The partnership happens in two phases. The first introduced the “WOW BIDA” Battle Emote, a limited-time in-game item that allows players to use a Jollibee-themed emote in MLBB matches, available for redemption until May 20.

The second phase, GameJoy Combos, runs from May 20 to August 19 and is designed to sustain player engagement through a mix of physical hero card collectibles along with exclusive limited-edition in-game rewards available with every Jollibee GameJoy Combo purchase.

“With GameJoy Combos, we wanted to create a fun and rewarding experience that brings together great food, gaming and everyday moments of joy,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president of marketing at Jollibee Philippines. “This collaboration allows more people to enjoy Jollibee in a fresh and exciting way, whether they’re gaming, bonding with friends or simply treating themselves.”

“Filipino players have helped shape MLBB into the cultural phenomenon it is today. With Jollibee, we wanted to create a campaign that genuinely feels local, fun, and rewarding for the community, by combining food, collectibles, and in-game experiences in a way that celebrates how Filipinos enjoy gaming together,” said Kevin Acuña, head of game publishing business development and partnership at MOONTON Games.

Running from May 20 to August 19, the nationwide campaign is made especially for MLBB players, from casual gamers to hardcore rank grinders.

The GameJoy Combos feature a selection of handheld meals designed for convenient, mess-free eating during gameplay. Priced at ₱169 each, the offering includes five options: the Yumburger, Jolly Hotdog, Special Cheesy Yumburger, Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, and Original Cheesy Yumburger. Each combo is served with a regular serving of fries, a regular drink, and a Peach Mango Pie, completing a satisfying, gamer-friendly meal set.

Each combo comes with the GameJoy x MLBB Pack, which contains one collectible hero card and an instruction card with a unique PIN. The PIN can be used to unlock mystery rewards within the MLBB app.

Players can win a range of in-game rewards, including skins, emotes, fragments, and avatar borders, as well as the highly sought-after MLBB All-Skin Unlock.

As the GameJoy Combos launch nationwide, many gamers are expected to collect all hero cards, unlock rewards, and enjoy every match even more with Jollibee and MLBB together this summer.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

 The biannual event returns on May 22 for seven days of gratitude

Manila, Philippines – At the heart of every UNIQLO Thank You Festival is a simple message: gratitude. As a celebration inspired by the customers and communities who continue to support the brand, the biannual festival transforms appreciation into meaningful experiences—from exclusive promotions and innovative essentials to initiatives that create positive impact beyond stores.

Join the UNIQLO Thank You Festival, May 22–28! Enjoy exclusive deals, special gifts, and surprises—our way of saying thanks for your support.

UNIQLO deeply values the unwavering support of its customers and communities. Serving as a heartfelt tribute to those who have made LifeWear a part of their daily lives, the UNIQLO Thank You Festival returns nationwide from May 22 to May 28. 

UNIQLO Philippines strengthens support for education with a new classroom at Tanda Elementary School for T’boli students in General Santos.

This year’s celebration goes beyond seasonal offers, as it also highlights purposeful partnerships, sustainability, and a deep commitment to social responsibility. Every story is shaped by care, innovation, and the people behind the brand who bring LifeWear to life every day.

As part of its Heart of LifeWear initiative, UNIQLO donated AIRism shirts to students and teachers—contributing to over 35,000 items distributed for community and disaster relief nationwide.

A “Thank You” that Pays it Forward

In the spirit of giving back, UNIQLO Philippines is strengthening its support for local education. Recognizing the resource gaps in public schools, the brand recently broke ground on a new classroom at Tanda Elementary School in General Santos to support T’boli students. 

As part of its bigger Heart of LifeWear sustainability initiative, UNIQLO also donated AIRism shirts to students and teachers alike to champion comfort in the classroom. It adds to a milestone of over 35,000 LifeWear items distributed to communities in need and disaster relief efforts across the country, including pre-loved pieces donated by customers. The initiative proves that in UNIQLO’s Thank You Festival, the sense of gratitude reaches far and wide.

Customers can also receive a free packable duffle bag for every single-receipt purchase of at least PHP 3,500 during the festival week.

Customers can also receive a free packable duffle bag for every single-receipt purchase of at least PHP 3,500 during the festival week.

Customers can also receive a free packable duffle bag for every single-receipt purchase of at least PHP 3,500 during the festival week.

A “Thank You” Translated into Curated In-Store Experiences

The UNIQLO Thank You Festival transforms every UNIQLO store into a space of celebration, featuring exciting deals that reflect the brand's promise of quality and practicality. Everyone can join the fun and make the most out of these special promotions:

• Best-Value Everyday Essentials: Over 50 LifeWear items at special prices, with favorites like the Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt and kids' AIRism Cotton pieces starting at just PHP 390. 

• First-Time Offers: Significant savings on premium staples, now on sale for the first time, including Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirts (now PHP 1,490) and Oxford Boxy Long Sleeve Shirts (now PHP 990). 

• Exciting Collaborations: The highly anticipated UNIQLO and Cecilie Bahnsen womenswear collection officially launches on May 22, showcasing a line-up of romantic, feminine pieces for both women and girls. Customers are also rewarded with a free packable duffle bag for every single-receipt purchase of at least PHP 3,500 during the festival week.

A “Thank You” That Makes Shopping Online Even Easier

For this year’s Thank You Festival, UNIQLO continues to enhance the online shopping journey for UNIQLO App members. The week-long celebrations showcase exclusive sizes, pre-launch access, and improved "Voice of Customer" feedback features. With specialized online-to-offline corners in select stores, the brand also ensures that convenience and gratitude go hand-in-hand. 

Over 50 LifeWear items at special prices—starting at just PHP 390. Includes favorites like the Crew Neck Short Sleeve T‑Shirt and kids’ AIRism Cotton, plus first-time deals on premium staples.

Over 50 LifeWear items at special prices—starting at just PHP 390. Includes favorites like the Crew Neck Short Sleeve T‑Shirt and kids’ AIRism Cotton, plus first-time deals on premium staples.

More than a retail event, the UNIQLO Thank You Festival is a nationwide moment of connection. By blending customer-focused rewards with community-driven initiatives, UNIQLO reaffirms that the most meaningful way to say "thank you" is by contributing to an inclusive and better everyday life for all. 

Celebrate the UNIQLO Thank You Festival by checking out UNIQLO in-store and online. For more information and to get all the latest updates on UNIQLO, visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo.ph on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram and TikTok. 

I. Facts

On July 20, 2006, the Guild of English Students (Guild), a recognized student organization at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), organized a beauty pageant inside the university’s social hall. To create a runway effect, the student organizers installed a T-shaped ramp lined with 12 open-flame candles housed in paper bags.

Cheryl Sarate, a student contestant, wore a "snow fairy" costume made of highly flammable materials, including cotton balls, plastic cellophane, and feathers. While posing on the ramp, her gown caught fire from one of the candles. The flames quickly engulfed her. She jumped off the stage into the audience area, screaming for help. While students attempted to put out the fire, no faculty members or university staff were present to supervise the event or render immediate aid. Furthermore, no fire safety protocols were activated, no fire alarms sounded, and no fire extinguishers were utilized by school personnel.

The ambulance arrived 30 minutes later. Cheryl suffered severe burns covering 80% of her body and tragically died in the hospital three days later due to cardiac arrest secondary to septic shock and flame burns.

Cheryl’s parents, Antonio and Rosita Sarate, filed an action for damages against USEP, its administrators (Dequito, Escalada, Gordo, Gobantes, and Sumugat), and the Guild adviser, Professor Catherine Roble.

Procedural History:

• Regional Trial Court (RTC) Original Decision: Found USEP and its administrators jointly and severally liable with Prof. Roble for damages.

• RTC Amended Order: Granted USEP's Motion for Partial Reconsideration, absolving the university and its administrators, and finding Prof. Roble solely liable.

• Court of Appeals (CA): Reversed the RTC Amended Order and reinstated the original RTC decision, holding USEP, its administrators, and Prof. Roble collectively liable. USEP et al. appealed to the Supreme Court via a Rule 45 petition, claiming the pageant was an unauthorized, private weekend activity.

II. Issue

Whether the University of Southeastern Philippines, its administrators, and the faculty adviser are liable for damages for the death of Cheryl Sarate.

III. Ruling

YES. The Supreme Court denied the petition and affirmed the liability of USEP, its administrators, and Prof. Roble.

1. Special Parental Authority Under the Family Code

The Supreme Court held that under Articles 218 and 219 of the Family Code, schools, administrators, and teachers exercise special parental authority and responsibility over students under their supervision, instruction, or custody. This authority applies to all authorized activities, whether inside or outside school premises.

The Court rejected USEP's defense that the event was unauthorized. The activity took place inside the university's social hall, was organized by a recognized student organization, and the security guards were given a copy of the rental agreement. Thus, the school had presumptive knowledge and gave tacit authorization. Violation of school policies (e.g., holding events on weekdays instead of weekends) only exposes the adviser to administrative sanctions but does not absolve the institution of its tort liability to third parties.

2. Failure to Prove Proper Diligence

Under Article 219, the only way to escape solidary liability is to prove the exercise of "proper diligence required under the particular circumstances." USEP failed this test.

• The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) investigation revealed that USEP’s fire and safety policies were practically non-existent.

• Neither the student handbook nor the venue rental conditions contained rules regarding the life safety of students.

• The university lacked preparedness: no personnel were trained for first aid, the fire alarm was not triggered, and school staff failed to deploy fire extinguishers.

3. Quasi-Delict Under the Civil Code

The Court also applied Articles 2176 and 2180 of the Civil Code. Prof. Roble, as the Guild adviser, was directly negligent for failing to supervise the event, review the program, or veto the hazardous use of open-flame candles next to highly flammable costumes.

Concurrently, there was collective negligence on the part of USEP and its administrators (from security to student services and corporate enterprise management) for failing to implement safety measures, oversee student safety, and provide adequate emergency response equipment. Their combined negligence was the proximate cause of Cheryl's death, making them principally and solidarily liable.

IV. Dispositive Portion

The Petition for Review on Certiorari was DENIED. The Court of Appeals Decision reinstating the RTC's original judgment was affirmed, holding the petitioners jointly and severally liable for civil indemnity, moral damages, exemplary damages, and attorney's fees.

Time is a law student's most precious yet limited asset, a reality that turns every day into a relentless race against the clock where lectures, readings, work, and life constantly compete for attention. In such a high-pressure environment, routine becomes a strict survival mechanism, leaving no room for leisure and forcing even basic needs like food or rest to be sacrificed for the sake of efficiency. On this particular Thursday, the day unfolded with that familiar, fast-paced rush. After squeezing in a quick home workout, I skipped lunch entirely a common habit when deadlines take center stage and hurried out the door, eager to stay ahead of the crushing schedule.

My motorcycle ride offered a brief, welcome window of calm before the next phase of the day began. Navigating the familiar roads on my PCX 160, I headed toward the office for my seven o'clock evening shift, but arriving early at four in the afternoon created an unexpected three-hour opening. For a law student, idle time is rarely treated as rest; it is an opportunity to be reclaimed and converted into productivity. Every single hour counts when you are working to master the law, so I decided to use this found time to dive straight into my study materials.

Seeking a temporary escape from the heavy demands of the grind, I stepped into a nearby coffee shop, drawn by the comforting hum of conversation and the rich smell of fresh coffee. My plan for those three hours was simple: avoid all distractions and focus entirely while treating myself to my favorite iced café latte and a slice of creamy cheesecake. These small pleasures make the daily stress and exhaustion easier to handle, serving as a gentle reminder that there are still good moments to look forward to. I ordered without hesitation and watched everything fall perfectly into place, right until the moment it suddenly didn't.

The Convenience of Coins.ph in a Critical Moment

I reached into my pocket and felt something reassuring—my smartphone.

In today’s world, our phones are more than just communication devices. They are tools, wallets, and gateways to convenience. And in that moment, it became my saving grace.

Fortunately, I had the Coins.ph app installed.

Even more fortunate was the fact that Coins.ph had recently introduced a feature that proved to be incredibly useful: QRPH crypto payments.

This feature allows users to pay at over 700,000 QRPH-enabled merchants nationwide, using either traditional currency or cryptocurrency. It was not just innovative—it was practical. Especially for moments like this.

What once would have been an inconvenience was now a minor interruption, easily resolved with a few taps on a screen.

Paying Made Effortless

For those unfamiliar with how it works, the process is surprisingly simple:

The interface is intuitive, designed for ease of use even in moments of urgency.

Most establishments now support QRPH, making it widely accessible.

No need for exact change or physical cash.

And just like that—it was done. No wallet. No cash. No problem.

 

An Ordinary Day That Turned Meaningful

With the transaction finally complete, the initial setback faded into the background as my focus shifted back to the true purpose of the afternoon. Settling into a chosen seat with my study materials open, I finally enjoyed the long-awaited reward: a smooth iced café latte that brought instant alertness, paired with a rich slice of cheesecake for comfort. For the next three hours, the coffee shop transformed into a deeply productive space where notes were reviewed and complex legal concepts were analyzed. By focusing entirely on what could be achieved rather than dwelling on what had gone wrong, a potentially ruined afternoon was successfully turned into a triumph of concentration.

This experience served as a powerful reminder that true productivity is rarely about perfect planning, but rather about adapting to unexpected challenges. Law school teaches many vital lessons outside the classroom, and chief among them is resilience—the ability to respond to sudden disruptions without losing focus. As the clock approached six in the evening, I packed away my books with a quiet sense of accomplishment. Walking out of the coffee shop carried a completely different feeling than walking in; what began as a stressful hurdle had evolved into a meaningful lesson in adaptability, proving how modern tools and quick thinking can save our most limited resource: time.

In the end, that ordinary Thursday did not involve major, dramatic achievements, yet it captured something just as valuable for the long journey ahead. For a law student constantly facing high pressure and tight deadlines, growth comes from learning how to navigate daily imperfections and still move forward. Finding balance can be as simple as reclaiming a few hours at a café or embracing a digital solution when things go awry. With the right mindset, even the busiest days can be managed effectively, showing that we do not need flawless control over every moment to make a day successful, productive, and deeply rewarding.

In a landmark collaboration, Novo Nordisk Philippines has officially partnered with Rose Pharmacy to expand access to patient-centered obesity care in Cebu City and across the Visayas region.

Bridging the Gap in the Visayas

The partnership aims to dismantle the persistent barriers that prevent people from seeking help: limited awareness, social stigma, and the difficulty of finding trained healthcare professionals.

By leveraging Rose Pharmacy’s extensive retail network, the initiative brings medical expertise directly into the community. Patients in Cebu can now access reliable information and a more seamless path to professional treatment.

“Obesity is a chronic, complex disease that requires sustained care and support,” says Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. “By partnering with Rose Pharmacy, we hope to help more Filipinos in Cebu access the right treatment and long-term care they deserve.”

The ‘Live Lighter’ Movement: A New National Perspective

This partnership is a key pillar of Novo Nordisk’s broader Live Lighter movement. The initiative is a call to action for Filipinos to stop viewing obesity as a personal failure and start recognizing it as a biological medical condition.

The urgency of this movement is backed by staggering data. The EpiCOb-PH study estimates that obesity cost the Philippine economy approximately Php 1.9 trillion in 2025—roughly 7.3% of the nation’s GDP. When overweight-related conditions are included, that figure climbs to Php 2.7 trillion.

The Role of Science: Introducing Wegovy®

Central to this new era of care is the introduction of innovative, science-based treatments. Novo Nordisk recently launched Wegovy® (semaglutide) in the Philippines.

Unlike traditional weight-loss supplements, this GLP-1 receptor agonist works with the body’s internal biology to:

• Regulate appetite and hunger signals.

• Manage energy intake.

• Address the underlying metabolic processes that make sustained weight loss difficult through diet and exercise alone.

Dr. Christiana Vida Montefalcon, head of Clinical, Medical, and Regulatory affairs at Novo Nordisk Philippines, emphasizes that these advancements provide a "sustainable path toward better health," focusing on overall well-being rather than just the number on the scale.

A Supportive Path Forward

For Cebuanos, the message is clear: You don’t have to do this alone.

Michael So, General Manager of Rose Pharmacy, believes pharmacies are the frontline of this change. “We want to make it easier for more Cebuanos to access reliable information and the support they need to manage obesity with confidence and dignity.”

Through the combination of Rose Pharmacy’s trusted reach and Novo Nordisk’s clinical innovation, the "Live Lighter" movement is ensuring that the journey toward health is guided by science, supported by experts, and free from judgment.

Are you ready to treat obesity right? Visit your local Rose Pharmacy in Cebu to learn more about the Live Lighter movement and how to connect with healthcare professionals today.

CEBU CITY, Philippines — If your smartphone dies or your smart fridge starts acting like a freezer-sized paperweight, help is now officially coming from the heart of the Visayas.

Today, global tech-support titan Asurion cut the ribbon on its brand-new customer solutions center right here in Cebu City. This isn't just another office opening; it’s a massive vote of confidence in local talent, with plans to plug 2,000 new jobs into the Cebuano economy over the next two years.

Scaling Up in the South

The grand opening featured the traditional blessing and ribbon-cutting, bringing together tech leaders and local officials to celebrate Asurion’s sixth major footprint in the Philippines. While the company already has a 7,000-strong army across Manila, Iloilo, and Clark, Cebu was the missing piece of the puzzle.

"As tech weaves itself deeper into our lives, the 'help' button needs to be faster and smarter," said Guru Gowrappan, CEO of Asurion. "Our investment in Cebu is a testament to the incredible talent we see here. This team won't just be answering phones; they’ll be the backbone of our global customer experience."

The New HQ: Six Floors of Innovation

Asurion isn't just taking up space; they’re taking over. The new hub occupies six floors of the Faustina Center, located in the bustling Bonifacio District. They are currently hunting for a diverse crew to fill the halls, including:

• Tech Support & Customer Care (The front-line heroes)

• HR, IT, & Operations (The engine room)

• Digital Marketing & Training (The creative sparks)

Why Work Here? (Besides the View)

Asurion isn't a rookie in the "Best Places to Work" circuit. They’ve held that title for four years running and were recently inducted into the PEZA Hall of Fame. To sweeten the deal for Cebu’s job seekers, the company is packing the trunk with perks:

• Day 1 HMO (No waiting periods here)

• Daily free meals (Yes, actually free)

• Retirement programs and transport allowances

• A culture that respects the "life" part of work-life balance

 

About Asurion

Think of Asurion as the "Chief Technology Officer of your home." Whether it’s a cracked screen, a glitchy gaming console, or a washing machine having a mid-life crisis, Asurion’s 230 million global customers rely on them to keep the digital world spinning.

Ready to join the team? If you’re in Cebu and ready for a career upgrade, head over to joinasurion.com/cebu to see where you fit in. For roles across the rest of the Philippines, check out joinasurion.com/ph.