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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Wise Platform) |
GoTyme Bank, the fastest-growing bank in the Philippines, recently announced its partnership with Wise Platform, a leading global payment infrastructure provider for banks and enterprises. This strategic collaboration makes GoTyme Bank the first partner bank of Wise Platform in the Philippines and its first International Receive partner in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, empowering over 7.8 million Filipino customers with faster, cheaper and more transparent international transfers via the GoTyme Bank app. The partnership tackles long-standing pain points experienced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families — such as expensive transfer fees, hidden charges, slow processing times, and lack of transparency. Through GoTyme Bank's integration with the Wise Platform which enables fast and easy international payments over SWIFT, customers can now receive money from over 11,000 banks worldwide in 23 major currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and SGD amongst others with full pricing transparency and faster settlement times.
Remittances are a vital part of the Philippine economy with OFWs sending over US$38B (38 billion US dollars) annually, representing one of the largest inflows worldwide and a significant percentage of the country’s GDP. According to Wise research, Filipino consumers lost approximately US$170M/Php9.74B (170 million US dollars/9.74 billion Philippine pesos) in 2024 alone due to hidden fees in international money transfers. With just a few taps in the GoTyme Bank app, customers can view their account details and share them with their sending bank to receive international payments quickly and securely. The service offers coverage across 23 major currencies and 24/7 operational support — ensuring families receive the full value of every remittance. GoTyme Bank customers can conveniently withdraw their remittances for free at over 1,400 Robinsons Retail partner stores nationwide. This partnership supports millions of Filipinos who rely on remittances to fund education, support loved ones, and grow businesses. For families with loved ones working abroad, this integration helps maximize the value of their hard-earned money — turning remittances into real opportunities. “Our collaboration with Wise is about creating a trusted remittance experience that feels effortless. By pairing Wise’s world-class technology and global network with GoTyme Bank’s simple, beautiful banking, we’re redefining how Filipinos support their families, grow their ambitions, and stay connected to what matters most,” said GoTyme Bank President and CEO Nate Clarke.
“This partnership exemplifies Wise’s mission to build the infrastructure for the world’s money. As the first Wise Platform partnership in the Philippines, it demonstrates how we’re extending beyond our own products to power better financial services through partners. Payments coming over SWIFT have faced hidden charges and slow speeds. With this partnership, GoTyme Bank becomes the first bank in the Philippines to change this trend. For 14 years, Wise has been building the best infrastructure in moving money across borders and it’s exciting to see our partner banks benefit from this infrastructure through Wise Platform,” said Wise Platform APAC General Manager Samarth Bansal. This collaboration reinforces the shared commitment of GoTyme Bank and Wise Platform to deliver world-class financial services to Filipinos. As customers increasingly expect international payments to be as seamless as domestic transfers, this partnership sets a new benchmark for cross-border banking in the Philippines. By combining GoTyme Bank’s everyday accessibility with Wise’s trusted global infrastructure, the two companies are redefining how remittances are received — making the experience more efficient, secure, and customer-centric for millions of Filipinos.
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SM Supermalls And DICT Launched Digital Corners In SM Job Fairs
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| Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda and SM Supermalls VP for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio formalize their partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish digital corners in SM Job Fairs. The two leaders also reaffirm their shared commitment through the Pledge of Commitment Wall, championing real-world opportunities that empower young Filipinos to develop future-ready digital skills. (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/SM Supermalls) |
SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has officially introduced Digital Corners to SM Job Fairs — an initiative launched during the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS 2025 held at the SM City North EDSA Skydome. An innovative learning solution, the Digital Corner is designed as a free, open-access upskilling hub within SM job fair venues. It offers job seekers training opportunities on digital literacy, Python programming, Google Career Certificate courses, basic networking, coding, cybersecurity, and online entrepreneurship.
“This is the next step in our collective efforts to not only match jobs with job seekers but to equip them with future-ready digital skills. By housing this initiative in SM malls, we’re turning job fairs into job-and-learning fairs — places where opportunity and capability meet,” said SM Supermalls Vice President for Mall Operations Junias M. Eusebio. The Digital Corner is expected to benefit thousands of Filipinos annually, especially graduating SHS (Senior High School) students preparing to enter the workforce or pursue further training in tech-enabled fields. Nearly 1,000 SHS students, accompanied by parents and teachers from over 40 schools, participated in the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS 2025 launch. The event marks the rollout of the Enhanced Work Immersion Pilot (EWIP), a collaboration between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), with SM Supermalls serving as a key venue and industry partner, alongside SM Retail. The EWIP is transforming the SHS experience by increasing work immersion hours from the current 80–320 hours to 420–640 hours. This expanded, hands-on training is backed by industry partners who co-develop training plans to align classroom learning with real-world skills in sectors like retail, hospitality, and technology. At the launch, companies including SM Retail and Newport World Resorts provided students with insights into job expectations and workplace values. Throughout the day, students also attended career readiness sessions with experts and explored opportunities presented by industry and government partners in a special Digital Economy Showcase.
Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls — one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers — remains a steadfast partner in nation-building by opening doors to employment through accessible job fairs in its 88 malls nationwide. For four decades, SM has evolved into more than just a retail destination — it has become a platform for empowering Filipinos with livelihood opportunities, bridging job seekers with employers, and uplifting lives through strategic partnerships that foster workforce development and inclusive economic growth.
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Globe Roaming Unveils Exclusive Travel Bundle, More Affordable With Insurance Protection
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| (Image Source: Gadgets Magazine/Globe Telecom) |
Globe Telecom is redefining the experience for Filipino travelers with an exclusive offer that combines two essentials: affordable connectivity and reliable protection in one unbeatable package. Through its partnership with Oona Insurance, Globe introduces a travel protection bundle that gives customers seamless data roaming and insurance coverage for as low as Php49 [with Php1M (1 million pesos) coverage] and Php109 [with Php2.5M (2.5 million pesos) coverage], making it one of the most accessible and affordable bundles in the market today. “With Globe Roaming, you’re not just connected but also protected. This bundle sets a new standard in travel convenience, affordability, and peace of mind. Whether you’re a Prepaid or Postpaid customer, you can now travel confidently with reliable data roaming and comprehensive insurance coverage, all in one seamless tap,” said Globe's Head of International Business Paula Rivera-Castillo.
Unlike standalone eSIMs, local SIMs, or separate insurance plans that leave travelers managing multiple providers and higher costs, Globe’s 2-in-1 bundle offers unmatched value. With Globe Roaming, customers enjoy the ease of staying connected and protected wherever they go, without the hassle of buying services separately. Coverage is thoughtfully designed to fit every journey with flexible options that match the validity of roaming packs, whether for a quick getaway, a week-long trip, or an extended stay abroad. Beyond data, Globe delivers peace of mind through reliable protection and dedicated customer support. “Travel insurance shouldn’t feel like an afterthought, it should move with you. Our collaboration with Globe is another step in making protection more intuitive and built around real journeys, not paperwork. That’s the future we’re building at Oona,” said Oona Philippines Chief Marketing and Partnership Officer Ashish Arora. Booking the bundle is simple and seamless. Customers can open the GlobeOne app, tap Shop, and select their destination country. From there, they can choose a roaming pack that matches the length of their trip. Once confirmed, the insurance benefit is automatically included, removing the need for additional steps. A confirmation is instantly received, and after entering their travel details, the policy is sent directly to their email, ensuring travelers are connected and protected before their flight.
By booking in advance through GlobeOne, customers can travel worry-free, knowing they’re covered from the moment they depart. The Globe Roaming Travel Insurance bundle reaffirms Globe’s role as more than a telco, it is a holistic travel partner for Filipinos around the world. “Globe is proud to offer the ultimate travel essential that makes global journeys simpler and safer. This is our way of showing how we care for our customers, by freeing them in choosing between affordability and security because they get both,” said Rivera-Castillo. For more details, visit https://glbe.com.ph/globeoonatravelinsurance.
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Local Ingenuity Shines At DTI’s Panubli-on Heritage Trade Fair In SM City Iloilo
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| DTI Region 6 officials together with SM Supermalls Iloilo Team open the Panubli-on Heritage Trade Fair 2025 with inspiring messages on local ingenuity, digital innovation, and the power of regional collaboration. (Image Source: Pilipino Mirror/SM Supermalls) |
Western Visayas once again proved that heritage isn’t just to be preserved — it’s to be reimagined, remixed, and proudly shared with the world. Last November 5-9, 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6, in partnership with SM City Iloilo, successfully concluded the Panubli-on Heritage Trade Fair 2025, celebrating the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial fire of local artisans and MSMEs. With the theme “Local Ingenuity, New Opportunities”, this year’s edition showcased how tradition and innovation can thrive side by side. Over 100 exhibitors from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental transformed the event space into a vibrant marketplace of culture and creativity — where “Made In Western Visayas” stood for heritage elevated by design and powered by passion.
More than a trade fair, Panubli-on 2025 became a living showcase of local identity. From intricately woven textiles and sustainable home décor to proudly local delicacies crafted from cacao, coconut, and coffee — every booth told a story of craftsmanship passed down through generations and now brought to new audiences through digital platforms. This year’s signature “red locator icon” — featured in all event materials — symbolized how Western Visayas has firmly claimed its spot on the map of global creativity, connecting homegrown artisans to emerging markets and limitless opportunities. Visitors didn’t just shop — they experienced. The five-day event featured exciting highlights such as live creative demos that brought craftsmanship to life, a fashion show featuring world-class designs from local makers, the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Roadshow spotlighting provincial pride, Mentor-Match pitching sessions linking startups with seasoned business mentors, and yes — daily free tastings of Western Visayas’ finest flavors, from rich coffee to artisanal chocolates. As the fair wrapped up, one message echoed through the halls of SM City Iloilo: Panubli-on, which means heritage, is not just about looking back — it’s about building forward. It’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and collaboration that keeps the region’s entrepreneurial spirit alive. Because here in Western Visayas, Local Ingenuity meets New Opportunities.
Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls — one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers — remains a steadfast partner in nation-building by opening doors to employment through accessible job fairs in its 88 malls nationwide. For four decades, SM has evolved into more than just a retail destination — it has become a platform for empowering Filipinos with livelihood opportunities, bridging job seekers with employers, and uplifting lives through strategic partnerships that foster workforce development and inclusive economic growth.
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AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Manila Brings The Beat Back
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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/AIA Philippines) |
The AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Manila presented by ASICS returns on November 29, 2025 at the Rizal Park, transforming the city’s streets into a vibrant festival of movement, music and Manila pride. More than just a run, it’s a cultural celebration – a rhythmic journey through the heart of the capital where every stride tells a story, every beat echoes with community spirit, and every finisher crosses more than just a finish line. It’s also a showcase of Filipino creativity and community. Every kilometer pulses with local color: from the rhythm of live bands and street performances to the cheers of volunteers and spectators lining the roads. This year’s event promises new tech, louder beats, and bigger celebrations, drawing thousands of runners and spectators for an unforgettable weekend of fitness, fun and Filipino pride.
This year, the world’s most dynamic running party gets an upgrade as ASICS steps in as the presenting sponsor, taking the Manila edition from iconic to unforgettable. “This alliance with ASICS isn’t just a sponsorship – it’s an upgrade. Together, we’re transforming race day into a festival of movement, music, and Manila’s unwavering spirit,” said Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc., the organizing force behind the local leg of this global running phenomenon. Part concert, part race – and all heart – the running series has electrified cities like Las Vegas, Madrid and Tokyo, blending fitness and entertainment in one unforgettable experience. The Manila edition captures the city’s soul, featuring live music stages, themed water stations, costumed cheer squads, and commemorative finisher medals that celebrate both achievement and culture. Runners of all levels – from first-timers to seasoned marathoners – can take part in 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon categories, each one powered by high energy, loud music and endless smiles.
“We’ve always believed in the transformative power of sport. Partnering with Rock ’n’ Roll Manila lets us bring that belief to life – loud, proud, and powered by music,” said ASICS Philippines Brand Communications Executive Diego Vergel de Dios. With its “Sound Mind, Sound Body” philosophy, ASICS perfectly complements the Rock ’n’ Roll Series’ mission of holistic wellness – where running goes beyond pace and performance to celebrate passion, connection and joy. For more information and registration details, visit www.runrocknroll.com/manila.
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Minions Run 2025 Out To Paint The Town Yellow
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/RUNRIO) |
Get ready to go ba-ba-nanas as the SM Mall of Asia Complex is set to transform into a bright yellow sea of fun and laughter when the Minions Run 2025 kicks off on November 30, 2025, promising one of the most colorful and entertaining fun runs of the year. Around 15,000 runners are expected to don their best Minion looks and channel the mischievous charm of the small, yellow, capsule-shaped creations from the Despicable Me franchise. Participants are in for an adventure-packed with vibrant colors, playful surprises, and interactive experiences designed for all ages.
Organized by RUNRIO, the event offers 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K race categories. Each participant will receive a special Minions race kit that includes a themed singlet, finisher medal, and collectible items inspired by everyone’s favorite little troublemakers — Kevin, Stuart, and Bob. “We’re excited for what’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting and family-friendly runs of the year. The Minions Run celebrates movement, happiness, and togetherness — all wrapped up in banana-powered fun,” said RUNRIO President and CEO Rio Dela Cruz. Beyond the race itself, the Minions Race Village will offer an immersive experience with themed photo spots, meet-and-greets with Minion mascots, brand activations, and activity zones that bring the Despicable Me universe to life.
Capping the event is a raffle draw for all registered runners, with an all-expense-paid trip to Universal Studios Singapore as the grand prize. So grab your goggles, lace up your running shoes, and get ready to join the most despicably fun run of the year!
