuosity will breathe life into the character of Prince Siegfried.

On May 31, 2025 and June 1, 2025, audiences will see a fresh take on the main characters with matinee performances at 1PM featuring Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and San Francisco Ballet soloist, Nathaniel Remez taking the lead.

This staging of Swan Lake highlights the seamless fusion of international and local talent, offering audiences a rare opportunity to witness world-class ballet artistry.

For Macuja Elizalde, the choice of Swan Lake for Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year is deeply personal, having portrayed the iconic lead role herself. Reflecting on its significance, she shares, “Swan Lake has always been one of my most beloved roles. The duality of Odette and Odile pushes a ballerina to her limits, both technically and emotionally.”

2. San Francisco Ballet soloist Katherine Barkman (photo courtesy of Renee-Olson Productions)

3. San Francisco Ballet principal dancer Esteban Hernandez

4. Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro (photo courtesy of Jojit Lorenzo Photography)

5. San Francisco Ballet soloist Nathaniel Remez

Lisa Macuja Elizalde invites audiences to immerse in the beauty of Swan Lake by catching the performances on May 30 at 8:00 PM, May 31 and June 1 at 5:00 PM with a special matinee performances on May 31 and June 1 at 1:00 PM.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

 It’s true that every mom has many sides. The woman who rises early in the morning to get everyone ready for the day is the same woman who unwinds with a glass of wine in the evening. She’s the same woman who enjoys tasting menus with her friends and savors coffee alone in a quaint café. She can be sentimental one moment, and silence you with just a look the next. 

Within the city, you can drop by Sourdough Cafe branches, which serve up immaculate vibes with their Mother’s Day special, offering an all-day brunch experience, complete with mimosas, artisanal sourdough bread, and perfectly seared steak, among others. Get 20% off on your orders for a minimum spend of P5,000 until September 30.  

If she’s in the mood for Mediterranean flavors, grant her wishes with a medley of delectable eats at Persia Grill during the day; or treat her to a fun, casual night out with cocktails, beers and grilled sticks of meaty goodness at Kite Kebab Bar! Enjoy these with a 20% off deals for a minimum spend of PHP 1,500, valid until May 31.  

Luck Garden Seafood Restaurant offers tasty, authentic Chinese food. Avail of the10% discount when you spend a minimum of P1,500, or enjoy their dim sum at P88 and P108 per order during Dim Sum Happy Hour until July 31.  

Cafe Dulcinea is perfect for nostalgic Spanish flavors, offering 20% off for a minimum spend of P2,500 until July 31. For homey Filipino-Spanish fusion, try Cocina Estefania and get 30% off for a minimum spend of P2,500 within the same period.  

With your Metrobank credit card, organizing a memorable Mother’s Day celebration is easy, rewarding, and budget-friendly. Start planning the best date for mom today. Check out the Metrobank website for the full list of restaurants and dining deals that you can take advantage of with your Metrobank card.