Clea Banal

Kadayawan 2026: One Celebration, Many Ways to Stay Connected in Davao

2026-08-15T23:20:25.213-07:00

Davao's people, cultures, customs, and communities have always been celebrated during Kadayawan. This year's theme is "We Are One, KadayaONE!",families and friends reunite to commemorate the ties and common experiences that make Davao a home.

Connectivity has also become a part of how Davaoeños experience and share Kadayawan as celebrations spread throughout the city, from keeping up with festival activities to coordinating with family and friends preserving special moments and sending them to loved ones outside of Davao.

PLDT Home is bringing its Kadayawan activities closer to communities throughout the city as part of the month-long celebration, allowing more Davaoeño families to participate in the festivities and take advantage of more ways to connect at home.

“Kadayawan celebrates the unique heritage, traditions, and community spirit that make Davao special. It is also a reminder of how meaningful connections bring families and communities closer together. At PLDT Home, we are proud to support Davaoeños by keeping them seamlessly connected, not only during festive milestones, but every day for work, learning, entertainment, and family life,” said John Y. Palanca, Senior Vice President and Head of PLDT Consumer Business – Home.

Get more for less with Fiber Unli All Plan 1499

The new Fiber Unli All Plan 1499, an all-in-one plan that provides households with more connectivity and entertainment necessities in a single monthly plan, is at the core of PLDT Home's Kadayawan participation.

Fiber speeds of up to 200 Mbps, 63 Cignal channels, an HBO Max Standard subscription, unlimited landline-to-landline and landline-to-mobile calls to five designated Smart or TNT numbers, and 9GB of Smart mobile data are all available to subscribers for ₱1,499 per month.

The home plan's value is extended beyond the household thanks to the new Smart inclusion. In order to give family members mobile data they can use while on the go, subscribers can share the 9GB monthly allotment with up to three of their designated Smart or TNT numbers.

In addition to the plan's 63 Cignal channels and fiber connectivity, HBO Max Standard offers families even more entertainment options at home. Fiber Unli All Plan 1499 combines more of a household's daily digital needs into a single plan, whether they are working, studying, streaming, calling loved ones, or enjoying entertainment together.

Make the Smart Choice this Kadayawan

During the festival season, PLDT Home is offering special deals to Davaoeño households who want to improve their home connectivity.

Customers in Davao City can save ₱3,600 with free installation and activation on Fiber postpaid plans during PLDT Home's Fiber Sale, which runs from August 15 to August 25.

PLDT Home's Switch Offer for Fiber Plans 1299 and up is also available to customers who are moving from another internet provider. Qualified switchers can receive 50% off their monthly service fee for the first six months by providing a statement of account from their prior provider, along with free activation and installation.

“As the digital needs of Filipino households continue to grow, we want to make quality home connectivity more accessible and provide customers with greater value and flexibility. Through our Fiber Sale and Switch Offer this Kadayawan, we are giving Davaoeño families more options to choose a plan that fits their household and makes it easier for those looking to make the switch,” said Patrick S. Tang, First Vice

President for PLDT Home Acquisition Marketing.

Bringing the Kadayawan celebration closer to communities

Beyond its exclusive deals, PLDT Home is directly bringing the joyous spirit of Kadayawan to Davao City's communities.

A citywide PLDT Home motorcade, complete with drummers, dancers, festival hosts, games, and other activities, will take the celebration to the streets on August 15 as it passes thru Davao City's neighborhoods.

Additionally, festival attendees can visit PLDT Home booths and satellite activations throughout Davao, such as Magsaysay Park and Rizal Park, where they can learn more about PLDT and enjoy games, treats, entertainment, and special premiums for new subscribers most recent deals and plans.

Thru its Kadayawan events, PLDT Home hopes to join Davaoeños in celebrating the holiday and contribute to the relationships that give it significance, from loved ones sharing the experience wherever they may be to families enjoying Kadayawan together.

Additionally, PLDT Home continues to show Davaoeños that We Are Here For You by assisting families in staying connected at home, throughout the city, and wherever they go on a daily basis as Davao unites for "KadayaONE."

UNIQLO Philippines Celebrates Kadayawan Festival 2026 with Exclusive Davao Offers and Experiences

2026-08-15T22:29:47.835-07:00

UNIQLO Philippines joins the festivities by paying tribute to the individuals and communities at the center of the celebration as Davao City unites to express gratitude and celebrate their community and culture.

Thru its LifeWear philosophy of improving daily life, one piece at a time, UNIQLO invites everyone to experience the spirit of Kadayawan while celebrating as one. Throughout the festivities, UNIQLO's Davao locations transform into venues where patrons can engage in unique activities inspired by the city's inventiveness, artistic talent, and sense of community.

Spotlight on Local Creativity

In keeping with the festival's theme, UNIQLO collaborates with local artists like Kublai Millan to create updated UTMe! The initial collection he created for the brand is expanded with t-shirt designs that honor the city's dynamic identity.

Continued collaborations with proudly Davao-based companies Malagos Chocolate and Lachi's Bakery, which offer consumers a taste of regional specialties, add to the festivities.

Exclusive Festival Experiences at UNIQLO Stores

Customers can take advantage of unique experiences at UNIQLO SM Lanang Premier, UNIQLO SM Davao, and UNIQLO Davao Roadside stores during the Kadayawan Festival. Customers can get a free printed photo at the Kadayawan photo booth and a wet tattoo sticker inspired by Kadayawan from August 14 to 16 if they show their registered UNIQLO App and a same-day purchase receipt.

From August 10 to August 31, customers can take pictures at the UNIQLO Davao Roadside store's Kadayawan-inspired festive wall display to create more treasured mementos.

Customers who make a minimum single-receipt purchase of PHP 3,000 between August 14 and 16 will also be eligible to receive exclusive festival novelty items, such as personalized Malagos Chocolate and select UNIQLO merchandise. Lachi's Bakery will also give free treats to the first 100 customers each day who show any purchase receipt along with their registered UNIQLO App during that time.

Celebrate Kadayawan with Exclusive UNIQLO Offers

To make the celebration even more special, customers can enjoy festival-exclusive shopping offers at participating UNIQLO stores in Mindanao. Customers can enjoy limited in-store offers on key LifeWear essentials from August 14-20, 2026 such as the EZY Jeans now ₱1,490 (from ₱1,990), Drapey Denim Culotte now ₱1,490 (from ₱1,990), Jorts now ₱990 (from ₱1,490), Mini T-shirt now ₱390 (from ₱590), and AIRism Cotton Pique Short Sleeve Polo Shirt now ₱790 (from ₱990).

Additionally, the celebration extends beyond the stores, with special offers available for Davaoeños to enjoy in the UNIQLO App. From August 14-20, 2026 app users will get a chance to get their LifeWear essentials at exclusive prices such as the U Crew Neck Short Sleeve Shirt now ₱390 (from ₱590), AIRism Cotton Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-shirt now ₱390 (from ₱590), Utility Shoulder Bag now ₱990 (from ₱1,490), Girl’s Denim Mini Skort now ₱790 (from ₱990), Kids’ Cotton Graphic T-shirt now ₱390 (from ₱490), and Kid’s Easy Shorts now ₱490 (from ₱690) when they scan their UNIQLO App at the payment counter or upon payment.

Throughout the festival, UNIQLO invites everyone to visit any of its Davao stores to join in the celebration of Kadayawan. Whether you're finding exclusive UTme! Customers can witness how LifeWear unites people in celebration thru designs, purchasing LifeWear essentials made for daily life, or supporting regional artists and brands.

For more information and to get all the latest updates on UNIQLO, visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo on Facebook, @uniqlophofficial on Instagram, and @uniqlophofficial on TikTok.

InLife Celebrates Double Win at Insurance Asia Awards 2026

2026-08-10T01:24:21.159-07:00

The first and biggest life insurer in the Philippines, InLife, won two awards at the Insurance Asia Awards in Singapore: the Brand Transformation – Philippines award and the 10th Domestic Life Insurer of the Year – Philippines recognition, demonstrating its dedication to innovation, customer-centricity, and deliberate growth.

These achievements demonstrate InLife's dedication to constantly changing while staying loyal to its 115-year goal of assisting Filipinos in achieving financial security.

InLife's excellent performance in digital transformation, governance, sustainable growth, distribution expansion, and customer-focused innovation was honored with the Domestic Life Insurer of the Year – Philippines award. As for the Brand Transformation—the Philippines award honored InLife's rich Filipino heritage while recognizing the company's successful transformation into a more contemporary and relatable brand.

"These two awards represent the best of who we are as an organization. One recognizes our ability to deliver meaningful business results through innovation, sound governance, and customer-focused solutions. The other affirms that our brand continues to resonate with Filipinos because it reflects our purpose and our promise of A Lifetime for Good," said InLife Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas.

By converting data into AI-ready assets and implementing automation that shortened the time it took to issue policies from three to five days to as little as five minutes through auto-issuance, InLife accelerated its digital capabilities and secured the financial future of more Filipinos. Along with strengthening its governance and risk management efforts, InLife was recognized as the top-ranked life insurer in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard and received four Golden Arrow Awards.

With a 16% increase in New Business Annualized Premium Equivalent, InLife outperformed the industry average and demonstrated robust business growth. In the meantime, its bancassurance partnership with UnionBank achieved 51 percent year-over-year growth, which was its best performance since the partnership started in 2017.

InLife kept expanding its product line to better meet the changing needs of Filipinos. The Retirement Readiness Index and Retire Assure, the nation's first real retirement plan that offers monthly pension benefits from ages 60 to 100, helped close the retirement gap. By acquiring InLife Benefits (formerly Generali Philippines), it also increased the range of employee benefits options.

With its "Love In Life" brand philosophy, which emphasizes empowerment, love, and a sense of belonging, InLife simplified its brand identity in 2025. The company's digital platforms, customer communications, and products all underwent the transformation, establishing a consistent brand experience for clients, staff, and financial advisors through offices, employee, and agency force engagement programs.

Additionally, "Love In Life" presented InLife as a reliable partner that helps Filipinos at every stage of life. Social media, radio, out-of-home advertising, and traditional media were used to spread the word about the campaign.

"As we move forward, we will continue to innovate with discipline, listen more closely to the evolving needs of our customers, and strengthen the trust that generations of Filipinos have placed in InLife. These recognitions inspire us to keep raising the bar so we can create greater value for our policyholders, financial advisors, employees, partners, and the communities we serve," said Aguas.

For over 115 years, InLife has remained committed to helping Filipinos build brighter financial futures through innovative insurance, health, retirement, and wealth solutions. Guided by its purpose of offering A Lifetime for Good, the Company continues to transform its business, strengthen customer experience, and create sustainable value for all its stakeholders.

To know more about InLife, visit www.inlife.com.ph.

How Business Disaster Preparedness Helps Mompreneurs Succeed

2026-08-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

A mompreneur's normal day consists of juggling customer orders, business expansion, and family obligations. Business as usual can abruptly change in the Philippines, where typhoons, floods, and other disasters can disrupt daily life without warning.

These are more than just ordinary occurrences for home-based business owners. They have the potential to destroy supplies, postpone deliveries, cut off contact with clients, and interfere with a vital source of household revenue.

A complex corporate plan is not necessary to build a business that is disaster-resilient. It begins with being aware of the risks associated with working from home and planning easy strategies to safeguard vital resources, carry out crucial tasks, and bounce back faster in the event of disruptions.

Here are some of the most common challenges mompreneurs may face during a crisis, along with practical steps they can take:

1. The inventory trap: Spoiled or damaged supplies

Power outages can spoil ingredients, while flooding can damage raw materials, packaging, and finished products.

What to do: Keep supplies on raised shelves or in waterproof containers, and have frozen ice packs ready to help protect perishables during short outages.

2. The logistics halt: Delayed deliveries and lost connectivity

Severe weather can suspend courier services and make it difficult to update customers when connectivity is unstable.

What to do: Inform customers about possible delays before conditions worsen and save ready-to-send advisory messages on your phone. Keep alternative courier contacts, but never arrange deliveries when conditions are unsafe.

3. The digital freeze: Lost records and delayed payments

A damaged device or an unavailable digital payment platform can prevent you from accessingorders, supplier contacts, and funds for urgent expenses.

What to do: Regularly back up essential business files to a secure cloud service and keep an offline list of urgent orders and supplier contacts. Set aside a small emergency business fund for times when digital payments are unavailable.

Connectivity as part of business readiness

Reliable connectivity is essential for home-based business owners to manage digital payments, communicate with suppliers and customers, get weather updates, and react promptly to disruptions.

Madiskarte Moms, an online community created specifically for mompreneurs by PLDT Home, provides a dedicated space for women to share logistics updates during inclement weather, share ideas, and support one another through both everyday challenges and unforeseen disasters. You can get a useful model for your own business by learning how another stay-at-home mom handled delivery complaints or a multi-day power outage.

Natural disasters are unavoidable, but you can greatly lessen their impact on your hard-earned business. Mompreneurs can create more resilient businesses that adapt, recover, and thrive no matter what obstacles they face by combining practical backup plans, straightforward digital habits, and the support of a like-minded community like MMPH.

Join PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH group to meet and interact with a wide network ofi inspiring mompreneur.

GMarket Now Available on foodpanda Shops for Faster Digital Shopping

2026-07-30T18:46:05.364-07:00

For many Dabawenyos, Gaisano Market (GMarket) has been an integral part of daily life for almost thirty years. The local supermarket is now branching out beyond its physical locations by joining foodpanda Shops, providing consumers with an additional avenue to shop for groceries and household necessities.

Combining foodpanda's technology and delivery network with GMarket's established presence in Davao, the launch represents GMarket's first foray into app-based grocery delivery. The partnership gives Davaoeños another easy way to shop as more Filipinos incorporate online grocery shopping into their daily routines.

Davao is a thriving hub for digital adoption, and bringing a trusted household name like GMarket onto foodpanda Shops is a game-changer for local shoppers,” said Joseph Wijesekera, Director of Q-Commerce at foodpanda Philippines. “We aren't just delivering groceries—we're making everyday living simpler and more affordable by connecting Davaoeños to the local brands they’ve relied on for generations."

Echoing this commitment to serving local families, Patricia Gaisano, GMarket Business Unit Head added, "For us, joining foodpanda is about meeting our customers wherever they are. Many of the families who have shopped with GMarket for years are now looking for more flexible ways to buy their groceries, and foodpanda allows us to serve them with the same reliability they know and love."

Johannah Ranera, a Ka-panda rider, was chosen at random to receive GMarket's ceremonial first order in honor of the launch. Ranera was shocked to discover that the groceries were a gift from foodpanda and GMarket, an expression of gratitude for the riders who assist in delivering daily necessities to clients throughout Davao. She had anticipated a routine pickup.

foodpanda's efforts to expand its grocery marketplace by adding more reputable local retailers to the platform are furthered by the addition of GMarket. With launch promotions accessible on the app, customers in Davao can now peruse and purchase GMarket's groceries and household necessities through foodpanda Shops.

Teach You A Lesson Drama Review

2026-07-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Teach You a Lesson

Other Titles : 참교육, Chamgyoyuk , Get Schooled , True Education , True Lessons

Network: Netflix

Country: South Korea

Episodes: 10

Broadcast Date: December 14, 2019 - February 16, 2020

Main Leads:

Kim Mu-yeol as Na Hwa-jin
Lee Sung-min as Choi Gang-seok
Jin Ki-joo as Im Han-rim
Pyo Ji-hoon as Bong Geun-dae

Supporting:

Kim Jong-soo as Hwang Gi-tae
Lee Bong-jun as Cho Gyu-cheol
Ha Young as Choi Ga Yun
Kim Byung Chun as Lee Cheol Myeon

Synopsis :

School teachers have a hard time to discipline students and they often don’t even have the will to do so. The authority of the teachers in the classroom breaks down and this causes serious social issues. The National Assembly and the Minister of Education passes the Amendment to the Act on the Protection of Teachers' Rights. With the passage of the law, a new government organization, the Educational Rights Protection Bureau, is formed. Na Hwa Jin belongs to the Educational Rights Protection Bureau. His team is sent to different problem schools as supervisors. There, they can educate the students without any restrictions or limitations.

Review :

This drama kept popping up in my ads, so I finally gave in and watched "Teach You a Lesson" on Netflix. At first I thought it was going to be another Taxi Driver-type series. There are some parallels, but the drama is more about students, teachers, and the education system. I'd say it's more emotional, a more mellow take on the same idea.

The series has only 10 episodes, with each one being about an hour long. I actually watched the whole drama in a short weekend trip to Manila for EXO. I became so engrossed in the story that I found myself binge-watching it in any spare time I had. It’s the type of drama that has you wanting to watch “just one more episode.”

Each episode features a different case or story. I liked that each case was a different issue but still tied back to the main theme of the show. Some of the stories moved a bit faster than I expected, and I wouldn’t have minded a few of them getting a bit more time to develop, frankly. But, still, each episode was interesting enough to keep me glued.

Another aspect I liked was the chemistry between the main cast. I appreciated that the drama didn't push a romance into the story, and their teamwork felt authentic. It allowed the friendships and working relationships to shine. I think this was the first time I saw the lead actors together, and they worked really well as a team.

Will I see it again? For sure. Each episode takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. You go from being frustrated to being relieved, from being sad to being hopeful. Though the drama handles serious topics, it also has lighter and funny moments to balance the mood.

I also liked the ending of Season 1. It definitely left me wanting more but felt complete enough to stand on its own if there isn’t a second season. Of course, I still hope Netflix gives us another season because I’d love to see more of these characters and the cases they take on.

In case you’re wondering, the drama is adapted from the manhwa "Get Schooled," by writer Yongtaek Chae and artist Garam Han. It was first published on Naver Webtoon in November 2020 and is still ongoing. I wanted to read it after finishing the drama, but I couldn’t find a revised edition in English. The most recent one I found hadn’t been updated in 2 years, so I’m hoping a more recent translation comes out soon.

Art & Bali 2026 Reveals International Exhibitors for Nuanu Creative City Art Fair

2026-07-28T19:51:56.523-07:00

The 22 exhibitors for Art & Bali's 2026 international art fair, to be held at Nuanu Creative City in Bali from September 11–13, have been revealed.

The lineup, which has its roots in Indonesia, features exhibitors from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur as well as cross-border platforms operating between Indonesia, Spain, and Switzerland, as well as participants from Bali, Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Malang. Independent venues, artist collectives, printmaking projects, and interdisciplinary studios will be showcased alongside well-known galleries and cultural establishments.

Participating exhibitors include Agung Rai Museum of Art/ARMA, Bali; Asia Pacific Print Club, Bali; Batu Belah Art Space, Bali; Connected Art Platform, Jakarta/Switzerland; G13 Gallery, Kuala Lumpur; Gallery Seputih, Bali; Grey Gallery, Bandung; Gurat Institute, Bali; Kotak Art Collective, Singapore and Jakarta; LANÖ Art Project, Bali; Mabiang Seni, Bali; Miwa, Bali; Muse, Jakarta; Philo Art Space, Bali; Pintu Saren, Bali; RUANG//, Bali and Spain; Ruang Arta Derau/RAD, Bali; Sangkring, Yogyakarta; Santrian Art Gallery, Bali; Studio Dinding Luar, Malang; Superlative Gallery, Jakarta; and TONYRAKA, Bali.

“Art & Bali is being built as a meeting point for artists, galleries, collectors, and audiences. This year, the lihe lineup reflects the fair’s deliberate boutique approach. We want it to grow through the quality of the work presented, the strength of the conversations around it, and the relationships that come from it, rather than through scale alone. Nuanu gives us the space and cultural infrastructure to do this properly, across exhibitions, public programs, and collector experiences, while strengthening Bali’s place as a destination for art, design, and culture,” said Kelsang Dolma, Director, Art & Bali by Nuanu Creative City.

Under the direction of Lead Curator Bandana Tewari and Assistant Curator Brina Paska, the exhibition features 26 Indonesian and Indian artists, designers, and studios working in the fields of contemporary art, fashion, textiles, craft, design, and material culture.

The exhibition, which is organized around the curatorial frameworks Hand as Archive and Routes of Exchange, investigates the ways in which memory and cultural knowledge are transmitted through touch, ritual, repetition, apprenticeship, inherited techniques, and the transfer of materials between individuals and locations.

Participating artists, designers, and studios are the following: A. Sebastianus, Indonesia; Amit Aggarwal, India; Ayni, Indonesia; Bibhu Mohapatra, India; Chanakya School, India; Cinta Bumi Artisans, Indonesia; DIBBA, Indonesia; Eleven Eleven/11.11, India; Gaurav Gupta, India; Good Earth, India; Hiddenland Artistry, India; iyonono, Indonesia; Kita Bisa Design, Indonesia; LULU LUTFI LABIBI, Indonesia; Moriidesign, India; Pagi Motley, Bali, Indonesia; Princess Pea, India; Raw Mango, India; re-ceremonial, India; Sakde Oka, Indonesia; Sarita Ibnoe, Bali, Indonesia; Setia Cap Cili, Bali, Indonesia; STUDIO JEJE, Indonesia; TANGAN Privé, Indonesia; Tex Saverio, Indonesia; and TOTON, Indonesia.

The exhibition explores the hand as a site of memory, discipline, inheritance, and transformation in the context of couture, embroidery, weaving, botanical dyeing, slow fashion, ritual, material research, women-led artisan networks, and community-based production. From Balinese and Indonesian textile practices to Indian couture, embroidery, and slow fashion, the focus on Indonesia and India brings related traditions of craft and material knowledge into conversation.

Art & Bali explores the connections between local practice and global exchange, tradition and experimentation, and art and commerce under the theme Bridging Dichotomies. The exhibitor presentations serve as the focal point of a larger program that includes public discussions, exhibitions, installations, design, craft, and performances throughout Nuanu Creative City.

The production of Art & Bali incorporates sustainability. In order to reduce construction waste and prolong the life of the materials, HMR panels from the 2025 edition are being repurposed for this year's booths. It serves as a real-world illustration of how Indonesian art fairs can handle temporary infrastructure more sensibly.

Along with designers, architects, cultural practitioners, hospitality leaders, locals, and foreign guests, the fair welcomes collectors and art professionals. This larger audience enables participating artists and exhibitors to connect with people who might not typically see their work at a traditional art fair.

Art & Bali aims to improve ties between the island, Indonesia's broader art scene, and the global cultural community as Bali's creative community expands. The fair helps artists and galleries reach new audiences, build connections with collectors, and support the expansion of the local art market.

Nuanu Creative City in Bali will host Art & Bali 2026 from September 11–13, 2026. What the Body Remembers, the annual flagship exhibition, will be on display at Labyrinth Art Gallery through November 29, 2026.

Jollibee Launches JolliBINI Bundles with Exclusive BINI Collectibles and Photocards

2026-07-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

With the introduction of the exclusive JolliBINI Bundles, Jollibee, the top fast food chain in the Philippines, is giving its patrons yet another reason to savor their favorite meals. The new promotion, which is only available for a short period of time, combines popular Jollibee menu items with unique collectibles inspired by BINI, the biggest P-pop girl group in the country.

Customers can enjoy classic Jollibee favorites and collect limited-edition merchandise featuring all eight BINI members with the JolliBINI Bundles, which are available from July 15 to August 31. Random member collectibles are included with every bundle, and fortunate customers can also win a rare Special Group Photocard.

"At Jollibee, we always look for new ways to make every meal more joyful and memorable for our customers," said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. "With the JolliBINI Bundles, fans can enjoy their Jollibee favorites while collecting exclusive BINI-inspired merchandise. Every visit becomes an opportunity to discover a new collectible, celebrate their favorite member, and create moments worth sharing with fellow BLOOMs. We hope this campaign brings even more joy as fans collect, trade, and complete their JolliBINI collection together."

Customers can enjoy two bundle options during the promotional period. The JolliBINI Bundle A, starting at ₱269, includes a choice of an Original or Special Cheesy Yumburger, one-piece Chickenjoy with rice, a regular drink, and one random JolliBINI Collectible Set consisting of a Bag Charm and Photocard. Meanwhile, the JolliBINI Bundle B, starting at ₱399, comes with a choice of an Original or Special Double Cheesy Yumburger, one-piece Chickenjoy with rice, a large drink, and two random JolliBINI Collectible Sets.

The most recent Jollibee and BINI partnership turns every meal into an exciting unboxing experience that fans can enjoy and share by combining exclusive collectibles with Jollibee's iconic menu favorites.

As they compete to finish the entire JolliBINI collection and locate the coveted Special Group Photocard, BLOOMs are anticipated to share unboxing videos, collection reveals, photocard trades, and bag charm styling on social media in anticipation of the launch.

From July 15 to August 31, the JolliBINI Bundles will be offered for dine-in and takeout at every Jollibee location across the country.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 Launched in the Philippines: Features, Prices, and Pre-Order Offers

2026-07-22T06:47:18.672-07:00

Samsung has announced Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9, a new generation of AI-powered smartwatches designed to deliver deeper health insights, better fitness tracking and all-day comfort. Both wearables include Samsung’s most advanced health technologies to date, powered by the new Snapdragon Wear® Elite Platform for enhanced performance, the brightest Galaxy Watch displays ever, and much larger batteries.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2: Built for Adventure and Peak Performance

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 (47mm) is Samsung’s most powerful smartwatch yet, built for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Some key highlights include:

Snapdragon Wear® Elite
800mAh battery, 35% larger than previous Ultra model
World’s brightest smartwatch display with up to 5,000 nits
Slimmer design Titanium case : Better comfort and durability
IP69K, 10ATM, EN13319 dive-certified MIL-STD-810H durability
Continuous health monitoring and precise GPS tracking
Features of Advanced Diving & Outdoor

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 now features dedicated sports tracking for extreme sports, including

Trail Run with elevation, climb progress, terrain effect and pacing insights
Nutrition Alert, fluid replacement guidelines based on estimated sweat loss
Automatic dive tracking Realtime tracking of:
Depth
Dive time
Water temperature
Upcoming advanced diving features developed with Mares, including ascent/descent speed tracking and safe dive limits.

Galaxy Watch9: Everyday Wellness Made Smarter

The Galaxy Watch9 is targeted at consumers looking for an everyday smartwatch focused on health, sleep tracking and daily wellness.

Sizes Available:

40 mm
44 mm

The main features are :

Snapdragon Wear® Elite Platform
Lightweight aluminum case with improved ergonomic fit
Comfortable interchangeable bands
3,000-nit bright screen
Battery capacity Up to 390 mAh (for 40mm model)
Faster performance for seamless health tracking
AI-Driven Health Features

Samsung’s latest AI-based health platform powers both the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9, turning biometric data into personalized wellness insights.

New health features include the following:

Sleep Apnea Detection with updated FDA-cleared AI algorithms
Vitals, tracking overnight health baselines and alerting users to significant changes
Heart Health Score with personalized cardiovascular insights
Daily Cardio Load to optimize workouts and recovery
Fitness Index for tracking overall fitness and personalized improvement goals
Hearing Protection, alerting users to unsafe noise levels and generating hearing reports

These AI-powered features help users proactively manage their sleep, activity, heart health, recovery, and overall wellness.

New Band Collections

Samsung also unveiled new watch bands tailored for different lifestyles.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Straps

Marine Band
PeakForm Band
Trail Band

Galaxy Watch9 Straps

Sports Band
Misty Band
Fabric Band
Samsung Care+ & Exclusive Benefits

Availability in the Philippines

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 are available for pre-order in the Philippines starting July 22, with general availability beginning August 14.

Available models and colors:

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 (47mm)

Titanium Silver
Titanium Gray

Galaxy Watch9 (40mm)

Cream
Graphite

Galaxy Watch9 (44mm)

Graphite
Silver

Samsung Care+ and Exclusive Benefits

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 users can enjoy additional protection through Samsung Care+, which includes:

Accidental damage coverage
Extended warranty
Certified repair support
Remote diagnostics and repair requests through the new Warranty & Care hub in One UI 9

Exclusive pre-order subscription perks include:

60-day Strava Premium trial
2-month iFIT trial

Credit Cards

Up to 11% savings with 0% installment for up to 24 months using EastWest, BDO, BPI, Security Bank, PNB, HSBC, and Chinabank credit cards
₱3,000 off via Home Credit
Up to ₱7,000 trade-in savings when upgrading from an older Galaxy Watch
25% off a 2-year Samsung Care+ plan at Samsung Authorized Stores and partner online retailers
3 months of Samsung Care+ free for eligible purchases on Samsung.com

The new Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 expand Samsung's Galaxy AI ecosystem by delivering smarter health monitoring, improved fitness tracking, and more personalized wellness insights, making them powerful companions for both everyday users and outdoor adventurers.

To learn more about Galaxy Watch Ultra2, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/ph/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch-ultra2-titanium-silver-lte-sm-l715fzsaxtc/buy/

To learn more about Galaxy Watch9, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/ph/watches/galaxy-

watch/galaxy-watch9-40mm-cream-bluetooth-sm-l340nzeaasa/buy/

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8 Officially Launched: Everything You Need to Know

2026-07-22T06:21:10.156-07:00

Samsung has announced the release of its newest foldable smartphone lineup, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8, offering three unique foldable experiences for productivity, entertainment and self-expression. The latest Galaxy Z series also highlights Samsung’s biggest leaps forward in Galaxy AI, making everyday tasks smarter, faster and more personal.

Galaxy Z Fold8: Built for Everyday Discovery

Galaxy Z Fold8 is tailored for those who like immersive entertainment and multitasking in a lightweight design. The Galaxy Z Fold5 is Samsung’s lightest foldable yet at just 201g, and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy and a 4,800mAh battery.

Samsung has optimized the screen ratios of the Fold8 for a variety of tasks:

Convenient cover view for messaging, browsing and social media
Huge main display for movies and gaming
Read articles and e-books in a natural reading experience

The Fold8 also sports Samsung’s new Flex Titanium display structure, which helps to make the device thinner, more durable and reduce the visibility of the crease. The display can reach up to 3,000 nits of brightness with Vision Booster for better visibility in outdoor settings.

Photography gets an upgrade with:

Dual 50MP rear camera
Time Dual Recording for both sides
My FanCam is an auto-tracking camera that produces social-ready videos with minimal editing.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: Samsung's Most Powerful Foldable Ever

Samsung has also unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra for creators and power users, bringing the Ultra experience to a foldable device.

Highlights include:

8-inch large main display
Ultra-thin unfolded design 4.1mm
200MP main camera
50MP ultra-wide camera
Enhanced Nightography
8K video recording with APV codec
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
5000mAh battery with 45W fast charge
Enhanced cooling system for heavy-duty workloads

The Fold8 Ultra is built to support content creation, multitasking, and AI-enabled productivity all day long.

Galaxy Z Flip8: Smarter, Slimmer and More Expressive

Samsung also launched the Galaxy Z Flip8, its thinnest and lightest Flip device yet at just 180g and 6.1mm thin.

Built for quick interactions and self-expression, the Flip8 has an upgraded AI-native FlexWindow that lets users access apps, AI features, notifications, and shortcuts right from the cover screen.

Camera improvements include:

50MP camera with ProVisual Engine
Improved selfies with more natural skin tones
Flex Mode for hands-free shooting
Super Steady with Horizon Stabilisation
More fun selfies with FlipShot and Mirror View

The Flip8 carries forward Samsung’s signature Flip experience while making AI even more accessible on the cover display.

Galaxy AI Becomes More Intelligent

Samsung expands Galaxy AI with smarter and more proactive features across all three devices.

New AI capabilities:

Now Brief for personalized daily insights
Now Nudge that recommends next actions based on conversations
Gemini Intelligence to get complex tasks done with simple prompts
Gemini Notebook, which puts notes, images, recordings, and documents in one workspace

Galaxy AI also works seamlessly with Galaxy watches and future Samsung devices, enabling a more connected ecosystem.

Privacy and Security Continue to Be a Priority

Samsung keeps bolstering security with Samsung Knox, Personal Data Engine, Knox Vault, and new AI privacy controls.

The new One UI 9 also includes an AI Assistant Activity dashboard, allowing users to keep track of AI actions and manage privacy settings more easily.

Availability in the Philippines

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8 are available for pre-order in the Philippines starting July 22 until August 13.

Pre-order offers include:

Free storage upgrade
Savings of up to ₱7,000
Trade-in discounts of up to ₱14,000
Free 3-month Samsung Care+
0% installment offers from participating banks
6-month Google AI Pro trial with 5TB cloud storage

Samsung also introduced an improved Smart Switch, making it easier for Android and iPhone users to transfer their data when upgrading to the latest Galaxy foldables.

Pre-orders for the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 are ongoing until August 13 in the Philippines starting July 22. All models are available in Graphite and Cream, but Violet Shadow is only available on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Lavender on the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Pink on the Galaxy Z Flip8. Exclusive colors on Samsung.com include Green Shadow (Fold8 Ultra), Pistachio (Fold8) and Mint (Flip8).

Customers who pre-order can get a free storage upgrade, save up to ₱7,000, get up to ₱14,000 trade-in discounts and Samsung Care+ free for three months (worth ₱3,297) when they buy through Samsung.com. Other promos include 0% installment for up to 36 months for UnionBank and Metrobank credit cards and up to 24 months for participating banks like EastWest, BDO, BPI, Security Bank, PNB, HSBC, Chinabank, and RCBC. You can also receive savings of up to ₱14,000 through Samsung Finance+ or Home Credit, plus discounts of up to 33% on a two-year Samsung Care+ plan.

To make things even better, Samsung also offers users a free 6-month trial of Google AI Pro, which provides 5TB of cloud storage. This allows users to take advantage of Google’s powerful AI tools to improve productivity and creativity.

Now, iPhone users can switch to Galaxy even faster with an improved Smart Switch that wirelessly transfers data with just a scan of a QR code, no additional apps needed. Smart Switch now supports passwords, passkeys, call history, accessibility settings, eSIM data, and more. At the same time, Quick Share now plays nicely with AirDrop, making it easier to share files between Galaxy and iOS devices.

Samsung Care+ gives you added peace of mind with accidental damage protection, extended warranty coverage and certified expert support. Customers who purchase a new Galaxy foldable on Samsung.com and sign up for a monthly Samsung Care+ plan will get the first three months free. With One UI 9, users will also be able to easily manage warranty information, diagnostics, repair requests, remote support, and Samsung Care+ from the new Warranty and Care settings hub.

For more information about the new Galaxy Z Series, please visit:

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/

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold8 vs Galaxy Z Flip8

Software, Connectivity & Colors

Everything You Need to Know About the New Starbucks PH App and Rewards Update

2026-07-20T18:31:19.408-07:00

Coffee runs have never been more satisfying. With the brand-new Starbucks PH App and an updated rewards experience that gives members more options and flexibility when redeeming their rewards, Starbucks Philippines is launching an exciting new chapter for Starbucks® Rewards.

Beginning on July 21, 2026, members will have more options to enjoy their Starbucks favorites, more personalized rewards, and more ways to redeem Stars—all starting at just 50 Stars.

What’s New with the Starbucks® Rewards Program?

Starbucks Philippines is offering a new degree of customization to its Starbucks® Rewards members. Whether it's a handcrafted beverage, a savory favorite, a delectable pastry, or personalizing a drink,members will have the freedom to choose exactly what their next reward will be.

Up until now, each 100 Stars was automatically converted into a voucher good for a complimentary drink, cake slice, or baked good. With Multi-Tiered Rewards, you can decide what to redeem, when to redeem it, and from a wider variety of options than before, making each reward feel more like you.

The choice is yours at every level:

50 Stars — an instant win: personalize your favorite drink with a free customization (excluding breve and 2 oz heavy cream), or treat yourself to a classic like a bagel, doughnut, or slice of banana loaf

100 Stars — the sweet spot: a handcrafted beverage (excluding Coffee Traveler Kit, French Press, or Reserve Ice Cream beverages) or bakery item, your pick

150 Stars — the full indulgence: pastas, sandwiches, or a decadent slice of cake

Prior to placing an order at the counter, rewards must be redeemed through the app. Simply download the new Starbucks PH App from the Google Play Store or App Store starting on July 21 to get started.
2026. Faster sign-in and real-time Star tracking are just two of the exciting new features that the new app offers to make your next coffee date easier and faster than before.

What Will Stay the Same?

While the old app will no longer be available to use, your journey will stay right on track. Account credentials, any available load balance and hard-earned Stars will automatically carry over to the new Starbucks PH app. All you need to do is log in, and you’re ready to sip, dine and scan just like before. The familiar reward rules carry over, too. Reward Vouchers are still valid for 90 days — and since you now choose when to redeem, that clock only starts when you’re ready.

A more rewarding experience with the new Multi-Tiered Starbucks Rewards begins on July 21, 2026, in all Starbucks stores nationwide.

Your Mid-Year Money Reset: 5 Smart Ways to Make the Rest of 2026 Count

2026-07-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

There's something about the middle of the year that causes people to reevaluate everything, including the habits they wish to break, the routines they've maintained, and the goals they've subtly given up. Money shouldn't be any different.

Not only is halfway through 2026 a significant date on the calendar, but it's also a chance to assess whether your financial practices are still assisting you in reaching your goals. The best financial strategies are those that adapt to your changing circumstances rather than those that are static.

Here are six doable ways to give your finances a mid-year reset with Maya, the nation's top digital bank and top all-in-one fintech platform, regardless of whether your priorities have changed or you just want to end the year stronger.

1. Ask yourself if you're still saving for the right goal

One of the most common misconceptions regarding financial planning is that your objectives should remain constant throughout the year, but life is full of changes. A gadget can wait while home repairs suddenly take precedence, the trip you had planned might have turned into an emergency fund, or perhaps you've reached one goal and it's time to start another.

That's not falling behind. That's adapting.

With Maya Personal Goals, users can set up to five unique savings objectives and earn up to 8% interest annually, making it simpler to set aside money for everything from major life milestones to travel and emergencies.

2. Give your savings a promotion

If all your savings account is doing is holding your money, you might want to consider whether it could be doing anything else.

There's more to a mid-year reset than just increasing savings. Making the money you've already saved work in the background is the goal.

With Maya Savings, users can keep their money available whenever they need it and earn up to 15% annual interest that is credited every day.

With rates of up to 6% annually, Maya Time Deposit Plus provides an alternative method of growing savings over a predetermined period of time for money that won't be needed anytime soon. and the freedom to add money at any time.

Because by year's end, even minor changes made now can have a significant impact.

3. Make every peso do more than one job

Is there one habit you should continue into the second half of the year? Maximizing the return on your current spending. Everyday expenses don't have to stop once you've paid the bill, whether they are rewards, cashback, or perks.

The Maya Black Credit Card's Visa-powered acceptance makes it simple to use whether you're dining locally or traveling overseas, and cardholders can earn up to 10x Maya Miles at Maya Black Preferred merchants. You can extend the value of your previous purchases by redeeming those Maya Miles for dining, shopping, and other coupons.

In the meantime, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card offers 1% cashback on most purchases, 2% cashback on dining, and 5% cashback at Landers. Additionally, at Landers-Caltex stations, cardholders receive a fuel discount of ₱7.00 per liter.

4. Don't mistake flexibility for falling behind

Not all financial surprises result from overspending; sometimes costs just pile up at once, such as during a family gathering, repairs, school-related costs, or even vacation reservations. When timing doesn't work out, even well-planned budgets can feel stretched.

Maya's Mini Payments feature allows qualifying purchases to be converted into 3, 6, 9, or 12-month installment plans at a fixed add-on interest rate of 1% per month for larger purchases that you'd prefer to spread out over time. Up until September 30, 2026, there are no processing fees associated with Mini Payments.

Maya Easy Credit 1 provides access to up to ₱50,000, which must be repaid within 30 days, for more unforeseen financial needs. Maya Personal Loan 2, on the other hand, offers up to ₱400,000 with flexible monthly repayment terms—all through the Maya app and without the typical collateral or paperwork.

5. Don’t let predictable expenses catch you by surprise

Some of the largest annual costs are simply easy to underestimate rather than truly unexpected.

Monthly budgets are further strained by the timing of holiday shopping, year-end travel, family gatherings, and school-related expenses.

Giving yourself a few extra months to prepare can make those costs feel much more manageable when they eventually come up. Planning for them doesn't necessarily mean putting aside large sums of money overnight.

With rates of up to 6% p.a. for longer-term objectives, Maya Time Deposit Plus allows users to increase their savings at any time, making it simpler to get ready for what's already in the future.

There is no finish line or report card at halfway through the year. It's just an opportunity to stop and consider whether the life you're attempting to create is still supported by your finances.

Perhaps your priorities have shifted. Perhaps you now have better spending habits. Or perhaps the objectives you set in January don't accurately represent your current situation. It's a fact of life, not a setback.

Our finances should receive the same level of attention as our work, routines, and personal objectives. A mid-year reset is a chance to ensure that your spending, saving, and money management practices are still in line with your priorities.
today.

After all, we still have six months to make significant progress.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

Empowering Filipino Educators: EastWest at the 5th Ten Outstanding Guro Awards

2026-07-15T01:05:13.404-07:00

EastWest and JCI Manila with the ten TOGA awardees

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) proudly partnered with Filipino educators as the exclusive bank partner of JCI Manila’s 5th Ten Outstanding Guro Awards (TOGA 2026), honoring teachers whose dedication, creativity, and service continue to shape lives and communities throughout the country.

TOGA 2026 was held at the PHINMA Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati City, recognizing ten exemplary educators whose work reflects the depth of Filipino teaching excellence.

JCI Manila President Edison Ke and EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo during the ceremonial signing of the TOGA sponsorship

Leticia C. Dela Cruz, a Teacher III from Navotas with thirty years of service who continues to advocate for learner rights and student welfare, is one of this year's honorees.

Master Teacher Ryan Capilitan Tura works with Indigenous Peoples' students in a remote multigrade mobile school in Cagayan de Oro, giving them hope despite distance.

Jerrypol Casil Palma, a Senior High STEM teacher in Isabela, has gained national and international recognition for his ground-breaking PATIChem, which is currently utilized in schools all over the nation.

Equally committed educators from all over the nation complete this year's roster: Marie Joy Jacinto of Batac; Maureen Lou A. Aragoza of Vigan; Catalina M. Canasa of Cebu; Kim D. Grapa of Dipolog; Cesar Sucdad Martin of Benguet; Gloperlyn de Guzman Chavez of Bataan; and Ma. Cristina G. Bagas of Muntinlupa—all acknowledged for their dedication to improving education and having a significant impact on their local communities.

“Teachers are nation builders. In many ways, the future of our country is shaped every day in our classrooms, through educators who choose to serve with purpose,” said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. “At EastWest, we believe that recognizing and supporting educators is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen families, communities, and ultimately, the future of the Philippines.”

EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo and EastWest Rural Bank President Sheila Marasigan-Bajado congratulate the teacher-awardees

Beyond acknowledgment, EastWest promotes financial literacy as a means of empowering educators. GuroWAIS, a financial education program designed specifically for Filipino educators, was introduced by EastWest Rural Bank in 2025. With sessions held in collaboration with JCI Manila and regional DepEd offices, GuroWAIS has already reached hundreds of teachers nationwide, covering useful subjects like income, savings, budgeting, and long-term planning.

“With GuroWAIS, we can help teachers build more confidence to manage today and prepare for tomorrow. And when they gain that confidence, the benefit goes beyond one person. It can

reach their families, their students, and the communities they serve,” Ngo added.

Through TOGA and GuroWAIS, EastWest continues to champion educators, promote financial

literacy, and invest in programs that strengthen communities.

Davao's Ride-Hailing Conversation Is Shifting from Price to Experience

2026-07-10T00:11:55.470-07:00

A Davaoeño may open a ride-hailing app due to the fare, but it is rarely remembered. When you ask Davao City commuters about the rides that stayed with them, the topic always shifts to hospitality.

Whether it's traveling home from work in Bajada, taking an early flight from Francisco Bangoy International Airport, navigating Kadayawan traffic along Roxas, or getting together with friends at Roxas Night Market, Davaoeños' recollections of their travels are frequently characterized by something far less quantifiable: how they made them feel.

We therefore questioned whether hospitality is more important than fare. When you ask someone what factors are most important when making a ride reservation, the response is usually the same: cost, accessibility, and ease of use. When you ask them what they truly remember, their response completely shifts.

The fare was exactly what they expected, so no one remembers a ride. Rather, they recall the driver who stood by while they hurried back inside the house to get a forgotten passport prior to traveling to the airport. They recall not having to walk through the rain when they got home to Toril or Buhangin during a torrential downpour. They recall a driver who provided assistance with groceries, or a ride following an especially demanding day that was more relaxed than anticipated.

These seemingly insignificant incidents keep coming up in discussions throughout the city, and they all lead to the same conclusion: Davaoeños are describing hospitality rather than cars. On and off the road, Davao is renowned for this very thing. This could be the reason why many Davaoeños who used Green GSM following its introduction in Davao City claimed that their initial reservation came from straightforward curiosity. For the majority, it was their first experience using an electric taxi.

However, the technology itself had little to do with what remained with them afterward. While waiting at crowded intersections like Matina Crossing or Buhangin, some people mentioned how unusually quiet the cabin felt. Others enjoyed getting out of the car without the lingering fuel odor that comes with regular traffic. Many commented on the cars' cleanliness and upkeep, and many others highlighted the drivers' composed and competent demeanor during the trip.

People were drawn to the electric car, but they were more interested in making another reservation because of the friendly service. Cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable rides are exactly what it looks like in daily life, even though most people might not refer to it as sustainability.

A good ride is more than just a means of transportation. It's about arriving with the same warmth and respect that Davao has always been known for.

As Davao City expands, more locals are starting to view this type of ride as something that all rides ought to be, rather than as something brand-new.

Samsung Galaxy A27 5G: Everything You Need to Know About Its AI Features and Display

2026-06-30T18:02:12.440-07:00

The Galaxy A27 5G, a gadget that enhances daily mobile use with an immersive display, dependable performance, and carefully included AI functions, was unveiled by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. The Galaxy A27 5G, which builds on the well-liked Galaxy A26 5G, offers significant improvements that make the experience simpler and more user-friendly for more people.

More Screen, Less Distraction

The Galaxy A27 5G has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz for more fluid and seamless viewing. Additionally, it presents an improved Infinity-O display that uses a covert punch-hole design to reduce the visible camera area. This increases screen area and eliminates distractions to keep information front and center, especially when combined with a smaller and more balanced bezel. The Galaxy A27 5G's thin 7.8 mm shell is made to be comfortable in the user's hand all day.

Everyday Performance, Enhanced

The 1 Galaxy A27 5G, which is powered by the Snapdragon® 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, feels more responsive all day long, whether users are actively multitasking or switching between apps. A smoother graphics for gaming and streaming are made possible by an increase in GPU performance, and quicker data transfer rates and better power efficiency are made possible by the newest high-speed RAM. When combined, these improvements enable the Galaxy A27 5G to provide users with a reliable daily experience.

Additionally, the 12 MP front camera on the Galaxy A27 5G captures a greater range of brightness and richer colors, producing more realistic-looking selfies in a range of lighting circumstances.

Awesome Intelligence for Everyday Tasks

Mobile intelligence is now more accessible thanks to improvements to the current set of AI technologies. Multi-object identification is now supported by Circle to Search with Google, enabling users to search for several objects in an image simultaneously, including accessories and outfits, in a single step. Additionally, it enables users to virtually try on clothing straight from search results, enabling them to explore new styles from any location.

Now that Object Eraser produces more accurate results, it's simpler to eliminate unwanted distractions with changes that look more natural. Furthermore, the Voice Recorder app's Voice Transcription feature can now translate while transcribing, making it simpler to record meeting notes in 22 different languages.

The Galaxy A27 5G supports a variety of AI assistants, including as Google Gemini and Perplexity, building on the Awesome Intelligence experiences that were unveiled earlier this year. Increased integration facilitates quicker, more user-friendly daily interactions across more native Galaxy apps, such as Gallery. Bixby is now compatible with the Galaxy A27 5G as a conversational device agent, allowing smooth natural language control of features and settings.

With up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, as well as up to six years of security updates from the original global launch date, the Galaxy A27 5G demonstrates Samsung's dedication to long-term support and gives users confidence that they will be able to use their device for longer. The Galaxy A27 5G, which is built on Samsung Knox with hardware-backed protection from Knox Vault, protects sensitive data and makes device protection simpler and more user-friendly than ever.

Availability

The Samsung Galaxy A27 5G will be available in the Philippines starting July 10, 2026, via Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores, Authorized Stores, and Samsung Flagship Stores on Lazada and Shopee.

Pricing:

6GB + 128GB: PHP 18,990
8GB + 256GB: PHP 21,990

Available in Black, Blue, and Light Pink.

Purchase from July 10 to September 15, 2026, and enjoy up to PHP 3,639 in savings, including a PHP 1,500 discount, a free Travel Adapter, and a free Jisulife Fan. Buyers can also add Samsung Care+ for comprehensive device protection.

*DTI Permit No. FTEB-258063 Series of 2026

Accessible Mental Health Care in the Philippines: How mWell Is Leading the Way

2026-06-17T08:03:22.999-07:00

Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation's fully integrated digital healthcare platform in the Philippines, mWell, speaks to a reality that many Filipinos are aware of but seldom express aloud: sometimes the most cheerful person in the room is fighting the most difficult struggle by themselves.

In the Philippines, stigma around mental illness continues to be a major obstacle to receiving care. Mental health issues are too frequently misinterpreted as weakness due to cultural expectations of fortitude, which encourages people to suffer in silence rather than get the assistance they need. Deeply ingrained beliefs like hiya and pakikisama exacerbate the silence because many people are afraid of embarrassing themselves or their families by acknowledging they are not well. The stakes are considerably higher in the workplace: over 75% of Filipinos—the largest percentage among ASEAN nations—believe that exposing mental health issues jeopardizes their career prospects as per the International Labor Organization. The last obstacle for many people is still the expense of receiving professional mental health assistance.

mWell addresses all of these barriers head-on, with technology that is accessible, affordable, and built for real Filipinos.

"Mind health is just as important as physical health, and yet for so many Filipinos, asking for help still feels out of reach — whether because of stigma, cost, or simply not knowing where to turn. True well-being cannot exist without both. At mWell, we are committed to making sure that every Filipino has a place to turn to, for their body and for their mind, because a healthier Filipino is a stronger Filipino. We want every person to know that support is there for them, whenever they are ready, and that taking care of their mind is one of the most courageous things they can do for themselves,"said Chaye Cabal-Revilla, President and CEO of mWell and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of MPIC.

MEETING FILIPINOS AT EVERY STAGE OF THEIR MIND HEALTH JOURNEY

The goal of mWell's mental health services is to support Filipinos at every step of their path toward mental wellness, beginning as soon as they choose to check in with themselves.

The Mind Health Score and self-guided courses are available for free on the mWell app, providing users with a private, judgment-free beginning. Users can assess their emotional and mental health using the Mind Health Score, which is based on the scientifically verified WHO-5 Well-Being Index. The self-guided modules employ evidence-based strategies at their own speed to enhance emotional equilibrium, develop resilience, and manage stress.

When a user is prepared to speak with someone, mWell provides access to expert assistance. Users of the mWell Mind Healthsavers Plan can schedule a 30-minute video consultation with a trained Mind Health Coach at any time throughout the 30-day period following purchase. Additionally, mWell provides people in need of more advanced care with consultations with coaches, psychologists, or psychiatrists that are both scheduled and on-demand. For as little as P499, both are accessible, making it simpler than ever for Filipinos to advance without worrying about money.

EXPANDING OUR NETWORK OF CARE THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

mWell's collaboration with MindNation, a global mental health and wellbeing organization that is trusted by prestigious businesses, educational institutions, and governmental organizations worldwide, is essential to fulfilling this commitment. By working together, mWell is growing the number of licensed mental health professionals in its network, guaranteeing so more Filipinos will always have access to competent, culturally appropriate care. The collaboration demonstrates a common belief that mental health assistance ought to be a right that every Filipino can exercise rather than a privilege.

"At MindNation, we have always believed that mental health support should be something every person can reach, not a privilege reserved for the few. Partnering with mWell brings us closer to that vision, expanding the number of qualified, compassionate specialists available to Filipinos when and where they need them most. Together, we are not just adding names to a roster. We are building a stronger, more accessible safety net for the nation's well-being," said Eizaleen Fusingan-Lappay, PhDc, LPT, RPm, RPsy, Chief WellBeing Officer, MindNation.

A GLOBAL STANDARD OF CARE FOR EVERY FILIPINO

mWell has gained international reputation for its dedication to providing accessible digital healthcare. Following its 2023 win for Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life, mWell recently won the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Award for Best Mobile Innovation Supporting Emergency or Humanitarian Situations at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, making it the first healthtech app from the Philippines to do so. With this accolade, mWell becomes one of the top international brands among this year's GLOMO winners, including Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and others.

The worldwide recognition is evidence of mWell's long-held belief that technology can change people's lives when it is developed with a purpose. Its mind health services are the most recent manifestation of this idea, providing every Filipino, wherever they may be, with access to top-notch mental health care. As a leading authority on health and through innovations that enable Filipinos to take control of their health at any time and from any location, mWell, a wellness app in the Philippines, keeps expanding access to holistic healthcare.

As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to working towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare. Download the mWell app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Follow mWell on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates.

How Viral Grocery Hacks Are Changing the Way Filipinos Shop Online

2026-06-15T20:20:07.562-07:00

More Filipinos are sharing digital "hacks" to help stretch household expenditures, from Threads posts showcasing sulit supermarket deals to Reddit communities exchanging useful financial advice. pandamart's grocery promotions are one of the offers that are becoming popular online; customers have been discussing them as affordable methods to save on daily necessities.

“Nag-trend na bigla tong pandamart dito sa Threads ngayong week", honestly in this economy? Sulit to!” one Threads user wrote online, while another posted, “This isn’t just a trend, this promo is a lifesaver in this economy!” after sharing a discounted pandamart grocery haul.

As rising daily costs continue to influence how households budget their weekly expenditures, many customers are searching not only for deals but also for more clever and practical solutions to oversee daily tasks. For some, this entails figuring out how to avoid needless outdoor excursions while maintaining a full pantry and a functional home.

pandamart is giving new customers nationwide up to 50% off their first orders as part of the campaign. Fresh fruit, meats, frozen goods, snacks, drinks, and household necessities are all included by the promotion.

Whether they need last-minute products, weekly cupboard restocks, or supper ingredients, pandamart's 24/7 foodpanda app enables users to order groceries at any time of day for prompt delivery.

“We’ve noticed more users sharing the promo online as a helpful way to save on everyday
grocery needs, and that’s exactly the kind of experience we hoped to create,” said Joseph
Wijesekara, Director of Q-Commerce at foodpanda Philippines. “We want pandamart to become a practical everyday solution for households looking for smarter and more convenient ways to manage their grocery needs.”

Existing pandamart customers can take advantage of continuous promotions and additional savings throughout the platform in addition to the newbie discount. 5% off P599 goods, 8% off P999 purchases, and 10% off P1,499 purchases are available to customers. In the meantime, larger discounts are available to pandapro subscribers: 8% off P599 purchases, 10% off P999 purchases, and 15% off P1,499 purchases.

foodpanda revealed that the savings program, which was initially presented as a temporary promotion, will continue after its current deployment. Beyond the first-time discounts of up to 50% Buy One Get One deals and additional savings are available to users and pandapro subscribers throughout the platform, and some supermarket goods will still be discounted by up to 20%.

Just in time for Father's Day, pandamart will debut its much-anticipated Dad's ₱1 Sale, maintaining the trend.

Customers countrywide can purchase necessities for as little as ₱1 from June 19 to June 21 (or until stocks last), without the requirement for a coupon code.

The goal of the Father's Day Piso Sale is to provide families with an easy way to honor Dad without making the holiday into yet another chore for him. With a few touches, families can take care of the party preparation, freeing up dads to relax and enjoy their day rather than asking him to drive, fight store crowds, or carry heavy bags.

The popular grocery "hack" on the internet is becoming even more accessible for everyday necessities, late-night cravings, and last-minute celebrations as online buzz about pandamart's grocery deals grows. The platform is also expanding its nationwide footprint, with new locations opening across the nation and existing stores gradually transitioning to 24/7 operations.

Take part in the online grocery hack that everyone has been discussing. Get your 50% beginner discount, download the foodpanda app, and begin making more informed purchases.

HONOR 6.6 Back-to-School Sale: Big Deals and Productivity Bundles for Students

2026-06-03T19:57:17.209-07:00

HONOR Philippines, a top supplier of AI gadgets worldwide, is enhancing the excitement of back-to-school shopping with its "HONOR Bonggang Back-to-School 6.6 Sale," which offers significant savings, productivity bundles, and exclusive online offers across all HONOR channels between June 1 and June 8, 2026.

With HONOR's largest back-to-school deals to yet, students, young professionals, and tech lovers can now take advantage of more intelligent and reasonably priced upgrades. The "Student Productivity Bundle," which offers customers up to Php 3,000 OFF on specific HONOR tablets when purchased in conjunction with the brand-new HONOR Choice Earbuds X7 Lite and the HONOR Choice Pencil, is the campaign's main initiative. With the exception of MagicPad 3, all participating HONOR tablets are eligible for the promotion, which makes it simpler for students to create their ideal productivity setup for learning, creativity, and daily use.

In the meantime, fans may get even more value for their next AI smartphone update with the incredibly popular HONOR 600 Series, which joins the 6.6 celebration with a unique Php 1,000 discount, a Globe 5G Prepaid SIM card, and a FREE HONOR Bluetooth Speaker II valued at Php 1,999.

“Back-to-school season is an important moment for students and families preparing for a more productive year ahead. Through our Back-to-School 6.6 Sale, we want to make premium technology and HONOR AI-powered devices more accessible while giving Filipino consumers unbeatable value across our ecosystem,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

Adding to the excitement is the debut of the HONOR Choice Earbuds X7 Lite, now officially available in HONOR’s online stores.

The stylish and feature-rich earbuds, which were originally priced at Php 1,999, are now only Php 1,099 for the whole month of June on all official online channels, making them the ideal everyday audio companion for students and users who are always on the go.

Shoppers can also enjoy platform-exclusive surprises during the campaign:

• Shopee – Up to 70% OFF on HONOR X7d (limited quantity only) on June 5 at 12NN
• Lazada – Grab the HONOR X5c Plus for only Php 6 (limited quantity only) on June 6 at 12MN
• TikTok Shop – Enjoy Live-exclusive vouchers worth up to Php 2,850 plus Student Productivity Bundles

While the HONOR Choice Earbuds X7 Lite promotion runs through HONOR's official online stores until June 30, 2026, the HONOR Bonggang Back-to-School 6.6 Sale is available on all HONOR outlets.

Don't pass up the opportunity to use HONOR to make this school year smarter, more productive, and unquestionably more "bongga."

For more exciting announcements, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

Jollibee x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Launch Epic ‘GameJoy’ Campaign in the Philippines

2026-05-25T02:18:53.934-07:00

Jollibee, the largest fast-food chain in the nation, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), the most popular mobile game in the Philippines, are stepping up their collaboration with the introduction of the GameJoy x MLBB Combos, a nationwide campaign aimed at Filipino gamers seeking a smooth combination of food, entertainment, and prizes.

There are two stages to the cooperation. The first launched the "WOW BIDA" Battle Emote, a limited-time in-game item that lets players utilize an emote with a Jollibee theme in MLBB matches. It may be redeemed until May 20.

The goal of the second phase, GameJoy Combos, which runs from May 20 to August 19, is to maintain player engagement by offering both limited-edition in-game incentives and actual hero card souvenirs with each Jollibee GameJoy Combo purchase.

“With GameJoy Combos, we wanted to create a fun and rewarding experience that brings together great food, gaming and everyday moments of joy,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president of marketing at Jollibee Philippines. “This collaboration allows more people to enjoy Jollibee in a fresh and exciting way, whether they’re gaming, bonding with friends or simply treating themselves.”

Showing the same excitement, MOONTON Games, the international video game developer and publisher of MLBB, said the campaign celebrates Filipino MLBB players.

“Filipino players have helped shape MLBB into the cultural phenomenon it is today. With Jollibee, we wanted to create a campaign that genuinely feels local, fun, and rewarding for the community, by combining food, collectibles, and in-game experiences in a way that celebrates how Filipinos enjoy gaming together,” said Kevin Acuña, head of game publishing business development and partnership at MOONTON Games.

The nationwide campaign, which runs from May 20 to August 19, is specifically designed for MLBB players, ranging from casual players to ardent rank grinders.

A variety of portable meals are available in the GameJoy Combos for easy, mess-free eating while playing games. The Yumburger, Jolly Hotdog, Special Cheesy Yumburger, Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, and Original Cheesy Yumburger are the five options available for ₱169 each. Each combo completes a filling, gamer-friendly meal set with a regular portion of fries, a regular drink, and a Peach Mango Pie.

The GameJoy x MLBB Pack, which includes an instruction card with a special PIN and one collectible hero card, is included with every combo. The MLBB app's mystery rewards can be unlocked with the PIN.

In addition to the highly sought-after MLBB All-Skin Unlock, players can win a variety of in-game goodies, such as skins, emotes, fragments, and avatar borders.

Many players are anticipated to gather all hero cards, earn incentives, and relish every game even more with Jollibee and MLBB this summer when the GameJoy Combos go worldwide.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

Samsung x Lazada Super Brand Day 2026: Ultimate Guide to the Biggest Tech Deals

2026-05-20T06:13:03.033-07:00

On May 21, mark your calendars for the much-anticipated Samsung LazMall Super Brand Day. The yearly online sales event, which is returning for its ninth iteration, will offer Samsung's newest innovations at unbeatable pricing for just one day. This year's theme, "Dream Deals," highlights outstanding value throughout Samsung's ecosystem of TVs, displays, home appliances, and mobile devices, offering premium innovations to customers throughout Southeast Asia.

The Samsung x Lazada Super Brand Day invites customers throughout the area to take advantage of exclusive promotions and time-limited deals on some of Samsung's most popular items. It is organized in collaboration with Lazada, the top eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia.

The company's most user-friendly Galaxy AI phone to date, the Galaxy S26 series, will be on display at the Super Brand Day. Its potent performance, top-notch camera systems, and cutting-edge AI features are intended to improve daily mobile use. The seamless integration of the Galaxy Buds4 series enhances the device's audio experience.

Samsung's renowned premium display advancements, such as the Mini LED M70H AI Smart TV range, which offers outstanding color, clarity, and intelligent picture processing capabilities, are available to consumers who want to improve their viewing experiences at home. Check out Samsung's newest line of immersive displays, including OLED, QLED, and Crystal UHD TVs, as well as Odyssey QLED Gaming Monitors, for all your productivity, entertainment, and gaming needs.

With Samsung's line of AI-powered digital appliances, which provide smarter and more intuitive living, homeowners can also anticipate doing less and living more. The company's Bespoke AI Refrigerators, AI Ecobubble Washer-Dryers, and Windfree Air Conditioners are all made to make daily tasks at home easier.

Chang Soo Park, Head of Regional Online Business for Samsung Electronics, Southeast Asia and Oceania said, “We are thrilled to partner with Lazada once again to bring Samsung’s latest innovations closer to consumers across Southeast Asia. Whether upgrading everyday essentials or enhancing a home setup, this year’s ‘Dream Deals’ event makes our premium innovations more accessible than ever with offers that are not to be missed.”

Highlights of Samsung Super Brand Day in PH include:

● Up to 50% OFF on select Galaxy devices

● Up to 40% OFF on select TVs, Sound devices, and Monitors

● Up to 45% OFF on select Digital appliances

For more information, visit http://spr.ly/Samsung-LZD-SBD. Shoppers can also download the Lazada app on the Google Play Store or App Store to visit the Samsung official LazMall Flagship Store today.

PBA Legend Jojo Lastimosa’s CDO Homecoming Inspires Grassroots Basketball Revival

2026-05-16T05:17:15.755-07:00

For love of the game, PLDT Home and TNT Tropang 5G bring fans closer to the action. Basketball legend Jojo Lastimosa and stars Poy Erram, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin unite on stage with the lucky winners of their hand-signed TNT jerseys.

World-class basketball talent is still produced in the Philippines, but talent is insufficient without opportunity, as PBA icon and current TNT Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa has long maintained. Sports can lead to opportunities for young athletes, but only if the proper support networks are in place. Connectivity, community, and devoted partners like PLDT Home are vital in this situation.

Since establishing the Jolas Cup in 2004, Lastimosa has promoted community basketball as a means of empower young people. PLDT Home's assistance boosted that mission in 2026, as the event has returned to Cagayan de Oro, offering the next generation access, visibility, and opportunity in addition to competitiveness.

Jolas Cup 2026, which began on April 22 at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre, brought together elite teams from schools and barangays throughout the city, turning the stadium into a vibrant place where talent and opportunity met. Young athletes from Cagayan de Oro and the surrounding areas competed in six divisions: 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, 22U men's, and 22U women's. The championship games for each of the six divisions take place on May 16.

Among the companies driving the tournament's opening ceremonies was PLDT Home Fiber, which provided players and spectators with real-time updates and digital interaction that expanded the tournament's audience beyond the court.

Lastimosa and other TNT Tropang 5G athletes from Mindanao backgrounds, such as Poy Erram, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin, led the opening ceremonies. Their presence served as a reminder of the value of giving back, which is further enhanced by initiatives like the Jolas Cup, which are backed by partners that have similar goals.

TNT Tropang 5G players join the Jolas Cup opening in Cagayan de Oro, showing support for young athletes and championing opportunities for the next generation of hoopers.

“Malipayon gyud ko nga nakabalik ko diri sa Cagayan de Oro aron maghatag og oportunidad sa mga batan-on. Mao ni ang sinugdanan sa daghan kaayo’ng damgo (I’m truly happy to be back in Cagayan de Oro to give young players opportunities. This is where many dreams begin),” said Lastimosa.

To help kickstart the young athletes with their dreams, PLDT Home Fiber shall award all champion teams with a Fiber Plan 1699 for one year.

Local fans share a lighthearted moment with PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa during the PLDT Home Fiber Fastbreak event.

“We want to ensure they will experience meaningful connections even off the court,” Lastimosa said.

Through branded activations, such as interactive booths and connectivity zones that let fans and families interact with the event in real time, PLDT Home brought the tournament experience closer to the community outside of the games. These programs demonstrated how dependable internet connectivity is becoming more and more crucial to the growth of sports, whether it's for sharing game highlights, accessing training materials, or remaining linked to broader prospects. Lastimosa believes that relationship is crucial to constructing Philippine basketball's future.

“Importante kaayo nga konektado ang kabatan-onan—dili lang sa internet, kundi sa ilang mga pangandoy ug oportunidad (It’s important for the youth to stay connected—not just to the internet, but to their dreams and opportunities),” he said.

TNT Tropang 5G stars Rey Nambatac, Poy Erram, and Glenn Khobuntin share hands-on tips and mentorship with Cagayan de Oro's promising young players.

Players echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how meaningful it is to return home and inspire the next generation – now with stronger platforms and support systems behind them.

By supporting initiatives like the Jolas Cup, PLDT Home continues to go beyond providing connectivity – actively supporting communities, enabling dreams, and helping young dreamers stay connected to what matters most starting from the home.

“By bridging passion and opportunity, the brand plays a vital role in shaping not just better players, but stronger futures,” said PLDT Home First Vice President for Acquisition Marketing Patrick S. Tang. “No matter where you are in the Philippines and whatever passion you pursue, we’re here for you. Count on our reliable connectivity to give you stronger, more meaningful connections as you start your dreams right at home.”

With PLDT Home Fiber's quick and dependable internet connectivity, you can ignite your family's passions at home for everything from sports to schoolwork and more. To learn more about these fantastic fiber offers for Plan 999 and above, go to pldthome.com.

Enjoy free installation (saving P3,600), free speed boost up to 200 Mbps, unli entertainment on Cignal, and a chance to win free Fiber Broadband for Life when you apply for Fiber Unli All 1399 between May 1 and May 31, 2026! Apply before June 30, 2026, to take advantage of an exceptional discount of up to P41,000 on Samsung TVs and other items.

38 Years Strong: How the Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines Shapes the Sector

2026-05-05T01:33:00.000-07:00

Collaboration is more crucial than ever as the beverage business navigates changing customer tastes, sustainability expectations, and laws.

The Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines (BIAP) has served that purpose for almost 40 years, uniting the nation's top beverage producers to advance with a unified goal. As BIAP celebrates its 38th anniversary, it continues to be a vital platform for a sector that consistently influences Filipino daily life.

A unified voice in a changing industry

The Philippine beverage sector is ubiquitous throughout the nation, offering everything from fruit juices and bottled water to soft drinks and energy drinks. Beyond what customers see on shelves, it also has a significant role in employment, manufacturing activity, and economic output.

BIAP was founded and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 1988, with the goal of bringing together businesses from this varied environment and provide a forum for industry participants to cooperate, coordinate, and discuss matters that impact society and business.

No single business can successfully handle industry-wide issues on its own in this changing environment. By encouraging communication among its members and fostering agreement on important issues, BIAP aids in closing this gap. This enables the sector to collaborate more effectively with government and other interested parties, as well as to support policies that are sensible, balanced, and sensitive to wider economic demands.

Strengthening standards and shared progress

In addition to coordination, BIAP is crucial in advancing integrity, safety, and quality throughout the sector. By means of voluntary standards, a common code of ethics, and good manufacturing processes, the group assists in guaranteeing that goods continually fulfill standards for both safety and quality.

This has made the beverage industry more dependable and consistent by strengthening alignment on responsible practices, from operational standards that promote long-term sustainability to product quality and safety.

Additionally, BIAP has improved collaboration on significant policy and regulatory developments that impact the industry over time. It helps guarantee that industry viewpoints are taken into account in conversations about taxes, product standards, and more general manufacturing regulations by providing a forum for communication between firms and the government.

Also, it offers a venue for knowledge exchange through technical exchanges, seminars, and workshops. It also disseminates pertinent information to keep members and the general public up to date on advances in the sector.

Continuing its role in the sector

The leadership and diversity of BIAP's member businesses, which include Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Asia Brewery, Inc., ARC Refreshments Corporation, Nestlé Philippines, Mondelez Philippines, Coca-Cola Philippines, Dole Philippines Inc., PepsiCo, Inc., Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc., San Miguel Corporation, Universal Robina Philippine Spring Water Resources Inc., Vouno Trade & Marketing Services, and Corporation. When taken as a whole, these businesses represent a wide range of the beverage industry by fusing strong local ties with international experience.

The association's president, Atty., is in charge. Juan Lorenzo Tañada is Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability for Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines. BIAP continues to serve as a platform for industry collaboration and interaction with important stakeholders and communities under his direction.

BIAP is committed to assisting its members in adapting to change responsibly as the industry changes. For BIAP, this entails bolstering collaborations, encouraging innovation, and maintaining the platform that allows the sector to advance collectively for the benefit of customers.

After 38 years, BIAP's mandate is still very clear: in addition to representing the beverage industry, it also aims to influence its growth in a responsible, cooperative, and national-priority manner.

A Smarter Way to Retire: Financial Security Tips for Workers & Employers

2026-04-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

Secure your future, empower your team: A Labor Day Guide to smart retirement planning

There is more to Labor Day than just a well-earned vacation. It's a time to celebrate the efforts that have built our country and a great chance to look to the future. Long-term security is becoming more important than the daily grind.

Understanding the retirement picture is crucial, whether you are a business leader trying to safeguard your most valuable asset—your employees—or an individual professional hoping to leave the working in style.

The Reality of Retirement Readiness

According to recent statistics from the Retirement Index, most professionals' perceptions of their level of readiness for their post-work years differ significantly. Although everyone wants to retire comfortably, there is frequently no obvious path forward.

Financial insecurity shouldn't be a part of retirement. It should be a "Golden Era" where you can enjoy the results of decades of hard work without sacrificing your way of life. Proactive preparation is necessary to close this gap. Traditionally, a safe retirement requires a strong three-legged stool: personal savings, employer-sponsored plans, and social security pensions. In actuality, though, company-sponsored pension schemes and state pensions are frequently inadequate, if they exist at all. Personal savings, on the other hand, are typically used for more pressing medical and financial need. To guarantee a smooth transition to retirement and the preservation of your own funds, you therefore need a reliable source of income.

Treating your retirement fund as a necessary "bill" that you pay to your future self is the first step toward securing your future. For Filipinos between the ages of 18 and 60, InLife's Retire Assure, the nation's first real retirement product, offers the following benefits:

Guaranteed monthly pension so there will be no guesswork as to how much to set aside on a monthly basis to cover daily expenses

Growth potential through cash dividends that have the possibility to increase your monthly income to account for potential medical costs and inflation, and preserve your savings for leisure and other expenses

Guaranteed issuance feature that doesn’t require medical examinations

Life insurance protection where beneficiaries stand to receive the higher of 110% of premiums paid, less payouts, or the guaranteed cash values in case of demise

Flexible and convenient payments and payouts through annual, semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly payments and the option to choose a peso bank account for receiving your monthly pension and potential dividends

Limited payment period allowing you to set aside a portion of your income over a period of five or ten years, or through regular payments until the age of 59 or 64.

They say that yesterday was the greatest time to get ready, and today is the second-best. Your pension money can be greatly increased by starting early. However, those between the ages of 48 and 73 who are moving into a more senior role in their careers were unable to start their retirement fund considerably earlier. They can also take advantage of Retire Assure 2, the two-pay option that is paid in two yearly installments.

“At InLife, we believe retirement shouldn't be a source of anxiety, but something to be anticipated. Retire Assure empowers Filipinos to take control of their 'next chapter' with certainty. We want to help them build a future where their hard-earned lifestyle is protected and they can live with dignity,"said InLife Chief Marketing Officer Gae L. Martinez.

For the employer: Strengthening the modern workforce

Professional fulfillment and financial security are closely related in today's cutthroat talent market. Benefits at work are now more than just bonuses; they are calculated investments that boost output and foster overall well-being, guaranteeing the long-term viability of the business.

By including retirement readiness in your company's benefits package, you give workers more than simply a paycheck—you give them a future, ensuring that their three-legged stool of retirement is stronger. Think about InLife's All-Inclusive Group Plan (CGP), which provides the following benefits:

Group life insurance and retirement to help you comply with laws such as R.A. 7641 (Retirement Pay Law) and R.A. 4917 (tax exemptions on private retirement plans)

Fund Protection and Insurance Benefits with the retirement fund protected from depletion due to mortality and disability

Guaranteed interest as the plan earns interest at a guaranteed rate to build up your employees’ retirement fund. When actual earnings of the fund exceed the guaranteed rate, your company gets an additional 50% of the excess amount

Preservation of Capital with the fund guaranteed against capital loss

Administrative Fee that is only applied on fresh funds/new deposits and not on the accumulated retirement fund

Supplemental savings that enables you to customize your plan to allow employees to add their own contribution voluntarily and save more for their future needs

Tax qualification assistance as we handle the BIR application process to qualify your retirement plan so that retirement benefits remain tax-exempt for your employees, while your company’s contributions are fully tax-deductible.

" Our CGP is designed to turn retirement preparedness into a competitive advantage for businesses. We want to help drive higher engagement and loyalty within the organization, while supporting employers in their efforts to provide their employees opportunities to build a more substantial nest egg for their future,” said Martinez.

Labor Day should remind us to commit to a future where every worker can retire without worries. By combining individual foresight with robust corporate support, we can ensure that the finish line of a career is just the beginning of a vibrant new journey.

For more information on Retire Assure, visit https://www.inlife.com.ph/retirement-insurance. For more information on InLife’s CGP, visit https://www.inlife.com.ph/group-insurance or email corporatesales@insular.com.ph.

foodpanda Philippines Earns Top Recognition at 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards

2026-04-30T00:11:00.000-07:00

L-R _ foodpanda Philippines' Pau Bautista, Mae Castro, Ron Sanders, Dabbie Tagubasi, Trixia Dionisio, Marcky Baesa, and Portia Amparo

At the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie accolades, the region's top business honors honoring innovation in public service and communications across 29 markets, foodpanda Philippines won several accolades.

The awards cover systems designed with foodpanda's customers, partner riders, and vendor partners in mind. Pasko Na, We Gotchu, a community-led holiday initiative that translated the brand's promise into on-the-ground acts of care, and Pau-tastic Party ng Taon, a multi-city celebration honoring delivery riders by highlighting their stories, welfare, and year-long contributions, received Silver Stevie Awards under the category for Innovation in Community Relations or Public Service Communications.

in photo - Mae Castro, foodpanda Philippines' Senior Marketing Manager, together with (L-R) Pau Bautista, Portia Amparo, Dabbie Tagubasi, Trixia Dionisio, Ron Sanders, and Marcky Baesa

In the meantime, Panda Plates received a Silver Stevie Award under the Award for Innovation in the Use of Events for reinventing food crawls as a scalable platform for partner vendor growth and storytelling. A Bronze Stevie Award was given to CRAVE (Celebrating Relationships & Advancing Valuable Experiences), a national vendor engagement program, for fostering relationships and trust via locally based events.

When taken as a whole, these successes highlight the company's emphasis on scalable, long-term platforms rather than one-time campaigns—delivering sustainable value through partnership-building, stakeholder empowerment, and significant community impact.

Metrobank Launches “Moneygurado” Docuseries on Financial Mindfulness and Real-Life Money Stories

2026-04-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

In keeping with its objective of fostering financial awareness among Filipinos, Metrobank has introduced Moneygurado, a documentary series that grounds practical financial advice in everyday experiences, cultural realities, and true stories.

Moneygurado, which is derived from the Filipino word "manigurado," which means "to make sure," combines the words "money" and "sigurado" to convey the idea of being secure, knowledgeable, and safe in all financial decisions. It combines common money management with fraud awareness, but it takes a novel tack by beginning with actual Filipino experiences that represent how people feel and think about money rather than with guidelines or advice.

This expands on Metrobank's long-standing support of assisting Filipinos in developing and taking charge of their finances by converting ideas into practical actions, such as making plans in advance, making intentional purchases, safeguarding their possessions, and remaining receptive to new chances. According to Moneygurado, financial mindfulness is a useful way of thinking that enables people to deal with uncertainty more clearly, confidently, and in charge.

The timing of this program coincides with an increase in financial strain. The need to shift from reactive habits to more thoughtful financial decisions—from "bahala na" to "sigurado"—is reinforced by rising fuel prices, rising costs of commodities, and changing economic conditions that continue to impact household budgets.

“Moneygurado is about helping Filipinos become more intentional with their money by
understanding the ‘why’ behind their decisions,” said Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs Dimagiba. “By starting with real stories that reflect everyday realities, we make these
conversations more relatable—and ultimately more actionable.”

Moneygurado: A docuseries grounded in real Filipino experiences

The Moneygurado documentary series, which examines money via real-life Filipino stories and examines how culture influences debt, spending, saving, and resiliency, is at the center of the campaign.

The series explores how deeply ingrained values—such as katatagan (resilience), hiya (shame), pakikisama (fellowship), and utang na loob (debt of gratitude)—influence how Filipinos save, spend, borrow, and give rather than imposing laws. Although these numbers describe identity, they may also result in behaviors that prioritize immediate social commitments over long-term financial stability.

Entrepreneur Audrey Cruz, who founded OnlyPans Taqueria in Poblacion, Makati, is featured in the first episode, "Kapit Lang: The Filipino Way of Surviving." What started off as a pandemic food delivery idea swiftly expanded into a successful company—until a fire forced them to begin anew.

Her narrative emphasizes katatagan, or resilience, a well-known Filipino quality. However, it also highlights a more profound realization: without planning, survival is insufficient. Intentional behaviors developed prior to a crisis, rather than during one, are the source of true financial resilience. Moneygurado reframes resilience from merely suffering difficulties to purposefully preparing for them by basing insights in tales like these.

Future episodes will carry on this investigation from many perspectives: "Utang sa Pelikula: Self-Worth and Borrowing," directed by Jose Javier Reyes; "The Price of Hiya," by Xiao Chua, a historian; and "Alkansya: The Filipino Art of Waiting," written by Michelline Suarez.

Moneygurado's goal is to help Filipinos turn insights into action, even though it starts with stories. Throughout the series, well-known financial practices are reexamined from a more thoughtful perspective, promoting more deliberate approaches to resilience, goal-based saving, disciplined spending, and purposeful borrowing.

“Real progress starts when people see themselves in the story,” Dimagiba added. “Moneygurado is designed to meet Filipinos where they are—acknowledging their realities and helping them move forward with practical, meaningful actions.”

In the coming months, Metrobank will roll out additional Moneygurado episodes alongside accessible learning materials for students, families, and communities through its Earnest website, https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/moneygurado.