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Wednesday, August 19, 2026

PLDT Enterprise Advances Resilience-First Thinking Across Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity and Agentic AI Journey of Philippine Enterprises

 





Manila, Philippines — As artificial intelligence changes how organizations work—and how cyber threats move—business leaders are being asked to think beyond adopting the newest technology. The more urgent question is whether their people, systems, and operations can continue functioning when disruption happens.
 
PLDT Enterprise is helping move that conversation forward through a series of speaking engagements, workshops, and executive discussions focused on digital and cyber resilience, preemptive defense, data protection, and the emerging role of Agentic AI in business operations.
 
Through the participation of Alexis Bernardino, Principal CXO Advisor and Head of the CXO Advisory at PLDT Enterprise, the organization has brought its perspectives to major industry platforms, including the Gov Excellence Summit 2026, Cyber Resilience Summit 2026, Digital Next Philippines 2026, and the upcoming Philippines Agentic AI Forum.

These engagements build on PLDT Enterprise’s continuing work through its Preemptive Cyber Defense discussions, Data Exposure Defense Workshop and CXO Cyber and Digital Resilience Masterclass—bringing complex technology conversations closer to the real concerns of business leaders across the public sector, conglomerates, banking and financial services, key industries, and SMEs.
 
Moving from digital transformation to resilience
For years, digital transformation has largely been associated with modernization: moving to the cloud, connecting more systems, and introducing new platforms. But as businesses become more digital, they also become more exposed to disruptions that can affect customers, employees, revenue, and public trust.
 
PLDT Enterprise is encouraging organizations to broaden the conversation—from simply transforming operations to building operations that can withstand, respond to, and recover from disruption.
 
“In a landscape being reshaped by AI, transformation alone is no longer enough. Organizations must also ask whether their business operations can remain secure, trusted, and available when disruption happens,” said Bernardino. “Digital and cyber resilience means building that readiness across the whole enterprise anticipating the worst case scenario—from connectivity infrastructure, network, cloud, cybersecurity, data, and ultimately to AI.”

GovXcellence 2026 Summit showcased a powerful shift toward a unified, data-driven ecosystem, highlighting breakthrough innovations in cybersecurity and enterprise mobility. From high-level plenary sessions to cutting-edge tech exhibits, GovXcellence 2026 has officially set a new benchmark for digital governance, proving that the roadmap to a modernized Philippines is not just a vision but an active, accelerating reality.

At the Cyber Resilience Summit 2026, industry leaders examined how organizations can remain operational and trusted even during an attack. The gathering placed resilience at the center of business strategy, highlighting the need for stronger governance, practical response frameworks, and readiness for AI-driven threats.
 
Digital Next Philippines 2026 widened the discussion to the country’s evolving digital economy, bringing together leaders from government, banking, public services, retail, telecommunications, and other industries. The summit explored how organizations can pursue innovation while protecting data, customers, and institutional trust.
 
PLDT Enterprise’s participation across these platforms reflects a consistent message: cybersecurity cannot be treated as an isolated technical function. It must be connected to business continuity, customer experience, leadership decisions, and long-term growth.
 
Preparing for threats before compromise
One of the key ideas PLDT Enterprise is advancing is the shift from a purely reactive security posture toward preemptive cyber defense—helping organizations identify exposure and strengthen defenses before an incident becomes a business crisis.
 
This approach is supported by what the CXO Advisory Group describes as data exposure defense and an end-to-end view of enterprise architecture. Rather than looking at connectivity, networks, cloud, cybersecurity, and AI as separate layers, organizations are encouraged to see how these components work together throughout the transformation journey.
 
The goal is straightforward: help businesses neutralize risks before compromise.
 
For decision-makers, this means asking practical questions. Where are the organization’s most critical exposures? Which services must remain available during an attack? How quickly can teams detect, respond, and recover? And as AI becomes embedded in more workflows, how can it be used not only by attackers, but also by defenders?

 
Bringing Agentic AI into real operations
The next stage of this conversation centers on Agentic AI—systems designed to move beyond providing recommendations and toward planning, deciding, executing, and optimizing workflows with greater autonomy.
 
At the upcoming Philippines Agentic AI Forum, the focus turns to how enterprises can move from AI experimentation toward production-ready applications that create measurable business outcomes. For PLDT Enterprise, this creates an opportunity to advance an Agentic AI Operations practice that brings together infrastructure modernization, networks, cloud, cybersecurity, data, and AI.
 
“AI is turbo charging the speed and scale of change on both sides of cybersecurity,” Bernardino added. “The same technology that introduces new risks can also help organizations detect unusual activity earlier, respond faster, and operate more intelligently. The challenge is to adopt it with the right architecture, controls, and governance from the beginning.”
 
This integrated approach allows PLDT Enterprise to support organizations at different stages of their journey—from enterprises strengthening foundational connectivity and cloud environments to leaders preparing for more advanced AI-enabled operations.
 
Turning expertise into practical guidance
Across its industry engagements, PLDT Enterprise aims to make resilience more understandable and actionable for executives and operational teams.
 
The value of thought leadership lies not only in discussing future technologies, but in helping organizations make better decisions today: protecting essential services, safeguarding customer trust, preparing people for disruption, and ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of security.
 
By bringing together its fixed, wireless, and ICT capabilities with advisory perspectives on digital and cyber resilience to Agentic AIOps Practice, PLDT Enterprise is helping organizations see a more complete path forward—one where transformation, protection, and continuity move together.
 
As AI adoption accelerates and cyber risks continue to evolve, resilience will increasingly define which organizations can adapt with confidence. Through its growing presence in major industry conversations, PLDT Enterprise is helping Philippine businesses prepare not only for the technology ahead, but for the people, operations, and trust that must remain protected along the way.
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SB19 conquers the global wild with defiant new anthem “LAWLESS”

 

Following their acclaimed Lollapalooza Chicago debut, the quintet delivers a fearless bop that celebrates creative independence and reinvention


Watch the music video of “LAWLESS” here



Manila, Philippines – Fresh from making history with their critically acclaimed debut performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago, SB19 has released their latest single, “LAWLESS,” which they premiered live for the very first time on one of the world’s most prestigious music festival stages.

“LAWLESS” marks a new direction for the award-winning quintet, transitioning from a locally established act to a global supergroup brand. In “LAWLESS,” SB19 declares that they’re an outlaw on the run: gutsy, more determined to take chances, and not the type to seek approval.

No longer constrained by conventional industry expectations, SB19’s latest bop sets their sights on disrupting the norm, reflecting a state of creative and career liberation. As the lyrics best describe it, “I'm lawless, better be cautious.”

Buoyed by maximalist production and cinematic soundscapes, “LAWLESS” takes P-Pop to a more sonically riveting ground, fusing hip-hop swagger with contemporary pop, Western, and surf rock influences. 

Accompanying the release is an equally audacious but strikingly entertaining music video that subverts classic outlaw tropes through tongue-in-cheek homage to Western films. The visuals show SB19’s signature blend of wit, charisma, and boundary-pushing creativity. 

SB19’s “LAWLESS” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Production Credits:

Composers: 

John Paulo Nase (RADKIDZ)

Joshua Daniel Nase (RADKIDZ)

Josh Cullen Santos

Tomas Costanza

Tim Gent

Charles Anthony Rangel


Lyricists: 

John Paulo Nase (RADKIDZ)

Josh Cullen Santos

Tim Gent

Charles Anthony Rangel


Mixing Engineer: Emil Dela Rosa

Mastering Engineer: Emil Dela Rosa


Producers:

John Paulo Nase (RADKIDZ)

Joshua Daniel Nase (RADKIDZ)

Tomas Costanza








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The future of foldables has arrived: It’s time to make the switch!

 

Enjoy pre-order offers for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8 until Aug 13!

Samsung is redefining what a smartphone can be with the launch of its newest foldable lineup: the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8. Designed for different lifestyles yet united by Galaxy AI, the latest Galaxy Z Series offers smarter ways to create, work, and express yourself in durable form factors proving that the future of mobile experiences is already here.

Samsung is also offering exclusive pre-order promotions and upgrade deals until August 13, giving early adopters even more value when they purchase the new Galaxy Z Series.

Whether you're looking for the ultimate productivity companion, a device that elevates everyday entertainment, or a stylish foldable that reflects your personality, Samsung's newest foldables are built around how people naturally live, create, and connect.

A Foldable for Every Lifestyle

The new Galaxy Z Series goes beyond offering different screen sizes—it introduces three distinct foldable experiences designed around how people work, create, and express themselves.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is Samsung's most capable AI productivity foldable yet, combining powerful Galaxy AI features with innovations like Flex Titanium Technology for a larger, flatter, and more seamless display, My FanCam for effortless social-ready content creation, and a 5,000mAh battery that delivers up to 27 hours of use on a single charge.

Introducing Samsung's newest foldable form factor, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is the first of its kind, built for immersive entertainment, effortless multitasking, and everyday discovery. Its intuitive display transitions naturally from a familiar cover screen for quick tasks to a spacious main display that makes streaming, reading, gaming, and productivity feel more immersive wherever you are.

Completing the lineup, the Galaxy Z Flip8 is Samsung's thinnest and lightest Flip yet. Weighing just 180 grams and measuring only 6.1mm thin, it combines a sleek, expressive design with enhanced durability through Advanced Armor Aluminum and a stronger hinge, making it the perfect companion for users who want flagship innovation in a compact form.

Fold Into the Future with Exclusive Pre-Order Offers

Early adopters can enjoy exceptional value when they pre-order the new Galaxy Z Series until August 13.

Customers can double their storage and save up to PHP 7,000, receive up to PHP 14,000 through eligible trade-ins, and enjoy Samsung Care+ free for three months (worth PHP 3,297) for added peace of mind.

Every eligible Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8 purchase also includes a six-month trial of Google AI Pro, unlocking even more advanced AI-powered experiences.

Complete the Galaxy experience with Samsung's latest wearables. The new Galaxy Watch9 delivers smarter everyday wellness and productivity, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 offers Samsung's most advanced smartwatch experience with premium durability for active lifestyles.

Those who pre-order the 256GB variant of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, or Galaxy Z Flip8 can enjoy PHP 3,000 OFF on select Galaxy Wearables. Meanwhile, customers who purchase a participating Galaxy Watch9 or Galaxy Watch Ultra2 until September 30 can also receive a PHP 2,000 discount on a participating Galaxy smartphone.

To make upgrading even more rewarding, Samsung is also offering up to 50% trade-in value, up to PHP 16,000 in guaranteed savings, and up to PHP 3,000 in exclusive vendor discounts, making it the perfect time to experience Samsung's most advanced foldables yet.

Why Wait for Tomorrow?

The future unfolds today.

Whether you want the ultimate powerhouse with the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, an immersive everyday companion with the Galaxy Z Fold8, or a stylish and compact device with the Galaxy Z Flip8, Samsung's newest foldables are designed to move with your lifestyle and help you experience more every day.

Discover the next generation of foldable innovation and pre-order the new Galaxy Z Series today:

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra - https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold8-ultra/buy/ Galaxy Z Fold8 - https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold8/buy/
Galaxy Z Flip8 - https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip8/buy/ 

*Offers may vary per store. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. 262261, 261885, 261334, 260761 Series of 2026.



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AXEAN Festival 2026 drops second batch of artists from Asia and beyond



This year's festival deepens its commitment to artistic exchange through KEXP, KOREA SPOTLIGHT, and new cross-cultural initiatives




August 3, 2026 / 4:00 P.M. – AXEAN Festival has released the second wave of artists joining this year’s edition. The latest announcement brings together a diverse and eclectic mix of acclaimed, established, and emerging acts from Asia and beyond.


Staying true to the festival’s vision of showcasing the breadth and depth of today’s global music landscape, the latest batch of artists represents an expansive spectrum of genres: from indie rock to alternative pop, electronic jazz to soul, hip-hop to progressive rock, experimental to modern MOR, dream pop to contemporary Asian sounds.

Wave two lineup

Joining the roster are Aelea (Indonesia), Arivu (India/TuneCore India Showcase), Basboi (Indonesia), Bishnu Paneru (Philippines), brkfstblend (Japan), Cactus Cactus (Singapore), can't be Blue (South Korea), Ciggarats (Vietnam), Clever Moose (Indonesia), Crystal Murray (France/United States), D’MASIV (Indonesia), Drizzly (Indonesia), El Karmoya (Indonesia), Emptyyy (Indonesia), Feral Stripes (Indonesia), GEE EXCLSV (Philippines), Gavendri (Indonesia), GENIUS Flow (Laos), Given (Indonesia), hailinhtasm (Vietnam), Laze and Mardial (Indonesia), Littlefingers (Indonesia), Litty (Japan), Mayu (Japan), MRCH (South Korea), Nerd Connection (South Korea), Olsam (Indonesia), Silly Silky (South Korea), and YuuHai (Cambodia).

Collectively, this year’s roster reinforces AXEAN Festival’s longstanding commitment to championing musical discovery while creating valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, regional connectivity, and international collaboration. Beyond its showcase performances, AXEAN Festival continues to develop programs, conversations, and initiatives that address the most pressing issues that affect or shape the region’s music ecosystem.

AXEAN Festival co-founder David Siow adds, “Every year there are new developments in each Southeast Asian music scene—be it new artists, new movements, new companies, or even new geopolitics. We strive to address and serve as a bridge, connecting the relevant artists and delegates to each other and allowing for them to meet each other and form organic relationships, all in the hopes that we can build a better future together. If you come to AXEAN Festival, you are tapping into a community that grows and builds with you.”




Live on KEXP makes its Asian debut at AXEAN Festival

Among this year’s key milestones is the landmark partnership with KEXP, the internationally renowned Seattle-based public radio station and music platform celebrated for championing independent artists worldwide.

For the first time ever, Live on KEXP will record in Asia, with select artists performing exclusive live sessions during the AXEAN Festival. The collaboration represents an important step forward in increasing the global visibility of Southeast Asian independent music.

“KEXP exists to help artists reach a global audience,” shares Chris Sanley, Executive Producer of Live on KEXP. “While we live in a world that makes it easy for us to connect online, we know there are significant barriers keeping artists from coming to our studio in Seattle to record a Live on KEXP session. For nearly two decades we’ve been sending our team to international music-centered events to record live performances with artists from outside the US, anchored by the idea of going to the music rather than waiting for it to come to us. Diana’s work on our radio show, Eastern Echoes, and her commitment to showcasing and highlighting independent artists from Asia, inspired us to bring Live on KEXP to the Asian continent for the first time.”

For Diana Ratsamee, host of KEXP’s Eastern Echoes, the partnership offers an opportunity to reshape how the world experiences Asian music. “In American and international media, our stories have long been underrepresented and our music boxed into narrow definitions and expectations. KEXP’s show, Eastern Echoes exists to reflect the incredible breadth of sounds that make up our Asian communities, and this partnership with AXEAN Festival will expand on that work in amazing ways.”


KOREA SPOTLIGHT partnership

AXEAN Festival also welcomes KOREA SPOTLIGHT, the flagship K-Music showcase presented by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST), and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).

Since its launch in 2017, KOREA SPOTLIGHT has introduced outstanding Korean artists to audiences around the world. This year’s delegation is particularly significant, as it features four artists who all emerged from MUSE ON, KOCCA’s artist discovery and development program for promising new musicians.

Making their Indonesian debut, can’t be blue, MRCH. Nerd Connection, and Silly Silky will perform not only as part of AXEAN Festival’s showcase program but also at a dedicated KOREA SPOTLIGHT showcase in Jakarta.

SEA URBAN: Putting a spotlight on Southeast Asia’s thriving hip-hop/R&B movement

Further expanding its programming, AXEAN Festival 2026 introduces SEA URBAN—a new platform dedicated to Southeast Asian hip-hop, rap, R&B, and contemporary urban music.

The initiative combines a curated showcase featuring some of the region’s most exciting urban artists with an accompanying industry panel examining the genre’s rapid growth, evolving identity, and increasing global impact.

“Hip-hop sits in an interesting place: it's mainstream, trendy, and fashionable, but it also carries real weight because it resonates with the struggles of urban youth,” AXEAN Festival co-founder Piyapong Muenprasertdee reveals. “What sets Southeast Asian hip-hop apart is that each scene is shaped by where it came from, with artists weaving traditional sounds into their beats—which makes every country's scene distinct and worth the world discovering. That's why the showcase and panel matter: these scenes have mostly grown on their own, and putting them on a shared regional stage is how we help these voices travel further and collaborate across borders.”

Tickets to AXEAN Festival 2026 are now available via www.loket.com/o/axeanfestival.

AXEAN Festival 2026 is co-presented by Jimbaran Hub (venue partner) and TuneCore (main stage sponsor), in partnership with EMPIRE (stage sponsor); Embassy of France in Indonesia & Institut Francais Indonesia, Embassy of France in Singapour, Centre National de la Musique, Institut Français, KEXP, KOREA SPOTLIGHT, Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of the Republic of Korea (festival partners); The Orchard (VIP partner); MADVERSE (songwriting camp primary sponsor); KSR (songwriting camp secondary sponsor); Musicway (songwriting camp secondary sponsor); Sounds Australia (music exchange partner); Symphonic Distribution (panel partner); PERMATA BANK (supporting partner), DEBEAT Sunset Road; and Millers Records (equipment partners).

About AXEAN Festival

 

AXEAN Festival is a prominent Southeast Asian music export platform, combining a music conference and showcase festival.

 

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic by music professionals across Southeast Asia, AXEAN Festival has successfully hosted both virtual (2020-2021) and in-person (2022-2025) events. Over six editions, it has featured 200 artists from 20 countries and secured close to 200 opportunities for them, attracted 420 delegates from 32 countries, and reached over 46,000 virtual viewers, along with close to 18,000 live attendees.

 

With its growing international reputation, AXEAN has firmly established itself as Southeast Asia’s leading music export platform. Its first venture into a new market beyond its original home base in Singapore and Bali garnered widespread acclaim among attendees, music industry professionals, and participating artists.

 

 


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Return to the Nostalgic Warmth of Simple Joys at Solaire Resort

 

Relish a new take on the classic Fresh Lumpia with the added nuttiness of ChocNut



Reminisce with the sweet memories of the past with Solaire’s ChocNut-infused blends and dishes.

Innovation awaits in each corner of a world of technology and rapid development. Novelty is promised through top-of-the-line features and renewed iterations of the latest offers. Solaire Resort revisits its signature world-class experiences with an exclusive treat for Solaire Rewards members, offering the simple joys of nostalgia curated to relax today’s fast-paced nature. Live through irreplaceable memories of happier days at Solaire, where each space creates reasons to celebrate.

Elevate the wins of today with the happiness of yesterday as Solaire introduces a return to a staple in each Filipino childhood. Indulge in reimagined classics made better with the unmistakable flavors of ChocNut-infused delicacies available for Solaire Rewards members. Savory favorites and tasty treats featuring the nostalgic taste of home blended with the familiar nutty delight.


A wide array of delectable pastries await with a special ChocNut twist at Solaire Resort


This August, visit the Solaire Club at Solaire Resort Entertainment City and Solaire Resort Quezon City for warm Filipino dishes remade with exciting twists. Rediscover local classics enhanced with the subtle sweetness of a ChocNut-filled sauce and crumble garnished over beloved kare-kare and fresh lumpia dishes for a nuttier, creamier palate experience with each bite. For those seeking a multi-flavored snack, a seamless blend of chocolate and gentle saltiness finds its home in a comforting bowl of ChocNut champorado.

Filipino staples such as kare-kare await with a ChocNut infusion at Solaire Resort


Tasty treats also await at Solaire Club, with each week introducing well-loved desserts and pastries mixed with ChocNut spreads and crumbles. Enjoy refined pastry blends such as crisp cookies, buttery Sans Rivals and Pianonos, and warm servings of chocolatines made with the renowned Filipino chocolate.

ChocNut frappes or Hot ChocNut can be availed as complimentary additions to each meal with a minimum spend starting at Php 2,000 in any dining outlet

For the entire month of August, Solaire Rewards members can also indulge in complimentary ChocNut beverages at Pool Bar and Grill and the Pool Cafe, or desserts such as cookies and danishes at The Bakery, or a ChocNut pizza from Pool Bar and Grill and Trattoria e Dolci with a minimum spend starting at Php 2,000 at any dining outlet.

As more mouthwatering delicacies await each week, sign up for the Solaire Rewards program, and explore up to 20% off dining, while new members may receive 30% off their first bill. For inquiries and reservations, visit solaireresort.com, call +632 8888 8888.


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