April 2024

BDO Unibank, Inc. earned ₱18.5 billion in the first quarter of 2024 on the sustained performance of its core businesses, higher by 12% vs. the comparable period last year. This resulted in an annualized Return on Common Equity (ROCE) of 14.3% for the first quarter of 2024.

Net Interest Income increased by 13% with Gross Customer Loans expanding by 13%. Meanwhile, Deposits expanded by 13%, supported by low-cost Current Account/Savings Account (CASA).

Non-Interest Income rose by 11% on steady growth of fee-based and treasury/FX businesses and recovery in life insurance premiums.

Asset quality remained stable quarter-on-quarter with the Bank’s continued conservative credit and provisioning policies. Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio stood at 1.88% while NPL coverage settled at 181%.

Common equity increased by 12% on continued profitable operations. Book value per share improved by 12% year-on-year to ₱99.23.

BDO’s mission to “be the preferred bank in every market it serves” anchors its business philosophy of pursuing long-term growth and profitability, while sustaining market leadership backed by a strong balance sheet and diversified business franchise.

Summer sizzles with exciting deals as SM Center Pulilan rolls out the biggest 3-Day Sale happening on April 19–21.

Score the best deals at unbelievably great discounts of up to 70% off that apply to countless items mall-wide. Check out the latest finds from SM Hypermarket, Surplus, Ace Hardware, Watsons, SM Appliance Center, Sports Central, and Miniso.

Purchases could even bring you heaps of chances to bring home a brand-new Suzuki DZIRE GL MT! To join, shoppers may avail of P1000 worth of purchases to earn one e-raffle entry. Increase your chances of winning by getting additional coupons on Saturday (April 20) and Sunday (April 21) to double the entries. Shoppers may also get five additional entries through their SM Malls Online Account.

While shopping, also check out awesome dining deals at affordable prices from selected food tenants at the mall.

Snip hunt only at SM Center Pulilan on its first 3-DAY SALE hurrah for 2024 and mark April 19-21 all the way from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For mall events and updates, follow SM Bulacan malls on Facebook and Instagram.

MANILA, PH – (APRIL 16, 2024) – Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF)

True to its advocacy of promoting a healthier lifestyle, Sun Life Philippines once again successfully concluded one of its most awaited events, Sun Life Cycle PH, last April 7, 2024, at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.

The event was open to anyone who wished to enjoy the fun sport of cycling; from professional to casual cyclists, as well as families and children who simply want to have a healthy way of spending the summer together.

Sun Life Cycle PH categories included a 60km, a 45km, and a 30km bike run for adults; and a Kids Bike Camp with kiddie rides for those aged six to 15 years old, who get to enjoy 30-minute bike runs both solo and with a family member. Moreover, children aged four to five were able to join the 500-meter tricycle ride, and children who are two to three years old biked in the 100-meter event of the same category.

“At Sun Life, we believe that living healthier lives should never be a solitary journey,” says Don Aaron Peji, Head, Brand Strategy and Management of Sun Life Philippines. “We will go far if we have our partners for life going along for the ride. Through events like the Sun Life Cycle PH, we hope to encourage more people to see cycling as an enjoyable way of staying healthy and fit.”

The cycling event started at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub traversing Vermosa Blvd., Daang Hari, going around, and back. Moreover, Sun Life clients who joined the event also got to enjoy special perks at the Solar Lounge like loot bags as well as Sun Life merchandise and sunscreen. They were also treated with refreshments and healthy nibblers like cookies, sandwiches, trail mixes, and Fruitas refreshments. To spice things up, clients got the chance to win up to ₱10,000 simply by guessing how many SunSons where at the Solar Lounge. A total of 1,385 cyclists participated, with 89 children joining the kiddie rides.

Sun Life Cycle PH is a collaboration between Sun Life and Ironman PH, with the special cooperation of the City of Imus and Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub. It is an annual event that promotes cycling as a healthy and sustainable activity that can be enjoyed by professional cyclists and families alike. The event was likewise co-sponsored by Lightwater and media coverage was provided by Manila Bulletin and Tempo.

To know more about Sun Life Cycle PH, visit https://sunlife.cycleph.com/. To know more about Sun Life, visit https://www.sunlife.com.ph/en/.

Planning for a home refresh this summer?   As temperature rises, so do the savings at OUR HOME GRAND CENTRAL on its 3-Day Sale from April 19-21!

Now is the best time to shop for the home refresh that you’ve been wanting to do with OUR HOME’s great selections of home furniture, decor and accessories.   Visit us and get inspirations for your living room, bedroom and dining room.

Check out OUR HOME GRAND CENTRAL’s great offers:   

Save up to 80% off on great finds for your living room, bedroom and dining room. 

Get extra 10% off with SMAC and SMAC Prestige cards. 

And here’s more.  Get another extra 5% off when you pay straight or extra 10% off when you avail of our Buy Now Pay Later installment offer using qualified BDO Credit cards with a minimum purchase required. T&Cs apply.    

We assemble for free and we also offer free interior design advice to help you out with your home styling.  Visit us to know more of our great offers.   

OUR HOME has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for?  Head on to OUR HOME Grand Central located at the Lower Ground Level of SM City Grand Central where you can find great designs at great prices.   Call our personal shopper at 0917-8426069 / 0917-8424772 or check out  www.ourhome.ph     

Global technology brand OnePlus announced today the launch and arrival of the OnePlus 12R in the Philippines which is set to deliver its users a seamless combination of speed and performance as well a flagship experience like no other.

The OnePlus 12R redefines “Smooth Beyond Belief” and promises to bring an unparalleled user experience with nothing but the best features at your fingertips.

Extreme Fast and Smooth Technology

The OnePlus 12R features a cutting edge screen – a fourth generation LTPO 120Hz ProXDR display that is definitely an upgrade on the phone screen’s brightness and color levels compared to its predecessor. It also has an improved responsiveness and an intelligent dynamic refresh rate system which allows the OnePlus 12R to switch anywhere between 1Hz and 120Hz refresh rates quicker and smarter than ever, saving you battery life and giving you a smoother overall experience.

It is equipped with groundbreaking battery technology with the largest battery in OnePlus history – a massive 5,500mAh designed to deliver extended usage without compromising the size or weight of the device. This is paired with the lightning-fast 100W SUPERVOOC™ charging, allowing the OnePlus 12R to go from 1-100% in just 26 minutes.

At the core of the OnePlus 12R is the OxygenOS that carries the Trinity Engine, a revolutionary platform created by OnePlus designed to optimize every aspect of the phone’s performance.

The Trinity Engine includes advancements like RAM-Vita, which comes with AI RAM acceleration that lets your phone choose, release, and reallocate RAM quicker so apps can open faster; CPU-Vita which works with the Snapdragon CPU to ensure it constantly strikes a balance between high performance and high system stress, reducing power when it can during high intensity tasks like gaming, shooting, and editing video; and ROM-Vita which uses industry leading technology and algorithms to reduce fragmentation and always keep your phone running smoothly by constantly deleting unneeded data like cache and temporary and duplicate files.

Flagship Worthy Camera

The OnePlus 12R is equipped with the Sony IMX890, a 50-megapixel flagship sensor renowned for its consistency and image quality. Enhanced with advanced software optimizations, this sensor ensures every shot you take is bursting with vibrancy and clarity. It also has Optical Image Stabilization and lightning-fast processing speeds, which won’t dampen the brilliance of your photos even in low-light environments.

Meanwhile, the front camera of OnePlus 12R is a 16 megapixel front-facing camera that takes vibrancy shots ideal for video calls and super selfies.

OnePlus Flagship Worthy Experience

The OnePlus 12R is powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 8 Gen 2 chipset which gives it up to 35% better CPU and GPU performance compared to the OnePlus 11.

It also has storage configurations offering up to 16GB RAM and 256GB which lets you run and keep more than 40 apps, photos, videos, and more in the device.

Despite the powerful software of the OnePlus 12R, it continues to remain cool under pressure thanks to its Cryo-Velocity cooling system which ensures smooth and continuous functionality that doesn’t compromise the temperature of the device and its battery life.

The OnePlus 12R is also equipped with an improved screen that’s brighter, has more color levels, and is more responsive for an immersive viewing experience. It boasts Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance, which allows it to withstand the rigors of daily use or even during a heavy rain.

Get a Flagship Experience that’s Smooth Beyond Belief Today

The OnePlus 12R is now available in the Philippines for PHP 43,990 and comes in two colorways – Cool Blue and Iron Grey.

Pre-order your OnePlus 12R now until April 26 from all authorized OnePlus and OPPO stores nationwide or via Shopee and Lazada where you can enjoy 0% interest installment via Shoppee’s SPay Later and Lazada’s LazPayLater.

You may also purchase the OnePlus 12R exclusively via Shopee from April 18 to 24 and get a PHP 1,000 off OnePlus voucher, PHP 200 Good Review Cashback, and S39 Bluetooth speakers freebie.

For more information on the OnePlus 12R, its features, and its availability, check out https://www.oneplus.com/ph or OnePlus Philippines’ official Facebook page.

In today’s fast-paced world where every moment seems filled with the bustle of daily life, finding moments of tranquility and inner peace is becoming increasingly vital. The Grand Midori Ortigas by premier real estate developer Federal Land, Inc. offers two towers of Zen living in the heart of Ortigas Center, fostering simplicity, harmony, and balance.

Award-Winning Architecture

A Solid Investment Choice

The Grand Midori Ortigas isn’t just a place to call home—it’s an investment in one of Metro Manila’s most coveted real estate hot spots.

Investors are provided with thoughtfully designed units for lease, which can benefit from rising prices and improving rental yields because of its central location in Ortigas Center, as well as its proximity to Makati and BGC. Moreover, with the rising demand for half-way homes within the metro due to return-to-office mandates, investing in Ortigas Center promises to provide lucrative returns for discerning investors.

A Sensible Lifestyle

To encourage a balanced life, the property showcases a wide variety of amenities to offer a much-needed break from the daily grind.

Those who wish to engage in an active lifestyle would love the convenience of the fitness gym, yoga room, exercise lawn, and lap pool on the amenity floor. The game room, videoke room, play area, and Jacuzzi are available for downtime after work or school. There’s a study lounge and a conference room for those working or studying remotely but wish to do it out of their own units from time to time. The Zen garden is perfect for those yearning for peace and quiet.

With its Zen-inspired spaces and prime location, The Grand Midori Ortigas is a compelling option for home seekers looking to lead a well-balanced life that embraces urban conveniences with serenity and bliss.

For inquiries, visit www.midori.com.ph or email invest@federalland.ph to book a private viewing.

OPPO invites everyone to make their adventures this season even more memorable by joining the Summer Delight promo. Get a chance to win cool prizes by sharing the best moments of your summertime getaways.

Until May 9, followers of OPPO’s official Service Center Facebook page OPPO Care-PH, are invited to send their most extraordinary family vacation photo, embellished with a Summer Delight frame and OPPO Watermark. Participants can download the frame and send their entries through this link. Two lucky winners will each receive a PHP1,000 worth of SM Gift Pass and an Ollie figurine.

The Summer Delight Promo is OPPO’s way of encouraging its loyal customers to make the most out of their summer trips and take standout photos using their OPPO smartphones, rounding out its already comprehensive slew of aftersales services

Deadline to submit entries is until May 9, 11:59 PM. Winners will be announced on May 13 via the OPPO Care-PH Facebook page and will be notified via SMS for instructions to claim their prize at their nearest OPPO Service Centers for their convenience.

Beat the heat and share your moments of Summer Delights! Know more about this promo by visiting OPPO’s official website www.oppo.com.ph or the official Summer Delight promo page and Facebook page.

ARIA continues to thrive as tourists and locals line up for authentic Italian dishes

Imagine sinking your teeth into the cheesy goodness of a crispy yet moist prosciutto pizza slice that’s baked fresh inside a wood-fired brick oven, prepared by an Italian Chef, no less. As you take the bite, strings of melty cheese are pulled away, and you savor the flavors of Italy bursting on your palate. You look at the view of sparkling blue seas from a comfortable second-floor dining balcony and feel the fine, powdery sand between your toes as you head out. No need to imagine for long, this is a reality at ARIA Cucina Italiana.

Established in 2003 on world-renowned Boracay island, the 21-year-old beachfront restaurant stands the test of time with its authentic cuisine, owned by entrepreneurs Juan Elizalde and Paolo Occhionero, under the leadership of Italian Executive Chef, Salvatore Vincentis. Vincentis’ delectable and authentic creations continue to wow people from all over the globe. No wonder, his standards in the kitchen are strict, especially when it comes to the freshness and quality of ingredients, as some are even flown in straight from Italy so as not to compromise their delicious Italian fare. ARIA’s curated menu is the most comprehensive one on the island, with dishes catering to various tastes and preferences.

Aria’s seaview second-floor dining area

Other than their high-quality ingredients, it’s the wood-fired brick oven that makes their pizzas truly delicious. It packs on the flavor, thanks to the intense heat it generates that cooks the pizza quickly, resulting in a crisp crust while locking in moisture and flavor. The wood imparts a distinctive smoky flavor to the pizza you can’t achieve with other cooking methods. It also tends to keep authenticity alive as they have been used for centuries in Italy and other parts of the world for baking bread and cooking pizza. The tradition and craftsmanship associated with these ovens add an element of authenticity to the pizza-making process, which ARIA guests surely love.

ARIA has been providing the best Italian fare in Boracay for 21 years and counting 

Their extensive selection of 26 pizza varieties inspired by various regions in Italy (ask for the secret menu if you want half-and-half options, and for big groups, you can make it La Famiglia) is sure to impress you. For other menu items, you can also indulge in their Fritto di Calamari con Maionese Elle Erbe and Prosciutto e Mango, both considered some of the best appetizers on the island. As for salads, it’s the Cocomero Salad that people quite regularly enjoy. For pasta lovers, there are the special black fettuccine pasta dishes with the Fettuccine Nere and Al Nero. The Chicken Parmigiana, baked to perfection in their brick oven, is also a crowd favorite. To try something new, our Gnocchi alla Sorrentina AKA potato dumplings are an underrated delight. To quench your thirst, they also offer Italian cocktails with an extensive list of wines that are sure to complement your mouth-watering dishes. To end your meal on a sweet note, treat yourself to ARIA Tris di Dolci or their perfectly creamy ARIA Gelato with a wide selection of 18 flavors, made fresh daily with imported ingredients. With all gelato flavors crafted daily, it’s undeniably the finest ice cream dessert experience in Boracay.

ARIA’s dedicated and enthusiastic team

ARIA Cucina Italiana continues to thrive as a top-of-mind Italian beachfront restaurant, despite all the challenges it faced during Boracay’s closures for the island rehabilitation in 2018, and then followed by the pandemic in 2020. Choosing to stay open to keep staff employed, they continued operations and adapted a digital system for online orders and delivery. The quick transition has been beneficial, as their online orders are still up and running. Their long-standing core and front dining team show gratitude by staying excellent in their service which is reflected in their diners’ satisfied experiences. 

With 21 years of authentic Italian food that never compromises on taste and quality, and best-rated reviews on TripAdvisor and Google, be sure to expect many more to come.

Visit ARIA Cucina Italiana at D’Mall, Station 2, Boracay Island.
Follow them on Instagram @ariacucinaitaliana.
See the menu here.  Order via Viber: +63 998 482 8490 

Manila, Philippines, April 16, 2024 – The leading global smart devices provider, HONOR, is about to unveil the next star in its Magic Series lineup, promising to redefine what’s possible with AI-infused technology. Get ready to be captivated as HONOR prepares to launch its newest smartphone, designed to exceed all expectations! 

“With our commitment to delivering the best, we’re thrilled to introduce our latest innovation very soon. HONOR fans, brace yourselves for something extraordinary!” declared Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. 

The HONOR Magic6 Pro received rave reviews at its global launch, setting new standards for flagship smartphones and earning accolades from tech experts worldwide. 

“But even then, the Galaxy S24 Ultra isn’t the best camera phone you can buy today — far from it. In fact, going from HONOR’s Magic6 Pro to the Galaxy S24 Ultra felt like a downgrade. This year’s flagships have raised the bar significantly, with Chinese brands in particular delivering stellar cameras across the board,” said Harish Jonnalagadda from Android Central. 

Prepare to be wowed, HONOR fans, as the all-new HONOR Magic phone promises to deliver topnotch features in the industry of smartphone technology! 

To stay updated about the complete lineup of HONOR devices available, you may visit HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/. 

The award-winning folk/experimental artist pens his first solo concert in five years.

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and actor Bullet Dumas returns to the concert stage for a night filled with stories of love, grief, and acceptance.

Aptly titled Nananatili, the intimate concert serves as a personal reflection on death in a permanent, transitory world—an elegy, a eulogy, and a funeral drama all rolled into one.

The highly anticipated show marks Bullet Dumas’ first solo concert since 2018’s Usisa, and will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 7 pm onwards at the Music Museum.

It also serves as his first venture into concert co-production, working with GNN (Gabi Na Naman Productions) to bring the vision to life.

“Ang working concept ko ay last day ng funeral kung saan lumalabas lahat ng kwento ng patay,” Dumas explains. “Mas nakikilala natin yung patay kahit tingi-tinging kuwento mula sa iba’t ibang tao.”

Tickets to Nananatili ni Bullet Dumas are available via bit.ly/nananatili with the following prices:

SVIP: PHP 4,600 (with 1:2 meet and greet, signed poster, post card and reserved seating)

VIP: PHP 3,800 (with 1:8 meet and greet, post card and reserved seating)

ORCH: PHP 2,800 (with signed poster and reserved seating)

BALCONY: PHP 1,800 (free seating only)