This March, SM Malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan honor women from all walks of life. In celebration of Women’s Month, special deals and engaging experiences are offered to help women nourish their minds, bodies, and souls.
Self-Care
Holistic self-care takes center stage, encouraging women to prioritize their complete health. From skincare routines to relaxing techniques and inspiring self-care practices, SM’s wellness stations and beauty zones provide opportunities to boost confidence, self-esteem, and empowerment.
· Pampering spa treatments. After an exciting Zumba class or a mindfulness exercise, women can relax with a peaceful body massage at Gwiyomi Gluta Spa, Wat Pho Thai Massage, and SKS Massage at SM Center Pulilan.
· Advanced beauty treatments. Rejuvenating experiences are provided by Royal Aesthetics’ Sakura Drip treatment at SM City Baliwag and AesthetiQ’s Pico Laser at SM City Marilao. Special discounts are also available on health and beauty services.
· Relaxation and nails. For a genuinely soothing experience, professional therapists provide a variety of nail care services at Nails.Glow Essence in SM City Marilao and AiNails and Body Talk at SM Center Pulilan.
· Enhancements to the skin. Professional beauty enhancement treatments are available at Dermcare in SM City Baliwag and Dermstrata at SM City Marilao for people looking for glowing skin.
The Pleasure of Exercise
Exercise enhances mental health in addition to physical fitness, and it’s right at Anytime Fitness in SM City Baliwag. With its top-notch amenities and state-of-the-art facilities, Anytime Fitness provides a variety of cardio and strength training equipment as well as fitness classes. Members may also avail themselves of fitness consultation with coaches, as well as selected wellness programs.
Retail Therapy
Huge discounts on a selection of products and services designed specifically for women are available during the Women’s Wednesday Sale on March 11, 18, and 25, and at the Women’s Wellness Sale, which runs until March 31 at SM Supermalls in Bulacan.
As a true home of everyday celebrations, SM Supermalls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan advocate for health, joy, and self-care, encouraging women to put their health first both during and after the season.
The GSave Ipon to a Million raffle gave GCash users a chance to win up to ₱1 million in GCash credits, plus other prizes, by opening a GSave account and depositing funds during the promo period.
When Ronaldo from Muntinlupa suffered a stroke, life paused without warning. He lost much of his mobility, his job, and the steady income his family depended on. Recovery became more than a medical journey; it became a financial challenge as well.
To replace lost income, Ronaldo opened a sari-sari store in their neighborhood. The earnings were modest at first, but steady. By chance, a customer asked him about GCash which touched his curiosity. This prompted him to use the e-wallet at the store, which led to more customers, he shares. What started as a simple question led to new possibilities.
With his business gaining traction, his daily sales and earnings steadily improved. This pushed him to be more intentional about saving, transforming everyday income into a habit of setting money aside.
But with limited movement and his own full-time business to look after, access to traditional banking no longer felt realistic. Physical branches, paperwork, and minimum balances felt distant from his daily reality. In that uncertain stretch, digital savings offered a way forward, giving him a sense of control.
Through GCash, Ronaldo discovered GSave, allowing him to earn interest by depositing his savings with the app’s partner banks. Having access to a financial service right from his mobile phone enabled him to manage money independently and rebuild confidence at a time when financial agency mattered most.
This is how GSave became part of Ronaldo’s daily routine. It removed the usual barriers that often make saving difficult for small store owners and informal earners. There is no maintaining balance, paperwork requirement, and savings are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. The small entrepreneur finds the interest competitive, and transactions easy. Without the burden of fees or complex requirements, saving becomes accessible and sustainable.
Each night after closing his store, Ronaldo sets aside the excess funds from the day to deposit, converting daily earnings into savings. These routine micro-deposits steadily grew into working capital that helped him manage daily needs and continue his fledgling business.
“[GSave] was a big help for me. My deposits grow even while I’m asleep because of the daily interest. It’s also easy to withdraw and easy to make a deposit,” Ronaldo says. What seemed small at first accumulated into something meaningful.
After two years of consistent saving, Ronaldo has reached an unexpected milestone. He won the ₱1 million grand prize through the GSave Ipon to a Million e-raffle in December.
The e-raffle encouraged Filipinos to save by giving users a chance to win ₱1 million in GCash credits, a motorcycle, or a laptop by depositing funds into their GSave account. Fully verified GCash users aged 18 and above could earn raffle entries by opening a GSave account with a ₱100 deposit or gain additional entries for every ₱5,000 deposit made during the promo period.
Becoming a millionaire didn’t change Ronaldo’s habit of saving. In fact, the reward strengthened his resolve to save more for his child’s education and future. “Winning the raffle motivated me to remain committed to my savings routine. This huge amount will also help set more funds aside for my child,” Ronaldo said.
More than the prize, GSave brought peace of mind. It gave him the confidence to manage his money in a way that works for them, reassuring him and his family they could move forward despite setbacks. By making saving simple and accessible, GSave helps create a more level financial environment, where resilience and discipline matter more than the starting point. It shows how digital finance can help ensure no Filipino is left one crisis away from instability.
Ronaldo is among millions of Filipinos proving that digital savings can be a practical tool for everyday resilience—turning small, consistent habits into long-term financial security. As of 2025, GSave serves over 15 million registered users. One in four Filipino bank account holders has a GSave account, powered by partner financial institutions such as Bank of the Philippine Islands, CIMB Bank, Maybank, UNOBank, and Cebuana Lhuillier Bank.
Digital payments in the Asia Pacific stand at a crossroads: the choice between chasing the next breakthrough or building systems that truly serve people. At the center of this debate is how QR and NFC technologies can be harnessed together to widen access and strengthen defenses against rising threats.
This purpose framed discussions at the Asia Pacific Smart Card Association (APSCA) Next Generation Payments 2026 conference, a two‑day summit where GCash along with regulators, industry leaders, and innovators, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Visa, HSBC Holdings, EMVCo, Crunchfish, Netwrix, Paynet, Infineon Technologies, Entrust, and Fourdotzero, examined how identity and payment systems can evolve while remaining accessible, secure, and relevant to diverse markets.
Building for sustainable merchant inclusion Paul Albano, general manager and head of GCash for Business, grounded the conversation in the realities of the Philippines’ 9.3 million nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises. Of these, 8.1 million are nano merchants and 1.1 million are micro merchants—segments that represent immense potential but also immense vulnerability.
He stressed that inclusion requires more than technology. Initiatives such as the BSP’s Palengke QRPh Plus Program, partnerships with the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), and DigiCities Program with Start-up Village, Canva, and TikTok, provide a guiding hand towards the sustainable development of MSMEs.
Albano also noted how GCash Pera Outlet+ (GPO+) is transforming sari‑sari stores into community hubs, where digital transactions like cash‑in, cash‑out, bills payment, and load purchases are now outselling traditional goods.
Market timing over technology readiness
From inclusion, the discussion moved to timing. Ferdie Perez, GCash head of product innovation, explained why GCash has taken a measured approach to NFC adoption. QR payments, introduced a decade ago with Alipay, now account for 60 percent of digital transactions in the Philippines.
Yet NFC, which requires infrastructure, merchant training, and cost adjustments, now has more than 300,000 tap‑to‑pay terminals, with 80 to 90% of the country’s 80 million smartphone users carrying NFC‑capable devices.
Even with this readiness, adoption has been gradual. Perez emphasized that QR and NFC are not competing technologies but complementary tools, each serving different segments and needs, and that success depends on aligning rollouts with market realities.
Adapting defenses to evolving threats Security rounded out the dialogue. GCash chief information security officer, Miguel Geronilla, traced how fraud has evolved alongside the growth of digital payments, from account takeovers to increasingly sophisticated social engineering.
He recalled how GCash implemented biometric face verification before it became an industry standard. He described current defenses that combine behavioral analysis, transaction monitoring, and real‑time friction when unusual patterns arise. He underscored that no single company can solve these challenges alone, and voiced support for the Anti‑Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which strengthens financial institutions’ ability to trace and recover funds across the ecosystem.
The conversations at APSCA further underscored that the region’s payment evolution will be shaped less by any single technological breakthrough and more by how effectively the industry addresses practical gaps between capability and readiness, from merchant education and acceptance infrastructure to security frameworks that keep pace with increasingly sophisticated threats.
As the leading industry association for identity and payments in the Asian region, APSCA has a 25-year track record of connecting key decision-makers to explore critical business and technology issues for identity and payment systems.
By anchoring technology decisions in market realities rather than aspirations, GCash continues to build payment solutions that serve the diverse needs of the millions of GCash users, ensuring that innovation advances financial inclusion rather than leaving segments behind.
A kingdom waits, a princess sleeps, and a curse lingers until love breaks through. This March, Ballet Manila opens its PRIMA Performance Season with Sleeping Beauty, the final offering of the Princess Trilogy Series. Audiences can experience Aurora’s journey from enchantment to awakening on March 13 at 8:00 p.m., and on March 14 and 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. All performances will feature the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov,
The stories of fairy-tale princesses have been told across generations, and with Ballet Manila’s adaptation, they are brought to life through dance. With every leap and turn, the company has embodied the grace, innocence and gentleness of the beloved princesses. Making this season’s Sleeping Beauty special is the fact that it will be directed and choreographed by no less than Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and CEO, Lisa Macuja Elizalde.
For Lisa, the finale is a moment of delight: “What excites me in this production is how Sleeping Beauty finally completes our Princess Trilogy. It feels like all the stories we’ve been telling are coming together in one magical universe.”
She also enthused on special appearances of the other princesses in Sleeping Beauty , “In this iteration of Sleeping Beauty, Aurora will be joined by Cinderella and Snow White on stage, so it’s really fun to think about having them together in the stage”.
The conclusion of the Princess Trilogy also comes at a meaningful time. The Manila Symphony Orchestra quietly marks its centennial year, a reminder of how music and dance have stood together in shaping Philippine culture.” It is such a delight that we are performing with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, playing the original music of Tchaikovsky makes it even more special and I look forward to sharing this with everyone.” said Lisa.
Manila Symphony Orchestra president Maan Hontiveros reflects on the collaboration, noting this milestone reminds us that music feeds the soul, and when joined with ballet, it creates a legacy that endures.
“Lisa has been a steadfast supporter of the orchestra, and her vision has helped bring this partnership to life in ways that honor both tradition and innovation.” said Hontiveros. While Ballet Manila has been collaborating with Manila Symphony Orchestra since 2011, their support for each other never waned: “Lisa has always been in the life of Manila Symphony Orchestra. While there was a hiatus during the pandemic, it was very timely that we’re back doing a joint performance once again as we celebrate our 100th year. We’re grateful to Lisa and Fred (Elizalde) who are ever-present in our performances.”
The Princess Trilogy’s finale with Sleeping Beauty marks not only the completion of Ballet Manila’s ambitious storytelling arc but also a celebration of collaboration between dance and live music. As the curtain falls, audiences are invited to witness how ballet and orchestra together continue to shape the cultural stage of the Philippines with artistry that endures.
Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph
Carousell, the leading multi-category classifieds and recommerce marketplace, has announced the winners of its 2025 Property Awards. Now in its fourth edition, the program honors real estate leaders whose contributions to innovation, industry advancement, and community development are helping shape the future of the Philippine property sector.
For many Filipinos, finding a home is fraught with uncertainty and overwhelm. The Carousell Property Awards has become a trust marker of leading developers by combining marketplace performance with industry advancement and community impact. Insight-driven evaluation of market impact and leadership
“The 2025 Carousell Property Awards recognize partners who are setting the pace for where real estate is headed. Marketplace insights help validate their reach and relevance, but what truly distinguishes these winners is the impact of their developments, ideas, and leadership on the communities they serve,” said Shine Resurreccion, Business Director and Market Representative at Carousell Philippines.
Collectively, the 2025 winners demonstrate how purposeful leadership and forward-thinking development are redefining standards across the country’s property sector.
Recognizing developers and industry leaders
Federal Land emerged as one of the most awarded developers of the year, earning multiple honors across residential, retail, and township categories. Awards included Best Development for High End Condominium Mi Casa; Best Branded Residential Development for Marco Polo Residences in Cebu and Grand Hyatt Manila in Luzon; Best Retail Development for Mitsukoshi BGC; Best Lifestyle Development for The Seasons Residences; Best Mid-Rise Development for Palm Beach West; Best Township Development for Met Park; Best Mixed-Use Development for Grand Central Park; and Best Township Design for Meadowcrest.
Cityland Group of Companies, represented by Jefferson Roxas, Vice President for Marketing, received the award for Best Affordable Condominium Developer, highlighting its commitment to accessible, high-quality urban housing for value-driven homebuyers in highly urbanized areas.
Other industry leaders included Shang Properties, named Best Luxury Condominium Developer, represented by Wolfgang Krueger, Executive Director, and Maria Rochelle Diaz, Executive Vice President, Commercial. Eton Properties, represented by Donna Salgado, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, PR and Corporate Communications, received dual distinctions for Excellence in Brand Transformation through its Eton Beyond18 Anniversary Campaign and a Special Award for Sustainability Leadership in Real Estate for its Beyond Green Initiative. Meanwhile, SN Homefinders, under the leadership of Sol Nolasco-Tirol, President, was recognized as a Highly Recommended Brokerage Firm, reflecting its ability to convert strong digital visibility into measurable impact and sustained value for clients and partners.
Additional honorees included SMDC as Best Community-Centric Developer; RLC Residences for Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability; Dolmar Land for Community Development Excellence; I-Land Residences for Best Sustainable/Green Project; PH1 World for Best Mid-Rise Condominium Development for Modan Lofts; A. Brown and Company for Best Wellness Residential with Adelaida Mountain Residences; and R Land Residences for Best Mid-Market Housing Development for Arcoe Residences.
Advancing the real estate ecosystem The 2025 edition introduced refined evaluation mechanics that combine industry-focused qualitative review with platform-based performance insights, using platform data as one of several validation tools reviewed by Carousell’s regional and local leadership teams.
“By leveraging data alongside industry expertise and close collaboration with developers, we’re able to spotlight real estate leaders who are setting new benchmarks, not just in the Philippines, but across Asia,” Resurreccion added. Founded in 2012, Carousell has grown from a mobile-first marketplace into one of Southeast Asia’s leading recommerce and classified platforms, connecting tens of millions of buyers and sellers across categories including property, automobiles, jobs, and lifestyle goods. In the Philippines, Carousell Property has become a trusted definition for real estate discovery, empowering developers, brokers, and property seekers through data-driven insights, broad market reach, and a growing digital ecosystem.
A kingdom waits, a princess sleeps, and a curse lingers until love breaks through. This March, Ballet Manila opens its PRIMA Performance Season with Sleeping Beauty, the final offering of the Princess Trilogy Series. Audiences can experience Aurora’s journey from enchantment to awakening on March 13 at 8:00 p.m., and on March 14 and 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. All performances will feature the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov,
The stories of fairy-tale princesses have been told across generations, and with Ballet Manila’s adaptation, they are brought to life through dance. With every leap and turn, the company has embodied the grace, innocence and gentleness of the beloved princesses. Making this season’s Sleeping Beauty special is the fact that it will be directed and choreographed by no less than Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and CEO, Lisa Macuja Elizalde.
For Lisa, the finale is a moment of delight: “What excites me in this production is how Sleeping Beauty finally completes our Princess Trilogy. It feels like all the stories we’ve been telling are coming together in one magical universe.”
She also enthused on special appearances of the other princesses in Sleeping Beauty , “In this iteration of Sleeping Beauty, Aurora will be joined by Cinderella and Snow White on stage, so it’s really fun to think about having them together in the stage”.
The conclusion of the Princess Trilogy also comes at a meaningful time. The Manila Symphony Orchestra quietly marks its centennial year, a reminder of how music and dance have stood together in shaping Philippine culture.” It is such a delight that we are performing with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, playing the original music of Tchaikovsky makes it even more special and I look forward to sharing this with everyone.” said Lisa.
Manila Symphony Orchestra president Maan Hontiveros reflects on the collaboration, noting this milestone reminds us that music feeds the soul, and when joined with ballet, it creates a legacy that endures.
“Lisa has been a steadfast supporter of the orchestra, and her vision has helped bring this partnership to life in ways that honor both tradition and innovation.” said Hontiveros.
While Ballet Manila has been collaborating with Manila Symphony Orchestra since 2011, their support for each other never waned: “Lisa has always been in the life of Manila Symphony Orchestra. While there was a hiatus during the pandemic, it was very timely that we’re back doing a joint performance once again as we celebrate our 100th year. We’re grateful to Lisa and Fred (Elizalde) who are ever-present in our performances.”
The Princess Trilogy’s finale with Sleeping Beauty marks not only the completion of Ballet Manila’s ambitious storytelling arc but also a celebration of collaboration between dance and live music. As the curtain falls, audiences are invited to witness how ballet and orchestra together continue to shape the cultural stage of the Philippines with artistry that endures.
Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph
In the north of Metro Manila, where milestones big and small are marked over shared meals, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela once again turn the spotlight on women this March with a dining lineup that is both celebratory and empowering. Known as the most loved mall and the home of everyday celebrations, SM invites women to gather, indulge, and toast their journeys with flavors that match their strength, beauty, and style.
Savor Hearty Meals That Fuel Ambition
For achievers who power through boardrooms and busy schedules, satisfying meals await. At Botejyu in SM City Valenzuela, authentic Japanese comfort food delivers bold flavors and generous servings perfect for refueling after a long day. Meanwhile, Kenny Rogers Roasters in SM City Valenzuela offers its signature roasted chicken and hearty sides, creating the ideal setting for meaningful conversations and well-earned breaks.
Sweet Treats That Spark Joy
No milestone is complete without dessert. At Famous Belgian Waffle in SM Center Sangandaan, golden waffles filled with decadent spreads offer a quick yet delightful escape in between errands or catch-ups. For those craving a Filipino classic with a modern flair, BBK Bibingka Coffee in SM Center Sangandaan reinvents the traditional bibingka and pairs it with robust coffee blends, creating a comforting treat that feels both nostalgic and new.
Healthy Choices That Keep You Glowing
Health conscious diners will find vibrant options at SaladStop! in SM City Grand Central, where nutrient packed bowls combine crisp greens, lean proteins, and globally inspired dressings. For customizable meals on the go, Subway in SM City Grand Central serves fresh sandwiches and wraps tailored to individual tastes and wellness goals.
And because no Women’s Month feast is complete without a photo op, don’t forget to strike a pose at SM’s Women’s Month Instagram spot! Snap a groupie with your besties, capture your glowing smiles, and make every moment count.
This month, eat well, celebrate loud, and own your crown only at SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela! Because at SM, every woman is a queen, and every day is a reason to celebrate.
Filipinos can now order their PSA certificates via the GLife feature in the GCash app
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Pilipinas Teleserv, and GCash joined forces to launch the PSAHelpline Mini App, making it easier and more convenient for Filipinos to request civil registry documents anytime, anywhere.
Users can securely request PSA certificates, such as birth, marriage, death, CENOMAR, and CENODEATH, and choose between an e-copy or home delivery, all while paying seamlessly with their GCash e-wallets. The integration brings essential government services closer to millions of Filipinos through a platform they already use daily.
With this launch, GCash becomes the first e-wallet to host PSAHelpline.ph in-app and the first to offer PDF civil registry certificates directly within the app. PSAHelpline is also the first government service available on GLife.
The PSAHelpline Mini App is designed to streamline the end-to-end process of requesting civil registry documents, from placement of requests to payment and delivery, reducing barriers for those in remote areas and ensuring timely, secure, and reliable access to vital records.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, the PSA and Teleserv, for the trust and for being our first government service app to be integrated inside GCash,” said Cleo Celeste Santos, VP and Head of Public Sector at GCash.
“At GCash, we believe financial inclusion starts with identity. By making essential civil registry documents easier to access, we are helping more Filipinos participate in the digital economy and access the opportunities they deserve,” she added. The partnership between PSA, Pilipinas Teleserv, and GCash set a strong precedent for future digital government initiatives, showing what is possible when the public and private sectors work together.
“The PSA Helpline Mini App within the GCash app simplifies how Filipinos request civil registry documents by integrating secure requests and payments into a trusted digital platform. This partnership reflects our vision of a citizen-centered and digitally enabled government that delivers faster, more convenient public service to every Filipino wherever they may be,” PSA National Statistician, Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa said. Data privacy and security are critical, as millions of Filipinos rely on PSA-issued documents for various important transactions, including employment, education, travel, benefits, and legal matters. Pilipinas Teleserv, PSA’s long-standing partner for the PSAHelpline service, highlighted that the GCash infrastructure further reinforces the integrity of the document request process.
“GCash has a robust KYC process, which PSAHelpline will fully leverage to ensure that only document owners and properly authorized requesters can apply for PSA certificates”, Pilipinas Teleserv Managing Director and Founder Jun Yupitun said. The PSAHelpline Mini App streamlines the entire process, from request to payment and delivery, helping reduce barriers, especially for those in remote areas. For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.
Expanding reach to support more locators with reliable connectivity and integrated ICT solutions
Expanding reach to support more locators with reliable connectivity and integrated ICT solutions
PLDT Enterprise and First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) seal their continued partnership to advance digital infrastructure and empower industrial locators within the park. Represented in the photo (from left to right) are: Joseph Dichoso, Senior Manager for Corporate Planning, FPH; Arnel de Vera, Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, FPIP; Rodel Del Valle, Vice President and Head of Park Management&Development, FPIP; Jason de las Alas, Assistant Vice President and Head of Park&Utilities Group, FPIP; Ricky Carandang, Vice President and Head of Marketing, External Relations&Communications, FPIP; Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Domestic Business, PLDT Enterprise; Ritchie Fong, Head of Customer Relationship Management, PLDT Enterprise; Alecks Cadacio, Business Head, PLDT Enterprise; and Michael Zamora, Relationship Manager, PLDT Enterprise
Batangas, Philippines — PLDT Enterprise announces its growing partnership with First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), reinforcing its commitment to support the industrial park’s growing ecosystem of locators with reliable connectivity and integrated digital solutions.
The renewed collaboration strengthens PLDT Enterprise’s ability to extend fixed and ICT services to more enterprises operating within FPIP—helping locators enhance productivity, strengthen operational resilience, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives.
“Through the renewal of our partnership with FPIP, we look forward to further supporting and elevating the park’s expanding ecosystem with reliable connectivity and integrated digital solutions,” said Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Domestic Business at PLDT Enterprise. “As FPIP continues to grow, we are positioned to help more enterprises strengthen operational resilience and accelerate their digital initiatives.” A Commitment to Supporting Manufacturing and Semiconductor Enterprises
As one of the largest and fastest-growing industrial parks in the Philippines, FPIP plays a critical role in supporting manufacturing and semiconductor enterprises. Established in 1996, FPIP is a 500+ hectare special economic zone located in CALABARZON and is host to global leaders across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, electronics, medical devices, and office equipment.
A joint venture between First Philippine Holdings (FPH) and Sumitomo Corporation, FPIP offers best-in-class infrastructure and utilities, industry-leading park management, and an established industrial ecosystem designed to enable locators to operate efficiently and competitively.
PLDT Enterprise and First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) reaffirm their commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure for industrial locators.
As FPIP continues to expand and attract more locators, ensuring consistent, scalable digital infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. Industrial parks require reliable connectivity and integrated ICT solutions to support operational efficiency, business continuity, and seamless coordination across enterprises within the ecosystem.
Ricky Carandang, VP and FPIP Head of Marketing, External Relations, and Communications, shared that the partnership supports the park’s continued expansion and locator needs. “Ensuring that our locators have access to scalable and reliable digital infrastructure is essential as FPIP continues to grow. The renewed collaboration with PLDT Enterprise enables more enterprises within the park to access enterprise-grade connectivity and ICT services that support their operations and long-term competitiveness.”
Expanding Digital Access Across the Park
PLDT Enterprise currently provides connectivity, technology, and colocation services to locators within FPIP.
With the renewed agreement, PLDT Enterprise is expected to expand its reach to serve additional locators within the park, positioning itself to support more enterprises with enterprise-grade connectivity and digital services—boosting FPIP’s growing industrial community with integrated connectivity and ICT solutions.
As FPIP expands its industrial footprint, the renewed partnership with PLDT Enterprise supports a more connected and digitally enabled business ecosystem—helping enterprises operate more efficiently while contributing to the continued growth of one of the country’s leading industrial hubs.
To learn more about what PLDT Enterprise can do for your business, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-fpip-pr
Batangas, Philippines — PLDT Enterprise announces its growing partnership with First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), reinforcing its commitment to support the industrial park’s growing ecosystem of locators with reliable connectivity and integrated digital solutions.
The renewed collaboration strengthens PLDT Enterprise’s ability to extend fixed and ICT services to more enterprises operating within FPIP—helping locators enhance productivity, strengthen operational resilience, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives.
“Through the renewal of our partnership with FPIP, we look forward to further supporting and elevating the park’s expanding ecosystem with reliable connectivity and integrated digital solutions,” said Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Domestic Business at PLDT Enterprise. “As FPIP continues to grow, we are positioned to help more enterprises strengthen operational resilience and accelerate their digital initiatives.” A Commitment to Supporting Manufacturing and Semiconductor Enterprises
As one of the largest and fastest-growing industrial parks in the Philippines, FPIP plays a critical role in supporting manufacturing and semiconductor enterprises. Established in 1996, FPIP is a 500+ hectare special economic zone located in CALABARZON and is host to global leaders across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, electronics, medical devices, and office equipment.
A joint venture between First Philippine Holdings (FPH) and Sumitomo Corporation, FPIP offers best-in-class infrastructure and utilities, industry-leading park management, and an established industrial ecosystem designed to enable locators to operate efficiently and competitively.
PLDT Enterprise and First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) reaffirm their commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure for industrial locators.
As FPIP continues to expand and attract more locators, ensuring consistent, scalable digital infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. Industrial parks require reliable connectivity and integrated ICT solutions to support operational efficiency, business continuity, and seamless coordination across enterprises within the ecosystem.
Ricky Carandang, VP and FPIP Head of Marketing, External Relations, and Communications, shared that the partnership supports the park’s continued expansion and locator needs. “Ensuring that our locators have access to scalable and reliable digital infrastructure is essential as FPIP continues to grow. The renewed collaboration with PLDT Enterprise enables more enterprises within the park to access enterprise-grade connectivity and ICT services that support their operations and long-term competitiveness.”
Expanding Digital Access Across the Park
PLDT Enterprise currently provides connectivity, technology, and colocation services to locators within FPIP.
With the renewed agreement, PLDT Enterprise is expected to expand its reach to serve additional locators within the park, positioning itself to support more enterprises with enterprise-grade connectivity and digital services—boosting FPIP’s growing industrial community with integrated connectivity and ICT solutions.
As FPIP expands its industrial footprint, the renewed partnership with PLDT Enterprise supports a more connected and digitally enabled business ecosystem—helping enterprises operate more efficiently while contributing to the continued growth of one of the country’s leading industrial hubs.
To learn more about what PLDT Enterprise can do for your business, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-fpip-pr
If your group chats have quietly rebranded themselves into “Siargao 2.0” or “Japan 2026,” that’s usually the cue: summer planning has officially begun. Flights are being shared. Leave credits are being filed. Outfit mood boards are slowly taking shape.
But here’s what’s different in 2026: trips don’t feel like spontaneous splurges anymore, they feel intentional.According to recent findings, Millennials and Gen Z travelers aren’t just spending on travel. They’re planning earlier, booking more deliberately, and mapping out itineraries months ahead. Vacations are being treated as something to build toward, not just swipe for. Financial preparation is becoming part of the process, right alongside Pinterest boards and shared spreadsheets.
That’s where Maya — the country’s #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform — fits naturally into the picture. Because as the plans take shape, the travel fund should too.
Build the Fund Before You Book Stress-free travelers don’t start saving two weeks before takeoff. They build dedicated funds early. Whether it’s a cherry blossom reset, a long-overdue European milestone trip, or simply a beach escape, more users are setting up travel funds through Maya Personal Goals and contributing gradually over time. Instead of mixing airfare with grocery money, they separate everyday spending from future plans, ensuring rent money stays rent money, while travel money grows steadily in the background.
With Maya Personal Goals, users can create up to five separate savings targets and start earning 4% interest per annum immediately. Every ₱20,000 added boosts the interest rate, reaching up to 8% p.a. on deposits of up to ₱100,000, making it easier to grow funds faster without disrupting daily expenses.
Spend Strategically, Not Impulsively Planning doesn’t mean stopping spending. It means making every spend work harder.
By keeping funds in Maya Savings and using Maya for everyday transactions, users can grow their savings while managing regular expenses. With up to 15% interest per annum and interest credited daily, your money doesn’t just sit, it grows consistently, day after day. Spending, meanwhile, can also be strategic. The Maya Black Credit Card earns instant Maya Miles on all transactions: from flights and hotel bookings to groceries, bills, dining, and more. At Maya Black Preferred merchants, cardholders can earn up to 10X Maya Miles, helping rewards accumulate faster on select purchases. Those Miles can later be used to offset future travel expenses, turning routine spending into practical value. Frequent flyers also receive complimentary quarterly global lounge access, a tangible perk that upgrades departure days without the typical premium card fees. Globally accepted and designed for a digital-first lifestyle, the card complements how modern travelers move: cashless, connected, and prepared. Even pre-trip dinners can work in your favor. Using the Maya Credit Card at participating restaurants gives up to 20% cashback straight to your Maya wallet, helping stretch budgets without cutting back on the send-off moments that make trips memorable.
Because optimizing spending doesn’t mean sacrificing joy. It means making it sustainable.
Summer memories feel better when they aren’t financed by future stress. So go ahead, book the flight, build the Pinterest board, plan the itinerary. Just make sure your travel fund is growing while you do.
Follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. 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.
