Posts

Showing posts from 2026

Manulife Expands Partnership with Microsoft to Accelerate Enterprise AI Governance and Innovation

Image
      ●        Five–year agreement advances Manulife's strategic priority to become an AI-powered organization ●        Manulife will adopt Microsoft's Frontier Suite and deploy Microsoft Agent 365 to drive AI solutions at enterprise scale ●        Manulife will expand deployment of Microsoft 365 Copilot to more than 30,000 employees Manulife and Microsoft today announced the renewal and expansion of their longstanding relationship, supporting Manulife's strategic priority to become an AI-powered organization. As part of this partnership, Manulife has adopted Microsoft 365 E7 Frontier Suite capabilities to enable innovation at scale with secure cloud and AI solutions. This includes expanding adoption of Microsoft 365 Copilot to over 30,000 employees and deploying Microsoft Agent 365—a next-generation suite that provides a control plane for governing, monitoring, and securing AI...

Why every Filipino needs an emergency fund

Image
  According to a study published in 2005, even a PHP 10,000 medical bill is enough to indebt 64% of the Filipino families surveyed, highlighting how fragile the finances of many Pinoy households are. This data was validated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2025 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey which found that only three in 10 adults are able to withstand financial shocks.  Unexpected expenses come in many forms, such as sudden car trouble, home repair due to typhoons and other natural disasters, emergency hospitalization, and even sudden job loss. These situations can happen to anyone, regardless of age, income, or occupation. While you can’t predict life’s surprises, you can prepare ahead for them. This is where an emergency fund comes in handy. What is an emergency fund? “An emergency fund is an essential financial tool. This refers to money put aside for unexpected financial expenses or sudden income loss. It is a way to prepare for unplanned circumstances to avo...

Jollibee gives Jolly Spaghetti a saucier upgrade

Image
Jollibee , the Philippines’ number one fast food chain, has made one of its most iconic menu favorites even better with the launch of the new and improved Jolly Spaghetti, now made with more of its signature sweet-sarap (deliciously sweet) sauce while remaining affordably priced at just P72. The improvement comes as Jollibee continues to refine its best-loved products based on what customers enjoy most about the brand's signature Filipino-style spaghetti. "For many Filipinos, Jolly Spaghetti isn't just another pasta dish. It's comfort food that has become part of family traditions and childhood memories," said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines . "We wanted to make that experience even better by giving customers more of the sauce they love most. We hope families enjoy it even more every time they share a meal together." The launch is supported by a video featuring the Arellano family with the campaign line "More sau...

From adversity to action: Get to know the Pinoy changemakers honored at CIMB Advancing Societies 2026

Image
  Left to right) CIMB Bank Philippines Head of Marketing Communications Nikki Constantino, Empower and Transform Founder Salve Iba ñez, and Promoting Awareness and Victors Empowerment Founder Phoebe Fructuoso.   Many people want to make a difference, but only a few choose to turn that desire into action. For two social advocates in the Philippines, however, helping others became more than an aspiration – it became a lifelong mission shaped by their own experiences.   Their stories were recently honored at the first-ever CIMB Advancing Societies 2026 program, an initiative that recognized individuals and organizations across Southeast Asia that are making a positive and lasting difference in their communities. CIMB believes that meaningful progress is also measured by the strength of the communities it serves, which is why these two organizations truly bring to life the Group’s commitment to Advancing Customers and Society. This year, two Pinoy organizations were ...

Jollibee celebrates Filipino fandom with exclusive JolliBINI Meal Bundles

Image
Jollibee the Philippines' number one fast food chain, is giving fans another reason to enjoy their favorite meals with the launch of the exclusive JolliBINI Bundles. Available for a limited time, the new promotion pairs Jollibee's best-loved menu favorites with exclusive collectibles inspired by the nation's biggest P-pop girl group, BINI. Available from July 15 to August 31, the JolliBINI Bundles let customers enjoy iconic Jollibee favorites while collecting limited-edition merchandise featuring all eight BINI members. Every bundle comes with random member collectibles, while lucky customers also have the chance to receive 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 mercha...

Naga City Pilots Expanded Waste Management Operations Training with Coca-Cola, TESDA

Image
NAGA City, Philippines– Coca-Cola Philippines, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the City Government of Naga, and the Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CASIFMAS) have formalized a partnership to deliver the Solid Waste Management Operations (SWMO) Level III Training Program in Naga City. This marks the first official rollout of the program under the expanded Trash Free Pilipinas Program (TFPP) framework.  Lead representatives Maria Christine Ponce-Garcia, Senior Director for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Philippines; Hon. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Mayor of Naga City; TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez and other officials from   TESDA, Coca-Cola Philippines and City Government of Naga pose after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Solid Waste Management Operations (SWMO) Level III Training Program. The Memorandum of Agreement signing and Training Induction P...

CIMB Bank PH reinforces app security, launches new Money Lock and Emergency Lock features

Image
  CIMB Bank Philippines continues to strengthen the security of its mobile banking app amid the rampant digital fraud concerns in the country, protecting customers’ accounts around the clock through multiple layers of security working seamlessly in the background.  According to a recent report by TransUnion, 72% of surveyed Filipino consumers were targeted by digital fraud attempts in the last five months of 2025. More than one-third also reported losing money to digital fraud from the past year, with the average reported loss amount reaching approximately PHP 50,000. Fraudsters are likewise becoming increasingly sophisticated. The Philippine National Police noted that cybercriminals continued to evolve their tactics in 2025, with job and task scams, online loan scams, and impersonation scams among the most prevalent schemes being monitored. To address the growing threat of financial scams, the Philippine government has strengthened its response through the Anti-Fi...

Atasha Muhlach is Annie Batungbakalin Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical

Image
  Atasha Muhlach as Annie Batungbakal The search for the next Annie Batungbakal is over, and she is ready to make her entrance to the theater stage in bongga fashion. Newport World Resorts, in association with VIVA Communications and The Philippine STAR, reveals Atasha Muhlach in the title role for Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical opening this September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Muhlach steps into the shoes of Annie Batungbakal, a creative, spirited, generous and lovable woman in her early 20s. She is a little naive, as a dispatsadora (or staff) of House of Pasion, her dream as a fashion designer drives her desire to join the Coco Banana circle, and her lack of authenticity initially blocks acceptance. She joins an already star-powered cast led by Sam Concepcion, KD Estrada, Jeff Moses, and Anthony Rosaldo, who were recently unveiled as the musical’s leading men. Atasha Muhlach as Annie Batungbakal One of the country's faste...

FedEx Supports 2,400 Filipino Students with Hygiene KitsTo Boost Health and School Readiness

Image
Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, collaborated with international non-profit Feed the Children to address health challenges by donating hygiene kits to 2,400 grade school children from fishing and farming communities in Bohol and Zamboanga del Norte. This initiative is part of FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement program, and aims to improve the health and well-being of Filipino students ahead of the upcoming school year. A total of 14 FedEx employees supported the effort by assembling and delivering the kits, which include soap, shampoo, face towels, toothbrush and toothpaste - helping children maintain proper hygiene and stay focused on their education.\ Beyond providing essential supplies, the program promotes lasting behavior change through school-based orientation sessions in 11 schools, encouraging consistent, daily hygiene practices among students. Studies show that handwashing with soa...

FedEx Supports 2,400 Filipino Students with Hygiene KitsTo Boost Health and School Readiness

Image
Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, collaborated with international non-profit Feed the Children to address health challenges by donating hygiene kits to 2,400 grade school children from fishing and farming communities in Bohol and Zamboanga del Norte.   This initiative is part of FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement program, and aims to improve the health and well-being of Filipino students ahead of the upcoming school year. A total of 14 FedEx employees supported the effort by assembling and delivering the kits, which include soap, shampoo, face towels, toothbrush and toothpaste - helping children maintain proper hygiene and stay focused on their education.\ Beyond providing essential supplies, the program promotes lasting behavior change through school-based orientation sessions in 11 schools, encouraging consistent, daily hygiene practices among students. Studies show that handwashing with soap can ...

Freedom to Experience: Redefining What It Means to Live VIP

Image
Every June, Filipinos celebrate freedom; not only as a part of our nation's history, but as a reminder of the opportunities, possibilities, and experiences available to us today. At BingoPlus VIP Club, freedom means more than just the ability to choose. It means having the opportunity to experience more, explore more, and celebrate life's milestones in extraordinary ways. Over the past months, BingoPlus VIP Club has continued to create experiences that go beyond traditional rewards. From exclusive celebrations and luxury travel opportunities to unforgettable events, VIP Club has been focused on delivering moments that members can truly remember. Recently, the very first BMW winner was recognized during the exclusive BingoPlus Night Gala, marking a major milestone in the VIP Club's ongoing commitment to rewarding and celebrating its members. It was more than just an awarding of a luxury vehicle; it was a reflection of how experiences can transform ordinary moments into lifel...

EastWest Brings Garmin Pay to Cardholders: Move, Tap, and Go

Image
  Customers can link EastWest Visa and Mastercard cards to Garmin wearables for faster, easier contactless payments   [ MANILA, Philippines – June 2026] East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is making payments move with the customer through the launch of Garmin Pay for eligible EastWest cardholders. With Garmin Pay, EastWest customers can make contactless payments using compatible Garmin smartwatches—devices commonly used for fitness and everyday activity tracking. From workouts to errands, customers can simply tap their watch at any contactless-enabled terminal—no cash, no physical card, and no mobile phone needed. The launch allows EastWest customers to enroll eligible Visa debit and credit cards, as well as Mastercard credit cards, into Garmin Pay. Customers may also link multiple EastWest cards and choose which one to use, giving them more flexibility and control over everyday spending, whether locally or abroad. “At EastWest, we are focused on making everyday moments ...

ArenaPlus’ Erick Su highlights long-term value, responsible VIPmanagement at SiGMA Asia Summit 2026

Image
 Erick Su, Head of ArenaPlus, joined a panel discussion about managing high-value customers during the SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 at the SMX Convention Center on June 2. ArenaPlus Head Erick Su emphasized that successful VIP management goes beyond short-term revenue generation, underscoring the importance of building long-term customer relationships while maintaining strong compliance and responsible gaming standards. Su shared these insights during the session "High Rollers, High Risk: Where VIP Strategy Meets Compliance" at the SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 on Tuesday, June 2, just a day after ArenaPlus was named Best Sportsbook Operator for the second consecutive year at the SiGMA Asia Awards 2026. When asked how ArenaPlus identifies VIP players, Su explained that the No. 1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines takes a broader view than simply looking at spending levels. ArenaPlus VIPs are players whose engagement, insights, and feedback continue to help sh...

Insta360 Launches Luna Ultra and Expands Retail Presence Across the Philippines

Image
  Leica Co-Engineered Gimbal Camera Leads Brand's Growth to 50 Stores Nationwide Insta360 officially introduced the Luna Ultra in the Philippines, marking the brand's entry into the gimbal camera category with a device that combines professional imaging, intelligent stabilization, and AI-powered creative tools in acompact, portable design. Co-engineered with Leica, Luna Ultra brings together Insta360's imaging expertise and Leica's renowned optical heritage to deliver a powerful tool for creators, filmmakers, and storytellers seeking professional-quality content without the complexity of traditional camera systems. Alongside the launch of Luna Ultra, Insta360 Philippines continues to strengthen its retail and customer support network across the country. Following the successful expansion to more than 30 authorized retail locations in 2025, the company is targeting 50 retail locations nationwide by the end of 2026, making Insta360 products more accessible to creators and...