Held as an Official ASEAN Side Event, Day 2 brought together wellness innovators, functional nutrition experts, fitness executives, healthcare advocates, and community leaders to explore how emerging health technologies can work alongside sustainable nutrition, fitness, mental wellness, leadership development, and grassroots communities.

The day’s program was organized around five interconnected pillars—Mind, Body, Heart & Soul, and Balance & Vitality—offering a holistic framework for addressing the region’s evolving wellness needs.

Advancing Early Diagnostics and Preventive Health

The Mind track opened discussions on the growing importance of early and accessible health monitoring.

Rhea Montes, General Manager of Health Design, discussed emerging infrastructure models for regenerative medicine, while Jocehiro Inoue, Overseas Representative of Yuurea International, highlighted home-based biomarker screening and localized health tracking as tools that could support more proactive approaches to preventive care.

The sessions emphasized the role of accessible health data in helping individuals better understand and manage their wellness.

Gut Health, Nutrition and Sustainable Food Systems

The Body track examined the relationship between nutrition, gut health, and long-term well-being.

Dr. Junhyung Park, Director of TrioHealix, explored the role of the gut microbiome in metabolic health and longevity.

The discussion also connected clinical nutrition with agriculture and local economic development. Allan Monreal, Vice President for Mindanao of United UBE PH, presented the Ube Pavilion and its potential to connect local farming communities with growing international markets for specialty and functional foods.

The discussion highlighted how sustainable food production can contribute not only to individual nutrition but also to livelihoods and regional economic opportunities.

From Fitness to Longevity and Functional Movement

The afternoon sessions focused on the evolving wellness industry and the shift toward maintaining health and physical function throughout longer lives.

Mike Chan, Founder of House of Gaia, discussed functional biohacking approaches designed to support healthy aging and an increasingly aging workforce.

Meanwhile, Ryan Kenneth Trullench, VP-Luzon of WeTAP and Director of Surge Fitness + Lifestyle, presented perspectives on fitness industry metrics and the integration of longevity-focused services into broader fitness and lifestyle platforms.

Together, the sessions explored how fitness, preventive health, and wellness services can become part of a more comprehensive approach to active aging.

Mental Wellness, Workplace Well-Being and Community Resilience

The Heart & Soul pillar shifted the conversation toward psychosocial health and the human side of wellness.

Annaliza Laxamana, Founder of Naheal, discussed approaches to empathetic workplace management and the development of environments that support healing and employee well-being.

Hannah Morillo, Executive Director of the MLAC Institute, highlighted the importance of psychosocial services and community resilience, underscoring the role of emotional support systems in strengthening individuals, workplaces, and communities.

The discussions reinforced the idea that wellness extends beyond physical health to include mental, emotional, and social well-being.

Leadership and the Architecture of Vitality

The program culminated in a joint executive keynote featuring Blue Avelino, CEO of Maxwell Leadership Philippines, and Elizabeth Rose Lo, Functional Nutrition Coach.

The speakers connected leadership development with personal well-being, exploring how physical vitality, mental resilience, and effective leadership can intersect in professional and organizational settings.

Their presentation completed the event’s five-pillar framework, emphasizing a more integrated approach to wellness that considers the individual, workplace, and wider community.

HWONFEX Launches “Go & Get Better” Wellness Circuit

Beyond the conference sessions, HWONFEX 2026 also introduced the “Go & Get Better” Retreat Wellness Circuit Packages, designed around cross-border ASEAN wellness travel.

The packages aim to connect international wellness travelers with local and eco-conscious destinations outside major urban centers, creating opportunities for provincial communities to participate in the region’s growing wellness tourism economy.

The initiative reflects the event’s broader focus on connecting wellness innovation with local communities, sustainable tourism, and livelihood development.

The conference concluded with an immersive sound-healing session facilitated by the Aruga Collective, followed by the closing ceremony led by the HWONFEX Executive Committee and its core partners.

Building an ASEAN Wellness Ecosystem

HWONFEX 2026 positioned wellness as a multidimensional sector spanning healthcare innovation, nutrition, fitness, mental health, leadership, tourism, agriculture, and community development.

By bringing together industry experts and community stakeholders, the event highlighted potential pathways for integrating modern wellness technologies with sustainable and locally rooted practices across Southeast Asia.

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Held as an Official ASEAN Side Event under the theme “Go Explore, Grow Communities, and Glow Together,” the summit was co-presented by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and endorsed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The event focused on strengthening cooperation across healthcare, wellness, tourism, investment, technology, agriculture, and social development, with discussions aimed at building stronger connections throughout Southeast Asia’s health and wellness value chain.

HWONFEX 2026 Highlights ASEAN Health Tourism Opportunities

The summit opened with a policy-focused session featuring Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, DOT Director for Health and Wellness Tourism, alongside DFA Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim, Philippine ASEAN Senior Official Meeting Leader; PCCI President Perry A. Ferrer; and ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines Chairman Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III.

The discussions examined opportunities for closer public-private cooperation in developing health tourism infrastructure, attracting investment, expanding healthcare services, and strengthening regional economic partnerships.

Unlocking Investments in Health and Wellness

Panel I examined investment opportunities and policy mechanisms that could support the development of health and wellness infrastructure in the Philippines.

Roberto Z. Zozobrado, General Manager and CEO of the Philippine Retirement Authority, discussed the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) and its potential role in attracting international retirees and supporting the growing global senior-living and wellness market.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Cortero, Deputy Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), discussed investment incentives and opportunities related to the development of health zones and sports-related facilities.

Positioning the Philippines as a Digital Health Hub

The summit also explored the growing intersection of healthcare and technology.

Former Undersecretary Nora Terrado, during Plenary II, presented a strategic roadmap focused on strengthening the Philippines’ digital health capabilities and its role as a global services hub for international healthcare technology companies.

Connecting Wellness, Agriculture and Traditional Medicine

Panel II examined the relationship between health tourism, local agriculture, traditional medicine, and investment.

Speakers included Board of Investments Director Francis Peñaflor, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, and PITAHC Director General Dr. Ma. Teresa C. Iñigo.

The session explored opportunities to connect local agricultural production and traditional health practices with the expanding wellness and medical tourism sectors while emphasizing standards, sustainability, and market development.

Advancing Healthcare Through Technology

Panel III brought an international perspective to healthcare technology and longevity.

Dr. Junhyung Park, Director of Triohealix, Inc., and Satoshi Geng, CEO of Japan-based MedVigilance, discussed healthcare big data, predictive analytics, and remote patient monitoring.

The discussion highlighted how digital technologies can support preventive care, improve patient monitoring, and contribute to more integrated healthcare systems across ASEAN and beyond.

DSWD Links Preventive Health to Social Development

A central theme of HWONFEX 2026 was the connection between public health, social protection, and economic resilience.

Delivering the keynote address, DSWD Secretary Rexlon Ting Gatchalian emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare, nutrition, wellness, and human capital development in strengthening communities.

A resilient economy cannot be built on reactive healthcare; it must be anchored on proactive wellness and the systemic protection of human capital, Gatchalian said.

He also highlighted the importance of connecting social welfare policies with health, nutrition, and economic opportunities at the grassroots level.

“True social development means shifting from simply managing vulnerabilities to actively empowering our grassroots workforce to thrive,” Gatchalian said.

HWONFEX 2026 Builds a Platform for Regional Collaboration

The HWONFEX 2026 ASEAN Health Tourism & Wellness Economy Summit highlighted the growing convergence of healthcare, tourism, technology, agriculture, investment, nutrition, fitness, and social development across Southeast Asia.

By bringing together government agencies, business organizations, investors, healthcare professionals, and international experts, the event provided a platform for dialogue on developing health and wellness opportunities that can benefit both industries and communities.

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The initiative recognizes schools as important points for identifying health concerns early and helping children access appropriate services, including vision care, rehabilitation, and mental health support.

PhilHealth Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Doctor Beverly Lorraine Ho said the agency is working to bring more schoolchildren into its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), which serves as an entry point to primary and other healthcare services.

“Every child should have access to primary care,” Ho said, emphasizing the importance of reaching children in schools, where they spend a significant portion of their time.

How can schoolchildren access PhilHealth YAKAP benefits?

YAKAP provides continuous primary care, early detection, and preventive health services through accredited primary care providers. PhilHealth has identified schools as priority areas for expanding the program’s reach.

The approach allows schools to help identify learners who may need medical attention and facilitate referrals to appropriate healthcare providers.

Recent PhilHealth initiatives have likewise brought YAKAP services directly to schools, including First Patient Encounters, health screening, consultations, clinic assignment, and access to other PhilHealth services.

PhilHealth provides vision care benefits for children

Vision health is one area where stronger coordination between schools and healthcare providers can benefit learners.

PhilHealth provides an Optometric Benefit Package for children aged 0 to 15 years, covering services such as vision assessment and prescription eyeglasses. PhilHealth’s guidelines also provide for referrals from schools conducting vision screening to accredited optometric clinics.

Ho said PhilHealth wants to strengthen coordination with optometrists so that children identified by schools as potentially having vision problems can be connected with appropriate providers.

The initiative complements the Department of Education’s (DepEd) National Vision Screening Program, which provides vision screening for kindergarten learners and establishes mechanisms for referral and corrective intervention.

Rehabilitation services can support children with developmental concerns

Children with disabilities or developmental concerns may also benefit from PhilHealth packages covering assessment, rehabilitation, and related interventions.

School-based identification can help bring attention to concerns such as speech delays or mobility difficulties and facilitate referrals to covered therapy and rehabilitation services.

“We actually have a package that covers therapists for more than 90 sessions,” she said.

PhilHealth also has benefit packages intended to support children with visual disabilities and other conditions that require rehabilitation or assistive interventions. PhilHealth’s benefit framework includes packages for physical medicine, rehabilitation services, and assistive mobility devices.

Mental health is part of the school-health connection

Mental health is another area where stronger links between schools and healthcare providers can help children receive appropriate support.

As DepEd continues to strengthen school-based mental health and learner well-being programs, PhilHealth’s YAKAP program can serve as a primary-care entry point through which children can be assessed, monitored, and referred when additional healthcare services are needed.

“The entry point to all these benefits is YAKAP. So, our first order of business is to make sure that schoolchildren are covered by YAKAP,” Ho said.

Why is school-based healthcare important?

Schools can play a practical role in connecting education and healthcare because teachers and school personnel may be among the first to notice concerns that could affect a child’s participation and learning.

Through stronger coordination among PhilHealth, DepEd, schools, healthcare providers, local governments, and families, health concerns can be identified earlier and children can be referred to appropriate services.

The effort also supports the broader role of YAKAP as PhilHealth’s expanded primary-care program. PhilHealth describes YAKAP as a pathway to preventive care, consultations, diagnostics, medicines, screening, and referrals to higher levels of care.

By bringing awareness of PhilHealth benefits closer to schools, the initiative seeks to make primary healthcare more accessible to Filipino learners while strengthening referral pathways for vision, rehabilitation, mental health, and other health needs.

The goal is to ensure that health concerns that may interfere with a child’s education are identified and addressed through appropriate healthcare services. (AMB/AIHR, PIA Ilocos Region)

Via Health & Fitness PH

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Men aged 40 and above are encouraged to consider early screening for prostate cancer, particularly those with a family history of the disease, as prostate cancer may develop without obvious symptoms during its early stages.

The reminder was issued by Dr. Moslem Izbeidia, Urology Resident III at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), during the Talakayan sa PIA: Konsultayo Series on September 4, held in observance of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Prostate Cancer May Develop Without Early Symptoms

Izbeidia explained that prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, which is found only in men. Tumors can develop in the outer portion of the prostate, away from the urinary passage, which means a person may not immediately experience urinary symptoms.

“Prostate Cancer is a cancer that develops particularly in men,” Izbeidia said.

Although the risk of prostate cancer generally increases with age, younger men are not completely exempt from the disease.

“We see cases from all ages,” Izbeidia said.

He noted, however, that prostate cancer is more commonly seen among men over 50.

Family History Can Increase Prostate Cancer Risk

According to Izbeidia, age and family history are among the important risk factors that men should consider when discussing prostate cancer screening with a physician.

Men whose father, brother, or son has been diagnosed with prostate cancer may have a higher risk of developing the disease. For those with a significant family history, Izbeidia said screening may need to begin as early as age 40.

Early consultation can help determine an appropriate screening schedule based on an individual’s age, family history, symptoms, and other risk factors.

Watch for Changes in Urination

Men are also advised to consult a doctor if they experience changes in their urinary habits.

Possible warning signs include:

• Frequently waking up at night to urinate
• Weak urine flow
• Difficulty starting or maintaining urination
• Other noticeable changes in urination
• Blood in the urine, particularly when it occurs without pain

These symptoms do not necessarily mean a person has prostate cancer, but they may warrant medical evaluation.

PSA Test and Physical Examination

Prostate cancer screening may include a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and a physical examination known as a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE).

The PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in a person’s blood. However, an elevated PSA level does not automatically indicate prostate cancer. Other prostate conditions can also cause PSA levels to rise.

This is why screening results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional and considered alongside a patient’s medical history and physical examination.

NMMC Assures Patients of Privacy

Izbeidia also addressed concerns that some men may have about undergoing prostate examinations, particularly regarding privacy and confidentiality.

He said consultations and physical examinations at the NMMC Outpatient Department are conducted confidentially and with respect for patients’ privacy.

For men who may be hesitant to undergo screening, early consultation provides an opportunity to discuss concerns with a healthcare professional and determine which examinations are appropriate.

Prostate Cancer Screening and Treatment Services Available

Prostate cancer screening and treatment services are available at government health facilities through the Department of Health’s National Integrated Cancer Control Program.

At NMMC, the Department of Urology provides outpatient consultations and screening services every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

For men in Cagayan de Oro and surrounding areas, the availability of these services provides an opportunity to discuss prostate health, understand individual risk factors, and determine whether screening is appropriate.

Early awareness and timely medical consultation can help men make informed decisions about their prostate health.

(RMND/PIA-10) / via Health & Fitness PH

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Regional retail is not simply about where a business operates. It is about how well a retailer understands the communities it serves—and how effectively it can respond to their everyday realities.

For Rose Pharmacy, that understanding has been shaped by more than seven decades of serving customers across the Visayas and Mindanao.

Founded in Cebu in 1952 by the Lim family, Rose Pharmacy has grown from a local pharmacy into a major regional healthcare retailer, with almost 500 branches serving communities across the Visayas and Mindanao. In 2020, the company became part of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., opening another chapter in its evolution while maintaining the regional identity that has long defined the brand.

That regional identity is more than a geographic footprint. It reflects a close familiarity with the communities where Rose Pharmacy operates—their healthcare needs, preferences, and expectations, as well as the realities of serving customers across geographically dispersed markets.

It is this combination of regional understanding and continuous evolution that helped earn Rose Pharmacy the 2026 OFR Regional Retailer of the Year recognition.

More importantly, its journey offers lessons for retailers well beyond the pharmacy sector: growth becomes more meaningful when it remains connected to customers, communities, and the people who deliver the experience every day.

Understanding the Communities Behind the Market

For Rose Pharmacy, serving the Visayas and Mindanao means recognizing that customers in different communities may have distinct needs and circumstances.

Geography can influence logistics, transportation, inventory management, and access to professional talent. But those realities also create an opportunity: retailers that remain close to their communities can develop a deeper understanding of what customers actually need.

That proximity is particularly important in healthcare retail.

A pharmacy is often more than a place where people purchase medicines. Customers may visit to ask questions, seek information, or find products that support the health and wellness of their families.

Rose Pharmacy’s guiding promise, “We Care Passionately,” reflects this broader responsibility. It is expressed through customer service, professional pharmacy support, employee development, and community initiatives.

At the heart of Rose Pharmacy’s approach is a simple philosophy: being there for people with malasakit, one customer at a time. For the company, that means making care and customer connection part of the everyday retail experience.

That perspective helps explain how a regional retailer can build lasting relevance. The objective is not simply to be present in more locations, but to understand the people in those locations well enough to serve them meaningfully.

Growing With Customers, Not Away From Them

Rose Pharmacy’s evolution has included its integration into the Robinsons Retail Group, the expansion of its product offerings, and the continued development of digital and omnichannel retail.

The pandemic accelerated changes in consumer behavior, particularly in healthcare and everyday essentials. Customers increasingly expected convenience beyond the physical store, prompting retailers to rethink how they could make products more accessible.

Rose Pharmacy responded by strengthening its e-commerce and omnichannel capabilities. Customers can access products through its website and platforms such as Lazada and TikTok Shop, as well as delivery channels including Grab and Foodpanda. Its Call & Deliver service provides another option for customers who prefer a more direct way of ordering.

The important point is that technology supports the customer experience rather than replacing the foundation on which the business was built.

For a healthcare retailer, convenience matters—but so does confidence.

A digital channel can make ordering easier. A well-managed inventory system can improve availability. Data can help retailers understand demand. But when a customer has a question about a medicine or healthcare product, the value of professional and human interaction remains difficult to replicate.

This is where Rose Pharmacy’s experience offers a broader lesson for retail: innovation works best when it solves a real customer need while preserving the trust that makes the relationship valuable.

Technology With a Human Purpose

The growth of digital commerce is reshaping retail, and emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence—are likely to create additional opportunities across the industry.

For retailers, the important question is not simply which technology is newest. It is how technology can make the customer journey more convenient, improve operations, and help employees serve customers more effectively.

Rose Pharmacy’s continued development of digital and omnichannel capabilities demonstrates this practical approach.

Technology can create more ways for customers to access products. It can support better retail processes. But in healthcare, the human element remains essential.

A customer asking about a medicine may need context, professional guidance within the pharmacist’s scope, or simply reassurance.

That is why innovation and human connection do not have to be competing priorities.

The opportunity is to use technology to strengthen the people and processes that customers already trust.

Building the People Behind the Brand

Rose Pharmacy’s story is also a story about people.

The company works with universities, provides scholarships and internships, supports pharmacy students and creates opportunities for employees to develop their careers. Its training initiatives include product education, learning sessions, summits, and employee engagement activities, while career mobility provides opportunities for employees to take on greater responsibilities within the organization.

One example is Irene Jaganas.

Her mother, Vita, spent more than three decades with Rose Pharmacy. Irene herself became a Rose Pharmacy scholar, completed her pharmacy degree and internship with the company, and eventually progressed from Store Pharmacist to Regulatory Officer and toward an Area Operations Manager role in Davao.

Her journey illustrates what can happen when a retailer treats people development as part of its long-term business strategy.

In retail, products can be copied. Promotions can be matched. Technology can be purchased.

People and culture are much harder to replicate.

For regional retailers in particular, developing talent can have an impact far beyond individual careers. It helps build organizational knowledge, strengthens local capabilities, and creates people who understand both the business and the communities it serves.

Care That Extends Beyond the Store

Rose Pharmacy’s community initiatives further demonstrate how its “We Care Passionately” promise extends beyond the traditional retail transaction.

The company has supported the Cancer Warriors Run for seven years, contributing ₱1 million annually to the Cancer Warriors Foundation to help children battling cancer.

Its Back-to-School initiative provides school supplies and essential items to underprivileged children, while its medical missions have supported communities affected by disasters, including those affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Northern Bogo City, Cebu, in 2025.

The company also supports pharmacy students through scholarships and assistance with licensure examination review.

These efforts reinforce a broader idea about modern retail: a retailer’s relationship with its community does not end at the checkout counter.

Businesses create jobs, develop talent, respond during difficult times and become part of the communities where they operate. Over time, those relationships can become one of a retailer’s strongest forms of trust and brand equity.

For Rose Pharmacy, community involvement is therefore not separate from its identity as a retailer. It is part of what that identity means.

Why the OFR Recognition Matters

Against this backdrop, Rose Pharmacy’s recognition as 2026 OFR Regional Retailer of the Year carries significance beyond the award itself.

It recognizes the dedication of its pharmacists, store teams, and support teams serving customers across the Visayas and Mindanao.

But it also highlights a broader model of regional retail excellence—one built on the combination of customer understanding, operational capability, innovation, people development, and community purpose.

Rose Pharmacy has continued to evolve while maintaining the qualities that helped establish its reputation.

That makes its story relevant not only to pharmacy operators, but to retailers across the country navigating an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing marketplace.

What Regional Retail Can Teach the Industry

Rose Pharmacy’s experience offers a useful perspective for retailers of every size.

The first lesson is proximity.

A retailer does not necessarily need the largest footprint to understand customers deeply. Knowing the communities where you operate—and translating that knowledge into better service—can become a meaningful competitive advantage.

The second is purposeful innovation.

Technology should not be adopted simply because it is available. Its value comes from making something better for the customer or the people serving them.

The third is people development.

A strong retail organization is built not only through stores, products and systems, but through employees who understand the brand and have opportunities to grow with it.

And the fourth is community connection.

Retailers become stronger when customers see them as participants in community life rather than simply places to transact.

These principles apply whether a retailer operates five stores or hundreds.

A neighborhood pharmacy can build trust through service. A grocery retailer can understand the needs of its local market. A specialty retailer can develop employees into experts. An e-commerce company can use technology to make the customer journey easier.

The underlying question remains the same:

What value are you creating for the people who choose to do business with you?

The Next Chapter

The retail environment will continue to evolve.

Digitalization, data-driven decision-making, omnichannel commerce and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence will create new possibilities for retailers. How individual companies adopt these developments will depend on their customers, operations, and strategic priorities.

For Rose Pharmacy, however, the broader direction of its journey remains grounded in a distinctly human ambition: making healthcare more accessible while creating opportunities for employees and strengthening the communities it serves.

That may ultimately be the most meaningful definition of regional retail excellence.

Not simply being present in more places, but being useful in more places.

Not simply growing bigger, but growing deeper roots.

And not simply selling more, but earning more trust.

The 2026 OFR Regional Retailer of the Year recognition is a milestone for Rose Pharmacy. More importantly, it reflects a model of retail where commercial growth and community purpose can move in the same direction.

For a company that began with a regional identity in Cebu more than seven decades ago, that may be the most enduring lesson of all.

The future of regional retail is not about choosing between care and innovation, people and technology, or growth and community. The opportunity is to bring them together in ways that make a real difference to the people a retailer serves.

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Today, 2K announced that NBA® 2K27, the latest iteration of the NBA video game franchise developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K, is now available on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), XBOX Series X|S, PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch 2. NBA 2K27 arrives with overhauled gameplay and new depth across every mode, from the court to The City to the front office.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni_MOtxFif4 “With overhauled, balanced gameplay at its core, this year’s release introduces a depth of content and features to satisfy every kind of player,” said Greg Thomas, President at Visual Concepts. “From the new MyCAREER Eras mode and the first Co-Ed City in franchise history, to a 100-year MyNBA Legacy and Player XP on every MyTEAM card, every aspect of NBA 2K27 has been built to give players more ways to compete.” What’s New in NBA 2K27Gameplay – Overhauled, Balanced, and Driven by Skill: NBA 2K27 overhauls both ends of the floor, powered by ProPLAY®. New offensive tools give players the creative freedom to separate from defenders, from step-through up-and-unders to a fully customizable dribbling suite. On the other end, defensive stoppers will experience redesigned hands-up defense, an overhauled shot contest system, expanded defensive cutoffs, and a new collision system while a revamped Takeover system and smarter AI bring every possession to life. Philadelphia 76ers’ guard Tyrese Maxey and Gameplay Director Mike Wang detail the latest gameplay improvements in the NBA 2K27 Gameplay Courtside Report Video.Welcome to the First Co-ed City: For the first time, players can build a female MyPLAYER to take to The City. Now male and female MyPLAYERs compete side by side across every multiplayer mode in The City – with all MyPLAYERs built on the exact same framework for on-court performance parity. Inspired by community feedback, The REC, The Theater, Ante-Up, and Seasonal Parks all feature brand-new environments. The REC now rotates between five distinct venues each game, a legendary court joins Street Kings, and new Daily Rivals mode puts daily standings on the line. The City also adds the all-new Crew HQ, a dedicated home base for squads to practice, ranked competition, private games, Crew progression, and seasonal tournaments, and Casual Corner, an optional rookie-friendly hub for players to find their footing. Jaylen Brown and Erick Boenisch of Visual Concepts break down the latest updates coming to The City in the NBA 2K27 City Courtside Report.MyCAREER: NBA 2K27 delivers one of the biggest updates to MyCAREER in years giving players unprecedented control over the path they take to the top. Players can run the NBA across one of five legendary eras in the brand-new MyCAREER Eras mode, live out a modern comeback story in “Fire & Concrete,” the most expansive cinematic narrative in the series to date, or team up with a friend in the first co-op* MyCAREER in franchise history. Back to Basics in MyNBA: MyNBA gets back to basics with a rebuilt core franchise experience: community-requested roster tools, improved CBA contract negotiations, and an all-new GM Trust system that puts a player’s executive reputation on the line. Topping it off is MyNBA Legacy, a brand-new player-locked RPG experience spanning a 100-year universe. Jeff Schrader of Visual Concepts breaks down the latest updates coming to MyNBA in the NBA 2K27 MyNBA Courtside Report. More MyPLAYER Builder Versatility, New Female Builds: The most versatile MyPLAYER Builder in franchise history. Shaped by strategic Badge Tokens, reworked Badge Progression, and the all-new Synergy system. For the first time, players can create female MyPLAYERs and take them into the now co-ed City. San Antonio Spurs’ Center Victor Wembanyama and Gameplay Producer Bryant Colon break down the biggest MyPLAYER Builder updates int the NBA 2K27 MyPLAYER Builder Courtside Report video. Level Up In MyTEAM With Player XP And Expanded Exchange: MyTEAM in NBA 2K27 is built around a single idea: that every card has value. An expanded Exchange now accepts any Player Card (Free Agent cards excluded), an all-new Player XP system lets every card level up through play, and the Auction House is unified across PS5, XBOX Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, creating the largest pool of community-listed cards in MyTEAM history. Fan-favorite modes Triple Threat Online and Clutch Time Online also return as part of a rotating slate of limited-time modes. San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle and Jonathan Smith of Visual Concepts break down the latest MyTEAM updates in the NBA 2K27 MyTEAM Courtside Report video. Call the Shots on the Court and From the Front Office in The W and MyWNBA: MyWNBA and The W include dedicated single-player experiences. Updates include a Build-as-You-Go progression model, an updated Game Attribute System, all-new Team Badges and Teammate Badges and tools to run a WNBA franchise. Check out the NBA 2K27 The W and MyWNBA Courtside Report. NBA 2K HQ App. Players can download the NBA 2K HQ app to create builds from anywhere and upload them directly to their console, or share with friends via QR code. The app also includes Crew and friend messaging, daily leaderboards and rewards tracking, improved Face Scan, and mobile-exclusive daily login rewards.   What’s New for NBA 2K27 on Nintendo Switch 2 On Nintendo Switch 2, NBA 2K27 delivers a 60 FPS Performance Mode for the first time, with Fidelity Mode also available. The Switch 2 version adds party-style motion mini-games built around Switch 2 technology, including a 3PT Contest, Blacktop-style games, a Dunk Contest, and Pop-a-Shot. It also supports GameShare, and full mouse support.  Enhanced Visual Fidelity on PC with NVIDIA DLSS 5NBA 2K27 supports NVIDIA DLSS 5, raising the bar of visual fidelity even further by introducing 3D-Guided Neural Rendering exclusively for GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs. Developed in close collaboration between NVIDIA and Visual Concepts, DLSS 5 boosts the visual quality of materials and lighting to deliver a jump in photorealism across the game all while preserving the integrity of athlete scans. DLSS 5 is optional for those with GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs GeForce NOW Ultimate.Visit the NBA 2K27 official website for more information. Follow NBA 2K27 on TikTok, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Facebook for the latest NBA 2K27 news.Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K27 is rated E for Everyone from the ESRB.Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(NASDAQ: TTWO). NBA 2K27 is officially licensed by the NBA, the WNBA, the WNBPA, and PLYRS UNTD, the consumer-facing, commercial brand of the NBPA. *Prices based on 2K’s suggested retail price. Actual retail price may vary. See local retailers for more info and availability.**Online play requires an Internet connection and NBA 2K Account. Console online play requires separate paid subscription. Terms apply.  About 2KFounded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices, with product availability including physical retail and digital download. The Company is home to many talented development studios, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber, Gearbox and HB Studios. 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA® 2K; renowned BioShock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization® and XCOM® brands; popular WWE® 2K and WWE® SuperCard franchises, TopSpin® as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR® 2K. Additional information about 2K and its products may be found at 2K.com and on the Company’s official social media channels.  About Take-Two Interactive SoftwareHeadquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. We develop and publish products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, and Zynga. Our strategy is to create hit entertainment experiences, delivered on every platform relevant to our audience through a variety of sound business models. Our pillars – creativity, innovation, and efficiency – guide us as we strive to create the highest quality, most captivating experiences for our consumers. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at http://www.take2games.com.

Via: Health & Fitness P

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The recognition reflects nearly three decades of partnership between Globe and the AFP, which began in 1996 through an agreement allowing both organizations to install, operate, and maintain communications equipment within each other’s facilities. This long-standing collaboration continues to support the AFP’s mission-critical connectivity requirements, with the Golden Flame Partnership Award recognizing Globe’s enduring commitment to strengthening national connectivity and security through trusted collaboration.

The company received the distinction for its contributions through the PAGASA Project and other initiatives that enable secure communications and strengthen the AFP’s operational readiness. Among the 16 inaugural awardees, Globe was the only telecommunications company recognized and the sole recipient nominated by the AFP Communications, Electronics and Information Systems Service (J6), underscoring its unique role in advancing the military’s communications capabilities.

The award was presented at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, led by now-retired AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., in conjunction with the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). During the ceremony, Brawner underscored the importance of the AFP’s partnerships in advancing its mission, recognizing the awardees as key contributors to the organization’s success.

Other inaugural awardees included Ayala Corporation, BDO, BDO Foundation, Metrobank, GMA Kapuso Foundation, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), Asia Pacific College, and the United States Joint United States Military Assistance Group (US-JUSMAG), underscoring the significance of the recognition and the diverse partnerships that support the AFP’s mission. 

“Globe is deeply honored to be among the first recipients of the AFP Golden Flame Partnership Award. This recognition affirms our commitment to stand with the AFP in advancing mission-critical connectivity and support initiatives that help strengthen national service, operational readiness, and the broader cause of nation-building,” said Joel Agustin, Senior Vice President for Service Planning and Engineering.

Reliable connectivity plays an increasingly important role in supporting the AFP’s operations, enabling secure communications and coordination across mission-critical activities. Through sustained investments in resilient digital infrastructure and strategic partnerships, Globe remains committed to helping empower institutions that serve the Filipino people and contribute to a safer, more connected, and digitally enabled nation.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Via: healthandfitnessph

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These are some of the tasks taking place at LG Electronics’ new Data Factory in Seoul, where the company is bringing together decades of manufacturing and logistics know-how with NVIDIA’s robotics technologies to train and continuously improve robots.

Currently under construction at LG’s Yangjae R&D Campus, the Data Factory is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2026. Spanning four floors—one basement level and three above ground—with a total floor area of 10,000 square meters, the facility is expected to house several hundred robots by year-end.

LG has already deployed its self-developed, field-proven LG CLOiD home robots at scale to generate, collect and learn from data.

Where robots learn by doing

Rather than simply serving as a testing laboratory, the Data Factory provides dedicated environments where robots can repeatedly practice tasks while LG generates, validates and refines the resulting data.

In a replicated home environment, LG CLOiD learns and repeats cleaning tasks. In another space modeled on LG’s washing machine plant in Tennessee, CLOiD units practice moving, stacking and assembling a variety of parts.

Robots are also being deployed in LG CNS’s logistics automation solutions, while a separate space is being used by LG Innotek to train robotic hands.

The data collected from these environments will be linked with NVIDIA’s robotics stack, where it can be augmented and synthesized into high-quality data for robot learning.

For LG, this creates what it calls a “data flywheel”: a cycle in which high-quality data is repeatedly secured and then used to train and continuously improve robots.

LG is combining this process with detailed data gathered over decades from its manufacturing and logistics operations. The Data Factory will also serve as a base for expanding, synthesizing and amplifying robot-learning data gathered from LG manufacturing and logistics sites and home appliances worldwide.

Bringing NVIDIA’s robotics technologies into the picture

The facility incorporates NVIDIA’s physical AI technologies, including NVIDIA Omniverse libraries, NVIDIA Cosmos open world models and the open NVIDIA Isaac robotics development platform, which are used from data to deployment.

By the end of 2026, LG expects training data collected directly at the Data Factory, together with data synthetically generated and augmented using NVIDIA Cosmos open world models, to total 100,000 hours—equivalent to roughly 12 years of data.

LG plans to use this data to advance its Robot Foundation Model (RFM), which underpins the performance of humanoid robots.

The collaboration follows an agreement signed just days earlier. LG Group and NVIDIA signed a memorandum of understanding for strategic collaboration on future business initiatives at NVIDIA’s headquarters in Santa Clara, California, on August 13 local time.

Four days later, senior executives from LG Electronics and other LG Group affiliates met with NVIDIA officials at LG’s Data Factory to review the collaboration and discuss ways to generate further synergies. The quick follow-up reflects the companies’ intention to solidify their strategic cooperation and accelerate commercialization of the robotics business.

From industrial robots to robots for the home

The Data Factory comes as LG makes robotics a bigger part of its business.

LG has designated 2026 as the starting point of its robotics business push. Last month, it established a dedicated Robotics Business Center that reports directly to the CEO and oversees the companywide robotics business, with a mandate to improve execution and efficiency.

The company has already established a presence in industrial and commercial robotics and plans to expand into home robotics.

LG is bringing together its manufacturing expertise, experience developing core robotic components such as actuators, and the large-scale robot-learning data managed through its Data Factory as it works toward becoming a comprehensive robotics solutions provider with both hardware and software capabilities.

“Through the synergy built on ‘One LG’ – bringing together core capabilities across the Group – and strategic collaboration with global partners, we will secure our competitiveness in physical AI and become a comprehensive robotics solutions provider,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, CEO of LG Electronics.

Via: healthandfitnessph

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For Roberto “Bobby” Claudio, both have become part of a retail journey spanning decades.

At the 2026 Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards, Claudio was honored with the PRA President’s Award as a Pillar of Philippine Retail Leadership, alongside Ma. Alegria “Bing” Limjoco. The recognition celebrates decades of service and lasting contributions to the growth of Philippine retail.

It is a distinction that reflects not simply longevity, but a career that connects entrepreneurship, industry leadership, advocacy, and service.

From a Small Greenhills Store to a Philippine Retail Institution

Claudio’s entrepreneurial story began modestly.

In 1978, he left his job at a multinational company and opened a small toy store in Greenhills Shopping Center with the help of his brothers. Called Toby’s Forms and Shapes, the business was named after his eldest son.

The original concept did not last long.

Instead of holding on to something that was not working, Claudio recognized another opportunity and transformed the business into a sporting goods store—a decision that would eventually help reshape sports retail in the Philippines.

That willingness to adapt would become an enduring lesson from his career.

Today, Toby’s Sports has grown from that small Greenhills shop into a major multi-brand sports retailer carrying more than 100,000 items from over 160 brands, according to the company’s website.

But Claudio’s influence would eventually extend far beyond the company he helped build.

Helping Build the Organization Behind Philippine Retail

One of the most significant aspects of Claudio’s legacy is his long association with the Philippine Retailers Association.

PRA identifies Claudio as one of its founding members, making his connection to the organization part of a much longer story than his recent leadership positions.

He was elected PRA President for the 2023-2025 term, during which the association pursued initiatives involving fair competition, intellectual property rights, sustainability, tourism, digital transformation and people development.

Among the initiatives highlighted during his leadership were support for policies intended to create a more level playing field between traditional and online retailers, stronger cooperation with organizations concerned with intellectual property and competition, participation in the United Nations Global Compact, support for tourism-related retail initiatives, and programs addressing digital transformation and skills development.

His contribution to association leadership was recognized beyond the retail community in 2024, when the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives named him Outstanding Association Board Member of the Year at its ANG SUSI Awards.

When PRA elected its new officers for 2025-2027, Golden ABC’s Alice Liu succeeded Claudio as President, while Claudio assumed the position of Chairman of the PRA Board—continuing his involvement in guiding the organization.

Leadership Through Collaboration

Claudio’s record at PRA also illustrates an important aspect of modern retail leadership: building relationships beyond one’s own company.

During his presidency, PRA strengthened collaborations touching areas ranging from intellectual property and digital commerce to sustainability and tourism. One example was the renewal of PRA’s agreement with FILSCAP, which provided benefits to qualified PRA members while supporting a continuing relationship between retail and the creative sector.

This collaborative approach matters because retail has become increasingly interconnected.

Retailers today must navigate technology, e-commerce, regulation, sustainability, intellectual property, changing consumer behavior and workforce transformation simultaneously.

No single retailer can address all those challenges alone.

Industry associations therefore become more important—not merely as networking organizations, but as platforms where businesses can find a collective voice.

Claudio’s years of involvement with PRA helped reinforce that principle.

A Legacy That Also Looks to the Next Generation

There is another dimension to Claudio’s story that extends beyond commerce.

Through the Toby’s Youth Sports Foundation, the organization has supported programs using sports as a vehicle for youth development and community engagement. The foundation has worked with various organizations and communities, while its long-running Sports for Hope initiative was recognized in 2015 as a leading sports corporate social responsibility program.

That commitment provides another perspective on Claudio’s legacy.

Retail leadership can be about growing stores, increasing market share and building brands. But its broader value emerges when business becomes a platform for contributing to communities and creating opportunities for others.

What the 2026 PRA President’s Award Represents

The Pillar of Philippine Retail Leadership recognition at the 2026 OFR Awards therefore carries particular meaning.

Claudio’s story stretches from the entrepreneurial decision to transform a small Greenhills toy store in 1978 into what would become Toby’s Sports, to helping lead an organization representing the interests and aspirations of the country’s retail community.

Across that journey runs a consistent thread: adapt, collaborate, and keep building.

It is also a story that mirrors Philippine retail itself.

The industry Claudio entered in the late 1970s bears little resemblance to today’s marketplace of e-commerce, omnichannel shopping, artificial intelligence, data-driven operations and rapidly evolving consumer expectations.

Yet the fundamentals that allowed businesses to endure remain recognizable: understanding customers, responding to change, building relationships and having the courage to reinvent when circumstances demand it.

That may ultimately explain why a legacy award matters.

It does not simply recognize what a leader accomplished in the past.

It recognizes what that person’s work made possible for those who came after.

For Roberto “Bobby” Claudio, the 2026 PRA President’s Award is a recognition of a businessman who helped build an enduring Filipino retail enterprise, a founding member who continued serving the PRA decades later, and an industry leader who remained engaged as Philippine retail entered a new generation.

From entrepreneur to advocate, from PRA President to Chairman, his journey demonstrates that some of the strongest business legacies are not built by standing at the center of an industry.

They are built by helping the entire industry move forward.

Via: healthandfitnessph

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Call of Duty: Warzone Season 05 Reloaded arrives 21 August 2AM AEST with a new Multiplayer map, Turbo Tilt, a pinball-inspired take on Nuketown, plus a second Freerun obstacle course and the return of Cranked Moshpit. Zombies closes out its Black Ops 7 storyline with Rex Infernus, the final Round-Based map, as the crew makes their last stand against the Warden. Over in Call of Duty: Warzone, Loaded Resurgence joins in as a Weekend LTM, and Special Delivery Drones drop new Weapon Camos for anyone who can shoot them down. It’s also the last chance to play Endgame for free, as the mode moves to Black Ops 7 owners only starting next season. 

Check out the Season 05 Reloaded trailer here. 

Here’s what’s coming in Season 05 Reloaded: 

Multiplayer: 

Multiplayer Maps: Battle inside a massive pinball machine built from iconic Nuketown history as bumpers, ramps, and targets come alive in the brand-new Turbo Tilt Multiplayer map. Explore obstacles and locations from the infamous cul-de-sac while striving for a high score. Plus, undertake a new obstacle course in Freerun: Descent, offering rewards to Operators who prove their skill across seven zones of escalating mobility challenges.

Cranked Returns: In Cranked Moshpit, eliminate enemies to earn Operator buffs and start the Cranked timer. Keep slaying and stay on the objective to keep the timer and your life from running out.

Zombies: 

New Round-Based Zombies Map – Rex Infernus: Confront the Warden in the grand finale of the Black Ops 7 Zombies storyline as the crew attempts to save reality itself. Welcome to Rex Infernus, the next and final Round-Based Zombies map launching with Season 05 Reloaded.

New Enemies, Trap, and Quest Rewards: Stand up to deadly Deathspinners and the Web Mother, swarming the crew with a mix of melee attacks and ranged web projectiles. Smash foes to pieces with the aid of the new Titan Trap and earn rewards while taking on the Main Quest in Standard and Cursed Mode.

New Features: Trap enemies in an explosion of webs with the new Widow’s Wine Perk-a-Cola and greatly empower your weapon with the Fully Packed Ultra GobbleGum. Dig through the Mystery Box in Rex Infernus for the chance to earn the new TR2 Marksman Rifle and Olympia Shotgun legacy weapons!

Call of Duty: Warzone 

Mid-Season LTM: Loaded Resurgence arrives as a Weekend LTM.

New Gameplay Features: Take on a Most Wanted Contract to secure the Quickdrop Kit, cutting down your squad’s redeploy time in Resurgence. And keep your eyes to the sky as Special Delivery Drones appear; bring one down and survive to claim new Weapon Camos.

End Game: 

The Burn Continues: Kick up dust with the continuation of the limited-time Burn Run Assignment, challenging Operators to race through dozens of flaming checkpoints while knocking over enemies and obstacles and grabbing power-ups to help beat the clock.

Last Chance for Free to Play: Play Endgame for free through the end of Season 05. Invite your friends to join the squad and level up and earn rewards through the co-operative game mode’s multiple Operations.

Across all modes: 

New Weapons, Attachments: Get medieval and rush enemies with the new Mace Melee Weapon, combining long reach with high damage attacks to help break the enemy line. Other Weekly Challenge rewards include the RK-9 Calibrated Strike System and the Peacekeeper MK1 Gauss Accelerator.

New Events: Face the Warden with Zombies-themed rewards including new Operator Skins and more earned in the Last Call Event, race through the Freerun: Descent obstacle course in a new Challenge Event and earn new Emblems and Weapon Camos through the

Call of Duty: Warzone Ranked Series event.  

New Store Offerings: The Mid-Season delivers new Bundles featuring premium content including Ultra Skins, Reactive content, and Mastercraft Weapon Blueprints, including a selection of Zombies themed Bundles providing the perfect sendoff for the final

Black Ops 7 Zombies map, Rex Infernus.  

For full Season 05 Reloaded details, head to the Call of Duty

blog.

Via: healthandfitnessph

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