As the official media rights distributor of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the country, Aleph has activated a fan-first ecosystem that combines live match streaming, social content, creator-led programming, and on-demand coverage through its newly launched digital hub, Aleph Arena.

The initiative arrives ahead of what is set to be the largest FIFA World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and a record 104 matches hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

At the centre of the strategy is Aleph Arena, which will serve as the exclusive destination for more than 5,000 pieces of tournament content throughout the competition. 

The platform will distribute highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, creator reactions, tactical analysis, and localised commentary across YouTube, TikTok, and X.

As part of the rollout, YouTube will serve as the primary free-to-access viewing platform, with 40 marquee matches available live through the official Aleph Arena channel.

The content offering also extends beyond match broadcasts. Aleph Arena will host original programming, including the daily football show ‘Football Natin ‘To!,’ alongside creator-driven content designed specifically for Filipino audiences.

Meanwhile, fans seeking complete tournament coverage will be able to access all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches through WCTV by Aleph Arena on BlastTV, providing both live and on-demand viewing options.

According to Aleph, the model reflects changing audience behaviours, where sports fans increasingly move between streaming platforms, social media channels, and mobile devices throughout a tournament.

The expanded tournament format is also expected to generate more storylines and fan conversations than previous editions, with 16 additional teams competing for football’s biggest prize.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from June 12 to July 20.

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The move comes after Omnicom Group announced plans to retire the DDB brand worldwide following its acquisition of Interpublic Group.

Established in 1992 through a partnership between DDB Worldwide and Filipino-owned Advertising Marketing and Associates (AMA), DDB Group Philippines had served as the network’s local office for more than three decades.

Under its new identity, GGC Group Asia will continue to collaborate with Omnicom when required, providing clients with access to global marketing communications capabilities while operating independently.

The rebrand is named after Group Chairman and CEO Gil G. Chua, whose initials form the new company name. 

According to Chua, the transition represents an opportunity for the organisation to build on its legacy while embracing greater independence.

As part of the restructuring, several agencies within the network have also adopted new identities. 

DDB Philippines has been renamed Velocity+, DDB MNL becomes Alab MNL, and Tribal Worldwide Philippines will now operate as The Tribe.

Other agencies within the group, including Optimax Communications, Agile Intelligence, Ripple8, Touch XDA, and Bent and Buzz, will retain their existing brands.

The rebrand also includes the integration of several sister companies from the FCT Group, expanding the organisation’s footprint across business solutions, logistics, and marketing support services.

Following the consolidation, GGC Group Asia will comprise 14 companies operating across 18 offices nationwide, supported by more than 7,500 employees.

The company said the transition will not affect leadership structures, client relationships, existing contracts, or day-to-day operations.

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The rollout gives self-service advertisers access to a conversational AI tool designed to streamline campaign creation, audience targeting and optimisation. 

According to Amazon Ads, the solution can turn media plans into launch-ready campaign structures in minutes, replacing hours of manual setup.

Accessible through a natural language interface, Ads Agent combines agentic AI with Amazon’s first-party insights to help advertisers build and manage campaigns across the Amazon DSP platform. 

Users can upload media plans or select plans from Ads Planner, with the tool automatically generating campaign structures, budgets, pacing settings and targeting recommendations for review before launch.

The launch addresses one of the most time-consuming aspects of programmatic advertising, where marketers often manually input campaign details such as budgets, flight dates, audience segments and ad group structures across multiple workflows.

Beyond campaign setup, Ads Agent also assists with audience targeting and optimisation. The tool can recommend audience segments and keywords based on campaign objectives, while providing real-time reach forecasts as advertisers refine targeting selections.

Amazon Ads said advertisers in the US using Ads Agent recommendations recorded improved campaign performance, with 65% seeing higher delivery rates alongside an average 18% reduction in cost per thousand impressions (CPM) and a 16% reduction in cost per acquisition (CPA).

Willie Pang, Managing Director of Amazon Ads ANZ, said the company identified an opportunity to simplify campaign development and reduce the manual effort required to build campaign structures.

In addition to Amazon DSP, Ads Agent is also available within Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC), where it can help advertisers generate SQL queries, explore insights and navigate analytics workflows using natural language prompts.

The tool is now available at no additional cost to all Amazon DSP self-service users in Australia.

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Built on the company’s proprietary Persona Intelligence technology, SONA transforms campaign briefs into structured audience strategies by identifying scalable personas, recommending media environments, and generating activation plans that can be deployed directly across channels.

According to Ogury, the solution addresses a common challenge in modern advertising: maintaining a consistent audience definition from planning through to execution. 

Accessible through a conversational chat interface within Ogury One and compatible AI environments such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, SONA analyses campaign briefs and recommends audience personas based on behavioural signals, declared interests, geographic insights, and purchase data. 

The platform then identifies suitable publisher environments and formats before generating media recommendations, projected reach, and expected outcomes.

Ogury said campaigns can move from brief to activation in just a few clicks, reducing planning workloads by an estimated 20 to 30 hours per campaign.

The solution is powered by Ogury’s audience-first data model, which combines observed behaviours, declared data, and transaction-based purchase signals to create personas that better reflect real-world consumer behaviour. 

By organising these signals into scalable audience profiles, SONA aims to help marketers uncover potential customer segments that may be missed through traditional targeting methods.

Importantly, Ogury emphasised that recommendations remain fully transparent throughout the process, allowing media planners and traders to review, validate, and refine suggested audiences before activation.

Available across connected TV (CTV), desktop, mobile web, and in-app environments, SONA also supports interoperability through Model Context Protocol (MCP), enabling integration into existing AI-powered workflows without requiring significant operational changes.

“Many solutions today focus primarily on optimising execution, but the real challenge is maintaining a consistent audience definition from planning through activation across platforms,” said Nicolas Bidon, CEO of Ogury. 

Bidon added, “With SONA, we’re bringing Persona Intelligence directly into the campaign workflow, enabling brands and agencies to turn any brief into a structured, persona-based strategy they can understand, refine, and activate consistently across channels to drive more measurable outcomes.”

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The home furnishings retailer has launched “Mama Manuals”, a campaign designed to help dads and kids take on the daily household responsibilities that moms often manage behind the scenes. 

Released initially for Mother’s Day but made available year-round, the initiative features a series of step-by-step guides inspired by IKEA’s signature instruction manuals.

The campaign highlights the invisible labour many mothers carry daily—from organising kitchen drawers and folding bedsheets to preparing meals and keeping the home running smoothly. 

Through the manuals, IKEA Philippines encourages families to experience firsthand just how much effort goes into tasks moms routinely make look effortless.

According to IKEA Philippines, the initiative was inspired by the idea that the people who contribute the most at home are often recognised the least. The campaign also ties back to IKEA’s long-standing positioning around creating a better everyday life at home.

“Mama Manuals opens our eyes to what moms do and celebrate them by paying it forward,” said Cidge Laxamana, External Communications Manager at IKEA Philippines.

The manuals are available for free through IKEA Philippines’ official Facebook and Instagram pages, allowing families to download and use them beyond Mother’s Day as a reminder that helping at home should not be limited to a single occasion.

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Running from 8 June 2026 to 14 March 2027, the immersive showcase features 23 vibrant topiaries crafted in the likeness of iconic characters, bringing together floral artistry, storytelling, and nostalgia in one whimsical experience. 

Organised in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, the returning attraction expands on the magic of its 2024 debut with all-new themed zones and interactive elements.

This year’s edition introduces a frosty Frozen-inspired world where Anna, Elsa and Olaf stand within a glowing snowy landscape reminiscent of Elsa’s Ice Palace. 

Visitors can step onto an interactive floor where magical snowflakes shimmer and dance beneath their feet, creating a scene straight out of Arendelle. 

Elsewhere, Disney Princess fans can wander through romantic floral scenes featuring Rapunzel and Pascal, Belle and the Beast, as well as Jasmine and Rajah. In the Hundred Acre Wood, Winnie the Pooh and friends gather for a cheerful celebration, while Pixar’s Toy Story 5 comes to life through playful displays inspired by Bonnie’s Room starring Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear.

Adding a distinctly Singaporean touch, the “Go Local” zone reimagines Disney favourites enjoying familiar local experiences—from Mickey Mouse making teh tarik with Donald Duck to Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck sharing laksa together.

Greeting visitors outside Floral Fantasy is a towering four-metre-tall Sorcerer Mickey installation, setting the tone for the fantasy-filled journey ahead. 

According to Gardens by the Bay, the elaborate topiaries were meticulously handcrafted using more than 40 species of preserved and dried floral materials, taking over 16,000 man hours to complete.

Throughout the showcase period, visitors can also look forward to weekend meet-and-greet sessions with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck dressed in Singapore-inspired outfits, alongside exclusive merchandise available only at the attraction.

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The new agreement will see MAP oversee M&S’ operations in the Philippines, expanding an existing partnership that has already spanned more than 26 years across Indonesia and Vietnam. 

The move forms part of M&S’ broader ambition to grow through strategic franchise partnerships in established international markets.

Under the partnership, M&S Fashion, Home & Beauty, and Food offerings will return to Filipino shoppers later this year, with the first store set to open in Glorietta in Makati. 

Online channels are also expected to relaunch as part of the expansion.

According to M&S Managing Director of International Mark Lemming, the retailer sees strong consumer demand in the Philippine market and believes MAP’s local retail expertise will support its next phase of regional growth.

Meanwhile, MAP Fashion CEO Sameer Prasad described the partnership as an important milestone for the company’s Southeast Asian expansion, adding that Manila presents a strong opportunity for the M&S brand to reconnect with consumers across generations.

Previously operated by Rustan Marketing Specialists Inc., M&S announced earlier this year that it would close all its stores in the country on 2 May 2026. 

According to parent company SSI Group Inc., the decision came amid shifting consumer preferences and shopping habits, prompting the company to redirect its focus towards brands more aligned with evolving market trends.

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Running from 30 May 2026 to 21 January 2027, the refreshed activation introduces new cabin designs spanning all nine Pokémon regions—from Kanto to Paldea—across the Mount Faber Line connecting Mount Faber Peak and Sentosa.

The expansion builds on the attraction’s original Pokémon-themed cabins launched in late 2025 and reflects growing demand for experiential entertainment that blends nostalgia, interactivity and tourism-led experiences.

Each region-themed cabin is designed around its starter Pokémon trio, featuring customised interiors, themed seating and cabin floor designs, alongside character facts integrated throughout the ride. 

By night, the experience shifts into an interactive UV adventure, allowing guests to uncover hidden Pokémon evolutions and glowing details using UV torches onboard.

The existing themed cabins featuring Pikachu, Eevee, Gengar, Charmander and Jigglypuff will continue operating alongside the new additions. 

Hidden flying-type Pokémon including Dragonite, Charizard and Aerodactyl can also be revealed after dark through UV-reactive effects, while a hidden Mew appearance adds an additional discovery layer for returning visitors.

Beyond the cabins, Mount Faber Peak will also feature themed photo points inspired by Kanto starter Pokémon, while riders will receive complimentary Poké Ball-themed silhouette collectibles featuring characters such as Lapras, Snorlax, Eevee and Dragonite. 

The collectible cards are designed to be used against Singapore’s skyline for photo opportunities during the journey.

Tickets for the Pokémon Day-to-Night Adventure are available at regular Singapore Cable Car Mount Faber Line rates, priced at S$33 for adults and S$22 for children aged four to 12. 

Unlimited one-day rides via the Cable Car SkyPass are priced at S$45 for adults and S$35 for children.

Local residents can also enjoy a promotional S$12 round-trip fare throughout June 2026.

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In a social media announcement, the retailer shared that the closure comes after years of building what it described as a home for adventurers, explorers and outdoor enthusiasts in the city.

“R.O.X. BHS has always been a space for our community to discover and find joy in the outdoor experience,” the brand said in its post.

“It’s been a safe space for everyone, novice and professionals alike to play, have fun, and harness that love for adventure.”

Since opening in 2007, the Bonifacio High Street branch has become closely associated with Metro Manila’s outdoor and fitness culture, serving not just as a retail store but also as a gathering space for hiking, camping, cycling and adventure communities.

The company also thanked its loyal customers and long-time supporters, whom it referred to as “R.O.X.plorers”, for being part of the journey over the years.

“We are forever grateful to our loyal community for joining us on this journey. Thank you for the 20 years of adventure, R.O.X.plorers. See you outside!” the post added.

The announcement sparked reactions online from customers sharing memories of shopping at the store and participating in community-led outdoor activities hosted through the years.

While the Bonifacio High Street branch is set to close, the company has yet to announce whether other locations or future plans for the brand will be affected.

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Positioned as a celebration of food, football and luxury experiences, the campaign transforms the Orchard Road destination into a curated lifestyle hub featuring exclusive menus, themed merchandise, experiential pop-ups and member rewards.

At the centre of the campaign is the idea that no matter what shoppers are craving—from culinary indulgences to retail discoveries—there is “a seat, a cuisine, and an unforgettable experience waiting” at ION Orchard.

“ION Orchard has always been committed to redefining the luxury shopping and lifestyle experience on Orchard Road, and our culinary campaign during the World Cup season is a testament to that promise,” said Yeo Mui Hong, Chief Executive Officer of Orchard Turn Developments.

“This campaign brings together the energy of ‘The Beautiful Game’ with the finest in dining, retail and member privileges. Whether you are a football enthusiast, a gastronome, or a discerning shopper, there truly is a table awaiting you at ION Orchard,” she added.

The campaign features a line-up of World Cup-inspired brand activations and retail collaborations throughout the mall. 

To further drive engagement, ION Orchard is expanding its ION+ Rewards programme with a range of campaign-exclusive incentives, including dining rebates, shopping rewards and luxury spending privileges tied to participating brands throughout the campaign period.

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