Thursday, December 4, 2025

Radisson Hotel Group signs three strategic hotels in the Philippines, introducing a dual brand at SM Mall of Asia and expanding in Santa Rosa

Radisson Hotel Group has signed three new properties in the Philippines, with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation strengthening its presence in Metro Manila and Greater Manila and reinforcing the country’s role in the Group’s growth strategy. The signings introduce a dual-branded complex at the SM Mall of Asia and add a new hotel in Santa Rosa’s SM Neo Verde development.

From left to right – Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer Elie Younes; Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) Chief Executive Officer Federico J. Gonzalez; SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) President Elizabeth T. Sy; and SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) Executive Vice President Peggy E. Angeles sign three new properties in the Philippines.

This year, Radisson Hotel Group celebrates 15 years in the Philippines, following the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu as the Group’s first operating hotel in the country. One hotel has grown into a diversified portfolio of six hotels in operation with 1,436 keys, and fifteen more under development, adding a further 3,090 keys.

Ms. Peggy Angeles, SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation Executive Vice President, said that “As SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) continues to expand its footprint in key growth areas across the Philippines, these three upcoming hotels reflect our commitment to elevating the country’s hospitality landscape through meaningful, future-ready developments. The dual-brand complex at the SM Mall of Asia and Park Inn by Radisson SM Neo Verde are purposefully designed to meet the evolving needs of business, leisure, and MICE travelers. We are pleased to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Radisson Hotel Group as we seamlessly work together to create integrated destinations that drive tourism, enrich communities, and contribute to national economic growth.”

From left to right – Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer Elie Younes; Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) Chief Executive Officer Federico J. Gonzalez; SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) President Elizabeth T. Sy; and SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) Executive Vice President Peggy E. Angeles sign three new properties in the Philippines.

“SM Mall of Asia and Santa Rosa are high-conviction locations that match our brand ladder and our owners’ ambitions. The dual brand will serve large-scale events and corporate demand while giving leisure travelers more choice, and Santa Rosa adds depth to our Greater Manila strategy with a mixed-use address that is set to grow,” said Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group. “We are proud to expand with our trusted partner SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation SMHCC) in the Philippines, a market where we see sustained demand across segments and real momentum for quality conversions and new builds.”

Dual-brand at SM Mall of Asia, opening 2031

At the heart of the 67-hectare SM Mall of Asia Complex, the new mixed-use hospitality hub will bring together Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson under one address, offering travelers choice across business, meetings and events, and leisure.

Park Inn by Radisson SM Neo Verde render of facade

Radisson Hotel SM Mall of Asia Manila will feature 200 rooms, including 49 suites and a presidential suite. Thoughtfully designed social spaces include a lobby lounge bar, a specialty rooftop bar and restaurant of approximately 160 sqm, and a pool bar. The hotel will deliver a compelling meetings and events proposition with 3,486 sqm of total event space, anchored by a 2,160 sqm ballroom, alongside an executive lounge. Wellness and family-friendly amenities include a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, and an outdoor kids’ pool.

Park Inn by Radisson SM Mall of Asia Manila will add 300 rooms, including 45 suites, creating a seamless midscale complement within the same precinct. Guests will enjoy a coffee bar and pool bar, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, and an outdoor kids’ pool. The broader Mall of Asia district includes one of the world’s largest retail destinations, major entertainment venues such as the SM Mall of Asia Arena, and the SMX Convention Center Manila. The SMXCITE, estimated to open by 2027, is expected to host roughly 20,000 attendees, increasing demand for rooms and flexible event space across the complex.

Park Inn by Radisson SM Neo Verde Santa Rosa, opening 2029

Located in the city center of Santa Rosa, approximately a 45-minute drive from Manila, Park Inn by Radisson SM Neo Verde Santa Rosa will bring 200 rooms, including 25 suites, to a fast-growing mixed-use address. The hotel will offer three F&B outlets and modern meetings and events facilities, supported by a well-rounded leisure program that includes a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor kids’ pool, and outdoor play areas. The wider SM Neo Verde development will include the hotel, the SM Neo Verde Mall, and a new bus terminal that will serve as the city’s transportation hub by 2029, with office and residential towers planned in later phases. Opening is slated for 2029.

Strategic impact

These signings underscore Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to invest and grow with leading local partners in locations that combine demand generators with long-term infrastructure plans. The SM Mall of Asia complex continues to anchor large-scale business, trade, and leisure visitation to Metro Manila, while Santa Rosa advances as a Greater Manila hub with enhanced connectivity and mixed-use momentum. Together, the three hotels will broaden choice for travelers, deepen Radisson Hotel Group’s brand presence, and support job creation and tourism growth across the Philippines. (SM PRIME)

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Philippines Set to Host the 2026 Red Bull Half Court World Finals

Red Bull Half Court World Finals_Philippines & Japan team

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (December 3, 2025) – Following the thrilling conclusion of the Red Bull Half Court 2025 World Finals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Red Bull now turns the global spotlight to the Philippines, officially announcing the country as the host of the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals. This marks the first major 3-on-3 world championship held outside FIBA.

As the host nation, the Philippines welcomes the world to witness the heart, grit, and passion that define Filipino streetball, right in the heart of Manila. The Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals aims to highlight the country’s vibrant energy, creativity, and love for streetball, offering fans worldwide a chance to experience why 3-on-3 basketball is genuinely unique.

Red Bull Half Court’s signature format will once again take center stage, featuring fast-paced 3-on-3 games on a half-court, with a 12-second shot clock, a 10-minute cap, or a finish when a team scores 21 points. This format demands speed, creativity, and relentless hustle, challenging athletes to rely on instinct and make high-pressure decisions every possession.

Red Bull Half Court World Finals_Athlete Action Shot_Defence_01

Follow the journey to the World Finals for this landmark moment in Philippine basketball culture, as this once-in-a-lifetime event will see the world’s top 3-on-3 teams converge on Philippine soil. Keep up with all the action by visiting the official Red Bull website and following Red Bull Philippines on social media.

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

Chinabank wins inaugural ACES Nation Builder Award

In recognition of its deep and sustained contributions to the Philippines' economic progress and national development, Chinabank was conferred the Nation Builder Award at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2025 on November 29 in Bali, Indonesia. 
 

Chinabank Chief Sustainability Officer William Quesang

Chinabank was selected from over 682 nominations across 17 countries to be the first ever recipient of the ACES Nation Builder Award, highlighting the bank's century-long legacy of responsible banking and people-centered growth, as well as its ability to connect the needs of individuals, businesses, and the government to help build the Filipino nation.

“From empowering entrepreneurs and families to advancing sustainable finance, you have shown how banking can transform lives and drive inclusive development," ACES President Shanggari Balakrishnan said.

“This award is a powerful validation of our dedication to uplifting lives and advancing national goals, and our unwavering focus on our clients,” Chinabank President and CEO Romeo D. Uyan Jr. said.  “This motivates us to increase our efforts to do more good for our customers and our country.”

Organized by Malaysia-based MORS Group, a leading regional business intelligence and strategic platform, the ACES Awards is one of Asia’s most coveted awards for leadership and sustainability, celebrated for its rigorous, research-driven evaluation and a prestigious list of winners that includes some of the region’s most influential business leaders, corporations, and brands.

Chinabank is a recognized leader in sustainability and responsible business practices locally and in Asia, recently winning its second Titanium Award at The Asset Corporate Sustainability Leadership Awards 2025.  The country’s fourth largest private universal bank, Chinabank is also a consistent Golden Arrow awardee for its governance excellence. (SM Supermalls)

HUAWEI nova 14 Series and MatePad 12 X (2026) Now Available for Pre-Order: A New Era of Selfies and Productivity

HUAWEI nova 14 Series Pre-order KV
Manila, Philippines (November 28, 2025) — HUAWEI strengthens its lead in front-facing camera technology and portable productivity with the launch of the new HUAWEI nova 14 Series and HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026). Renowned as the “King of AI Selfies,” the HUAWEI nova 14 Series introduces a new era of intelligent, fast, and expressive mobile photography designed for today’s youth. Meanwhile, the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) offers 4-in-1 all-around productivity, bringing PC-level performance to a lightweight tablet.

Both the HUAWEI nova 14 Series and HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) are now available for pre-order starting November 27. The HUAWEI nova 14 Series begins at PHP 22,999, while the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026)** is priced at PHP 37,999.

Take Your Selfie Game to the Next Level with the King of AI Selfies

HUAWEI marks its most significant leap in self-capture imaging technology with the official launch of the HUAWEI nova 14 Series. Among the special guests was actor and HUAWEI nova Star Michael Sager, who shared how the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro elevates his content creation experience.

“I’m someone who takes selfies as a way of expressing myself and to capture memories with friends and loved ones, so I think the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro’s front-facing camera capabilities with AI features are exactly what I need to show my best self.” The HUAWEI nova 14 Pro elevates selfies through its industry-leading 50MP Front AI Portrait Dual Camera. 

Michael Saeger, HUAWEI nova Star

“What I really love about the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro is that it lets me capture even the most dynamic moments, so I can keep them as keepsakes,” claimed Sager. Thanks to the industry’s first Ultra Speed Snapshot on the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro’s front and rear cameras, fast motion and candid moments are shot with crisp clarity every single time. 

He also highlighted the versatility of the nova 14 Pro’s front camera, featuring an industry-leading 0.8x to 5x zoom range—perfect for everything from close-up portraits to wide group selfies. Complementing the hardware are powerful AI tools, such as AI Best Expression, which optimizes group photos, and AI Beauty Effect, which enhances selfies with natural-looking refinements.

In celebration of the nova 14 Series’ bold and youthful aesthetic, HUAWEI has partnered with Filipino streetwear brand Don’t Blame the Kids (DBTK) for a limited-edition collection. Customers who complete full payment for the nova 14 or nova 14 Pro at select HUAWEI Experience Stores or through official online channels will receive a free, exclusive DBTK Supernova T-shirt, available on a first-come, first-served basis starting December 5.

Capture What You See with Lifelike Vibrance

The HUAWEI nova 14 Series pushes smartphone photography to a new level with the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro’s Ultra Chroma Camera, engineered to capture highly detailed multispectral light far beyond the capabilities of traditional RGB sensors. Powered by advanced AI fusion algorithms and 1,500,000 spectral channels, it delivers 120% improved color accuracy and boosts spatial resolution by 150,000 times, resulting in incredibly lifelike images.

Low-light photography also gets a significant upgrade. The HUAWEI nova 14 Pro features an Adjustable Aperture Camera with an aperture range of F1.4–F4.0 and an RYYB sensor, ensuring bright, detailed shots even in dim environments. Its Adaptive Multi-Focal Dual Flash automatically adjusts lighting conditions, guaranteeing perfectly illuminated photos anytime, anywhere.

Beyond next-generation imaging, the HUAWEI nova 14 Series offers a smarter, more intuitive user experience with its enhanced EMUI. AI Gesture Control introduces touch-free interactions, allowing users to scroll through videos, take screenshots, and navigate the device with simple hand movements. This intelligent performance is backed by a 5500mAh battery and 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo, delivering a full charge from 0% to 100% in just 38 minutes.

Discover a Truly Portable Productivity Experience with the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026)

HUAWEI has unveiled its latest productivity powerhouse, the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026), designed to deliver actual PC-level performance in a sleek, portable tablet. When paired with the Smart Magnetic Keyboard, a Bluetooth mouse, and the new HUAWEI M-Pencil Pro, the MatePad 12 X (2026) offers 4-in-1 all-around productivity, perfect for signing documents, editing coursework, streaming or gaming, and sketching creative ideas. Guests at the launch experienced the tablet’s powerful capabilities firsthand at the dedicated interactive zone.

HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) Pre-order KV


The tablet boasts a 12-inch 3rd Gen ultra-clear PaperMatte Display with anti-glare, anti-reflective, and anti-fingerprint technology, a 2800x1840 resolution, and up to 1000 nits of peak brightness. This combination delivers vibrant, high-brightness visuals while minimizing eye strain, making it ideal for extended work or study sessions, as well as for reading outdoors. Powered by NearLink technology, the MatePad 12 X (2026) is fully compatible with the HUAWEI M-Pencil Pro, which features 16,385 pressure levels, intelligent gestures like pinch and rotate, and the new Star Ring quick button for faster workflow access. Productivity apps such as PC-Level WPS Office 3.0 and HUAWEI Notes run smoothly, allowing users to handle documents, presentations, and spreadsheets anytime, anywhere.

HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026)_Papermatte Display

“With its advanced features and seamless performance, the MatePad 12 X (2026) helps me stay productive and creative on the go,” shared John Dy So, Young Professional.

The tablet’s all-metal unibody is just 5.9mm thin and weighs 555g, available in Greenery and White finishes with a shimmering pearlescent effect. Its 10,100mAh battery supports up to 14 hours of video playback, while 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge replenishes the battery to 100% in just 85 minutes, ensuring users can work, watch, play, learn, and create all day.

Step Into Your Best Self-Expression Era Yet with the HUAWEI nova 14 Series and the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026)

Capture yourself in your best light with the King of AI Selfies, the HUAWEI nova 14 Series. Available with a shimmering, dynamic Ice Crystal Texture finish in Crystal Blue, White, and Black. The HUAWEI nova 14 Pro comes with a vibrant 6.78” Flawless Quad-curved Display, while the HUAWEI nova 14 features an immersive 6.7” OLED Flat-Edge Screen. 

Pre-order the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro (PHP 32,999) or the HUAWEI nova 14 (PHP 22,999) on the HUAWEI Online Store, Lazada, Shopee, TikTok, or any HUAWEI Experience Store nationwide, and get a free HUAWEI WATCH FIT SE (worth PHP 4,999). Grab exclusive vouchers worth PHP 2,500 on the HUAWEI Online Store or purchase via HomeCredit to enjoy up to PHP 1,000 off. These exclusive offers are available from November 27 to December 4, 2025. 

The HUAWEI nova 14i (PHP 12,999) is available for pre-order on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, the HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Get a free HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 for every pre-order from November 27 to December 4.

You can pre-order the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) for PHP 37,999 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, the HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Pre-order yours today and get an exclusive freebie bundle worth PHP 21,896, including a free HUAWEI M-Pencil Pro (worth PHP 7,999), a HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard (worth PHP 6,999), a Bluetooth Mouse (worth PHP 1,899), and a PC-Level WPS Office (worth PHP 4,999). Avail exclusive 0% installment promos of up to 24 months for credit card purchases and up to 18 months on HomeCredit.

To know more about the HUAWEI nova 14 Series and the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026), visit your nearest HUAWEI Experience Store, or check out HUAWEI’s official website and social media pages (Facebook | Instagram).