HUAWEI Unveils XMAGE Exhibition and Pura 80 Series, Showcasing the Future of Mobile Imaging

Manila, Philippines (August 8, 2025) — In partnership with Vogue Philippines, HUAWEI hosted a spectacular celebration blending cutting-edge innovation, artistry, and elegance for the official Philippine launch of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series. The grand affair, held on August 7 at the BGC Arts Center in Taguig City, was elevated by the HUAWEI XMAGE Photography Exhibition, featuring stunning, high-quality images captured with HUAWEI smartphones.

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro are now open for pre-orders, starting at PHP 59,999. The HUAWEI Pura 80 will also be arriving in the Philippines soon.

An Evening of Elegance and Innovation

The launch was a gathering of the country’s top celebrities, photographers, and style influencers, all dressed to impress in looks mirrored the striking design of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series. Among the notable guests was award-winning Filipino actor Jericho Rosales, who shared how the Pura 80 Series has effortlessly become part of his lifestyle—whether as a stylish accessory at red carpet events or as his go-to camera for capturing stunning nightscapes during motorcycle rides. He praised its groundbreaking mobile imaging technology, trendsetting “fashion-next” design, and AI-powered performance. He said they suit every part of his life, from big occasions to intimate moments with friends. “It’s more than just a phone—it’s a companion that lets me capture my world, day or night, in the best way possible,” Rosales said.

Driven by a shared passion for pushing creative limits and reimagining visual storytelling, HUAWEI teamed up with Vogue Philippines for the launch. As a global authority in style and culture, Vogue brought its signature editorial flair to the celebration, with Suki Salvador, President of Mega Global Licensing, taking the stage to reflect on the power of phone photography in preserving fleeting moments. He highlighted how HUAWEI’s cutting-edge mobile imaging technology gives creatives the tools to tell their stories with clarity and vibrance. With the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, photographers like Borgy Angeles and Gab Villareal can capture everything—from golden-hour portraits to the buzzing Poblacion nightlife—with remarkable detail and true-to-life colors in every shot.

“Regardless of the medium, day or night, it’s the (wandering) eye that is truly capable of discovering stories worth telling,” said Suki Salvador. “With the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, the gap that once divided professionals from casual photographers begins to coalesce, letting anyone and everyone tell their narratives the way they always envisioned.”

HUAWEI Pura 80 Series: Precision in Every Frame

During the event, the spotlight shone brightly on the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro, embodying the legacy of the HUAWEI Pura Series. Both devices are now available for pre-order in the Philippines. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra leads the charge, debuting the industry’s first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera, which combines a 3.7x mid-telephoto and 9.4x ultra-telephoto lens in one unit that a 1/1.28-inch Ultra Large Sensor backs. This groundbreaking setup enables the largest telephoto light intake, delivering cinematic portraits and sharp, detailed close-ups. 

1 This feature represents an industry-first innovation as of July 2025. Actual performance may vary depending on usage, environment, and software version. Data comes from HUAWEI labs.

A micron-level motor powers the seamless switch between focal lengths with over 140 precision components driving a compact system that increases the light path versus traditional telephoto modules. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra also features a revolutionary 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera, which has a greater full-well capacity and delivers unmatched light and shadow capture. Real-time TCH-HDR technology enables 16EV dynamic range for flawless exposure in bright daylight or dim nightscapes. The 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera works with the AI Cinematic Engine to deliver stunningly lifelike video with rich detail and natural contrast.

On the other hand, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro elevates close-range mobile photography with its Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera, which offers a Super Close Focus of up to 5cm. This allows users to capture intricate textures and fine details with stunning clarity. Its massive F2.1 aperture enhances light intake, enabling vibrant, true-to-life imagery even in challenging low-light conditions. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro also inherits the 1-inch Ultra Lighting Camera, which boasts the largest central camera light intake. Along with the Ultra Chroma Camera, this delivers rich, ultra-clear nightscape shots that faithfully reproduce colors and atmosphere in low-light environments. This gives users vivid, lifelike results that preserve the mood and magic of every moment.

Dazzling Design and Naturally Perfect Glazing

The HUAWEI Pura Series has long fused high-end imaging with brilliant, fashion-forward design. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Series advances this vision through its refined Forward Symbol design. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra stands out with a golden XMAGE badge, ring lens trim, and “golden glaze” finish. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra in Prestige Gold features a lustrous glazed surface with metallic brilliance, while the Golden Black option offers quiet sophistication underscored by precision detailing.

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro channels the elegance of monochrome glazes with smooth textures, flowing curves, and rich hues that blend Eastern and Western aesthetics. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro in Glazed Red exudes breathtaking allure, Glazed White shines like the moon, and Glazed black is as deep as night. This seamless fusion embodies the pure sophistication of HUAWEI’s “Grace of Glaze” design language.

Blending elegance with durability, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra features 2nd Gen Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass with up to 16x scratch and 25x drop resistance. In contrast, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro’s 2nd Gen Kunlun Glass offers up to 20x drop resistance. 

Both boast IP69 and IP68 dust and water resistance, combining premium design with durable protection.

Relentless Performance and AI-Driven Innovation

Beyond imaging excellence, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series features the ultra-bright HUAWEI X-True Display™ with a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. EMUI 15 brings AI-powered interactive themes like Emoji Crush and Air Hoops. The AI Remove feature allows one-tap object erasing, while AI Messaging keeps users’ messages safe from prying eyes. The AI Smart Control Button gives quick access to personalized functions like the camera or flashlight, doubling as a fingerprint sensor for added security. Air Gesture offers touch-free control, real-time AI noise cancellation keeps calls crystal-clear, and real-time translation makes multilingual communication effortless. A robust 5170mAh battery keeps the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series powered. Charging is lightning-fast and easy with 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge and 80W Wireless HUAWEI SuperCharge.

XMAGE EXHIBITION: Capturing the World Through HUAWEI’s Lens

During the recent global launch of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, HUAWEI kicked off the XMAGE Awards 2025, a prestigious international photography competition that celebrates creative vision and the art of mobile imaging. This year’s winners will be honored at the highly anticipated XMAGE Annual Ceremony and Exhibition, which will take place at the iconic Grand Palais in Paris this November. 

Open to professional photographers and hobbyists, the contest features eight categories: So Far So Close, Colour & Shade, Good Night, Faces, A Heartwarming World, Experimental Lab, Storyboard, and Action. To enter, interested participants can upload their submissions at the official XMAGE Awards 2025 website until September 15, 2025.

The Philippine launch of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series brought the XMAGE experience closer to Filipino audiences with a photography exhibition showcasing over 100 striking images captured on HUAWEI devices. 

Following this, more XMAGE exhibitions are slated to launch in the Philippines to inspire local talent and highlight the groundbreaking imaging capabilities of HUAWEI devices. 

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025) Delivers Portable PC-Like Experience, Wherever You Go

HUAWEI’s newest tablet innovation, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025), was also featured at the event. The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025) combines PC-like productivity and pro-level creativity in a sleek, portable design that’s ideal for students and young professionals on the go. It includes free PC-level WPS Office 2.0access  for complete function editing and the HUAWEI Smart Keyboard for a smooth, stable typing experience. The PaperMatte Display offers clear, low-reflection viewing for any scenario while its massive 10,100mAh battery keeps it powered for up to 14 hours of high-resolution video playback. The tablet now comes with the GoPaint app, which empowers users to bring their artistic visions to life precisely and efficiently. The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025) will soon be available in the Philippines.

Capture Beauty Beyond the Horizon with the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra is now available for pre-order on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Available in Prestige Gold and Golden Black, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra retails for PHP 89,999.

Pre-order the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro in Glazed Red, Glazed Black, and Glazed White on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience stores nationwide. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro is valued at PHP 59,999. Both the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro come with premium care services, including free 1-Year 1-Time Accidental Damage Protection and 1-Year Battery Renewal Service from HUAWEI Care+, official APAC Region warranty coverage, Priority Maintenance Service, as well as a free door-to-door Collection and Delivery for repairs.

Get an exclusive pre-order bundle, which includes a HUAWEI WATCH GT 5, HUAWEI FreeBuds 5, a 1-Year 1-Time Accidental Damage Protection and Battery Swap Service from HUAWEI Care. 

Stay tuned for the official release of the HUAWEI Pura 80, coming soon to the Philippines. To learn more about the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series and the XMAGE Exhibition, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Red Bull Half Court Returns to the Philippines for Another Intense Season

Photo Credit: Ezra Acayan / Red Bull Content Pool

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (August 1, 2025) – Prepare your team! Red Bull Half Court is back in the Philippines with a new season full of excitement, hard work, and intense games. As the country’s biggest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, it’s the perfect chance for local players to show their skills and compete for a spot to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Final in the UAE this coming November.

The Ultimate Streetball Tournament is Back in the Philippines

Red Bull Half Court brings players worldwide the fastest and most exciting 3-on-3 street basketball games. The tournament will hold qualifying games in over 20 countries across five continents in partnership with FILA and Spalding. New countries joining this year include South Africa, Norway, and Kosovo.

Legendary NBA shooting coach Chris ‘Lethal Shooter’ Matthews shared his excitement for this year’s tournament, saying, “Year after year, Red Bull Half court continues to push the game forward. Seeing the sport grow in new countries and watching these athletes bring their best is truly special. I can’t wait to see who makes it to the World Final in the UAE.”

Photo Credit: Markus Berger / Red Bull Content Pool

Red Bull Half Court is different from regular basketball because it’s played on only half the court with teams of 3 players. The games follow FIBA rules and last 10 minutes or until one team scores 21 points. The team with the highest score at the end of the game—or the first to reach 21 points—wins.

To make the game more exciting, the team with the most total points from all their games will get a special “Own the Court” bonus to help them move to the next round. The game is also made faster and more intense with two special spots behind the arc where players can score 3 points in one shot.

Red Bull Half Court and 7-Eleven are returning the heat for their 2025 season in the Philippines with a new 2-day format for the qualifier rounds. Regional games will be held in Davao on August 30 and 31, Cebu on September 13 and 14, and Manila on September 27 and 28. The first day will be for the elimination games, and the second day will be for the final match of each region. The winning teams from each location will move on to the Red Bull Half Court National Final in Manila on October 18. There, they’ll compete with some wildcard teams for a chance to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Final in the UAE.

Photo Credit: Ezra Acayan / Red Bull Content Pool

Own the Court at Red Bull Half Court Philippines

Think your team has what it takes to dominate the court? Form a group of 3 to 4 players, all 18 or older. All players must live in the Philippines, and at least three should have a valid Passport.

To register, purchase four cans of Red Bull from any 7-Eleven store and upload the receipt upon signing up through the official Red Bull Half Court website. Registered teams automatically get light and dark Red Bull Half Court jerseys. 

Get ready and sign up for the Red Bull Half Court qualifiers today! The first qualifier kicks off in Davao on August 30 and 31. Don’t miss the National Final in Manila on October 18!

For more information and updates, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Instagram | TikTok)

Chinabank nets P13 billion in first half 2025

China Banking Corporation (Chinabank; PSE: CBC) registered a net income of P13 billion in the first six months of 2025 on the back of strong core business growth.

 

The record profits were equivalent to a 14% increase over the same period last year and translated to a 15.2% return on equity and a 1.6% return on assets — among the highest in the industry.

The bank’s total revenues surged by 34% year-on-year to P38.9 billion, mainly from net interest income which grew by 15% to P34.9 billion on higher asset yields and loan volume. Net interest margin improved by 13 basis points to 4.57%.

“We continue to deliver strong operating results in the first semester while supporting the needs of our customers and contributing to the growth of our economy,” CBC President & Chief Executive Officer Romeo D. Uyan Jr. said.

Credit extended to the consumer and corporate segments rose by 18% as Chinabank’s gross loans hit P964.7 billion amid the accelerating economic activities and increasing consumer confidence. Despite a lower non-performing loans (NPL) ratio of 1.6%, well below the industry average of 3.5%, the bank proactively set aside higher credit provisions of P6.5 billion for an NPL coverage of 125%, higher than the industry average of 95%.

The loans growth was funded by deposits, which increased by 5% to P1.3 trillion, underpinned by a 10% growth in checking and savings accounts.

“We are sustaining our growth momentum as we execute our strategy and focus on delivering quality service and value to our clients and stakeholders,” Uyan added. 

In the six-month period, operating expenses reached P16.6 billion on higher technology, manpower, and business volume-related costs.  With revenue growth outpacing rising expenditures, Chinabank recorded a healthier cost-to-income ratio of 43%.

Total consolidated assets reached P1.7 trillion, marking an 8% increase from the same period last year.  Total equity grew by 15% to P174 billion.

The bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) stood at 15.62%, well above the minimum regulatory requirement. Book value per share increased by 15% to P64.65.

“Our robust performance was driven by our commitment to addressing client needs while effectively managing risks and promoting efficiencies.  We have ensured that our balance sheet remains strong.  Additionally, the recent accolades we received recognize Chinabank’s customer focus and banking excellence,” CBC Chief Finance Officer Patrick D. Cheng said.

Celebrating its 105th year on August 16, 2025, Chinabank was recently distinguished by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum as an ASEAN Asset Class, an honor given to listed firms that have achieved consistently high scores under the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard.  At the 2025 Asian Banking & Finance Awards, the bank won Service Innovation of the Year - Philippines for its pioneering 30-Minute Instant Credit Card Issuance Program and Banking for Women Initiative of the Year - Philippines for the CBC Velvet Visa Signature. The bank was also named among the best Philippine firms in investor relations and corporate management by Extel in its 2025 Asia (ex-Japan) Executive Team Rankings, and among the region’s largest companies in terms of total revenues by Fortune in its Southeast Asia 500 list. (SM Supermalls)

Best New Firsts in Cebu: Must-Try Eats You’ll Want to Line Up For

 

This July, treat yourself to feel-good flavors and cozy new spots. Whether you're in the mood for a quick heartwarming bite or a slow, satisfying break, these newly opened stores have the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence waiting for you. Relax, recharge, and savor the moment—only at SM City Cebu.

Mo’ Cookies

Want a sweet snack to brighten your day? Indulge your cookie cravings at SM City Cebu with the latest sweet treats from The Moment Group.

 

This newest go-to spot serves up ooey-gooey, palm-sized favorites in all the flavors you love—from the classic Chocolate Chip to delightful surprises like the South Cotabato Fudge and Nutella Crinkle.

With cookies this good, Mo’ Cookies will definitely have you asking for Mo’!

8Cuts Burgers

What makes the perfect beef patty? Chuck, rib eye, short rib, sirloin, brisket, hanger, flank—perhaps even oxtail. For your discerning palate, 8Cuts Burgers has got you covered!

 

Known for serving up flavors worth remembering, this latest opening from The Moment Group knows exactly what you deserve. With custom-blended patties, satisfy your burger cravings with the juiciest, most flavorful bite made just for you.

And don’t forget 8Cuts’ all-star sides—especially the crowd-favorite Onion Rings, because no burger experience is complete without them.

From sweet snacks and savory fixes, get to enjoy the best of life here in Cebu—only at SM Supermalls, bringing you a #NewEraOfFirsts.

Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events!

SM Supermalls #NewEraOfFirsts

At SM Supermalls, we’re proud to lead a New Era of Firsts—bringing you first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that connect and inspire communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and creating memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and exciting waiting for you at SM. (SM Supermalls)