Meralco crews and personnel worked round the clock to restore service to over 566,000 customers that were affected by power interruptions amidst the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. As another weather disturbance enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, Meralco assures its customers that it is monitoring the situation and is ready to respond 24/7 to service concerns that may arise from Tropical Storm Leo.

For inquiries or concerns, Meralco is ready to serve you 24/7 via our online channels:

Facebook Messenger: m.me/meralco
X (Twitter): @meralco
Or via SMS (TEXT ONLY):
0925-771-6211 (Sun)
0917-551-6211 (Globe)

With its magnificent Christmas centerpiece, “Santa’s Christmas Park,” which consists of a towering 35-foot Christmas tree surrounded by park-themed decorations, SM City Marikina has formally kicked off the holiday season and instantly transformed the atrium of the mall into a Christmas paradise.



The inaugural event was all about celebrating Christmas cheer, with outstanding performances from the Glee Club and ADHIKA dance company from St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina with a great Christmas musical by the gifted Madison actors.


The highlight of the program was the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas centerpiece, graced by the presence of celebrity family Sofia Andres, Daniel Miranda, and their adorable daughter Zoe Miranda. Joining them were Marikina City Vice Mayor Marion Andres, Councilors Cloyd Casimiro and Kate De Guzman. They are also joined by SM Supermalls’ executives, Timothy Jonas Cuenca, Senior AVP for Marketing, and Kathrina Joven, Regional Leasing Manager and Don Edward Vijandre, Regional Operations Manager.


An additional element of magic was added when Santa Claus himself appeared out of the fog as the lights grew brighter. The children lit up with enthusiasm as he waved to the crowd while wearing his traditional red coat and white beard. Everyone was able to explore and take pictures with loved ones in the park-inspired arrangement, which featured Santa’s sleigh and Christmas decorations.



The occasion promoted the SM Bears of Joy campaign in keeping with the giving spirit of the holidays. Customers can buy a pair of cute bears for P280, keeping one for themselves and giving the other to a charity of their choice to help people in need.



With Santa’s Christmas Park fully operational, SM City Marikina is now ready to be the ultimate holiday destination. Families and friends may make great memories here this Christmas season, whether they’re shopping or attending holiday festivities!

Global leading smart device brand OPPO has achieved a significant breakthrough by becoming the first company to implement the Mixture of Experts (MoE) architecture on-device. This milestone enhances AI processing efficiency, opens new possibilities for more advanced and flexible on-device AI, laying the groundwork for future innovations in AI’s integration with mobile hardware.




As AI technology continues to evolve, more tasks are being performed on-device. However, large AI models require substantial computational power, which can impact performance, especially on devices with limited hardware resources. In response, OPPO has collaborated with leading chipset providers to implement the MoE architecture on-device to overcome these limitations.




The MoE architecture dynamically activates specialized sub-models (“experts”) to handle specific tasks, thereby significantly improving processing efficiency and cutting down computing and data transfer consumption. Lab tests reveal that on-device MoE architecture accelerates AI task speeds by approximately 40%, reducing resource demands and improving energy efficiency. This means faster AI responses, longer battery life and enhanced privacy as more tasks are handled locally on the device.

OPPO’s implementation of the MoE architecture on-device is a breakthrough that highlights its advancement in AI innovation. By lowering AI’s computational costs, MoE allows more devices-ranging from flagship to affordable devices-to perform complex AI tasks, accelerating AI’s adoption across the industry. As a result, The MoE architecture on-device opens new opportunities for the industry to make advanced AI capabilities more accessible to a wider audience.




Looking ahead, OPPO remains committed to advancing AI technology and making it available to more users. With over 5,860 patent applications in the AI field, OPPO continues to invest heavily in AI R&D. The establishment of OPPO’s AI Center in 2024 serves as a key step in consolidating its AI research efforts, furthering the company’s mission to provide high-quality AI experiences to users worldwide. Through continued research like MoE and the global rollout of AI-powered features across its smartphone lineup, OPPO aims to extend high-quality AI experiences to a broader audience, ensuring that AI technology becomes more accessible to users across its device categories.

MANILA, PH – (October 11, 2024) – Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF)




Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability with recent back-to-back tree planting activities, organized in coordination with Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST).




The initiative was supported by over 200 Sun Life volunteers, including Sun Life Philippines’s Chief Asset Management Officer and Foundation Trustee Valerie Pama and Chief Human Resources Officer Michelle Cordero-Garcia. Together, they planted a total of 3,000 seedlings at the DENR Nursery in La Mesa Watershed.




As the last remaining forest of its size and the only major watershed in Metro Manila, La Mesa helps provide drinking water to the region’s more than 13 million residents. Considered as the “lungs” of the metropolis, La Mesa also acts as a carbon sink, absorbing a significant amount of Metro Manila’s carbon emissions.




“It’s crucial to conserve and protect nature, especially here in Metro Manila where pollution, climate change, and monsoon rains greatly impact the quality of life of millions,” said Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Kristine Millete. “Through annual tree plantings, we hope to help in building a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and livable city.”




“Each step we take contributes to the greater good. If a small step makes a difference, imagine the impact our concerted effort will have not just in the present but for generations to come,” said Sun Life President Alex Narciso. “We must all work together for a greener and brighter future.”




As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the first and longest-standing life insurance company in the country, Sun Life Foundation supports holistic initiatives encompassing education, health, and environmental sustainability.

On October 19, 2024, Sharp Philippines Corporation successfully planted 450 Narra trees in the stunning surroundings of Mt. Makiling in Sto Tomas, Batangas, as part of its tree planting initiative titled “Be Sharp, Plant a Tree for a Greener Future.” This initiative aligned with Sharp’s Eco Vision 2050, which reflects the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. This vision aims to be one with the community by minimizing the environmental impact of different business activities.

The “Be Sharp, Plant a Tree for a Greener Future” initiative focused on planting trees to improve air quality, provide habitat for various species, mitigate the effects of climate change, and contribute to the achievement of a greener and healthier earth. Sharp Philippines partnered with Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation, Inc. (ASSIST) to successfully plant Narra trees, which are known as the Philippine National Tree and also play a very important role in the environment. 

A total of 30 Sharp employees from different departments volunteered for the activity, including Ms. Marlene Villarino, the Assistant Vice President for Marketing, and the Senior Manager, Ms. Amor Golifardo. Their participation highlighted the company’s corporate social responsibility and commitment, which is to make a positive impact on the environment.Sharp volunteers received an orientation, briefing, and training from the partner organization and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on the importance of this initiative and the proper tree planting process, ensuring that it would thrive. The activity built good teamwork and community spirit among volunteers, who worked together to achieve a common goal. The tree planting initiative is a testament to this commitment, as it not only helps the environment but also inspires Sharp employees to be aware and continue caring for the environment.

The successful planting of these 450 Narra trees marked another significant milestone in Sharp’s ongoing efforts to contribute positively to the environment. As a committed brand, it’s not just a company that sells products to its customers; it is a company that embodies its dedication to the importance of conservation and sustainability. Sharp Philippines will continue to inspire collective action and raise awareness about the importance of caring for the earth and for the next generation. Together, let’s make an impact and be part of the solution and reach our one goal: to make our home, the Earth, a better place to live. For more information, please visit the Sharp Philippines’ official website, https://ph.sharp

Smartwatches and wearables have revolutionized how we approach our overall wellbeing with powerful tools to help users achieve their health goals with ease and convenience.

The OPPO Watch X boasts features that do just that – from over 100 sports modes, a range of sensors to monitor your vitals, and even a mode that helps you monitor your sleep – this latest smartwatch innovation from OPPO is truly an all-in-one wellness device.

Curious about how the OPPO Watch X can elevate your wellness journey? Here are five amazing features that can help you achieve total wellness.

Manage and improve your sleep and stress with ease

Did you know that quality of sleep is just as important as the quantity? More than eight hours of sleep is often needed to support optimal health. The OPPO Watch X is equipped with advanced sleeping features that significantly enhances your sleep experience. It also provides insights into your sleep patterns, and a sleep quality score to help you assess how well you rested.

Additionally, it monitors your sleep breathing rate and assesses the risk of snoring, along with tracking your blood oxygen levels during bedtime.

The OPPO Watch X is designed with heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring to help you make timely adjustments in response to your health conditions. Moreover, this smartwatch can remind you to take breaks and relax when your stress levels are high.

Seamlessly sync your other health and fitness apps

The OPPO Watch X allows you to sync with various fitness apps through the OHealth app, providing a comprehensive wellness experience. With advanced features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and sports recognition, you can easily integrate your health data for better insights.

With the Snapdragon® W5 Gen 1 chip at its core, the OPPO Watch X ensures efficient performance. Boasting a remarkable battery life of up to 12 days, the OPPO Watch X keeps you connected and active without frequent recharging.

Monitor your workout performance

With the OPPO Watch X, you can track not just the duration of your workouts but also your performance. This advanced smartwatch supports 11 different workouts, offering specialized data for each. For badminton, it measures swing movement and swing speed, while for runners, it tracks ground contact time (GCT) and GCT balance to enhance efficiency. When swimming, it evaluates your swim form, providing insights to improve your strokes.

This comprehensive performance monitoring empowers you to optimize your training and achieve your fitness goals.

Choose between 100 sports modes

​​The OPPO Watch X boasts six types of automatic sports recognition, effortlessly tracking activities like running, walking, cycling, swimming, rowing, and elliptical workouts. For those seeking more variety, the professional sports mode offers an impressive selection of 100 options, including mountain climbing, tennis, and rope skipping. This feature caters to all fitness enthusiasts, helping you find the perfect workout to meet your goals.

Achieve your wellness goals with the OPPO Watch X

Ready to elevate your wellness journey? Experience the cutting-edge features of the OPPO Watch X today! This innovative smartwatch comes in Mars Brown and Platinum Black and retails for PHP 18,999 at all OPPO Stores and e-commerce channels on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Don’t miss your chance to transform your health routine with advanced technology right at your wrist!

MANILA, PH – October 2024 – Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) painted a brighter future for Lakan Dula Elementary School in Tondo during this year’s Brigada Eskwela, the Department of Education (DepEd)’s annual nationwide school maintenance program.

With brushes in hand and hearts full of hope, the Sun Life Foundation’s 128 employee and advisor volunteers, joined by Sun Life Philippines’ Chief Risk Officer Ria Mercado and Chief Actuary Abi Viaje,transformed the school’s walls, gates, and stage into vibrant and welcoming learning spaces. The initiative aimed to create a more cheerful and inspiring environment for the students and teachers of Lakan Dula Elementary School.

“Bayanihan is the soul of this volunteer engagement,” said Alex Narciso, President of the Sun Life Foundation. “When we work as one, we not only amplify our impact but also demonstrate the power of collective action guided by our shared hope to transform learning spaces for the benefit of every Filipino child.”

In addition to painting the school, the Sun Life Foundation also turned over 500 feminine hygiene kits to

support the school’s female students.

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the Sun Life Foundation is committed to supporting holistic programs that enhance the learning capabilities of children for a brighter future.

MANILA, PH – October 2024 – Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., the country’s leading life insurance company, and Premier Family Business Consulting Inc., a renowned consulting firm specializing in family businesses, recently announced a strategic collaboration to foster financial literacy and business succession planning among Filipino entrepreneurs.



The tie-up will focus on implementing comprehensive programs that will equip family business owners with the knowledge and tools needed to secure their financial future and ensure a smooth transition of their businesses to future generations. This includes seminars, forums, and workshops that will cover a wide range of topics related to financial literacy, business succession planning, and the role of insurance in succession planning.



“We believe that financial literacy and business succession planning are essential for the long-term success of Filipino family businesses,” said Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines. “Together with our partners from Premier, we aim to empower entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and build a stronger legacy for their families.”



Jon Ramos, Founder and CEO of Premier Family Business Consulting Inc. adds, “By empowering family business leaders with the tools and knowledge they need for success, we will create a legacy of generational wealth that uplifts communities and builds a brighter future for all.”



The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing event was attended by Atty. Edgar Tordesillas, Sun Life Philippines General Counsel; Aleister Cruz, Sun Life Philippines Chief Strategy and Enablement Officer; Deo Orpilla, Sun Life Philippines Chief Distribution and Business Development Officer; Jubilee Ragasa, Sun Life Philippines Regional Expansion Agency Program Head; Jonathan Ramos, Premier Family Business Consulting Founder and CEO; Neil Montesclaros, Premier Family Business Consulting Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer; Jefferson Tio, Premier Family Business Consulting Chief Partnership and Relationship Officer; and Atty. Michael Zaballero, Premier Family Business Consulting Relationship Manager and Legal Affairs Counsel.



The collaboration between Sun Life and Premier aligns with Sun Life’s efforts to serve the needs of the business owner segment, such as the Sun Future Proof program, which was designed to help Clients achieve their business goals from start-up to maturity stage, while also securing their personal goals.



“This marks a significant step towards promoting financial well-being and sustainable business growth among Filipino entrepreneurs,” Sison said. “The possibilities ahead are exciting.”



To know more about Sun Life’s products and services for business owners, visit sunlife.co/entrepfinancialplan or talk to a Sun Life Advisor today.

For two decades, GCash has been changing how Filipinos manage their finances. Whether it’s sending money, saving, investing, or insuring, GCash has made financial management more manageable and accessible for millions.

To celebrate its journey from a simple SMS-based money transfer service into the Philippines’ leading finance super app, we list 20 essential GCash features that have helped shape Filipinos’ financial lives today.

Making Money Move Easier

With GCash, moving money is fast, simple, and secure:

• Send Money: Instantly transfer money to any GCash user with just a few taps.

• Bank Transfer: Easily move money and cash in from over 12,000 US banks to GCash accounts.

• International Remittance: GCash has partnered with over 70 official global remittance partners to let you receive money from over 200 countries.

• Send Money Protect: For extra peace of mind, insure your transfers against fraud or mistakes for a small fee.

Empowering Small Businesses

GCash has been essential in helping micro to small businesses grow by giving them tools that streamline operations and payments:

• QR Payments: This feature enables businesses to accept payments digitally by scanning a QR code, making transactions fast and secure.

• GCash for Business: Provides businesses with essential tools for managing finances, disbursing salaries, and offering credit to employees.

For small entrepreneurs, GCash has created an environment where managing and growing a business is convenient and accessible.

Driving E-commerce Forward

The rise of e-commerce has been supported by GCash’s features, allowing users to shop and pay quickly, all within the app:

• GLife: A marketplace within the GCash app that allows users to shop for groceries, pay bills, and more, all in one place.

• Buy Load: One of the app’s most widely-used features, enabling users to purchase prepaid mobile credits for their use or others.

GCash’s user-friendly e-commerce tools have transformed how Filipinos interact with online shopping, making it a one-stop platform for shopping and payments.

Reaching Rural Communities

GCash is committed to serving even the farthest rural and underserved areas, ensuring everyone can access financial services:

• GCredit: Provides instant credit lines to users without requiring a traditional bank account.

• GLoan: Offers quick, easy access to personal loans, especially for rural communities where formal banking is limited.

These features ensure that financial inclusion is not just for the metro cities but extends to even the most remote areas, helping individuals manage their finances and access credit when needed.

From Inclusion to Progress

GCash has gone beyond financial inclusion to offer tools that help Filipinos build and grow their wealth:

• GSave: A savings feature without maintaining balance or fees, accessible directly from the GCash app.

• GInvest: Allows users to invest in professionally managed funds with a minimum investment, making wealth-building accessible to everyone.

• GCrypto: Opens up cryptocurrency investments, providing users with new opportunities to diversify their financial portfolios.

• GInsure: Offers a range of insurance options, from health and travel insurance to gadget protection, all at affordable rates.

• GCash Jr.: Designed for teens, this feature introduces younger users to financial responsibility with their first e-wallet and savings accounts.

These features empower users to take control of their financial futures, whether they’re saving, investing, or protecting their assets.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for GCash?

GCash continues to innovate with new features that make financial management more accessible, secure, and sustainable:

• Online PaySafe: Secure your online purchases by completing transactions directly within the app, ensuring protection from scams and fraud.

• Borrow Load: Easily borrow load when running low and need credits fast, ensuring you’re always connected.

• Account Secure: Strengthen your security with additional account protection features, giving you peace of mind over your finances.

• GCash Overseas Expansion: GCash has expanded its services to 16 countries, providing seamless access to financial services for Filipinos abroad.

• GSave Tab: Manage your savings effortlessly with the GSave Tab, which gives you a clearer view of your savings in one place.

With these features, GCash provides the convenience, security, and global access that Filipinos need to manage their finances every day. By enabling Filipinos to thrive, helping them be ready for a rainy day, and inspiring them to prepare for a better future, GCash continues to lead the way in making financial progress accessible to millions across the country.

Looking ahead, GCash remains committed to empowering every Filipino, no matter where they are on their financial journey, to build a secure and prosperous future, one transaction at a time.