The debate is on: will you chase the sun as an ‘Outdoor Explorer’ or embrace indoor comfort as a ‘Stay-in Squad’? No matter your preference, here are ways you can create new core memories and make the most of the season.

For the Outdoor Explorers

Discover heritage sites near you: There is magic in reliving Old Manila through the walled city of Intramuros and the grand San Agustin Church, one of the four baroque churches built during the Spanish colonial era. Outside the capital, explore the stunning San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the majestic Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, and the intricate Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Iloilo — all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beyond the Instagram appeal, these remnants connect us to our history. Search online for more heritage gems in your area, drawing inspiration from travel vlogs and documentaries.

Be a ‘joiner’ in online travel groups: Finding it hard to rally your crew? Consider joining online travel groups on social media. Popular destinations for joiners include Luzon’s towering Mt. Pulag in Benguet or the sunny beaches of Zambales and Cebu. Check online reviews to ensure their itineraries suit your time and budget. And don’t forget to share your own adventures! Tip: Look for groups with clear safety guidelines and positive community feedback.

Go on a local gastronomic adventure: Have you tasted Aling Lucing’s sisig in Pampanga or the crispy perfection of Cebu lechon? What about the sweet comfort of buko pies in Laguna or the world-renowned mangoes of Guimaras? Summer is the perfect time for a delicious gastronomic journey. Use Google Maps and Waze to navigate your way through local shops and restaurants, ticking off those must-try dishes.

Live out your playlist: Immerse yourself in your favorite artists’ music by attending music festivals! It’s also the best venue to discover new and emerging sounds beyond your playlist – make sure to keep your smartphone ready to capture the energy of your crew and share your most memorable moments with the rest of the world.

Rule your adventure with Smart’s Power All: Make the most out of your adventures with Smart’s Power All offers. Enjoy generous data allocation so you may share your adventures online anytime, anywhere in real time while keeping connected with friends and loved ones no matter where your journey takes you. Smart Prepaid’s Power All 99 offers 10 GB of data for all sites and apps, plus your choice of Unli access to Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger or Unli access to TikTok that you can enjoy for 7 days. This is complemented by Unli All Net Calls and Texts, covering all your connectivity needs.

For the Stay-in Squad

Discover and learn a new passion: Spending time indoors offer a fantastic opportunity to dive into online courses and tutorials. Anime enthusiasts can learn to build intricate Gunplas or craft impressive cosplay costumes. Homebodies can explore the satisfying art of soap-making, pottery, or embroidery, or simply learn basic home repair skills.

Start an online business: The break can be your chance to turn that spark of an idea into a thriving online venture. Explore if your passion can become a lucrative endeavor by setting up an online shop or trying your hand at the dynamic world of live-selling. With the power of the internet, the possibilities are truly endless.

Stream your favorite content: Catch up on your favorite content, series, or movies and take full advantage of the summer to recharge. You may also stream the ongoing NBA Eastern and Western Conference finals live and know more via smrt.ph/fb.nbalp.

Boost your game: Improve your gaming skills, rank up, or try a new game online. Smart’s Power All is your ultimate companion for fast, reliable, lag-free, and seamless connectivity.

The Stay-in Squad may choose to use their mobile data at home for faster speeds, their own private connection, flexibility, and convenience without having to latch onto their home Wi-Fi to avoid the tendency of sharing bandwidth with other devices.

No matter which team you’re on, staying connected is key to sharing your memorable experiences. With Power All 99, enjoy Smart’s strong nationwide mobile coverage and amazing promos.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun or staying cool indoors, make this break your most amazing yet powered by Smart. #

In line with the Philippines’ efforts to further boost the local insurance industry, GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, is introducing a new feature to unlock access to insurance for millions of Filipinos. The e-wallet is providing free health insurance, underwritten by FPG Insurance, every time eligible users buy prepaid credits for themselves using the Buy Load service.



“This initiative, powered by GInsure in partnership with FPG Insurance, reflects the commitment of GCash to making financial protection accessible to every Filipino, ensuring that even the simplest transactions, like buying prepaid load, come with the added security of health coverage at no extra cost,” said Winsley Bangit, vice president and group head of new businesses at GCash.



The country’s insurance penetration has been growing in recent years, but it remains below 2%. With millions of Buy Load users on the app primarily receiving mobile load, GCash sees an opportunity to protect more Filipinos, offering a valuable incentive beyond telecommunications.



Made possible by GInsure, every time eligible users make Buy Load transactions on the GCash app, they can also avail of the free health insurance coverage, empowering users to prepare for unexpected medical expenses due to accidents or hospitalization



“Beyond just financial assistance, this benefit ensures that users have funds to cover medical costs or compensate for lost income during recovery, helping prevent families from falling deeper into debt and alleviating financial struggles,” Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of GCash mobile wallet operator G-Xchange, Inc.



The free health and accident insurance gives eligible users up to PHP 30,000 coverage and additional valuable benefits. For every load purchase, a user can automatically get PHP 10,000 in accidental death coverage, which can be accumulated up to a maximum of PHP 30,000 when making up to three separate eligible load purchases.



Users can also get income assistance when they’re hospitalized due to illnesses and accidents, allowing them to receive PHP 500 per day salary assistance for a maximum of 5 days. They can also get up to PHP 10,000 disablement benefit, providing the user or their beneficiaries a safety net.



GCash introduced this initiative in response to shifting user needs. With millions of Filipinos still hesitant to fully embrace digital transactions, they still rely on traditional offline methods. Now, with free health insurance seamlessly integrated into prepaid load transactions, users can enjoy more benefits when they go digital, making each purchase not just more convenient but also rewarding.

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), a major insurer in the country, has entered into a strategic partnership with SB Finance, Inc. (SBF) to empower more Filipinos by providing accessible insurance solutions integrated into SBF’s loan offerings. This collaboration aims to extend financial protection to a wider segment of the population, making insurance more inclusive and within reach.



Through this strategic partnership, SBF loan clients will be covered with life insurance from Sun Life Grepa, giving them peace of mind knowing that their loved ones will be protected from unpaid loan obligations in the event of life’s uncertainties.



“At Sun Life Grepa, we’ve always believed that financial protection should be a part of everyday life for Filipinos. It shouldn’t be something people only think about during major life events. That is why we are grateful to SBF for their trust in us to bring protection and financial flexibility together in a way that is simple, accessible, and meaningful,” said Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim.



SBF President and CEO Abbie Dans-Casanova also expressed her appreciation for the collaboration. “At SBF, we always aim to support our clients through every step of their financial journey. By integrating life insurance protection into our loan products, we ensure that our clients and their families are supported, especially during challenging times. I’m very grateful for this partnership with Sun Life Grepa because it allows us to put our clients’ peace of mind at the center of everything we do.”



The insurance coverage is available to clients availing of SBF’s eSALAD (salary advance), Personal Loan, and OR/CR for Cash loan products, offering up to PhP 2 million of Group Credit Life (GCL) insurance coverage.



The agreement was signed by Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim and Vice President for Affinity Marketing Joen Songco, along with SB Finance President and CEO Abbie Dans-Casanova and Chief Business Officer Gerard Betita.



SB Finance is a partnership between Security Bank and Thailand’s Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), offering innovative and accessible loan products tailored to the needs of everyday Filipinos.

Pru Life UK Assistant Manager for Community Investments and Sustainability Partnerships

Hannah Aman accepted the awards during a banquet dinner in Seoul, South Korea

Taguig City, 27 May 2025 – Pru Life UK was recognised at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards with Gold and Silver distinctions for its outstanding thought leadership and innovative corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives supporting underserved Filipinos and promoting youth financial education.

​The Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards recognise business innovation across 29 countries, honouring organisations and individuals for excellence in thought leadership, business development, and CSR.

Pru Life UK received the Gold Stevie® for Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year for its Takaful Journey–a holistic approach to Islamic Finance through stakeholder and community engagement, capacity building workshops, and educational efforts. The initiative made Pru Life UK the first insurer in the Philippines to receive a Takaful license and is set to launch a Shari’ah-compliant product to cater to the financial needs of over seven million Muslim Filipinos.

The company also earned the Silver Stevie® for Innovative Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility for its Cha-Ching’s Million-Step Journey: Transforming Filipino Lives Through Financial Education. Developed by Prudence Foundation in partnership with Pru Life UK and JA Philippines, the programme has reached over one million Filipino children last year through a collaboration with the Department of Education, tackling financial illiteracy at the grassroots level by educating students on the fundamental financial concepts of Cha-Ching: earning, saving, spending, and donating.

“We are honoured to receive these recognitions that affirm the impact of our efforts in empowering underserved Filipino communities,” said Paul Mandal, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer at Pru Life UK. “We remain committed to helping Filipinos from all walks of life secure a better future.”

Pru Life UK was previously recognised in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards with two Silver and three Bronze awards for its initiatives supporting Filipino families. The company is dedicated to its mission of being the most trusted partner and protector for today’s Filipinos and the generations to come.

Sharp (Phils.) Corporation, a renowned Japanese brand, recently showcased a series of individual sell-out events aimed at enhancing customer experience and promoting product awareness during the “Sharper Together” Media Conference and Dealers Appreciation Night held at Solaire Vertis North on May 21, 2025

                              Mr. Kazuo Kito – President and General Manager of Sharp Philippines

(left to right) Mr. Shigenori Kitani – Associate Manager, Mr. Kazuo Kito – President and General Manager of Sharp Philippines, Mr. Yasukazu  Kobayashi – TV Systems BU President, Mr. Masahiro Akiyoshi – Executive Vice President of Sharp Philippines

Since 1982, Sharp Philippines has been dedicated to providing high-quality appliances that cater to the unique needs of Filipino consumers. “As we reflect on our journey, we recognize that our success is not just a result of our innovative products, but also the strong partnerships we have built with our dealers and the trust we have earned from our customers. Together, we have grown sharper.”-Mr. Kazuo Kito, President and General Manager.

Partnership with dealers is a cornerstone of their achievement. “We treasure and nurture these relationships, recognizing that they are essential to delivering exceptional service and support to our customers. By working closely with our dealers, we ensure that our products are readily available and that our customers receive the best possible experience. This collaboration allows us to adapt to market trends and consumer preferences, enabling us to grow together in an ever-evolving landscape”- Mr. Kito added.

                            Media during the product walkthrough and presentation of each exhibits

As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of providing high-quality appliances that enhance the lives of Filipinos. As we embody our belief that by fostering strong relationships with our dealers and listening to our customers, we can continue to innovate and improve. Together, we will navigate the future, creating solutions that resonate with the needs and aspirations of our community.

At Sharp Philippines, we believe that our journey is just beginning. With the unwavering support of our dealers and the loyalty of our customers, we are excited to explore new horizons and achieve greater heights. Together, we will grow sharper, stronger, and more connected than ever before.

With this, Sharp has been dedicated to providing customers in the Philippines with unique buying experiences and proud to announce its ongoing commitment to delivering unique buying experiences for customers in the Philippines. As part of this initiative, Sharp is hosting a series of exhibits nationwide, designed to bring the products closer to our valued customers.

At these events, customers will have the opportunity to experience our innovative products firsthand. We believe that direct interaction is key to understanding customer needs and preferences. By engaging with our products in person, customers can gain valuable insights and provide us with direct feedback, allowing us to tailor our offerings to better meet their expectations.

These sales events are strategically planned around the seasonal needs of our customers, ensuring that we prioritize their requirements and preferences. Our goal is to create a personalized shopping experience that resonates with our customers, making them feel valued and understood. “We are dedicated to serving our customers in a humble and meaningful way,” said Amor Golifardo Marketing Sr. Manager at Sharp Philippines. “By bringing our products directly to them, we not only showcase our latest innovations but also foster a deeper connection with our customer.”

Sharp’s nationwide exhibits are more than just sales events; they are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and grow alongside our customers. We invite everyone to join us at these events and discover how Sharp can enhance their everyday lives with our products:

*KOTEN which translates to individual exhibits in Japanese tradition since 2010. These Koten exhibits are designed to drive strong sales performance while attracting new customers and increasing awareness of Sharp’s innovative products. As demand for Koten exhibits has grown among dealers and consumers alike, Sharp has expanded its offerings to include a variety of exhibits focusing on product innovation, technology, and seasonal strategies, all made possible through collaboration with our valued dealers. “We create activities and exhibits that bring us closer to our Filipino consumers,” emphasized Mr. Kito, President and General Manager.

                                            Ms. Kathlene Alngog introduces the Koten exhibit to the media

*J-TECH FESTIVAL or Japan Technology Festival, which showcases the advanced technology of Sharp’s Japanese inverters that save both electricity and money. Featured products include inverter refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and air purifiers, all designed to enhance energy efficiency while delivering exceptional customer satisfaction.

                                        Mr. Kenneth Fernandez introduces the J-Tech Festival exhibit to the media

*KUUKI FESTIVAL, meaning “air” in Japanese, which focuses on air conditioning and Plasmacluster air purifier products. This festival is dedicated to enhancing your indoor air experience, especially during the sweltering summer months and high humidity season. The Kuuki Festival is your go-to destination for innovative air solutions that promise to elevate your comfort and well-being, underscoring our commitment to providing cutting-edge products designed to improve air quality and create a healthy indoor environment.

                                 Mr. Grant Lopena introduces the Kuuki Festival exhibit to the media

*OTO FESTIVAL is a vibrant celebration of Sharp’s innovative audio products, showcasing a diverse range of speakers and sound systems that resonate with the Filipino lifestyle. This festival highlights that Sharp’s audio offerings extend beyond karaoke, though their karaoke function is a standout feature to include a variety of speakers designed to enhance any musical experience. Customers can explore the impressive flexibility and portability of Sharp’s audio products, making them perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply enjoying music at home. With a focus on sound quality, Sharp’s audio products deliver an immersive listening experience that caters to the diverse musical tastes of Filipinos. Whether it’s pop, rock, traditional folk, or the latest hits, Sharp’s speakers are designed to bring out the best in every genre. The Sharp Oto Festival not only showcases these exceptional products but also fosters a sense of community among music lovers, making it a must-visit event for anyone passionate about sound and entertainment.

                                 Mr. Eric Ordaniel introduces the Oto Festival exhibit to the media

*AQUOS MATSURI, an exciting exhibition of Sharp’s cutting-edge advancements in LED TV technology. This festival celebrates the brand’s legacy of innovation in visual entertainment, featuring a wide array of Sharp’s latest video products, from smart TVs to Google TVs. At the heart of the Aquos Matsuri is the impressive Sharp XLED TV, known for its exceptional picture quality and advanced features. Attendees can experience firsthand the vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and stunning clarity that Sharp’s televisions bring to every viewing experience. For gaming enthusiasts, the Aquos Matsuri offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to test out the latest gaming technologies and see how Sharp’s TVs enhance gameplay with rapid response times and high-definition visuals. The festival also features exclusive promotions, making it an ideal opportunity for visitors to take home their favorite Sharp products at special prices.

                              Mr. William Reyes introduces the Aquos Matsuri exhibit to the media

*LABADABA DAY provides customers with a unique opportunity to experience the convenience of Sharp’s fully automatic washing machines through complimentary trials, allowing them to wash their clothes effortlessly. This event will also feature a variety of engaging activities, including cooking demonstrations and karaoke sessions, creating a fun and interactive atmosphere for all attendees. Furthermore, the event will serve as an educational platform, equipping dealers with valuable insights and strategies to effectively to promote fully automatic washing machines in their stores. Overall, Sharp Labadaba Day promises to be an enjoyable and informative experience for everyone involved.

                                   Ms. Leian Masacupan introduces the Labadaba exhibit to the media

*Customer Service. Our customers are always our top priority. We are excited to announce that our After-Sales Service will be elevated to the next level with a soft launch in the third quarter of this year, followed by a full launch in the final quarter. Introducing our VIP program for valued customers, we are proud to offer exclusive benefits, including: Up to 20% Discount on parts and labor for repairs, Free Check-Ups and evaluation, Priority Service for faster assistance, 20% Discount on air conditioning and air purifier cleaning. These are just a few of the many advantages our VIP customers will enjoy.  Additionally, all customers can easily register their purchased units through our E-Service platform, our online warranty service provider wherein customer will have a real time service update, to have automation system, to have their product registration database and most importantly is to have a quick response service. Communication is improved also thru our toll-free customer care line at 1-800-1-888-4952, available Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Plus, our Sharp Philippines Messenger service is available 24/7 to address your messages and concerns.

                            Ms. Amor Golifardo and Mr. Victor Camposana introduces the Sharp Customer Service

At Sharp, we value our customers and are committed to providing service that exceeds expectations. Sharp Philippines is committed to maintaining strong relationships with customers through these innovative sell-out events, supported by our beloved dealers. Our dedication to the Japanese way of customer engagement ensures that we continually provide exceptional experiences that resonate with our audience.

For more information about upcoming events and product offerings, please visit the Sharp Philippines official website, https://ph.sharp

Before the hustle of homework, uniforms, and early morning alarms takes over, families are searching for one last adventure to close the summer with a smile. If you’re craving a quick escape that doesn’t require leaving the city, SM Center Sangandaan offers a playful paradise where kids can run wild, teens can flex their skills, and parents can finally say, “We all had fun.”

Welcome to your family’s next favorite spot—filled with color, laughter, and activities that remind everyone what carefree summer days feel like.

Kidventure: Where Imagination Jumps to Life

Imagine a place where your child’s energy is not just welcomed—it’s celebrated. Kidventure at SM Center Sangandaan is every little adventurer’s dream. This bright, padded wonderland bursts with inflatables, slides, obstacle courses, and trampolines that let kids be kids—while also sneaking in developmental play.

Beyond the squeals and tumbles, kids are building motor skills, testing their courage, and making new friends in an environment that’s sanitized, secure, and thoughtfully designed. For parents, it’s a front-row seat to joy—and maybe even a quiet coffee break.

Quantum: Play with a Side of Nostalgia

For the bigger kids—and the young at heart—Quantum is a total game-changer. With its mix of retro charm and modern dazzle, this arcade is where family competition gets fierce, and laughter never quits. Think dance battles, racing games, claw machines, and that triumphant moment when the prize tickets start pouring out.

Parents can team up with the kids or go head-to-head in air hockey. It’s wholesome, hilarious, and a perfect way to spend an afternoon connecting without distractions.

Making Memories at SM Center Sangandaan

As we countdown the days until the first day of class, make room for one more family adventure—one more burst of joy before routines take over. At SM Center Sangandaan, it’s not just about play zones; it’s about making the most of the moments that matter.

So, before the bell rings and the backpacks come out, plan a day of fun at SM Center Sangandaan. It’s not just about unwinding—it’s about reconnecting. And that’s the kind of summer sendoff every family deserves.

                             Have you ever been in a foreign country and tried to order a meal, ask for directions, or negotiate the price of a taxi ride only to get a blank stare in return? It’s a universal frustration: the language barrier.

It happens to everyone, and it’s why real-time language translation is becoming increasingly important. Earphones with built-in AI translation are quickly becoming the new travel and work must-have, and it’s what can help you overcome language barriers with ease.

Introducing the All New Soundcore AeroFit 2

Whether you’re traveling alone for leisure, joining a global contingent for a conference, or simply trying to connect with colleagues who speak a different language, the all-new AeroFit 2 open-ear earbuds from Soundcore are breaking barriers not just in communication, but also in design and performance.


With these new earphones from Soundcore, you can enjoy your music while staying connected to the world around you through open-ear technology. Unlike traditional headphones that either cover your ears or sit in your ear canal, the AeroFit2 earbuds give you the freedom to hear everything that is happening around you while still enjoying crystal clear notes and sounds.


Its powerful new AI translation function makes these earbuds turn into an interpreter that translates directly into your ears in real time. Its two modes open up limitless possibilities, depending on your needs:


The Face-to-Face Translation feature is your go-to mode for everyday conversations. It’s like having a personal interpreter in your ear, making it perfect for when you’re traveling or find yourself in new social situations with people who don’t speak the same language.


Here’s how it works: your voice is captured by the AeroFit 2 earbuds, translated, and played through your connected phone. When the other person replies, their voice is picked up by your phone’s microphone, translated, and delivered to your earbuds.


          


Real-Time Translation comes in handy especially when listening to lectures, webinars, or even watching foreign shows. It works simply: The speaker’s voice from wherever you may be streaming is received by your phone, translated, and delivered straight to your AeroFit 2 earbuds.


You can also follow along by reading the translated transcript on your screen. This is a game-changer for students or professionals who may find themselves in a situation where understanding spoken content is critical without active participation.


The AeroFit 2 earbuds support various languages, including but not limited to: English, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai.


Now Even Better for Everyday Use

Featuring a rotatable ear hook design, these open-ear earbuds can adapt to different ear sizes and offer a secure yet ultra-lightweight fit, ideal for all-day wear. Its special design even adds comfort for those wearing their earbuds and glasses at the same time.


           


Compared to its previous generation, the Aerofit 2 also has an improved sound with crystal clear notes and a punchy bass. With touch-style controls, managing your playback, volume, or translation modes is effortless and intuitive. Plus, the addition of a wireless charging case makes powering up more convenient than ever.


It also supports wireless charging with an 10H playtime while the charging case can extend that to a total of 42 hours.

How to Get Started

Getting started is easier than you think.

Step 1: Download the soundcore app on your smartphone.

Step 2: Pair your AeroFit 2 earbuds via Bluetooth and open the app.

Step 3: Pick Your Translation Mode, whether Face-to-Face Translation or Real-Time Translation


                    


Whether you’re traveling the world or working across cultures, the future of communication is already here, and it fits right in your ear. The Soundcore AeroFit 2 is now available in the Philippines through soundcore.ph, and online at Shopee and Lazada.

Before the 6 a.m. alarms and lunchbox prep routines start all over again, there’s one big task parents have to tackle: the back-to-school list. From notebooks to name tags, shoes to snacks, the list can be daunting. But good news—SM has it all covered.

All the Extras

Back-to-school doesn’t have to be stressful. At SM, it becomes a bonding experience—where parents and kids can shop, prep, and even snack together in one convenient, family-friendly place. So, before the school bells ring, head to SM City Marilao, SM Center Pulilan, or SM City Baliwag. Happy shopping and here’s to a fresh new school year!

Preparing for retirement is a crucial aspect in building one’s financial portfolio. It is especially important for business owners who aspire to enjoy their golden years without solely depending on their business for income.



According to a study commissioned by Sun Life, six out of 10 business owners are already planning to retire as part of their medium-term goals. However, majority are preparing their finances for retirement through traditional ways such as bank savings accounts and government contributions, with some considering investment options.



“We want to help business owners achieve their retirement goals by providing an alternative solution that can address this specific financial need,” Sun Life Philippines Client Segment Marketing Head Cary Casipit said.



In line with this, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. has launched the Sun Life FlexiRetire to provide business owners with the flexibility to set up their retirement plan at their desired age with their preferred annual retirement benefit and payout period.



Sun Life FlexiRetire is a new and innovative option of Sun Life Secure Income, a participating, limited-pay whole life insurance product that provides guaranteed annual cash benefits equal to 6% of the face amount starting at the end of the 6th policy year until age 100.



With the Sun Life FlexiRetire option, the annual guaranteed cash payouts and the potential dividends earned can be accumulated until the Client’s pre-determined retirement age. Once the retirement age has been reached, the cash benefit will be paid annually, within the Client’s chosen payout period.



“This can serve as an additional income stream for business owners during their retirement years, independent from the funds tied to their company. It can help ensure a smoother succession process, as it helps future-proof their business for generations to come,” Casipit said.



Those interested in availing of the Sun Life FlexiRetire may get in touch with their Sun Life advisor or connect with one via www.sunlife.co/Talk-To-An-Advisor. For more information, visit www.sunlife.co/Sun-FlexiRetire.