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| Maya Group Chief Technology Officer Alfred Lo speaks on the “AI-First Banking: Blueprints for the Future of Financial Institutions” panel during Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025 x StartmeupHK Festival where he shared how Maya is using artificial intelligence to expand access to credit and build trust in financial services. (Image Source: Mindanao Times/Maya Group) |
Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just changing how financial institutions operate — it’s reshaping who they can serve. At this year’s Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival, Maya Group's Chief Technology Officer Alfred Lo joined global fintech and banking leaders in discussing how AI is building a more inclusive, intelligent financial ecosystem. “AI is becoming the new infrastructure of finance. At Maya, we use AI to understand people better, make credit more inclusive, and strengthen trust in every transaction,” said Lo.
Maya — powered by Maya Bank, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, and Maya Philippines, the country’s leading payments processor — has embedded AI across its platforms, spanning payments, savings, credit, and fraud prevention. With over 8.2 million bank customers and ₱152B (152 billion pesos) in cumulative loan disbursements as of end-June 2025, Maya’s AI models analyze thousands of behavioral and transactional signals to deliver instant credit decisions and proactive fraud protection. The system now processes tens of thousands of loan applications daily and has significantly lowered default rates since the bank’s launch in 2022. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Financial Inclusion Survey 2021, only 4% of adults with loans borrowed from banks, while 57% relied on informal sources — underscoring the credit gap Maya aims to address through AI-powered lending.
Lo said, “AI helps us design credit for inclusion, not exclusion. It allows us to extend opportunities responsibly — making financial health part of everyday life, not a privilege for a few.” Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025, held in collaboration with InvestHK and StartmeupHK, gathered over 30,000 attendees and global speakers from organizations including HSBC, Ant Group, Mastercard, and Maya. This year’s theme, “Fintech Redefined”, explored how artificial intelligence, digital assets, and cross-border innovation are transforming the global financial landscape.
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Globe’s GFiber Prepaid Surges To 700K Users, Redefines Home Connectivity For Filipino Families
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Globe Telecom) |
Globe Telecom is accelerating the country’s digital transformation with the rapid expansion of GFiber Prepaid, its game-changing fiber broadband solution designed to make fast, stable internet more accessible to Filipino households. With a flexible, no lockup, load-as-you-need model, GFiber Prepaid is driving mass-market fiber adoption nationwide, empowering families to stay connected in a way that fits their routines, responsibilities, and budgets. Now serving up to seven hundred thousand customers, posting a double digit growth from last quarter, GFiber Prepaid has proven that inclusive, affordable broadband can effectively scale across diverse communities. This milestone reflects Globe’s commitment to digital inclusion, especially for cost-conscious families who previously had limited access to reliable home internet.
From supporting digital learning and remote work to enabling online livelihoods and family entertainment, reloadable UNLI fiber internet at home is helping Filipino households unlock new opportunities, without the burden of monthly bills. GFiber Prepaid is not just a product; it’s a platform for progress, allowing families to participate more fully in the digital economy, access education, and stay meaningfully connected to one another. “Fast and reliable connectivity is no longer optional, it’s essential to how Filipinos live, learn, and earn. At Globe, we are deeply committed to delivering best-in-class products and services that uplift lives. GFiber Prepaid is our way of making fiber-speed connectivity accessible to more Filipinos, because progress should never be limited by affordability. This is the heart of #AlagangGlobe, innovation and connectivity that truly cares,” said Globe's Head of Broadband Business Brand Management Abigail Cardino.
As Globe expands GFiber Prepaid’s reach, it deepens its contribution to bridging digital divides and enabling more Filipino families to participate in the country’s growth story. By making high-speed connectivity flexible and accessible, Globe enables Filipinos to pursue education, livelihoods, and meaningful connections, reinforcing its role as a partner in building a more inclusive and future-ready Philippines. For more information about Globe’s GFiber Prepaid, visit www.gfiberprepaid.globe.com.ph/.
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Palawan Express Pera Padala Offers Lower Domestic Remittance Fees Because Every Padala Is A Message Of Love This Christmas
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Palawan Group Of Companies) |
The holiday season is a time for giving, sharing, and showing love — and for millions of Filipinos, that love is often sent through a padala. To help you send malasakit (care) to your loved ones wherever they are in the Philippines, Palawan Group of Companies’ Palawan Express Pera Padala is made even more affordable with lower domestic remittance fees. From now until December 31, 2025, Palawan Express Pera Padala sukis can enjoy a 1% service fee on every domestic remittance send-out transaction. That means you only pay Php1 for every Php100 sent. For transactions of Php20,001 or more, the regular service fee will apply. Customers who use PalawanPay can also enjoy a 1% fee when remitting to any Palawan branch via the app.
Whether it is for noche buena (Christmas Eve meal), aguinaldo (Christmas gift), or a simple, “thinking of you” gift, Palawan Express Pera Padala ensures that your money goes further – helping bridge the gift between you and the people you hold dearest. For us at Palawan Group, every padala is more than just money – it is a tangible reminder that love surpasses distance. Palawan Group Chief Executive Officer Karlo M. Castro remarked, “Palawan Group is a proud 100% Pinoy company. We are run by Filipinos to serve fellow Filipinos, and deeply ingrained in our culture is a padala being more than just money — it’s a message of love, care, and connection. Through our Mas pinababang fees promo, we want to make it easier for families to send love this Christmas season, no matter the distance. Palawan Express Pera Padala has always been part of the Filipino family’s story, and this is our way of giving back — by helping them stay close even when they are physically far apart.” Across thousands of Palawan Express Pera Padala branches and outlets across the Philippines, each padala carries out a common theme: love and sacrifice. There’s a mother in Manila who sends her 13th-month pay to her parents in Cagayan so they can stock up the fridge as the grandchildren flock in for Christmas and a son working in Cebu who sends a little extra to his siblings in General Santos City for their new shirts and slippers. There is also a grandmother in Bicol who uses padala service to send money for her grandchildren’s toys.
“These seemingly small but powerful acts of love and giving are what inspire us to keep doing what we do best – to become the bridge of malasakit among Filipino families, to remain mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos-balungos (affordable, fast, and hassle-free),” said Palawan Group Chief Marketing Officer Bernard Kaibigan. The peak time for sending pagmamahal at malasakit (love and care) is right here. With Palawan Express Pera Padala and PalawanPay, let remittance carry not just money but a piece of your heart this Christmas. Together, let us make every padala a reminder to your family that distance will never stop you from being part of their holidays, laughter, and every salu-salo shared around the table.
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Where Winds Meet Mobile Version To Launch On December 12, 2025
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| (Image Source: NetEase Games) |
Everstone Studio and NetEase Games are thrilled to announce that the highly-anticipated mobile version of Where Winds Meet will launch on December 12, 2025 for iOS and Android. All of the action players are experiencing on PC and console will soon be available on the go with full cross-play and cross-progression capability. Since its launch on November 14th, the game has surpassed 9 million total players, peaking at over 250 thousand concurrent players on Steam.
The forthcoming mobile version of Where Winds Meet will feature a fully optimized user interface designed to maximize the gameplay experience on mobile devices. It will also include full cross-platform and cross-play support, allowing players to enjoy the game seamlessly while on the go. The addition of the mobile platform will further enable friends to connect and play together, regardless of the platform they choose. "We are both humbled and flattered by the kind words and encouragement from players around the world. Their support inspires us to continue improving the game and delivering even better content to our players. With the mobile version coming soon, we can't wait for more players to join our growing community," said Where Winds Meet Lead Producer Beralt Lyu. Strong player numbers aside, the game boasts an impressive 88% positive rating on Steam. Where Winds Meet delivers stunning art design along with a captivating narrative that encompasses the vibrant Wuxia open-world gameplay, bringing 10th century China to life. The storyline of Qinghe and Kaifeng, as well as numerous side quests that feed into the game’s central narrative, are essential elements feeding the game’s popularity. The innovative NPC system enable players to befriend, provoke, hustle, or even be the life coach of a villager next door, which not only serves as an entertaining pastime, but also provides an unprecedented immersive experience in the living Wuxia world.
The game’s robust multiplayer mode also drives players to foster meaningful relationships with one another, as it encourages collaboration and camaraderie. Whether it’s curing others’ diseases and injury, joining a Pardon Parade or rescuing a friend from jail, the sense of connection enhances the overall experience, making every adventure feel more personal and connected. For more information about Where Winds Meet and to pre-register for the mobile version, please visit https://yysls.onelink.me/EXJb/globalpr.
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Over 15,000 Runners Go Bananas In Minion Run 2025
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/RUNRIO Inc.) |
Yellow was the color of the day as runners dressed in the vibrant hue took part in the Minions Run 2025 last November 30, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. About 15,000 runners participated in one of the biggest races of the year as they turned into the small, yellow capsule-shaped creations of super villain Gru. RUNRIO President and CEO Rio Dela Cruz shared, "Minions Run 2025 surpassed all our expectations. Seeing thousands of runners laughing, bonding, and embracing the fun spirit of the Minions reminds us why this run has become such a beloved annual celebration."
Vincent Avestruz won the 10K race, timing at 33:43, followed by Mark Angelo Biagtan (35:12) and Daryl Rodemio (36:40) while Mary Jane Pagayon was the fastest among the females at 39:14 ahead of Maricar Camacho (40:04) and Decerie Encomio (40:38). Cavin Vidal topped the men's 5K with 17:13 with Justwin Guerrero (17:42) and Jerrickson Manipol (19:54) trailing as Shaira Mae Fantilaga won the women's side at 21:15, besting Jo Punay (21:57) and Jocelyn Elijeran (22:48). Joseph Fontamillas was also the finest in the men's 3K timing in at 12:03, outrunning AJ Joakim (12:46) and Ganimid Alvarez Jr. (13:11), while Christine Galicia had the best time in the women's division at 16:01 with Jeany Kris Alfeche (16:11) and Tiara Jerisse Medina (17:17) trailing. John Christopher Agra also had the pole position in the men's 1K at 3:23 with Kendrick Dayrit (4:16) and Zari Luis Medina (4:21) joining him at the podium as Ma Cherry Con Malabanan Lee paced the women's side at 4:19 with Elyssa Lachica (4:28) and Jonesa Rafol (4:59) with her in the top three.
Meanwhile, a lucky runner picked in the raffle draw secured a three-day, two-night stay at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore, Hotel Ora with passes to Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Oceanarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark. The event also featured themed photo spots, meet-and-greets with Minion mascots, fun brand activations, and activity zones. Minions Run 2025 is organized by RUNRIO in partnership with gold sponsors Samsung and Resorts World Sentosa as well as silver sponsors The Good Derma, Sneakerlab, Regroe, Derm Plus, and Anytime Fitness.
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Xilam Group Launches First Streaming Platform TOON BOX
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| (Image Source: Xilam Group) |
Academy Award®-nominated French animation group Xilam recently launched TOON BOX – a brand new, kids safe streaming app featuring over 1,000 pieces of content from across its legacy library and new series alongside an exclusive range of videos, activities, storybooks and games. Aimed at children aged 3-10 years old, the subscription-based and ad-free app is currently rolling out across 11 territories (the UK, the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, Mexico, Brazil, Australia) and will initially be available on iOS before also launching on Android devices next year.
Across its brands, Xilam already benefits from a strong digital fan base with 125 million subscribers across YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and SnapChat globally. TOON BOX will cater to the whole family featuring some of the most iconic series from Xilam’s catalogue including Oggy and the Cockroaches, Zig & Sharko, Where’s Chicky?, Mr Magoo, The Daltons, Lupin’s Tales, Paprika, and more. Episodes will also be available to download and watch offline and Xilam will update the app with new content each month. To access the full Toon Box offering, new subscribers will benefit from a free first month and can choose between two offers: a monthly subscription with no commitment or an annual subscription.
Xilam Founder and CEO Marc du Pontavice said, “The digital space has always been a cornerstone of Xilam’s strategy, and we’ve now established a very wide audience across multiple platforms and touchpoints. The launch of TOON BOX is a significant milestone in our approach as we go direct to consumers for the first time – offering an ad-free, safe and engaging environment for fans to enjoy our extensive portfolio in one convenient and trusted place. Thanks to its smooth user experience, intuitive navigation and high-quality visual design, TOON BOX will offer every member of the family a new way to learn and have fun within the world of Xilam.”
