Security Bank opens its 360th branch in Angeles – Friendship, Pampanga (L-R): Ronald Austria, SVP and Branch Banking Luzon Distribution Head; Rowena Pangilinan, FVP and Area Head; Oh Jong Geun, Vice President, Korean Community Association – Central Luzon; Ignacio Enriquez, President of Enrod Manufacturing Corp. and Currey International; Leslie Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head; Sandra Nepomuceno, President of MST Max Security Agency; Mariano Tan, Corporate Treasurer of Hausland Development Corp.; Hon. Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin, City Mayor of Angeles City; Father Among Norman Vitug, Parish Priest of Jesus the Eternal Word Parish; Hon. Vice Mayor Amos Rivera, City Vice Mayor of Angeles City; Raffy Angeles, City Administrator of Angeles City; Ferdie Uy, FVP and Region 4 Head, and Stephanie Canda, Business Manager of Angeles-Friendship Branch
Makati, Philippines – Security Bank has inaugurated its Angeles – Friendship Branch, further expanding its footprint in Central Luzon and bringing its signature BetterBanking experience closer to the community. The Angeles-Friendship Branch is the Bank’s 360th location, opened just ahead of the Naic branch in September, bringing the total network to 361 branches and counting.
“We’ve reimagined the traditional branch experience to provide a seamless blend of personal and digital interactions. From sleek, low counters that promote transparency and accessibility to our integrated digital platforms that enable fast, secure, and convenient transactions – every detail is crafted with our clients in mind,” says Leslie Y. Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head of Security Bank.
Located in one of Pampanga’s busiest urban centers and a key access point to the Clark Freeport Zone, the Angeles–Friendship branch is positioned to provide convenient access to a full suite of financial solutions for both residents and businesses in the area. The new branch underscores Security Bank’s commitment to expanding in high-growth provincial markets, ensuring customers enjoy personalized service and seamless banking experiences that blend in-branch care with digital convenience.
The Angeles – Friendship Branch is open Mondays to Fridays, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
For more information on Security Bank’s latest products, services, and branch locations, visit www.securitybank.com or follow Security Bank on social media.
GCash GJobs, in partnership with PasaJob and ActivAsia, hosts four online hiring events via TikTok and Facebook
Teaming up with PasaJob and ActivAsia, the Philippines’ leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem, GCash introduces GJobs HOTS (Hired On the Spot). GJobs HOTS a first-of-its-kind livestream hiring event for ActivAsia, designed to give Filipinos a faster and more accessible pathway to employment. The initiative provides an end-to-end, same-day hiring process to help address the challenge of underemployment.
For many Filipinos, landing jobs that match their skills and aspirations is still a struggle, pushing them to look for faster and more accessible ways to better opportunities. GJobs HOTS, powered by PasaJob, offers a digital solution where applicants can apply, be interviewed, and get hired all in a single day. This innovation helps streamline a process that traditionally takes weeks to complete.
At the center of the initiative is GJobs, a job platform feature within GCash that offers a convenient and accessible way for job seekers to explore various opportunities listed by PasaJobs for meaningful employment. During the first livestream, 88 vacancies were showcased, giving applicants a wide range of roles to choose from. The program is delivered in collaboration with the partner employer of GCash, ActivAsia, which is one of the country’s leading integrated marketing agencies known for its expertise in brand activations and consumer engagement.
GJobs HOTS redefines the job search by using live selling to bring jobs to people in an engaging way. During the livestream, hosts present available blue-collar positions, highlighting the number of openings, job locations, and benefits. Interested applicants simply comment “Mine, Trabaho!” to signal their intent to apply.
Candidates are encouraged to complete their GJobs profile and apply for open job positions. They will be contacted, interviewed, and notified of their application status all on the same day by ActivAsia.
The high level of engagement underscores the potential of livestreaming as an innovative recruitment channel and highlights how technology can open new doors to economic opportunities.
“With GJobs, we’re transforming the way Filipinos find jobs by making the entire hiring process possible in one day,” said Kristen Mariano, Founder of PasaJob. “This innovation is driven by our shared vision of creating accessible and meaningful work opportunities for more people.”
GJobs represents a step forward in how digital platforms can help address underemployment. By combining livestreaming with recruitment, job-seeking Filipinos are linked to work opportunities immediately.
This initiative also strengthens the GJobs platform and solidifies the commitment of GCash to using Tech for Good, driving financial inclusion and helping Filipinos connect with meaningful work opportunities.
The GJobs hire on the spot livestreams will run on the official GCash TikTok account, @gcashofficial, and will be cross-streamed on Facebook. The livestreams are scheduled for October 11 and 25, 2025, from 4-6 PM.
As more and more Filipino businesses turn to digital solutions to streamline operations, digital leaders are prioritizing technologies that enable them to grow their business and reach new markets.
This shift was the central focus at Pulse 2025: B2B Innovation & Leadership Forum, organized by Asticom, a leading shared services and tech solutions company. Held at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the forum brought together business leaders, technologists, and decision-makers from across industries to explore how responsible AI, platform partnerships, and digital transformation are redefining the business landscape in the Philippines.
Among the leading voices at the event was GCash, the country’s top finance superapp. G-Xchange Inc., (the mobile wallet operator of GCash) president and CEO Ren-ren Reyes, along with Jong Layug, general manager for GCash for Business, shared how the platform is evolving beyond consumer finance to drive financial empowerment and provide enterprise-scale solutions.
During one of the fireside chats, Reyes emphasized that the core purpose of GCash extends to both individual users and the broader enterprise landscape. He said, “Whether it’s a consumer reloading RFID or a company streamlining collections, we aim to remove pain points through digital tools. Every efficiency gained contributes to a stronger, more empowered economy.”
He also addressed the question of emerging technologies, such as AI, and how GCash filters them through a practical lens:
“We don’t adopt tech for tech’s sake. We ask, does this solve a real problem? If it doesn’t, it’s not worth the distraction. If it does, we scale it in a way that’s intuitive and secure for our users. In the end, at the heart of GCash is our vision—Finance for All. We help Filipinos establish a digital identity and financial footprint, bringing them into the formal system. That small step unlocks services they never thought possible before.”
Noting the crucial role of B2B partnerships and how they’re foundational to GCash’s growth model, Layug shared how GCash has been expanding its enterprise focus through ecosystem collaboration and scalable solutions.
“If something defines who we are, we build it. If speed is critical and others can do it better, we partner. Either way, we always test side by side to ensure we’re delivering the best outcome. We’ve always solved for the Filipino consumer. Now we’re applying the same mindset to businesses—creating tools that remove friction, improve cash flow, and simplify interactions between brands and their customers.”
Also present at the event were industry leaders from McDonald’s Philippines, Globe, Google Philippines, Microsoft Philippines, LinkedIn, Entrego, and other key players in digital innovation and enterprise transformation.
The event was part of Asticom’s 10th anniversary celebration, marking a decade of enabling businesses through shared services, workforce solutions, and technology-driven innovation. Asticom supports organizations in scaling operations and navigating transformation by delivering smart, people-centered business solutions.
As GCash deepens its engagement with the B2B sector through responsible AI, scalable partnerships, and customer-first innovation, it reinforces its mission to support smarter, more inclusive business growth across the Philippines.
For more information, please visit http://www.gcash.com.
Get ready for twice the cheesy-beefy goodness as Jollibee’s Cheesy Yumburger now comes in two irresistible flavors!
Jollibee, the home of the langhap-sarap experience, just leveled up their Cheesy Yumburger line, letting fans choose their own delicious bias. Still made with the same beefy langhap-sarap patty you know and love, the Cheesy Yumburger now comes in two crave-worthy variants:
Original Cheesy Yumburger – The crowd-favorite classic with creamy cheese and signature Yum sauce.
Special Cheesy Yumburger – A bold new flavor adventure with creamy cheese, tasty ketchup, pickles, and onions, available starting October 1, 2025.
Whether you’re a loyalist to the OG or curious to try something new, there’s now a Cheesy Yumburger made just for you to satisfy any of your cravings.
“Fans have always loved the Cheesy Yumburger for its beefy patty and cheesy goodness. With this limited-time offer, we’re giving them more ways to enjoy it — either sticking with the Original or switching things up with the bold Special variant,” said Pam Reyes, Assistant Vice President, Jollibee Philippines. “Kahit anong craving mo, there is a Cheesy Yumburger for you.”
The Original Cheesy Yumburger starts at just ₱69 Solo, and the Special Cheesy Yumburger starts at only ₱75 Solo.
Flavor isn’t the only thing leveling up! This new campaign also marks the comeback of JolliBINI, with the launch of a new ad featuring the Nation’s Girl Group and a new Cheesy Yumburger jingle that hits all the right notes of cheesy-beefy goodness.
This limited-time offer is perfect for flavor-seekers, burger lovers, and Jollibee fans who have multiple cravings and want their bites loaded with personality. Available now at all Jollibee stores nationwide for dine-in, take-out, and delivery.
For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X, Instagram, and TikTok.
10,000 meals pledged to support communities in need
Filinvest employees actively volunteer at Loaves X Fish, coming together on weekends to help prepare meals for beneficiaries.
Filinvest Group’s 70th anniversary was made more meaningful during the partners’ event on September 17 with a gesture of giving. For every guest in attendance, 70 meals were pledged by Filinvest to the Loaves X Fish Foundation, amounting to a total of 10,000 meals, for those most in need.
In line with its mission of Fighting Hunger and Feeding Hope, Loaves X Fish Foundation, Inc. operates a charity kitchen that provides free hot meals for the poor, abandoned, marginalized and forgotten. Since opening its doors in Feb. 2024, the kitchen has served over 325,000 meals with the support of its donors, its more than 1,700 volunteers and in partnership with 30 parishes and NGOs.
Filinvest employees join the Loaves X Fish charity kitchen in Alabang, Muntinlupa, supporting meal preparation for beneficiaries.
Filinvest employees have been part of this effort from the beginning, regularly joining other volunteers in the kitchen to prepare food for distribution. Their involvement reflects a culture of service that runs deep within the Group and its employees.
Volunteers from Filinvest preparing meals for beneficiaries at the Loaves X Fish kitchen.
“Filinvest’s 70th year is not only a celebration of our journey but also an opportune time to remind ourselves of our social responsibility. Supporting Loaves X Fish allows us to honor our partners while extending care to communities that need it most,” said Ysmael V. Baysa, Filinvest Development Corp. Chief Operating Officer. What began in a Quiapo shophouse seventy years ago has grown into one of the biggest and most diverse business groups in the country, but the heart of Filinvest remains the same: to uplift lives and create opportunities. Through this initiative with Loaves X Fish, the Group celebrates its past while reaffirming its commitment to shaping a better future for the Filipino people.
Established in 1955, the Filinvest Group is one of the Philippines’ most diversified conglomerates, with businesses in real estate, banking and financial services, power and utilities, hospitality, and sugar.
Manila, Philippines — McDonald’s Philippines continues to set the standard in flavor innovation and category leadership with the new Golden Curry Fillet, a flavorful take on curry with the right blend of spice, sweetness, and creaminess. It’s so good, it’s chef’s kiss!
Building on the legacy of the beloved Crispy Chicken Fillet and Chicken Fillet Ala King, the new Golden Curry Fillet has been getting acclaim from customers, even an endorsement from award-winning actress-chef Judy Ann Santos.
“We are so proud of our new Golden Chicken Curry Fillet getting a chef’s kiss from the one-and-only Juday,” says Ada Almendras-Lazaro, McDonald’s Chief Marketing Officer. The meal’s special Golden Curry sauce, enhanced by coconut milk, echoes the spiciness, sweetness, and creaminess that is familiar to the Filipino palate.
“Coconut milk or ‘gata’ is widely used in Filipino dishes. Combined with the boldness and kick of curry, the sweetness and creaminess of coconut milk makes the sauce appealing to the Filipino palate. Curry is not always easy to get right but with our new product, mapapa-chef’s kiss ka talaga sa sarap,” says Almendras-Lazaro.
Poured over McDonald’s Crispy Chicken Fillet and served with rice for a satisfying, filling, and comforting meal, the Golden Curry Fillet is available served with extra rice and a regular drink for as low as P99 with McSavers Sulit-Busog Meals.
The McDonald’s Golden Curry Fillet is available through dine-in, take-out, drive thru, delivery, and the McDonald’s App. For more information about McDonald’s products and promos visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph.
For more information, visit McDonalds.com.ph, or follow @McDo.ph on Facebook, and @McDo_ph on Instagram.
Makati City, September 30, 2025 — Security Bank has announced the appointment of Victor Lee Meng Teck as its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He is set to assume the role in early January 2026, following the completion of his work permit, visa, and other regulatory requirements. He will succeed Sanjiv Vohra, who will continue to lead the Bank until that time. Upon stepping down, Mr. Vohra will transition to the role of Senior Advisor to the Board.
Victor Lee is a Singaporean banker with over 30 years of leadership experience throughout Asia. Most recently, he served as CEO of CIMB Singapore and CEO of Growth Markets for CIMB Bank Berhad.
At CIMB Singapore, Mr. Lee spearheaded a period of strong growth, doubling revenue and raising Return on Equity to nearly 20%. Under his leadership, the bank was recognized by The Straits Times as one of the Top 3 institutions for customer experience for three consecutive years (2023–2025). He also fostered a culture where employees felt more engaged and valued, with satisfaction levels rising significantly during his tenure.
Sanjiv Vohra assumed leadership of the Bank just months before the onset of the global pandemic. Despite unprecedented challenges, he led the organization through transformational change—strengthening digital and customer-first strategies, building a culture that has made Security Bank an Employer of Choice, advancing its sustainability agenda, and positioning the Bank for long-term profitability.
“We’re grateful to Sanjiv for his steady leadership during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. His vision and dedication have left the Bank stronger, more resilient, and well-prepared for the future,” noted Cirilo Noel, Security Bank Chairman. “As we welcome Victor, we’re confident this seamless transition will allow us to sustain momentum and capture new opportunities.”
Mr. Vohra said: “As I prepare to step down, I leave with pride and gratitude in what we have accomplished together. Our journey over the past six years has been one of total transformation—reimagining Security Bank from front to back. We have strengthened our people, embraced new technology, modernized platforms, and, most importantly, embedded customer-centricity at the heart of everything we do. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and passion of our team, and the trust of our clients and partners. As I step aside, I am confident the Bank is well-positioned to continue its momentum and achieve even greater success in the years ahead.”
Mr. Lee adds: “I’m honored to be entrusted with this responsibility. Security Bank has built a strong reputation for customer-centricity, innovation, and its distinct BetterBanking experience. I look forward to working with Sanjiv, the Board, and all employees to continue building on this foundation and delivering sustainable growth for our stakeholders.”
As the holiday season draws near, it’s always a good idea to set the mood with joyful discoveries to bring out the Christmas in us. Here are some offers from SM City Marilao that are perfect for giving or simply making you happy.
Customized Gift Ideas from The Fat Bunny Club
There is nothing like a well-chosen, personalized gift. The Fat Bunny Club promotes creativity with their exquisite assortment of lovely patches, personalized bag tags, pouches, keychains, and more!
Practical Stationeries at Miniso
Get some premium stationery from Miniso at SM City Marilao as a thoughtful present. For those looking for traditional Christmas finds, such as sturdy ballpoint pens, pocket notebooks, two-way colored pens, and much more, Miniso will always be the best place to go.
Upbeat Accessories from Broadway Gems
The Christmas season requires a few delicate pieces to create unique ensembles. You can depend on Broadway Gems in SM City Marilao for chic girl accents suitable for all the gatherings and activities you will be attending this Yuletide season.
Portable Appliances at SM Appliance Center
Small but functional items always have a particular allure. At SM Appliance Center, you may get portable appliances that are perfect for tiny spaces or as gifts for friends who recently moved into a new residence. These include flat irons without the bulk, fancy-colored little electric fans, and portable rice cookers.
Give in to your heart’s desires this holiday season. Jumpstart Christmas with joyful finds from SM City Marilao. For updates and sneak peeks, visit https://www.facebook.com/SMCityMarilao.
C&E ALS inspires future-ready learners with interactive and tech-powered solutions at its “ALS University” showcase in MIBF 2025
Manila, Philippines – The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) has always been a celebration of books, ideas, and innovation. This year, C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions (C&E ALS) took center stage with its groundbreaking “C&E ALS University” booth, a visually stunning and highly interactive showcase that blended tradition and technology to highlight how education is evolving in the Philippines.
A Booth that Captured Attention
The “Campus of the Future” stood out at the SMX Convention Center with its unique design: curved walls symbolizing adaptability, green strips echoing the vibrancy of campus life, and modern archways that invited visitors to step into a space where past and future converged. From the outside alone, the booth signaled something different: a glimpse of how classrooms, libraries, and campuses could look and feel in the years ahead.
“Our vision was to create more than a booth,” said John Emyl G. Eugenio, COO of C&E ALS. “We wanted to give educators, students, and partners a real experience of what the future of learning looks like, one where books, digital solutions, AI, and hands-on tools all come together.”
Honoring Tradition, Driving Innovation
Inside the booth, C&E ALS showcased its full spectrum of solutions, positioning itself as a complete education partner for schools and institutions: Print and Digital Content from C&E Publishing and world-renowned partners such as McGraw Hill, Elsevier, Sage, Pearson, Cengage, and Wiley; Library and Learning Platforms, including Canvas LMS, distributed by C&E ALS in the Philippines; STEAM and Makerspace Tools for all levels, designed to spark creativity and innovation in students; AI-Powered Solutions that helps educators run their courses faster and with greater precision; and Technology Collaborations with global leaders like Samsung and Britannica, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing future-ready tools.
This holistic presentation showed that for C&E ALS, innovation and tradition are not opposing forces but partners in shaping tomorrow’s classrooms.
C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions unveiled its “Campus of the Future” at the Manila International Book Fair 2025, showcasing innovations that bridge tradition and technology in Philippine education
A Hub of Engagement and Discovery
Beyond being visually striking, the booth became a lively hub of activity. Thousands of visitors–from teachers and librarians to students and parents–took part in interactive
experiences such as the Course Card Passport Challenge, where participants explored different zones, learned about new solutions, and earned instant prizes.
Teachers tested AI platforms for lesson planning, librarians discovered tools to streamline resource management, and students experimented with STEAM kits. The result was an environment that felt more like a living campus than an exhibition booth.
Spotlight on Generative AI
One of the key highlights of C&E ALS’s participation was the seminar on Generative AI in Education, led by Engr. Ericson Dimaunahan, Director of the Office of Digital Education, Learning Technologies and Analytics at Mapúa University.
Held on September 11, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, the session drew educators eager to understand how AI can improve efficiency, personalize learning, and enhance teaching quality.
“Education has always been shaped by the tools of its time. Our task as decision makers is not just to keep pace, but to set direction,” said C&E ALS Representative Ronald Laovinia.
The seminar resonated with attendees, many of whom expressed excitement about integrating AI-driven solutions into their classrooms. It underscoredC&E ALS’s mission not only to showcase tools but also to lead the conversation on how emerging technologies can transform learning in the Philippines.
C&E ALS’s seminar on Generative AI in Education sparked excitement among teachers about using AI to enhance efficiency and personalize learning.
A Strong Turnout and Positive Impact
The booth’s design, activities, and solutions drew strong engagement throughout the five-day fair. C&E ALS reported thousands of visitors, from casual fairgoers to decision-makers in education, underscoring the company’s role as a thought leader in the sector. “Seeing so many educators and students actively engage with our solutions tells us we are on the right path,” Eugenio said. “It validates our mission to make education more adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready.”
Looking Beyond MIBF
While the “Campus of the Future” was a highlight of MIBF 2025, C&E ALS emphasized that the showcase was just the beginning. The company remains committed to expanding its ecosystem of solutions for Philippine schools and institutions, ensuring that both tradition and innovation continue to shape education.
“At MIBF 2025, we showed how education is both about shaping the future and honoring tradition,” Eugenio added. “After the fair, our focus is to keep driving innovation that empowers educators and inspires learners nationwide.”
With the success of its MIBF participation, C&E ALS upheld its position as a leader in educational transformation. By seamlessly integrating print books, digital content and platforms, STEAM, and adaptive tech like AI, the company is preparing Filipino children to thrive in the future, staying true to its promise of adapting today, shaping tomorrow.
Innovation doesn’t stop at the fair! After showcasing the “Campus of the Future” at MIBF 2025, C&E ALS continues its mission to empower educators and inspire learners.
Security Bank opens its 361st branch in Naic, Cavite (L-R): Ronald Austria, SVP and Branch Banking Luzon Distribution Head; Jeany Sabillo, General Manager of Lotus Development Corporation; Bienvenido Guevera Jr., President of Haumaru Realty Ventures; Marcela Angeles, Sales Manager of Antel Land Holdings, Inc. – Anyana Tanza; Hon. Mayor Rommel Magbitang, Municipal Mayor of Naic; Leslie Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head; Atty. Arnel Janabajal, President of Colegio de Naic; Lourdeni Sourtijas, Business Manager of Naic Branch and Hannah Anonuevo, FVP and Area Head
Makati, Philippines – Security Bank has inaugurated its 361st branch in Naic, Cavite, strengthening its footprint in Southern Luzon and bringing its signature BetterBanking experience closer to residents and local businesses.
“Our newest branch is strategically located in Naic— a fast-growing, well-connected community that’s becoming a prime destination for families and businesses alike. It’s the perfect place to bring our enhanced banking services even closer to customers,” says Leslie Y. Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head of Security Bank.
With Naic steadily emerging as a key growth corridor in Cavite, Security Bank’s new branch aims to provide convenient access to a wide range of financial solutions to support both personal and business needs.
The Naic branch is open Mondays to Fridays, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
For more information on Security Bank’s latest products, services, and branch locations, visit www.securitybank.com or follow Security Bank on social media.
