Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Mercato Centrale launches nationwide search for The Next Big Food Entrepreneur 2026

 Mercato Centrale Groupthe country’s leading food business incubator, is officially bringing back The Next Big Food Entrepreneur (NBFE) and has opened applications for aspiring food founders across the country. The returning flagship program once again invites Filipino culinary entrepreneurs to step forward for a chance to transform their concepts into sustainable, market-ready businesses.

For more than a decade, Mercato Centrale has served as a proving ground for small food entrepreneurs, creating spaces where passion meets market reality. Through its markets and mentorship ecosystem, it has helped nurture brands that started as weekend concepts and eventually became household names, including Mama Lou’s, Merry Moo, Sunrise Buckets, Thai Mango, and Tokyo Tempura.

“The Philippines is brimming with culinary talent, but talent alone isn’t enough to build a lasting brand,” said RJ Ledesma, CEO of Mercato Centrale Group. “Through The Next Big Food Entrepreneur, we aim to bridge creativity and entrepreneurship by giving founders not just exposure, but the mentorship, structure, and real-world experience they need to scale sustainably.”

The journey begins with the “Digital Sift,” a nationwide open call inviting food entrepreneurs to introduce themselves through a 30–40 second video on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, sharing their product, inspiration, and the vision behind their brand. To qualify, participants must follow and tag Mercato Centrale’s official social media pages and include the hashtag #NBFE2026Entry. Entries will be accepted until March 17, 2026.

For aspiring entrepreneurs who may not have the means to produce a video entry, Mercato Centrale is also providing an alternative application pathway through an online submission form, accessible at tinyurl.com/NBFE2026.

Selected concepts advance to the “Tasting Table,” an intimate and curated experience where 15-20 shortlisted food brands present their creations to invited foodies and key opinion leaders. Beyond first bites, the session highlights the founder stories and the market potential behind each dish, offering early signals of what could become the next crowd favorite.

Afterward, finalists move on to the “Test Kitchen,” an exclusive bootcamp under Mercato Academy that shifts the focus from flavor to foundation. Participants sharpen their understanding of food costing, branding, operations, and go-to-market strategy, gaining the off-the-plate skills needed to build brands that are not only delicious but durable.

The journey culminates in “The Spread,” a large-scale, multi-sensory finale set for April 18, 2026, at Mercato Centrale Bridgetowne in Pasig City, the group’s largest location. Finalists will present and sell their concepts directly to the public, giving food lovers a first taste of what could become the country’s next breakout food brand.

One major winner will receive a Food SME Starter Package, which may include up to six months of free rent at a prime Mercato location, along with partner support and industry tools to accelerate their growth.

With demand for homegrown brands on the rise, NBFE 2026 serves as a launchpad for the next wave of Filipino food entrepreneurs, helping passionate creators transform culinary ideas into sustainable and market-ready businesses.

The NBFE 2026 is co-presented by GCash for Business and is supported by Uniquecorn Strategies as the official PR partner.

For updates and full program details, follow @mercatocentraleph on Instagram or Mercato Centrale on Facebook. 

ASUS Announces 2026 All-in-One PCs and Desktops in the Philippines, Priced!


 ASUS Philippines (ASUS) officially announces the arrival of the 2026 lineup of tower and all-in-one PCs.  Headlining the complete and comprehensive 2026 lineup of tower PCs and all-in-one desktops is the ASUS V600 All-in-One PC, the latest addition to the renowned ASUS AiO series.  Designed with a sleek aesthetic and powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 processor, the ASUS V600 is highly capable of handling demanding workloads with grace and ease. Touting 50 TOPs NPU, the V600 is also part of the Copilot+ PC family, making it equally efficient for any AI computing tasks.  

 

While the ASUS V600 represents a new standard for all-in-one productivity platforms, the ASUS V500 Mini Tower is crafted to blend into the modern workspace while delivering dependable performance. The TUF Gaming TM500 and ROG GM700 prebuilt gaming desktops are also available for hardcore gaming and power-packed productivity experiences.  

 

ASUS V600 ALL-IN-ONE PC: MINIMALIST AESTHETIC, PREMIUM PERFORMANCE 

 

The ASUS V600 AiO (VM640KA) is ASUS’ latest all-in-one solution, combining premium hardware, cutting-edge AI productivity, and thoughtful functionality. Experience versatile performance with up to an AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 processor with AMD Radeon 820M graphics, 512GB SSD storage, and 16 GB DDR5 memory, allowing users to tap into accelerated productivity with Copilot+ PC features and unique AI assistance. ASUS V600’s 23.8-inch FHD IPS 178-degree wide-view display provides frictionless task navigation and a pleasurable viewing experience from any angle. This all-in-one device prioritizes ease of use with its impressive 93% screen-to-body ratio, 1920 x 1080 resolution paired with anti-glare coating, and TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort certification.  

The ASUS V600 comes with flexible connectivity – letting external devices and almost any peripheral connect for optimized productivity and enjoyment. It also features HDMI-in support, letting you use the V600 as a secondary screen for other devices such as laptops and even smartphones. The V600 also provides access to smart conferencing tools for evolving workload needs – including ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology for uninterrupted calls and the ASUS Adaptive Lock, which can detect the user’s presence or absence with a retractable IR camera. 

The ASUS V600 AiO (VM640KA) is priced at PHP 56,995. 

Product 

Model 

Spec Summary 

SRP (PHP) 

ASUS V600 AiO 

VM640KA-BPC003WS 

Ryzen AI 5 330 / 16G DDR5 / Radeon 820M / 512G SSD /  

23.8-inch FHD Non-touch / 90W / Office Home 2024 /  

ASUS Mouse & Keyboard / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

56,995 

 

ASUS V500 MINI TOWER PC: QUIET TECH IN BRILLIANT LIVING  

 

The ASUS V500 Mini Tower PC (V501MV) is powered by up to an Intel Core 7 240H and is crafted for productivity and style. Its Dark Wood color allows the V500 to elegantly fit into the modern work environment. Operating whisper-quiet at 38 dB in performance mode and 24 dB in whisper mode, enjoy a new take on computing design that blends quiet tech and performance. Additionally, it features up to 80 PLUS Platinum-certified PSU, which reduces heat generation and eliminates power-consumption concerns during long-term use. Experience a comprehensive work-and-entertainment platform with support for up to 64 GB DDR5 memory, which lets you wade through multitasking demands at faster speeds without compromises. With up to 512 GB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, coupled with processor speeds up to 46% faster than similarly priced CPUs, the V500 Mini Tower is the durable and intelligent choice for your hassle-free and confident browsing. 

The ASUS V500 Mini Tower (V501MV) with an Intel Core processor starts at PHP 41,995

Product 

Model 

Spec Summary 

SRP (PHP) 

ASUS V500 Mini Tower 

V501MV-07240H018WS 

Intel Core 7 240H / 8G DDR5 / Intel Graphics / 512G SSD / 15L /  

330W Platinum / Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

54, 995 

ASUS V500 Mini Tower 

V501MV-05210H003WS 

Intel Core 5 210H / 8G DDR5 / Intel Graphics / 512G SSD / 15L /  

330W Platinum / Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

49,995 

ASUS V500 Mini Tower 

V501MV-03100U002WS 

Intel Core 3 100U / 8G DDR5 / Intel Graphics / 512G SSD / 15L / 

180W Bronze / Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

41,995 

 

ASUS TUF GAMING TM500: BUILT FOR COMBAT 

 

The TUF Gaming TM500 (TM500MH) is a compact gaming desktop that delivers power and efficiency in a streamlined form factor, fueled by an AMD Ryzen 7 260 Processor with a max boost of 5.1 GHz. Experience seamless gameplay with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 GPU, delivering high-powered performance in a compact build.  

It comes with 16GB DDR5 SO-DIMM memory, and two (2) SO-DIMM slots that support up to 64GB of DDR5 5600MHz memory – allowing the machine to breeze through memory-heavy workloads and run the latest AAA titles, even with applications open in the background. The TM500MH also comes with up to 1TB of M.2 SSD storage and offers two (2) M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 storage slots supporting up to 2TB each, capable of reducing load times to mere seconds.  

The TM500MH’s custom heatsink, with 1,218cm2 of total dissipation area, copper heat piping, and 90 mm cooling fan effectively stabilizes temperatures during heavy gaming sessions, producing consistent frame rates and eliminating overheating. With 45W of total cooling capacity, you can enjoy the full power of the Ryzen 7 260 mobile processor with greater power efficiency, less noise, and no doubt. 

The ASUS TUF Gaming TM500 (TM500MH) starts at PHP 76,995. 

Product 

Model 

Spec Summary 

SRP (PHP) 

ASUS TUF Gaming TM500 

TM500MH-0R7260012WS 

Ryzen 7 260 / 16G DDR5 / RTX 5060 8G / 1T SSD / 15L / 330W Platinum Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

104,995 

ASUS TUF Gaming TM500 

TM500MH-0R7260009WS 

Ryzen 7 260 / 16G DDR5 / Radeon 780M / 1T SSD / 15L / 330W Platinum Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

95,995 

ASUS TUF Gaming TM500 

TM500MH-0R7260013WS 

Ryzen 7 260 / 16G DDR5 / RTX 3050 6G / 512G SSD / 15L / 180W Bronze Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic /  

3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

76,995 

 

ROG GM700: THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND  

ROG GM700 desktop tilted to the right with a transparent case revealing the internal structure of the computer 

the ROG GM700 (GM700TZ) demonstrates the undisputed power and beastly performance of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor and AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPUWith up to 32 GB of DDR5 memory, the GM700TZ can process jaw-dropping visuals at ultra-fast speeds and deliver quick inputs in clutch moments. With up to 2 TB of M.2 SSD storage, the GM700TZ guarantees swift load-times, high frame rates, and freedom from stutters in high-stakes gaming and the latest AAA titles.  

Armed with the ASUS B650M-A AX6 II motherboard, users enjoy covetable upgrade potential with up to four (4) DDR5 U-DIMM slots, multiple M.2 slots, including one that supports PCIe 5.0 with data transfer speeds of up to 128 Gb/s, six (6) SATA 6Gb/s ports, and four (4) PCIe 4.0 slots.  In addition, customization, maintenance, and future-proofing are easy thanks to its tool-less upgradeability.   

The GM700TZ has exceptional cooling performance and is built to handle up to an 850W power supply with its 58-liter chassis, accommodating both air and liquid cooling configurations. With an optimized airflow and a clean path, the GM700TZ’s quad-fan system, tri-fan intake, and rear exhaust ensure directional airflow to key areas. The all-in-one liquid cooler of the GM700TZ also provides elite cooling best suited for heavy gaming sessions. 

ROG GM700 (GM700TZ) starts at PHP 139,995. 

Product 

Model 

Spec Summary 

SRP (PHP) 

ROG GM700TZ 

GM700TZ-R9800X059WS 

Ryzen 7 9800X3D / 32GB DDR5 / RX 9070XT 16G / 2T SSD / 58L / 850W Gold / Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic / 3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

194,995 

ROG GM700TZ 

GM700TZ-R9700X035WS 

Ryzen 7 9700X / 32G DDR5 / RX9060XT 16G / 1T SSD / 58L / 600W Gold / Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic / 3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

139,995 

 

For an alternative gaming solution, the ROG G700 (G700TF) is available powered by an Intel Ultra 7 265KF and an RTX 5070. 

Product 

Model 

Spec Summary 

ROG G700TF 

G700TF-7265KF070WS 

Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF / 32GB DDR5 / RTX 5070 12G / 1T SSD / 58L / 850W Gold /  

Office Home 2024 / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic / 3Y Local Warranty with Onsite Service 

 

INCLUSIONS & AVAILABILITY 

The 2026 series of ASUS and ROG prebuilt consumer solutions is built with performance and reliability in mind. All include a 3-year local warranty with onsite support, support and peace of mind. Visit the ASUS and ROG Stores to experience and inquire about these incredible devices. 

For more updates on ASUS, follow the following pages: 

·        Facebook: ASUS | ROG 

·        Instagram: ASUS | ROG 

·        TikTok: ASUS | ROG 

 

ASUS Launches Zenbook S16 and Zenbook 14 with AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series in the Philippines

ASUS today announced the Philippine launch of its latest premium Copilot+ PC laptops, the Zenbook S16 (UM5606GA) and Zenbook 14 (UM3406GA), both equipped with the latest AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series processors and up to 50 NPU TOPS of AI performance. Designed for professionals and students who demand performance without sacrificing portability, the new Zenbook lineup showcases ASUS’ vision of intelligent, human-centric computing, where advanced AMD Ryzen™ AI capabilities, refined industrial design, and immersive user experiences come together seamlessly.

 

As AI becomes an integral part of everyday workflows, from productivity and collaboration to entertainment and security, ASUS continues to push the boundaries of thin-and-light laptops. The new Zenbook S16 and Zenbook 14 Copilot+ PCs represent interpretations of premium mobility, each optimized for different user needs while sharing the same foundation of powerful AI-driven performance.

 

ZENBOOK S16 (UM5606): 1.1CM OF PURE AI POWER – THE THINNEST ZENBOOK EVER

 

 

The Zenbook S16 marks a new evolution of large-screen ultraportable laptops, delivering exceptional performance and intelligence in a remarkably slim and lightweight form. Measuring just 1.1 cm thin and weighing only 1.5 kg, Zenbook S16 is engineered for users who need a bigger canvas for productivity and entertainment, without the bulk traditionally associated with 16-inch laptops.

 

Functional aesthetics with premium materials

Zenbook S16 exemplifies ASUS’ commitment to thoughtful design and material innovation. Its all-metal chassis is topped with a distinctive Ceraluminum lid, a proprietary ceramic-aluminum composite developed after years of research. This material offers the refined, tactile feel of ceramic while maintaining the strength and lightness of aluminum, with enhanced resistance to scratches and wear for long-term durability.

 

Available in Scandinavian White, the minimalist, Nordic-inspired aesthetic draws from natural textures and tones. The precision-engineered EasyLift hinge ensures smooth, stable opening angles with minimal wobble, while the full-size ASUS ErgoSense keyboard with dished keycaps delivers a comfortable and precise typing experience. A large touchpad with Smart Gesture support enables intuitive fingertip control for everyday tasks.


 

Slim, with pro-level power

At the heart of Zenbook S16 is an AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 processor, delivering up to 50 TOPS of NPU performance enabling faster image and video processing, smoother multitasking, improved video conferencing quality, and more responsive system behavior, all while maintaining excellent power efficiency. Combined with AMD Radeon graphics, 32GB LPDDR5X memory, and 1TB M.2 SSD storage, Zenbook S16 is built to handle demanding professional and creative tasks with ease.

 

Advanced thermal design and long-lasting endurance

Despite its slim profile, Zenbook S16 supports up to a 28W CPU TDP, made possible by ASUS’ advanced Thincredible thermal architecture. The system features a CNC-machined 3D vapor chamber that is up to 37% larger than previous designs, paired with dual whisper-quiet IceBlade fans and optimized airflow channels. This ensures efficient heat dissipation under sustained workloads while keeping ambient noise levels below 25 dBA and maintaining comfortable keyboard temperatures.

 

Powering the device is a high-capacity 83 Wh battery, designed to support up to 21+ hours of productivity and creativity. Intelligent power management and the efficiency of the AMD Ryzen AI platform help balance performance and battery life, making Zenbook S16 a reliable companion for both office and on-the-go use.

 

Immersive visuals, audio, and connectivity

Entertainment and productivity come to life on the 16-inch 3K ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreen display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 500 nits peak brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut for productivity and entertainment. Audio is powered by a six-speaker Dolby Atmos system, consisting of four front-firing tweeters and dual woofers, delivering rich, immersive sound with impressive clarity and depth.

 

For connectivity, Zenbook S16 includes WiFi 7 with ASUS WiFi Master Premium certification, along with a comprehensive selection of full-size I/O ports, including dual USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, an SD card reader, and a standard audio jack, eliminating the need for dongles and adapters.

 

Intelligent privacy and security

Zenbook S16 is designed with modern security in mind. Features such as Windows Hello, ASUS AiSense IR camera, Adaptive Lock, Adaptive Dimming, Microsoft Pluton, Windows passkeys, and ASUS Voice Print technology work together to protect user data while enabling seamless, personalized access.

 

ZENBOOK 14 (UM3406): COMPACT AI POWER ON-THE-GO

 

The Zenbook 14 is tailored for users who value portability, elegance, and everyday versatility. Weighing just 1.2 kg and measuring 14.9 mm thin, its sleek all-metal chassis in Jade Black color, making it an ideal companion for professionals and students constantly on the move.

 

Powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 processor with up to 50 TOPS NPU and AMD Radeon graphics, Zenbook 14 delivers responsive performance while enabling Copilot+ PC AI features that enhance multitasking, collaboration, and productivity. With 16GB LPDDR5X memory and 1TB M.2 SSD storage, and WiFi 6E connectivity, it ensures fast and reliable performance wherever work takes place.

 

A long-lasting 75 Wh battery supports up to 25+ hours of extended unplugged use, while USB-C Easy Charge allows convenient recharging from compatible adapters, power banks, or power outlets.

Compact design, immersive experience

 

Zenbook 14 features a stunning 14-inch WUXGA ASUS Lumina OLED display with a productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio, and an 87% screen-to-body ratio. The display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth motion — ideal for both work and entertainment.

 

Despite its compact form, Zenbook 14 includes a comprehensive set of full-size I/O ports, including USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.1 (TMDS), and a 3.5 mm audio jack, ensuring hassle-free connectivity without adapters.

 

The user experience is further enhanced by super-linear speakers with Dolby Atmos support, an FHD IR camera with a physical privacy shutter, AI noise cancelation, face login, and a new quiet ASUS ErgoSense keyboard designed for comfortable, distraction-free typing.


 

Refined usability for everyday productivity

Zenbook 14 is designed to deliver a smooth, intuitive experience throughout the day. A spacious ASUS ErgoSense touchpad provides precise control and comfortable palm rejection, while the integrated Copilot key offers instant access to Windows 11’s AI-powered assistance for faster workflows and smarter task management.

 

For communication and collaboration, the laptop is equipped with an FHD IR camera enhanced by ASUS AI features, including automatic framing, eye contact correction, and AI noise cancelation for both microphone and speakers. These technologies help ensure clearer video calls and more natural conversations, whether users are working remotely or attending virtual meetings.

 

Security and convenience go hand in hand with Windows Hello facial login, allowing fast, password-free access, while the physical camera shutter provides instant peace of mind when privacy is required. Combined with its quiet keyboard, responsive performance, and immersive audiovisual capabilities, Zenbook 14 delivers a polished, distraction-free experience tailored for modern mobile professionals.

 

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

The 2026 ASUS Zenbook S16 and Zenbook 14 are available in ASUS Stores nationwide. Each purchase also includes a complimentary Office 2024 Home lifetime license, plus a 1-year access to Microsoft 365 Basic with a free 1-year cloud storage, and the award-winning ASUS Warranty – featuring 2-year International Warranty and ASUS Perfect Warranty with 1-year accidental damage protection.

 

Product

Model

Specs Summary

SRP PHP

Zenbook S16

UM5606GA-SR368WSM

16.0" 3K OLED 16:10 / AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 / 32GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB M.2 SSD / AMD Radeon Graphics / Windows 11 Home / Office 2024 Home + 1 Year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription / Scandinavian White

134,995

Zenbook 14

UM3406GA-QD123WSM

14.0" WUXGA OLED 16:10 / AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 / 16GB LPDDR5X / 1TB M.2 SSD / Windows 11 Home / Office 2024 Home + 1 Year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription / Jade Black

79,995

 

For more updates and on #AlwaysIncredible ASUS products, visit the ASUS PH Facebook page.