BY ALEX ALAGON
MANILA, BINONDO — Radarkpop, a leading digital media network specializing in entertainment intelligence and global fandom tracking, has officially published its highly anticipated 2026 Mid-Year Percentage Data Collection rankings.
According to the newly released metrics, a massive structural shift in digital consumer engagement is occurring across the global entertainment sector. Most notably, JL Gaspar—the prominent main vocalist, dancer, and center of the rising global group AHOF has secured the definitive number-one position, significantly widening his statistical lead over international competitors due to an unprecedented surge in global fandom backing.
“Our digital tracking portfolios have registered an extraordinary spike in international consumer interactions this year,” stated a representative from Radarkpop. “The dominant metric surge achieved by artists like JL Gaspar proves that the landscape of fan-driven digital interaction is evolving rapidly. Radarkpop remains dedicated to providing transparent, comprehensive analytical data to the global entertainment community.”
The newly released 2026 dataset reflects deep-dive analytical insights into shifts in industry trends, rapidly accelerating data shares, and evolving reader consumption habits observed over the past tracking year. The full, comprehensive data collection rankings are now accessible to industry professionals, media networks, and the general public alike through Radarkpop’s official tracking network.
The MICHELIN Guide today unveils its 2026 MICHELIN Key hotel selection (The 2025 MICHELIN Key Hotels: A Guide to the Global Selection), recognizing the most outstanding hotel experiences around the world. Following months of anonymous inspections and evaluations, the global selection now features 2,832 MICHELIN Key hotels across 79 countries, including 155 Three MICHELIN Keys, 657 Two MICHELIN Keys, and 2,020 One MICHELIN Keys. The 2026 selection also welcomes 470 newly awarded Key hotels and more than 80 promotions worldwide.
As one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and diverse travel destinations, the Philippines continues to strengthen its presence within The MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection. This year, 9 hotels across the country have earned MICHELIN Keys, reflecting the Philippines’ wide variety of hospitality experiences, from luxury city stays and world-class island resorts to distinctive retreats deeply connected to their local surroundings.
“This second global selection of the MICHELIN Keys reflects the extraordinary momentum driving the hospitality sector once again this year. With nearly 470 newly distinguished establishments, we are witnessing a continuous upscaling of the offering, driven by even more creative and ambitious projects. All around the world, hoteliers are reinventing the stay experience through more immersive, personalized, and experiential concepts.”
“This capacity for innovation is expressed both in must-visit destinations and in emerging tourist markets. Often driven by visionary independent hotelkeepers, this evolution in concepts is now inspiring the industry as a whole. It is also supported by investments from major international groups, which are helping to accelerate this transformation. The 2026 selection thus celebrates the diversity, vitality, and excellence of an ever-evolving sector, one that continues to push the boundaries of the hospitality experience and invite travelers to discover new destinations,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide.
Philippines: 9 MICHELIN Key Hotels Showcase the Best of Filipino Hospitality
The Philippines’ MICHELIN Key selection expands to 9 distinguished hotels and resorts in 2026, reflecting the country’s growing reputation for exceptional hospitality experiences across urban destinations, island retreats, and luxury resorts.
The 2026 selection comprises:
- 2 Two MICHELIN Keys (including 1 new hotel and 1 promoted hotel)
- 7 One MICHELIN Keys (including 4 newly awarded hotels)
From the pristine islands of Palawan and Siargao to the dynamic energy of Manila and Cebu, the selection celebrates properties that offer memorable stays deeply connected to their destinations.
- Two MICHELIN Keys
El Nido Resorts Lagen Island, El Nido (NEW)
Set in a forested cove surrounded by limestone cliffs and overlooking Bacuit Bay, El Nido Resorts Lagen Island combines sustainability with comfort in one of the Philippines’ most spectacular natural settings. Native Filipino-inspired accommodations, abundant outdoor adventures, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship create an exceptional island experience.
Raffles Makati, Manila (PROMOTED)
Promoted from One to Two MICHELIN Keys, Raffles Makati offers an intimate luxury experience in the heart of Manila. All-suite accommodations, personal butler service, elegant interiors, and exclusive amenities combine with the renowned hospitality of the Raffles brand to deliver an exceptional stay.
- One MICHELIN Key
NUSTAR Hotel Cebu, Cebu City (NEW)
Part of NUSTAR Resort & Casino, NUSTAR Hotel combines contemporary design, spacious accommodations, and sweeping sea and city views. Its lively atmosphere and integrated entertainment offerings make it a distinctive addition to Cebu’s hospitality landscape.
El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island, El Nido (NEW)
Surrounded by a pristine white-sand beach and crystal-clear waters, Pangulasian Island offers contemporary villas that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Outdoor adventures, thoughtful design, and spectacular scenery define the experience.
Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts, Manila (NEW)
Located within Newport World Resorts, Hotel Okura Manila brings refined Japanese hospitality to the Philippine capital. Contemporary rooms, elegant public spaces, a rooftop pool, and a distinctive Japanese aesthetic create a sophisticated urban escape.
Manami Resort, Sipalay City (NEW)
Set on a secluded hillside overlooking the Sulu Sea, Manami Resort features just eighteen villas designed to blend naturally into the landscape. Personalized service, locally inspired dining, and a tranquil setting make it a unique destination in Negros Occidental.
Completing the Philippines’ One MICHELIN Key selection, Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao, General Luna; Fairmont Makati, Manila; and Amanpulo, Pamalican Island retain their distinctions from the 2025 MICHELIN Key Selection, reaffirming their continued commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.
The MICHELIN Keys: A Trusted Benchmark for Hotel Excellence
The MICHELIN Key is The MICHELIN Guide’s distinction for hotels, recognizing the most outstanding stays within its global hotel selection. Just as MICHELIN Stars celebrate exceptional restaurants, MICHELIN Keys highlight hotels delivering remarkable hospitality experiences. Hotels are independently assessed by MICHELIN Guide Inspectors against five universal criteria, including architecture and design, service quality, individuality, value for money, and connection to destination.
The distinctions are:
- One MICHELIN Key: A very special stay.
- Two MICHELIN Keys: An exceptional stay.
- Three MICHELIN Keys: An extraordinary stay.
Celebrating Excellence Beyond the Keys: Four Special Awards
In addition to the MICHELIN Keys, The MICHELIN Guide recognizes remarkable achievements across specific areas of hospitality through four Special Awards:
- The MICHELIN Guide Architecture & Design Award goes to Desert Rock Resort in Umluj, Saudi Arabia, a striking property carved into the landscape of the Hijaz Mountains.
- The MICHELIN Guide Wellness Award highlights Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway in Elmau, Germany, for its particularly rich and varied approach to wellness.
- The MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award celebrates Airelles Palladio Venice in Venice, Italy, the first Airelles property outside France and a new arrival overlooking the Giudecca Canal.
- The MICHELIN Guide Local Gateway Award spotlights Londolozi Game Reserve in Kruger, South Africa, a pioneering safari property with a long history of connecting guests with the landscape and culture of the region.
All MICHELIN Guide hotel recommendations are available on The MICHELIN Guide website and mobile application, where travelers can discover, compare, and directly book exceptional stays around the world.
THE STORY of The New Yummy Corner (The NYC) is one of courage, resilience, and a shared dream brought to life through grit and collaboration.
Founded by Melca and Jeric, former banking professionals in Cebu City, The NYC was born out of a bold decision to leave behind promising corporate careers and return home to Davao City. Motivated by a desire to be closer to family and pursue their passion for food entrepreneurship, the couple took a leap of faith—investing not only their savings but also their future into a dream.
In 2019, they launched Rainbow Cup Milk Tea, a small kiosk located along Torres Street. What began with optimism was soon met with an unforeseen challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses across the globe, operations were abruptly halted. Instead of stepping back, the founders pivoted—introducing home delivery services to remain connected with their customers and maintain business continuity.
After a year of navigating pandemic-related disruptions, the couple made a strategic and courageous decision to expand. Recognizing the need for a stronger management and creative foundation, they brought in key partners: Melca’s sister, an experienced marketing and events professional; her partner, a culinary arts graduate; and two trusted friends who provided vital capital investment. This collaboration laid the groundwork for the company’s next chapter.
On March 13, 2021, The New Yummy Corner (The NYC) officially opened its doors—offering Dabawenyos a reimagined dining experience grounded in quality, creativity, and community. Despite launching in the midst of a global health crisis, the venture proved successful, quickly gaining traction and earning customer loyalty.
Building on its early success, The NYC reached another major milestone by opening a bigger second branch at SM Lanang—only a year after it began operations—marking a significant step in the brand’s expansion and growing presence in Davao City.
Today, The NYC continues to grow, driven by a shared vision to serve delicious, thoughtfully crafted food while fostering meaningful connections with our guests and the local community. The brand stands as a testament to entrepreneurial spirit, family values, and the power of taking bold chances—especially when they matter most.
Systems built for scalable growth
Behind every successful plate is a system designed for consistency and expansion. The company has developed operational structures that make The NYC franchise-ready:
- Standardized Recipes & Food Preparation Systems
- Comprehensive Staff Training Programs
- Operations Manuals & Store Playbooks
- Marketing & Branding Support
- Supply Management & Inventory Systems
- Ongoing Business & Performance Support
The goal is simple: to ensure that every branch delivers the same quality, service, and experience that customers have come to love.
The next chapter
Rooted in courage, guided by shared values, and strengthened by experience, The New Yummy Corner enters a new phase of growth—one that extends beyond our own tables and into the hands of trusted partners.
Its owners understand that every investment is a leap of faith, much like how The NYC began. That is why they are committed to walking alongside their partners—providing structured support in training, operations, and brand development to ensure consistency and long-term sustainability.
Each new location carries more than our name—it carries the story, standards, and commitment to serve with heart.
The NYC has built a reputation as Davao’s Best Tasting Unlimited Wings and for a New York City vibe and dining experiences—a key factor behind its growing popularity and staying power.
SM Davao Malls, EMB XI, and partners collect over 4,800 kilos of wastes in International Coastal Cleanup Day
Volunteers from SM City Davao, SM Lanang, government partners, organizations, schools, and private companies joined hands on September 19 to pursue collective action in protecting the coastlines along Seaside 2, Barangay Matina Aplaya.
In partnership with Environmental Management Bureau XI and City Government of Davao, the International Coastal Cleanup Day brought together 852 volunteers and collected 4,832 kilos of wastes.
With the theme “Bayanihan Para sa Karagatan: Together for Our Oceans,” the nationwide initiative focused on coastal cleanup efforts and raising awareness of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems through collective action.
“Together, let us embrace the spirit of volunteerism, and take action for cleaner shores and healthier oceans,” said Kim Benedict Tesoro, assistant mall manager of SM City Davao.
The conduct of International Coastal Cleanup Day took place simultaneously at 32 SM malls nationwide, bringing communities together in protecting coastal areas.
This is part of SM Green Movement, which targets to champion sustainability and empower communities to care for the environment, one piece of litter at a time.
MANILA — The countdown to Motunui begins. As Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert sails towards its October 3–4 performances at The Theatre at Solaire, anticipation is building for a weekend of music, adventure, and a special opportunity for fans to meet the artists bringing the beloved story to life.
The concert will feature Disney’s Moana projected on the big screen, with its acclaimed score and songs performed live by the 78-member Filharmonika Orchestra. Janella Salvador will provide the vocals for Moana, with Gian Magdangal as Maui, conducted by Gerard Salonga.
MEET MOANA, MAUI, AND THE MAESTRO
Six winners per show will be selected at random for an exclusive Meet & Greet with Janella Salvador, Gian Magdangal, and Gerard Salonga following each performance.
To join, fans simply need to purchase at least four tickets, regardless of ticket tier, before the raffle closes. Those who have already purchased their tickets are also eligible, with no additional registration required. All qualified ticket purchases will be automatically included in the raffle.
The raffle will run from Sept. 10, 2026, until Sept. 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM, with winners announced on Sept. 28, 2026, at 12 PM. Winners will be contacted through the contact details provided with their ticket purchase.
WAYFINDER BUNDLE
Buy 2 Tickets and Save on Your 3rd!
Set sail together with the Wayfinder Bundle, available across all performances. Purchase two tickets in the same tier and enjoy a discount on your third ticket:
Moana Tier: 40% off the third ticket
Maui Tier: 30% off the third ticket
The discount will be applied automatically at checkout.
DRESS FOR THE ADVENTURE
From Moana and Maui to the characters and creatures of the islands, fans are welcome to come in costume, cheer for their favorite moments, and clap along as the story unfolds on the big screen, accompanied by a live orchestra.
Tickets are available via Ticketworld.com.ph and participating outlets nationwide.
Answer the call and set your sights beyond the reef this October.
The presentation is licensed by Disney Concerts.
DAVAO CITY — Reliable access to treated water is helping small businesses in Davao City maintain daily operations and serve customers, as the city’s expanded water supply reaches essential water-dependent enterprises such as local carwashes and public market stalls.
For business owners like Desiderio Lacia keeping a small enterprise running depends on having reliable access to basic utilities such as electricity and water. Lacia owns Lacia’s Carwash in Communal, Buhangin, Davao City, where water is essential to nearly every service the business provides.
“Tanan gamitunon, kung walay tubig, wala na. Importante ang tubig kay kung wala na, wala pud– walay hugas,” Lacia said. (Everything we use depends on water. Without water, there is nothing. Water is important because without it, there is no washing)
Water that keeps business moving
Lacia’s Carwash has been operating at its current location in Communal for nearly two years. The business provides a range of vehicle services, including detailing, engine wash, underwash, cleaning of windows and other vehicle parts, vacuuming, waxing, and buffing.
On regular days, the carwash serves about 15 to 20 vehicles, while the number can increase to 40 to 50 vehicles on weekends. Because of the high number of vehicles, the business needs a steady supply of water to keep its operations running smoothly throughout the day. The four workers handle the washing and other services themselves. Before starting work, they fill four drums with water and refill them as needed during the day.
“Kanang upat ka drum pun-on jud na, pagkahuman spray na pud nimo, unya pun-on na pud para dili ma-delay ang spray sa sakyanan,” Lacia explained. (Those four drums have to be filled. Once we use the water for spraying, we fill them up again so there is no delay in washing the vehicles.)
For a small business that earns from every vehicle it serves, an interruption in water supply can mean fewer customers served and lost income.
Similarly, Panacan market vendor Doris Arones said that a dependable water supply is important for her business. She uses water to clean fish, make ice, and keep her work area clean. She added that without enough water, it would be harder to keep the fish fresh, which could affect her sales.
“Sa isda, sa pag-ice, paglimpyo, tanan. Gamit gyud siya tanan,” Arones said. (We use it for everything with the fish—adding ice, cleaning, and all the other tasks.)
Empowering local businesses with sustainable water
Lacia’s Carwash and Arones’ stall at Panacan Market are among the businesses in Davao City that benefit from the city’s improved access to treated surface water through the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP).
The DCBWSP, a joint venture between Davao City Water District (DCWD) and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua), brings treated surface water from the Tamugan River into Davao City’s water supply system.
The project is designed to provide up to 300 million liters per day (MLD) of treated bulk water to DCWD, helping diversify the city’s water sources and strengthen the reliability of its water supply.
For businesses in areas such as in Communal and Buhangin, having a reliable supply of quality water helps them run their daily operations, from cleaning vehicles and serving customers to maintaining their services and providing jobs.
For Lacia, the project means having a reliable water supply for his carwash. “Mas nindot ang performance [karon], hinlo kaayo ang agi… Gwapo ang resulta pag-spray nimo sa tubig, hapsay kaayo. Tin-aw jud,” he said. (The performance is better now. The water is very clean, and the results are good. When you spray the water, it works smoothly and leaves the vehicle looking clear and clean.)
The same reliable water supply also helps small businesses like Doris Arones’ seafood stall at the Panacan Public Market, where she uses water to clean her products, keep her stall sanitary, and safely serve customers throughout the day. “Karon, bahala’g mag-awas-awas ang tubig, at least naa ra siya tapad sa among stall,” Arones said (Now, even if the water spills over, it’s okay because the water source is right next to our stall), highlighting how having water readily available has made her daily work easier.
Quality matters
For Lacia, having enough water is important, but the quality of water also affects the service he provides. This is especially true when washing white vehicles, as dirty or cloudy water can leave marks and affect how the vehicle looks after cleaning. “Mag-matter jud ang quality sa tubig. Kung muawas ka unya puti imong sakyanan, unya ang tubig lubog-lubog, lain pud ang resulta,” Lacia said. (The quality of the water really matters. If you wash a white car with cloudy or dirty water, the result won’t look good)
Lacia’s Car Wash uses water supplied by DCWD, which he said is cleaner and clearer. He said this helps him provide better service, from washing outside of the vehicle to cleaning its windows and other parts. “Kung limpyo ang tubig, limpyo pud ang carwash nato sa mga salamin ug tanan na mga parts sa mga sakyanan,” Lacia added. (When the water is clean, the cars also come out clean, including the windows and all other parts.)
The Davao bulk water project recently received an Excellent Rating of 95.17% from the Department of Health (DOH) – Davao Center for Health Development, following the renewal of its Water Safety Plan (WSP). This rating shows that the project meets the key requirements for managing risks, ensuring water quality, and maintaining proper treatment. This ensures a safe and reliable treated surface water supply in Davao City, supporting small businesses and communities.
Enabling small Dabawenyo businesses to serve
Both Lacia and Arones’ experiences reflect the wider role of MSMEs in the city’s economy.
Latest data from the Davao City Business Bureau show 45,621 business permit applications from January 1 to 31, 2026, up 3 percent from the same period in 2025. Retail and service businesses make up a large share of new registrations, showing the important role of MSMEs in Davao’s economy.
For this growth to continue, businesses need a reliable water supply for their daily operations. This is especially important for water-dependent businesses such as carwashes, carinderias, laundry shops, and other service establishments.
For these MSMEs, improved access to a reliable water supply helps them serve customers and stay open. At Lacia’s Carwash, it allows workers to wash vehicles and provide services. At Arones’ market stall, it helps keep produce fresh and the space clean for customers.
“Gamit jud ang tubig, especially water district. Need jud na sa tao,” Lacia said. (Water is really important, especially water from the water district. People really need it.)
As Davao City’s economy continues to grow, reliable access to dependable utilities can help small businesses stay competitive and find new opportunities to grow. For business owners like Desiderio Lacia and Doris Arones, water is more than just a basic need. It helps them serve their customers, keep their businesses running, and support their livelihoods.
AS DIGITAL finance moves more decisions into real time, financial institutions need to match that speed with disciplined risk management—from credit assessment and identity verification to fraud detection and ongoing monitoring, Maya said at the World Financial Innovation Series (WFIS) Philippines 2026.
The message came as Julie Reyes, Maya chief risk and compliance officer, was named Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Advocate of the Year at the WFIS Philippines Awards 2026. This is her second win in the category, after receiving the same recognition in 2024.
“Digital finance should be fast, but speed has to be matched by sound judgment, clear guardrails and accountability,” Reyes said. “Risk and compliance should help the business make better decisions as products and services are developed—not appear only at the end.”
Reyes was cited for championing the One Maya Governance Framework, an innovative approach that aligns risk standards, controls, escalation paths, and oversight across Maya’s banking and payments businesses. Maya Bank and Maya Philippines remain separately governed, with their respective licenses, board accountabilities, and regulatory and compliance responsibilities.
Under the framework, risk and compliance work with business, technology, and operations as decisions are made. It also allows risk expertise to inform credit assessment, fraud
management and customer protection across the ecosystem, while the respective accountabilities of each regulated entity remain clear.
For fraud and financial crime, Maya uses real-time and AI-assisted capabilities to detect suspicious patterns and support investigations. Controls extend throughout the customer relationship, covering onboarding, authentication, account recovery, profile changes and transaction monitoring.
Speaking on a WFIS panel, Reyes cited increasingly sophisticated forms of impersonation and identity fraud, including deepfakes, as an emerging concern across the financial sector. She said financial institutions need layered, risk-based controls throughout the customer relationship, along with closer coordination among financial institutions, telecommunications companies, technology platforms, and authorities.
The discussion came as the financial sector continues to implement the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and related Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas rules, including Circular No. 1213, which strengthened requirements for fraud monitoring, authentication, and account protection.
“Strong risk management is a shared responsibility,” Reyes said. “This recognition reflects the work of teams across Maya who make careful decisions every day and continue strengthening how we protect customers and support responsible growth.”
The GRC Advocate of the Year award recognizes professionals for their contributions to governance, risk, and compliance while helping their organizations pursue secure and responsible growth.
Organized by Tradepass, the World Financial Innovation Series Philippines brings together financial institutions, regulators, technology providers, and industry leaders to discuss developments shaping banking and financial services. Its annual awards recognize excellence, innovation, and leadership across the financial sector.
September is quickly turning out to be Freya Central! Rising pop star Freya Skye has released her highly anticipated new single “bad taste” on Sept, 16, just days before she kicks off her continued sold-out headlining Stars Align Tour in Santa Barbara, California, on Sept. 19.
Freya debuted “bad taste” during her first-ever headlining show, an acoustic performance in NYC. Having become a fan-favorite across early legs of the Stars Align Tour, the track has already drawn enthusiastic reactions from audiences around the world.
Following the song’s success on the road, she recorded the official studio version. Now, the countdown is on for the “bad taste” music video, which debuted on September 17th. Furthermore, adding to an already landmark week of announcements, Freya will release her highly anticipated “bad taste” 7″ vinyl in stores on September 18th.
Continuing her global rise, Freya has also announced that she will be taking her acclaimed live show even further, announcing today a major headline tour across Latin America and Asia, marking her biggest international touring expansion to date. Expanding to larger venues, Freya’s relationship with her fans is only growing, with venues ranging from 200 to over 4,000 fans at her shows in the same year.
The release marks an extraordinary Summer for the multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress, and social media sensation. Freya recently headlined her first-ever concerts in Australia, marking another major milestone in her rapidly expanding international career. She also partnered with Hollister on an exclusive merchandise collection that sold out shortly after launch.
Between tour dates, Freya has been spending time in the studio writing and recording her highly anticipated debut album, which continues to showcase the creativity and versatility that have made her one of pop music’s most exciting young artists to watch.
MANILA, Philippines – High-value baskets and trusted brand channels fueled campaign momentum during Lazada Philippines’ 9.9 Mega Brands Sale, signaling a consumer shift toward more intentional, quality-driven purchases as the “ber” months begin.
Official brand channels drove 72% of the campaign’s total Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), while LazMall contributed to 1 in every 2 completed orders, underscoring strong consumer trust in official storefronts as the holiday shopping season gets underway.
Trusted Brands and Higher-Value Baskets Drive Early Holiday Shopping for Pinoys
Smartphones and consumer electronics emerged as the top-performing categories overall, capturing a major share of high-value checkouts. Orders worth at least ₱6,000 accounted for more than half of Lazada Philippines’ total GMV, as shoppers kicked off early holiday shopping with personal device upgrades and big-ticket lifestyle purchases.
At the same time, GMV from international brand assortments on LazMall grew 3x compared with business-as-usual days, reflecting strong appetite for discovering new global brands. This interest translated into sustained platform engagement, with 1 in 3 shoppers making at least two purchases on LazMall during the campaign window.
AI Discovery Elevates the Smart Shopping Journey
Beyond transaction volumes, Philippine consumers increasingly turned to artificial intelligence to navigate product choices and build smarter baskets.
Across Southeast Asia, AI-guided shopping journeys through Lazada’s LazzieChat generated US$2.2 million in GMV during the 9.9 Mega Brands Sale. The conversational AI helped shoppers evaluate technical specifications, compare product options, and navigate gift lists, supporting more informed purchase decisions across complex tech, beauty, and lifestyle categories.
On a broader scale, brands leveraging Lazada’s growth ecosystem reached significant growth milestones across key performance tiers compared with the 6.6 campaign earlier this year, with 14% more brands generating at least US$100,000 in GMV during the 9.9 Mega Brands Sale. The growth highlights Lazada’s role in helping brands translate seasonal holiday demand into greater commercial scale.
Setting the Tone for the Philippine Holiday Season
The 9.9 Mega Brands Sale signals how Philippine shoppers are approaching the holiday season, with brand trust, authenticity, higher-value purchases, and guided discovery emerging as key elements of the shopping journey.
This presents a clear growth pathway for digital merchants. By prioritizing buyer trust and after-sales confidence, sellers and brand partners can capitalize on seasonal traffic while building stronger customer relationships that extend beyond individual promotional events.
“The 9.9 results show us that Filipino consumers are taking a much more intentional approach to their holiday shopping,” said Carlos Barrera, CEO of Lazada Philippines. “Shoppers started their holiday preparation early by prioritizing trusted brands and products on LazMall, giving them the confidence to make bigger purchases, particularly in key tech and electronics categories. At the same time, we are giving our brand partners the platform and AI-driven tools they need to meet this demand and build momentum throughout the peak shopping season.”
As Lazada continues to strengthen its LazMall footprint and AI-powered discovery features ahead of the holiday rush, the 9.9 results provide a strong foundation as shoppers and brands head into the upcoming 11.11 and 12.12 mega sales.
For more information on Lazada Philippines’ initiatives and upcoming campaigns, please visit Lazada Philippines on its official Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.
