Category: Press Release

  • Rex Education at MIBF 2025: Celebrating 75 Years with Free Tickets, Promos, and More

    Rex Education at MIBF 2025: Celebrating 75 Years with Free Tickets, Promos, and More

    This September, the country’s biggest celebration of books is back—and REX is making it extra special!

    The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) returns this September 2025, and Rex Education is set to mark the occasion with a milestone celebration. As the company commemorates its 75th anniversary, REX is bringing extra excitement to the country’s biggest book event through free admission tickets, exclusive promos, and a showcase of its journey in championing education.

    Running from September 10 to 14, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the celebration begins with a special treat from REX—free admission tickets. What’s great? Claiming a pass is quick and easy! Just scan the QR code below, download and print the ticket, and present it at the entrance. With this free ticket in hand, guests are in for a 5-day treat at the fair—filled with books, fun learning activities, and new offerings waiting to be explored.

    Promos, discounts, and exclusive deals await you!

    Along with free admission, visitors can look forward to special promos, exclusive discounts, and exciting surprises to be announced in the coming days. Expect budget-friendly deals on activity books, storybooks, and other educational resources, as well as discounts on some of REX’s bestselling titles in Basic Education, Higher Education, and Law.

    Raffle prizes and fun activities for young children will also be part of the REX booth experience, making it a highlight for teachers and families, especially, their little explorers. With thousands expected to attend, visitors are encouraged to come early to catch the best offers before they run out.

    A 75-Year Journey—A Celebration with Every Edukampyon

    For Rex Education, MIBF is a tradition that supports its mission of nurturing every child for lifelong learning. This year, as REX celebrates seven and a half decades of standing alongside Filipino learners, its presence at the fair takes a deeper meaning. The booth will not only showcase books and learning solutions but also highlight the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped REX’s 75-year journey. From publishing trusted titles to creating innovative educational tools, REX has always walked hand in hand with teachers, parents, students, schools, and learning communities in championing quality education for all.

    As MIBF 2025 opens its doors, REX invites every Edukampyon to join in this milestone celebration. Whether you are searching for affordable and high-quality books, exploring new resources for teaching and learning, or simply enjoying the love of reading with your family or friends, REX will always have something special for you.

    The MIBF has long been the country’s biggest and longest-running book fair, bringing together over 200 local and international exhibitors and consistently drawing massive crowds each year. It has become a gathering where readers, teachers, students, parents, and professionals connect, share their love of reading, explore educational resources, and create memorable experiences together.

    For updates on promos and activities at the fair, follow REX on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the official MIBF website at www.manilabookfair.com.

    See you at MIBF 2025! We can’t wait to welcome you to REX’s booth!

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Richard C. Mamuyac

  • HONOR Magic V5 Camera One-ups Competitors, launches on September 5

    HONOR Magic V5 Camera One-ups Competitors, launches on September 5

    Slim and Powerful Battery is the secret sauce of HONOR Magic V5.

    Manila, Philippines – Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines is gearing up for the arrival of its newest and thinnest foldable phone – the HONOR Magic V5! Coming this September 5, HONOR Magic V5 sports the biggest battery out of all its counterparts in the market to date. Catch the launch live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MagicV5Launch_FB.

    “With HONOR Magic V5, we combined portability, durability, and superb performance especially with its camera that competitors lack. We are very excited to share this new benchmark for foldable smartphone so join us tomorrow,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

    Exceptional Telephoto Capabilities with the 64MP Periscope Telephoto Camera

    The HONOR Magic V5 is equipped with the HONOR AI Falcon Camera System, offering a professional-grade photography experience. The setup comprises an upgraded 64MP Periscope Telephoto Camera Lens, a 50MP Wide Camera, and a 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera. Combining powerful optics with advanced AI image processing, users can capture vivid, detailed photos and videos in any scenario or zoom level.

    Don’t miss the arrival of #MyFirstFoldable HONOR Magic V5 on September 5, live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MagicV5Launch_FB. For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.honor.com/ph/retailers/.

    About HONOR 

    HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.

    Reference & Media Contacts (Press Release – September 4, 2025):

    Pao Oga 
    PR Manager  paoo_honor@prl.ph   09190016898
    Denis Santos 
    PR Supervisor  deniss_honor@prl.ph  09171745327

  • HONOR Magic V5, New Benchmark for Foldable Phones?

    HONOR Magic V5, New Benchmark for Foldable Phones?

    Slim and Powerful Battery is the secret sauce of HONOR Magic V5.

    Manila, Philippines – Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines is gearing up for the arrival of its newest and thinnest foldable phone – the HONOR Magic V5! Coming this September 5, 2025, HONOR Magic V5 sports the biggest battery out of all its counterparts in the market to date. Catch the launch live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MagicV5Launch_FB.

    “To complement its cutting-edge battery technology, the HONOR Magic V5 supports 66W Wired charging versus other brands’ 25W – offering fast and versatile charging solutions to keep users powered up throughout the day. It also comes with a durable phone case and charger which competitors don’t have,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

    Do more with HONOR Magic V5, literally

    A key enabler of the HONOR Magic V5’s ultra-slim design is its advanced silicon-carbon battery, the thinnest and ultra high-capacity battery ever used in a foldable. At just 2.3mm thick, it incorporates silicon-based anodes, theoretically offering up to 10 times the lithium-ion storage capacity of traditional graphite anodes. This increased energy density allows for a smaller battery without sacrificing battery life.

    These innovations result in a compact yet powerful 5820mAh dual-battery system, occupying around 26% of the device’s internal volume. This battery, combined with other optimizations in the hinge, display, camera, and motherboard, enables HONOR to achieve a foldable that’s not only thinner but also more durable and robust than ever before.

    Don’t miss the arrival of #MyFirstFoldable HONOR Magic V5 on September 5, live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MagicV5Launch_FB. For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.honor.com/ph/retailers/.

    HONOR Philippines announced the arrival of its newest and thinnest foldable phone – the HONOR Magic V5 on September 2, 2025.

    About HONOR 

    HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.

    Reference & Media Contacts:

    Pao Oga  PR Manager  paoo_honor@prl.ph   09190016898Denis Santos  PR Supervisor  deniss_honor@prl.ph  09171745327

  • The 2025 Book Nook Conference Unites Different Reading Groups in ILOILO to Nurture the Reading Culture

    The 2025 Book Nook Conference Unites Different Reading Groups in ILOILO to Nurture the Reading Culture

    ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Over 80 reading space advocates, storytellers, and educators across the Philippines gathered for the annual Book Nook Conference 2025, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

    The conference, held from August 20-22, 2025 aimed to consolidate the best practices as well as challenges faced by area coordinators for The Book Nook Project, a flagship program by the NBDB which aims to address the country’s reading crisis by setting up reading and storytelling spaces across the Philippines. Themed Sug-álaw: A Grand Encounter of Stories, Cultures, and Communities, the three-day event discussed the best sustainability practices and community-building tips to ensure book accessibility in different regions of the country.

    Almost four years since its launch, The Book Nook Project has expanded its presence in different regions of the country. Over 100 Book Nook sites are currently established in various provinces, cities, and barangays, with more than 20 additional sites to be unveiled this year.

    “The Book Nook Project has always been committed to making quality books more accessible not just in urban centers, but also in the most remote reaches of the country,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

    The first two days of the conference included sessions and workshops centered on strengthening and digitalizing Book Nook services in the regions as well as developing effective literary engagements. For the third day of the conference, Book Nook area coordinators joined a  two-part cultural tour within Iloilo City. 

    Reaching out to communities

    The first half of the tour brought reading space advocates to the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in Iloilo, where they visited the area’s local Book Nook site. Aside from the museum tour, participants also joined in on various activities, including the patadyong race, museum object hunt, and bookmark-making. 

    The Book Nook Project then visited the Book Nook Nabitasan Integrated School in Barangay La Paz, where the conference participants conducted storytelling sessions and literary activities with the students. Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, award-winning children’s book author, encouraged high school students to express themselves through movement and writing. Meanwhile, storyteller and inspirational speaker Rey Bufi showed future educators and librarians the process of building storytelling communities in Iloilo City.

    “The stories we read from our books–from our local prose, our myths, poetry, and legends–are all creations of the Filipino community. It is only apt that we do right by the people who bring so much color, life, and richness to our nation’s culture. Our grand encounter this year, as we call it, bears fruit only when we see our reading communities more deeply involved in nurturing our nation’s reading culture,” NBDB Readership Development Division Officer-in-Charge Daniel Mariano said.

    Addressing the country’s reading gaps  

    Spurred by the country’s reading gap, the conference urged participants to collaborate with fellow reading space advocates. Beyond a theoretical exercise, the three-day event featured a series of workshops which ranged from building sustainable community reading spaces to leveraging digital platforms for wider reach. The conference also highlighted Iloilo City’s reading community, with a full day of reading activities that took place at the NMP-Iloilo City and the Nabitasan Integrated School in Barangay La Paz.

    The Book Nook Project, one of the NBDB’s major projects under its Readership Development Division, was launched in 2021. It adheres to the belief that aklat para sa lahat (books for everyone) should be a basic human right. With over 100 Book Nook sites scattered across the country, the NBDB remains committed to fostering love of reading at a young age by making Filipino-published books more accessible and easily available to students and young readers.

    To learn more about the National Book Development Board and its upcoming activities, visit https://books.gov.ph, and follow the NBDB through its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

    Reference & Media Contact (Press Release – September 02, 2025):

    For media inquiries, please contact: 

    Divine Reyes Caraecle

    Communications & Promotions Section

    communications@books.gov.ph

    0917-1396394

    About the National Book Development Board 

    The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. The agency is at the forefront of developing the Philippine publishing industry and safeguarding the country’s vibrant culture of authorship and reading. To learn more, visit our social media pages (@nbdbphilippines).

  • Spin through the holidays at the One Stop Record Fair in Trinoma

    Spin through the holidays at the One Stop Record Fair in Trinoma

    Beyond spin through the holidays at the One Stop Record Fair in Trinoma.

    Audiophiles and collectors have a reason to celebrate the holiday season early as the One Stop Record Fair: Vinyl in Motion makes a comeback at the Ayala Malls TriNoma Activity Center from September 12 to 16, 2025.

    Get into the holiday vibe at this five-day record fair and score early the best vinyl records, turntables, other audio equipment and various collectibles from 40 participating sellers.

    Be ready to dig through crates filled with vintage and newly released vinyl records—with most at a discounted price—spanning all genres, as well as cassette tapes and CDs, from Mamsy Records, Spin the Reel Music Trade, Perfect Day Records, Sounds Inc.,Vinyl Fields Records, Rudys Record Store, D’ Neighbor’s Stuff ,Vicor Records among others.
    Buy that dream turntable or just window shop from Rega and Audio Technica. Speakers, headphones, earphones and other audio gear from Marshall and vivo will also be available.

    Adding the warmth to the chilly days ahead are live DJ sets from Lourd de Veyra, Par Satelite, DJ Beejay Groovey D, Carlo Cordova, DJ Girltrendo, Bong Bautista, Sherwin Porta, Christian Combate, Carlo Tayag, Jojo Ortiz, Emil Catalan, Richard Ronquillo, Ely Carag and Kenneth Tanso.

    Beyond music, the fair will also showcase art from Gigzilla, Fine Time Studios, Thet and Jurassic Crafts PH, Jecman and Dibuholabs, who will be offering prints, stickers and handcrafted works that highlight the creative energy of Manila’s art scene.

    “This coming record fair is extra special because we’re welcoming the Christmas season with more merchants than ever before,” event organizer Sari Osorio said.

    “We invite everyone to come, dig and discover music in all its forms. With 40 merchants and a festive lineup of activities, it is going to be our biggest fair yet.”

    From carols on the streets to curated holiday playlists played at home, music has always added joy in the country’s famously long holiday season.

    As Christmas draws near, the One Stop Record Fair: Vinyl in Motion promises to bring a festive gathering for people to start the holiday season with music that lasts beyond December 25, 2025.

    #OneStopRecordFair #vinyl #records #vinylinmotion #thebiggestrecordfair

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Richard C. Mamuyac

  • There’s More to Your Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil continues the National Healthy Skin Mission on its 6th year with Anne Curtis

    There’s More to Your Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil continues the National Healthy Skin Mission on its 6th year with Anne Curtis

    Cetaphil continues the National Healthy Skin Mission on its 6th year with Anne Curtis and its most advanced solution for redness-prone skin yet

    When it comes to sensitive skin, most people think they’ve got it figured out: until they don’t.

    What many still don’t realize is that sensitive skin is no longer just about occasional redness or dryness. It has evolved. Today, it’s triggered by a complex mix of stress, pollution, lifestyle choices, and climate change, making symptoms harder to decode and manage. While skincare advice is everywhere, the overload of information can often do more harm than good, especially for skin that’s already compromised.

    This year, Cetaphil’s National Healthy Skin Mission (NHSM) returns with a bold reminder: “There’s More to Your Sensitive Skin.” Now in its sixth year, the campaign in collaboration with Watsons aims to go deeper—educating Filipinos on the many faces of sensitivity, from redness and irritation to rough texture and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

    This year’s theme is “There’s More To Your Sensitive Skin,” chosen because Galderma, as Cetaphil’s parent company, noted that most Filipinos don’t know that sensitive skin is a skin condition, not a skin type. “The Philippines is number one in ranking in terms of sensitive skin in Southeast Asia, and number six globally,” said Louie Roxas, General Manager at Galderma Philippines. “With this partnership with Watsons, our vision is for every Filipino to have healthy skin.”

    “This partnership marks a significant milestone in providing topnotch dermatological skincare solutions and expert advice to Filipinos, to help them understand that the way to healing sensitive skin is more than just knowing you have sensitive skin. It’s also having the knowledge on how to improve your skin’s health,” said Frank Patricio, Controller, Skincare, Cosmetics & Fragrances – Beauty Business Unit for Watsons.
    Introducing the Soothing & Comforting CICA Line Headlining this year’s campaign is the launch of Cetaphil’s latest innovation: the Soothing & Comforting Range, specially developed to instantly reduce redness and provides up to 24 hours of skin barrier protection.

    More than just a temporary solution, the new line addresses sensitivity at its core, thanks to Cetaphil’s Power Trio Blend:
    ● Centella Asiatica – a proven anti-inflammatory that calms and supports skin healing
    ● Allantoin – a gentle soothing agent that helps relieve discomfort
    ● Pentavitin – a powerful hydrator that locks in moisture for long-term barrier protection

    What sets this range apart is its dual-action approach: it soothes visible redness and strengthens the skin barrier to prevent future flare-ups—an essential upgrade for those who’ve outgrown short-term fixes.
    Anne Curtis Leads the Mission Bringing both star power and relatability to the campaign is Anne Curtis, Cetaphil’s brand ambassador and the featured guest at the NHSM 2025 launch.

    “As someone who’s always on the go, I’ve learned how stress, pollution, and even constant makeup can trigger sensitivity. It’s not just about products anymore—it’s about understanding what your skin really needs,” Anne shares. When she became a mother, she noticed her skin changing. “After giving birth, I noticed I was more prone to hyper-pigmentation. I didn’t know this meant I had sensitive skin too.” Her personal journey mirrors the campaign’s message: sensitivity is deeper than it appears, and it deserves expert-level care.

    Attendees of the launch can expect exclusive product experiences, limited-time promos, personalized skin consultations, and first dibs on the new Soothing and Comforting Range —making this not just a launch, but a full-on movement toward healthier, stronger skin.

    There’s More to your Sensitive Skin

    Whether you’re dealing with flare-ups, flakiness, or unexplained redness, Cetaphil’s message this year is clear: it’s time to look beyond the surface. According to Mark Sarmiento, Business Unit Head at Cetaphil, they noted that the Filipino skin care enthusiast has a misunderstanding about sensitive skin. “When the average person thinks they have sensitive skin, they assume that is the only problem. But our learnings from skin experts and Cetaphil Science is that there are different types of sensitive skin: sensitive skin that is redness-prone, hyperpigmentation-prone, or even for babies.”

    With dermatologist-developed solutions and a deeper understanding of sensitive skin, Cetaphil is here to help you understand it, treat it, and protect it with targeted solutions, no matter what kind of sensitive skin..

    For more information on Cetaphil and the National Healthy Skin Mission, follow @CetaphilPH on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Cetaphil products are available at Watsons, SM Beauty, and Watsons online.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Lariza Garcia

  • The all-new MINI John Cooper Works family now available in the Philippines

    Even more performance – even more choice.

    Philippines. MINI Asia and British United Automobiles today announced the availability of the all-new MINI John Cooper Works family. These five all-new MINI John Cooper Works models symbolise pure driving fun in its most powerful form and a unique driving experience. With the first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Electric and first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Aceman, two fully electric John Cooper Works models are now part of the MINI product portfolio for the first time. The powerful electric drives open a new chapter in the brand’s long history and demonstrate its ongoing commitment to performance and innovation. The all-new MINI John Cooper Works and all-new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible provide driving fun with a powerful TwinPower Turbo engine. In the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4, enthusiasts can also enjoy driving off-road thanks to the ALL4 all-wheel drive.

    “MINI John Cooper Works boasts a cult following around the world that few others can match,” said Daren Ching, Head of MINI Asia. “Steeped in heritage and oozing pure racing DNA, these striking machines are a sight to behold on the road. Now with the addition of two fully electric models to the lineup, a new dimension of the iconic MINI go-kart feeling is born. If jolts of adrenaline are what drivers desire, I can assure them that all five models of our all-new MINI John Cooper Works family will exceed their expectations!”

    The first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Electric and first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Aceman: Electric high performance.

    The vehicle architecture of the fully electric MINI models is perfectly suited for the brand’s consistently performance-oriented character. The first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Electric and first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Aceman have up to 190 kW/258 hp and 350 Nm of instantly available system torque. Both models provide an additional 20 kW of motor power via an electric boost function, allowing for particularly dynamic acceleration. The JCW-specific suspension tuning maximises the typical MINI go-kart feeling and guarantees agile handling. High-performance tires are part of the standard equipment of both models.

    Exclusive equipment details emphasise the emotional connection to the brand’s traditional motorsport heritage. These include the red-white-black John Cooper Works logo in the style of a checkered flag from motorsports, as well as a JCW-specific Red Roof. Black side skirts, model-specific aeroblades at the C-pillar, and the accentuated rear spoiler optimise the aerodynamics for increased range. The three-door MINI John Cooper Works Electric achieves 371 km, while the five-door MINI John Cooper Works Aceman can drive up to 355 km on a single battery charge.

    The all-new MINI John Cooper Works and all-new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible: Legendary go-kart feeling with powerful acceleration. 

    A four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with a displacement of two litres, 231 hp, and 380 Nm of torque offers maximum driving fun and top performance in both the all-new MINI John Cooper Works and all-new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. The sportily tuned dual-clutch automatic transmission translates the engine power into particularly dynamic gear changes. The all-new MINI John Cooper Works sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds while the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible takes 6.4 seconds. The top speed of the all-new MINI John Cooper Works is 250 km/h while the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible reaches 245 km/h. For boundless open-air driving pleasure, the softtop of the Convertible can be fully retracted in just 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

    The large octagonal high-gloss black front grille with wide air vents for efficient engine cooling and the modern JCW logo dominates the front view of both models. Red-coloured inserts in the side air inlets on the front apron underscore the motorsport-oriented design for maximum performance. In the centre of the black rear diffuser, the centrally positioned tailpipe emphasises the character of these two top athletes. 

    The all-new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4: Extraordinary driving fun on any terrain. 

    As the largest model, the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman with ALL4 all-wheel drive allows enthusiasts to drive off-road and stands for a unique combination of style, power, and adventurous spirit. The powerful engine delivers 300 hp of power, 400 Nm of maximum torque, and a top speed of 250 km/h, making the appearance of MINI’s spacious multi-talent particularly emotional. 

    This performance is also reflected in the powerful appearance of the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4. In the front view, aerodynamic elements with red reflectors emphasise the wide stance, while at the rear of the vehicle, vertical taillights with the John Cooper Works Signature Mode frame the upright body. Advanced assistance systems support the driver through progressive technologies. 

    Puristic interior with motorsport accents. 

    The clear design of the interior in the all-new MINI John Cooper Works models is characterised by JCW-specific equipment details in red and black. The black JCW sports steering wheel with red decorative stitching and a six o’clock spoke made of black and red fabric provides excellent grip. The JCW sports seats offer secure support during dynamic driving. The combination of black leatherette with multi-colored knitted material in the shoulder area and red accent stitching picks up the colour pattern of the knitted surface of the dashboard. In all MINI John Cooper Works models, the brilliant sound of the exclusive Harman Kardon sound system enhances the driving experience as standard. 

    Advanced technology for maximum and comfortable driving pleasure. 

    The JCW-specific go-kart mode expands the selection options of the MINI Experience Modes in the vehicles of the all-new MINI John Cooper Works family with additional motorsport flair. The steering is set to a more direct setting, the accelerator pedal responds faster to commands for increased driving fun. Accordingly, the high-resolution OLED display provides additional performance-related data such as torque, power output, and current g-force.  

    For all MINI John Cooper Works models, the Digital Key Plus provides a convenient digital vehicle key on the smartphone. This allows the vehicle to be comfortably unlocked or locked without having to pick up the smartphone. 

    Long racing tradition with legendary successes. 

    The history of MINI John Cooper Works dates back to the year 1961. The John Cooper recognised the competitive potential of the classic Mini long before anyone else. By installing a more powerful engine, new brakes, and a more direct steering, he turned the modest small car into a race car that made the giants of the rally scene tremble in the 1960s. The three overall victories at the legendary Rallye Monte Carlo in 1964, 1965, and 1967 are among the absolute highlights of the classic Mini’s racing career. The current generation now carries the successful racing history into the future. Most recently with the impressive class victory of a prototype based on the new MINI John Cooper Works at the legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. Regardless of the model, all high-performance vehicles in the new MINI 

    John Cooper Works family exude one decisive characteristic: the enthusiasm for top performance. 

    Exclusive track experience in Pampanga.

    The all-new MINI John Cooper Works family will officially debut at the Autohub Trackday on 7 September 2025 at Clark International Speedway, Pampanga. Be among the first to witness the adrenaline-pumping performance of these five models by test driving them on the track. Register now to secure your slot at https://bit.ly/AutohubFunTrackday2025!

    Additional information enclosed:

    1. The all-new MINI John Cooper Works family prices.
    2. The all-new MINI John Cooper Works family specifications.

    -End-

    For media enquiries, please contact:

    BMW Group Asia 

    Corporate Affairs Department 

    Email: BMWAsiaCorpAffairs@bmw.com 

    Tel: (+65) 6838 9600

    Media Website: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/asia 

    British United Automobiles Inc.

    Mae Angelie Valdez

    Senior Marketing Manager

    Tel: (+63) 920 955 7999

    Email: mpacatang@autohubgroup.com

    About MINI in Asia

    MINI is headquartered and manufactured in Oxford, UK and is a brand of BMW Group. In East Asia, this iconic car is sold in Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, New Caledonia, Guam, Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Philippines and Indonesia. The full range of MINI is available in these markets – MINI Cooper 3-Door, MINI Cooper 5-Door, MINI Aceman, MINI Countryman, and MINI John Cooper Works.

    For more information: https//www.mini.com

    About MINI Philippines

    British United Automobiles, Inc. or MINI Philippines is one of the distributorship brands under the umbrella of the Autohub Group. MINI Philippines is the sole distributor of the iconic British automotive brand, MINI. Currently, MINI Philippines has three dealerships in the country, located in Bonifacio Global City, Pampanga, and Cebu. The MINI range available in these locations – MINI 3-Door, MINI 5-Door, MINI Convertible, MINI Countryman, and MINI John Cooper Works. 

    For more information: www.mini.com.ph  

  • NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 43RD NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS

    NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 43RD NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Filipino Critics Circle (FCC) are now accepting nominations for the 43rd National Book Awards (NBA). 

    First administered by the Filipino Critics Circle or the FCC (formerly known as the Manila Critics Circle) in 1982, the NBA honors the most outstanding books written and published in the Philippines. In 2008, the FCC partnered with the NBDB to co-administer the awards.

    “The National Book Awards not only rightfully honor the best works produced by our country’s finest minds and talents, they also provide an occasion for us to take stock of the zeitgeist, our writers’ current preoccupations, and where our book industry is headed,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

    The deadline for nominations is on September 7, 2025. To be eligible, authors and publishers should be NBDB-registered while their works must be published in 2024 and have significance, soundness of content, quality of craft, readability, grammar, copy editing, structure of thought and ideas, and style. 


    “The National Book Awards serve as official recognition of the quality and relevance of winning books, highlighting their contributions and relevance to the growth of Philippine literature, across multiple categories and genres. The NBA is important to us as Filipinos, as we recognize books that matter to us, as a people, while also serving as a portal of possibilities for readers outside of our country,” said FCC Chair Dean Francis Alfar.

    He added, “the roster of winners for any given cycle provides a curated list of the best contemporary writing, reflecting not just Filipino sensibilities, but also what concerns and hopes we have, seen through the lens of both fiction and nonfiction.”

    Books published for the first time by a Philippine publisher and works with local editions previously published by foreign authors are also eligible for the awards for as long as it has been locally published. 

    Under the literary division, books will be recognized in categories such as novel, short fiction, nonfiction prose, anthology, drama and film, literary criticism and cultural studies, literary history, media studies, poetry, graphic novel and comics, and translation. 

    Meanwhile, in the non-literary division, books will be awarded in fields of art, professions, social sciences, history, journalism, humor, sports, lifestyle, and business, food, science, spirituality and theology, and philosophy. 

    Every year, the NBA honors a different regional language. This year, it will be Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) and Kiniray-a. All books published in these languages within the last three years (2022-2024)  are eligible for the awards regardless of genre. 

    Finally, the Best Book Design award will be given to the work with the best overall design, which encompasses the cover, typeface, dimensions, layout, type of paper, binding, and printing. A Publisher of the Year award, or the publisher with the highest total number of winners in all categories, will also be given.

    “The Filipino Critics Circle and the National Book Development Board recognize the challenges of writing, editing, illustrating, translating, designing, and producing books. We encourage publishers of all stripes, as well as authors, to submit books for consideration. Being part of the list of finalists is an achievement in and of itself, bringing more awareness of your book to the reading public,” Alfar said.

    All nominations shall be submitted through the official online nomination form. Two printed copies of the book shall also be submitted together with one digitally non-editable watermarked PDF. For nominated titles under the Translation category, submissions must also include either one printed copy or one digitally non-editable watermarked PDF of the original work from which the translation originated. For complete submission guidelines, check out this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1761KPKJ3H/ 

    The nominated books will undergo a round of deliberations from which no more than five titles will be chosen as finalists per category. The finalists will be required to submit an additional eight copies of their books to the NBDB; non-submission will mean disqualification from the selection. In the final deliberation, one winner will be picked from the finalists of each category. 

    The winner of each category, except the Publisher of the Year, will receive PHP 40,000.00. For inquiries, contact awards@books.gov.ph.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    For media inquiries, please contact: 

    Divine Reyes Caraecle

    Communications & Promotions Section

    communications@books.gov.ph

    0917-1396394

    About the National Book Development Board 

    The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. The agency is at the forefront of developing the Philippine publishing industry and safeguarding the country’s vibrant culture of authorship and reading. To learn more, visit our social media pages (@nbdbphilippines).