GLOBAL VIDEO GAME PHENOMENON ‘KINGDOM HEARTS’ GREENLIT FOR FIRST-EVER ORIGINAL TELEVISION SERIES ON DISNEY+

 

Legendary Video Game Creator Tetsuya Nomura To Contribute to the Anime Series

PHILIPPINES (August 15, 2026) — “Kingdom Hearts” (working title), an original anime series inspired by the globally beloved video game franchise, has been greenlit for Disney+. 

Developed in partnership with video game creator Tetsuya Nomura and the creative team at SQUARE ENIX, the series reimagines the iconic adventure with a brand-new story that will expand on the universe of Kingdom Hearts while celebrating the characters that have captured he hearts of millions of fans around the world. The news was announced today at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

“Kingdom Hearts has captivated gamers everywhere with its unique blend of adventure and imagination,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family. “There’s something really exciting about taking a world fans have spent years exploring through the games and bringing it to life in a completely new way. And with a creative team that is working closely with the legendary Tetsuya Nomura, our new series will be unmistakably ‘Kingdom Hearts,’ while giving fans a whole new way to experience the world they love.”

“Kingdom Hearts” (WT) joins the growing slate of original animated series for Disney+ Philippines, alongside series that include “Dragon Striker,” “Phineas and Ferb,” “Big City Greens” and the upcoming “Messi and the Giants,” “Warrior Cats” and “Journey.” The series reflects the platform’s continued focus on creating stories filled with magic, wonder, adventure and heart for a new generation of kids and families. 

Forget FOMO and Live with Awesome Intentions with the Samsung Galaxy A57 5G | A37 5G

 

These new Galaxy A Series devices let Gen Zs conquer the digital noise and step up their real-world A-Game

Today’s Gen Z exists in a digital paradox: the desire to live intentionally often clashes with the persistent fear of missing out (FOMO). Whether it is the guilt of a late-night doomscrolling session or the need to be the first to capture a shared experience, the pressure is real. 

If you are a Gen Z and you feel this way, Samsung has the right tool for you to bring out the dream you saved on your screen to the real world. The new Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G are designed to help you navigate your life intentionally.

Locking-In with Awesome Intelligence

This season in your life as a Gen Z might feel like a lot, but the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G make it look like a total flex. With Circle to Search with Google, you can instantly shop an entire OOTD or find every piece of furniture in your room inspo in one go, so no more gatekeeping from those reels you bookmarked.

When the barkada trip finally leaves the group chat, Gemini handles the heavy lifting by navigating apps to build your itinerary or plan family celebrations for you. Plus, for those big career moves, Voice Transcription in the Notes app turns meeting recordings into text instantly, so you can stay on top of your business calls without the stress. It is productivity leveled up, giving you more time to actually live your awesome life.

Capturing ‘Awesome’ without the Effort

Celebrating life has become a Gen Z aspiration, and the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G make sure your feed looks the part with ease and intention. With a 50MP main camera, every sunset session or main character moment is captured in crisp, high-quality detail that is ready for the gram. 

For those late-night escapades or just vibing under the stars, Optimized Nightography ensures your photos and videos stay bright and aesthetic, even when the lighting is low-key. Plus, with a faster shutter speed, you can catch those fleeting, candid blur-free shots during road trips. It is all about capturing the core memories effortlessly, so you can stay fully in the moment.

A-Game Ready for the Long Haul Without Losing Style  

Think of the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G as the stable relationship you deserve, which is a true long-term investment. When life gets a bit rugged, the IP68 rating and Corning Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ mean it will survive a sudden Manila downpour or an accidental drop during a night out. It is also in it for the long haul with 6 generations of Android OS and 6 years of security updates, staying fast and relevant way into your next life chapter. Plus, Samsung Knox Vault keeps your data on lock, so you get total peace of mind without the flagship price tag. It is durability that actually grows with you.

Best of all, you do not have to compromise on your style. The Galaxy A57 5G is officially the thinnest A-series yet at a sleek 6.9mm, so it fits perfectly in your pocket without the bulk. Whether you are vibing with the A57’s Awesome Navy, Gray, Icy Blue or Lilac, or leaning into the A37’s Awesome Lavender, Charcoal, Graygreen, or White, there is a shade to match every mood and OOTD. 

Take the step towards the intentional A-Game 

The Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G are your best bets for living the intentional awesome life. From productivity with Awesome Intelligence features to capturing your best carpe diem moments and having a constant stylish partner, these devices are no cap leading you to step up your A-Game; no FOMO involved.

Snag the Galaxy A57 5G and save up to ₱10,400, or step up to the Galaxy A37 5G with up to ₱7,800 in total savings using guaranteed trade-in offers. Every purchase comes with a free travel adapter and a 2-year Samsung Care+ extended warranty, alongside flexible 0% interest financing for up to 24 months when you bundle with Galaxy ecosystem products. Plus, enjoy up to 40% off select Galaxy wearables to complete your tech stack—available until September 30, 2026 only.

You can get yours through the following:

Galaxy A57 5G: http://smsng.co/GalaxyA57-PR 

Galaxy A37 5G: http://smsng.co/GalaxyA37-PR 

Looking for something a little more within reach? There is the Galaxy A07 5G, for as low as P8,490.

For more information, visit samsung.com.ph or Samsung Philippines Newsroom through this link: https://news.samsung.com/ph/forget-fomo-and-live-with-awesome-intentions-with-the-samsung-galaxy-a57-5g-a37-5g. 

Terms and conditions apply. DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-259831, 260760, 261344, 261554 series of 2026

Jobstreet by SEEK reveals 80% of Filipinos feel fairly paid, but only 59% are happy with their salary

PRESS RELEASE

Despite ongoing cost-of-living challenges and inflationary pressures, the Philippines emerges as one of the regional leaders in salary optimism. According to the latest 2026 Salary Pulse Report released by Jobstreet by SEEK, the Philippines ranks second in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region for pay satisfaction, with 80% of Filipino workers feeling fairly or well paid; just behind Indonesia’s 81%.

However, the report reveals a critical primary insight for today's employment landscape: getting fairly paid no longer equals workplace contentment, as only 59% report being happy with their salary, highlighting a disconnect between what they consider fair and what they’d like to earn. In parallel, 45% of respondents say that their earnings still fall below their actual cost-of-living needs.

The Salary Pulse Report was conducted in February 2026, gathering over a thousand employed respondents in the Philippines. Jobstreet by SEEK, through this report, seeks to focus on attitudes and experiences around pay, including how fairly people feel paid, how happy they are with their salary, and how they approach pay conversations. 

On salary fairness and work happiness 

The 2026 Salary Pulse Report uncovers a notable disconnect between perceived market fairness and actual salary happiness. Among employees who view their pay as "fair (about right)," only 44% are actually satisfied with that level of remuneration, leaving 56% unsatisfied. 

This indicates that workers evaluate salary not merely against industry benchmarks, but against their workload, how well they feel rewarded, and how it sustains their lifestyle. Employees’ expectations, as the report suggests, are likewise shaped by how strongly they believe their contribution is valued, and by how well their salary supports what matters to them outside of work.

Salary happiness has also been the driving motivation for Filipinos to stay in their jobs. When workers in the Philippines are happy with their pay, they're over 2.2x more likely to feel motivated and willing to put in extra effort at work. Conversely, unhappy workers are 2.9x more likely to actively look for a new job.

The Salary Pulse Report also finds that many workers in the Philippines are willing to make compromises, but highly value positive work culture. About 28% of employees stated they would consider relocating to another city or country for a 10% raise. Yet, the same workers are far less likely to sacrifice a positive workplace environment in exchange for a toxic culture for a 10% pay increase.

“The gap between fair pay and salary satisfaction shows that compensation is only one part of the employee experience. Employers need to look beyond salary benchmarks and pair competitive pay with meaningful recognition, clear career pathways, and open conversations about growth to build engaged, future-ready teams,” said Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK in the Philippines.

Pay satisfaction across generations and industries

Generational priorities further shape compensation sentiment across the country. Millennials feel the most financially squeezed, with around half (54%) who are happy with their pay stating their salary falls below their standard of living needs, resulting in a lower salary happiness score (54%) compared to Gen Z (61%) and Gen X (60%). 

While millennials are hesitant to compromise on the workplace environment, the report reveals they are the most open to pursuing side hustles to bridge their financial gap. In contrast, Gen Z workers (83%) are open to making trade-offs such as accepting a lower job title or less meaningful work for a 10% raise. 

Across industries, Technology (54%) and Construction (50%) lead the market in workers who feel well paid, recording the highest overall salary happiness. Stronger wage growth drives this sentiment, with nearly half of workers in these sectors receiving raises in the last 12 months. Conversely, Industrial sector workers report the lowest pay satisfaction, with 58% noting their earnings fall below cost-of-living requirements.

The findings from the 2026 Salary Pulse Report present a strategic opportunity for Philippine business leaders and policymakers to modernize compensation models and performance management practices. By bridging the gap between pay fairness and meaningful reward, organizations can foster higher employee engagement, lower turnover risks, and build a resilient, future-ready workforce.

To learn more about the report and access career tools, visit https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/. 

THE END OF OAK STREET Film Review - Refreshing, Comedic, Adventure. The best dinosaur movie to come out in years !

By: Edgar Allan E. Yu

THE END OF OAK STREET offers a thrilling and fresh take on the dinosaur genre that you absolutely cannot miss. Imagine waking up to find your entire neighborhood transported to the prehistoric age—dinosaurs roaming freely right outside your doorstep. The dinosaurs in this story are genuinely terrifying, with a slow, masterful build-up before their dramatic reveal. The film features a great variety of species and plenty of intense dinosaur action scenes that will satisfy any fan of adventure and suspense.

Anne Hathaway delivers a powerhouse performance, carrying the film from beginning to end as a no-nonsense mom who takes matters firmly into her own hands. Ewan McGregor complements her perfectly, portraying a husband who may not be perfect but certainly has his own memorable moments battling the prehistoric threat. Their kids, typical teens who make some questionable choices, add a relatable and likable dynamic to the family. The movie also pays homage to 1980s films, immersing you in the year 1982 with a blend of action, drama, comedy, horror, and science fiction.

This is, without a doubt, the best dinosaur movie to come out in years. The audience in our cinema was completely engaged, reacting to every twist and turn. If you love adventure and thrillers, THE END OF OAK STREET is an absolute must-watch. We had so much fun experiencing this cinematic ride! Thanks to @warnerbrosph for bringing this exciting story to life. #EndOfOakStreet is in cinemas now—go see it in the biggest screens !   

This is her confession. The thrilling trailer for “Verity,” starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett, has arrived In PH cinemas September 30

 COLUMBIA PICTURES

There is only darkness ahead. “Verity” is an upcoming seductive psychological thriller based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel. 

In “Verity,” promising writer Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson) is hired to ghostwrite for famed author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway). To get into the spirit of writing for Verity, Lowen moves into the Crawfords’ home. A story of manipulation, attraction, and separating fiction from reality unfolds.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/5yFtz0NUlIg

The truth will be revealed as “Verity” arrives in Philippine cinemas on September 30.

About Verity:

Adapted from Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel, this seductive, psychological thriller follows renowned author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway) and Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson), a struggling writer who relocates to the remote Crawford estate to ghostwrite for Verity. After Lowen uncovers what appears to be Verity's chilling autobiographical notes, she wrestles with the disturbing and twisted confessions about Verity’s husband Jeremy (Josh Hartnett), and finds it hard to separate fiction from reality, manipulation from attraction, and opportunity from obsession.

Directed by: Michael Showalter

Screenplay by: Nick Antosca

Based on the book by: Colleen Hoover

Produced by: Nick Antosca, Alex Hedlund, Stacey Sher, Michael Showalter, Jordana Mollick, Anne Hathaway, Colleen Hoover

Executive Producers: Kerry Orent, Dakota Johnson, Lauren Levine

Cast: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, Josh Hartnett, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Brady Wagner

“Verity” is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #ProjectHailMary @columbiapicph

#VerityFilm 

Director Jacob Chase takes the horror to new heights in “Insidious: Out of the Further” In PH cinemas August 19, including midnight screenings

 COLUMBIA PICTURES

Original filmmakers turned producers James Wan and Leigh Whannell pass the torch to director Jacob Chase for Insidious: Out of the Further. The latest film in the Insidious franchise tells the tale through the lens of a new family, with a new threat redefining the true horrors of The Further.

In Insidious: Out of the Further Gemma (Amelia Eve, The Haunting of Hill House), a young mother raising her daughter in her childhood home, discovers that she can dip into The Further. The Further is the dark realm where souls wander lost. When something more sinister starts to visit Gemma, she realizes that The Further runs both ways, and she can bring items in the realm to the physical world. Demons take advantage of her ability and crawl into the real world, sowing horror and destruction.

Watch the newest trailer: https://youtu.be/b0vevY6iVRw

Leigh Whannell, who wrote the original Insidious and directed Insidious: Chapter 3, loves the terrifying new premise Jacob Chase brought to the table. “When James and I built the Further, the one rule was that you went there in spirit, never in body. What Jacob found was the scariest question we’d never asked: what if something could actually make the trip both ways? That cracks the whole world open.”  

James Wan explains that this development takes the concept of The Further the Insidious franchise built and integrates dark new possibilities. “The Further is now leaking—escaping into our real world,” he explains. “That’s something we’ve never seen to this extent. We’ve seen premonitions or glimpses of the Further bleeding into our world, but never to the extent where they take physical form.”

Wan has full confidence in what Chase has got to offer, and enjoys the refreshing take on something he’s created. “I say to all my directors that come and play in these franchises, ‘Here is the sandbox. Stay within the sandbox, but within it, do whatever you want,’” he explains.

Inside the sandbox is writer-director Jacob Chase, whose love for horror has begun early in his life. “I have a love of theater, and that translated into making haunted house attractions for years,” he recalls. “I’d do it with my friends, starting in high school and going into my early 20s, for a charity event, and it became a huge success. A haunted house has everything—it’s filmmaking, it’s storytelling, it’s great characters—most importantly, it’s the communal experience. There’s no better feeling than seeing someone screaming and laughing, whether they’re running out of a haunted house or in a movie theater.”

How the story for Insidious: Out of the Further came from a vulnerable time in Chase’s life. “When I was writing Insidious: Out of the Further, my wife was pregnant, and I had a deep fear about becoming a dad,” he says. Tapping into that, he says, “was a great opportunity to start an Insidious movie from a real, personal place.”

“Insidious: Out of the Further” haunts Philippine cinemas on August 19, starting at midnight. Head to your local cinema or check out their ticketing websites to find out more. For more news and updates, check out Columbia Pictures PH’s Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series Drives Record-High Foldable Pre-Orders in Southeast Asia and Oceania

 

Almost 6 out of every 10 Galaxy Z8 devices sold during pre-order period is a Galaxy Z Fold8 

Samsung West Lake store in Hanoi city

Samsung Electronics has achieved a record high volume of pre-order sales in Southeast Asia and Oceania with the launch of the Galaxy Z8 series. Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra devices have increased by almost 60% compared to the Galaxy Z Fold7. With the pre-order period ending on August 13 in the region, consumers here have a few days left to enjoy pre-order benefits. 

Since its unveiling, the Galaxy Z8 series has seen positive consumer response across the globe and similarly in Southeast Asia and Oceania, demand for the new devices has been robust. The Galaxy Z Fold8 has currently emerged as the most popular option in the region, accounting for almost six in every ten Galaxy Z8 devices ordered. This strong performance reflects clear consumer preference for the new form factor. 

In the Philippines, the Galaxy Z Fold8 has emerged as Samsung’s best-selling foldable ever within the pre-order period and accounts for almost 60% of Z8 orders since July 22. At its peak, nearly one Z8 series unit was sold every minute within the pre-order period.  

Samsung Experience Store in Taguig City, Philippines

Built on seven generations of accumulated foldable technology and expertise, the new Galaxy Z series introduced an even more powerful foldable lineup and drew significant attention from the outset.

By color, Graphite and Lavender were the most popular among Southeast Asia and Oceania consumers who went for the Galaxy Z Fold8, while Violet Shadow and Graphite were preferred for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. Pink and Graphite were the top color picks for the Galaxy Z Flip8. 

The Galaxy Z Fold8, optimized for immersive viewing of content popular among younger consumers — including short-form videos, webtoons, games and e-books — led demand. This fresh form factor supports immersive viewing, reading and gaming on the 4:3 main display and at just 201g, it is Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold. 

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, appealed to consumers who prioritize productivity with its large-screen experience. Its expansive 8-inch main display offers more room for multitasking and an upgraded camera system helps users capture richer detail, color, and clarity. The Galaxy Z Flip8 is designed for those who value maximum portability – it is Samsung’s sleekest Flip ever released – and self-expression. With a reimagined FlexWindow, users can access apps, insights, actions and assistance directly on the cover screen. 

Alongside the Galaxy Z8 series, Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 for more effortless health and wellness management. Built for outdoor adventures, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is built for users looking for long-lasting endurance while the Galaxy Watch9 is designed to be an everyday health companion. Together with the new Galaxy Z series, the latest Watch line-up strengthens Samsung’s AI ecosystem, delivering more connected experiences across phone and wrist. 

Customers at Galaxy Z8 Series Pop-Up Event in Malaysia

Customers are responding positively to attractive benefits and promotions in the region. 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.

The new foldable devices also support Smart Switch, which enables wireless data transfer through a QR code without requiring a separate app installation, and Quick Share, which makes sharing between iOS and Galaxy devices more convenient.

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.