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As part of their drive to promote digital entrepreneurship as a means to stimulate local economies and help Filipinos build sustainable income, PLDT and Smart supported the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD NCR)’s recent “Sustainable LiveliTalks: Masterclass” held in Pasay City.

A key component of the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), this particular masterclass featured PLDT and Smart’s award-winning eBizNovation program, which equips micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with practical knowledge on how to leverage social media platforms to grow their businesses and participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

“We believe that digital inclusion is key to uplifting communities and enabling MSMEs to thrive,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “Through programs like #eBizNovation, we aim to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital space.”

A key highlight of the session was the story of Abbie Ricohermoso, owner of Josefina’s Homemade Food, who shared her journey from managing a small family eatery to building a thriving online business selling bottled Filipino dishes. With support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PLDT and Smart, and in partnership with TikTok Shop, Ricohermoso expanded her market reach, created employment opportunities, and gained international recognition. Her growing business now supports more local employees, demonstrating the transformative power of digital tools in local entrepreneurship.


Ricohermoso’s story resonated with attendees, including Belinda Formanes, 64, a sari-sari store and candle business owner. “Miss Abbie Ricohermoso’s talk really made an impact on me,” Formanes shared. “She showed how she started from her kitchen and grew her business online, even explaining the legal and technical steps. Her journey made me believe I can sell online too.”

To complement the e-commerce and social media marketing discussions, PLDT and Smart also conducted their #BeCyberSmart session, designed to help MSMEs protect their businesses from online scams and cyber threats. The session emphasized the importance of digital vigilance and responsible online practices.

Janred Mendoza, 33, member of DSWD-NCR SLP Association operating electric transport service, shared his key takeaway. “Be vigilant about links—whether from messaging apps, emails, or comment sections. Report suspicious content to telcos, platforms, or trusted authorities. These habits help track and shut down threats.”

PLDT and Smart’s support for MSMEs through eBizNovation and #BeCyberSmart is part of their broader advocacy for digital inclusion, aligned with the Group’s commitment to help build a digitally empowered Philippines

What do you look forward to this Christmas?

Whether it’s the sumptuous feast at Noche Buena or the gifts to unwrap under the tree, Christmas is a special occasion that fills the home with love and warmth.

As families prepare for the season of giving, Beko, from the No. 1 Large Home Appliance brand from Europe, is here to help you look for practical gift ideas that bring daily convenience. This year, send your love with smart, durable appliances designed for the modern Filipino home:

For the Coffee Connoisseur
We all have that one person who can’t function without their morning caffeine ritual, so the ideal gift for the coffee connoisseur is the Beko Espresso Machine (CEG7302B).

This is not your usual coffee maker; it’s a home café experience, but with easy operation. The GrindPro system offers 13 adjustable settings, ensuring your espresso is brewed using the freshest, most flavorful grind possible. Meanwhile, the BrewSense technology optimizes pressure and temperature for consistently perfect shots.  It also has a CreamyPro integrated milk cup perfect for lattes and cappuccinos with rich and adjustable foam.

For the Health Watcher
For those who stay in shape, preparing guilt-free yet tasty meals and treats is a no-brainer with the Beko Air Fryer (FRL2242B). This kitchen must-have is built with a spacious capacity that suits small cravings to large-quantity meal prep. With the smart fryer timer, you can simply set the right time for your recipe and relax; your delicious, crispy meals are done when the timer says so, leaving you free to do more tasks or catch up on your favorite shows.

For the Coolest Person In Your Life
In life, we have our role models or mentors we look up to. For the coolest person you know, give the coolest gift: the Beko Inverter Window-Type Airconditioner (BPVOW 090).

This air conditioner offers powerful and efficient cooling with the ProSmart Inverter, which adjusts the compressor speed to ensure optimal comfort while significantly reducing energy consumption and utility costs. It also has a Super Mode that delivers instant cooling and Sleep Mode that gently adjusts the temperature for uninterrupted sleep – because the coolest person in your life deserves the ultimate comfort.

For Your Home
Got a lot of food for the holiday season? Upgrade your refrigerator for more storage and energy saving with the Beko Side By Side Inverter Refrigerator (GNO563E50HFKPH) or the Beko Multi-Door Inverter Refrigerator (GNO480E40HFGBPH). These models have the HarvestFresh feature that mimics the 24-hour sun cycle to preserve vitamins for longer, making it much easier to craft healthier holiday meals. Plus, these also have a ProSmart Inverter Compressor that provides faster cooling with less energy consumption and four times quieter operation — perfect to keep party conversations going! After all, your family deserves the best kitchen partner.

It’s time to unwrap joy this holiday season as Beko Sends Love This Christmas! Score BIG discounts and take home freebies on select appliances until December 31, 2025.  Visit any leading appliance store near you to find your perfect Beko gift today! Check out the Beko online stores on Shopee and Lazada for more convenient shopping options.

For more information, visit www.beko.com/ph-en and on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @bekoph.

MANILA, Philippines – Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, won the Most Creative Marketing Campaign in the Philippines at the InsuranceAsia News Country Awards for Excellence 2025.

Manulife Philippines received the award for its Manulife Stories campaign, which showcased inspiring real-life stories from customers whose lives were positively impacted by the insurer’s comprehensive suite of products and solutions.  These stories reflected how Manulife effectively addressed evolving health and financial needs through meaningful support and tailored coverage.

The featured stories are:

• Marielle, who was able to finish her medical school because of the insurance benefit received when her mother passed away;
• Yvonne, who used her husband’s death benefit to send her child to nursing school;
• KL, a mother who used her policy’s living benefits to be able to afford an IVF procedure;
• Peach, an HIV+ transgender woman, who was able to save up for her family’s needs through her insurance; and
• Mark, a father of a child with special needs, who was able to obtain health coverage for his son.

“Our mission to make decisions easier and lives better for our customers in the Philippines comes to life through the Manulife Stories campaign,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “The experiences shared by our customers remind us that our interactions go beyond business transactions. We take pride in representing our commitment to being Filipino customers’ trusted partner towards a better, more financially secure future.”

Insurance Asia News is a leading regional publication, which offers commentary, features, and in-depth interviews for Asia’s insurance market. Now in its third year, the 2025 Philippines Awards for Excellence recognizes and rewards the accomplishments of market-leading companies and outstanding individuals, commending their pioneering efforts, innovation, and service to the insurance community.

With the first-ever Michelin Guide Philippines now officially announced, the spotlight is on the country’s growing dining scene — from chef-driven tasting menus to proudly local kitchens redefining Filipino flavors. And whether you’re finally trying a restaurant you’ve kept on your “someday list” or returning to a comfort favorite, Maya makes every meal better. 

Maya Credit Card users can enjoy up to 20% cashback (capped at ₱1,000 per month) when they dine and pay with their Maya Black Credit Card or Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card at thousands of restaurants nationwide — including several featured in the newly released Michelin Guide Philippines, such as Helm, Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inato, Kasa Palma, Linamnam, Toyo Eatery, Bolero, Cabel, Cochi, Halong, Lampara, Los Tacos, Manam (The Triangle), Pilya’s Kitchen, Some Thai, Taqueria Franco, The Underbelly, Your Local, 12/10, Antonio’s, Automat, Blackbird, Carmelo’s Steakhouse, Cirkulo, Fresca Trattoria, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, Goxo, Locavore, Lore, Lusso, Mamacita, Metiz, Now Now, Old Manila, Pablo, People’s Palace, Ramen Ron, Sala, Seva, Socarrat, Super Uncle Claypot, Taupe, Terraza Martinez, Txanton, Uma Nota, and Yamazato. 

Note: Restaurant listings are based on the official MICHELIN Guide Philippines 2025 release. 

And the best part? This 20% dining cashback comes on top of your regular card rewards. 

✅Maya Black users still earn up to 10x Maya Miles at Maya Black Preferred Merchants 

✅ Landers Credit Card users still earn extra cashback on every purchase 

Apply for a Maya Credit Card and explore dining deals at https://www.maya.ph/dineanywhere. For more information, visit maya.ph and mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. 

Maya is not affiliated with or endorsed by the MICHELIN Guide. Restaurant information is based on publicly available listings from the MICHELIN Guide Philippines.  

Clark Water Corporation, an operating unit of Manila Water Non-East Zone subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures and the sole water and wastewater service provider of the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ), recently celebrated its 25 years in service, highlighting major milestones and announcing plans to further enhance its services for customers and locators.

Since Manila Water assumed operations in 2011, Clark Water has invested approximately P6.6-billion to upgrade water and wastewater systems across the Freeport Zone. These improvements were made possible through strong collaboration with its regulator, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), led by President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, and the continued support of locators within the zone.

As a result of these strategic investments, Clark Water consistently delivers 100% coverage for water and wastewater services, continuous service, full regulatory compliance, and industry-leading performance—solidifying its position as a benchmark in the Philippine water utility sector.

Clark Water upholds operational excellence through four strategic pillars: Efficiency, Environmental Protection, Customer Value, and People & Community. These guide its mission to deliver sustainable, high-quality water services in the Clark Freeport Zone.

Clark Water ensures competitive rates, 24/7 service, and full compliance with Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water. The Company maintains world-class Non-Revenue Water (NRW) levels at just 6%, supported by a 20% supply buffer for reliability. It has achieved 100% sewer network integration and operates a centralized, compliant wastewater treatment facility, meeting DENR standards (DAO 2016-08 & DAO 2021-19).

These achievements come amid growing demand, with locators increasing from 1,096 in 2021 to 1,213 in 2025, and total water service connections reaching 1,894.

“Hindi pwedeng walang tubig, and we have lots of restaurants and hotels. We cannot afford to have water that is below standard. These are the challenges to Clark Water, and I am very proud to say that they have kept their commitment, their promise, and their performance,” shared Devanadera.

Beyond its core operations, Clark Water champions a safe and inclusive workplace while promoting the well-being of employees and communities through responsible water resource management. The Company also extends its impact beyond the Freeport Zone by supporting water access initiatives in Pampanga, building vital water supply facilities, and installing refrigerated drinking fountains to encourage hydration and public health.

Clark Water continues to recognize the importance of continued investment in its facilities as the CFZ continues to thrive as one of the Philippines’ major tourism and investment hubs.

“Continuous investment in water and wastewater infrastructure is critical to sustaining the growth of the Clark Freeport Zone as one of the Philippines’ premier tourism and investment destinations. By upgrading our facilities and introducing innovative solutions, we ensure that locators and communities have access to reliable, high-quality, and sustainable services. These improvements not only support economic development but also reinforce our commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term resilience,” said Lyn Zamora, General Manager of Clark Water.

As part of its long-term roadmap, Clark Water has developed the 2026 Service Improvement Plan, a strategic initiative focused on four key areas. Water Security prioritizes diversifying water sources to reduce reliance on groundwater, ensuring sustainability and resilience. Service Quality drives facility upgrades to meet evolving water and wastewater standards, guaranteeing safe and efficient service delivery. Service Accessibility and Continuity support service expansion and reliability to meet the growing needs of Clark Freeport Zone locators and maintain uninterrupted operations. Finally, Regulatory Compliance reinforces Clark Water’s commitment to meeting all regulatory requirements while addressing the water and wastewater needs of its stakeholders.

Starting 2026 until 2040, Clark Water will invest a total of P17.3-billion for planned infrastructure upgrades and system enhancements.

“As we celebrate 25 years of service, we reaffirm our commitment to world-class water and wastewater solutions for the Clark Freeport Zone. This milestone is a promise for the future—where sustainability, innovation, and excellence remain at our core. With the investment, we will continue supporting growth while protecting our environment and communities. Thank you to our partners and stakeholders for your trust as we build a stronger, more resilient Clark.” – Melvin Tan, COO of Manila Water Non-East Zone Operations said.