Xpress Super App Presents Howlers Music Festival 2025: Music, Magic, and Madness in Metro Manila
Xpress Super App is taking center stage at Howlers Festival 2025—bringing together Filipino pride, heavy-hitting artists, cosplay madness, and VIP red-carpet rides that let fans skip the line and dive straight into Manila’s wildest night of music, magic, and culture.
Metro Manila, Philippines – The wait is over: Howlers Music Festival 2025 is here, and this year, it’s powered by Xpress Super App, the Philippines’ fast-rising mobility platform making waves in both transport and culture. Together, they’re bringing Metro Manila one of the country’s biggest nights of music, cosplay, and Filipino pride—set at the Filinvest City Event Grounds, Muntinlupa.
Fresh off its breakout music video “Palihim” with hip-hop prodigy Tommie King, Xpress Super App is now shifting from playlists to festival stages. As the presenting partner of Howlers Music Festival 2025, Xpress is proving that tech isn’t just about rides—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences.
Now on its 4th edition in Metro Manila, Howlers—produced by festival innovators Vamos PH—has already built a reputation as one of the country’s most electric cultural experiences. With Xpress Super App onboard as the official ride-hailing partner, this year promises to be the boldest edition yet.
Skip the Line, Ride Like a VIP
Festival logistics? Handled. Xpress is making sure fans can move in style with discounted rides, free rides, and exclusive ticket promos through the app. And here’s the game-changer: Howlers ticket holders arriving in an Xpress vehicle will be dropped off at a special VIP entrance inside the event grounds. That means skipping the line entirely and stepping onto the festival floor red-carpet style—no waiting, no hassle, just straight into the madness.
The Lineup: Heavyweights + Festival Favorites
This year’s Howlers stage will be stacked with legends, prodigies, and party masters:
Gloc-9 – The OPM rap icon headlining the night
Tommie King – The East Atlanta artist making waves in the Philippines, fresh off his “Palihim” collaboration with Xpress
Aika – Soaring vocals and rising stardom
DJ Ish – High-energy beats that never stop
MC DM – Raw hip-hop fire
Yara – Genre-bending group with a cult following
DJ Marc Marasigan – Manila’s party commander
DJ Razi – Festival-ready mixes
MC Blain – Hype master of the crowd
More names to be released SOON!
And yes—organizers are teasing one surprise headliner set to make this year’s Howlers truly historic.
More Than a Music Festival
Howlers is more than just music—it’s a cultural collision of sound, fashion, and Filipino nightlife. Expect neon-lit cosplay, Manila street food staples, immersive art, and the kind of music, magic, and madness that keeps fans buzzing long after. “We are in tech, and it’s supposed to be fun. This is what fun looks like,” said a senior Xpress executive.
Festival Details
Venue: Filinvest City Event Grounds, Muntinlupa Date: October 18, 2025 Time: 1PM – 1AM Admission: Ages 18+
Tickets: www.howlersmanila.com
Rides + Free Ticket Promos: Download www.xpress.ph
Tech meets culture. Rides meet rhythm. Skip the line, ride with Xpress. See you at Howlers. VAMOS!
About Xpress Super App
Cotabato Vice Gov meets PTIC Bangkok, explores investment opportunities in Thailand
BANGKOK, THAILAND—On 14 August 2025, Cotabato Vice Governor Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño Taray met with Philippine Trade and Investment (PTIC) – Bangkok Commercial Counsellor (CC) Emmanuelle “Ella” Burgos to discuss potential investment opportunities that the Province of Cotabato can pursue with partners and businesses in Thailand.
The dialogue focused on attracting investors to Cotabato’s strategic priority areas, such as agro-processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing. CC Burgos also committed to linking Cotabato with Thai investors showing increasing interest in these sectors.
Vice Governor Taray highlighted that the province is ramping up its investment promotion efforts, especially with the establishment of the Cotabato Agro Industrial Park (CAIP), which will serve as hub for companies seeking to set up or expand operations.
“With the help of the Cotabato Province investment promotion team and Governor Lala Taliño-Mendoza’s direction, we have already identified areas with high potential to attract investments. For example, we have ecotourism sites, areas with renewable energy sources, and plantations of various fruits that may attract manufacturers in the food processing industry,” said Vice Gov. Taray.
As of this year, Cotabato already secured PHP9.7 billion worth of investment leads across sectors such as renewable energy, poultry, ecotourism, digital connectivity, manufacturing, food processing, and agriculture.
For her part, CC Burgos expressed support and emphasized the opportunities that Cotabato can tap in the Thai market. Among these is the growing demand for fresh coconuts and fruit crops—products that Cotabato is known to abundantly produce. She also recommended that Cotabato’s proposed eco zones be registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) or the Board of Investments (BOI) to make the province more attractive to investors who can benefit from fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.
Also present during the meeting were former Kidapawan City Councilor Rosheil Gantuangco-Zoreta, former Midsayap Councilor Clai-Clai Ostique, former Matalam Councilor April Babol, and Office of the Vice Governor OIC Chief-of-Staff Ms. Jayzza D. Carreon.
The meeting reaffirmed Cotabato’s commitment to building stronger international linkages and partnerships to drive inclusive economic growth in the province.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.
AI for All: AICON PH 2025 Charts the Path to an Inclusive Digital Future
Taguig City, July 23, 2025 — The SMX Convention Center Aura was abuzz with energy as industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and media converged for AICON PH 2025. This year’s event, organized by the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP), went beyond exploring the possibilities of AI to address a more critical question: How do we make AI matter for every Filipino?
Under the theme “Making AI Real. Making AI Matter,” the conference resonated across all sectors. Key discussions focused on the future of AI governance, ethical innovation, and the urgent need to upskill the Filipino workforce. AICON PH 2025 was more than a technology conference; it was a powerful call to action, setting the stage for a nationwide movement to integrate AI responsibly and inclusively into the country’s future.
Building an Inclusive, AI-Ready Digital Economy
The Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) positions its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into governance systems to boost productivity and improve public services. The announcement highlights the government’s focus on building a future-ready, inclusive digital economy powered by AI.
“Our national approach rests on three pillars: building an AI-ready workforce, expanding inclusive digital infrastructure, and establishing a forward-looking regulatory framework,” said Sec. Arsenio Balisacan of DEPDev. “For these plans to become a reality, our strategies must be anchored in timely policy development, robust infrastructure, and a future-ready workforce.”
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of deploying AI with fairness and sustainability at its core. As countries worldwide develop their national strategies, the Philippines is well-positioned to benefit—but only with decisive action.
“AI is a matter of choice,” said Edwine Carrie of UNDP. “And the choices we make today will determine whether AI uplifts or divides.”
PH readiness for Sovereign AI, Championing homegrown AI
A key theme at the learning event plenary session was the importance of Sovereign AI—a nation’s ability to independently develop, deploy, and govern its own artificial intelligence systems. This approach ensures a nation’s control over data, models, infrastructure, and regulations, keeping its unique needs at the forefront.
“As we adopt AI, you’re helping to build our nation,” said AAP President Michelle Alarcon. “When we discuss sovereign AI in the Philippine context, we need to consider both the opportunities and the limitations. We might not build our own large language models overnight, but we can make smart, strategic choices. That means investing in local data, supporting Filipino talent, and making sure AI tools reflect our laws, languages, and our unique realities.”
Beeinfotech President and CEO Win King Cheung echoed his sentiment, “With data and AI everywhere, our cities are on the verge of being completely redefined. The concept of a “smart city” is more than just a buzzword; it’s about building a new ecosystem that seamlessly connects businesses and consumers.” Cheung further stressed that digital infrastructure companies must be committed to delivering better outcomes and providing an effective platform for individuals who believe in the power of sovereign AI perspective.
AI disruption amplifies human connection
As AI continues to disrupt industries and redefine work, experts emphasize that human connection and purpose will remain at the core of all we do. According to LTP labs Partner Pedro Campelo, the rise of AI will not replace the human elements but rather enhance it.
“AI is coming to disrupt. It is already disrupting the way we are doing things and the way we are working together, but it is not going to replace the human aspect of everything that we do because AI is still about human purpose,” Campelo stated. He explained that as AI becomes integrated into daily tasks, individuals will need to learn how to effectively use these new tools and systems, shifting their roles from simple execution to strategic oversight.
This integration is already redefining how organizations view their teams. The automation and augmentation provided by AI are freeing up employees from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex, creative, and collaborative work. This shift underscores the growing importance of skills like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal communication, ensuring that human ingenuity and connection continue to drive progress.
A Whole-of-Society Movement and Industry Lead in Workforce Development
AICON PH 2025 concluded with a powerful message: the integration of artificial intelligence is not merely a technical challenge, but a “whole-of-society” movement that requires collective action. The conference emphasized that while the demands of AI adoption can be daunting, greater collaboration between the government, industry, and academia can create a more aligned and effective approach to frameworks, programs, and AI literacy initiatives.
A central theme of the event was the urgent need to equip Filipinos with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age. This emphasis on human development is a vital component of successful AI adoption. “…we must equip our workforce with the skills needed for a changing labor market,” stated Sec. Balisacan. He highlighted that while AI creates new opportunities, it also threatens many jobs through automation. The Secretary stressed that reskilling efforts are essential in sectors where AI poses a threat, while the focus should be on expanding opportunities where human-AI collaboration can flourish
“We are committed to arming every Filipino with the know-how and mindset to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence. I am proud to announce that the National AI Upskilling Roadmap has been approved by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., with the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines (AAP) taking the lead from the private sector, in strong partnership with CHED and TESDA as the co-leads from the government,” announced AAP President Michelle Alarcon. “This National AI Upskilling Roadmap is a bold step toward inclusive digital transformation,”.
During his closing remarks, AAP Board Trustee Joey Gurango emphasized the importance of the event’s theme, “Making AI Real. Making AI Matter.” He called it “more than just a slogan. It’s a challenge. A call to action.” Gurango urged attendees to collaborate as a community, as professionals, and as a country to bridge existing gaps and ensure that AI becomes more useful, inclusive, and meaningful for the Philippines. y
To continue the momentum, the first-ever AICON PH Cebu will be happening on November 27, 2025. AI Innovators are encouraged to attend in order to shape a future where AI truly serves the Filipino people.
About AICON PH 2025 Collaborators and Supporters
AICON PH 2025 in Manila was proudly organized by the Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP), together with co-organizers Alibaba Cloud and BeeinfotechPH, and co-presented by JP Morgan & Chase, LTP Labs, and SGV & Co.
The summit also featured the support of our official ambassadors: Acer, AMD, Ayala, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Google, and PMI—organizations that champion innovation and inclusivity in tech.
Key session sponsors included Accenture, AWS, Eskwelabs, GCash, Globe, and Káyana; while De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde, Emerson, Insight, KPMG, Multisys, N‑PAX, Philtech, and Stratpoint showcased their work as featured exhibitors. Special thanks as well to QBE Insurance, Reyes Tacandong & Co., San Miguel Corporation, and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres for helping bring this initiative to life.
The event was also amplified by our media partners: NEN Digital, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Business Mirror, Business World, Malaya Business Insight, VRITimes, Philippines Graphic, Kwento Co, WhenInManila.com, Out of the Box, and Village Connect Magazine.
About AICON PH:
AICON PH is the premier AI learning conference in the Philippines, focused on promoting inclusive, accessible, and practical AI knowledge across sectors.
Follow AICON PH for the latest updates: aicon.ph
About AAP:
The Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP) is the enabling organization formed to take the lead in driving the growth and evolution of all Analytics-enabled fields and AI-enabled fields and technologies in the Philippines. For more information, visit aap.ph
This press release has also been puublished on VRITIMES
Pr1me Z Hosts Successful Mid-Year Gala Night 2025
The program highlighted the accomplishments of Top Distributors, K Circle Awardees, Travel Incentive Qualifiers, Rank-Up Achievers, Top Retailer, Power Couples, and Star of the Night awardees, making the night a true showcase of excellence.
The event not only recognized outstanding performance but also strengthened the spirit of unity and inspiration within the Pr1me Z community. Attendees were motivated to continue striving for excellence and to reach new milestones.
“As we celebrate the achievements of our distributors and leaders, we are also reminded that Pr1me Z’s journey is just beginning. We look forward to even more growth, opportunities, and success in the months ahead,” the company stated.
How MyGlit Is Helping BPO Jobseekers in Cebu and Bohol Access Legitimate Opportunities
MyGlit is a Philippines-focused BPO job portal used by applicants and employers in Cebu and Bohol. It publishes employer-authorised, verified postings and runs fortnightly virtual job fairs for provincial candidates. Pilot data indicates about 40% faster median time from application to offer versus traditional methods, according to participating Cebu-based employers (details available on request). Applicants are not charged fees.
MyGlit Connects Cebu, Bohol BPO Jobseekers to Verified Roles via Virtual Fairs; Pilot Data Shows Faster Hiring
CEBU, Philippines — As the BPO sector continues to grow across the Visayas, Filipino jobseekers are increasingly turning to digital tools to find credible and faster employment opportunities. MyGlit, a Philippines Focused job portal, has emerged as a reliable platform connecting local applicants with legitimate BPO openings—especially in Cebu and nearby regions like Bohol.
Focus on First-Time Jobseekers in the Provinces
With the majority of BPO job postings still concentrated in Metro Manila, many first-time applicants in Central Visayas have found themselves navigating fragmented Facebook groups or outdated listings. MyGlit seeks to bridge this gap by hosting verified job openings, direct contact with HR teams, and automated resume feedback using AI—all within a user-friendly portal designed for Filipinos.
The platform recently launched virtual job fairs targeting fresh graduates and provincial jobseekers, offering support through chat-based guidance, voice support, and localized campaigns in Cebuano.
Strengthening Partnerships with BPO Employers
Several BPO companies like First Source, EXL, Wipro, Teleperformance operating in Cebu IT Park and Mandaue have collaborated with MyGlit to streamline candidate sourcing, especially for voice and non-voice roles. These partnerships are built on transparency, verified listings, and faster communication—aiming to help employers maintain a pool of quality applicants and reducing exposure to misleading ads for Applicants
Employers report a 40% faster median hiring for roles filled through MyGlit versus traditional methods, according to participating Cebu-based employers. This measurable impact has encouraged more regional hiring teams to adopt MyGlit as an efficient sourcing channel for high-volume roles.
“In our Cebu hub, MyGlit has helped streamline pre-screening and communication. We’re seeing faster median hiring cycles on roles sourced through the platform.” — HR Director, Major Cebu BPO
Building Trust Through Community and Tech
MyGlit’s goal isn’t just to be another job board—it’s to become a community tool that empowers applicants, particularly in regions like Bohol where access to formal hiring channels is limited. By combining technology with local outreach, MyGlit is helping more Filipinos confidently enter the workforce without facing scams, delays, or dead-ends.
“In Bohol, I applied through MyGlit and got a call in two days. I didn’t need to walk into 10 offices like before,” shared Andrea L., a newly hired Cebu Based agent.
How to participate
Jobseekers: Register for Free for the next fortnightly virtual fair and view verified openings at myglit.com/register. Employers: Enquire about upcoming cycles or co-branded booths at pa******@****it.com.
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