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| (Image Source: Filipino News Sentinel/GCash) |
Sending money home is more than just a transaction for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) — it is a vital connection to their loved ones and a means of ensuring the financial stability of their families. Recognizing this need, GCash and SendWave have expanded their partnership to provide a faster, more secure, and accessible remittance solution for Filipinos abroad. This 2025, the partnership introduces new cash-in features, expanded services to more countries, and enhanced financial accessibility for overseas Filipinos worldwide. As an official partner of GCash, Filipinos overseas can now use SendWave to remit directly to a Philippine mobile number (+63), ensuring their families receive financial support instantly. Additionally, SendWave now enables Filipinos abroad to cash in to their own GCash Overseas accounts using their US, UK, or Canada mobile numbers, making digital finance more accessible from virtually anywhere.
SendWave has established a strong presence in multiple remittance corridors worldwide, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, and Germany. Back at home, GCash users can conveniently access funds through 339,000 cash-in and cash-out outlets across the Philippines. The GCash app also provides users with access to a savings account, investment options, and financial management tools to help them grow and manage their wealth, all within a single platform. GCash International general manager Paul Albano expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that the collaboration bridges financial gaps for Filipinos worldwide. “This partnership between SendWave and GCash gives OFWs the ability to send fast, secure, and hassle-free remittances to their families in the Philippines. It strengthens connections between Filipinos abroad and their loved ones, ensuring their financial needs are met efficiently. For us in GCash, it’s not just about transferring money; it’s about providing a comprehensive financial ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of Filipinos, wherever they are,” said Albano.
With financial technology reshaping the way people manage their money across borders, GCash and SendWave stand at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that every Filipino — no matter where they are in the world — has access to a secure, efficient, and modern financial solution. To experience seamless, digital-first remittance services, Overseas Filipinos can now download the GCash app and the SendWave app or visit GCash’s official website at https://new.gcash.com/ to learn more.
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Filipino Students’ AI Waste Management Tracking System Wins People’s Choice Award At 2025 Google-ADB APAC Solution Challenge
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Google Philippines) |
A group of Filipino students won an award for devising a waste management tracking system at the 2025 APAC Solution Challenge, presented on a demo day during the 2025 APAC Digital Transformation Forum in Manila last June. The competition brought together student-led projects from across Asia-Pacific (APAC), each of which employed Google AI tools to address critical global challenges. The award celebrates the project that effectively leveraged AI technology to develop a practical solution to pressing issues that affect our communities. The lone Filipino delegation was comprised by students Josh Gorospe, Joaquin Galang, Eisha Janel Tablante Alva, and Angelica Mae Tadique, all from Holy Angel University in Angeles, Pampanga. By winning the People’s Choice Award for their submission, the group also won a cash prize of US$1,000.
In a LinkedIn post congratulating all the finalists, Google Vice President for Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier Sapna Chadha said, “It’s one thing to talk about the potential of AI. It’s another thing entirely to witness it in the hands of brilliant, passionate students who are using it not to chase trends, but to heal our planet, strengthen our communities, and even save lives. To all the finalists: you are not the ‘next generation’ waiting in the wings – you are leading right now. Your work is a breathtaking reminder that the heart of innovation isn’t just code; it’s about courage and compassion.” “The Google Solution Challenge was a cornerstone of the Asia Pacific Digital Transformation Forum 2025. We saw the power of student-led innovation to address real-world challenges in healthcare, sustainability, trade, and tourism through technology and AI. The energy and creativity of the students were truly inspiring – we are seeing the future of sustainable digital transformation in the Asia Pacific region,” said Asian Development Bank (ADB) Digital Sector Office Director Antonio García Zaballos.
Other award recipients at the forum included GeoGemma (who won Best AI Use Case) and (N + 1)-th Time’s the Charm from Pakistan, Atempo from Konkuk University, South Korea, who won the Most Societal Impact Award for their AI-powered emergency room matching platform, as well as other teams from South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Japan.
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EASL Unveils Rebrand, New Era Of Growth
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| (Image Source: East Asia Super League) |
For two seasons running, East Asia Super League (EASL) has delivered top-tier action in Asian basketball. Heading into Season 3, it was time to show love and appreciation to the fans, teams, and partners across the region who made it all possible. Your passion for seeing Asia’s champions go head-to-head has driven our mission forward. That’s why this season, it’s Your Game. EASL’s new logo and creative direction offer a clean, modern identity that matches the league’s momentum and vision. Asian basketball has consistently pushed boundaries and broken through on the world’s biggest stages. EASL’s new brand campaign — Your Game — tells the world that every city, every court, and every possession is part of the limit-defying experience you share with Asia’s top teams and athletes. Because without the fans, there is no EASL.
“We saw an opportunity to create a brand identity that not only stands out but stands for something. It reflects our ambition to build the most elevated basketball platform in Asia. The design bridges our previous typography with added symbolic motion, capturing the rising energy of basketball across Asia and our commitment to push it forward,” said EASL Creative Manager Hadrein Damalerio. With the foundation of EASL’s Future Champions program in place, Your Game now sends an even louder message to up-and-coming youth players across the region — that their heroes once stood where they stand: with a ball, a court, and a dream they made their own.
“‘Your Game’ is more than a campaign — it’s an open invitation. Whether it comes from us, our teams, or the fans, it always says the same thing: this league is for you. It’s personal, it’s cultural, and it’s built to welcome everyone into the story,” said Vice President and Head of Marketing Mat Morgan. In 2025–26, EASL is going bigger. More teams from more leagues. Three from Japan. A first-ever squad from Mongolia. And the league is just getting started. That means more regional rivalries, more hometown heroes, and more must-see moments — and the fans will be right in the middle of it all.
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Pilipinas Climbing Set To Scale New Heights For Sport Climbing
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| Pilipinas Climbing Inc. officials led by president Atty. Al Agra (third from left) with Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio (fourth from left) (Image Source: Manila Standard/Philippine Sportswriters Association) |
The establishment of Pilipinas Climbing Inc. (PCI) marks a game-changing moment for the rapidly growing sport of climbing in the Philippines, opening the door for national recognition, international competition, and long-term development. Led by sports advocate and obstacle racing pioneer Atty. Al Agra, PCI is now the official body driving the progress of sport climbing in the country. With recognition already secured from the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC), the organization is actively working toward membership in the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) — a move expected to pave the way for sustainable funding, grassroots expansion, and broader athlete support.
Speaking at a recent Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, Atty. Agra stated, “Climbing has been growing quietly across the country. With PCI in place, we can now organize, represent, and elevate the sport on all fronts. We want to make climbing inclusive — for youth, for Para athletes, for every Filipino.” Just months into its formation, PCI is already fielding a national team with athletes set to compete this week at the ASEAN Sport Climbing Championships in Malaysia. Next up are tournaments in Singapore and the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December. More than just competitive targets, the formation of PCI brings much-needed structure and direction. The organization now oversees the regulation, promotion, and expansion of the sport with over 20 climbing gyms nationwide already forming the early backbone of local development.
PCI is also aiming to introduce more coaching programs, support systems for athletes, and eventually, the creation of regional hubs. PCI chairman Franz Lim emphasized the sport’s potential, saying, “Climbing is not only exciting and accessible, but Filipinos have what it takes to be world-class. With proper support, we can produce Olympic-level athletes.”
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Brent Manalo, Mika Salamanca Win Big In PBB Celebrity Collab Edition's The Big Night
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca, known as BreKa, clinched the Big Winner title of “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition”, making history as the first Kapuso-Kapamilya duo to win in the show's special season. The tandem secured their victory with 33.03% of the total combined public votes, finishing ahead of the three other finalist duos. Each will receive a ₱1M (one million pesos) cash prize.
“Hindi po sapat ang mga salitang ‘masaya’, ‘mahal ko kayo’, at ‘salamat po’ para ipaliwanag ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. Lahat po ng ito ay para sa inyo — para sa pamilya ko, sa mga nagmamahal, at para sa amin ni Brent,” said Kapuso Big Winner Mika. Kapamilya Big Winner Brent added, “Gusto ko lang pong sabihin na kapag puso ang panlaban, anything is possible. God is good!” Following BreKa, RaWi (Ralph de Leon and Will Ashley) was named the Second Big Placer Duo with 25.88%, each taking home Php500,000. They were followed by CharEs (Charlie Flemming and Esnyr Ranollo) in third place with 22.91% and a prize of Php300,000 each, while AZVer (AZ Martinez and River Joseph) rounded out the Big 4 in fourth place with 8.77%, receiving Php200,000 each. “PBB Celebrity Collab Edition” broke new ground as the first season to feature celebrity housemates from ABS-CBN’s Star Magic and GMA’s Sparkle, launched in celebration of Pinoy Big Brother’s 20th anniversary. The season introduced a refreshed format centered on duos and cross-network camaraderie.
The season was hosted by Bianca Gonzalez, Gabbi Garcia, Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, Melai Cantiveros, and Enchong Dee with Alexa Ilacad and Mavy Legaspi as online hosts. The Big Night held last July 5, 2025 at the New Frontier Theater, where the Big Winner duo was announced, featured special performances and appearances from Bianca Umali, Michelle Dee, Donny Pangilinan, “PBB Collab” ex-housemates, and “The Clash” and “Tawag Ng Tanghalan All-Star Grand Resbak 2025” contenders. Viewers can relive the best moments in "PBB Celebrity Collab Edition" on Pinoy Big Brother's official YouTube channel and on-demand via iWant.
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BINI Comes Home With "Here With You" Fan Meet At Jam-Packed MOA Arena
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Fresh from their 15-stop “BINIverse World Tour”, the nation’s girl group BINI recently held a special homecoming with their beloved fans called BLOOMs through the jam-packed “Here With You” event at the MOA Arena. An exclusive treat for BINI Global members, “Here With You” highlighted the girls’ experiences from their world tour – from tour bus anecdotes to favorite moments of BINI members Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena.
“Aside from the concert, sobrang saya kasi hindi namin inakala na aside from Filipino BLOOMs, nakakita kami ng non-Filipino BLOOMs, and it just shows na our music crosses borders. Hindi ako makapaniwala na may international BLOOMs singing our songs. Sobrang grateful,” said Maloi about their stop in London. BINI performed “Cherry On Top”, “Zero Pressure”, “8”, “Out Of My Head”, and “Here With You” to the delight of their homecoming audience. About 100 BLOOMs also got to perform their tour single “Shagidi” live with the group. Apart from the thrilling performances and fan surprises, the girls also donated a portion of sales from the BINI beanies, amounting to Php362,453.50, to ABS-CBN Foundation via a ceremonial turnover ceremony.
The group likewise teased the audience about their upcoming makeup line called BINI Cosmetics and their exclusive tour BTS in the “BINIverse World Tour Stories” coming on iWant in September. “Here WIth You: BINI Homecoming Fan Meet” was hosted by Robi Domingo, Milo Elmido Jr., and Emilio Daez. It also featured pre-show performances from Zpectrum PH, Overheat, Kolette Madelo, Rain Celmar, and Jarren Garcia and a special number from BINIkada.
