cheshirealice

About cheshirealice

http://www.chasingcuriousalice.com

Posts by Kim Baylon:

PNP ACG, CICC, GCash remind users to stay alert vs scams ahead of Undas 2025

PNP ACG, CICC and GCash urge Filipinos to stay alert against scams and fraudsters ahead of Undas 2025

As Filipinos prepare to head home to honor their departed loved ones this Undas, GCash reminds everyone to stay alert—not just on the road, but also online. With increased activity during the holidays, scammers often take advantage of users through text and chat messages that pretend to be from official GCash channels.

“As we commemorate this season of remembering our departed loved ones, digital safety remains a top priority. GCash continues to strengthen its systems and educate users to recognize and avoid scams, especially spoofing,” said Miguel Geronilla, GCash chief information security officer.

Be informed of scam tactics

Scammers are very cunning and will employ different ways to deceive people. One of the common scams to be alert to is spoofing—a type of online scam where fraudsters disguise their identity to make messages, emails, or calls appear as if they’re coming from trusted sources like GCash or other official institutions.

Watch out for spoofed messages

These messages may look official, but the goal is to trick users into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, MPINs, or account details. Never click suspicious links or share personal details like your OTP, MPIN, or account credentials.

Be alert against fake pages and impersonators

Some spoofing attempts come from fake GCash Facebook pages or Messenger accounts designed to look real. Check for the verified blue checkmark and report suspicious accounts. The only official page is GCash Official.

Never share your MPIN or OTP

Fraudsters may pose as GCash agents offering “account verification” or “cashback.” GCash will never ask for your MPIN, OTP, or personal details. Sharing these gives scammers access to your account. Always double-check before responding to any message.

Remember: GCash will never send links via SMS, email, or chat apps. Only transact through the official GCash app or verified GCash channels on Facebook and Messenger.

Spot suspicious links

If you receive a link claiming to fix an account issue or confirm a transaction, don’t click it. Phishing pages are designed to steal your login credentials. Instead, open your GCash app directly to verify any alerts or transactions.

Report and stay informed

If you think you’ve received a spoofed message or encountered a phishing attempt, immediately report it through the Help Center in the GCash app. The GCash security teams continuously monitor and act on reported scams to protect users.

Individuals who have fallen victim to scams are encouraged to report and file cases to initiate the investigation. For assistance, the public can contact the PNP ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph and the CICC national hotline at 1326 or mobile number 0991 4814225, or via email at report@cicc.gov.ph.

GCash users may also report suspected fraudulent activities to the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by messaging Gigi, “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also contact the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.

For more information and updates on cybersecurity, visit the PNP-ACG Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/anticybercrimegroup and GCash website at https://www.gcash.com.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can honor your loved ones this Undas without falling for scams.

Filipinos can download the GCash app for free on Google Play or the App Store. For safety reminders and updates, visit the official Facebook page at GCash Official.

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

PLDT Enterprise Drives Business Growth and Innovation Through Next-Level Wireless Solutions in South Luzon

DigiForms, 5G, and IoT solutions lead the shift towards smarter business

Held at Seda Nuvali, the South Luzon leg of the Wireless Product Summit demonstrated PLDT Enterprise’s commitment to empowering regional businesses through innovation, efficiency, and digital transformation.

Santa Rosa, Laguna — As part of its mission to help Philippine businesses to thrive in the evolving digital landscape through its wireless portfolio, PLDT Enterprise brought together business leaders, technology partners, and industry innovators at the Wireless Product Summit South Luzon Leg, held at Seda Nuvali, Santa Rosa, Laguna.

In partnership with Huawei, Samsung, and Soprano, the event, themed “Driving Business Growth and Innovation through Next-Level Wireless Solutions,” showcased how PLDT Enterprise continues to drive wireless transformation. This includes innovations across Enterprise Postpaid, Smart Internet of Things (Smart IoT) and 5G solutions, Smart Messaging Suite for A2P (Application-To-Person) platform, Smart Bizload, and the newly enhanced Smart DigiForms—a digital forms solution that helps businesses simplify data collection and workflow management.

Empowering South Luzon Enterprises with Smart Connectivity

Josh Montecillo, AVP and Head of Enterprise and International Wireless Product Management at PLDT Enterprise, emphasized the importance of strong connectivity in fueling regional growth.

“As more businesses in South Luzon embrace digital tools, we continue to evolve our wireless solutions to meet their needs—whether it’s ensuring reliable connectivity, enabling mobility, or providing smarter systems for operations,” Montecillo said. “Through innovations like 5G, Smart IoT, and platforms such as Smart DigiForms, we’re empowering businesses to operate efficiently and securely, wherever they are.”

A group of white boxes AI-generated content may be incorrect.

In photo: Smart Bro 5G FWA (Fixed Wireless Access)

Montecillo also discussed how Smart’s suite of solutions has been instrumental in modernizing enterprise operations nationwide—from 5G Fixed Wireless Access to IoT-enabled tracking and automation, and Smart Messaging Suite for secure and scalable communication solutions.

Smart DigiForms: Simplifying Business Operations Through Digital Innovation

A key highlight of the Summit was Smart DigiForms, a mobile and web-based solution that digitizes and automates form-based processes across various industries. With its customizable templates, cloud-based storage, and real-time data access, Smart DigiForms enables organizations to transition from paper-based workflows to fully digital operations—saving time, improving accuracy, and boosting productivity.

Through its intuitive interface and secure platform, Smart DigiForms caters to businesses of all sizes—supporting use cases in retail, logistics, field operations, healthcare, and financial services. The product aligns with PLDT Enterprise’s goal of empowering enterprises to simplify operations and enhance decision-making through digital transformation.

Josh Montecillo, AVP and Head of Enterprise and International Product Management at PLDT Enterprise, discusses the evolution of mobility and wireless technologies during the Product Summit.

A Commitment to Regional Growth and Innovation

Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Revenue Group, also underscored the value of the Wireless Product Summits in strengthening connections with regional clients and understanding their unique challenges.

“These summits allow us to listen to our customers and co-create solutions that directly address their needs,” Lagdameo shared. “South Luzon’s business community continues to grow rapidly, and PLDT Enterprise is committed to supporting this momentum through next-level connectivity and digital tools that help them achieve success.”

Throughout the event, PLDT Enterprise experts also presented the Smart Bizload platform for efficient employee load management, the Smart Messaging Suite for customer engagement, and IoT and 5G solutions for automation and security—all contributing to the company’s broader mission of enabling enterprises to operate smarter and more sustainably.

The South Luzon Wireless Product Summit 2025 concluded with a showcase of partner innovations and live demonstrations, reinforcing PLDT Enterprise’s role as a trusted enabler of digital transformation.

To learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s initiatives, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-wireless-summit-south-luzon-pr

Security Bank launches BetterBanking Rewards with “Ready. Set. Redeem!” event and mall takeover at Shangri-La Plaza

Security Bank launched its flagship credit card rewards platform, BetterBanking Rewards, at the “Ready. Set. Redeem!” event at Shangri-La Plaza on October 27, 2025. Television personality, model, and vlogger Wil Dasovich joined the event to demonstrate how easy it is to redeem points via BetterBanking Rewards. Also pictured are host Mark Wei and Elixir Javier.

October 27, 2025 – Security Bank unveiled its BetterBanking Rewards platform at the “Ready. Set. Redeem!” launch event and mall takeover at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City on October 27, 2025. The interactive event showcased the Bank’s latest innovation designed to make earning and redeeming rewards easier, faster, and more meaningful for its credit cardholders.

BetterBanking Rewards is the Bank’s flagship digital platform for credit card rewards and rebates, offering customers a real-time, fully automated experience for viewing, managing, and redeeming their points. The event featured interactive booths with product demonstrations, allowing guests to experience first-hand how seamless and rewarding the platform is.

“BetterBanking Rewards will redefine how our customers experience banking—by making every transaction rewarding, every moment convenient, and every point meaningful,” shared Meri Filart, VP and Credit Cards Head. “We listened to our customers and understood that they wanted more flexibility and transparency in how they manage their rewards. That’s why we built BetterBanking Rewards around simplicity, speed, and customer empowerment. Every swipe should feel rewarding—and now, it truly is.”

With BetterBanking Rewards, cardholders gain access to powerful new features:

Real-time tracking and redemption of reward points
Pay with Rewards, which allows cardholders to redeem their points globally at any location that accepts Mastercard
Points Exchange, which enables cardholders to convert their points into rewards with over 100 airline miles and hotel loyalty programs

These enhancements position BetterBanking Rewards as one of the top loyalty platforms offered by any local bank.

Security Bank’s Meri Filart, VP and Credit Cards Head, and Patricia Tan, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, spoke about the customer-centric benefits of BetterBanking Rewards during the Q&A session at the “Ready. Set. Redeem!” event on October 27, 2025 at Shangri-La Plaza.

This year, BetterBanking Rewards has already won several accolades for its innovation, customer-centricity including Best Customer Loyalty Program by the International Finance Awards, Best Advance in Loyalty/Rewards Programme by Retail Banker International, and Credit Card Initiative of the Year by Asian Banking & Finance.

“We’re continuously reimagining what banking should feel like,” added Filart. “BetterBanking Rewards is just the start of a more personalized, digital-first experience that gives our customers the freedom to enjoy the rewards that matter most to them.”

Apply now and start earning rewards instantly

Customers can apply for a Security Bank credit card through www.securitybank.com and register for BetterBanking Rewards via the Security Bank mobile app or website to start redeeming rewards anytime, anywhere.

PLDT Enterprise Onboards Known Group’s Burst SMS to Boost Secure A2P Messaging for Philippine Businesses

Executives from PLDT Enterprise and Burst SMS mark the onboarding of Burst SMS as the newest Application-to-Person (A2P) aggregator under the Smart Messaging Suite, advancing smarter, more secure enterprise communications and enabling growth for businesses across key industries. From left to right: Josh Montecillo, AVP and Head of Enterprise and International Wireless Product Management, PLDT Enterprise; Marlon Alberto, Head of Customer Relationship Management, PLDT Enterprise; Girlie Lee, Senior Relationship Manager, PLDT Enterprise; Mitch Locsin, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Core Business, PLDT and Smart; Brad Down, Chief Innovation Officer, Burst SMS; Matt Child, Director, MTMO, Part of Known Group; Mitch Powell, Director, MTMO, Part of Known Group

As businesses increasingly rely on real-time communication with their customers, secure messaging has become more essential. To address this need, PLDT Inc.’s corporate arm PLDT Enterprise has onboarded Burst SMS, a global messaging technology company from Known Group, as its newest Application-to-Person (A2P) aggregator through the Smart Messaging Suite. The partnership paves the way for smarter and more secure enterprise communication, helping the company scale its local operations while supporting businesses across key industries.

Unlocking Growth Through Trusted Messaging

Through its recently established Manila office, Burst SMS aims to better serve customers in retail, government, healthcare, and e-commerce. With its ISO27001 certification, 99.99% uptime, and direct carrier connections, Burst SMS delivers mission-critical SMS services designed for enterprises that require high-volume, low-latency messaging.

Under the new arrangement, Burst SMS has subscribed to Smart Messaging Suite with an initial volume that is expected to ramp up to 12 million SMS monthly within the next 3–6 months, supporting customer promos, announcements, advisories, and similar communications. This growth trajectory positions Burst SMS as a trusted regional player and strengthens the A2P messaging ecosystem in the Philippines.

Building Local Presence, Backed by Global Expertise

A new entrant in the Philippine market, Burst SMS carries a strong global presence and experience in messaging technology. Through its managed messaging gateway, Burst SMS connects enterprises directly to local carriers, enabling reliable, large-scale communication that supports faster and more secure delivery of customer notifications, such as retail promotions, government advisories, banking alerts, and healthcare reminders, among others. With high-volume messaging, enterprises can improve operational efficiency and boost customer engagement.

Voices from the Partnership

“Our collaboration with Known Group and Burst SMS reflects our drive to deliver meaningful innovations for enterprises,” said Mitch Locsin, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Core Business, PLDT and Smart. “With their global expertise and local presence, and powered by PLDT Enterprise’s robust network and digital solutions, Burst SMS is well positioned to accelerate the adoption of A2P messaging among Philippine businesses, enabling them to enhance customer engagement and drive growth.”

PLDT Enterprise and Burst SMS, a global messaging technology company under the Known Group, celebrate their partnership to deliver more secure and reliable enterprise communications.

Brad Down, Chief Innovation Officer of Burst SMS, added: “We are excited to work closely with PLDT Enterprise as we expand in the Philippines. This partnership strengthens our ability to serve enterprises that require secure, high-volume messaging, and supports our vision of driving smarter customer engagement in the region.”

Enabling Smarter Communication Across Industries

With its focus across industries, this collaboration expands the availability of secure, scalable, and reliable messaging solutions for organizations nationwide. This partnership also reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s commitment by enabling businesses to connect with their customers more effectively, while contributing to the digital growth of the Philippine digital economy.

To learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s suite of solutions, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-burst-sms-partnership-pr

Only Maya Gives You the Power to Save Your Favorite Housemate in PBB Celebrity Collab 2.0 Edition

After a successful run of the last Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Celebrity Collab Edition, Maya—the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines—is back inside Kuya’s house. With a new batch of Gen Z Kapamilya and Kapuso housemates, fresh collab twists, and iconic moments unfolding every week, the magic of the PBB Celebrity Collab 2.0 Edition is stronger than ever. Returning as this season’s official voting partner, Maya gives Mayamayans the power to save their favorite housemate in just a few taps.

Whether you’re a loyal stan, a silent voter, or a full-on fandom commander, Maya makes it easier and smarter to go all out for your fave.

Your Vote, Supercharged

Mayamayans can level up their voting power with exclusive perks—like referral rewards and extra funds from their Maya Savings interest earnings. First time using Maya? Get 100% cashback on your first vote! Share your Maya invite code and earn as much as ₱15,000 from successful referrals so you and your friends can go full force to save your chosen Housemate.

Voting Made Easy

No complicated steps here. Just open the Maya app, tap the PBB icon, choose your Housemate, and pick your vote package. That’s it. Whether you’re backing your favorite Kapamilya or Kapuso Housemate, Maya puts real voting power in your hands.

More Than a Vote—It’s a Movement

Mayamayans can even use their Maya Savings interest earnings to support their favorite Housemates. With Maya, everyday transactions—like paying bills, buying coffee, or sending money—can earn up to 15% interest p.a., credited daily, giving you extra funds to vote when it matters most.

Don’t miss PBB Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0, airing every weeknight at 9:40 PM, Saturdays at 6:15 PM, and Sundays at 10:05 PM on GMA. You can also catch every episode online via Pinoy Big Brother’s YouTube page, GMA Pinoy TV Channel, Kapuso Stream, Kapamilya Online Live, and iWantTFC. The all-access stream is also available on GMANETWORK.COM and IWANT.

Download the Maya app now, vote smart, and start your #SaveWithMaya journey today! To know more about this exciting collab, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

From Billboards to Breakthroughs: NYXSYS Philippines, Inc. Leads Digital Outdoor Revolution

[Manila, Philippines] — In the latest episode of ROI’d to Success, the Hustleshare podcast spotlights the remarkable journey of Mansueto “Joel” Callao, Chairman and CEO of NYXSYS Philippines, Inc., whose vision transformed a traditional out-of-home (OOH) advertising venture into one of the country’s most innovative digital media and technology providers.

Founded in 2014 as a spin-off from a legacy billboard business, NYXSYS is now at the forefront of merging advertising with technology—powering smart LED billboards, interactive poster boxes, and RFID-enabled business solutions for clients across Metro Manila and beyond.

But behind this transformation is Callao’s personal hustle story in leading NYXSYS through multiple waves of reinvention, seeing opportunity in adversity as the country’s digital economy surged and the pandemic affected consumer behavior.

“When the pandemic hit, everything stopped, and we didn’t have any prepared business plan. But I waited, I prayed a lot, and we strategized on how to survive and thrive. And that’s where we decided to focus more on the technology aspect of our business. And I thought of audience measurement on digital, the first of its kind in the Philippines, something that can produce and analyze data, enable people to engage, and enable people to interact and lead to conversion,” Callao said.

This pivot marked a turning point for NYXSYS. Embedding AI and data analytics into its Digital OOH (DOOH) systems, the company transformed passive screens into intelligent, performance-driven platforms, empowering clients to reach a mobile-first audience with unmatched precision.

But scaling up a digital business required more than just vision—it demanded a rock-solid infrastructure. That’s when NYXSYS partnered with PLDT Enterprise, ushering in the next stage of growth.

“We are very thankful that PLDT Enterprise came into the picture at the perfect time. When we transitioned to digital AI analytics, PLDT Enterprise was there offering us the right services and readily available infrastructure, exactly when it was needed the most, providing us with a system that is very robust and reassuring,” he added.

Through PLDT Enterprise’s suite of advanced solutions—including SD-WAN, iGate, Smart Bro 5G, Telavi, Endpoint Licenses, Managed Service Desk, and Smart IoT— NYXSYS was able to unify its operations, modernize its cybersecurity, and reduce downtime across its digital signage network, enabling the company to hit its sales targets, fueled by better connectivity, continuing innovation, real-time content control, and faster client servicing.

“NYXSYS is really in the habit of creating and innovating every single day, and everything we do is for the growth and benefit of the industry. Right now, we are very focused on learning new ways to innovate and advance our business. But it should not just always be about just wanting more, doing more. At the end of the day, our plans should be aligned with the core values of the company, which speaks about the culture. We want to build so that we can benefit future generations, and that is why we at NYXSYS are always looking to discover more,” Callao added.

His leadership mantra? Keep building, keep learning, keep pushing the boundaries of what DOOH advertising can become. And with partners like PLDT Enterprise enabling that momentum, the future looks even more connected—and more ambitious.

“At PLDT Enterprise, our priority has always been to provide the support that empowers our partners to scale with confidence. NYXSYS’ story is a testament to how the right infrastructure, backed by responsive and reliable service, can turn bold visions into reality. We are proud to stand alongside them in pushing the boundaries of digital innovation for the industry,” said Mitch Locsin, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Core Business at PLDT and Smart.

This episode of ROI’d to Success is a powerful reminder that behind every tech transformation is a human story—of grit and growth. Discover more about NYXSYS at ROI’d To Success with Hustleshare on Spotify via https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DvAQ6GBEwmQvnfgjL9Wan

To learn more about the digital solutions fit for your business, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ROId-NPI-pr

SM Bulacan Malls Illuminate the Holidays With Grand Christmas Centerpieces

SM Bulacan malls celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the grand unveiling of their captivating Christmas centerpieces, officially ushering in the holiday season in the province.

Mallgoers are treated to a classic festive journey as SM Bulacan malls transform their atriums into a majestic Christmas attraction, embellished with the iconic Holiday Grand Red Ribbon, symbolizing joy, unity, and the true spirit of the Yuletide season.

SM City Marilao unwraps a 36-ft Christmas tree inspired by the ‘Holiday Symphony.’ Showcasing an enchanted forest of stylized rotating Christmas trees, the centerpiece shines bright with a modern sparkle—glistering lights and classic ornaments ascend in graceful harmony, together with the hanging trees with branches dressed in shimmering ornaments and cascading curtain lights.

Meanwhile, SM City Baliwag reveals the ‘Holiday Tale,’ a mystical Christmas centerpiece that exudes whimsical wonders. Built with a marvelous 30-ft Christmas tree, the attraction is surrounded by gnomes, reindeer, gift boxes, and magical candles.

SM Center Pulilan, on the other hand, unveils the ‘Wrapped Christmas Wonders.’ This year’s theme captures the concept of holiday festivities and gift-giving, highlighted by a classic 30-ft Christmas tree. Shoppers will feel every inch of the Yuletide season as the centerpiece showcases marvelous stacks of giant gift boxes, mini trees, and reindeer.

In line with the launch of the holiday centerpieces, SM malls in Marilao and Baliwag introduce the SM Besties of Joy. For every two pieces of bear purchased, one will be given to a community charity, spreading warmth and comfort this holiday season.

SM is making the holidays extra meaningful as the malls celebrate “100 Days of Kindness”—a nationwide campaign that brings cheer, joy, and generosity to millions of Filipinos.

Until December 25, SM will feature daily videos on its digital platforms featuring touching and inspiring acts of kindness through the “100 Days of Kindness” campaign, where shoppers may experience random acts of kindness such as surprise treats, warm greetings, and delightful gifts.

The coming days will be merrier as SM Bulacan malls celebrate Christmas in full swing with festivities, Christmas markets, and entertainment the malls have in store all throughout the holiday season.

For updates, visit the official Facebook pages of SM City Marilao, SM Center Pulilan, and SM City Baliwag.

SM GRAND CENTRAL YULETIDE BRINGS MAGIC TO CALOOCAN

Santa Claus welcomes guests to SM’s Grand Central Yuletide in Caloocan, a multi-sensory Christmas spectacle that turns every floor into a magical story of sights, sounds, and holiday wonder.

The spirit of Christmas took on a grand new form at SM City Grand Central as the mall unwrapped its dazzling holiday centerpiece, Grand Central Yuletide. This multi-sensory Christmas spectacle reimagined festive malling with a layered celebration of sights, sounds, and heartfelt wonder, transforming every floor into a chapter of a Christmas story waiting to be discovered.

At the heart of the festivities stands the Grand Yuletide Christmas Tree at the atrium, a towering 30-ft symbol of hope and unity wrapped with a magnificent red holiday ribbon. This ribbon winds through the mall’s décor, visually tying together each festive attraction into a cohesive narrative of love, cheer, and connection.

SM City Grand Central officially launched its Holiday Centerpiece with a Christmas toast. Joining honors are Caloocan Vice Mayor Anna Karina Teh (Middle), (L-R) SM City Grand Central Mall Manager Von Aaron Tan, Caloocan City Treasurer Analiza Mendiola and Barangay Chief Jason Geronimo.

At the heart of SM City Grand Central’s festivities, the 30-foot Grand Yuletide Christmas Tree shines bright at the atrium — a towering symbol of hope and unity adorned with a magnificent red ribbon that winds through the mall, weaving together a story of love, cheer, and connection.

Visitors are invited to ascend aboard the Yuletide Cable Car Ride, where suspended bows, glimmering ornaments, and smiling Christmas village gnomes welcome guests on every level. The vertical journey heightens anticipation for the wonder that awaits above.

Special Christmas mascots bring extra warmth and joy to SM City Grand Central’s holiday launch.

SM City Grand Central executives and Caloocan City officials join hands to officially launch the mall’s dazzling Holiday Centerpiece, marking the beginning of a grand and heartwarming Yuletide season.

At the fifth level lies this year’s showpiece, the Christmas Village. Inspired by storybook towns, it welcomes guests into a cozy holiday hamlet filled with charming nooks, gift finds, and heartwarming Christmas novelties. The Singing Reindeer Shed adds a melodic touch, enchanting audiences with cheerful carols that complete the mall’s symphony of sights and sounds.

A heartwarming family moment at SM City Grand Central’s Christmas Village, where festive sights, melodic reindeer, and Santa’s cheerful presence bring the magic of the holidays to life.

With Grand Central Yuletide, each floor offers a fresh discovery, from whimsical displays perfect for photo moments to interactive corners that invite children and adults alike to pause, play, and rekindle the childlike wonder of the season.
From the radiant glow of the Grand Yuletide Christmas Tree to the joyful chorus of the Singing Reindeer, every corner of SM City Grand Central exudes warmth, love, and magic. More than a holiday attraction, it is a layered celebration that makes every visit feel like unwrapping a gift, one floor at a time.

Smiles all around! Friends gather for a festive snap with Santa by the dazzling Grand Central Yuletide tree.

A woman and her furry friend share a paw-some moment behind the Grand Yuletide Cable Car at SM City Grand Central

With its Grand Central Yuletide and Christmas Village, SM City Grand Central reminds everyone that Christmas is truly best celebrated together.

Double Win for EastWest at The Asian Banker Philippine Excellence Awards 2025

Recognized for Best Foreign Exchange Service and Best Digital Ecosystem&Platform

From L–R: EastWest Chief Digital Officer, Harvey Libarnes; Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Issa Yap; Metro Manila Sales Officer, Trina Marie Burgos; and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management Cluster, Raffy Algarra, Jr., who represented the Bank at The Asian Banker Philippine Awards held on 14 August 2025 in Manila.

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) earned two top honors at The Asian Banker Philippine Excellence Awards 2025, winning Best Foreign Exchange Service and Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform. These show EastWest’s drive to deliver high-value, customer-focused, and innovative banking solutions for Filipinos at every life stage.

These awards capture the heart of EastWest’s mission to make banking easier and more inclusive. Whether through competitive and transparent foreign exchange services or a digital ecosystem designed for all, the Bank continues to build solutions that meet the unique needs of every customer at every stage of their financial journey. This is the EasyWay to Bank.

Best Foreign Exchange Service

EastWest’s win for Best Foreign Exchange Service reflects its competitive rates, convenient FX conversion, and strong focus on client value. With a buy-sell spread significantly lower than competitors’, the Bank delivers exchange rates better than the market average which helps customers maximize their currency conversions.

Despite economic headwinds in recent years, EastWest maintained steady growth in FX transactions, customer base, and trade volume, achieving record-high performance in 2024.

To further elevate the customer experience, the Bank has rolled out operational and digitization initiatives:
 Launched e-Forex on EasyWay in 2024 for convenient online forex conversion of USD/PHP for individual clients.
 Introduced e-Signature and e-Document submission which streamlined documentation and improving client convenience.
 Expansion plans for 2025 include FX third currencies for individual and corporate clients.

Best Digital Ecosystem&Platform

The Best Digital Ecosystem&Platform award honors EastWest’s segment-focused, human-centered approach to digital banking. It offers inclusive, secure, and innovative solutions tailored to the needs of every Filipino. This ecosystem includes:
 EasyWay – a digital platform offering multi-currency capabilities, consolidated views, wealth tools, and in-app customer service.

 Komo – a fully digital account with competitive interest rates, low-cost transfers, and personal and salary loans.
 ESTA – the country’s first AI-powered credit card servicing chatbot on Facebook Messenger, enabling instant transaction updates, credit limit adjustments, and installment conversions.
 EastWest Pay – the first Visa-certified tap-to-pay mobile app for NFC-enabled Android devices in the Philippines.

In 1H 2025, EastWest’s digital penetration among existing clients rose to over 44%. EasyWay welcomed hundreds of thousands of clients, and Komo empowered an equally strong community of users, including public school teachers. Across all platforms, the Bank implemented AI-driven fraud detection, biometric authentication, and proactive security controls, ensuring that customers enjoy both ease and peace of mind.

By designing these platforms from the ground up for specific customer groups, EastWest has gone beyond offering digital products to deliver a connected, future-ready banking experience that grows and adapts with its customers.

Moving Forward

EastWest’s recent wins strengthen its standing as a trusted, forward-looking leader in Philippine banking. The Bank continues to advance its services through digital innovation, competitive offerings, and customer-focused strategies that bring convenience, security, and meaningful financial empowerment.

Jollibee’s New Christmas Treats Bring Holiday Joy in Every Cup

Christmas in the Philippines is all about togetherness, joy, and of course — indulgent food that bring people closer. This year, Jollibee makes the season even sweeter with its all-new Christmas Treats, made to turn even the simplest moments into a festive holiday celebration.

From the first sip of the luscious Iced Vanilla and Iced Caramel Coffees to the creamy Coffee Floats, and the chocolatey Rocky Road Sundae made with KITKAT ®, every treat delivers holiday joy in every cup. Smooth, crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey — these festive treats offer rich textures and delicious flavors that feel like Christmas with every cup.

“Filipino Christmas is known as the longest and happiest in the world, and Jollibee is proud to be part of the celebrations,” said Pamie Cruz, Marketing Director from Jollibee. “With the new Jollibee Christmas treats, we want to capture the spirit of the season by transforming everyday into joyful holiday moments.”

Perfect for barkada bonding, office merienda breaks, or family get-togethers, Jollibee’s Christmas Treats let you bring the holiday cheer anywhere, anytime, starting at only PHP 60.

The Jollibee Christmas Treats are available for a limited time only in select Jollibee stores nationwide for dine-in, take-out, and delivery. Order now via the Jollibee App, Order.Jollibee.com, GrabFood, or foodpanda, and experience holiday joy in every moment.

For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X, Instagram, and TikTok.

«‹ 22 23 24 25 ›»