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| L-R: Okada Foundation Inc. President James Lorenzana, Filipino-Japanese judokas Keisei and Shugen Nakano, Okada Manila Managing Director of Corporate Management and Administration Kenji Sugiyama (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/Okada Manila) |
Okada Foundation Inc. (OFI) has officially formalized its partnership with Filipino-Japanese judokas Shugen Nakano and Keisei Nakano, marking a significant step in its continued commitment to nation-building through sports development. Under the partnership, OFI will provide Php200,000 per month per athlete for domestic training expenses, totaling Php4.8M (4.8 million pesos) for one year, to support their preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The funding ensures sustained access to high-level training and competitive exposure as they pursue Olympic qualification.
The initiative supports the Philippine government’s National Sports Development Plan which calls for strengthened, multi-sectoral backing of Filipino athletes in their quest to bring pride and honor to the nation. Members of the Philippine National Judo Team, the Nakano brothers were born in Japan's Iwate Prefecture to a Japanese father and Filipino mother, proudly representing the Philippines in international competitions. Shugen, competing in the 66kg division, captured two gold medals at the 2022 SEA Games and additional golds at the Oceania Open Tahiti in 2022 and 2024. Keisei, in the 73kg division, has earned podium finishes in major international tournaments including the Oceania Open Tahiti, African Open Abidjan, and Pan American Open Lima in 2024. The partnership also symbolizes a meaningful cultural connection. Okada Manila is recognized for harmonizing Filipino warmth with Japanese excellence — values reflected in the Nakano brothers’ pursuit of Olympic glory.
“This partnership reflects our belief that Filipino athletes deserve sustained and meaningful support as they pursue excellence on the world stage. Shugen and Keisei embody determination, resilience, and a deep sense of pride in representing the Philippines. We are honored to stand beside them as they work toward their Olympic dream and bring glory to the nation,” said OFI President James Lorenzana. Through this initiative, OFI continues to strengthen its role in nation-building, empowering individuals who uplift communities and inspire the next generation of Filipinos to rise with confidence and carry the nation’s pride onto the world stage.
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BPI Unveils New Eco-Friendly Debit Mastercard, Made From 100% Recycled Materials
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| (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/Bank Of The Philippine Islands) |
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has launched its new Debit Mastercard made from 100% recycled PVC-free plastic, reinforcing the bank’s push for more sustainable banking solutions. The new Debit Mastercard is free for clients who open an account through a BPI branch as well as for existing clients whose cards are nearing expiry or due for renewal. Clients who wish to switch to the new recycled, PVC-free card outside of their renewal schedule may do so for a standard Php200 replacement fee. BPI is among the leading issuers of debit cards in the country, with over 8.2 million debit cardholders nationwide. The launch of the new eco-friendly BPI Debit Mastercard makes another milestone in the bank’s drive to offer Filipinos more responsible and future-ready financial solutions.
“Reimagining the BPI Debit Mastercard to become an eco-friendly card is a testament to BPI’s commitment to its values of sustainability and innovation. At BPI, we want to connect more with our eco-conscious clients while also encouraging others to practice sustainable habits. By using sustainable materials for our card, we hope to make sustainable behavior the default option for everyone,” said BPI Head of Mass Retail Jenny Lacerna. Clients can request the new card through the BPI app or BPI online and selecting their preferred branch for pickup. A Php200 fee applies to all card requests made throughthese digital channels. Those replacing an existing card only need to block their current one in the BPI app to start the replacement process. Cards are available for pickup at any BPI branch within two to six banking days, depending on location. Clients may also visit any branch for assistance. Beyond sustainability, the card also features thoughtful design enhancements — including a curved notch at the bottom left corner that helps users identify and orient their card by touch, improving accessibility and making it easier to distinguish from other cards.
With the new card, BPI Debit Mastercard holders can continue to enjoy the trusted convenience and security they rely on — secure payments online, in-store, and abroad; contactless transactions; easy access to cash via ATMs worldwide; and 24/7 account control through the BPI app. Lacerna added, “The BPI Debit Mastercard is still the same card that our clients rely on — stylish, secure, and now more sustainable.” Through innovations like the eco-friendly Debit Mastercard, BPI continues to champion sustainability while delivering practical, inclusive, and accessible banking solutions for Filipinos.
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Home Credit Philippines Encourages Customers To Seek Early Support For Payment Concerns
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Home Credit Philippines) |
Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) is encouraging customers to reach out early if they encounter payment difficulties, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to responsible lending and customer care. Through its Payment Support Program, Home Credit works with customers experiencing temporary financial challenges to explore practical repayment arrangements suited to their situation. The program is a standing support service available to all customers and forms part of the company’s broader approach to helping Filipinos maintain financial stability throughout their loan journey.
Whether dealing with medical expenses, employment transitions, or unexpected family needs, customers may coordinate directly with Home Credit representatives to discuss available options designed to keep repayment plans manageable. In 2025 alone, more than 30,000 customers accessed Home Credit’s payment support services, reflecting growing awareness of the importance of early communication in managing financial obligations. “Behind every payment is effort and commitment. Our role is to listen, understand our customers’ situations, and work with them to find solutions when circumstances change. When customers reach out early, we are better able to support them and help them stay on track,” said HCPH Head of Collections Wojciech Krotoszynski. Home Credit emphasizes that seeking assistance early can help prevent temporary financial challenges from becoming more difficult burdens. By coordinating proactively, customers may discuss flexible payment arrangements for a defined period, maintain alignment with their longer-term financial plans, and identify practical repayment solutions with company support.
Customers who wish to learn more about payment assistance options may contact Home Credit through its official website at www.homecredit.ph, official customer support channels, and verified company representatives. As one of the country’s leading consumer finance providers, Home Credit Philippines continues to strengthen programs that promote responsible borrowing, financial resilience, and accessible support for Filipino customers.
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AMA School Of Medicine Participates In The 3rd Leg Of The “Lab For All” Program In San Juan, La Union
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/AMA Education System) |
Demonstrating its strong commitment to community service and medical excellence, the AMA School of Medicine (ASM/AMASOM) actively participated in the third leg of the nationwide “Lab For All” program in San Juan, La Union. The initiative is spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady under the leadership of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos whose advocacy centers on improving access to essential health and social services for underserved Filipino communities. Through the “Lab For All” program, the First Lady continues to champion inclusive and people-centered governance, ensuring that vital government services reach grassroots communities. Her sustained efforts have brought medical care, social protection, livelihood assistance, and digital services closer to families nationwide — particularly in remote and marginalized areas.
As a proud member of the AMA Education System, ASM remains committed to producing socially responsive and globally competitive medical professionals. In line with this mission, the ASM medical team provided free medical consultations, basic health screenings, and risk assessment services to residents from 41 barangays in San Juan, benefiting a total of 1,476 patients and community members. The activity was implemented through strong inter-agency collaboration, involving the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), the Local Government Unit of San Juan, La Union, and other participating organizations. Central to ASM’s meaningful contribution was the dedicated service of its faculty physicians, all of whom are members of the institution’s academic and teaching staff. The medical mission was led by Dean Michael Maniwa, together with Dr. John Rey Gonzales, Dr. Jonathan Iledan, and Dr. Eric De Leon, who exemplified ASM’s standards of clinical excellence, professionalism, and compassionate care. Supporting the faculty doctors were four (4) medical clerks who are foreign medical students enrolled at ASM, highlighting the school’s growing international community and commitment to multicultural medical education. Assigned to the Risk Assessment Station, the clerks handled preliminary screening, patient triage, and coordination with partner agencies — gaining valuable hands-on experience in community-based healthcare delivery. Their participation reflects ASM’s strong emphasis on experiential learning, enabling both local and international students to engage directly in national public health initiatives while developing cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and patient-centered competencies.
Through its continued involvement in the “Lab For All” program, the AMA School of Medicine reinforces its role as a key partner in advancing the First Lady’s vision of accessible, responsive, and integrated public services. It also strengthens ASM’s position as a leading medical institution under the AMA Education System — one that integrates academic excellence, global perspective, and social responsibility. Moving forward, ASM remains committed to supporting future legs of the program, contributing to population health, preventive care, and collaborative public service while shaping competent, compassionate, and community-oriented physicians for the Philippines and the global community.
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SM Hotels Expands Events Portfolio With Three New SMX Trade Halls In Luzon
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/SM Hotels And Conventions Corporation) |
SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) is expanding its presence in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector with the planned opening of three new SMX Convention Center Trade Halls in Luzon in the fourth quarter of 2026. The new venues will be located in Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija, the City of Santo Tomas in Batangas, and Sta. Rosa City in Laguna, positioning them within fast-growing commercial hubs outside Metro Manila.
Together, the facilities will add more than 13,000 square meters of leasable exhibition space, increasing capacity for trade shows, corporate events, and large-scale community gatherings across key growth corridors in Luzon. The expansion is aimed at addressing regional demand while supporting the decentralization of major events from the capital. The openings form part of SM Hotels’ broader expansion strategy which includes projects such as SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, expected to become the country’s largest convention center, and SMXCITE (Center for International Trade and Exhibitions), envisioned as the Philippines’ largest exhibition and trade hall venue. SMHCC Senior Vice President Walid Wafik said the additional trade halls will expand geographic reach while creating more opportunities for businesses and communities to connect. He added that the investments reflect confidence in the Philippines’ growing MICE potential and the company’s aim to provide accessible, high-quality event spaces nationwide.
The new trade halls will feature flexible layouts, modern infrastructure, and integration with adjacent retail and hospitality developments, allowing scalability for events of varying sizes. SMX Convention Center currently operates more than 42,000 square meters of leasable space nationwide. Its network includes venues in Manila, Aura, Bacolod, Davao, and Clark, as well as the Olongapo City Convention Center and trade hall facilities such as Megatrade Hall and Sky Hall Seaside Cebu.
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Tech-Ready, Wallet-Friendly: Skyro And Kimstore Make The Latest Tech Easy To Own
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| Kimstore President and CEO Kim Lato and Skyro Head of Sales Operations John Joseph Pelegrino (Image Source: Skyro) |
Technophiles may no longer have to wait for the latest gadgets, electronics, and accessories to be upgraded as local financial lending company Skyro partnered with Kimstore, the Philippines’ most trusted one-stop shop for gadgets and electronics, to make upgrades easier through affordable installments. Customer-bosses can simply go to the Kimstore website, choose Skyro as their payment option at checkout, and get redirected to apply for an installment plan that fits their budget. According to Skyro Head of Sales Operations John Joseph Pelegrino, the partnership is a reflection of Skyro’s commitment to provide hope, happiness, and financial support to many more Filipinos nationwide. “We hope that our partnership with Kimstore can help Filipinos improve their lifestyle, whether it be upgrading to the latest gadgets or investing in home essentials like an air fryer.”
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing led by Pelegrino, together with Skyro Field Team Lead Representative Heidi-Lyn Region and Accounts Specialist Patricia Valeña. Joining them were representatives from Kimstore led by President and CEO Kim Lato, Senior Manager for Sales Growth and Customer Experience Anna Galura, and Customer Experience Officer Irislyn Abobo. For Lato, Kimstore’s partnership with Skyro highlights the shared belief that customers value flexibility. She noted, “By empowering customers not just through accessible payment options, but also through Kimstore’s expanding product range, we enable long-term relationships built on trust and convenience.”
Established in 2006, Kimstore offers a wide selection of authentic gadgets and accessories with warranty support, including smartphones, laptops, cameras, and gaming consoles that are available through multiple payment options. Introduced in the country in August 2022, Skyro has quickly earned a reputation for its innovative digital financial services. It is now present in over 8,000 partner merchant stores nationwide with more than 600,000 active product loan customers.
