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Vibal Foundation’s Philippine Cartography wins Gintong Aklat Award

Posted on Nov. 24, 2021, 8:15 p.m.

Vibal Foundation’s (VF) Philippine Cartography 4th edition won the 2020 Gintong Aklat Awards for Social Sciences category. The awarding ceremony was streamed live on the Facebook pages of the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP) and Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) on Wednesday afternoon, November 17. VF’s Program Director Kristine E. Mandigma, book editor Dr. Carlos Madrid, and Ms. Denden Quirino, daughter of the book’s author and National Artist Carlos Quirino, gave their acceptance speeches. 


Established in 1871, Gintong Aklat Awards is conferred bi-annually by BDAP. The outstanding Philippine books are chosen based on overall excellence—from the quality of production, design, and printing to the quality and significance of content. 


Philippine Cartography 1320-1899, Fourth Edition
National Artist Carlos Quirino recounts how the concept of the Philippines emerged as a vague grouping of islands in the early fourteenth century and evolved in fits and starts over half a millennium into its current iconography. The Philippines as a geographical and ideological construct was shaped by a long lineage of cosmographers, cartographers, and artists spanning diverse cultures and times, such as Zhu She Ben, Luo Hong Xian, Abraham Cresques, Francisco Rodrigues, Juan López y Velasco, Diogo Homem, Gerardus Mercator, Sebastian Münster, Robert Dudley, Comte de Lapérouse, Pedro Murillo Velarde, Claudio Montero, Francisco Coello, José Algué, and many others. 


From ancient Chinese scrolls, Japanese and Portuguese portolan maps, French scientific surveys, and British merchants’ nautical charts, Quirino weaves a history of heroics and everyday drudgery, of personal and international rivalries, as well as of egregious mistakes and brilliant insights.


Philippine Cartography was first published in a limited edition in 1959 and reissued a second and third time in Amsterdam and Quezon City. For this fourth edition, editor Dr. Carlos Madrid annotated Quirino’s text and added a selection of over 450 new maps to form the largest bibliography of over 1,600 Philippine cartographic materials. 


Profusely illustrated with over 200 images, this edition is further enriched with six remarkable foldout maps, among them the outstanding Topographía de la Ciudad de Manila, which is reproduced for the first time in high resolution. This edition is also specially honored with a foreword by renowned historian Ambeth Ocampo and an introduction by international author, Thomas Suárez, who presents a meditation on cartography, the making of the Philippines, and the twenty-first century digitality.


Dr. Madrid also appended three significant essays that considerably widen the author’s avenues of inquiry into the Selden map of Southeast Asia, the unheralded Claudio Montero and his Comisión Hidrográfica de Filipinas, and the world-class achievements of Jesuit father Vicente Memije—together with two Filipino artists, Nicolás de la Cruz Bagay and Lorenzo Atlas.


With its erudite text and unparalleled reproduction of rare maps, views, and plans, this book will delight anyone with an interest in antiquity, history, geography, and maps as instruments of power and rare vessels of beauty.
Interested readers may purchase Philippine Cartography and other VFI books at Vibal Online Shop at https://shop.vibalgroup.com, Lazadahttps://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/vibal-books, and at Shopeehttps://shopee.ph/vibalgroup

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Captured with Magic? Photos shot by renowned photographers using HONOR Magic7 Pro 

5:39 p.m. May 8, 2025

Experience Professional-Grade Imaging in the Palm of Your Hand 

HONOR Philippines proudly unveils the HONOR Magic7 Pro, a groundbreaking flagship smartphone engineered to redefine mobile photography.

Designed with creators and photography enthusiasts in mind, the HONOR Magic7 Pro combines cutting-edge technology, exceptional design, and user-friendly features to deliver professional-grade images and videos effortlessly. 

Boasting an industry-leading quad-camera system, the HONOR Magic7 Pro is more than just a smartphone, but a creative tool that empowers users to capture life’s finest details with precision and artistry. 

“With the HONOR Magic7 Pro, we’re not just introducing a smartphone; we’re giving our users a chance to push their creative boundaries. This device reflects our commitment to innovation, empowering users to create stunning visuals and experience photography like never before.” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. 

A New Era of Mobile Photography 

To showcase the revolutionary camera system of the HONOR Magic7 Pro, some of the most talented photographers in the industry were invited to test its capabilities. The results speak for themselves: 

  • Sherard Yu delivered striking portrait shots that reveal the device’s expertise in capturing subtle lighting nuances and intricate details.  
  • Dookie Ducay showcased vibrant color reproduction and remarkable sharpness in his fashion-forward imagery. See more here
  • Rainier Gonzales leveraged the ultra-wide camera for expansive landscapes, demonstrating its ability to encapsulate breathtaking vistas. 
  • Ryan Tasic pushed the boundaries of low-light photography with the Night Vision Pro feature, capturing atmospheric and detailed images even in dim environments. 

Unmatched Camera Features for Every Shot 

The HONOR Magic7 Pro delivers unparalleled versatility with its sophisticated quad-camera system: 

  • 200 MP Ultra HD Main Camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Ensures sharp and dynamic shots with extraordinary resolution. 
  • 50 MP Ultra-Wide Lens with a 120° field of view: Perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots. 
  • 64 MP Periscope Telephoto Camera with 10x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom: Enables high-clarity close-ups, even from a distance. 
  • 12 MP Macro Lens: Focuses on intricate details, capturing subjects as close as 2.5 cm. 

The camera system is further enhanced by next-generation imaging technologies such as: 

  • AI Ultra-Clarity Mode: Merges multiple frames into one image for unmatched detail and color vibrancy. 
  • Night Vision Pro: Ensures brilliant low-light performance, producing stunning shots even in the darkest settings. 
  • 8K Cinematic Video Recording: Offers HDR10+ support for videos with exceptional sharpness, vividness, and dynamic range. 
  • Super Stable Video Mode: Guarantees smooth, jitter-free recordings, even during fast-moving scenes. 

Discover More About the HONOR Magic7 Pro 

Available in Lunar Shadow Grey and Black, the HONOR Magic7 Pro is now officially available nationwide for only Php 59,999! Order now at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores or online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_M7Pro_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/M7ProLaunch_PR, and TiktokShop https://bit.ly/TikTok_M7Pro_PR

For more affordable offers, the HONOR Magic7 Pro is also available at Home Credit for as low as Php 2,484/month with 0% interest and payable up to 18 months. 

To know more about HONOR Magic7 Pro, head on to: https://bit.ly/Web_M7Pro_PR. For more 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.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

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Globe celebrates Alex Eala’s inspiring run at Miami Open

10:10 p.m. March 28, 2025

Filipina tennis sensation and Globe ambassador Alex Eala once again made the nation proud with her stellar performance at the Miami Open, where she showcased remarkable skill and determination against some of the biggest names in the sport.

The 19-year-old wildcard and world no. 140 delivered a breathtaking run in the tourney, defeating three Grand Slam champions— world no. 25 Jelena Ostapenko, world no. 5 Madison Keys, and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek— before bowing out in a hard-fought semifinal match against American Jessica Pegula on Friday.

Despite an early lead and a valiant comeback in the second set, Eala ultimately bowed out, missing a finals berth but drawing rousing applause from the crowd following a remarkable run. 

Alex was the first Filipina to make it as a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 1000 Semifinalist and the first in the Open Era to beat top-10 players. She is expected to reach her career-best ranking of 75 in the WTA when the rankings get published on Monday, becoming the first Filipina in history to debut in the top 100 of the WTA rankings.

“Alex has once again demonstrated the heart and fighting spirit of the Filipino. Her Miami Open journey is a testament to her relentless drive and unwavering dedication to the sport,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. “We are incredibly proud of her achievements and will continue to support her as she inspires young athletes across the country.”

Eala, who has been a Globe ambassador since she was eight, has continuously raised the bar for Philippine tennis, showing that Filipino talent can shine among the world’s best. Her Miami Open campaign cements her status as a rising star in professional tennis and a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

Globe remains committed to continue supporting Eala as she continues her journey on the global tennis stage.

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Experience a royal first: Warabimochi Kamakura opens at SM Megamall

6:36 p.m. March 11, 2025

The wait is over! The globally celebrated Japanese dessert brand Warabimochi Kamakura has officially opened its doors at SM Megamall’s Level 3, Mega Fashion Hall. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth magic, this viral sensation is the latest addition to SM Supermalls’ reputation as the #HomeOfFirsts, bringing first-to-market brands and world-class culinary experiences to Filipino foodies.

A Taste Fit for Royalty

Once a delicacy reserved for Japanese royalty, warabimochi has been reimagined by Warabimochi Kamakura into a global phenomenon. Crafted with a secret recipe and premium ingredients, their signature warabimochi boasts a delicate, jelly-like texture that dissolves blissfully in your mouth. Available in Kinako (roasted soybean flour) and Matcha, each serving is paired with a luscious Kuromitsu syrup that elevates the flavor.

But the experience doesn’t end there—Warabimochi Kamakura is also famous for its warabimochi drinks, a modern twist on the classic dessert. These refreshing beverages come packed with chewy warabimochi pieces in flavors like Matcha, Hojicha, Strawberry, Coffee, and the zesty Matcha Lemonade. Don’t miss out on their limited-edition seasonal flavors, with the first to be launched this Valentine’s Day, which are always worth the wait!

A Global Sensation Lands in Manila

With over 65 stores across Japan and a growing presence in foodie destinations like South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, USA, Australia and China, Warabimochi Kamakura has captured the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. Known for its viral appeal and signature taste, it’s no surprise that the brand has become synonymous with long lines and eager customers. Now, as part of SM Supermalls’ #HomeOfFirsts, SM Megamall is proud to be the exclusive Philippine destination where you can experience this sweet sensation firsthand.

Discover What’s New at SM Megamall

SM Supermalls takes pride in being the #HomeOfFirsts—bringing you the best in world-class dining, first-to-market brands, and groundbreaking experiences that redefine what it means to have it all. Warabimochi Kamakura’s arrival at SM Megamall  expands the mall’s roster of brands offering Filipino mallgoers unforgettable experiences that both inspire and connect communities. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the world-renowned Japanese dessert phenomenon—come visit and be part of this sweet sensation!

Stay connected! Follow @kamakura_philippines on Instagram for updates, exclusive content, and sneak peeks. For more sweet discoveries and exciting first-to-market brands, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

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