This Christmas season, Philips Lighting brings brighter homes within closer reach of Filipino families with a nationwide price markdown of up to 50% across selected LED lighting products.
More than a seasonal offer, this initiative represents a long-term commitment to making trusted, energy-efficient lighting more affordable for households across the Philippines.
As families prepare their homes for festive gatherings, shared meals, and everyday moments, Philips Lighting aims to support Filipinos in creating spaces that feel warmer, safer, and more welcoming without compromising on quality or performance.
“Christmas is about family, comfort, and the joy of coming home,” said Paolo Royol, Commercial Leader for Consumer Business, Philips Lighting Philippines. “By lowering our prices nationwide, we want more Filipino families to enjoy brighter homes that support their daily lives, not just during the holidays, but well beyond them. This is our way of making quality lighting more accessible and meaningful for everyone.”
Nationwide Price Markdown Highlights
Filipino consumers can now enjoy reduced prices on the following Philips Lighting products nationwide:
High Lumen Bulbs – up to 54% off
Essential Bulbs Mini – up to 13% off
Essential LED Bulb A-Shape – up to 28% off
Ecofit TLED (Single Ended) – up to 33% off
Ecofit TLED (Double Ended) – up to 33% off
Designed for energy efficiency and long-lasting performance, these products help families reduce energy consumption while enjoying dependable brightness across living spaces, kitchens, work areas, and shared family zones.
Lighting Homes, Supporting Filipino Dreams
This nationwide price markdown reflects Philips Lighting’s enduring commitment to Filipino households, helping turn everyday spaces into brighter homes where memories are made and dreams grow.
As Christmas lights fill homes and communities across the country, Philips Lighting continues to deliver on its promise: to bring light that cares, inspires, and lasts, now made more affordable for Filipino families nationwide.
ZTE Corporation, a global provider of information and communication technology solutions, has recently announced that it earned RMB 60.70 billion in revenue for the first half of 2023, which is a 1.5% increase compared to the same period last year.
Little Puck is celebrating her birthday season with three-hour back-to-back cam performances on December 13, offering fans a double feature across her ManyVids and OnlyFans platforms.
The showcase spectacle kicks off on ManyVids from 7–8 PM PST, followed by an extended session on OnlyFans from 8–10 PM PST. Fans can also enjoy 50–75% off across her ManyVids store through December 18 as part of her birthday celebration.
“My birthday shows are always extra special because it feels like a big hangout with my community” said Little Puck. “I wanted to give everyone a chance to celebrate with me whether they join the cam show or grab something from the sale. It’s my way of saying thank you for supporting me all year.”
Homegrown fashion giant Penshoppe is ushering in a new era of comfort and connection with its latest campaign, “Cozy Days Ahead.” https://t.co/58q4DJoY1w
Jennifer White is marking a career milestone with eleven AVN Award nominations for 2026, including the coveted ‘Female Performer of the Year,’ recognizing her remarkable body of work and standout performances across the past year.
White’s nominations span ten major categories and highlight her dynamic range as a leading actress, showcase star, and high-intensity performer.
Her Elegant Angel spotlight Hollywood Whore: A Jennifer White Showcase Film earned eight nominations alone, underscoring the title’s impact and her creative evolution in one of the most ambitious projects of her 17-year career.
White’s 2026 AVN Award nominations in total include:
• Female Performer of the Year
• Best Leading Actress – Wicked Pictures’ Once Upon a Time in the Valley
• Best Star Showcase – Hollywood Whore: A Jennifer White Showcase Film
• Best Solo/Tease Performance – “Hollywood Whore – Chapter 2 – Time to Myself”
• Best Airtight/Gangbang Scene – “Hollywood Whore – Chapter 6 – Double Gangbang”
• Best All-Girl Group Sex Scene – Elegant Angel’s “Performers of the Year 2025: Lesbian Orgy”
• Best Tag-Team Sex Scene – “Hollywood Whore – Chapter 4 – The VIP Room”
• Best Blowbang Scene – Darkko/Evil Angel’s “Jennifer White Junkyard Blowbang” – Wet Food 12
• Best Boy/Girl Sex Scene – “Hollywood Whore – Chapter 5 – Connections”
• Best Three-Way Sex Scene – “Once Upon a Time in the Valley – Episode 2: Rising Stars”
• Best Double-Penetration Sex Scene – “Hollywood Whore – Chapter 1 – Lights, Camera, DP”
“I’m incredibly grateful for every one of these nominations,” said White. “This year pushed me in all the best ways, and I’m proud of the work I put out – especially Hollywood Whore, which was such a personal and meaningful project for me. I want to thank AVN, my directors, co-stars and the amazing crews who put their hearts into every shoot. It means so much to have that work recognized.”
The 2026 AVN Awards will take place January 24, 2026, at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, celebrating excellence across the adult industry.
ChatGPT has surpassed $3 billion in global consumer spending on mobile, according to estimates from app intelligence provider Appfigures, marking a major milestone since the app’s launch on iOS in May 2023.
Analysts say this rapid growth highlights the accelerating adoption of AI-powered applications among everyday users.
The majority of spending occurred in 2025, with consumers estimated to have spent $2.48 billion on ChatGPT mobile this year, a 408% increase from the $487 million spent in 2024.
In its first year of availability, the app earned $42.9 million, before surging more than tenfold to reach the 2024 total.
Appfigures emphasized that ChatGPT reached the $3 billion milestone in just 31 months, faster than TikTok, which took 58 months, and ahead of streaming apps like Disney+ and HBO Max, which reached the same figure in 42 and 46 months respectively.
Industry experts note that ChatGPT’s spending trajectory reflects broader trends in AI adoption, with users increasingly paying for premium services. ChatGPT mobile offers paid subscriptions such as ChatGPT Plus at $20 per month and ChatGPT Pro at $200 per month for advanced users.
Analysts point out that while these subscriptions are a major revenue source, AI apps have additional monetization pathways, including developer offerings and potential advertising. ChatGPT recently launched its own app store, which company representatives have indicated may generate revenue in the future.
Comparisons with other AI platforms show similar trends. xAI’s Grok, launched in late 2023 for X Premium Plus subscribers and broadly available in 2024, has seen a spending trajectory close to ChatGPT’s early growth, while Anthropic is focusing on enterprise customers and is projected to reach $70 billion in revenue by 2028.
Google is exploring the integration of AI into its advertising model, including placing ads in AI Mode, AI Overviews, AI shopping, and AI-powered Discover. Analysts suggest these developments indicate a rapidly evolving market where AI apps are emerging as significant revenue drivers across both consumer and enterprise sectors.
The ChatGPT milestone underscores the increasing willingness of users to pay for AI-enhanced tools and signals continued competition among AI platforms to capture consumer attention and spending.
Homegrown fashion giant Penshoppe is ushering in a new era of comfort and connection with its latest campaign, “Cozy Days Ahead.” https://t.co/58q4DJoY1w
GoTyme Bank is excited to announce that its Visa debit cards are now compatible with Google Pay, giving customers an easier and more rewarding way to pay — both locally and abroad.
Starting this month, GoTyme Bank cardholders can add their debit cards to Google Wallet and make secure, contactless payments using their Android phones or Wear OS devices. Whether shopping in-store or online, customers can pay seamlessly and securely, without entering their debit card details, wherever they see the Google Pay button.
“We’re proud to work with partners like GoTyme Bank to bring faster, convenient and more secure payments to the Philippines. This launch underscores our enduring commitment to accelerating financial inclusion and fueling the next chapter of the Philippines’ dynamic digital economy.” said Prep Palacios, Country Manager, Google Philippines.
“Our customers want speed and simplicity when they pay,” said Nate Clarke, President and CEO of GoTyme Bank. “With Google Pay now part of the GoTyme Bank experience, everyday payments become more effortless and secure, wherever life takes you. It’s another way GoTyme Bank is making banking not just better, but beautifully rewarding.”
Tap to pay with your phone. No card needed.
Google Pay uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, allowing users to simply unlock their phone and tap it near a contactless terminal to complete a transaction. It’s fast, secure, and works across millions of merchants worldwide.
Earn Go Rewards points every time you pay.
GoTyme Bank’s signature rewards program remains active across all Google Pay transactions:
• 1 point for every ₱100 spent at partner stores
• 1 point for every ₱500 spent everywhere else, even when traveling internationally
What’s the difference between Google Wallet and Google Pay?
• Google Wallet is where you store your GoTyme Bank Visa debit card.
• Google Pay is the technology that processes your payments using your Android phone or wearable.
Why it matters:
• Security-first: Google Wallet uses tokenization, biometric authentication, and dynamic security codes to protect your card details and usage.
• Convenience: No need to carry or pull out your physical card from your wallet. Just tap your phone or wearable.
• Rewards: GoTyme Bank continues to deliver on its promise of being the most rewarding debit card, now with the added ease of Google Pay.
How to get started:
1. Download the Google Wallet app from Google Play Store.
2. Tap “Add to Wallet” → “Payment card” → “New credit or debit card.”
3. Enter your GoTyme Bank card details and verify via OTP.
4. Start tapping to pay and earning points instantly.
Globe Coop’s Balik Eskwela Program reached over 200 students at Quezon City High School, providing a holistic learning experience designed to empower students both in the classroom and online.
The initiative combines digital skills training, personal wellness support, and technology access, reflecting Globe Coop’s commitment to creating future-ready learners in today’s increasingly digital world.
This is part of the Globe Coop CAREavan, an employee-led outreach program by Globe’s regional teams, delivering tailored initiatives nationwide to support vulnerable groups such as special children, teen mothers, fisherfolk, out-of-school youth, students, and indigenous communities like the Mangyan and the Aeta communities.
A core feature of the program was the Balik Eskwela Program is the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) workshops, which engaged students in interactive sessions on responsible online behavior, digital safety, and critical thinking.
Through these workshops, students explored real-life scenarios and practical strategies to navigate social media responsibly, evaluate online content critically, and protect themselves in digital spaces.
The sessions aimed to equip learners not only with technical knowledge but also with the confidence to make informed decisions online, an essential skill in today’s connected world.
Alongside digital education, Globe Coop provided hygiene kits to students, supporting personal health and wellbeing. This aspect of the program ensured that students are ready to participate fully in school activities, minimizing barriers to learning caused by health challenges.
Each kit included essential items to promote proper hygiene practices, reinforcing the importance of self-care as part of holistic student development.
Recognizing the vital role of technology in modern education, the Balik Eskwela Program also focused on improving the school’s computer lab connectivity.
Students now have access to faster, more reliable internet, enabling them to conduct online research, participate in digital learning platforms, and collaborate with peers on school projects.
The upgraded lab allows students to fully leverage digital tools to support their academic growth and explore new learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
“Balik Eskwela is about more than providing technology; it is about equipping students with the skills, resources, and support they need to succeed both in school and online,” said Dr. Remedios P. Danao, school principal.
Through the Balik Eskwela Program, Globe Coop demonstrates a holistic approach to student development. By combining educational workshops, wellness initiatives, and technology enhancements, the initiative creates a learning environment where students can thrive academically, safely navigate the digital landscape, and maintain personal wellbeing.
The program underscores Globe Coop’s broader commitment to supporting education and empowering Filipino learners. By equipping students with knowledge, skills, and access to modern tools, Globe continues to invest in the next generation, nurturing future-ready learners who are confident, responsible, and capable of contributing positively to their communities.
Homegrown fashion giant Penshoppe is ushering in a new era of comfort and connection with its latest campaign, “Cozy Days Ahead.” https://t.co/58q4DJoY1w
Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, has launched Sophos Firewall v22.
The update enhances Sophos’ Secure by Design pledge with a brand-new Health Check feature and several other security enhancements:
• Health Check – Sophos Firewall OS v22 checks dozens of different configuration settings and compares them with CIS benchmarks (Center for Internet Security) and other best practices, providing immediate insights into areas that may be at risk.
• Hardened kernel – The next-gen Xstream Architecture in Sophos Firewall OS is built upon a new hardened kernel (v6.6+) that provides enhanced security, performance, and scalability to maximize current and future hardware.
• Remote integrity monitoring – Sophos Firewall OS v22 now integrates Sophos XDR Linux Sensor that enables real-time monitoring of system integrity, including unauthorized configuration, rule exports, malicious program execution attempts, file tampering, and more.
• Improved workload isolation – With Sophos’ next-gen Xstream Architecture, SFOS v22 introduces an all-new control plane re-architected for increased defense-in-depth and scalability. The new control plane enables modularization, isolation, and containerization of services.
• Enhanced anti-malware engine – Sophos Firewall OS v22 integrates the latest Sophos anti-malware engine with enhanced zero-day, real-time detection of emerging threats using global reputation lookups.
“Over the last several releases, we have continued to invest in implementing Secure by Design principles into all our products, including Sophos Firewall”, said Sophos CISO Ross McKerchar.
As with every firewall release, Sophos Firewall v22 is a free upgrade for Sophos Firewall customers with Enhanced or Enhanced Plus Support and should be applied to all supported firewall devices as soon as possible.
Additional details can also be found in this Sophos blog article. For more information about Sophos products and services go to https://www.sophos.com.
Homegrown fashion giant Penshoppe is ushering in a new era of comfort and connection with its latest campaign, “Cozy Days Ahead.” https://t.co/58q4DJoY1w
ING has released its Asia Outlook 2026 and Commodities Outlook 2026 reports, outlining how Asia’s 2025 growth surprise, driven by exports and tech investment, is set to moderate next year as global demand and trade volumes soften.
Even so, the report sees “pockets of opportunity” in Asian bond and FX markets as inflation remains benign with anticipated rate cuts, a weaker US dollar, and a generally soft energy and food price backdrop.
External demand outperforms, domestic demand lags
Asia’s 2025 expansion was driven overwhelmingly by external demand and technology rather than domestic spending. Tech-exporting economies like Taiwan and Singapore far exceeded forecasts, while the Philippines joined other domestically-driveneconomies like India in underperforming expectations.
Despite muted inflation throughout the year, household consumption across the Philippines remained weak, reflected in softening retail sales growth and moderating wage increases amid rising labor force participation.
Within trade, AI‑related goods were the standout driver of global trade in the first half of 2025, with trade in this category surging by more than 20% year‑on‑year and Asia accounting for nearly two‑thirds of that growth.
In contrast, non‑AI goods trade rose less than 4%, underscoring subdued investment outside tech and the drag from Chinese overcapacity on Southeast Asian manufacturing and capital spending.
“Asia’s 2025 story was all about exports and technology doing the heavy lifting while consumers stayed cautious,” said Deepali Bhargava, ING’s chief economist and regional head of Research for Asia‑Pacific (APAC).
Philippines: Exports resilient but domestic headwinds weigh on growth
Recent US tariff adjustments provide some near-term relief for the Philippines: the rollback of tariffs on roughly 200 food items supports Philippine agricultural exporters.
However, broader US tariffs—at around 19% for a large share of Philippine goods—are still expected to weigh on 2026 trade performance.
Domestically, several factors contributed to softer momentum in 2025. Governance-related investigations have dampened business sentiment, while public infrastructure spending slowed in the third quarter.
These short-term headwinds added to structural challenges: the software/BPO sector—traditionally a growth engine—remains heavily concentrated in voice-based services vulnerable to AI-driven automation, and the country has lagged peers in attracting manufacturing FDI despite regional supply-chain diversification.
ING notes that while the slowdown in government spending may drag on near-term growth, the administration’s strong anti-corruption stance is a longer-term positive.
Improved governance typically supports investor confidence and strengthens the environment for capital spending.
“As long as confidence returns and public investment picks up later, these efforts should ultimately support a more sustainable growth path,” Deepali noted.
Homegrown fashion giant Penshoppe is ushering in a new era of comfort and connection with its latest campaign, “Cozy Days Ahead.” https://t.co/58q4DJoY1w
Inflation across Asia fell sharply in 2025, largely due to a substantial easing in food prices, and is expected to rise only modestly from cyclical lows in 2026.
Inflation should remain within central bank targets in 2026, allowing rate-cutting cycles to continue in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan and China, and supporting a generally easier monetary stance across the region.
However, ING cautions that if inflation were to undershoot expectations, real interest rates could rise again, creating a more challenging environment for both business investment and consumer demand.
“In 2026, growth will no longer be flattered by the same surge in trade and tech, but lower inflation, targeted fiscal support and a friendlier FX backdrop mean investors can still find pockets of value,” Deepali said.
Reinforcing this picture, ING’s newly published Commodities Outlook 2026 highlights that the global oil market is set to move into a sizeable surplus next year as OPEC+ rapidly brings supply back, with Brent crude forecast to average around USD 57 a barrel in 2026.
Grain prices have also likely found a floor after record harvests and more comfortable stock levels, with only a gradual tightening expected later in the outlook period. Taken together, these projections point to a relatively benign commodity backdrop for 2026.
“What’s been remarkable this year is how little oil prices have reacted to very real geopolitical shocks,” said Warren Patterson, ING’s head of Commodities Strategy for APAC. “With inventories rising and OPEC+ restoring supply, we see the market moving into a comfortable surplus next year and Brent averaging about USD 57.”
Tariffs, supply chains, and sector winners
Recent US tariff negotiations have narrowed the tariff gap between China and the rest of Asia, reducing simple “tariff arbitrage” advantages but not reversing deeper supply‑chain shifts.
Asia and Europe are drawing closer through possibly new trade agreements with India and Indonesia, with plans to extend deals to the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia by 2027, supporting cooperation in manufacturing, green infrastructure and digital connectivity.
Sector‑specific changes are tilting gains toward agricultural exporters in India and Indonesia, which benefit from lower US food tariffs, and to India and Singapore in pharmaceuticals, helped by India’s generics strength and Singapore’s diversified, high‑value export base.
Technology exports remain the biggest winners, with AI‑related demand and advanced computing infrastructure supporting a constructive outlook even as front‑loaded shipments fade.
ASEAN’s role as a global production hub is deepening. The region now handles over 20% of global semiconductor assembly, testing and packaging and around 22% of global auto parts exports, backed by around USD 12 billion a year of greenfield semiconductor investment and rising EV‑related inflows.
Sectors less exposed to agriculture, pharma or high‑end tech are expected to see fewer direct tariff gains and continue to face weaker global demand. ING also highlights strong growth in Asia’s commercial services trade, particularly in digital and IT services, as another area where the region is gaining share even as goods trade slows.
“Tariff truces do not mean business as usual,” Deepali added. “Supply‑chain security, sector‑specific tariffs and Europe‑Asia trade agreements are reshaping where production and capital go and that will be critical for investors looking beyond headline growth.Diversification started well before the latest tariff round, and the ‘China plus one’ strategy remains firmly in place.”
Country highlights
● China: Growth is expected to moderate to around 4.6% in 2026 from roughly 5% in 2025 amid property‑sector weakness and lingering deflation pressures.
● Japan: The “Sanaenomics” agenda, combining sizeable fiscal stimulus and solid wage gains and the Bank of Japan’s measured policy normalisation, is expected to support a stronger 2026.
● South Korea: GDP growth is forecast to accelerate to 2.0% from 1.2%, driven by a robust semiconductor cycle and fiscal support.
● India: ING assigns 70% probability to a US trade deal in 2026 and expects at least 25bp RBI rate cut to support rupee and local markets.
FX and bond market implications
The report highlights a constructive view on Indian and Korean local-currency bonds, citing robust fiscal discipline in India and an index inclusion for Korea in major global bond indices.
Real policy rates have come off their peaks but remain broadly supportive, and recent foreign inflows into local bond markets point to renewed investor interest in Asia.
On currencies, CNY and KRW are best positioned among low-yielders to benefit from an anticipated US dollar weakness in 2026.
Among high-yielders, the INR stands out as the most compelling upside potential if trade dynamics improve, while the IDR and PHP are seen as more vulnerable given narrowing rate differentials and local structural weaknesses.
Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at @BingXOfficial, explains that this transition is driven by regulatory clarity, growing institutional participation, and the adoption of blockchain infrastructure by financial institutions.https://t.co/9g5IW9X1VA
Maestro Claudio introduces two knockout new scenes this week, welcoming Frenchy in her first appearance for DP Diva and Lilith Grace’s debut for PervCity.
The new DP Diva scene, “Busty MILF Frenchy Ends Double Penetration And DVP With A Facial”, features the alluring up-and-comer in an unforgettable erotic adventure with co-stars Donny Sins and Eric John.
“Very good to work with Donny and Eric for the first time; hope to shoot with them again soon!” enthused Frenchy of the performance. “The team was amazing as always – love you guys! I learned again more stuff because of Claudio about the positions and others.”
Maestro Claudio stated, “Frenchy impressed me from the moment she walked on set. She’s got this unfiltered energy and clarity about who she is that made directing her a pleasure. I think this scene shows how much potential she has, and why she’s someone to watch.”
Over on PervCity, Lilith Grace returns to Maestro’s world in “Horny Lilith Grace Moans Softly While Receiving An Anal Fucking”, co-starring Milan Ponjevic. While this marks her PervCity debut, Grace previously scored waves in her earlier DP Divarelease, “Hot and Horny Busty Brunette Lilith Grace Receives Her First Ever DP”.
“I love getting my booty hole fucked so much!” said Grace. “Milan used me like a little fuck toy, and Claudio is one of the nicest older guys I know. I’m still horny!”
Maestro Claudio added, “Lilith brings a deliberate, focused intensity to every frame, and working with her is always smooth sailing. There’s a confidence in her performance that makes everything click, and I think this PervCity debut lets that shine through in a really fun way.”
The festive holiday season brings joy, but also a challenge: keeping up with the demands of hosting family and friends. Between preparing meals for Noche Buena, serving guests, and managing the constant need for drinks, every host knows that the smallest conveniences can make the biggest difference.
Wells Philippines understands this. Their award-winning flagship model, The One, brings 23 years of Korean engineering expertise to Filipino households, offering a quiet solution for Filipino families navigating the busiest season of the year.
Built for Filipino Celebrations
The One makes holiday hosting easier for Filipinos, thanks to the following features:
Temperature Versatility: The One serves water at your preferred temperature across three levels. Make spiced tea, coffee, or hot tsokolate in seconds with hot water at 50°C, 70°C, or 85°C. Prepare cold fruit juice at 6°C, and use ambient water at 27°C for your Christmas stews.
Compact Design: At just 8.8cm in diameter, The One doesn’t take up too much space on Filipino kitchen counters. During the holidays, when lechon dominates the table, and fruit salad cups crowd the countertop, every inch of space matters.
One Wheel Touch: Its One Wheel Touch feature allows you to control water temperature and volume with just a fingertip. While you’re busy serving Noche Buena, guests can easily help themselves to water.
9-Step Filtration: The compact 6-inch filter removes seven types of heavy metals and 35 types of harmful micro-organisms. Filipinos can trust that every glass served to guests meets high-quality standards.
Auto Water Draining System: After back-to-back festive celebrations, the last thing you want is another chore. While you rest, The One’s automatic sterilization feature refreshes unused water every 24 hours, ensuring that clean water is one less thing to worry about after the party.
With Wells The One, your home is ready for whatever the holidays bring. You and your loved ones can focus on the moments that make gatherings memorable—the conversations, laughter, and connections.
Homegrown fashion giant Penshoppe is ushering in a new era of comfort and connection with its latest campaign, “Cozy Days Ahead.” https://t.co/58q4DJoY1w
