Ms. Sharon Burgos, PCPPI’s Environment, Health, Safety, and Security Manager (leftmost); Atty. Senando Santiago, Acting General Manager of LLDA (center); Atty. Carina Sumilong Bayon, PCPPI’s Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer; and Engr. Fernando Ramos, PCPPI’s Head of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security.
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the joint initiative, “Abot-Kamay Para sa Laguna de Bay – Mission in Action: Solid Waste Recovery.”
The partnership reinforces the two organizations’ commitment to protect and preserve the Laguna de Bay through collaborative solid waste recovery efforts and pollution control, in line with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law. PCPPI also remains an active member of the Muntinlupa Watershed Management Council and has adopted the Magdaong River under LLDA’s Adopt-a-River project—underscoring its long-term dedication to the health of local water ecosystems.
This year’s month-long celebration returns with intimate shows, music talks, and a message of unity through music
This year marks an incredible milestone for Filipino music as Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) celebrates its 11th anniversary with a robust slate of events and programs designed to put a spotlight on the vibrant and evolving landscape of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
With the theme “LMP25: Ikaw. Ako. Tayo,” the month-long celebration honors the spirit of the community and collaboration that defines the Filipino musical identity.
Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit’s (OPM) Executive Director Gab Cabangon emphasizes that this edition aims to embrace the culture of community and collaboration while celebrating how integral music is to the lives of the Filipino people. “This is why we have a mix of OPM Spotlight performances in different areas of Metro Manila that retained the ‘back-to-basics’ approach we had for LMP 2024 and the music talk series designed to inspire music artists to pursue artistic excellence and to create an accessible learning space for artists aspiring to become professionals in their field. It’s about bringing everyone in spaces to celebrate music together.”
He adds, “Apart from the learning opportunities that we included this year, this is also the first time that we have a lineup of artists who are all part of the membership of OPM. We have around 50 artists who will be performing for this year’s Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino.”
Organized by the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), LMP25 brings together more than 50 artists across multiple venues in Metro Manila for a month-long series of performances, discussions, and workshops. The initiative aims to entertain and empower the next generation of Filipino music creators and deepen public appreciation for OPM in all its diversity.
OPM Spotlight: LMP25
From July 1 to August 1, audiences can look forward to a curated series of live shows across key venues in Metro Manila. The OPM Spotlight performances will showcase artists from OPM’s growing membership roster, each delivering sets comprised of original works and beloved OPM covers. The lineup brings together indie acts, rising stars, and iconic performers, offering a powerful cross-section of the Filipino music movement today.
Cabangon believes that celebrating Filipino music also means creating spaces for aspiring songwriters and artists to learn and expand their knowledge in music. Since the membership grew significantly this year, the focus was to provide as many opportunities as they can for OPM members. “This is probably the first time that our lineup is 100% made of artists who are part of the membership. We factored in style/genre, their music and storytelling approach, and, of course, their readiness and availability in the building of the lineup and schedule of activities for LMP. We’re happy that we have legends like Color It Red and Noel Cabangon who are going to perform during the LMP25 Celebrations. We also have rising OPM artists such as dwata, Solace Out the Door, and PhilPop Himig Handog Grand Champion Tiara Shaye among others as part of the lineup.”
LMP25: Music Talk Series
Set for July 26 (Saturday) at Greenhills Cinema, the LMP25: Music Talk Series is a half-day program designed to foster education and dialogue among music industry professionals, students, and aspiring artists. Featuring respected figures such as Paolo and Miguel Guico of Ben&Ben, Shadiel Chan, Jeli Mateo of Flip Music, and OPM legend Jim Paredes among others, the talks will tackle songwriting, music production from the label’s perspective, arrangement, licensing, and publishing. The sessions will provide rare but tried-and-tested insights into both the creative and commercial sides of music-making.
Cabangon explains that the LMP25 Music Talk Series will be a good start or stepping stone for artists to at least get a better grasp of the intricacies of our industry that go beyond the songwriting and performance. “We also want to be able to equip as many aspiring artists as possible with the knowledge and the tools to help them succeed and protect their rights as artists. We’ve also started discussing with other brands and organizations about possibly organizing more talks and connecting our members to programs that will help them expand their music industry knowledge. Hopefully in the long run, the LMP Music Talk Series is something we can expand and make more accessible to other artists.”
LMP25: Rockwell Series
From July 24 to 30, the LMP25 Rockwell Series presents a series of acoustic pop and singer-songwriter performances at the Power Plant Mall, Makati City. Held daily at 12:00 NN and 5:00 PM, the shows provide an intimate setting for audiences to connect with music and the artists behind it. All featured performers are OPM members, underscoring the organization’s commitment to supporting its growing community.
Celebrating progress, honoring roots
First established in 2014 through Proclamation No. 933 by the late former President Benigno Aquino III, the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) was conceived as a national week-long celebration of Filipino music. Over the past 11 years, the OPM organization has played a crucial role in elevating the event into a cultural institution.
“We believe the objectives and the goals of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) have always been the same, which is to champion and to celebrate Filipino music,” says OPM Board Member Ogie Alcasid. “As an organization, OPM has always made efforts to try to be as inclusive as possible with the shows and programs that we organize for LMP. This is why the lineup of artists that we have is a mix of independent artists, rising OPM acts, and respected legends in our industry. We believe our efforts to try and be more inclusive, especially of our members, have helped in the evolution of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino.”
Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) presents LMP25 in collaboration with the following partners:
LMP25 Co-presenter & LMP25 Music Talk Series Co-organizer: Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP).
LMP25 Co-presenter & LMP25 Rockwell Series Co-organizer: Rockwell Land Corporation and Power Plant Mall Makati.
LMP25 Promotional Partners: Philippines Recorded Music Rights, Inc. (PRM), Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and PhilPop Musicfest Foundation, Inc.
Official Music Media Partner of LMP25: Billboard Music Philippines.
LMP25 Venue Partners: JT’s Manukan Katipunan Ave. QC and JT’s Manukan Kalayaan Ave. QC, Kubo Bar Kalayaan Ave. QC, UNWND Boutique Hotel Makati, Burnt Edges by The Shrimp Bucket Glorietta Mall Makati, Beach House Bar & Grill Marikina, The Backdoor Maginhawa QC.
Ahead of their stint at Fuji Rock Festival in Japan this month, the acclaimed quartet will be gracing Manila with their signature garage-punk energy and captivating sound
Manila, Philippines —Indonesia’s acclaimed surf rock quartet, The Panturas, is set to bring their high-octane energy to Manila on July 19, 2025, at Sari Sari in Makati City.
Presented by Shoplifters United, the Manila show marks their first-ever performance in the Philippines and will serve as the first stop of their 2025 Asian tour before the band heads to Japan for a coveted slot at the iconic Fuji Rock Festival.
Known for their electrifying blend of vintage surf riffs, psychedelic textures, and garage-punk energy, The Panturas have built a loyal following across Southeast Asia for nearly a decade. Their music evokes the energy of a Tarantino film, only that it’s set in Bandung or coastal Java. Armed with infectious stage presence and global appeal, they’ve carved out a sound that’s equal parts retro swagger and post-modern cool: a perfect match for Manila’s ever-evolving indie music crowd.
For the Manila leg of the tour, the Indonesian band will be joined by a stellar lineup of local acts, including Oh, Flamingo!,(e)motion engine, Pikoy, and We Are Imaginary.
Pre-sale tickets are now available at PHP 400 for a limited time only. For tickets, check out the announcements via Shoplifters United.
Manila, Philippines — Shell Pilipinas Corporation is empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country through the Shell Fleet App (SFA), a first-of-its-kind mobile solution that streamlines fleet and fuel management in a secure and paperless way. Launched in 2022, the app allows business owners to manage their Shell Fleet Card, control fuel spend, track driver activity, and access real-time reports, all in one platform. By simplifying traditional processes and eliminating paperwork and manual tracking, SFA gives SMEs the ability to operate with greater ease, visibility, and efficiency. A Digital Response to a Growing SME Sector
With SMEs comprising 99.5% of registered businesses in the Philippines, Shell saw a critical need for tools tailored to their daily challenges. The app condenses the typical fleet card application process into just five minutes and has already contributed to a tenfold increase in SME customer acquisitions. According to Deepti Behl, Global Head of SMEs GM of Digital Products & Marketing at Shell Fleet Solutions, the app helps owners reclaim their time and streamline operations. “We designed the app to empower SME owners to manage their fleets anytime, anywhere. It reduces admin work, offers peace of mind, and enables entrepreneurs to focus on growth.” Transforming Daily Operations
From automotive to retail and construction, Shell Fleet App users from various sectors have reported positive results. Business owners describe smoother daily operations, real-time visibility of fuel spend, and faster driver and expense management, all while on the go. Their testimonials reinforce SFA as not just a convenience but a business enabler.
With its core benefits, the app is purpose-built for Filipino SMEs. Whether it’s tracking fuel usage in real time, enabling seamless automated payments, or offering savings for the purchase of Shell lubricants, the app provides everyday value while helping ease cash flow pressures for small business owners.
Recognized Across Asia for Innovation
The Shell Fleet App’s breakthrough approach has earned multiple regional and international recognitions. Most recently, it won its third award, the Stevie Award at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, further cementing its status as a world-class solution for small and medium enterprises. The app was also previously named Digital Transformation Initiative of the Year for the Philippines at the 2024 Asian Oil & Gas Awards and received the User Experience of the Year for Energy at the 2022 Asian Experience Awards. These accolades highlight Shell’s commitment to digital innovation that directly improves the way businesses operate.
A Future-Focused Commitment
Shell Pilipinas remains focused on developing tech-driven tools that help Filipino entrepreneurs grow and thrive. With regular updates informed by user feedback, the Shell Fleet App continues to evolve, shaping the future of fuel and fleet management for SMEs nationwide.
The Shell Fleet App is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. SMEs can get started in minutes by downloading the app, signing up, and instantly unlocking access to Shell Fleet Card benefits. For more information, customers may visit the Shell Fleet Card for Small Business website or call the Shell Customer Service Hotline at +632 8878 8811.
K-drama dreams are officially taking off as global heartthrob and Korean entertainment icon Hyun Bin makes his highly anticipated first visit to Manila on August 8, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire Resort Entertainment City.
From his unforgettable roles in Crash Landing on You, Secret Garden, and My Lovely Sam Soon, Hyun Bin has conquered hearts across the globe—and now, he’s bringing that star power straight to his Filipino fans in what promises to be a legendary night.
To celebrate this rare appearance, Solaire is rolling out the red carpet for fans with an electrifying raffle promo. From July 1 to 31, 2025, every ₱2,000 net single-receipt spend at any bar or restaurant in Solaire Resort Entertainment City or Solaire Resort North earns you a shot at scoring a seat to “Hyun Bin Landing at Solaire.”
Simply present your valid receipt at the raffle redemption booths within either resort to claim your raffle ticket. Submit your entry and you could be one of 500 lucky winners—250 from each location—who will receive an official ticket to the exclusive meet and greet.
The raffle draw happens on July 31, 2025, at 7:00 PM, and winners will be notified via SMS and email. Tickets must be personally claimed between July 31 and August 7, and while they aren’t convertible to cash, they are transferable. And yes—you can win more than once!
So whether you’ve swooned over Captain Ri or fallen for his quiet intensity in his earlier roles, this is your moment to get closer than ever to the man behind the magic. Hyun Bin is landing. Will you be there when he does?
For more information on the Hyun Bin meet and greet, visit solaireresort.com
Every parent knows the drill: a new school year means a fresh wave of expenses—uniforms, tuition, supplies, baon, gadgets. And somehow, you’re expected to cover all of it without blowing the monthly budget.
This year, take the pressure off. Maya, the #1 Digital Bank app in the Philippines, is helping parents power through back-to-school season with smart, stress-free money moves that protect your wallet and your peace of mind.
Stretch your budget and win big when you shop for school
School expenses can stack up fast, but with Maya Easy Credit, you get instant access to up to P30,000 in revolving credit, right inside your Maya app. Whether it’s for baon, uniforms, or last-minute school supplies, you’ve got extra budget ready when you need it.
And here’s the best part: your back-to-school spending can earn you big rewards. Every time you use Maya, you get a chance to win cash prizes. Get 5 raffle entries for every P500 spent via QR with Maya Easy Credit, and 1 raffle entry for every P250 spent using your Maya Wallet. Weekly winners can take home up to P15,000, while two lucky users will score P100,000 each month. The more you spend, the more chances you have to win, just by taking care of school essentials.
Approval for Maya Easy Credit is subject to credit evaluation. Users must be 21 to 65 years old to apply.
Savings that actually grow while you focus on the day-to-day
Maya Savings lets you earn up to 15% interest per annum, paid out daily, just by simply using Maya for all your transactions. No lock-in, no complex paperwork, just real growth from your real spending.
You can even set up Personal Goals and allocate funds for upcoming tuition fees, field trips, or allowance. Each goal earns 4% per annum, so your money keeps working while you get everything else done.
Base interest starts at 3.5% per annum. 15% interest per annum applies to your first P100,000 deposit balance.
Already spending for school essentials? Make every peso count.
Whether you’re picking up notebooks, new kicks, or stocking up on baon essentials, Maya makes sure your everyday spending works harder for your family. Use the Maya Black Credit Card to rack up Maya Miles (soon convertible to airline miles—hello, future family trips!) or go with the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card and get up to 5% cashback on must-haves supplies like groceries.
It’s not about spending more. It’s about being rewarded for what you’re already doing, and making your budget stretch even further.
Less Mental Load, More Control
With Maya, you manage it all from one app: savings, payments, credit, banking. Pay bills, transfer money, and track spending in real-time without bouncing between platforms.
Simplifying your financial life means more time and energy for the things that matter. With Maya, you’re not just keeping up—you’re getting ahead. Start the school year strong. Save, spend, and stay in control with Maya. Download the app and explore tools designed to work around your real-life budget.
Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to learn more. 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.
A heartfelt journey of accessible healthcare, one branch and one community at a time
Eighty-eight years ago, a small herbal pharmacy opened its doors in Naga, Bicol. With little fanfare and a deep sense of purpose, Southstar Drug began its journey not to dominate a market, but to make healthcare more accessible to its community.
Today, that same spirit lives on as Southstar Drug opens its 700th store, a new branch inside UP Diliman. The milestone is less a celebration of numbers and more a quiet reaffirmation of what the brand has always stood for: being where it matters, when it matters for every Filipino.
Now, since joining Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., Southstar Drug has continued to build on its long-standing legacy. Founded in 1937, it officially celebrates 88 years of service in 2025—making it the pioneer at the forefront of the entire industry, one of the earliest and most experienced players among Philippine drugstores.
“We’ve grown branch by branch, community by community,” said Thaddeus Sanchez, General Manager of Southstar Drug. “Each store tells a story, and every expansion reflects a promise to serve with compassion and consistency.”
From its roots in the Bicol region, Southstar Drug has steadily built a stronghold in South Luzon and Central Luzon, with key expansions in provinces like Pampanga, where its presence continues to grow. It has also made its mark in Metro Manila, adapting to the evolving needs of urban communities through innovations like drive-thru pharmacies currently available in Muntinlupa, Marikina, and even in Pampanga, as well.
Southstar Drug has stayed true to its mission: bringing quality healthcare closer to Filipino families. Its recent store openings in Masinloc, Zambales (2022), Lagonoy, Camarines Sur (2024), Cauayan, Masbate (2024), and now in UP Diliman, show a brand that goes where it’s needed—even when those areas are far from commercial centers.
Its e-commerce platform is also one of the most expansive in the country— and this ensures that access to medicine is just a few clicks away, even for those outside major cities.
The UP Diliman store symbolizes not just geographical expansion, but a natural and seamless integration into a vibrant academic community. Southstar Drug has supported the University Health Services through annual donations and currently sponsors the UP Track and Field Team, demonstrating how presence can be purposeful without being promotional.
“From the very start, every move we have made was with purpose and concern for our fellow Filipinos. In Lagonoy, residents used to travel nearly two hours just to buy basic medicine,” one Southstar team member shared. “Now, our pharmacy is just a part of their daily walk home. That’s the kind of difference we want to make with each store we open.”
As Southstar Drug continues its steady expansion into Metro Manila, more residents in the city will slowly experience the small-town warmth and care that has long defined its presence in the provinces. Whether it’s a neighborhood branch beside a Shopwise or tucked into a familiar corner near a Robinsons store, Southstar Drug remains a comforting presence bringing not just medicine, but a sense of community, wherever it opens.
With plans to reach 800 stores by 2026, Southstar Drug remains committed to its founding belief: that healthcare should not be a privilege, but a promise—delivered humbly, one Filipino at a time.
Was HONOR 400 5G Craze just a gimmick? We asked a tech expert to share his experience.
Among the first. Mr. Art Samaniego, IT Head and Co-founder of ScamWatch Pilipinas, joins the long queue at SM Sta. Rosa Laguna, for the first day sale of the HONOR 400 5G.
Manila, Philippines, July 08, 2025 – Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines just introduced its most successful product to date, the HONOR 400 5G. With its jampacked first day sale, viral videos, new brand ambassadors, and a Rolex and Hermes giveaway – the question remains, was all of it just a gimmick?
IT Head of Manila Bulletin and Co-founder of ScamWatch Pilipinas Mr. Art Samaniego shared his entire journey to getting his hands on HONOR’s newest viral smartphone.
“I saw it from the media launches and media activities, and when I saw the phone, nakita kong maganda talaga siya. I said, I need to try this one in real life kaya um-order ako. Gusto kong bumili ako kasi naniniwala ako sa telepono nung nasubukan ko sya. So, it’s a really great device for the price. I pre-ordered on June 18 in SM Sta. Rosa,” said Mr. Samaniego.
When asked about his experience during the jampacked first day sale on June 28, “I went to SM Sta. Rosa around 10 or 10:30AM so, kaka-open lang. I told my wife, kasi meron pa kaming pupuntahan after, ‘mabilis lang to, give me 30 minutes’. Pag dating namin sa HONOR store, nakita ko, punong-puno na ng tao. Meron ng bollards. I was surprised bakit ang dami na, then I counted the people there. Siguro mga 80 yung nabilang ko that time and kinunan ko ng picture. Maya-maya, dumadami na yung mga tao that they need to remove the barrier that they put,” he started. “Someone helped me and said, ‘Sir, kailangan mo kumuha ng number. Pang-90 na ko, kasi mayroong mga nakapila na ng mas maaga pa,” he shared his surprise as that was only 30 minutes upon mall opening.
“One thing is for sure; it’s not a gimmick. We, at HONOR, are also shocked with the massive turnout of HONOR 400 5G first day sale. We are overwhelmed and we are very grateful for everyone who supported us all the way from the teasers. We are committed to bringing only the best for our Filipino HONOR fans so expect nothing less form us,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
Pricing and Availability
Available in stunning color options—Midnight Black, Tidal Blue and Desert Gold—the HONOR 400 5G is now available for pre-order across the Philippines for only Php 22,999 (24GB + 512GB)! Get it now at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, and online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_H400_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_H400_PR, and TikTok Shop https://bit.ly/TikTok_H400_PR.
You can also #BringPhotosToLife with #YourAIPhone via Home Credit easy installments of as low as ₱979/month for 18 months! Check the best HONOR products and deals for you here: https://hcph.info/3I2m1gb.
HONOR 400 5G is also available via Globe Postpaid Plans online (https://bit.ly/Globe_H400_PR) or head to participating stores starting with GPlan 1799 with Php 2,300 cashout. The mobile plan comes with 13GB Data, Unli All-net Call and Texts, and exclusive perks.
For many of us, coffee is more than a pick-me-up — it’s a pause button. A reason to slow down amid the rush, to savor a moment before the next meeting, or simply to sit in the company of one’s thoughts. This July, SM Supemalls invites you to see coffee not just as a drink but as a way to connect and create lasting memories with this year’s Coffee Fest.
While global chains often headline the coffee scene, a stroll through SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela uncovers a constellation of coffee spots waiting to be rediscovered. From Vietnamese slow drips to oat milk matcha lattes, these are not just pit stops — they are coffee destinations in their own right.
COTTI COFFEE AT SM CENTER SANGANDAAN
Tucked inside SM Center Sangandaan is Cotti Coffee, a global favorite bringing a taste of the world to your daily cup. Sourcing Arabica beans from Ethiopia to El Salvador, Cotti offers a refined lineup of brews — silky Americanos, creamy oat lattes, and inventive matcha blends. Each cup is precise, smooth, and satisfying — ideal for shoppers, remote workers, or anyone in need of a mid-day caffeine ritual with an international twist.
FAMOUS BELGIAN WAFFLE AT SM CENTER SANGANDAAN
What began as a go-to for indulgent waffles has quietly evolved into a full café experience. Famous Belgian Waffle now serves thoughtfully brewed coffee made from locally sourced beans. The vibe is relaxed, the coffee confidently bold. Pair a robust brew with a freshly made waffle, and you’ve got yourself a cozy reward that feels both familiar and elevated.
ZUS COFFEE AT SM CITY VALENZUELA
At SM City Valenzuela, Zus Coffee is making specialty coffee feel effortlessly casual. No frills, no fuss — just really good coffee at friendly prices. From a standout Java Jelly Frappe to a smooth, no-nonsense Americano, Zus balances approachability with flair. It’s the kind of place where students, creatives, and casual catch-ups naturally gather — and keep coming back.
PICK UP COFFEE AT SM CITY GRAND CENTRAL
Affordable, accessible, and proudly local, Pickup Coffee proves that a great cup doesn’t need to cost a fortune. With prices ranging from just ₱50 to ₱100, and beans sourced from Mt. Apo and Brazil, this homegrown favorite offer both quality and creativity. Standouts include the classic Latte and the Kape Kastila — a Filipino-Spanish fusion that’s bold, aromatic, and surprisingly comforting. Whether you’re in a rush or on a break, it’s the kind of stop that lifts both mood and energy.
Bánh Mì Kitchen at SM CITY GRAND CENTRAL
For those who like their coffee strong and full-bodied, Bánh Mì Kitchen delivers a hit of Vietnamese authenticity. Brewed using the traditional phin filter method, each cup is a deep dive into bold flavor and slow-drip culture. Try the Black Cà Phê for a straightforward jolt or the Salted Cà Phê Foam for a richer, velvety twist. It’s not just a drink — it’s an experience in savoring.
Dunkin’ AT SM CITY VALENZUELA Some favorites never fade, and
Dunkin’ is a prime example. Steeped in nostalgia, its comforting hot brew and chilled iced coffee remain reliable companions. Pair it with a donut or the classic bunwich for that foolproof duo you’ve loved for years. With branches at SM City Valenzuela and SM Center Sangandaan, this familiar friend is always nearby.
And because coffee is best enjoyed with community, SM’s Coffee Fest is adding more flavor to every visit.
Shoppers may join special events and make coffee moments unforgettable with art sessions, cup sleeve events, acoustic sets, and live DJ performances that will turn your usual coffee breaks into shared experiences worth remembering.
So, the next time you’re at SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, or SM City Valenzuela, take a coffee detour. Discover something new or revisit an old favorite with fresh taste buds. Because coffee isn’t just about caffeine — it’s about connection, comfort, and those small, quiet joys in between.
Manila, Philippines – East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) has officially been Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for 2025. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at EastWest. The result points to a workplace where people feel valued, heard, and respected.
Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.
“Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that EastWest stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”
“This recognition simply puts into words what we’ve always known, that our people set us apart,” said Atty. Juan Alfonso D. Suarez, Chief People, Corporate Services, and Sustainability Officer. “We made a conscious shift to listen better, care deeper, and make things simpler where it matters. That’s what creates real impact. We’re thankful to every EastWestbanker who shows up with purpose and heart.”
The People Advantage Gameplan: A Roadmap to Making People Experience Easy
Putting people first is built into how the Bank operates. The People Advantage Gameplan, a multi-year transformation roadmap, guides efforts to create a workplace where employees can grow, build meaningful connections, and thrive.
The gameplan integrates technology, employee feedback, and a culture of care to reshape how work gets done, by streamlining processes through automation while preserving the value of human connection. People Experience Made Easy reflects this approach. It’s the result of thoughtful design, where everyday tasks are simpler, support is easy to reach, and meaningful conversations are part of daily life.
The journey to certification speaks not only to the Bank’s systems but also to its culture. A culture that listens, adapts, and grows with its people.
Putting People First, in Every Way That Matters
EastWest continues to introduce programs that make the workplace more responsive, inclusive, and genuinely supportive of its people.
EastWest Academy builds future-ready capabilities through structured learning programs that support self-paced, interest-driven development.
Simplified HR tools such as Talent Starter, HMO Hub, Exit Management, Loans, and the Uniform App were developed in-house to make everyday transactions faster and more intuitive.
Recognition and feedback channels—including the new Recognition Framework, VIEW of the Workforce (VOW) survey, EWsapang BarkADS, and Kamustahan with Jerry—encourage appreciation, honest conversations, and shared solutions between employees and leaders.
The SHORE, EastWest’s one-stop digital hub, provides easy access to policies, benefits, and support.
Cascading the One Filinvest Values strengthens alignment with a purpose-led culture of collaboration and excellence.
Celebrating moments that matter through inclusive campaigns, community events, and automated greetings helps every EastWestbanker feel seen, valued, and connected.
Looking Ahead
As part of its future-ready people agenda, EastWest continues to elevate the employee experience through:
Predictive people analytics to guide talent and retention strategies
AI-powered self-service platforms for faster, more personalized support
Company-wide upskilling in automation, data, and agile ways of working to build a future-ready workforce
By becoming Great Place To Work® Certified™, EastWest joins a global community of organizations dedicated to building high-trust, high-performance workplaces. For every EastWestbanker, it’s a shared win, and a reminder that great culture is built from the inside out.
EastWest is Hiring
According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great mentor at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.