Raisin Everyday Energy: Bringing Natural Sweetness and Nutritional Goodness to Everyday Meals

As Filipinos look for convenient and nutritious food options that can keep up with their busy routines, California Raisins is highlighting how a small addition can bring natural sweetness and nutritional goodness to everyday meals.

At its recent “Raisin Everyday Energy w/ California Raisins” event, California Raisins brought together James Beard Awardee Erwan Heussaff and registered nutritionist-dietitian Jo Sebastian to showcase how California Raisins can be added to familiar dishes to enhance their flavor while providing nutritional value.

Small sweetness, big possibilities

California Raisins are naturally sweet and contain no added sugar. A ¼-cup serving provides 26 grams of natural sugar and 32 grams of carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy for the body. The same serving also provides 2 grams of dietary fiber and 298 milligrams of potassium while being naturally low in sodium and free of fat and cholesterol. Together, these nutritional qualities make California Raisins a convenient ingredient to include as part of a balanced diet.

“California Raisins offer more than natural sweetness. They provide important nutrients that can contribute to the energy we need throughout the day,” said Thomas Wee, Regional Director, Lieu Marketing Associates (Raisin Administrative Committee). “Their versatility also makes them easy to incorporate into a variety of everyday meals, from breakfast and snacks to sandwiches and savory dishes.”

Putting this versatility into practice, Erwan showcased two recipes featuring California Raisins: a Raisin Tuna Sandwich, which combines California Raisins with tuna, eggs, mustard, calamansi, celery, onion, and herbs on sourdough; and classic Pininyahang Manok with California Raisins, which pairs chicken with pineapple, bell peppers, cabbage, and California Raisins. Together, the recipes show how California Raisins can complement both everyday sandwiches and familiar Filipino dishes with their subtle sweetness.

Making everyday meals more nourishing

Beyond the recipes, Sebastian shared practical meal-planning tips for building more balanced everyday meals. She highlighted how familiar staples such as bread, eggs, meat, vegetables, and fruit can be combined in different ways to create simple, balanced meals that can be prepared in as little as 10-15 minutes, making them suitable for different parts of the day, without requiring complicated recipes or hard-to-find ingredients. 

She highlighted simple ways to include California Raisins across different eating occasions—from breakfast and lunch to merienda and dinner—giving consumers more options when planning nutritious meals around ingredients they already enjoy.

From simple sandwiches to familiar Filipino dishes, California Raisins offer an easy way to bring variety and nutritional goodness to everyday meals. Available at major supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide, they are easy to keep on hand for everyday cooking and meal planning.

2GO Mobilizes Volunteers, Supports Nationwide Coastal Cleanup with Logistics and Supplies

Manila, Philippines, September 2026 — Reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and cleaner coastal communities, 2GO Group, Inc. mobilized 149 employee-volunteers across key coastal locations nationwide for this year’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), in partnership with SM Cares.

As part of the annual global initiative, 2GO teams participated in coastal cleanup activities across Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Davao, Cebu, and Manila, helping remove waste from shorelines and supporting efforts to keep coastal communities clean.

In Manila, 2GO volunteers collected a total of 207 kilograms of waste from the cleanup sites. 2GO estimates that the 149 volunteers diverted approximately 768 kilograms of coastal waste across all participating locations.

Beyond volunteer participation, 2GO has continued to strengthen its support for the ICC through material donations and logistics services. Since establishing its partnership with SM Cares for the ICC in 2023, the company has expanded its support to help equip volunteers and facilitate the movement of essential cleanup resources.

Supporting cleanup efforts through people, supplies, and logistics

For this year’s nationwide cleanup, 2GO donated protective gloves for volunteers, building on its previous contributions of cleanup sacks in 2024 and 2025.

The company also provided end-to-end transportation and logistics support for the delivery of heavy-duty weighing scales to cleanup sites nationwide. Building on logistical support initiated in 2025, the service helped ensure that collected waste could be accurately weighed and documented across participating sites.

By combining the dedication of its employee-volunteers with targeted material support and logistics solutions, 2GO helps drive collective action toward cleaner coastal environments and healthier communities across the country.

As a transportation and logistics company serving communities across the Philippine archipelago, 2GO recognizes the importance of supporting the communities and coastal environments connected by its network. Its continued participation in the ICC reflects 2GO’s commitment to contributing its people, resources, and capabilities to environmental initiatives across the country.

Vena Energy Welcomes DENR Secretary Cuna to Ilocos Norte Solar Projects

[ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines] Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna visited Vena Energy’s solar facilities in Currimao and Paoay, Ilocos Norte, on 10 September 2026.

During the visit, Vena Energy representatives briefed Secretary Cuna and the DENR delegation on the company’s operational and upcoming solar projects in the province. Vena Energy currently has two operational solar power plants in Currimao, operated by Mirae Asia Energy Corporation and Nuevo Solar Energy Corp., as well as two projects under development: the Astra Solar Power Project in Currimao and the Opus Solar Power Project in Paoay.

ICYMI: OPPO x BABYMONSTER Global Fan Meet Up Ignited Fans’ Concert Content Creator Era with the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G

For K-pop fans and stans, every event comes with its own camera roll. From getting the perfect shot of your bias and documenting your favorite moments to capturing your barkada’s reactions and putting together the inevitable post-event photo dump, being part of the fandom today also means finding creative ways to preserve and share the experience.

That creativity was on full display at the recent OPPO x BABYMONSTER Global Fan Meet Up in Indonesia, where the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G captured BABYMONSTER, the excitement of fans, and the shared moments surrounding the event. While the gathering offered a closer, more intimate fan experience, it also demonstrated the versatility fans can bring to larger K-pop moments, including concerts, festivals, and live performances.

With its Pocket Studio experience, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G brings together professional-level camera hardware, versatile shooting features, and AI-powered creative tools in one device. From zooming in on an artist from your concert seat and keeping performance videos smooth to filming the stage and your reaction at the same time, it gives fans more creative possibilities for documenting the K-pop moments they never want to forget.

Get closer to your bias with Zoom Into The Vibe

Getting the shot you want can be challenging when your favorite artist is several rows, or even an entire section, away. That is especially true at concerts and larger live events, where fans need the flexibility to frame moments happening from a distance.

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G helps fans Zoom Into The Vibe, bringing distant subjects closer while preserving the details that make the shot worth keeping. The OPPO Reno16 5G features a 50MP Telephoto Portrait Camera with 3.5x optical zoom, giving users more flexibility to frame artists from farther away. Its focal length is also close to the classic 85mm portrait perspective, helping produce natural-looking portraits.

At the OPPO x BABYMONSTER Global Fan Meet Up, that versatility made it possible to move beyond wider shots and focus on individual members, their performance looks, or expressions that happen for only a second. At a full-scale concert, the same versatility can help fans get closer to the action from their seats and create a more varied camera roll.

Paired with the 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera, the OPPO Reno16 5G gives fans more flexibility to document both the bigger scene and the details happening within it.

Keep every performance smooth with StableCam

No K-pop camera roll is complete without a fancam. At concerts and live performances, however, dancing along, waving a lightstick, and following an artist moving across the stage can make keeping handheld footage smooth a challenge.

With StableCam, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G helps fans record smoother, more watchable videos even when the energy around them picks up. The OPPO Reno16 5G supports 4K video on both its rear and front cameras, giving users the flexibility to record the action in greater detail or turn the camera around to document their own reactions.

4K Auto Straighten Video also helps keep footage properly framed, giving spontaneous clips a more polished look straight from the camera. From a favorite choreography sequence at a concert to a special performance at a fan event, fans can stay immersed in the moment while still coming home with footage they will want to replay.

Tell both sides of the show with DualCam

Sometimes, what is happening on your side of the stage is just as memorable as what is happening in front of it. There is the reaction when the opening VCR starts, your barkada screaming when your bias appears, or the collective excitement when the first notes of a favorite song begin.

That is where Dual-View Video 2.0 comes in. The feature lets fans record two perspectives at once, bringing what is happening in front of them and their own reactions together in the same video.

At a concert, that could mean recording a favorite performance while simultaneously preserving your reaction to seeing it live. At a fan meetup, it can capture both the artist and the excitement shared with fellow fans. Instead of choosing which side of the moment to document, DualCam brings both perspectives into one more personal piece of content.

Put the whole fandom in the content with Camera Remote View

Some of the best K-pop memories happen away from the stage. Pre-event fit checks, lightstick photos, photocard poses, and group shots with fellow fans all become part of the story.

With OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View, fans can remotely preview the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G camera frame and trigger photos or videos from a compatible device. This makes it easier to compose a complete barkada photo without assigning one person to stay behind the camera.

Users can control the camera from up to 10 meters away, adjust framing from 0.6x to 3.5x, and set a timer of up to 10 seconds, giving everyone more freedom to find the right composition. Camera Remote View is also compatible with supported iPhones, making it useful for fandom barkadas using different devices.

Whether it is a group shot at a fan meetup like the OPPO x BABYMONSTER Global Fan Meet Up or a barkada photo before heading inside a concert venue, everyone gets to be part of the memory.

Turn your camera roll into content worth sharing

After the event comes the inevitable camera roll review: sorting through favorite artist shots, performance clips, outfits, merch photos, barkada selfies, and all the little moments in between. With the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G, fans already have creative tools on hand to turn those memories into social-ready posts with minimal extra editing.

AI Remix Collage lets fans rework their favorite shots through playful formats such as Tiny Me, Giant Me, Time Freezer, and Motion Scrapbook, giving photo dumps and social posts a more creative treatment. Motion Photo Popout 2.0 adds another layer of personality by turning Motion Photos into more dynamic compositions that can help a favorite fan moment stand out on the feed.

For a more nostalgic finish, Pop Cam brings looks such as Digicam, Instant Film, and Light Leak directly into the native Camera app. From flash-heavy concert fits to candid fan meetup snaps and post-event barkada photos, fans can achieve the aesthetic they want without having to recreate it through a separate editing app.

With these creative tools built into the Pocket Studio experience, putting together the post-event photo dump, Reel, or next feed update becomes just as fun as scrolling through the memories afterward.

Bring Pocket Studio to your next K-pop moment

From the first photo outside the venue to the post-fan meet up dump that keeps the night alive on your feed, being a K-pop fan today also means finding your own creative way to tell the story.

As seen at OPPO X BABYMONSTER Global Fan Meet Up in Indonesia, the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G gives fans a Pocket Studio they can bring along for every part of that story, helping turn fleeting fan moments into photos, videos, and posts they will want to revisit long after the lights go down.

With the OPPO Reno16 Series 5G in your pocket, your fan moments era is ready to begin.

The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G is now available in the Philippines. Visit the OPPO Online Sore or your nearest OPPO Store nationwide to get yours and bring Pocket Studio to your next fan experience.

To know more 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. 

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Grab Asenso Learning Caravan brings digital upskilling to Puerto Princesa MSMEs

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, September 29, 2026 — Grab Philippines brings its Grab Asenso Learning Caravan to Puerto Princesa, holding a full-day masterclass that equipped GrabFood merchant-partners with practical digital skills and tools to grow their businesses.

The caravan is part of Grab Asenso Digital Diskarte, the company's flagship tech and AI enablement program for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It was held with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations dedicated to helping small businesses compete.

Sessions covered growth and payment tools on the GrabMerchant app, including GrabAds Spotlight Campaigns; Tap & Scan to Pay, which lets merchants accept QR and card payments; and GrabMerchant AI Assistant, an AI co-pilot for daily operations. ITC experts led modules on digital content mastery and content strategy.

Welcoming Grab's efforts to help local MSMEs grow through digitalization, Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron said Grab's presence in the city reflects confidence in the local economy and its readiness for new opportunities.

"For us, Grab's arrival in Puerto Princesa is an indication of their trust in the economy of Puerto Princesa, and of Puerto Princesa's readiness to receive new investments and to accept new opportunities," he said.

The mayor also underscored the role of food delivery in helping local businesses grow. "Food delivery will help restaurant owners increase their sales. There are several people who don't have the time to go to restaurants, but they can take advantage of Grab delivery to order the food they want from our participating restaurants."

Helping local businesses thrive

GrabFood launched in Puerto Princesa in October 2025, and has since onboarded homegrown favorites such as Haim Chicken, Puerto’s Pancit Malabon, 100% Cafe Moto, and Del Cusina.

100% Cafe Moto began as A+ Moto Cafe in Bancao-Bancao during the COVID-19 pandemic, a gathering place for motorcycle enthusiasts and locals. Before joining GrabFood, customers ordered by phone and staff had to find a rider, which often delayed deliveries. GrabFood now brings delivery fees, estimated delivery times, and online payments onto a single platform.

"As a business grows, it is important to factor in technology. As a restaurant, we need to find ways to serve customers better through technology. More and more people are also now finding ordering more convenient than visiting a physical store, so we need to be able to bridge that gap," said Gladys Abad, 100% Cafe Moto's operations manager.

Del Cusina, a family-owned buffet restaurant that started in Sabang, was severely damaged by Typhoon Odette in late 2021. The business was rebuilt and relocated to the South National Highway in Tiniguiban.

"Our journey has taught us that running a small business means being ready to adapt. After Typhoon Odette, rebuilding and relocating was a major challenge. As we rebuilt and reintroduced our food, we realized we could also give customers the gift of convenience by partnering with GrabFood," said Dayan Jardin, Del Cusina’s Dining Supervisor. The partnership immediately lifted the restaurant's sales by up to 30 percent, with GrabFood delivery orders continuing to grow relative to walk-in orders.

Building an ecosystem for MSME growth

Grab Asenso's partnership with ITC runs through the agency's Digital PINAS program, which builds MSMEs' technology and AI capabilities and tracks how digital adoption translates into business growth.

Through the end of 2026, ITC will bring expert-led masterclasses to Learning Caravans in regional cities nationwide, along with a merchant monitoring framework that measures business results. Sessions follow Digital PINAS' hands-on format, covering digital business profiles, online presence, brand and marketing content, creative platforms, and AI for streamlining operations.

"MSMEs are the backbone of our local economies. They create jobs, sustain families, and drive the growth of cities like Puerto Princesa," said RJ Cabaluna, vice president for Cities at Grab Philippines. "Empowering them is essential to building a more inclusive and resilient Philippine economy. Our partnership does not end when a store goes live on GrabFood. We are committed to growing alongside our merchants and the communities they serve, widening their access to technology, know-how, and opportunity so they can compete and thrive in the digital economy."

Rethinking Insurance: How InLife is Leading Innovation and Reimagining Life and Health Protection for Filipinos

There was a time when buying insurance meant setting aside time for paperwork, visiting a branch, meeting with a financial advisor, and waiting for an application to be processed.

For something designed to provide peace of mind, the experience could sometimes feel intimidating.

But the way Filipinos live has changed. People now bank, shop, book appointments, communicate, and manage many aspects of their lives through their phones. They expect services to be simpler, faster, and easier to access.

Insurance is no exception.

For InLife, (formerly known as Insular Life,) this changing behavior has prompted a bigger question: How can we make protection work better for the way Filipinos live today?

The answer has been more than simply going digital. It has meant rethinking the insurance experience, developing new ways to provide protection, and listening constantly to what else Filipinos need. 

“We believe there is something powerful about being Filipino and protecting fellow Filipinos. We place the same value on family and preparation for the future, and understand the different challenges Filipinos face because we experience them ourselves. That shared understanding inspires us to keep finding better, simpler, and more meaningful ways to protect Filipinos throughout their lives,” said InLife Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Bancassurance Officer Gae L. Martinez.  

Innovation starts with making life easier

Over the years, InLife has invested in digital tools that address the abovementioned customer pain points.

Its pioneering Automated Underwriting System has made life insurance application faster. Through the InLife App, policyholders now have easier access to their policies and services. Financial Advisors have the InLife Super Compass app, an all-in-one digital sales and productivity tool for easier sales activity management. Ella, InLife's AI-powered digital assistant, helps customers find policy-specific information when they need it, wherever they may be. 

These are technology projects that respond to a simple reality: people have less time for complicated processes and expect greater convenience from the companies they deal with.

For InLife, innovation means removing unnecessary friction from the experience of getting and managing protection. It means blazing trails beyond technology and rethinking what insurance solutions could make Filipinos’ lives easier. 

For instance, to help Filipinos gauge their retirement readiness, InLife developed the country’s first-ever Retirement Readiness Index. The Index measures retirement preparedness through six factors: life stage, personal finances, health, pension program participation, retirement sentiment and social support. 

And to ensure Filipinos could retire without worries, InLife launched Retire Assure, the country’s first true retirement product, made around a need that is becoming increasingly important as Filipinos live longer: having a reliable source of income during retirement.

Retire Assure was designed to provide guaranteed income to Filipinos after their working years, from age 60 up to 100.  It has flexible payout options and does not require medical exam, allowing Filipinos to build a more secure and worry-free retirement.

These developments reflect a broader shift in how InLife approaches insurance: looking at the financial realities Filipinos face and creating solutions around those needs.

The same thinking can be seen in Stackbit, an affordable, flexible insurance product designed for young Filipinos and emerging customers, offering protection that can be built up bit by bit. Starting at just ₱10, customers may choose from three stackable coverage, allowing them to get protection that fits their needs and budget. With its low entry price and simple, accessible format, Stackbit makes insurance easier to understand, start, and build into everyday financial habits without forcing Filipinos to make large financial commitments before they are ready to do so. 

Recently, it also launched the InLife Global Care for Filipinos who want more flexible healthcare protection and a way to supplement their Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverages. 

InLife Global Care provides coverage for major illnesses and medical needs, with access to healthcare services and treatment options locally and abroad, helping ease the financial burden of costly medical care. Designed for Filipinos who want greater peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones, InLife Global Care combines access to world-class care, delivered with a genuine Filipino heart, and backed by InLife certainty. 

Innovation also means looking beyond insurance

InLife's innovation extends to how it responds to broader needs affecting Filipinos.

Through the InLife HealthCheck, InLife brings health and wellness support closer to members of the Amorsolo Circle. Amorsolo Circle is InLife’s program for its high-net worth policyholders. 

The InLife HealthCheck is a preventive wellness tool designed to encourage proactive health monitoring. It allows users to obtain a snapshot of over 30 wellness indicators through a simple 60-second video selfie on a mobile device. By detecting blood flow beneath the skin, this feature empowers individuals to track key health metrics early, making routine wellness tracking accessible long before symptoms appear. However, it is not a medical device nor a replacement for clinical diagnostic tests.

The biggest innovation may be the one customers don't see

Some of InLife's transformation happens behind the scenes.

The company has adopted Agile ways of working and established Mission-Based Teams (MBT), bringing people from different functions together around specific customer and business needs.

This matters because a customer's experience does not belong to just one department. Life insurance involves sales, underwriting, customer relations, and technology, among others. A customer question can reveal an opportunity to improve an entire process. A recurring frustration can point to something that needs to be redesigned or created. Two of InLife’s products, Retire Assure, and Stackbit, are products of these MBTs. 

That is why listening has become an important part of InLife's approach to innovation.

Customer feedback and satisfaction measures provide insights into what works, what doesn't, and where the experience can be improved. The result is a cycle: listen, understand, improve, and build again.

InLife, a company that keeps moving forward

After almost 116 years of protecting Filipinos, InLife continues to reinvent itself and transform. The name is shorter and more modern, but it also reflects a more agile, modern and customer-focused organization while still honoring the trust and heritage built over more than a century. More importantly, InLife’s approach to innovation has always come back to one question: 

What do Filipinos need next?

Because innovation is about seeing a need, listening to people, and finding a better way forward. And after 116 years, InLife has mastered the art of helping Filipinos prepare for the future.

Know more about InLife by visiting https://www.inlife.com.ph/. 

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BAUS RUFO, CARLO OPLE, AND JAZ REYES SHARE CREATOR LESSONS ON BALANCING PASSION, PURPOSE, AND FINANCIAL SECURITY AT SUN LIFE’S FIRST-EVER CREATOR CAMP

Manila, Philippines (September 25, 2026) – What does it take to turn creativity into a sustainable career? For Filipino content creators Baus Rufo, Carlo Ople, and Jaz Reyes, the answer goes beyond views and followers. It starts with taking the first step, showing up consistently, and making intentional decisions that support both creative growth and financial well-being.  

 

During Sun Life Philippines’ first-ever creator camp, entitled “One Day to Day One,” the three creators shared lessons from their own journeys, offering emerging content creators practical advice on building meaningful content, overcoming self-doubt, and creating opportunities that last.  

 

Start Before You’re Ready 

 

For comedian, content creator, and event producer Baus Rufo, pursuing a creative career did not happen overnight. During his talk, he reflected on a career journey that took him from advertising leadership roles to building a life centered on comedy, content creation, and performance. 

  

Rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity, Rufo encouraged aspiring creators to take small, calculated steps toward their goals. He shared that meaningful change is often the result of constant learning, reinvention, and a willingness to “fail forward.” One of his most resonant reminders: “Done is better than good.” 

 

Rufo also spoke candidly about the realities of freelancing and creative work, from embracing uncertainty to continuously investing in oneself and nurturing trusted relationships. These lessons, he said, helped him build a career that allows him to be creative while achieving financial freedom. 

 

Consistency Beats Confidence 

  

For former sports broadcaster, host, and content creator Jaz Reyes, confidence is often misunderstood as a prerequisite to creating. In reality, she shared, most creators experience the same doubts before publishing their work. 

  

“We doubt ourselves. We overthink. We wonder if anyone will care. We still hit 'Post' anyway,” Reyes explained in her presentation about the messy process behind every piece of content. 

  

Drawing from her own experiences as a radio DJ, host, and creator, she encouraged aspiring influencers to focus less on perfection and more on progress. Among her key lessons were simple but powerful reminders: curiosity beats perfection, action creates momentum, and consistency beats confidence. 

  

Reyes emphasized that confidence is built through action, not waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect idea. As she put it, “Confidence comes from doing, not waiting to feel ready.” 

 

Turning Passion into Opportunity 

 

During a fireside chat, entrepreneur and content creator Carlo Ople joined Sun Life financial advisor and content creator Jacklord Esguerra to discuss how creators can build both influence and financial stability. 

  

For Esguerra, content creation started with a simple mission: making financial concepts easier to understand. Despite being told that insurance content wouldn't gain traction, he chose to focus on educating rather than selling. “People don't like being sold to. They want to be informed, inspired, and educated,” Esguerra shared. 

  

His early posts gained little attention, but he stayed consistent. Over time, audiences began discovering his content, sharing it with others, and reaching out for guidance. Today, content has become one of his most effective ways to educate and serve more Filipinos on their financial journey. 

  

Ople echoed the value of thinking long term. What started as a gaming blog while he was working in corporate eventually grew into multiple businesses built around content.  

  

Rather than immediately leaving his corporate career, Ople spent more than 17 years balancing work and content creation, proving that passion projects and financial security can grow side by side. “The more sources of revenue, the more sources of income, the better,” he said. 

  

Together, their message was clear: start small, create value consistently, and trust that meaningful opportunities often begin long before anyone notices.  

 

From "One Day" to Day One 

  

Despite their different backgrounds and creative paths, the speakers shared a remarkably similar message: success rarely begins with certainty. It begins with action. 

  

Whether it's publishing a first video, pursuing a long-held passion project, experimenting with a new format, or making smarter decisions for the future, creators don't need to wait until everything is perfect to begin. 

  

Through the lessons shared by Baus Rufo, Jaz Reyes, and Carlo Ople, attendees were reminded that meaningful careers are built one step at a time. The journey from "One Day" to "Day One" starts not with confidence or perfection, but with a willingness to start anyway. 

 

If you’re ready to start today, visit sunlife.co/LiveBrightNow to know more.  

  

PCIC and GCash Partner to Speed Up Insurance Payout for Filipino Farmers

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), in partnership with GCash, is making it easier for farmers to access their insurance payouts by providing a faster and more convenient way to receive and use indemnity payments through digital financial services.

Through this partnership, PCIC leverages the GCash Funds Disbursement Service (FDS) to deliver instant digital payouts as an alternative to traditional cheques. Farmers no longer need to travel long distances to encash cheques or attend distribution events, gaining direct, secure access to their funds via GCash.

 

PCIC and GCash are also issuing free co-branded PCIC x GCash Visa cards, giving farmers an accessible way to withdraw their insurance payouts from ATMs or pay directly at Visa-accepting merchants. This provides essential financial flexibility, ensuring uninterrupted access to emergency funds even when they do not have their mobile devices. 

For many farmers who live far from cities and banking facilities, accessing insurance payouts through traditional channels can be costly and time-consuming. By bringing digital disbursement and card-based access closer to them, the partnership aims to make the process more convenient while helping farmers access financial support when they need it most.

"Our partnership with GCash enables PCIC to strengthen our existing services through practical digital solutions that make insurance more accessible and convenient for farmers, especially those in communities far from traditional banking facilities," said PCIC business development and marketing manager Israel De La Cruz.

The initiative highlights how digital financial services can make government assistance more accessible to Filipinos, particularly those in communities that face barriers to traditional financial services. Through GCash, farmers can have more convenient options for receiving and accessing funds without the need to rely solely on manual cheque distribution and bank encashment.

“At GCash, we believe that digital financial services can help make essential financial support more accessible to more Filipinos. Through our partnership with PCIC, we are providing farmers with more convenient ways to receive and use their indemnity payments, while the co-branded GCash Visa Card gives them added flexibility in accessing their funds,” said GCash public sector head Chai Alano.

By combining digital fund disbursement with accessible card-based payment and cash-out options, GCash and PCIC are helping make financial assistance more convenient for farmers and supporting their recovery and participation in the digital economy.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Non-stop Luck Anytime, Anywhere with Solaire Pay

From the restaurants and the resort all the way to the rooms and suites, Solaire Resort has perfected its signature experience through exceptional service standards in every aspect. Guests and patrons alike are treated with the utmost care, ensuring each visitor has a convenient, seamless, and memorable stay. On gaming floors, the very same convenience is taken up to the next level as the integrated resort offers Solaire Pay, providing uninterrupted fun all-throughout.

Patrons are invited to make the most of each visit with a new way to keep the fun going with a simple tap, pay, and play mechanic. Through the official MySolaire app, luck reaches an all-new high with Solaire Pay providing an option to reload for the next run in a safe and secure way, through transferring funds directly from digital wallets to load the next slot machine play for free, instantly. The lucky streak keeps rolling as patrons no longer need to leave their spot to line up at an ATM, breaking the momentum.

Enjoy more fun with less interruptions through the convenience and efficiency of Solaire Pay. Don’t miss out on the luckiest plays with Solaire’s latest way to offer more play and more fun in the easiest way. Take on amazing promos and opportunities and sign up for the Solaire Rewards program to explore a variety of discounts across the property, while new members also receive exciting offers and reduced rates.

To top up a Solaire Rewards account other than, visit www.solairepay.com and continue enjoying a seamless way to fund each lucky play. 

Las Piñas Explores AI to Improve Public Services with PLDT, Smart AI-in-a-Box

Las Piñas is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to explore new ways of managing information, developing projects, and delivering public services, with PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box.

 

“AI-in-a-Box helps us bring all our data together, from green card programs to services for women, the youth, and TUPAD beneficiaries,” said Las Piñas Mayor April Aguilar. “This way, we know exactly who we’ve helped and who still needs support. In the end, it’s about making sure our services reach the people who need them most.”

 

AI-in-a-Box is the PLDT Group’s initiative to make AI more accessible to communities. The program combines digital tools, connectivity, training, and mentorship to help local government units turn emerging technologies into practical solutions to enhance public service delivery. 

 

“Through AI-in-a-Box, we want to give city personnel not just access to technology, but the confidence to explore how AI can address the needs of their own communities,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “When LGUs are equipped to make better use of their own information, they can begin finding new ways to make public services more responsive and accessible.”

 

Supported by PLDT-Smart Foundation and partners Microsoft and HP Philippines, PLDT and Smart provided the Las Piñas City government with an AI access kit, which includes an HP laptop, a SmartBro 5G Max Turbo WiFi unit, a smartphone, a premium AI tool subscription, and Smart prepaid load cards. 

 

"Across the Philippines, we are seeing tremendous momentum in AI adoption.​" said Ida Ong-Co, HP Philippines Managing Director, "At HP, we believe the next phase of AI is about helping organizations create smarter workflows that deliver sustainable results.​ It's about bringing together the right technology, security, visibility, and workforce experiences to enable AI adoption that is secure, scalable, and measurable.​"

 

And to help the city kick off its AI journey, PLDT and Smart also conducted an AI training to provide LGU employees hands-on experience in identifying where AI could be useful in their own work. Conducted by social innovation agency Limitless Lab, selected LGU personnel were trained in ‘vibe coding’, which uses natural-language prompts, rather than manually written code, to build and refine software prototypes. The approach allows people without formal programming or IT backgrounds to turn ideas into working concepts more quickly.

Staff from the City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) used the training to develop a platform that will consolidate beneficiary data, aiming to prevent duplicate entries and ensure aid reaches the right beneficiaries.

 

“Our team was able to create a simple wireframe for an internal database that could help one of our sections with profiling and encoding,” said Paul Cristian B. Bautista, CSWDO Media/IT staff. “What made the exercise useful was that we were working on an actual need within our office and could see how a possible solution might look. The output is not yet a fully developed system, but it gives our team a starting point to visualize and explain the system we may want to develop further. This can make the planning and development process more practical and easier to understand.”

 

Other office personnel who are in the frontline of providing public services developed wireframes for an AI-powered chatbot that could answer frequently asked questions to cut down wait times for simple queries and free up staff for more complex tasks.

PLDT and Smart have extended AI-in-a-Box to other local government units across the Philippines, combining technology, connectivity and capability-building to bring AI closer to communities beyond major urban centers.

 

Through the initiative, PLDT and Smart provide participating communities with access to digital tools, training, and mentorship as they build solutions designed to address local concerns. AI-in-a-Box supports the PLDT Group’s much broader efforts to expand digital inclusion and encourage innovation in line with the UNSDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

The Manila Hotel Named Philippines’ Leading Hotel for Third Consecutive Year

The Manila Hotel has once again been named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel at the 33rd World Travel Awards 2026, marking the Grand Dame’s third consecutive win in the category from 2024 to 2026.

The prestigious recognition was received by Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel, during the World Travel Awards 2026 Gala Ceremony held on September 27 in the Maldives. The win adds to The Manila Hotel’s distinguished record at the World Travel Awards, having been named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel in both 2024 and 2025.

Often regarded as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” the World Travel Awards recognize excellence across the global tourism and hospitality industry. For The Manila Hotel, the three consecutive victories reflect its enduring commitment to Filipino hospitality and its role as a landmark of Philippine heritage and tourism.

“We are deeply grateful to the World Travel Awards for this recognition and to everyone who continues to place their trust in The Manila Hotel,” said Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr. “Receiving this award for the third consecutive year is a meaningful recognition of our people, whose dedication and passion continue to bring The Manila Hotel’s tradition of service to life. We are equally grateful for the continued trust and loyalty of our guests and patrons, who have been part of our journey through the years. This recognition honors not only the heritage we proudly preserve, but also our commitment to creating meaningful experiences and extending Filipino hospitality from the heart.”

As an iconic national heritage institution, The Manila Hotel continues to bring together its historical significance and modern amenities, offering world-class accommodations, dining, wellness, and recreational experiences grounded in Filipino hospitality. The latest World Travel Awards recognition further strengthens The Manila Hotel’s longstanding presence in the global tourism and hospitality landscape, while reaffirming its place as a historic landmark in the Philippines.

Sun Life Foundation’s Sun Pera-Aralan wins Silver at 2026 Marketing Excellence Awards

MANILA, PH – (September 2026) – Sun Pera-Aralan, Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc.’s (Sun Life Foundation) flagship financial literacy program in collaboration with AHA! Behavioral Design, was recently recognized at the 2026 Marketing Excellence Awards with a Silver Award for Excellence in Financial Empowerment Marketing.

 

Launched in 2019, Sun Pera-Aralan aims to help lessen the debt crisis among public school teachers. The program uses insights from behavioral science, combining an innovative budgeting tool called Peso Sobre, cash flow management learning sessions, learning resources, and peer networks to help make better money management habits part of everyday practice. Through these efforts, the program aims to help teachers strengthen their financial health.

 

In 2025, Sun Pera-Aralan achieved its goal, reaching over 133,000 public school teachers across more than 2,300 schools in Metro Manila and CALABARZON. The program has also helped teachers build healthier financial habits, with 81% of Peso Sobre users reporting that they are able to stretch their budgets for the entire month and 90% reporting that they are able to save consistently.

 

Its impact can be seen in teachers such as Maria Elena of Muntinlupa City, who has been able to build her savings, and Sharon of Quezon City, who credits Sun Pera-Aralan for helping her develop financial discipline.

 

“All that we have accomplished in Sun Pera-Aralan ties back to a simple dream: to empower our public school teachers by making financial literacy practical, relevant, and accessible,” said Joy Castillo, President of Sun Life Foundation. “We are honored to receive this recognition and are inspired to continue our work in promoting financial wellness and security among our fellow Filipinos.”

 

“Sun Pera-Aralan shows that financial empowerment requires more than sharing knowledge. Change happens when programs are grounded in people’s lived realities and make healthier financial habits easier to do and continue,” said John Leinard Ramos, Principal and Chief Marketing Officer of AHA! Behavioral Design. “This is why, for us, behavior-centered solutions are so powerful: insights become practical action, and meaningful change can take hold and be sustained at scale.”

 

As Sun Pera-Aralan enters its final stages of implementation, its focus has shifted to preparing school communities to carry the program forward by equipping them with the tools, support systems, and ownership needed to sustain healthier financial habits after the program concludes.

 

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.

Gen Z, Your October Weekend Just Got an Upgrade with 3 days of Deals at SM Center Sangandaan

From October 2 to 4, 2026, the SM Center Sangandaan 3-Day Sale is bringing three days of sulit finds, major discounts, exciting prizes, and plenty of reasons to turn an ordinary weekend into a full-on mall day.

Shoppers can enjoy up to 70% off on a wide range of products, from everyday essentials to those little “I deserve this” finds that somehow always make it into the cart. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe, hunting for new must-haves, or simply looking for a fun way to spend the weekend with your favorite people, there’s plenty to discover.

And because shopping is way more fun when there’s a chance to win big, every ₱1,000 purchase receipt earns an entry to the 3-Day Sale raffle, with a chance to take home a brand-new Suzuki Fronx GLX AT Hybrid. Yes, your shopping haul could come with a seriously major plot twist.

But the vibe isn’t just about the discounts. Think big bargains, exciting prizes, café discoveries, and quality bonding time. Basically, your most loved SM Center Sangandaan has everything you need to make the most of your weekend.

So, Gen Z, consider this your sign to mark the dates, rally your besties, make that shopping list, and head to SM Center Sangandaan. Your next great find, and maybe even your next big win, could be waiting.

For more mall events, promos, and updates, follow SM Center Sangandaan on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/smcentersangandaan.