Celebrate Flavor and Fortune at The Manila Hotel’s Red Jade

This Chinese New Year, Red Jade at The Manila Hotel welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse with a dining experience that blends bold flavors, heritage, and modern culinary flair. From refined à la carte favorites to festive specialties crafted for the season, every meal unfolds as a celebration worth savoring.

Red Jade’s à la carte menu is a feast for the senses. Must-try dishes include Imperial Peking Duck, Lapu Lapu in Truffle Sauce, Scallops with Duck Liver in Foie Gras Sauce, and Shrimps with Almond Flakes. Dim Sum lovers can savor beloved classics such as Har Gao, Ham Sui Kok, Xiao Long Bao, and Pork and Shrimp Sio Mai. Just in time for the Lunar New Year, Red Jade also unveils new creations, including Sea Bass Dumpling, Deep Fried Suahe Beijing Style, Braised Sea Bass and Turnip Cake with Morel Mushroom in Black Truffle Sauce, and Glutinous Rice Roll with Red Bean Paste, among others.

 

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without tikoy. Red Jade’s tikoy offerings, available in Red Bean and Almond flavors and priced at Php 1,288 per box, are perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging in a sweet moment of tradition. Each bite symbolizes prosperity, harmony, and good fortune for the year ahead.

Vegetarian diners are equally well catered to with Red Jade’s Vegetarian Set Menu. Highlights include Vegetarian Peking Duck, Dong Pao Tofu, Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup, Mushroom Fortune Bao, and Chilled Coconut Jelly with Avocado, ensuring a refined and inclusive dining experience for all.

For intimate gatherings, Red Jade offers private dining rooms designed to provide an elegant yet welcoming ambiance. Accommodating groups of up to 30 guests, each room is ideal for festive get-togethers, business gatherings, and family milestones.

For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph

TP Opens Second Davao Site, Strengthens Mindanao Footprint with State-of-the-Art, Scalable Hub

TP in the Philippines (formerly Teleperformance), a leader in digital business services, today announced the launch of TP Davao Uprise, its second site in Davao City and fourth across Mindanao, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to regional growth, talent development, and inclusive job creation in the Philippines.

Located at The Uprise at Felcris Centrale Mall, a PEZA-accredited development, the new site currently serves global and domestic markets and is scalable for expansion as needed. Apart from the operations areas, the site also houses a recruitment hub and several recreational spaces including a fully equipped gym, a karaoke room, and a basketball half court.

“The launch of TP Davao Uprise reflects our confidence in Davao City as a strategic growth hub and in Mindanao as a critical pillar of the country’s IT-BPM industry,” said Rahul Jolly, CEO of TP in the Philippines. “With scale-ready infrastructure, deep talent pool, and strong public–private collaboration, Davao continues to enable us in TP to deliver world-class service to our clients.”

Key regional officials from Davao’s local government units and industry partners were present at the opening of TP Davao Uprise including Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ICT Davao, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Davao, and the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

MinDA Chair Leo Magno shared how the IT-BPM industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy and a powerful driver of job creation, exports, and digital transformation. “Investments such as TP's expansion in the Davao Region translate the national vision into concrete outcomes - generating quality, future-ready jobs for Mindanaoans.”

He further adds that “as TP continues to expand its footprint in Mindanao, it also creates a strong demonstration effect. It sends a clear message to other investors, both local and foreign, that Mindanao is open, capable and ready for business.”

Domain-Ready Talent Pool

Davao City is home to over 100,000 IT-BPM professionals, the largest talent hub in Mindanao and expanding since last year. The region is well-known for a strong talent pool for English proficiency and low attrition. The city’s workforce offers deep domain expertise, particularly in travel and hospitality services, supporting functions such as guest services, reservations, and itinerary logistics.

“People are at the center of our growth strategy, and Davao continues to prove itself as a destination for resilient, highly capable, and customer-focused talent,” said Jeffrey Johnson, Chief People Officer of TP in the Philippines. “TP Davao Uprise expands our ability to provide meaningful employment, career mobility, and skills development while supporting clients that require specialized, domain-ready teams.”

Recognized Digital and Business Hub

Davao City’s position as a leading digital growth center is reinforced by its recognition as a Digital Cities Awardee and a DICT–IBPAP Center of Excellence, as well as its ranking in the top 10 of the 33 highly urbanized cities in the DTI’s Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index in the past years.

The launch of TP Davao Uprise marks the next phase of expansion, underscoring TP’s long-term investment in Mindanao as a growth engine for both the company and the national economy.

Strategic Location and Connectivity Advantage

Situated in the center of Davao City, TP Davao Uprise anchors operations within the growing Davao Region economy, the principal trade and commercial hub of Mindanao. The site offers strong visibility and access to a growing consumer and talent base, supporting workforce mobility and business continuity.

Its proximity to Francisco Bangoy International Airport, which is set to scale up to 13 million passenger capacity this year, strengthens domestic and international connectivity. The site is also near Sasa Wharf, supporting passenger terminal access, and is future-ready with major infrastructure projects underway, including the High Priority Bus System and the proposed 102-kilometer Mindanao Railway.

TP Davao Uprise builds on the company’s strong presence in Mindanao complementing its existing operations in SM Davao in Matina (Davao City), Cagayan de Oro City, and micro-site operations in General Santos City. Together, these locations position Mindanao as a strategic delivery cluster supporting the region’s fast‑growing digital services sector.

MinDA Chair Leo Magno shared how the IT-BPM industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy and a powerful driver of job creation, exports, and digital transformation. “Investments such as TP's expansion in the Davao Region translate the national vision into concrete outcomes - generating quality, future-ready jobs for Mindanaoans.”

He further adds that “as TP continues to expand its footprint in Mindanao, it also creates a strong demonstration effect. It sends a clear message to other investors, both local and foreign, that Mindanao is open, capable and ready for business.”

Domain-Ready Talent Pool

Davao City is home to over 100,000 IT-BPM professionals, the largest talent hub in Mindanao and expanding since last year. The region is well-known for a strong talent pool for English proficiency and low attrition. The city’s workforce offers deep domain expertise, particularly in travel and hospitality services, supporting functions such as guest services, reservations, and itinerary logistics.

“People are at the center of our growth strategy, and Davao continues to prove itself as a destination for resilient, highly capable, and customer-focused talent,” said Jeffrey Johnson, Chief People Officer of TP in the Philippines. “TP Davao Uprise expands our ability to provide meaningful employment, career mobility, and skills development while supporting clients that require specialized, domain-ready teams.”

Recognized Digital and Business Hub

Davao City’s position as a leading digital growth center is reinforced by its recognition as a Digital Cities Awardee and a DICT–IBPAP Center of Excellence, as well as its ranking in the top 10 of the 33 highly urbanized cities in the DTI’s Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index in the past years.

The launch of TP Davao Uprise marks the next phase of expansion, underscoring TP’s long-term investment in Mindanao as a growth engine for both the company and the national economy. 

Strategic Location and Connectivity Advantage

Situated in the center of Davao City, TP Davao Uprise anchors operations within the growing Davao Region economy, the principal trade and commercial hub of Mindanao. The site offers strong visibility and access to a growing consumer and talent base, supporting workforce mobility and business continuity.

Its proximity to Francisco Bangoy International Airport, which is set to scale up to 13 million passenger capacity this year, strengthens domestic and international connectivity. The site is also near Sasa Wharf, supporting passenger terminal access, and is future-ready with major infrastructure projects underway, including the High Priority Bus System and the proposed 102-kilometer Mindanao Railway.

TP Davao Uprise builds on the company’s strong presence in Mindanao complementing its existing operations in SM Davao in Matina (Davao City), Cagayan de Oro City, and micro-site operations in General Santos City.  Together, these locations position Mindanao as a strategic delivery cluster supporting the region’s fast‑growing digital services sector.

Red Bull Athlete Lethal Shooter Celebrates PH Basketball, Inspires Local Hoopers with Historic Rooftop Shot

Manila, Philippines (February 2, 2026) — Red Bull Philippines recently welcomed to the country Chris Matthews, also known as “Lethal Shooter,” the world’s most sought-after shooting coach and a global basketball phenomenon. During his visit, Matthews made history as the first person to take a shot from the rooftop of The Tenement in Taguig, bringing his signature creativity, precision, and flair to a landmark moment that celebrates the Philippines’ deep-rooted love for the game.

“In the Philippines, the love and the passion just go really deep in the blood. People and the passion here is, to me, number one,” said Matthews about the rich basketball culture in the country. “It’s true love here for the game.”

The rooftop shoot, a daring first for Tenement basketball court, highlights Matthews’ flair for blending precision with skill. He pushed the boundaries higher, capturing the respect and delight of the local basketball community.

“You know, my entire life, I saw this amazing court online. I saw the legendary people— Michael Jordan, Kobe, Luka—everybody had a mural here,” Matthews shared. “So to shoot from the roof and to make a shot and to have a mural here, it's a dream come true, man. It's like basketball heaven for me.”

To achieve his historic rooftop shot, Matthews had to use a specific technique, given his height and distance from the ring. “I had to use my pointer finger to soften the ball up because I was so high that the ball was coming so hard. So I had to have touch to hit the backboard. That's not really a shot from that far, and you’d have to use the backboard for it to go in. 

Enriching the Future of the Local Streetball Community

Beyond making history with the rooftop shoot, Matthews also engaged with the local community through exhibition matches and a dunk contest. He also shared tips and personal insights with the local hoopers.

As a Red Bull athlete, he claims that one of the Red Bull values that reflects his approach to basketball is never giving up. “That's the one thing I love about being a Red Bull. It's a company that's always devoted to giving back to the community and giving back to people who are pushing themselves in life, and that's me,” Matthews stated.

His visit championed the grassroots and streetball culture, showing that basketball thrives at every level—from casual neighborhood courts to the international stage.

“I was one of those guys who was homeless. I was one of those guys who didn't know what I was going to do with my life, and Red Bull gave me an opportunity. So to be a part of events like this, partnering with Red Bull and getting ready for Red Bull Half Court World Finals in December in the Philippines—this is a dream come true, man.”

This landmark visit by Lethal Shooter marks a first-of-its-kind moment for Philippine basketball. The event blended elite-level coaching, community engagement, and a record-breaking feat as the first person to shoot a basketball from Tenement’s rooftop, a moment shared on Lethal Shooter’s official Instagram.

He also celebrated the energy of the local community through a custom court mural designed by his cousins in collaboration with Tenement Visual Artists. The mural highlights Lethal Shooter’s iconic challenges across different locations, including Man vs Turbine, reflecting his tenacity and passion for basketball while inspiring Filipino hoopers to bring the same determination as they pursue their goals.

If there’s one piece of advice he would give young Filipinos who dream of improving their game, the basketball icon shared, “Just continue to be patient. Don't be in a rush. Understand that greatness takes time, and never allow failure to set you back. Use it to learn.”

With so much energy and local basketball talent on display, the excitement doesn’t end here. Stay tuned for Red Bull Half Court 2026, where the Philippines will host the World Finals, and catch more action-packed basketball moments.

“It’s huge for the country—for Red Bull to decide that multiple countries are going to come here to play basketball. There’s going to be so many people coming here who are going to see what the Philippines life is about, and its passionate love for the game of basketball,” Matthews said.

For the latest updates and highlights, visit Red Bull Philippines’ social media channels and Lethal Shooter’s official accounts. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next!

Pintig ng Pinas: The Biggest Nationwide Sagip CPR Rollout, Empowering Every Filipino Heartbeat

A heartbeat is something we often take for granted—until it stops. 

 

In the Philippines, heart disease remains the leading cause of death. Studies show that most cardiac arrests occur at home and in the presence of a family member. These are moments when loved ones are closest—yet often feel powerless simply because they have never been trained to respond.

 

In many cases of sudden cardiac arrest, survival does not depend on hospitals or doctors alone. It depends on the person standing nearest—the bystander who knows what to do and understands that even two hands can mean the difference between life and death. 

 

This urgency is at the heart of Pintig ng Pinas, Bell-Kenz Pharma’s biggest activation to date of its Sagip CPR (Hands-Only CPR) advocacy. In celebration of February as Heart Month, Sagip CPR is staging a nationwide rollout of back-to-back Hands-Only CPR training sessions across Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

 

Since its inception in August 2025, Sagip CPR has trained thousands of students, teachers, parents, uniformed personnel, local government units, and community volunteers—ordinary Filipinos equipped with a simple yet lifesaving skill. Under Pintig ng Pinas, Bell-Kenz Pharma will conduct around 15 Hands-Only CPR training sessions within February alone—making it the most extensive rollout since the program began.

As the largest Sagip CPR initiative to date, Pintig ng Pinas brings together partners from the public and private sectors, local government units, health advocates, civic and medical associations, and volunteers who share a common goal of strengthening community response during cardiac emergencies. The program also supports broader national efforts to improve emergency preparedness and public health awareness.

 

By scaling up Hands-Only CPR education across the country—from Metro Manila and Central Luzon to Nabua (Camarines Sur), Polangui (Albay), Panay Island including Iloilo City, Roxas City (Capiz), Aklan and Antique, as well as General Santos City and North Cotabato in Mindanao—Bell-Kenz Pharma is not just teaching a technique, but helping build confidence, readiness, and shared responsibility within communities.

 

Hands-Only CPR focuses on continuous chest compressions that help maintain blood circulation during cardiac arrest until professional medical help arrives. The approach is particularly recommended for cardiac emergencies and has gained wider adoption in recent years, as it does not require mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

 

“This initiative reflects a deeper understanding of healthcare and the collaboration needed to generate meaningful impact. Medicines save lives—but so do prevention, education, and rapid response, “ said Patrick Larraga, Corporate Branding and PR Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma. 

 

Being a Kaagapay sa Kalusugan, Bell-Kenz Pharma’s commitment to quality healthcare goes beyond the pharmacy shelf. Through Sagip CPR, it extends into classrooms, barangay halls, workplaces, and homes—where real emergencies happen.”

Pintig ng Pinas underscores that nation-building can begin with something as fundamental as teaching people how to respond when a heartbeat falters—keeping someone alive until help arrives.

 

In a time when healthcare challenges can feel overwhelming, Sagip CPR offers a practical reminder: saving lives does not always require complex technology or specialized equipment. Sometimes, it begins with knowledge, preparedness, and the willingness to act.

 

“Our vision is clear,” said Dr. James Cayetano, President of the Bell-Kenz Foundation. “We want Filipino households to have at least one person who knows how to respond during the critical first minutes of cardiac arrest. By equipping ordinary Filipinos with CPR skills, we are strengthening the country’s first line of response during cardiac emergencies. Sagip CPR is more than a campaign; it is a call to action across the country.”

 

For more information about Pintig ng Pinas and the Sagip CPR advocacy, visit bell-kenz.net

Boy Abunda Hosts PDAX Conversation Series on Money, Investing, and Financial Goals for 2026

Manila, Philippines, February 2, 2026 — As Filipinos set sharper financial goals for the year ahead, the Philippine Digital Asset Exchange (PDAX) introduced “Tara, Bonding Tayo!”, a conversation video series hosted by the “Philippines’ King of Talk” Boy Abunda that makes money discussions timely and grounded in real-world experiences.

The series brings honest, relatable discussions about money, wealth, and everyday financial realities into the open, which is timely for this new season of reassessing financial goals. It centers on how Filipinos from different walks of life think about money, responsibility, and long-term security.

Instead of focusing on numbers, jargon, or financial products, the series centers on real-life stories where money decisions affect relationships, self-worth, and family dynamics. These are conversations many Filipinos recognize but rarely have out loud.

“Wealth can mean many things. For some, it’s peace of mind. For others, it’s time, freedom, or legacy. But one thing is for sure—everyone deserves a shot at creating their own definition of wealth. You could do it alone, but you don’t have to. This is where real journeys meet real lessons,” Abunda shared in his opening for the series.

The episodes focus on a mix of familiar faces and practical perspectives. Sam YG, celebrity radio and TV host, shares how investing in government bonds became his go-to approach for steadier, more secure money moves that helped him sleep better at night. Randell Tiongson, Director and registered advisor of the Registered Financial Planner Institute (RFPI), breaks down simple steps Filipinos can start today and explains why small, consistent actions often matter more than chasing big returns. While Dianne Medina, a celebrity mom, opens up about the financial challenges she has faced and the habits that helped her rebuild stability for her family.

The conversations featured in the series are anchored on PDAX’s broader effort to make investing and wealth-building more accessible to Filipinos. 

PDAX is a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas–licensed virtual asset service provider that pioneered the tokenization of Philippine government bonds through Project Bayani, a landmark white paper estimating that the Philippines' tokenized-asset market could reach US$60 billion by 2030 across government bonds, mutual funds, equities, and other investment assets.

This initiative also digitized the Bureau of the Treasury’s Retail Treasury Bonds, making government-backed investments more accessible through digital platforms. These bonds are distributed by PDAX in partnership with its licensed bonds broker-dealer, PDAX Securities Inc. (formerly bonds.ph Inc.).

Today, PDAX provides access to a range of products, including government bonds requiring low investment amounts, allowing Filipinos to have more access to more stable, long-term investment options.

The digital asset exchange also offers products such as PDAX Gold, where users can trade gold digitally for as low as P500 through the PDAX app. It is also priced in grams, a unit used by Filipinos in jewelry or gold trading.

“Tara, Bonding Tayo!” reflects PDAX’s belief that financial understanding begins with conversation. It speaks to a generation balancing care, ambition, and responsibility, and reminds viewers that talking about money can also be an act of connection.

Episodes of “Tara, Bonding Tayo!” can be watched on PDAX’s official YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@PDAXPH).

Security Bank Partners with Philippine Retirement Authority to Offer Retirees Priority Banking Privileges and Special Time Deposit Rates

Makati City, Philippines — Security Bank Corporation (PSE:SECB) has formalized a partnership with the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) to provide foreign and returning Filipino retirees applying for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) with priority banking privileges and access to a special Time Deposit rate—delivering a more seamless and secure banking experience aligned with the Bank’s BetterBanking commitment.

 

Under the partnership, SRRV applicants may open their Security Bank accounts as part of the SRRV process and enjoy an exclusive Time Deposit (TD) rate, premium onboarding support, and priority relationship management. Account opening and servicing are handled at the Bank’s Reposo-J.P. Rizal Branch in Makati City, the Bank’s dedicated hub for SRRV retirees. 

As part of the enhanced onboarding experience, eligible clients may also be offered enrollment in Security Bank’s VIP Gold Circle Membership program. Depending on individual qualifications, additional privileges may include access to a Platinum Mastercard (subject to credit approval), unlimited free InstaPay and PESONet transfers, and unlimited free BancNet ATM withdrawals nationwide.

“This partnership represents our BetterBanking commitment by offering a strong customer value proposition—one that makes banking easier, safer, and more rewarding,” said Leslie Y. Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head, Security Bank. “Our goal is to make these clients feel that Security Bank is not just a place to keep their funds—but a trusted partner as they begin a new chapter in the Philippines.”

 

The SRRV is a Philippine visa program administered by the PRRA that allows foreign nationals and returning Filipinos aged 40 and above to live, retire, and invest in the country with long-term residency benefits. The PRA is a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Department of Tourism. 

Benefits for SRRV retirees with Security Bank

Exclusive Time Deposit rate - Higher than standard market rates. 

Gold Circle privileges - Priority queuing across branches, waived fees for certificates, statements, and OTC transactions, complimentary annual checkbook, optional Platinum Mastercard (subject to credit approval).

Tailored for retirees - Available exclusively to SRRV holders aged 40 and above.

Family inclusion - Spouses and dependents may also enjoy SRRV banking benefits. 

Easy entry and continuity - Simple Time Deposit placement with automatic renewal aligned to SRRV visa terms. 

Dedicated support - Account opening and servicing handled at the Security Bank Reposo-J.P. Rizal Branch.

“Our partnership with Security Bank is built on a foundation of trust and a shared commitment to serve our retirees with excellence,” said Roberto Z. Zozobrado, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of the Philippine Retirement Authority. “Through this collaboration, we are confident that SRRV members will enjoy a seamless and secure banking experience that supports their transition to a fulfilling retirement in the Philippines.”

SRRV clients may initiate account opening through PRA channels and complete onboarding at Security Bank’s Reposo-J.P. Rizal Branch, located at Kalimera Building, Nicanor Garcia Street corner J.P. Rizal Avenue, Makati City.