In observance of National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, Hanabishi Appliances is giving away a free pouch of Gohan Lite, a low-calorie and high-fiber rice, with every purchase of its microwave oven. Titled “Heat with Heart”, the promo is exclusively available through its online stores.
“Health starts at home, and as a brand that has been part of the Filipino household for decades, we want to help our customers not just with reliable appliances but with healthier choices for everyday living,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, VP for Marketing and Finance of Hanabishi Appliances.
A product of BiotechJP, Gohan Lite was developed using Japanese technology. A pre-cooked rice, it contains fewer calories and carbohydrates and provides higher dietary fiber. This makes it ideal for those managing their weight or living with hypertension and diabetes.
With the help of Hanabishi’s microwave oven, preparing Gohan Lite is quick and easy. It only takes two minutes to enjoy this nutritious rice.
“We Filipinos love rice. It is at the heart of our every meal, and we can now enjoy it in a healthier way,” said Ong-Chua.
To shop for Hanabishi products online, visit www.myhanabishi.com, and its official stores on LazMall, Shopee Mall, and TikTok Shop.
Follow Hanabishi’s social media accounts to learn more about its latest products, promotions, and events.
In photo: BPI Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Eric Luchangco engages with members of the media during the bank’s Sustainability Awareness Month Press Conference. He is joined by event host Mica Pineda.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to solidify its position as a pioneer in sustainable finance, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles at the core of its business. Anchored on its unique ESG+E₂ framework—which integrates the creation of economic value into its sustainability efforts—BPI is helping lead the transformation of the Philippine banking industry toward more inclusive and resilient growth.
At the center of this shift is BPI’s Sustainability Agenda—a forward-looking strategy that aligns financial performance with sustainable development goals. Through its proactive and innovative approach, the Bank has achieved several industry firsts, further establishing its role as a thought leader in ESG integration.
Pioneering Sustainability Initiatives
BPI continues to lead the way in sustainable finance through initiatives that reflect deep integration of ESG in its operations:
Pioneering Initiative
Description
Coal Phase-Out Policy
First Philippine bank to have a time-bound commitment to completely phase out exposure to coal power generation.
EDGE Certification of Branches
First Philippine bank to receive IFC-EDGE Green Building certification for its branches, nationwide.
Renewable Energy in Corporate Offices
First Philippine bank to transition all its high-rise corporate buildings to 100% renewable energy.
Renewable Energy in Branches
First Philippine bank to access the retail aggregation program, transitioning 70 branches to 100% renewable energy.
Energy Transition Finance Facility (ETFF)
First financing project in the world to repurpose coal-fired power plants into renewable energy facilities and shorten the operating life of a coal plant.
Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA)
First Philippine bank to map clients and Bank’s asset exposure to natural hazards like earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
Green Solutions
First Philippine bank to offer eco-friendly solutions including Electric Vehicle Financing, Hybrid Vehicle Financing, and Solar Mortgage.
Green and Social Bond Public Offerings
First bank in Southeast Asia to issue a negative-yielding bond and a COVID-19 response bond by a Philippine bank (7x oversubscribed).
Sustainability in Employee Performance (KRAs)
First Philippine bank to require a minimum 10% sustainability KRA allocation and mandatory sustainability training for all employees.
Sustainable Development Finance (SDF) Program
Financing program for renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, water, and pollution control, with free technical evaluations.
BPI is expanding its reach and impact through exclusive, limited-time promotions that promote both sustainability and financial inclusion. These special offers are designed to make eco-conscious choices more accessible for Filipino families and communities.
Here are some offerings that help you Do More for sustainability:
Real 0% Special Installment Plan (S.I.P.) for Solar Panels BPI Credit Cards has partnered with Go Solar, Greenergy, JC Solar, and Philergy to offer an exclusive 0% interest installment plan on solar panel purchases. This offer helps more households transition to renewable energy, without the upfront cost. Promo period applies.
Green Solutions Promos BPI’s commitment to sustainability now comes with added perks for customers ready to go green:
Solar Mortgage Loan – 5678 Promo: Lock in a 5-year fixed rate at just 6.7% and enjoy up to Php 80,000 in waived bank fees.
E-Vehicle “Charge on Us” Promo: Get ₱5,000 free charging credits when you apply for a BPI Auto Loan for an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from June 15 to August31, 2025, and book on or before September 30, 2025. Credits can be redeemed via the EVRO App and used at any ACMobility EV Charging Station.
These exclusive promos are part of BPI’s broader push to accelerate green adoption while making it more economical for individuals and families to take part.
BPI Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Eric Luchangcoshares the bank’s ongoing efforts to drive sustainability.
“Sustainability is not a parallel track—it is the foundation of how we do business,” says Eric Luchangco, BPI’s Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer. “We are leveraging our capital, data, technical know-how and partnerships to drive real-world solutions such as energy transition, financial inclusion, and environmental risk reduction. Our goal is to create, protect and further improve long-term value—not only for our shareholders but for the communities and ecosystems we serve.”
BPI is the only Philippine bank that is a member of the Global Compact Network Philippines, the local chapter of the UN Global Compact. It has also been consistently included in the FTSE4Good Index since 2020, reinforcing its standing as a trusted sustainability partner on a global scale.
Through its sustainability-driven agenda, the Bank is not only financing the future—it is actively shaping it.
TAIPEI Acer today announced the expansion of its Aspire AI series laptops with six new Copilot+ PCs, showcasing intuitive AI capabilities and versatile features. Available in sleek 14- and 16-inch models, these laptops offer varied configuration options, combining powerful computing with modern designs at pocket-friendly prices.
The new Aspire AI laptops cater to a diverse range of users, including students, professionals and families seeking reliable performance and multi-day battery life for their daily computing needs. As Copilot+ PCs, these laptops serve to streamline workflow with exclusive AI experiences, including Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview), and Improved Windows Search[1], making it easier to resume tasks and quickly find what users need. Acer’s proprietary AI applications – AcerSense™, Acer LiveArt™ 2.0, Acer PurifiedView™ 2.0 and Acer PurifiedVoice™ 2.0 – make it easy to manage settings, sift through files, produce stunning content instantly, and improve videoconferencing quality.
Featuring a durable, thin-and-light aluminum chassis, the Aspire 16 AI and Aspire 14 AI are perfect for travel, going to school and mobile work. Their versatile 180° hinge designs allow them to lay flat or be positioned in various ways, adjusting viewing angles based on the task at hand. With plenty of battery life, these devices can power through more than an entire day without needing to plug in.
The Aspire range comes with 14- or 16-inch up to 120 Hz displays featuring slim bezels, and 16:10 aspect ratios for expansive viewing. Touchscreen models are available for more interactive use cases. Each device is equipped with up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory, 1 TB PCIe Gen4 storage, and offers ultra-fast, stable connectivity with up to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Plus, they are equipped with a generous number of I/O ports, including a pair of USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and MicroSD card slots. Each model is also EPEAT Gold registered[2] and is encased in 100% recyclable packaging.
Aspire 14- and 16- AI Featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2)
The Aspire 14 AI (A14-53M/A14-53MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-52M/A16-52MT) laptops feature up to an Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V, built for high-efficiency to power the next wave of AI PCs and deliver new AI experiences with uncompromised performance. These Copilot+ PCs come with built-in Intel® Arc™ Graphics to support image enhancements, fast content creation and editing capabilities.
They also offer up to OLED WUXGA+ resolution displays, up to 500 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color range support, and VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500 certification to deliver brilliant on-screen images and color contrast.
Aspire 14- and 16- AI models with AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series Processors
Powered by up to AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 350 processors with advanced “Zen 5” CPU architecture, the Aspire 14 AI (A14-61M/A14-61MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-61M/A16-61MT) laptops are supercharged to effortlessly run local AI applications, breeze through tasks and workflows, and enhance device responsiveness while maintaining low power consumption.
Combined with high-speed wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connections, these latest Aspire AI Copilot+ PCs have the tools to create, play and browse faster and better, with fewer bottlenecks. They also feature up to OLED resolution, VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500-certified displays to deliver immersive visuals.
Aspire 14- and Aspire 16- AI with Snapdragon X processors
The Aspire 14 AI (A14-11M/A14-11MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-11M/A16-11MT) laptops are powered by the Snapdragon® X platform with integrated Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, Qualcomm® Adreno™ GPU, Qualcomm Hexagon™ NPU and a Windows on Snapdragon software ecosystem, offering reliable computing experiences with solid performance for creating presentations, web browsing, connecting on-the-go, or enjoying streaming content.
These Copilot+ PCs feature WUXGA displays with touchscreen options, and provide added convenience with biometric security features; QHD IR camera with privacy shutter, USB4 Type-C ports, and speedy Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.
Pricing and Availability
The Aspire 14 AI (A14-11M) based on Snapdragon X processors will be available in EMEA in June, starting at EUR 899, and in Australia in Q3, starting at AUD 1,399. The Aspire 14 AI (A14-53M) based on Intel Core processors will be available in EMEA in July, starting at EUR 999. The Aspire 14 AI (A14-61M) based on AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors will be available in EMEA in July, starting at EUR 999, and in Australia in Q3, starting at AUD 1,499. The Aspire 16 AI (A16-11M) based on Snapdragon X processors will be available in EMEA in July, starting at EUR 999, and in Australia in Q3, starting at AUD 1,499. The Aspire 16 AI (A16-52M) based on Intel Core processors will be available in EMEA in August, starting at EUR 1,099. The Aspire 16 AI (A16-61M) based on AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors will be available in EMEA in August, starting at EUR 1,099, and in Australia in Q3, starting at AUD 1,499.
Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.
Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 256V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 228V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 226V, with Intel AI Boost
Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen 4, NVMe SSD, with MicroSD card reader support
Camera
FHD IR (1920×1080) camera, 1080p HD video, with Temporal Noise Reduction, Dual-mic support
Ports
Two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports (one supporting power-off USB charging), HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card slot, Audio jack
Battery
65 Wh 4-cell Li-ion battery, battery life:Up to 21.5 hours (based on MobileMark® 2025 test results) Up to 26.5 hours (based on video playback test results) Up to 16 hours (based on web browsing test results)
Microsoft Pluton security processor, Facial recognition, privacy shutter
Dimensions
312 (W) x 225.9 (D) x 15.9 (H) mm (12.28 x 8.89 x 0.63 inches)1.24 kg (2.73 lbs.)
Name
Acer Aspire 16 AI
Model
A16-52M/A16-52MT
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Processors
Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 256V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 228V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 226V, with Intel AI Boost
Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen, NVMe SSD, with MicroSD card reader support
Camera
FHD IR camera (1920×1080), 1080p HD video, with Temporal Noise Reduction, Dual-mic support
Ports
Two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports (one supporting power-off USB charging), HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card slot, Audio jack
Battery
65 Wh 4-cell Li-ion battery, battery life:Up to 18.5 hours (based on MobileMark® 2025 test results) Up to 26 hours (based on video playback test results) Up to 17.5 hours (based on web browsing test results)
Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, with MicroSD card reader support
Camera
FHD IR camera (1920×1080), 1080p HD video, with Temporal Noise Reduction, Dual-mic support
Ports
Two USB 4 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports (one supporting power-off USB charging), HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card slot, Audio jack
Battery
65 Wh 4-cell Li-ion battery, battery life:Up to 16.5 hours (based on MobileMark® 2025 test results) Up to 18.5 hours (based on video playback test results) Up to 16.5 hours (based on web browsing test results)
Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 or above
Features
Copilot+ PC + hotkey, Acer My Key, Acer Sense™, Acer PurifiedVoice™ 2.0, Acer PurifiedView™ 2.0, Acer LiveArt™ 2.0
Security
Microsoft Pluton security processor, Facial recognition, privacy shutter
Dimensions
312 (W) x 225.9 (D) x 15.9 (H) mm (12.28 x 8.89 x 0.63 inches)1.25 kg (2.76 lbs.)
Name
Acer Aspire 16 AI
Model
A16-61M/A16-61MT
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Processors
AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 350 processorAMD Ryzen™ AI 5 340 processor
Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, with MicroSD card reader support
Camera
QHD IR camera (2560×1440), 1440p QHD video, with Temporal Noise Reduction, Dual-mic support
Ports
Two USB 4 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports (one supporting power off USB charging), HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card slot, Audio jack
Battery
65 Wh 4-cell Li-ion battery, battery life: Up to 28 hours (based on video playback test results) Up to 17 hours (based on web browsing test results)
Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 or above
Features
Copilot+ PC + hotkey, Acer My Key, Acer Sense™, Acer PurifiedVoice™ 2.0, Acer PurifiedView™ 2.0, Acer LiveArt™ 2.0
Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, with MicroSD card reader support
Camera
QHD IR camera (2560×1440), 1440p QHD video, with Temporal Noise Reduction, Dual-mic support
Ports
Two USB 4 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports (one supporting power-off USB charging), HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card slot, Audio jack
Battery
65 Wh 4-cell Li-ion battery, battery life: Up to 27 hours (based on video playback test results) Up to 18 hours (based on web browsing test results)
Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 or above
Features
Copilot+ PC + hotkey, Acer My Key, Acer Sense™, Acer PurifiedVoice™ 2.0, Acer PurifiedView™ 2.0, Acer LiveArt™ 2.0
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Nicolas Cage levels up again.
Nicolas Cage has truly made his mark in cinema, moving effortlessly between blockbuster action, indie dramas, and even quirky comedies. It seems there’s nothing he can’t do, and he proves this once again with Arcadian, a tense thriller set in a terrifying, monster-ridden future.
In Arcadian, the end of the world is just the beginning for Paul (Cage). Our first glimpse is of him in a desperate escape from what seems to be the end of civilization, carrying his two infant boys with him. Fifteen years later, Paul and his now teenage sons Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins) and Joseph (Jaeden Martell), live a meager existence on a remote farm. By day, they scavenge for resources and strengthen their defense, but nightfall brings a relentless onslaught from bloodthirsty photophobic monsters.
When Thomas ventures out after dark, a series of events unfolds that shatters their fragile safety. The family must then band together, using their wits and limited resources to confront not only the nightly terrors but also the tensions and secrets that threaten to tear them apart.
Directed by Benjamin Brewer, Arcadian throws you into a terrifying world of creature horror, but its heart lies in the fierce bonds of family. As Paul, Cage delivers a grounded performance as a father willing to go to great lengths to protect his sons in an unrecognizable world. Cage brings emotional depth to the role, reminding audiences why he’s one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
In an interview with Collider, Nicholas Cage explained how the film’s merging of his two favorite genres and its reflection of his own family dynamics fueled his interest in working on it: “It’s very simple really. Two of my favorite genres, independently spirited family drama, you know, grew up watching East of Eden, Kazan, Ordinary People, Redford, and then science fiction horror in that category, in this case particularly specifically science fiction. If you mash those two and the…the dynamic of the family, which is a father and two boys, which is largely what my family dynamic was, because sadly my mother couldn’t be around as much as we would have liked her to have been around. So my father did all the heavy lifting, so I wanted to tell a story about that family dynamic and then mash it up with science fiction and see what we could come up with, and I’m happy with these results.”
Explosive thrills and deadly creatures … .This May 30, survival is the only rule. Watch Arcadian on Lionsgate Play.
SM Supermalls is proud to partner with HOPE and the Department of Education for Generation Hope—a collaborative campaign that transforms everyday consumer purchases into tangible support for Filipino students by helping build classrooms across the country.
Launched on May 26, 2025, at Samsung Hall in SM Aura, the initiative brings together a coalition of brands, including SM Supermalls, BDO, Aivee, Carmen’s Best, Grab, Penshoppe, and Sunnies, united in a shared goal: to bridge the country’s classroom gap.
Ms. Nanette Medved-Po and Mr. Steven Tan assemble puzzle pieces at the Generation HOPE launch, symbolizing SM’s support in building classrooms for Filipino students.DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and HOPE Founder Nanette Medved-Po join representatives from seven brand partners in a united show of support to build classrooms and uplift Filipino education.
In addition to SM Foundation’s long-standing efforts—having built 110 school buildings with 374 classrooms—SM Supermalls is further extending its commitment to education by supporting Generation HOPE’s Build a Classroom Project, which aims to construct 10 new public school classrooms, funded in part through the sale of specially branded SM Bottled Water. Every purchase directly contributes to the classroom fund—empowering customers to be part of a nationwide solution.
“At SM, we believe that investing in education is investing in the future,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Through this partnership, we hope to empower the next generation of Filipino students by creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive.”
“We are grateful to our partners for joining us in turning everyday actions—like buying bottled water—into lasting change,” said Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of HOPE.
“Generation Hope is a reflection of our commitment to make quality education accessible to all,” said Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Mr. Steven Tan reflects on a lesson from the late Mr. Henry Sy, Sr.: ‘The greatest equalizer is really in education. That’s why we push education so much,’ underscoring SM’s deep commitment to educational advocacy.DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara delivers his closing remarks at the Generation HOPE launch event, reaffirming the government’s commitment to partnerships that uplift public education and build brighter futures for Filipino learners.
This partnership aligns with SM Cares’ advocacy for children and youth empowerment, and invites every Filipino to make a difference, one bottle at a time.
Every bottle makes a difference—by choosing SM Bottled Water, customers directly contribute to building much-needed classrooms for Filipino students across the country. Start making an impact today by picking up a bottle at any SM mall and be part of the movement to empower education, one sip at a time.
IN PHOTO: The elevated flood-proof Olandes STP control room located in Marikina City
Manila Water has successfully completed significant operational enhancements at the Olandes Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Marikina City, repurposing its unutilized capacity for Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) treatment. This initiative underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and compliance with updated effluent standards.
The P129.31-million BNR operational adjustment project, completed in November 2024, focused on optimizing the Olandes STP in removing ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates—substances that can contribute to ecological degradation when discharged untreated. By improving the BNR process, Manila Water is taking substantial steps to minimize the environmental impact of effluent discharge into nearby bodies of water.
Key enhancements implemented as part of the operational modification include replacing the existing Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS) process with a more advanced Modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) configuration. This upgrade involved several critical components such as structural modification and repair of tanks, construction of a chemical house for the chemical dosing system, installation of submersible pumps and mixers for improved distribution of treatment chemicals, and installation of a control panel and instrumentation for better monitoring and management of treatment processes.
With a current capacity of 10,360 MLD and a daily average inflow of 5,000 MLD, the Olandes STP serves over 40,000 residents across Barangays Cinco Hermanos, Industrial Valley, Sitio Olandes, Blue Ridge, and Libis in Marikina and Quezon City.
“The completion of the Olandes STP enhancements marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect the environment and ensure compliance with stringent effluent standards. By adopting advanced nutrient removal technology, we are not only improving the quality of wastewater treatment but also safeguarding the health of our waterways and communities,” Manila Water Communication Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said.
Additionally, the retrofitting of the Olandes STP to modify existing BNR processes ensures compliance with the strict regulatory standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for Class C wastewater, which can sustain marine life. This directive aims to ensure adherence to BNR process standards in wastewater treatment facilities which will redound to cleaner and safer waterways.
The enhancements at Manila Water’s Olandes STP, which include upgrading the Biological Nutrient Removal system, demonstrate the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and adherence to government standards on effluents, ensuring cleaner and safer waterways.
The debate is on: will you chase the sun as an ‘Outdoor Explorer’ or embrace indoor comfort as a ‘Stay-in Squad’? No matter your preference, here are ways you can create new core memories and make the most of the season.
For the Outdoor Explorers
Discover heritage sites near you: There is magic in reliving Old Manila through the walled city of Intramuros and the grand San Agustin Church, one of the four baroque churches built during the Spanish colonial era. Outside the capital, explore the stunning San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the majestic Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, and the intricate Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Iloilo — all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beyond the Instagram appeal, these remnants connect us to our history. Search online for more heritage gems in your area, drawing inspiration from travel vlogs and documentaries.
Be a ‘joiner’ in online travel groups: Finding it hard to rally your crew? Consider joining online travel groups on social media. Popular destinations for joiners include Luzon’s towering Mt. Pulag in Benguet or the sunny beaches of Zambales and Cebu. Check online reviews to ensure their itineraries suit your time and budget. And don’t forget to share your own adventures! Tip: Look for groups with clear safety guidelines and positive community feedback.
Go on a local gastronomic adventure: Have you tasted Aling Lucing’s sisig in Pampanga or the crispy perfection of Cebu lechon? What about the sweet comfort of buko pies in Laguna or the world-renowned mangoes of Guimaras? Summer is the perfect time for a delicious gastronomic journey. Use Google Maps and Waze to navigate your way through local shops and restaurants, ticking off those must-try dishes.
Live out your playlist: Immerse yourself in your favorite artists’ music by attending music festivals! It’s also the best venue to discover new and emerging sounds beyond your playlist – make sure to keep your smartphone ready to capture the energy of your crew and share your most memorable moments with the rest of the world.
Rule your adventure with Smart’s Power All: Make the most out of your adventures with Smart’s Power All offers. Enjoy generous data allocation so you may share your adventures online anytime, anywhere in real time while keeping connected with friends and loved ones no matter where your journey takes you. Smart Prepaid’s Power All 99 offers 10 GB of data for all sites and apps, plus your choice of Unli access to Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger or Unli access to TikTok that you can enjoy for 7 days. This is complemented by Unli All Net Calls and Texts, covering all your connectivity needs.
For the Stay-in Squad
Discover and learn a new passion: Spending time indoors offer a fantastic opportunity to dive into online courses and tutorials. Anime enthusiasts can learn to build intricate Gunplas or craft impressive cosplay costumes. Homebodies can explore the satisfying art of soap-making, pottery, or embroidery, or simply learn basic home repair skills.
Start an online business: The break can be your chance to turn that spark of an idea into a thriving online venture. Explore if your passion can become a lucrative endeavor by setting up an online shop or trying your hand at the dynamic world of live-selling. With the power of the internet, the possibilities are truly endless.
Stream your favorite content: Catch up on your favorite content, series, or movies and take full advantage of the summer to recharge. You may also stream the ongoing NBA Eastern and Western Conference finals live and know more via smrt.ph/fb.nbalp.
Boost your game: Improve your gaming skills, rank up, or try a new game online. Smart’s Power All is your ultimate companion for fast, reliable, lag-free, and seamless connectivity.
The Stay-in Squad may choose to use their mobile data at home for faster speeds, their own private connection, flexibility, and convenience without having to latch onto their home Wi-Fi to avoid the tendency of sharing bandwidth with other devices.
No matter which team you’re on, staying connected is key to sharing your memorable experiences. With Power All 99, enjoy Smart’s strong nationwide mobile coverage and amazing promos.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun or staying cool indoors, make this break your most amazing yet powered by Smart. #
GCash and FPG Insurance team up to offer free health insurance with every prepaid load purchase, making financial protection a part of everyday transactions
In line with the Philippines’ efforts to further boost the local insurance industry, GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, is introducing a new feature to unlock access to insurance for millions of Filipinos. The e-wallet is providing free health insurance, underwritten by FPG Insurance, every time eligible users buy prepaid credits for themselves using the Buy Load service.
“This initiative, powered by GInsure in partnership with FPG Insurance, reflects the commitment of GCash to making financial protection accessible to every Filipino, ensuring that even the simplest transactions, like buying prepaid load, come with the added security of health coverage at no extra cost,” said Winsley Bangit, vice president and group head of new businesses at GCash.
The country’s insurance penetration has been growing in recent years, but it remains below 2%. With millions of Buy Load users on the app primarily receiving mobile load, GCash sees an opportunity to protect more Filipinos, offering a valuable incentive beyond telecommunications.
Made possible by GInsure, every time eligible users make Buy Load transactions on the GCash app, they can also avail of the free health insurance coverage, empowering users to prepare for unexpected medical expenses due to accidents or hospitalization
“Beyond just financial assistance, this benefit ensures that users have funds to cover medical costs or compensate for lost income during recovery, helping prevent families from falling deeper into debt and alleviating financial struggles,” Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of GCash mobile wallet operator G-Xchange, Inc.
The free health and accident insurance gives eligible users up to PHP 30,000 coverage and additional valuable benefits. For every load purchase, a user can automatically get PHP 10,000 in accidental death coverage, which can be accumulated up to a maximum of PHP 30,000 when making up to three separate eligible load purchases.
Users can also get income assistance when they’re hospitalized due to illnesses and accidents, allowing them to receive PHP 500 per day salary assistance for a maximum of 5 days. They can also get up to PHP 10,000 disablement benefit, providing the user or their beneficiaries a safety net.
GCash introduced this initiative in response to shifting user needs. With millions of Filipinos still hesitant to fully embrace digital transactions, they still rely on traditional offline methods. Now, with free health insurance seamlessly integrated into prepaid load transactions, users can enjoy more benefits when they go digital, making each purchase not just more convenient but also rewarding.
Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), a major insurer in the country, has entered into a strategic partnership with SB Finance, Inc. (SBF) to empower more Filipinos by providing accessible insurance solutions integrated into SBF’s loan offerings. This collaboration aims to extend financial protection to a wider segment of the population, making insurance more inclusive and within reach.
Through this strategic partnership, SBF loan clients will be covered with life insurance from Sun Life Grepa, giving them peace of mind knowing that their loved ones will be protected from unpaid loan obligations in the event of life’s uncertainties.
“At Sun Life Grepa, we’ve always believed that financial protection should be a part of everyday life for Filipinos. It shouldn’t be something people only think about during major life events. That is why we are grateful to SBF for their trust in us to bring protection and financial flexibility together in a way that is simple, accessible, and meaningful,” said Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim.
SBF President and CEO Abbie Dans-Casanova also expressed her appreciation for the collaboration. “At SBF, we always aim to support our clients through every step of their financial journey. By integrating life insurance protection into our loan products, we ensure that our clients and their families are supported, especially during challenging times. I’m very grateful for this partnership with Sun Life Grepa because it allows us to put our clients’ peace of mind at the center of everything we do.”
The insurance coverage is available to clients availing of SBF’s eSALAD (salary advance), Personal Loan, and OR/CR for Cash loan products, offering up to PhP 2 million of Group Credit Life (GCL) insurance coverage.
The agreement was signed by Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim and Vice President for Affinity Marketing Joen Songco, along with SB Finance President and CEO Abbie Dans-Casanova and Chief Business Officer Gerard Betita.
SB Finance is a partnership between Security Bank and Thailand’s Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), offering innovative and accessible loan products tailored to the needs of everyday Filipinos.
Pru Life UK Assistant Manager for Community Investments and Sustainability Partnerships
Hannah Aman accepted the awards during a banquet dinner in Seoul, South Korea
Taguig City, 27 May 2025 – Pru Life UK was recognised at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards with Gold and Silver distinctions for its outstanding thought leadership and innovative corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives supporting underserved Filipinos and promoting youth financial education.
The Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards recognise business innovation across 29 countries, honouring organisations and individuals for excellence in thought leadership, business development, and CSR.
Pru Life UK received the Gold Stevie® for Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year for its Takaful Journey–a holistic approach to Islamic Finance through stakeholder and community engagement, capacity building workshops, and educational efforts. The initiative made Pru Life UK the first insurer in the Philippines to receive a Takaful license and is set to launch a Shari’ah-compliant product to cater to the financial needs of over seven million Muslim Filipinos.
The company also earned the Silver Stevie® for Innovative Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility for its Cha-Ching’s Million-Step Journey: Transforming Filipino Lives Through Financial Education. Developed by Prudence Foundation in partnership with Pru Life UK and JA Philippines, the programme has reached over one million Filipino children last year through a collaboration with the Department of Education, tackling financial illiteracy at the grassroots level by educating students on the fundamental financial concepts of Cha-Ching: earning, saving, spending, and donating.
“We are honoured to receive these recognitions that affirm the impact of our efforts in empowering underserved Filipino communities,” said Paul Mandal, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer at Pru Life UK. “We remain committed to helping Filipinos from all walks of life secure a better future.”
Pru Life UK was previously recognised in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards with two Silver and three Bronze awards for its initiatives supporting Filipino families. The company is dedicated to its mission of being the most trusted partner and protector for today’s Filipinos and the generations to come.