Sip & Win— Only at SM

For coffee lovers, mornings are sacred, and at SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan, that daily ritual now comes with an exciting and rewarding twist.

Following the success of Morning Beats and Brews, SM brings back the spotlight on café culture with the Sip & Win Promo, a campaign created for those who see coffee not just as a beverage, but as part of their lifestyle.

From handcrafted brews to comforting everyday favorites, every coffee break now comes with the chance to win. Shoppers earn one (1) e-raffle entry for every ₱500 worth of single or accumulated purchases from participating tenants. Each sip brings you closer to winning a Suzuki S-Presso GL MT, turning ordinary coffee runs into something truly memorable.

Running until April 10, the Sip & Win Promo invites caffeine enthusiasts to slow down, discover new café favorites, and enjoy the vibrant coffee scene across SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan. Whether you prefer a bold espresso, a creamy latte, or an iced pick-me-up, your coffee moments could lead to a rewarding surprise.

Because at SM, coffee is more than part of your routine. It is an experience worth savoring and celebrating. Visit SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan today!

2026 Bataan Freedom March Returns to Honor the 84th Anniversary of Valor

Following the success of its 2025 run, the Philippine Veterans Bank, in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Department of National Defense (DND),, is proud to announce the return of the Freedom March slated on February 28 to March 1, 2026.

This is more than a walk; it is a profound journey of remembrance. Over two days, marchers 

including civilians, veterans' descendants, and members of the AFP—will retrace the historic 100+ kilometer route endured by Filipino and American soldiers during the infamous Bataan Death March of World War II.

“The Freedom March is an inclusive tribute open to everyone who wishes to honor the legacy of our heroes,” said PVB First Vice President Miguel Angelo C. Villa-Real. “Eighty-four years later, we carry their torch to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten”.

The march is strategically divided into 10-kilometer segments, allowing participants to join for a single portion or commit to the entire historic trail:

On day 1, Feb 28, the tribute begins at the stroke of midnight (12:01 AM) at Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan, concluding the first major stretch at Dinalupihan by 7:00 PM.

On day 2 March 1, the march resumes at 1:00 AM. Marchers head toward San Fernando, Pampanga. The journey concludes with a closing ceremony at 6:00 PM at the Capas National Shrine—the hallowed ground of the former Camp O’Donnell.

Throughout the trek, participants will pass the Freedom March Guidon and torch, symbolizing a continuous flame of bravery passed from one generation to the next.

In honor of our veterans, participation in the Freedom March is free of charge. However, to ensure safety and coordination across the three involved provinces, advance registration is strictly required.

Whether you are a fitness enthusiast looking for a challenge, a history buff, or a patriot wishing to pay your respects, your presence helps keep the flame of valor alive.

The organizers are also inviting corporate leaders to join as Co-Presenters. Sponsors can maximize brand visibility at key stops every 10 kilometers and during the nationally recognized opening and closing programs.

Join us as we walk for those who could not. Register today and be part of this heartfelt, historic tribute. To register, visit https://www.facebook.com/veteransbankmarch, email pvbcares@veteransbank.com.ph or call the Bank’s Hotline (02) 7902-1782, Tollfree number: 1800-8902-1782 (Globe, Globelines, TM) or 1800-10-857-3888 (PLDT, Smart).

TIEZA and GCash Partner to Streamline Online Travel Tax Refunds for Filipino Travelers

 

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has formally partnered with G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the mobile wallet operator behind GCash, to significantly enhance the speed, security, and convenience of online travel tax refunds for Filipino travelers.

 

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Makati City, TIEZA will now adopt the GCash Funds Disbursement Service (FDS) to facilitate the real-time crediting of approved travel tax refunds directly into the GCash wallets of eligible passengers.

 

This modernization initiative aligns with Executive Order No. 170, which mandates the adoption of digital payment systems across government, and Republic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), which empowers TIEZA to institute systems and partnerships that ensure the efficient administration of travel tax collection and refund services.

 

Making digital refunds seamless for Filipino travelers

 

Through the integration of the secure disbursement technology of GCash, passengers approved for refunds will now receive their travel tax reimbursements instantly and seamlessly, eliminating the need for on-site claims or manual bank processing. Notably, the service is offered at no cost to both TIEZA and its clients.

 

“This partnership underscores our commitment to building tourism together by elevating the quality and efficiency of every touchpoint in the Filipino travel experience,” said TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid. “By integrating sophisticated digital solutions like GCash, we are not simply streamlining the refund process—we are advancing transparency, reinforcing institutional accountability, and setting a higher benchmark for how government and industry can collaborate to meet the expectations of today’s discerning travelers.”

 

A collaboration for seamless, digital-first government services

 

Under the partnership, G-Xchange, Inc. will provide the secure digital infrastructure that enables real-time disbursement, supported by robust prefunding and reconciliation mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of public funds.

 

Cleo Celeste C. Santos, vice president and head of GCash public sector, emphasized the value of accessible and efficient financial services and the partnership’s impact on public sector digital transformation. “We are proud to support TIEZA in digitizing one of the most important touchpoints for travelers. Real-time refunds through GCash deliver unmatched convenience, speed, and reliability—empowering passengers with a truly modern and frictionless experience.”

 

“This collaboration reinforces the mission of GCash to make digital financial services easily accessible for every Filipino. By embedding secure, seamless payouts into TIEZA’s processes, we are helping advance a more inclusive, responsive, and future-ready government service ecosystem,” Santos added.

 

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A more convenient, future-ready refund system

 

As global and domestic travel continue to rise, the TIEZA–GCash partnership ensures that public-facing services evolve in step with traveler expectations—reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, efficiency, and good governance in the delivery of essential tourism services.

 

For more information, visit [https://tieza.gov.ph] and follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X.