Keep Moving No Matter the Condition: Shop Your MOVE IT Ride-Ready Essentials on GrabMart

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Clear skies at 7:00 in the morning, wet and windy by 5:00 PM in the afternoon. The rainy season does not negotiate with anyone’s calendar, and for the professionals who have moved to motorcycle-taxis to protect their schedule, the distance between leaving and arriving has become a gamble on how they turn up.

MOVE IT launched Ride-Ready, a line of commuter essentials built for that gap. Now available exclusively on GrabMart, the range includes a packable rain jacket, a scarf or cap that doubles as a helmet liner, and a refresh kit with travel-size alcohol spray, cooling wipes, and tissue.

The launch comes at a time when motorcycle-taxis have become indispensable to the daily grind. While MOVE IT recorded a 20% growth in monthly users during the first half of the year compared to last year, commuter feedback highlighted lingering hesitations to booking a ride like sudden downpours and scorching heat, along with concerns about shared helmet conditions. 

“Filipino commuters have become extraordinarily good at adapting to city life. What they should not have to accept is arriving at a meeting soaked, or starting the afternoon already behind,” says MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto. “Ride-Ready is a practical answer to that. We want our passengers to step off the ride the same way they left the house.”

MOVE IT also brought Ride-Ready into the busy commercial districts where many of its passengers work. Interactive booths ran at select office buildings in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas, and Cebu City from June to July, where commuters claimed Ride-Ready items on site and booked their next trip from the booth. 

As the rainy season and worsening traffic remain major concerns for commuters, MOVE IT's Ride-Ready essentials make every journey easier and more comfortable. By equipping passengers with the right tools, MOVE IT empowers them to keep moving no matter the condition—ensuring they step off their ride fresh, confident, and ready to face the day ahead. 

The Ride-Ready range is available on GrabMart starting July 13. Prices start at P275, with special bundles that mix and match essentials for more savings. Details are on MOVE IT’s official social media channels.

Why OPPO's Next Reno Could Be the Ultimate Back-to-School Companion

A new school year means fresh starts, new friendships, and exciting opportunities waiting around every corner. But along with the thrill of campus life comes the reality of meeting your first college barkada, balancing lectures, group projects, deadlines and extracurricular activities, and an always-on campus social life.

For today's college students, a smartphone is more than just a way to stay in touch. It's a study buddy, planner, collaboration hub, and creative companion all in one, helping them capture lecture notes, coordinate with classmates, manage busy schedules, and seamlessly switch between schoolwork and everyday moments.

That's what makes the upcoming OPPO Reno16 Series 5G the perfect smartphone for the school year ahead. Powered by the latest ColorOS 16 experience, the Reno16 Series is built to help students stay productive, organized, and connected so they can ace presentations, tackle assignments, or make the most of campus life from day one and beyond.

Smarter studying starts with smarter tools

From reviewing lecture slides before class and organizing research materials to keeping track of assignments and deadlines, students need tools that help them stay focused and productive throughout the day.

From last-minute review sessions with your barkada to preparing for an important class presentation, AI Mind Space serves as a #StudyAssistant that helps keep your notes, materials, and important information organized in one place. With less time spent switching between apps or searching for files, students can stay focused on what matters most which is learning, collaborating, and acing every school day.

From reviewing lecture slides before class and organizing research materials to keeping track of assignments and deadlines, students need tools that help them stay focused and productive throughout the day.

Whether it's preparing for an important class presentation or reviewing notes with your barkada after class, AI Mind Space serves as an intelligent Study Assistant that keeps everything organized in one place. When students need answers, it can intelligently tap into leading AI models like Gemini, Perplexity, and ChatGPT to provide comprehensive responses, compare insights from multiple AI assistants on a single screen, and even personalize recommendations by drawing from saved information in Mind Space. With less time spent switching between apps or searching for files, students can focus on what matters most: learning, collaborating, and making every school day more productive.

Seamlessly connected, no matter what device you use

Campus life often means collaborating with classmates who use different devices and operating systems. Whether it's sending presentation slides to an iPhone user before class, sharing lecture notes after a group study session, or transferring photos from a school event, file sharing should be quick and hassle-free.

That's where O+ Connect serves as the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G’s iOS Bridge. This is designed for students who use both an OPPO smartphone and an iPhone, or frequently collaborate with friends on iOS. The feature enables seamless file sharing with a simple tap, automatically detecting compatible devices without requiring users to manually open the app. With faster connections and a sharing experience that feels familiar to iPhone users, O+ Connect makes transferring photos, documents, and other files more effortless. By removing common barriers between platforms, students can spend less time troubleshooting file transfers and more time focusing on what matters most: collaborating, creating, and making the most of campus life.

Built to keep up with every school day

A smooth smartphone experience can make all the difference when every tap, swipe, and transition is part of a busy day. Powered by ColorOS 16, the upcoming OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is #NanoSecondSmooth, delivering a faster, more responsive interface that keeps everyday interactions feeling effortless.

Paired with its premium design and intelligent software experience, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is built to make productivity, creativity, and entertainment feel more seamless.

Students looking to take their productivity even further can also pair the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G with the OPPO Pad 5, creating a smarter ecosystem for learning and everyday tasks. From reviewing lecture slides on a larger display and multitasking between study materials to taking notes during online classes, the OPPO Pad 5 complements the Reno16 Series 5G by extending the ColorOS 16 experience across devices. Together, they provide students with a more seamless way to study, collaborate, and stay productive wherever campus life takes them.

Ready for a smarter school year

Technology has become an integral part of the modern learning experience, making it easier for students to stay organized, collaborate with classmates, and manage their academic responsibilities. As digital tools continue to evolve, the smartphone has become a central part of how students learn, create, and communicate every day.

With the upcoming ColorOS 16 experience featuring Study Assistant, iOS Bridge, and Nano Second Smooth, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is designed to make those everyday experiences more seamless. By combining intelligent productivity features with a smooth and intuitive user experience, it empowers students to focus less on managing tasks and more on making the most of the school year.

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is arriving soon in the Philippines.

Visit the nearest OPPO store to check it out yourself. For more details about the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G, visit  OPPO Philippines' official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok  for  more updates and be among the first to discover the next evolution of smartphone photography.

Ella in the Website and InLife App: Your Personal Insurance Assistant Is Now Just a Chat Away

Getting answers about your life insurance policy is now faster and easier.

First and largest Filipino life insurer InLife has enhanced its digital customer experience by bringing Ella, its AI-powered virtual assistant, into the website for general inquiries, and the InLife App, allowing policyholders to get direct answers about their policies anytime, wherever they are.

Ella can assist customers with information specific to their InLife policies through their InLife App. Whether checking premium due dates, fund values, coverage details, or beneficiary information, customers can simply start a conversation and receive answers within seconds.

The move is part of InLife's continuing efforts to make insurance more accessible, convenient, and responsive to the evolving needs of its customers, and reflects the company's own transformation. 

Formerly known as Insular Life, the company now carries the shorter name InLife, reflecting its commitment to making insurance simpler, not only in name, but also in the way customers access information, purchase protection, and manage their policies.

"Our customers increasingly prefer digital channels that allow them to access information quickly and conveniently, wherever they may be, and whenever they want. By bringing Ella into the InLife App and our website, we're making it easier for policyholders and even the general public to connect with us and get the information they need. It's another step in our commitment to deliver a simpler, smarter, and more customer-centered insurance experience," said InLife Chief Customer Experience and Operations Officer Geraldine B. Alvarez. 

Available around the clock, Ella offers a convenient alternative to calling InLife’s hotline or sending an email, making it easier for customers to access information anytime.

As with any intelligent virtual assistant, Ella continues to improve through every interaction. Customers are encouraged to provide feedback whenever a response is unclear or incomplete, helping Ella become even more helpful over time.

Ella is now available through the InLife Website at www.inlife.com.ph, InLife App (downloadable via the Google Play or Apple App Store), making policy information more accessible with just a few taps.

The Phone That Keeps Up: Why the OPPO A6s 5G Fits Every Passion

For many Filipinos, a smartphone does it all. It's the classroom, the office, the creative studio, and the gaming hub all rolled into one. From juggling online classes and growing side hustles to creating content and winding down with your favorite games, every day demands a phone that can keep pace.

That's exactly what the OPPO A6s 5G is built for. Engineered for an always-on lifestyle, it delivers lasting performance with AI-powered productivity, reliable 5G connectivity, and durable hardware that stays smooth and dependable no matter what's next.

Built to stay smooth through years of everyday use

A great smartphone shouldn't slow down after a few months of use. That's why the OPPO A6s 5G is designed with 60 Months Fluency, helping it stay responsive with smooth app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable day-to-day performance over the long haul. Backed by ColorOS 16 optimizations, it has also passed OPPO's 60-month touch smoothness assessment, giving users added confidence that it can keep up with changing routines long after day one.

For added reliability, the OPPO A6s 5G promotes smarter everyday productivity thanks to Google Gemini. Built into the experience, it can help summarize lecture notes, brainstorm ideas for a side hustle, organize your schedule, or draft content without the need to constantly switch between apps. 

Capture content that's ready to share

Creating content shouldn't mean spending more time editing than enjoying the moment. The OPPO A6s 5G's AI Camera combines intelligent photography features that help produce cleaner, sharper, and more polished photos straight from the camera, making it easier to share memories with confidence.

Intelligent tools quietly work together to fix common photography frustrations like blurry images, distracting reflections, awkward framing, and unwanted objects. The result is less time fine-tuning photos and more time creating your next post.

Stay competitive even during long gaming sessions

A good gaming phone should deliver stable connections and consistent performance wherever you play. The OPPO A6s 5G does exactly that with AI LinkBoost 3.0, which intelligently optimizes network selection, strengthens signal stability, and prioritizes gaming traffic to reduce latency even in crowded areas or places with weaker reception.

Long matches can also push a phone to its limits, which is why the device features the SuperCool VC System. Its large vapor chamber and expanded cooling structure efficiently dissipate heat to help maintain smoother gameplay while keeping the phone more comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions.

Ready to keep going from morning until night

Your phone should spend more time helping you get things done than sitting beside an outlet. Equipped with a 7000mAh Large Battery, the OPPO A6s 5G is built for long hours of streaming, studying, gaming, and scrolling without constantly reaching for a charger. OPPO's testing shows up to 29.73 hours of YouTube playback, 10.57 hours of WhatsApp video calls, and 24.36 hours of voice calls on a full charge.

The OPPO A6s 5G is built to go the distance, starting with its battery. Even after 1,800 charging cycles, it still keeps most of its battery life so you won’t have to worry about it wearing down too quickly over the years.  

Built to handle life's unexpected moments

Life doesn't always go according to plan, and neither should your phone. With IP69 Water and Dust Resistance, the OPPO A6s 5G is built to handle everything from unexpected downpours and accidental spills to outdoor adventures with added peace of mind.

The OPPO A6s 5G proves its dependability through commuting in unpredictable weather, exploring the outdoors, or simply dealing with the occasional spill at home. Under controlled testing conditions, it is certified to resist dust, powerful water jets, water immersion, and even high-pressure hot water. While it's no substitute for proper care, this extra layer of protection helps ensure the OPPO A6s 5G is ready for the bumps, splashes, and surprises of everyday life.

A dependable companion for every stage ahead

The OPPO A6 Series is designed to keep pace with your lifestyle. With long-lasting performance, AI-powered productivity, dependable durability, and reliable battery life, it's built to be a smartphone you can count on not just today, but for years to come.

The OPPO A6 Series is available nationwide through OPPO Stores and online via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the OPPO Online Store. The OPPO A6 comes in Sakura Pink, Sapphire Blue, and Aurora Gold, while the OPPO A6s 5G is available in Ice White and Cappuccino Brown. The OPPO A6 is available for as low as Php 16,999 (4GB + 256GB) and Php 19,999 (8GB + 256GB), while the OPPO A6s 5G can be purchased for as low as Php 21,999 (6GB + 128GB) and Php 23,999 (8GB + 256GB).

For more updates, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

usmile Empowers Filipinos' Oral Care Routines with Proactive, Clinical-Grade, Smart Dental Tech

Manila, Philippines (July 27, 2026) – Global professional oral care brand usmile is transforming daily oral hygiene for Filipinos as it strengthens its presence in the Philippines with smart, science-backed devices designed to help stop dental problems before they start. By bringing preventive oral care to the forefront, the brand empowers consumers to make smarter choices for healthier smiles every day.

A leader in the oral care industry across the region, usmile champions innovative dental healthcare methods that reduce the risk of diseases and improve the overall oral health of users around the world. 

Encouraging Proactive Dental Wellness in the Philippines

In a country widely recognized as a cheerful nation, smiling is a cultural gesture in the Philippines, serving as a universal language communicating warmth, trust, and community. However, despite the value placed on smiles, oral health remains a significant challenge across the country.

For many Filipino families, the dentist's chair is often a last resort, waiting until a toothache becomes unbearable before seeking help. Data from the Department of Health (DOH) indicate that 92.4% of the population has tooth decay, and 78% have gum disease. 

Aligned with its “prevention over treatment” philosophy, usmile is committed to building healthier dental wellness in the Philippines by encouraging Filipinos to take a proactive approach to their oral health. By making advanced oral care technology more accessible, the brand aims to help more users establish better dental habits and reduce the risk of oral health concerns before they require costly treatments.

Through these efforts, the brand empowers users to navigate their day-to-day lives with a healthy and confident smile.

More than a Decade of Clinical-Grade Prevention

Since its founding in 2015, usmile has spent more than a decade developing smart oral care technologies. Today, it is trusted by over 86 million users in 30 countries, supported by rigorous clinical tests.

Through ongoing collaboration with dentists, oral health experts, and research institutions, usmile turns complex dental science into safe, efficient, and practical solutions for everyday use.

 

These include targeted formulas for teeth whitening toothpastes, highlighted by Optical White, which recently sold over 100,000 units in a single month. The lineup is completed by three other specialized types: Strength White, Fresh White, and Repair White. It also includes twin-line dental floss picks and water flossers with precision pulse technology. These innovations are engineered to prevent common concerns like cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. 

 

Since its official launch in the Philippines in February, usmile has been gaining popularity in the toothpaste category on TikTok Shop in the country. This mirrors its success in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, where it recently got the top spot for premium oral care and won the 2026 EPIC Award for Breakthrough Brand in E-commerce.

Don’t wait for dental problems to start. usmile’s lineup of smart oral care devices, including water flossers, whitening toothpaste, and oral care essentials, is now available at TikTok Shop and Shopee. Follow usmile on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest releases and updates. Visit usmile’s official website at usmile.com to learn more. 

Sun Life Foundation Earns Recognition at LCF’s 2026 CSR Guild Awards

MANILA, PH – (July 2026) – Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) was recently recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability at the 2026 CSR Guild Awards ceremony held in Mandaluyong City.

 

The CSR Guild Awards honors exceptional corporate sustainability programs. It is organized by the League of Corporate Foundations, a network of corporate foundations and corporations dedicated to advancing CSR practices in the Philippines.

 

Sun Life Foundation was named a Finalist under the Outstanding CSR Project in Environment category for the Food Shed Farming Enterprise, a collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines that constructs food sheds in remote areas.

 

Capable of food production year-round, these food sheds provide local residents with sustainable livelihoods and promote food security through improved access to affordable, healthy, locally produced food. To promote program sustainability, the initiative also integrates financial education and formation of community-managed savings and loans associations. As of 2026, the collaboration has established sheds in over a dozen climate-vulnerable communities across the provinces of Albay, Negros Oriental, and Surigao del Norte.

 

“This recognition inspires us to continue advancing environmental sustainability in ways that support and empower Filipinos,” said Joy Castillo, Chief Operating Officer of Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. and Sun Life Foundation President. “We are grateful to WWF-Philippines and our partner communities for sharing our vision of a brighter, more climate-resilient nation and working with us to create solutions that generate lasting impact.”

 

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, Sun Life Foundation helps uplift Filipino lives by supporting programs focused on health, education, and environmental sustainability.

The Manila Hotel Celebrates 114 Years with “I Remember the Day” Anniversary Campaign

In celebration of its 114th anniversary, The Manila Hotel invites guests to relive cherished moments through “I Remember the Day,” a heartfelt campaign that honors the memories created within the walls of the country first five-star hotel.

Since opening its doors in 1912, The Manila Hotel has been the setting for generations of meaningful occasions. From weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and reunions to graduations, milestone celebrations, memorable stays, and dining experience, the Grand Dame has become part of countless stories shared by families and guests through the years.

Running from July 22 to December 31, 2026, the campaign encourages guests to share a memento from their experience at The Manila Hotel, along with the story behind it. Whether it’s a photograph, a wedding invitation, a menu, or another keepsake, every verified entry will receive a digital Certificate of Appreciation and a promotional voucher. Depending on the type of memento submitted, participants may receive a 15% discount on accommodations based on Best Available Rate (BAR) or a 50% discount at Café Ilang-Ilang for groups of two to ten diners. 

Participants will also have the chance to win exciting prizes throughout the campaign. Weekly electronic raffle draws will award 23 winners with a Regular Prestige Card, while five monthly winners will each receive an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room with breakfast buffet for two at Café Ilang-Ilang. Monthly winners will be selected by a panel of judges based on storytelling, originality, authenticity, and emotional impact.

At the end of the campaign, three grand prize winners will be chosen through an electronic raffle. The top prize is an overnight stay in MacArthur Suite with breakfast buffet for six at Café Ilang-Ilang. The second and third prizes are overnight stays in Jose Rizal Suite and Gabriela Silang Suite, respectively, each inclusive of breakfast buffet for two at Café Ilang-Ilang.

“Through I Remember the Day, we invite our guests not only to relive their memories but also to create new ones with us. Every memento submitted becomes part of the hotel’s continuing story, and we are deeply honored to have shared in our guests’ most meaningful milestones and celebrations for the past 114 years. As a token of gratitude, we are delighted to give back through special rewards and prizes that we hope will inspire many more memorable experiences with us,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

For more information, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email info@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph. 

Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-263020 Series of 2026

FIND YOUR Fave Street Style at SM City Valenzuela

Street style has long outgrown the runway. Today, sidewalks, campuses, cafés, and city streets have become the real stage for personal fashion, shaped by comfort, confidence, and everyday practicality. For many Filipinos, getting dressed is no longer about chasing every trend. It is about creating a wardrobe filled with versatile pieces that can move seamlessly from morning errands to after-work meetups while reflecting personal style.

This shift toward effortless dressing has also fueled the lasting popularity of local fashion brands that understand how Filipinos live, move, and express themselves. Relaxed silhouettes, quality denim, graphic tees, and versatile separates have become modern wardrobe essentials, proving that the best style investments are often the ones worn again and again.

At SM City Valenzuela, these fashion favorites come together in one convenient destination. Home to some of the country's most trusted casual wear brands, the mall makes it easy to refresh your wardrobe with pieces that combine style, comfort, and everyday functionality. Whether you're updating your closet staples or discovering new go-to looks, these homegrown labels continue to define modern Filipino street style.

Make a Statement with OXGN 

Bold, expressive, and effortlessly cool, OXGN captures the spirit of today's streetwear culture. From oversized graphic tees and utility-inspired bottoms to pop culture collaborations and relaxed co-ed silhouettes, every collection celebrates individuality and self-expression. Designed for everyday movement, OXGN offers easy-to-style pieces that quickly become wardrobe favorites.

Build Your Wardrobe with Denim Hub

Every great outfit starts with dependable basics, and Denim Hub delivers just that. Bringing together trusted brands such as RRJ, Bobson, Petrol, and Stylistic Mr. Lee, it offers timeless denim, classic jeans, and everyday essentials that make mixing and matching effortless. These versatile staples remain stylish season after season, making them smart additions to any wardrobe.

Everyday Style with BNY

Youthful, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish, BNY creates fashion made for life on the go. From relaxed denim and graphic shirts to casual separates, the brand offers easy-to-wear pieces perfect for students, young professionals, and anyone who values comfort without sacrificing style.

Elevate Everyday Looks with JAG

Known as one of the country's iconic denim brands, JAG continues to earn its place in Filipino wardrobes through quality craftsmanship and timeless design. Signature denim washes, structured jackets, and well-tailored jeans offer versatile pieces that elevate everyday outfits while remaining wardrobe staples for years to come.

Stand Out with Tribal

For those who prefer fashion with character, Tribal brings authentic street culture to everyday wear. Drawing inspiration from skateboarding, hip-hop, graffiti, and underground art, the brand is recognized for bold graphics, rugged denim, and statement pieces that celebrate confidence and individuality.

Great style begins with dependable pieces that reflect who you are. From classic denim to contemporary streetwear, these trusted favorite local brands continue to shape the everyday wardrobes of Filipinos.

Discover these street style staples and more at your most loved SM City Valenzuela, where timeless fashion favorites come together in one convenient destination. After all, all your faves are here.

SM Supermalls Brews Up the Country's Biggest Coffee Celebration with Coffee Fest 2026

Some of the best conversations don't happen around a dining table—they happen over coffee.

From catching up with friends after work and studying for hours to discovering a hidden café or simply taking a well-deserved break, coffee has become more than a daily ritual for Filipinos. Every cup tells a story, and every café becomes a space where people connect, create memories, and discover new experiences.

This July, SM Supermalls celebrates the country's thriving coffee culture through Coffee Fest 2026, bringing together coffee festivals, specialty cafés, local roasters, homegrown brands, and immersive experiences for coffee lovers nationwide.

Whether you're searching for your next favorite café, supporting local coffee entrepreneurs, or simply looking for a new place to unwind, Coffee Fest 2026 invites everyone to sip, discover, and Gala To The Max at your most-loved SM Supermalls.

Coffee N' Chill: Your Third Space for Coffee Stories

Choose from a variety of coffee selections with friends and loved ones at SM City Baliwag.

The celebration continues until August 2 as Coffee N' Chill transforms participating SM Supermalls into welcoming third spaces where every coffee break becomes a chance to slow down, connect, and discover something new.

Across participating malls, guests can look forward to:

Coffee N' Chill Bazaars featuring specialty cafés and local coffee brands

Coffee & Clicks Instagram-worthy photo spots

Exclusive coffee deals through SM Malls Online Swipe Deals

Coffee tasting sessions and pop-up experiences from participating coffee merchants

Special activities and promotions at select SM Supermalls, including SM Mall of Asia and other participating malls

Whether you're meeting friends, working remotely, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, Coffee N' Chill offers a maxed-out coffee experience at your most-loved SM Supermalls.

Discover the country's largest collection of cafés and coffee experiences

Whether you're café hopping with friends or searching for your next go-to brew, your most-loved SM Supermalls offer coffee experiences worth discovering.

SM City Marilao

SM City Baliwag

SM Center Pulilan

 

                    

The perfect blend of coffee, community, and culture

Visit your favorite coffee hangout spots at SM City Marilao.

This Coffee Fest 2026, discover why SM Supermalls has become the country's favorite third space for coffee lovers. From immersive festivals and specialty cafés to homegrown coffee brands and meaningful community experiences, every visit is an opportunity to discover new flavors, support Filipino coffee makers, and create memories over every cup.

Whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or simply searching for your next favorite café, enjoy a maxed-out coffee experience and Gala To The Max—only at your most-loved SM Supermalls.

Exclusive LRT-2 and MRT-3 Cashback Up to 30% with GCash Commute QR

As more commuters embrace digital payments in their daily routine, GCash is expanding its support for cashless public transportation with a cashback promo for all LRT-2 riders and eligible MRT-3 riders who use the GCash Commute QR for their train fares.

 

From July 20 to August 20, 2026, eligible commuters who pay via GCash Commute QR will receive a 20-30% cashback on their LRT-2 and MRT-3 fare. It will be credited directly to the user's GCash e-wallet based on the scheduled payout dates.

 

“Innovation is most meaningful when it removes everyday friction and makes essential services more accessible. With GCash Commute QR, we're making cashless commuting simpler.” said Ferdie Perez, VP and head of innovation at GCash.

 

Furthermore, the initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts of GCash to expand the use of digital payments across everyday services, including public transportation, supporting broader access to convenient and cashless commuting options for Filipinos.

 

"This cashback promo is a way to help invite more commuters to experience the ease of using digital fare payments and brings added value on their everyday journeys," he added.

 

Commuters with a fully verified and active GCash account can enjoy exclusive cashback offers when they pay for their fares using GCash Commute QR during the respective promo periods. LRT-2 commuters can receive 20% cashback on eligible rides. New GCash Commute QR users on MRT-3, on the other hand, can enjoy 30% cashback on their first three rides, while the promo runs until August 20, 2026.

 

GCash continues to work with transport partners to expand cashless payment options that support a more convenient and accessible commuting experience for Filipinos.

 

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

Plunge Bar at Grand Westside Manila Bay Sets the Scene for Relaxed Weekend Gatherings

MANILA, Philippines, July 29, 2026 – As the weekend unfolds, Plunge Bar at Grand Westside Manila Bay invites guests to slow down, gather with friends, and enjoy relaxed evenings by the pool, where good food, handcrafted cocktails, live music, and warm hospitality come together in an inviting poolside setting.

Located on the hotel's fifth-floor Open Deck, Plunge Bar offers a refreshing setting framed by the pool and open skies—an easygoing alternative to the city's fast-paced nightlife, where conversations linger, music sets the mood, and evenings unfold at a comfortable pace.

Whether it's a casual dinner with family, after-work drinks with colleagues, or catching up with friends over the weekend, Plunge Bar creates a welcoming space for connection and shared moments, reflecting Grand Westside Manila Bay's commitment to experiences that extend beyond an overnight stay.

Weekends Begin with Grill & Rhythm

Every Saturday evening, Plunge Bar hosts Grill & Rhythm, a relaxed al fresco dining experience that pairs freshly grilled favourites with live acoustic performances.

At the heart of the menu is Executive Chef Christopher Lugtu, whose approach to cooking is rooted in generous flavours, quality ingredients, and dishes that naturally bring people together.

"Great food doesn't need to be complicated," says Chef Christopher. "The inspiration behind Grill & Rhythm was simple—to create a menu that people would enjoy sharing. Whether it's perfectly grilled meats, fresh seafood, or familiar Filipino favourites, every dish is prepared with the hope that guests leave not only satisfied, but with memories of time well spent around the table."

Guests can mix and match from a selection of grilled skewers, premium sausages, seafood, bourbon ribs, and Filipino classics including pork barbecue, chicken inasal, pork belly, and stuffed squid. Each order includes a choice of side dishes, allowing diners to create a meal that suits their taste.

Available every Saturday from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Grill & Rhythm starts at ₱700 nett, with additional skewers and sides available for sharing.

A Monthly Poolside Celebration

On the last Saturday of every month, the atmosphere takes on a livelier rhythm with Sip 'n Splash, Plunge Bar's signature poolside evening.

Guests are invited to enjoy handcrafted cocktails, curated bites, live DJ entertainment, flair bartending, and special prizes while spending the evening beside the pool under the city lights.

From 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Sip 'n Splash offers a relaxed yet energetic way to welcome the weekend, with admission at PHP 1,500 net per person, making it a favorite for friends looking to unwind in a different setting. Reserve your spot here: https://tinyurl.com/SipnSplashPoolParty

Creating Places Guests Want to Return To

For Joe Xavier Fijardo, General Manager of Grand Westside Manila Bay, Plunge Bar reflects the hotel's vision of creating spaces where people feel genuinely welcome.

"Hospitality is about more than providing a place to stay. It's about creating spaces where people can connect, celebrate, and enjoy time together. Plunge Bar has become one of those places for our guests and the local community. Whether someone joins us for Grill & Rhythm, Sip 'n Splash, or simply a quiet evening over dinner and cocktails, we hope every visit feels warm, relaxed, and worth coming back to."

As Grand Westside Manila Bay continues to grow its dining offerings, Plunge Bar remains a welcoming destination where food, music, and genuine hospitality come together. Whether it's the aroma of freshly grilled favourites, the sound of live acoustic performances, or an evening spent by the pool with friends, every weekend offers another reason to return.

For reservations and inquiries:

Grand Westside Manila Bay
5th Floor, Open Deck, Plunge Bar
Entertainment City, Parañaque City

📞 +63 917 120 2815
📞 +63 2 8230 8880 | +63 2 8230 8808
📧 dine@grandwestsidemanila.com
🌐 www.grandwestsidemanila.com