When the skies darken and storm alerts dominate the news, the best thing you can do is be prepared. Typhoons in the Philippines are growing stronger and less predictable, but with the right tools and information, you can weather any storm safely. Here are five life-saving tips to help protect your home and family.
Stay Informed. Knowledge is your first line of defense. Tune in to trusted weather bulletins and updates from credible sources. A rechargeable vintage radio from Surplus ensures you stay connected even during power outages—no WiFi or signal needed.
Be Ready. Don’t wait until it’s too late to gather your emergency essentials. Ready-to-use first aid kits from Watsons and flashlights, batteries, ropes, and emergency tools from Ace Hardware can make all the difference. And remember to withdraw cash in advance, since ATMs may be inaccessible during or after a storm.
Stock Food Supplies. Secure at least three days’ worth of clean drinking water and ready-to-eat food. Visit SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket ahead of time to build your emergency pantry while supplies are still plenty.
Secure your Home. Before the storm hits, check for loose roofing, shaky windows, or rusted locks. Reinforce weak spots with tools, sealants, and home repair items from Ace Hardware, all under one roof at your nearest SM mall.
Prepare for Power Outages. Electricity is often the first thing to go during a storm. Stay comfortable and safe by investing in a portable generator. Ask the experts at Ace Hardware for energy-efficient options that can power your essentials without breaking the bank.
All these items and more are available at SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela. Whether it’s a simple flashlight or a full emergency setup, you’ll find everything you need to stay storm-ready.
Stay safe. Stay prepared. And let SM help you weather any storm.
The Art for Everyone exhibit opened at the Mall Atrium of SM City Masinag
Explore a landscape of Filipino creativity as SM City Masinag launches the Art for Everyone exhibit, now open to the public until July 26, 2025. This must-see art exhibit in Rizal is part of a nationwide celebration across SM Supermalls, showcasing diverse artworks from talented local artists and art groups.
The launch event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by renowned paper artist Badz Magsumbol, along with SM Supermalls executives including Senior AVP for Operations Ronald Allan Brosas, Regional Operations Manager Don Vijandre, and SM City Masinag Mall Manager April Duques.
Sharing the honors in formally opening the Art for Everyone exhibit is (L-R) SM Supermalls Regional Operations Manager Don Edward Vijandre, Artist mentor and founder of the Philippine Papercutters Guild Badz Magsumbol, SM City Masinag Mall Manager April Anne Duques and SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations Ronald Allan Brosas
Now on display at the Mall Atrium of SM City Masinag, the exhibit houses over 200 artworks—from expressive paintings and modern illustrations to creative paper cuttings and mixed media installations. The collection offers visitors a chance to experience and support the richness of Philippine art in one accessible location.
Featured in this year’s Art for Everyone at SM City Masinag are works from:
Valenzuela Visual Art Society (VVAS) – a group of artists from Valenzuela City creating pieces in painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media.
Papercutters Guild of the Philippines (PGP) – the country’s largest collective of papercutters, quillers, and paper sculptors, known for their intricate and imaginative paper artworks.
89 Collective – a multi-disciplinary group composed of painters, sculptors, portrait artists, and even a soil artist, united in using art to connect with communities.
Badz Magsumbol – founder of PGP and advocate for sustainable and meaningful art through education and mentorship.
Free by Anna Lumpas
More than just an art show, Art for Everyone is a platform that connects emerging and seasoned Filipino artists with new audiences and art collectors. It also serves as a unique cultural experience and one of the top things to do in Antipolo this July.
Don’t miss this inspiring local art exhibit in Rizal! Visit Art for Everyone at SM City Masinag and immerse yourself in the beauty, passion, and creativity of homegrown Filipino art. The exhibit is open daily during mall hours until July 26, 2025.
Pagpaalam by Nicole Marie Hernandez
For updates and more events, follow SM City Masinag on official social media accounts.
Inspired by More Than A Century of Pioneering New Technologies
Philips, one of the world’s biggest international brands, delivers meaningful innovations that help improve people’s quality of life. Founded in the Netherlands, the diversified company has a 132-year history of developing top of the line products known for their uncompromising performance and indisputable reliability.
Starting as a small light bulb manufacturer, Philips expanded into new business areas in its commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation. In consumer electronics in particular, Philips introduced iconic products such as the compact cassette and the CD as well as Color TV and cutting-edge OLED displays that have reshaped how people are entertained. Philips has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible while remaining grounded in consumer’s basic needs. The company’s dedication to innovation has become a highlight of Philip’s continuing presence in the Philippine market. Filipinos have come to appreciate that Philip’s globally well-known products are synonymous with quality and reliability.
Smart Home A legacy of innovation and dependability should spell the big difference as Philips launches an expanded products selection to include smart home solutions in the country. Tech solutions for the smart home are a recent trend, aimed at ensuring convenience and security for the homeowner. Philips’ smart home catalogue includes smart locks, smart safes, and Bluetooth speakers that live up to its century-old legacy of manufacturing reliable advanced products.
Smart Lock Evolving the use of traditional door locks, Smart Locks implement advanced technology for a safer modern home. In their ground-breaking innovation, Philips Smart Locks feature fingerprint recognition, PIN codes, RFID cards, and remote smartphone access for a hands-free, convenient home entry experience. Some models also offer Face Recognition and Palm-Vein Recognition, adding even more advanced layers of biometric security. Robust hardware, anti-tampering design, and seamless integration with smart home systems ensure peace of mind for the homeowner. These setups offer layered access control that’s particularly beneficial for families with helpers, frequent visitors, or household staff.
Smart Safe When it comes to safeguarding your prized possessions, nothing beats top-notch security. With advanced fire resistance, biometric fingerprint unlocking, and versatile access methods, the Philips Smart Safe Box is designed for those who prioritize safety and technology. Furthermore, the combination of biometric and PIN code access methods allows a backup way to unlock the safe. Add Wi-Fi connectivity, two-factor authentication, and real-time alerts packed in an elegant construction, and Philips Smart Safe is the intelligent storage solution for your valuables.
Bluetooth Speakers Available in budget-friendly and high-end models, Philips Bluetooth speakers basically balance portability and performance. Its compact design, hands-free convenience and 10-hour battery life fit the demands of people on the go. Its advanced sound technology delivers clear audio with pumping bass, which even casual listeners will love. While not entirely waterproof, Philip’s Bluetooth speakers can easily handle sweat, splashes or rain showers, making it a suitable side buddy during physical exercises, campus runs or even long hikes. Philips also offers a Karaoke Series under its Bluetooth speaker line, perfect for music-loving Filipinos who enjoy singing on the go or at home with friends and family.
Philips places utmost importance on consumer safety and product reliability. Upholding a legacy of quality and innovation, the brand continues to evolve and expand its product line while maintaining exceptional standards. Its smart home solutions are equipped with a full suite of valuable features designed to help Filipinos enjoy a more convenient and fulfilling home life.
Commitment to Well-Being Technology will never cease to evolve, and Philips will be a guiding light as the modern Filipino households and businesses overcome the challenges of new frontiers to conquer. Driven by a legacy of innovation that spans over a century, Philips especially in the Philippines will continue to be a trusted partner to Filipino consumers in bringing useful, secure and reliable products to a growing market segment.
McDonald’s Philippines is bringing Crispy Chicken Fillet to its golden era with the launch of the new Golden Chicken Curry Fillet, an exciting take on the beloved McDonald’s meal now served with rich and flavorfulGolden Chicken Curry sauce.
The Golden Chicken Curry sauce is a rich, velvety sauce made with an equally rich blend of spices and complemented by the creaminess of coconut. This sauce brings a warm, savory kick that perfectly goes with McDonald’s Crispy Chicken Fillet. It’s so flavorful and satisfying, everyone will want extra rice just to enjoy every last drop.
“With the Golden Chicken Curry Fillet, we’re giving our customers an exciting new flavor experience that delivers on flavor, satisfaction, and value, the things they already love about McDonald’s. This exciting addition to our menu appeals to those looking to try new tastes and flavorful adventures to their meals, while at the same time enjoying what they have come to love from the brand,” says McDonald’s Philippines Marketing Manager Yves Nacpil.
The new Golden Chicken Curry Fillet is a golden addition to the current Crispy Chicken Fillet line-up, which includes the Original Crispy Chicken Fillet and Crispy Chicken Fillet A La King. The new Golden Chicken Curry Fillet as well as the other Crispy Chicken Fillet meals are available as McSavers Sulit-Busog Meals—served with extra rice and a regular drink for as low as P99.
Try the new McDonald’s Golden Chicken Curry Fillet, 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.
Left to right: (top row) Sun Life PH Chief Agency Officer Deo Orpilla, Sun Life PH Chief HR Officer Michelle Garcia, Deputy Director-General for Museums for the National Museum Jorell Legaspi, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. President JJ Moreno, Sun Life PH Chief Strategy and Enablement Officer Aleister Cruz, (bottom row) Sun Life PH Chief Client Experience & Marketing Officer Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Odangputik Art Space Co-Founder and Lead Artist Ianna Engaño, Odangputik Art Space Co-Founder & Curator Lin Bajala, and Liter of Light Co-Founder and Board Director Ami Valdemoro.
Manila, PH – 4 June 2025 – Get ready for a dazzling spectacle at the heart of Manila!
The National Museum is set to host a breathtaking art installation that’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a beacon of hope for communities across the Philippines.
Imagine this: over 3,500 handcrafted solar lamps, each telling a story of sustainability and Filipino ingenuity, will transform the open area of the National Museum of Natural History into a mesmerizing Circle of Light. This stunning display, aiming for a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the largest display of solar powered lamps this July 1, is Sun Life Philippines’ way of celebrating its 130th anniversary with a bang – and a whole lot of heart.
From July 2 to 9, 2025, visitors can wander through this luminous wonderland, marveling at the interplay of light and shadow. But the real magic happens after the exhibit closes. These beautiful lamps will find new homes in Talim Island and areas in Region IV-A, bringing much-needed illumination to students and communities living off the grid.
The National Museum, known for its commitment to showcasing Filipino heritage, sees this collaboration as a blend of art, science, and social responsibility. “Through the Circle of Light, the National Museum is able to showcase its shared dedication with Sun Life of supporting creative, green, and sustainable advocacies and presenting them through this illuminating installation,” Jorell Legaspi, Deputy Director-General for Museums for the National Museum of the Philippines, said.
The Circle of Light also highlights the solar expertise of global changemaker Liter of Light and local pottery advocate Odangputik Art Space.
Liter of Light Co-Founder and Board Director Ami Valdemoro recounted how their hand-built solar lights are guided by three principles: to utilize readily available and local materials, teach green skills, and create livelihoods for the communities served. “Likewise, Sun Life’s Circle of Light initiative fulfills those principles,” she said. “We are all united in the idea that everybody can make a difference, and we will soon have 3,500 examples of what we can do when we give our time and talent to a meaningful project.”
The program also fosters cultural appreciation for the art of ceramic pottery. Lin Bajala, Co-Founder and Curator of Odangputik Art Space explained, “Ceramic pottery isn’t easy. Through our community gatherings, we help people understand that this is an interdisciplinary collaboration between art and science. In a way, the Sun Life Circle of Light is helping us build cultural appreciation for this type of art.”
For its part, Sun Life expressed gratitude for the support for Circle of Light. “It’s remarkable how Circle of Light has brought together organizations and volunteer lamp-builders within the Sun Life community in pursuit of a noble mission. Together, we are turning science into art, and art into hope,” Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Sun Life Philippines Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer said. “It not only mirrors the trust that Sun Life has received over the years but it also stands for our commitment to make more lives brighter for the next 130 years and beyond.”
To know more about Circle of Light, visit www.sunlife.co/CircleofLight or follow @SunLifePH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay updated on the program.
Survey of 1,000 consumers in the Philippines shows Filipinos value independence, quality of life, and purpose over longer life spans.
Despite rising health concerns, especially among those aged 25-34, most Filipinos surveyed do not take sufficient preventive health actions.
Amid widening retirement savings gap, Filipinos see the link between finances and health but remain underprepared for retirement.
Many Filipinos place excessive reliance on cash as a placeholder investment, increasing the risk that they might outlive their savings in the face of potential longer life expectancy.
MANILA, Philippines – A shift in how Filipinos view longevity is emerging, as they prioritize quality of life more than simply living longer as they age, according to the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025: “Embracing Longevity: Enjoying a Better Life.” The comprehensive study, which surveyed 1,000 Filipinos, revealed that only 13% of respondents chose living a longer life as their top wish when they consider their older years, while 26% prioritize financial independence and 17% value staying physically, mentally, and socially active.
The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, which ran in January and February, explored attitudes around how the region views longevity, as global life expectancies continue to rise.
Among those who value quality of life over lifespan, the respondents’ desired lifespan averages 69 years—below the national life expectancy, which is projected to reach 73.2 by 2050—suggests a preference for a life of purpose, vigor, and independence over sheer longevity.
“Filipinos are redefining what it means to live a good life,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “They are no longer focused solely on longevity. Instead, they want to live better—with freedom, dignity, and the ability to enjoy life on their own terms. This shift challenges us to rethink how we support them—not just with insurance, but with holistic solutions that enhance their quality of life.”
Health concerns continue to rise, especially among younger Filipinos
The survey also revealed that health issues are a growing concern, particularly among Filipinos aged 25-34. Nearly 44% of respondents reported experiencing physical or mental health problems that affect their daily lives. Despite this, most Filipinos surveyed are not taking enough preventive action.
On average, more than half of the survey respondents engage in only 5 out of 17 recommended preventive health measures that can support a longer, healthier life. Critical indicators of long-term health—such as muscle mass and oxygen uptake—are monitored by just 16% of participants. These metrics are scientifically linked to longevity and overall vitality yet remain largely overlooked.
Despite this, 74% believe their current health habits are sufficient to protect their health as they age.
“There is a clear gap between awareness and action. Filipinos understand the importance of health, but many are not taking the necessary steps to protect it,” added Hora. “This disconnect could lead to long-term vulnerabilities, which will be challenging to address later in life. To bridge this gap, we encourage Filipinos to take more proactive steps, such as scheduling regular check-ups, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, to help safeguard their overall health and well-being.”
Filipinos face a retirement savings gap
The survey also highlighted the strong relationship between financial stability and health outcomes. A significant 80% of respondents believe that their financial well-being directly affects how long they can remain physically healthy. Similarly, 76% say it impacts their mental health and emotional resilience.
However, despite this awareness, the average retirement savings among Filipinos is only PHP 630,000—16% of the PHP 3.85 million they estimate they will need to retire comfortably.
“Filipinos recognize that wealth and health are deeply connected,” said Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines. “However, their current savings and investment behaviors do not necessarily reflect this awareness. The gap between what they have saved and what they will need could compromise their ability to live independently and with dignity in later years.”
Retirement planning: A shift in priorities, but gaps remain
When it comes to preparing for retirement, cash remains king for many Filipinos. The survey found that 66% view keeping their money in cash or fixed deposits as one of their top 2 priorities, while 51% express they want to invest in property. However, more than half (54%) also expressed a desire for steady income streams during retirement—something that cash-heavy portfolios may not be able to provide, especially in the face of inflation and rising healthcare costs.
“We are seeing a shift in how Filipinos think about retirement,” Gaspar noted. “While they are starting to realize that relying solely on property or savings may not be enough, many still hold excessive cash, which raises their longevity risk or the risk that they might outlive their savings, particularly in the face of potential longer life expectancy.
Gaspar added, “At Manulife Investments, we empower Filipinos to create more holistic wealth portfolios by giving them diverse and affordable investment choices, which they can use as building blocks to mobilize their savings, receive recurring income streams and achieve financial independence throughout their lifetime. Today, Filipinos can choose from our suite of 22 unit investment trust funds (UITFs), including six income-paying UITFs, spanning multi-asset, fixed income, equity and real estate investment trusts (REITs) asset classes that can be accessed for as little as Php1,000.”
The value of professional financial advice is also evident in the data: 70% of those who work with financial planners believe they will have enough funds for retirement, compared to only 38% of those without such guidance.
Supporting Filipinos’ fresh definition of Longevity
As Philippine life expectancy continues to increase in the coming years, the need for comprehensive health and wealth planning becomes critical.
“The message from Filipinos is clear—they want to age with dignity, maintain their independence, and have the financial freedom to do what matters to them,” Hora concluded. “At Manulife, we are committed to evolving our products and services to support this vision. That means offering solutions that go beyond medical and critical illness coverage to address health protection needs and offering investment options that can provide reliable income streams for a better, more fulfilling life.”
Cyclists ride together in celebration of World Bicycle Day at SM, promoting eco-friendly mobility and cleaner cities as part of Philippine Environment Month 2025.
As a long-standing advocate for sustainability, SM Cares—the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls—once again mobilized thousands of Filipinos in celebration of Philippine Environment Month, reinforcing its commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future through its movement for an #SMWasteFreeFuture.
Throughout the month of June 2025, SM Supermalls nationwide served as rallying points for environmental action, drawing in communities, partners, and changemakers through dynamic and impactful programs that aligned with the spirit of cycling for change, cleaning together, and conserving what matters.a
Cycle: Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles
In celebration of World Bicycle Day, 26 SM malls across the country hosted community bike rides and various bike-related events—encouraging greener mobility while rallying support for various environmental and health initiatives. These bike rides weren’t just about pedaling—they were about movement of people, ideas, and purpose.
Families and biking advocates pedal through green pathways during SM’s World Bicycle Day ride, showing how sustainable lifestyles can start at the community level.
Clean: Protecting Our Waters Together
To honor World Oceans Day, 18 SM malls led coastal and river cleanup drives in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), LGUs, youth groups, and private sector partners. The initiative drew over 5,000 volunteers and resulted in the collection of more than 30,000 kilograms of trash, showing how collective action can create real environmental impact.
Conserve with Purpose: Engaging Through Culture, Education, and Action
As part of its Environment Month campaign, SM Cares expanded its initiatives through a series of educational and cultural activities that promote purposeful conservation. These included a green film showing in partnership with government agencies to raise awareness on climate action and biodiversity, a bike-hike-plant activity that combined cycling, reforestation, and volunteerism, and a youth-led battle of the bands that fused music and environmental advocacy.
“These efforts reflect our deep commitment to help build a culture of sustainability in every community we serve,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and SM Cares Program Director for Environment. “An #SMWasteFreeFuture isn’t just a goal—it’s a responsibility that we proudly share with our mall-goers, employees, and partners.”
These initiatives also support several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals—demonstrating SM Cares’ continuing commitment to environmental stewardship through multi-sector collaboration and community engagement.
This Philippine Environment Month, SM Cares continues to prove that progress happens when communities come together—with every ride, every cleanup, and every small act of conservation bringing the country closer to a future that’s cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable.
Sustainably SM: Driving Collective Action for a Greener Tomorrow
As a Sustainable Mall, SM Cares champions environmental stewardship through inclusive and future-forward initiatives that promote sustainable living, climate resilience, and resource conservation.
By actively engaging mall-goers, communities, and partner organizations, SM Cares fosters collective action to reduce environmental impact, and build a greener, more resilient future. Through education, innovation, and strong partnerships, SM Cares leads the way in creating sustainable spaces and inspiring everyday environmental responsibility across generation.
40 Years of Building Better Communities
Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—continuously evolving to lead the way in sustainable development by integrating green design, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship into its 88 malls in the Philippines, all while creating inclusive spaces that enrich communities, support climate action, and ensure a better, more sustainable future for generations of Filipino shoppers.
For more information about SM Cares and its environmental sustainability programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media.
Unleash Productivity and Creativity with the 3-in-1 Genius HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025), Now Available for PHP 49,999
Manila, Philippines (July 18, 2025) — HUAWEI empowers you to unleash your full creativity and productivity with the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025). As HUAWEI’s most advanced tablet to date, this 3-in-1 Tablet PC is engineered to empower today’s busy lifestyles with PC-level productivity, immersive display technology, and powerful creative tools—all in one device.
Whether you’re powering through pitch decks, sketching out ideas on the go, or catching up on entertainment between meetings, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) is a seamless companion built to bring out genius for every scenario. The wait is over, the all-new HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) is officially available for PHP 49,999.
Work Wherever on a Genius 3-in-1 Tablet with PC-Level Performance
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) turns wherever you are into a fully capable workstation. Pair it with the HUAWEI Glide Keyboard that is skin comfy, lightweight and you’ve got a full typing setup that opens like a laptop. A hidden slot keeps your stylus charged and ready, while the smart heat design keeps things cool and running smoothly for long work sessions.
With lifetime free access to WPS Office 2.0, you can work on WPS Documents, WPS Presentations, and WPS Spreadsheets with full desktop-like performance. Bring it with you in-between meetings helping you draft proposals on the go, editing files while commuting, or reviewing presentations just before take-off.
The HUAWEI Notes app is the ultimate tool for jotting down quick thoughts or organizing your tasks for the week. The AI handwriting enhancement feature turns scribbles into polished notes, while the lasso tool can even enhance your handwriting by turning it into a clearer font. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas for your next pitch or sketching out a timeline, the new brush tools on HUAWEI Notes adapt to every writing scenario. Use the 2B Pencil texture to write clean, sharp notes. Need something bolder? The Felt-Tip Pen offers a smooth, fluid line for quick annotations or marking key takeaways during a client call. The Calligraphy Brush adds flair to your journal or headers for your meeting notes with beautiful, expressive characters and visual statements.
Organization feels just as personal with the upgraded Content Store. Customize your notebooks with different covers for self-care journals or work notebooks. You can choose from a wide range of templates built for productivity, self-improvement, or daily planning. A wide selection of decorative stickers and adjustable home screen memos adds an element of fun to your daily routine. The Live Multitask feature makes juggling multiple tasks at once more effortless. You can open and resize up to 3 windows at a time with just the swipe of your fingers, so it’s easier to review files, answer messages, and edit visuals seamlessly for your workflow.
Paint and Animate with a Creative Studio in the Palm of Your Hand
Dive into your creative passions with GoPaint, the powerful built-in art app on the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) that offers tools made for real artistry. Powered by the FangTian Painting Engine which displays an 8K canvas resolution with a paper-like look.
Artists and designers can use its innovative brush tools such as the 3D Oil Paint Brush that simulates layered pigments which give it a lifelike appearance. While the Fluid Brush option gives you more of a subtle, watercolor look perfect for creating landscapes. The Splatter Brush helps you create abstract, impressionistic paintings. If you’re looking for a more versatile brush for every art style, try the True-Color Brush that allows you to edit lighting, texture, shadows among other details you can finetune with precision.
Graphic artists can explore the new animation features that allow them to build simple frame-by-frame motion for storyboards or digital stickers. Whether you’re illustrating concepts in a café or refining a passion project at home, GoPaint brings your imagination to life supported by free tutorials that help beginners and professionals alike.
Bringing these creations to life is the HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd Gen) which adds nuance to every stroke with over 16,000 pressure sensitivity levels, giving users the feel of real pen-on-paper. From sketching characters to underlining key notes, the stylus ensures intuitive, seamless expression.
Watch On an Immersive, Eye Comfort Display with Smart Battery Conserve
If you’re looking for all-day performance for work and entertainment, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) is built for comfortable experiences. The Tandem OLED PaperMatte FullView Display offers immersive visuals, ultra-responsive display that makes scrolling, sketching, and watching feel incredibly smooth. Watching a movie on the couch or checking design references outdoors? The screen stays bright and clear, even under sunlight thanks to the 2,000-nit peak brightness and contrast ratio. No need to worry about eye strain during extended viewing sessions, thanks to nano-level etching anti-sparkle technology, anti-glare coating, and multiple certified Eye Comfort Modes that filter out blue light.
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) easily supports full workdays, creative marathons, and long travel hours without disruption with a 10,100mAh battery that powers up to 14 hours of use on a single charge and is fully recharged in just 55 minutes. With Smart Power Conserve, this genius device can stay powered for over 1 year on standby.
Get Your Genius Going with the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025)
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) is now available for PHP 49,999 through the HUAWEI Experience Stores, Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the HUAWEI Online Store.
Order now and get an exclusive freebie bundle priced at PHP 28,895, including the HUAWEI Glide Keyboard (worth PHP 9,999), HUAWEI M-Pencil 3rd Gen (worth PHP 5,999), HUAWEI Watch Fit 3 (worth PHP 5,999), a Bluetooth Mouse (worth PHP 1,899), and PC-level WPS Office (worth PHP 4,999).
From July 1 to August 18, collect PHP 2,000 vouchers on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok. Get PHP 2,000 vouchers on the HUAWEI Online Store, starting July 11 to August 18,
To learn more visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).
Industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers highlight the importance of keeping humans in the loop in shaping the future of digital finance
GCash, the Philippines’ largest cashless ecosystem and leading finance super app, hosted the 2025 run of its premier think tank event, the iGnite Innovation Summit at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premier. Now in its 4th year, the dynamic event introduced the next revolution in fintech, bringing together 76 industry partners, seven universities, and thousands of attendees from diverse sectors.
This is where GCash led with new insights and innovations to support the next phase of digital evolution. Entitled “Future 4ward,” iGnite Innovation Summit 2025 featured a full day of immersive experiences, bold conversations, artificial intelligence (AI) powered interactions, and future-defining strategies. This year’s program also featured renowned speakers, trailblazing innovators, and influential thought leaders, with plenary talks by event partners Alibaba Cloud, Ascendion, Amazon Web Services, and Huawei.
“We need to redesign how things are done and keep people at the center—what we call the ‘human in the loop,” shared Pebbles Sy, chief technology and operations officer of Mynt, the holding company of GCash. “Because at the end of the day, AI can speed things up, but humans bring the judgment, creativity, and empathy that make the difference. At GCash, we’re starting to see that balance—AI takes care of repetitive tasks, so our teams can focus on solving bigger problems, serving customers better, and thinking more strategically. That’s how we stay future-ready—by building with AI, but also building for people.”
This year’s keynote speaker, undersecretary Joee Guilas, who spoke on behalf of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAP-IEA) secretary Frederick D. Go, delved further into the future of the Philippine economy, with AI and financial technology driving economic growth and inclusion for all.
“AI could redefine our economic landscape—from optimizing supply chains and creating new industries to delivering hyper-personalized financial services. With the Philippines’ young, dynamic workforce and strong tech partnerships, we are positioning our nation at the center of the digital global economy,” Usec. Guilas explained.
Empowering the nation’s digital shift
Meanwhile, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secretary Henry Aguda also graced the summit and shared his insights on how the government is enabling the shift toward digital transformation.
“Everybody wants digitalization. The President issued an executive order that all government services must interface with the eGov app. We’re connecting the dots—from infrastructure to policy to talent—because digital transformation isn’t just a vision, it’s a whole-of-government effort,” said DICT secretary Aguda.
Launched in 2022, the GCash Innovation Summit began as a way to spark thought starters within GCash; it evolved into a conversation with like-minded companies about what the future of digital finance could hold. In 2024, it transformed into an event that made a concerted effort to understand AI and digital trust, seeking ways to deepen engagement and bring innovative solutions to the forefront.
This year, the goal of the iGnite Innovation Summit was not merely to discuss but to create the future of fintech and the technology that surrounds it. Through “Future 4ward,” GCash unveiled the future of AI and set out to empower the leaders of tomorrow by exploring cutting-edge technologies, providing a platform for actionable collaboration, and ultimately enabling these “future makers” to innovate within their respective industries.
At the summit, attendees engaged in immersive, hands-on experiences including the “Shark AI” virtual investor panel and the “Future Finance Hub,” both designed to showcase GCash’s commitment to shaping the future.
The event featured a robust series of breakout sessions spanning four critical tracks: Technology AI-Volution, Trust and Reliability, Next-Gen Enterprise, and Regulatory Innovation. Equally important were the regulatory roundtable discussions, which underscored the need for a stronger public-private collaboration in navigating the evolving digital landscape. Highlights included a fireside chat with DICT secretary Aguda, alongside sessions on Regulatory Tech and AI, “Rewiring the Nation”, and Innovations in Capital Markets. These conversations emphasized the crucial role of forward-thinking regulations in enabling safer, more inclusive, and future-ready digital finance in the country.
“At GCash, we’re investing in platforms that can scale fast, and stay resilient, while embedding AI into how we work and how we serve—from fighting fraud, to improving customer support, to creating more personalized experiences. But more than the tools, it’s about mindset. We’re building a culture that’s curious, agile, and ready to challenge old ways of thinking. That’s what iGnite is all about—opening up space for new ideas and real conversations on how we shape what’s next.” Sy concluded.
GCash, as a renowned pioneer in the fintech space, aims to continue leading this important conversation. With efforts such as “Future 4ward,” the company hopes to foster an environment of forward-thinking collaboration, where leaders can outline a roadmap together that empowers them as they navigate digital disruption and drive the next phase of the digital evolution.
For many, payday doesn’t feel like a reward, it feels like a reset button. Money comes in, obligations go out, and by week two, you’re already stretching every peso. That’s why Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, is changing the game. With smart tools and a seamless experience, Maya helps you build financial breathing room and long-term stability—no spreadsheets required.
Here’s how Maya helps you move from just getting by to actually getting ahead:
Make Savings Part of the Plan, Not the Afterthought
Instead of waiting to see what’s left at the end of the month, Maya helps you set aside funds the moment your income hits. Maya Savings offers up to 15% p.a. interest1, credited daily so your money grows while you focus on everyday needs. No pressure, no lock-in, no guesswork.
Turn Everyday Spending into Real Rewards
Most people separate spending from saving but Maya connects the two. Use Maya for your everyday payments like bills, groceries, shopping, and get rewarded with higher savings interest. It’s a system that works with your lifestyle, not against it.
Keep Your Goals Clear and Organized
Trying to save for multiple things at once? Maya Personal Goals lets you create up to five customized savings pockets, each earning a base interest rate of 4% p.a. Whether it’s for rent, school fees, a trip, or a backup fund, you can stay organized and track progress without mixing up your priorities.
And when you need a financial cushion, Maya offers Easy Credit2, a built-in revolving credit line of up to ₱30,000 that you can use for emergencies, essentials, or even last-minute bills.
It’s a smart, flexible way to stay on track when life doesn’t go as planned.
One App, Total Control
Instead of bouncing between multiple apps, Maya brings everything—banking, saving, credit, and payments into one clean, intuitive space. You get a full view of your money and fewer missed payments or budget blind spots.
You shouldn’t have to overhaul your lifestyle to feel more secure with your money. Maya is designed to help you make the most of what you have, plan with confidence, and stop living from one cutoff to the next.
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.
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