Philippines

The Loop PH rebrands as lifestyle-tech destination

From devices to everyday experiences

Published

April 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

The Loop PH is entering a new phase. The retailer has unveiled a refreshed brand identity that shifts its focus from being device-first to becoming a lifestyle-tech partner for everyday life.

The move reflects how technology now blends into daily routines. Instead of simply selling gadgets, The Loop wants to position itself as a place where consumers discover how tech fits into work, travel, wellness, and downtime.

“People use technology very differently now, and we felt it was time for The Loop to evolve, too,” said Marketing Director Francis Warren Chua. “More than just a tech retailer, we want The Loop PH to be the first curated lifestyle brand and a trusted partner in everyday Filipino life.”

A shift beyond devices

The rebrand signals a broader approach. The Loop is moving away from purely product-driven retail and leaning into experience-driven categories such as productivity, mobility, self-care, and entertainment.

Instead of asking “what’s the latest device,” the brand now centers on “what does this enable in your life.”

This positions The Loop as a curated space where customers can explore tech based on lifestyle needs rather than specifications alone.

Expanding beyond Apple

While The Loop continues to be a key destination for Apple products, the refreshed direction also highlights a wider mix of brands and categories.

The lineup now includes Android devices and accessories, alongside brands such as ADAM elements and Rokid for personal tech, Polaroid for travel, Shokz for audio, and Activfit for health and wellness.

This expanded offering supports the brand’s goal of giving customers more flexibility in choosing tech that aligns with their lifestyle.

A more distinct identity

Alongside the product shift, The Loop is also refining its voice and visual identity. The updated branding leans more expressive, modern, and human—aimed at younger consumers who value relevance and self-expression.

“Today’s customers want more than just access to devices—they want relevance,” Chua added.

The company sees this transformation as both visual and strategic. It reflects a broader view of retail—not just as a place to buy products, but as a space to explore how technology fits into everyday life.

What’s next for The Loop

Customers can check out The Loop PH’s updated offerings through its social media channels and physical stores nationwide, as well as its official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

Founded in 2014, The Loop now operates 48 stores across the Philippines. With this rebrand, it is positioning itself not just as a retailer, but as a lifestyle-tech destination for students, young professionals, and everyday users.

Gaming

Street Fighter 6’s first Filipina fighter arrives August 3

Yasmine arrives in August.

Published

July 17, 2026

GadgetMatch

Capcom is celebrating the arrival of Yasmine, the first-ever Filipina character in the Street Fighter series, with an official community event in the Philippines this August.

The Official Street Fighter 6 ‘Yasmine’ Community Event takes place on August 9, 2026 at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. Doors open at 2:00 PM, with tournament matches, community activities, giveaways, and free play sessions scheduled throughout the day.

Meet Yasmine, Street Fighter 6’s first Filipina fighter

Yasmine joins Street Fighter 6 as the first playable character in the game’s Year 4 roster.

According to Capcom, she learned to fight alongside her older brother under the guidance of her grandfather. After her brother’s disappearance, she returns to combat using high-speed Eskrima techniques while wielding a Karambit knife.

She is joined in the Year 4 lineup by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also coincides with balance updates for the entire Street Fighter 6 roster.

Yasmine becomes available on August 3, 2026 for players who own the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass.

Community tournament and exclusive merchandise

The Makati event will feature a double-elimination tournament, beginning with Best-of-3 matches before switching to Best-of-5 during the Top 8 Finals.

The schedule includes:

2:00 PM: Doors Open, Player Check-in, Controller Button Checks, and Free Play Warmups
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Welcome Speech & Official Street Fighter 6 Yasmine Gameplay Showcase
3:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Tournament Pools
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Top 8 Finals (Main Stage Broadcast) & Prize Presentation Ceremony for Champion, 2nd and 3rd Placements.
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Premium Community Giveaways, Group Photo Ops, and Closing Remarks
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Free Play and Community Networking

Attendees can also receive exclusive event merchandise while supplies last, including a Yasmine-themed T-shirt, lanyard, keychains, and themed food and refreshments.

Capcom says admission is subject to venue capacity and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Watch the event online

Fans who cannot attend in person can watch the tournament live through the Capcom Asia Official YouTube Channeland the Enduins Games Official YouTube Channel.

Capcom also teased additional announcements, including appearances from cosplay personalities, fighting game veterans, and content creators, which will be revealed closer to the event.

Street Fighter 6 Yasmine community event details

Date: August 9, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant, Palanan, Makati City
Tournament: Double-elimination (FT2, Top 8 FT3)
Livestream: Capcom Asia Official YouTube Channel and Enduins Games Official YouTube Channel

Finance

GoTyme Bank grows to 10 million users in the Philippines

Over US$ 859.4 million in customer deposits

Published

July 14, 2026

GadgetMatch

GoTyme Bank has reached the 10 million-user milestone in the Philippines, one of its key markets.

A joint venture between the parent Tyme Group and the the local Gokongwei Group, the digital bank has officially grown to 10 million strong, its latest accomplishment after debuting in the country three years ago.

The milestone is backed by over PhP 53 billion (~859.4 million) in customer deposits and sustained engagement across the GoTyme Bank ecosystem.

A core driver of the bank’s rapid growth is its integration into users’ daily financial habits. GoTyme was the Most Used Visa Debit Card in the Philippines, based on Visa debit active usage data in 2025.

The bank has also offered free InstaPay transfers from the start (capped at 20 transactions a month) for greater flexibility. There are also more than 160 billers on the app.

Complementing the digital-first infrastructure is an extensive physical network. There are now more than 600 kiosks in major malls nationwide.

Customers can also conveniently deposit and withdraw cash through more than 2,500 Robinsons Retail store lanes. Cash deposit is also allowed through more than 4,500 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

Among GoTyme’s recent offerings is MoreTyme, a flexible, transparent, and easy-to-understand credit solution.

Through Visa, GoTyme also took part in FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns, with raffle winners being flown to watch the matches live.

News

Pokémon at 30: Massive slate of events, pop-up store, more to highlight anniversary

Celebrating 30 years of Pokémon through fun runs, activations, more

Published

July 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

A massive slate of activities, events, and gatherings are lined up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokémon.

In the Philippines, which has been one of the world renowned anime franchise’s consistently strong markets, a partnership has been forged between Pokémon and SM Supermalls for a pop-up experience that will serve as the flagship destination for local enthusiasts.

Dubbed the “Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” campaign, the multi-month celebration will kick off at the SM Mall of Asia in Manila starting October 2026.

The cornerstone of this retail rollout is the Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store, a six-month installation packed with exclusive merchandise directly from the brand.

Pokémon RUN 30

Beyond retail, the milestone will bring an active, real-world dimension to the capital with Pokémon RUN 30: The Philippines Edition.

This interactive running event is likewise slated in early October at the Mall of Asia complex.

Participants will become active trainers as they run a themed 5K course with filled with special interactive challenges.

Runners can test their spirit at designated Pokémon Gym obstacle points, rehydrate at designated Pokémon Centers, and collect unique stamps to complete real-world Pokédex search sheets.

Moreover, the venue will also host a free-entry public Festival Zone. This area will be complete with live Pikachu parades, meet-and-greets, and specialized gaming experience areas.

PokéXciting campaign

The extensive rollout is part of a broader, coordinated “PokéXciting!” campaign stretching across major target markets in the Asian region to bridge the gap between legacy and newer generational platforms. To supplement the global anniversary rollout,

The Pokémon Company has additionally aligned its sports entertainment footprints with major international institutions.

Back in Japan, Pokémon has established a sweeping partnership with Japan’s professional football league, the J.League.

All 60 professional football clubs across the league’s three tiers have officially been assigned a specific partner Pokémon. These are tailored to reflect each team’s regional mascots or club identities.

Fans attending home matches throughout the campaign will receive exclusive merchandise on match days.

This includes one million limited-edition reusable eco bags that showcase Pikachu alongside their home club’s specific partner pocket monster.