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| (Image Source: The Manila Times/Bank Of The Philippine Islands) |
For many Filipino families, money sent from loved ones abroad is more than financial support — it is a lifeline and a symbol of connection across distances. With about 4.6 million Filipinos living in the United States, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is making it easier than ever for Filipinos abroad to send money, and for families back home to receive it quickly and securely, through BPI Remit.
“With BPI Remit, we make sending and receiving money between the U.S. and the Philippines faster, more secure, and more rewarding. As we anticipate our 175th anniversary next year, we remain committed to serving Filipino families and helping them feel closer to their loved ones abroad, no matter the distance,” said BPI Institutional Banking’s Head of Strategy, Products & Support Group Joel De Vera. BPI Remit empowers Filipinos in the U.S. to do more for their families with convenience and peace of mind. Senders can transfer funds directly from a U.S. bank account to a BPI account in the Philippines through the BPI mobile app or online. Each transfer includes a fixed fee of just US$1 for amounts below US$250, and free of charge for transfers above US$250. Current transaction limits are US$700 daily and weekly and US#1,000 monthly. Funds are transferred within seconds and users can easily track their transactions via the BPI app or online. SMS notifications are also sent to confirm when a transfer is initiated and completed, ensuring transparency and security.
To further reach out to the Filipino community in the U.S., BPI recently sponsored the concert of The Voice Season 26 Grand Winner Sofronio Vasquez where attendees were introduced to BPI Remit and learned how it could help them support their families back home more conveniently. Families receiving remittances can instantly access funds through their BPI accounts, check balances via the BPI app or online, and enjoy competitive exchange rates that make the most of every dollar sent. The Bank continues to be a trusted bridge connecting overseas Filipinos and their loved ones in the Philippines. Working with a strong network of remittance partners, BPI ensures that every transfer is seamless and secure, allowing families to focus on what truly matters: staying connected and building a better future together. To learn more or start sending with BPI Remit, visit bpi.com.ph/remit/US.
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Ateneo Jubilarians To Host Sunset Fun Run On November 9, 2025
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/MNL City Run) |
The Ateneo High School Batch 2000, together with MNL City Run, will host the “One Beat Fest 2025: One Beat. One Run. One Big Festival” on November 9, 2025 (Sunday) at the Ateneo de Manila High School Grounds in Quezon City. The event, which will start at 3:00 pm, is a sundown fun run and mini-concert open to all runners, alumni, families, and friends of the Ateneo community. It also coincides with the 25th Anniversary Grand Homecoming of Ateneo High School Batch 2000. Proceeds from the event will benefit Ateneo’s Track and Field scholars, Ateneo Scholars, and the retirement fund of teachers and staff.
Participants can choose from four fun run categories designed for different ages and fitness levels. The 10KM Run has a registration fee of Php1,590 and includes a shirt, medal, reflector bracelet, drawstring bag, and a Php2,000 Mizuno Gift Certificate. Assembly time is at 4:00 pm with a gun start at 4:30 pm and a cut-off at 6:30 pm. The 5KM Run costs Php1,390 and also comes with a shirt, medal, reflector bracelet, drawstring bag, and a Php2,000 Mizuno Gift Certificate. Assembly is at 4:30 pm with the gun start at 5:00 pm and a cut-off at 6:30 pm. The 3KM Run is available at Php1,190, inclusive of a shirt, medal, and Php2,000 Mizuno Gift Certificate. Assembly is at 5:00 pm with the gun start at 5:30 pm and a cut-off at 6:30 pm.
Meanwhile, families and children can join the 1KM Family Run for Php900 which includes a shirt, medal, and Php2,000 Mizuno Gift Certificate. Assembly starts at 5:30 pm with a gun start at 5:45 pm and a cut-off at 6:30 pm. Participants may register online at https://myruntime.com/register/one-beat-fest-fun-run. Registration will remain open until all slots are filled.
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Globe AT HOME And Xiaomi Bring The Gift Of Connectivity To Filipino Homes
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| L-R: Globe AT HOME Head of Channel Activations and Partnerships Hans Conti, Globe AT HOME Head of Customer Field Services Wil-R Saldua, Globe AT HOME Head of Brand Management Abigail Cardino, Xiaomi Philippines Marketing Head Tomi Adrias, Xiaomi Philippines Head of Sales Brian Shaun, Xiaomi Philippines Sales Manager for Operator Channels Robert Collantes (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Globe Telecom) |
This coming holiday season, Globe AT HOME and Xiaomi are coming together to offer something truly meaningful: the gift of innovation and connectivity. In a season built on togetherness, the partnership brings warmth, joy, and digital access to Filipino families — making every home feel closer, brighter, and more empowered. Globe Telecom's Head of Broadband Brand Management Abigail Cardino expressed her enthusiasm during a media conference held on October 6, 2025 at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City and announced the continuation of Globe’s collaboration with Xiaomi, highlighting exclusive offers designed to elevate the digital experience of Filipino households.
Cardino shared, “Globe AT HOME and Xiaomi are bringing the gift of connectivity this holiday season. This partnership underscores our mutual passion in providing homes with heightened comfort and convenience, transforming the way we experience everyday life, blending reliable internet with cutting‑edge devices so families can stay connected, entertained, and productive through the holidays and beyond.” From now until November 19, 2025, families who purchase any Xiaomi IoT device can enjoy GFiber Prepaid installation worth ₱1,499 for just ₱1, along with one-day free internet at speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Whether it’s the family watching their favorite holiday movie, a parent video-calling loved ones abroad, or siblings setting up new devices together, this offer ensures that the magic of connection begins the moment the box is opened. Available in 35 authorized Xiaomi dealer stores nationwide, the program offers a 10% discount on select Xiaomi devices for qualified Globe AT HOME customers. Eligible subscribers can redeem their discount through the GlobeOne app and claim it during their next purchase at participating Xiaomi outlets.
“We are creating a seamless network where our products, from your smartphone to your intelligent home devices, work together to simplify and enhance your life. It’s about building a connected world where technology serves you effortlessly, whether you’re at home, on the road, or anywhere in between,” said Xiaomi Philippines Marketing Head Tomi Adrias. This partnership is more than a promotion — it’s a shared promise to uplift Filipino lives through technology that connects, empowers, and brings people closer. With Globe and Xiaomi, every Filipino home can celebrate the season with stronger bonds, joyful moments, and the comfort of knowing they’re never far from the ones they love.
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Predator League Announces 2026 Philippine Qualifiers With Php1.2M Prize Pool At Stake
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| (Image Source: Pinoy Metro Geek/Predator Gaming Philippines) |
The fight for glory and honor begins as the Predator League returns with the 2026 Philippine Qualifiers and it’s bigger than ever. With a Php1.2-million prize pool and the Predator Shield on the line, teams from across the country will display their skills and talent in DOTA 2, VALORANT, and for the first time in Predator League history, League of Legends. The battle horn has sounded and teams have answered its call. Online and offline qualifiers started last September 19, 2025, giving every aspiring eSports professional the chance to showcase their skills and kickstart their careers.
“We’re excited to kick off the Predator League 2026 PH Qualifiers. Acer has always supported the growth of esports talent in the Philippines, and the Predator League has served as its proving ground,” said Acer Philippines Managing Director Sue Ong-Lim. The competition is fierce, but the rewards are massive! DOTA 2 and VALORANT champions will claim the lion’s share of Php200,000, while runners-up will receive Php120,000. Third and fourth place finishers will earn Php50,000 each and fifth and sixth place finishers won’t leave empty-handed with Php20,000. For League of Legends, the winning team will get Php100,000 and the runner-up will take home Php50,000. Third and fourth place finishers will receive Php15,000 each while fifth and sixth place finishers will walk away with Php5,000.
Besides the prize money, winning DOTA 2 and VALORANT teams are also guaranteed a spot as the Philippine representatives for the Asia Pacific Predator League 2026 Grand Finals, scheduled to take place in India early next year. For more information and updates about the Predator League, follow Predator Gaming on Facebook (@PredatorLeaguePhilippines) or visit the official website at www.predator-league.com.
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SM Supermalls Kicks Off Super Kids Month With 9th Annual Super Kids Day At SM City Bacoor
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| L–R: SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Digital Equity Sheena Rhia P. Ramos; SuperMom Nadine Samonte Chua with her SuperKids Heather, Titus, and Harmony; SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin; SM Little Stars 2025 alumni Yahzie Amber Jane Bendana (SM City Batangas), Kirsten Danielle Ball (SM City Trece Martires), and Wilbecka Marie Algabre (SM City Santa Rosa); SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for South Luzon Marketing Ritzgerald T. Gonzales (Image Source: Manila Standard/SM Supermalls) |
SM Supermalls launched SuperKids Month 2025 with the 9th Annual SuperKids Day: Multiverse Mash-Up at SM City Bacoor last October 5, 2025. The event celebrated creativity, play, and imagination among families and kids. Leading the celebration was Cerah Hernandez-Co, joined by actress Nadine Samonte Chua and her kids Heather, Titus, and Harmony, as they explored themed worlds that brought the multiverse to life. Each SuperKid began their journey with a Multiverse Passport, their guide to a day of adventure. Kids completed quests, joined games, and explored activity booths to earn stamps. Every challenge came with special gifts and a chance to win the grand raffle prize, a Nintendo Switch 2, courtesy of DataBlitz and SM Cyberzone.
The event featured performances from SM Little Stars 2025 alumni from South Luzon including Wilbecka Marie Algabre (SM City Santa Rosa), Yahzie Amber Jane Bendana (SM City Batangas), and Kirsten Danielle Ball (SM City Trece Martires). Magicman Ody Sto. Domingo, Pilipinas Got Talent Season 7 3rd Placer, also entertained the crowd with a spellbinding magic show. The fun continued with mascot appearances from Kidzoona, Jollibee, and the SM SuperPets Club. The Best Dressed SuperKids showcased creativity through colorful costumes, from superheroes and adventurers to fairytale princesses. The day ended with the SuperKids Day Dance Finale where families danced to “Soda Pop” in a joyful celebration of imagination and togetherness.
SM Supermalls thanks its event partners DataBlitz, Candy Corner, Furry Trails, Quantum, Tom’s World, and Kids Paradise for making this day possible. SM Cyberzone, SM Malls Online, SM SuperPets Club, and the SM SuperMoms Club also powered the event. SuperKids Month 2025 continues nationwide this October with more activities, surprises, and rewards for every SuperKid in SM malls across the country.
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SM Pilots Alfamart Franchising To Empower Entrepreneurs And Communities
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| The opening of Alfamart Philippines' first franchise store in Chrysanthemum Village, San Pedro, Laguna graced by Alfamart COO Harvey T. Ong and Alfamart's first franchisee Engr. Leovino C. Datario with wife Doris (Image Source: Philippines Graphic/Alfamart Philippines) |
Alfamart Philippines, the minimart chain of the SM Group, has recently launched its franchising program, opening doors for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow alongside its nationwide expansion.
The pilot began in Laguna with two franchise-owned stores. The first franchise store was launched with Engineer Leovino C. Datario, a long-time Alfamart lessor, in October 2024. The second, opened in August 2025, was in partnership with Arles A. Uy Jr., owner of AAU Corporation which operates 15 Express Clean laundromat branches beside Alfamart stores. As of the end of September 2025, Alfamart has expanded to 2,337 stores nationwide. “This reflects the SM group’s commitment to inclusive growth and entrepreneurship. By allowing tenants to evolve into franchisees, Alfamart is enabling MSMEs to scale alongside its own expansion, strengthening local communities and livelihoods,” said Alfamart Philippines Chief Operating Officer Harvey T. Ong.
Part of SM’s retail food business, Alfamart blends the convenience of a neighborhood store with the breadth of a supermarket — a format gaining strong traction across Southeast Asia, particularly among families and communities that value accessibility and affordability. Alfamart Philippines is a joint venture between SM and Alfamart, one of the leading retailers with more than 21,000 mini-marts in Indonesia. Alfamart offers a wide assortment of products catering to daily needs including a selection of basic groceries, SM Bonus products, fresh and frozen goods, snacks, and personal care items at reasonable prices. For franchising inquiries, please email franchising@alfamart.com.ph.
