Thursday, August 20, 2026
Who says you have to wait until December to get into the holiday spirit?
Northern Manila is already serving a little festive energy, and honestly, we’re completely here for it. At SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela, August is bringing an unexpected string of rewards that can make an ordinary mall day feel a lot more exciting.
There’s a certain Christmas-in-August feeling in the air, not because the parols are out or the carols have started playing, but because the wins seem to be coming one after another.
A food trip could lead to a ₱10,000 prize. A regular shopping day could turn into a ₱10,000 grocery haul. A coffee run, dinner, or weekend mall trip could put a brand-new iPad within reach. Even a movie night comes with another chance to score free tickets.
The best part? These aren’t necessarily extra things you have to plan for. Your usual lunch, shopping trip, grocery run, or movie date can double as an entry.
So, if you’re heading to the mall anyway, here’s what’s happening across the North and where those everyday receipts might take you.
Feast & Win at SM Foodcourt
Locations: SM City Grand Central & SM City Valenzuela
Duration: August 15 to October 15, 2026
At SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela, food trips come with a little something extra through FEAST & WIN at SM Foodcourt, running from August 15 to October 15.
The mechanics are simple: every ₱500 single or accumulated receipt from participating SM Foodcourt tenants earns one raffle entry after registration through the designated QR code.
Ten lucky winners will take home the grand prize of a ₱10,000 food feast prize.
Which means that lunch with the family, merienda with friends, or that familiar “I deserve this” food trip could come with an unexpected bonus. Because apparently, ordering your favorite comfort food now also comes with a side of what if I win?
SHOP & WIN AT SM CITY VALENZUELA
Location: SM City Valenzuela
Duration: August 15 to October 31, 2026
Over at SM City Valenzuela, everyday errands get another layer of excitement with SHOP & WIN, running from August 15 through October 31.
It fits rather neatly into the rhythm of a regular mall day. Restocking the pantry, picking up something new, meeting friends for coffee, or having dinner with the family can all count toward an entry.
Spend ₱2,000 in a single or accumulated receipt at participating stores, restaurants, or service shops, and you get one raffle entry. There’s also no limit to the number of entries, so those receipts may be worth keeping a little more carefully than usual. Three lucky winners will each receive a ₱10,000 grocery shopping spree at SM Hypermarket.
It is the kind of shopping math mantra worth remembering: shop more, register more, and possibly win more.
SHOP, DINE & WIN AT SM CENTER SANGANDAAN
Location: SM Center Sangandaan
Duration: August 1 to September 30, 2026
For those who have been eyeing a tech upgrade, SM Center Sangandaan is giving shoppers another reason to hold on to their receipts.
Through SHOP, DINE & WIN, running from August 1 to September 30, mallgoers have a chance to win one of three brand-new iPad A16 units in partnership with The Loop PH.
Every ₱1,000 single or accumulated receipt from participating stores earns one e-raffle entry. Cinema-goers get an added perk, too: a single purchase of four SM Cinema tickets automatically earns an entry.
Registration is digital through the SM Raffle Central portal or by scanning the in-mall QR code. After creating an account and uploading the receipt, shoppers simply wait for the draw on October 7, 2026.
It’s pretty simple: make the trip, keep the receipt, register, and you could find yourself unboxing a new gadget.
Watch & Win at SM Cinema
Locations: SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, & SM City Valenzuela
Duration: August 15 to October 15, 2026
If your idea of a perfect mall day ends with popcorn and a movie, there is another chance to win.From August 15 to October 15, 2026, WATCH & WIN at SM CINEMA gives moviegoers at SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela another reason to make time for the big screen. Every single SM Cinema ticket purchase earns one raffle entry after registration.
The prize? Movie tickets for two. There will be 25 winners from each participating branch, giving lucky moviegoers the chance to enjoy another cinema date on the house.
So, whether you are watching the latest blockbuster, squeezing in a midweek movie, or saying yes to a spontaneous “Sine tayo?” invite, your movie ticket could lead to another movie night. Talk about a sequel worth waiting for.
If Aug-BER is officially the season when Filipinos start getting a little more excited about the “Ber” months, consider this the bonus track: a season of back-to-back chances to win.
Because sometimes, the best kind of surprise isn’t wrapped in a gift box. Sometimes, it’s sitting in your receipt. So, go ahead, enjoy your Gala to the Max and visit your most loved SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
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
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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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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