Anne Curtis Explores Vivo’s Global Headquarters, Discovering the Brand’s Vision for Innovation

DONGGUAN, CHINA – What truly drives innovation on a global scale? Behind every smartphone is not only cutting-edge technology and precision engineering but also the people, culture, and vision that bring every breakthrough to life.

After touring Vivo’s intelligent manufacturing facilities at its Global Headquarters, Filipino actress and Vivo Philippines Brand Ambassador Anne Curtis continued her immersive journey across the company’s expansive headquarters campus in Dongguan, China. Her visit provided a closer look at how Vivo blends innovation, creativity, and a people-first philosophy to shape the future of mobile technology.

More than simply exploring the brand’s facilities, Anne experienced the culture and values that inspire Vivo’s continuous pursuit of excellence.

Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Anne’s visit included a tour of the Vivo Exhibition Hall and the Global Headquarters campus, where she gained deeper insights into the company’s innovation philosophy.

Designed with a seamless blend of traditional Eastern aesthetics and modern architecture, the campus reflects Vivo’s commitment to balancing cultural heritage with technological progress. Scenic waterscapes, landscaped gardens, an iconic timber gateway, and contemporary office spaces create an inspiring environment that encourages creativity and collaboration among Vivo’s global teams.

The headquarters left a lasting impression on Anne.

"It's beautiful. I wish I had an office like this in real life," she shared, highlighting how thoughtfully designed workspaces can inspire innovation and productivity.

Imaging Without Limits

Anne also explored the new Vivo X300 Ultra, where she experienced the company's latest advancements in smartphone photography.

One of the highlights was testing the 400mm equivalent Vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra, allowing her to capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity. The demonstration showcased Vivo’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile imaging technology.

As the first Ultra model introduced to global markets, the Vivo X300 Ultra combines professional-grade imaging capabilities, flagship-level performance, and long-lasting battery life into one premium device.

Having spent much of her career in front of the camera, Anne appreciated how the smartphone delivers professional-quality photography while remaining practical for everyday use. The experience reinforced Vivo’s mission to make advanced imaging technology more accessible to consumers worldwide.

More Than Just Technology

For Anne, the headquarters tour offered far more than a glimpse into smartphone development. It revealed the people, passion, and purpose behind Vivo’s innovations.

"It was always great to learn more about Vivo in detail. It was such a variety; the brand that keeps on innovating," Anne remarked.

Her journey highlighted how Vivo continues to build a global brand driven by creativity, collaboration, and meaningful innovation.

Anne's China adventure continues as she discovers even more about the company behind some of today's most advanced smartphones.

The Vivo X300 Ultra, which Anne experienced during her headquarters visit, is now available for Php 109,999 at Vivo concept stores nationwide and through the Vivo e-store.

Globe’s GoGIVE Wins Silver at PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2026 for Driving Digital Social Impact

Globe has earned international recognition after its innovative GoGIVE platform received the Silver Award in the Technology Category at the PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2026 by Campaign Asia-Pacific. The prestigious accolade highlights Globe’s commitment to using technology not only to connect people but also to inspire meaningful social action among Filipinos, particularly the younger generation.

Designed specifically for prepaid subscribers, GoGIVE transforms everyday mobile data usage into opportunities to support worthwhile causes. Through the GlobeOne app, users can simply opt in, select their preferred advocacy, and earn "hearts" every time they consume mobile data. These hearts are then converted into support for partner organizations, making charitable giving accessible even to those who may not have the financial resources or free time to volunteer.

According to Givielle Florida, Head of Globe Prepaid, today's Gen Z and Gen Alpha customers want to make a positive difference in society. GoGIVE removes traditional barriers to giving by making participation effortless, transparent, and rewarding. Every gigabyte used contributes to a greater cause, allowing customers to become active participants in nation-building through their daily digital activities.

The platform's impact has been remarkable. Within just one year of launch, GoGIVE generated more than 7.6 billion hearts, significantly exceeding expectations. These contributions have supported a wide range of advocacies, including digital education, healthcare, animal welfare, environmental conservation, women's livelihood programs, and inclusive sports initiatives.

Globe further strengthened its commitment by providing connectivity kits to its partner organizations, including the Ayala Foundation, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Philippine Eagle Foundation, Project PEARLS, PGH Medical Foundation, Special Olympics Pilipinas, and World Vision Philippines. Each organization received Globe AT HOME connectivity solutions to help power both office operations and field activities, enabling them to extend their services more effectively.

Beyond long-term advocacy, GoGIVE has also demonstrated its value during times of crisis. Globe collaborated with various organizations to provide relief and recovery assistance following earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and other emergencies across the country. From supporting psychosocial programs for affected children to rebuilding animal shelters and delivering relief goods, the platform has become an effective channel for mobilizing aid when communities need it most.

Globe Chief Marketing Officer KD Dizon emphasized that GoGIVE proves how technology can encourage purposeful everyday behavior. By embedding social responsibility into mobile connectivity, Globe empowers millions of Filipinos to contribute to meaningful causes without changing their daily routines.

As Globe continues to champion digital inclusion and sustainability, GoGIVE stands as a powerful example of how innovation can create lasting social impact. By simply using mobile data, customers become part of a nationwide movement that transforms connectivity into compassion and helps build a better future for communities across the Philippines.

Temus Backs Filipina-Founded Thinking Machines to Scale Enterprise AI Across Southeast Asia

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Temus, a Singapore-based AI and digital transformation company established by Temasek, today announced a strategic investment in Thinking Machines Data Science, a Filipina-founded AI and data company headquartered in the Philippines and OpenAI's first official Services Partner in Asia Pacific.

The investment marks a recognition of Philippine-built AI talent and capability. Founded in Manila, Thinking Machines has built a decade-long track record in data platforms, AI implementation, and enterprise AI delivery across Southeast Asia. By joining forces with Temus, the company will bring that expertise to a wider regional client base, supported by Temus' enterprise transformation capabilities, scale, and delivery infrastructure. Together, the two companies aim to help enterprises move beyond pilots and embed AI into real workflows that create measurable business value.

Across Southeast Asia, companies are moving from AI experimentation to implementation. Many still face the same practical barriers: fragmented data, legacy systems, complex workflows, and talent gaps to design AI-native workflows. The partnership brings together the capabilities required to address those challenges, from data engineering and governance to workflow integration, AI deployment, executive enablement, and workforce capability building.

For clients, this means broader access to end-to-end AI and digital transformation support. Thinking Machines brings specialist AI and data execution, regional delivery experience, and OpenAI-enabled services. Temus brings enterprise reach, transformation infrastructure, and experience working with public- and private-sector organisations across healthcare, financial services, education, and government.

"We built Thinking Machines on the belief that the Philippines can build up and scale world-class AI capability," said Stephanie Sy, Founder and CEO, Thinking Machines Data Science; Managing Director, Applied AI & Data, Temus. Joining the Temus group allows us to pursue that ambition at a much greater scale while staying true to our team, our clients, and our mission," she added.

Thinking Machines was founded in Manila in 2015 by Stephanie Sy. Over the past decade, the company has trained more than 10,000 professionals in AI and deployed hundreds of AI systems into production with organisations across financial services, retail, conglomerates, and the civic sector. It operates offices in Manila, Singapore, and Bangkok. Its recognition as OpenAI's first APAC Services Partner and its recent award of advanced partner status reflect a track record of deploying AI systems across diverse operating environments in the region.

Against this backdrop, the Temus investment signals growing confidence in Philippine-built AI talent and innovation. With Thinking Machines' track record across diverse operating environments in the region, the investment opens opportunities for local enterprises to access advanced AI, data foundations, workflow transformation, and adoption support.

Accelerating production-grade AI deployment across Southeast Asia

Temus, ~500-strong and anchored in Singapore, provides full-stack AI transformation spanning cloud and application engineering, consulting, and design. Its work supports Singapore’s Smart Nation and National AI Strategy priorities, with a growing regional presence across Southeast Asia.

The partnership combines Temus’ transformation delivery infrastructure with Thinking Machines’ experience in building data platforms and deploying enterprise AI systems. Together, the two firms are positioned to help organisations build the foundations, talent, and repeatable delivery systems needed to make AI work at scale.

“Many enterprises are navigating the challenge of running AI systems that hold up under real operating conditions - constrained data, regulatory requirements, complex workflows. That requires a different level of engineering, governance, and integration. Thinking Machines brings deep capability in that layer of the problem. This investment connects two parts of the system that need to work as one: how AI is built, and how it is made to operate at scale,” said Sng Ren Yeong, Chief Executive Officer, Temus.

"This investment is a recognition of a shared mission - two teams that were each built by people who came home to build. Thinking Machines gains the reach and resources of the Temus group. Temus gains a team that has been doing serious AI delivery work for over a decade. Together, we are better placed than ever to help organisations move from AI pilots into production, for Singapore and beyond," he added.

Exclusive LRT-2 and MRT-3 cashback up to 30% with GCash Commute QR

As more commuters embrace digital payments in their daily routine, GCash is expanding its support for cashless public transportation with a cashback promo for all LRT-2 riders and eligible MRT-3 riders who use the GCash Commute QR for their train fares.

From July 20 to August 20, 2026, eligible commuters who pay via GCash Commute QR will receive a 20-30% cashback on their LRT-2 and MRT-3 fare. It will be credited directly to the user's GCash e-wallet based on the scheduled payout dates.

“Innovation is most meaningful when it removes everyday friction and makes essential services more accessible. With GCash Commute QR, we're making cashless commuting simpler,” said Ferdie Perez, VP and head of innovation at GCash.

Furthermore, the initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts of GCash to expand the use of digital payments across everyday services, including public transportation, supporting broader access to convenient and cashless commuting options for Filipinos.

"This cashback promo is a way to help invite more commuters to experience the ease of using digital fare payments and brings added value on their everyday journeys," he added.

Commuters with a fully verified and active GCash account can enjoy exclusive cashback offers when they pay for their fares using GCash Commute QR during the respective promo periods. LRT-2 commuters can receive 20% cashback on eligible rides. New GCash Commute QR users on MRT-3, on the other hand, can enjoy 30% cashback on their first three rides, while the promo runs until August 20, 2026.

GCash continues to work with transport partners to expand cashless payment options that support a more convenient and accessible commuting experience for Filipinos.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

Anko Unveils New Home Collection Inspired by Global Design Trends

Metro Manila, Philippines — Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko is bringing a fresh wave of inspiration to Filipino homes with the launch of its newest Home collection, offering stylish, practical, and affordable pieces designed to help homeowners refresh their spaces without breaking the bank.

Available beginning July 30 at Anko stores in TriNoma, Glorietta 2, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Gateway Mall 1, the collection features a carefully curated range of décor, kitchenware, and household essentials that embrace today's most popular global interior design trends. Select items are already available in stores.

Created by Anko's in-house design and buying team in Melbourne, the collection reflects the growing desire for homes that are both expressive and calming. Instead of encouraging costly renovations, Anko focuses on affordable updates that allow homeowners to personalize existing spaces through thoughtfully designed accessories and functional home essentials.

Leading the collection is the Playful Pattern Layering trend, which introduces bold stripes, gingham prints, and vibrant colors into everyday living. Products such as the Blue Stripe Dinner Plates, Bow Cushions, and Pink Stripe Storage Box encourage homeowners to mix and match patterns to create lively, welcoming interiors, especially in compact condominium spaces where bright accents can make rooms feel more spacious.

The collection also embraces the Return of Warm Tones, replacing cool minimalist palettes with comforting shades of chocolate brown, sage green, blush pink, and earthy neutrals. These colors create a cozy atmosphere while offering a refreshing visual escape from the tropical heat. Complementing this trend are products like the Rustica Dinnerware Collection, Chevron Bath Towels, and plush Bow Cushions designed for everyday comfort.

For those who prefer timeless elegance, Anko introduces its interpretation of Quiet Luxury through sculptural ceramics, marble-inspired finishes, and softly curved décor pieces. Highlights include the Textured Wavy Ceramic Vase, Green Twist Edge Decor Tray, Chrome Amiri Lamp, and Goldie Rechargeable Wall Sconce, delivering premium aesthetics at accessible prices.

Beyond décor, the Home collection extends into the kitchen with practical yet stylish items including Mini Frypans, Pink Mesh Baskets, novelty candles, and the viral Fruit and Flower Mugs that have quickly become customer favorites.

Anko also proves that meaningful home updates don't require a large budget. With several decorative pieces priced at just ₱300, shoppers can easily refresh their homes with items like Linear Crates, Fruit Napkins, and Succulent in Wavy Pots.

By combining modern design, everyday functionality, and affordable pricing, Anko's latest Home collection empowers Filipino families to create personalized living spaces that reflect their style while making every home feel warmer, brighter, and more inviting.