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| L-R: GCash Account Manager Rose Ann Danting, GCash Vice President and Head of Public Sector Cleo Celeste Santos, GCash Chief Operations Officer and B2C General Manager Barbara Dawn Dapul, GCash Vice President and General Manager for Business Paul Vincent Albano, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Pasig City Councilors Hon. Simon Tantoco and Hon. Ryan Enriquez, Pasig City LGU City Administrator Atty. Jeronimo Manzanero (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/GCash/Pasig City Public Information Office) |
Pasig City continues to innovate in public service, finding new ways to better serve its citizens. To enhance efficiency and speed, the City Government has partnered with GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance superapp, to digitize financial assistance and market fee collection citywide. This partnership paves the way for beneficiaries, including over 30,000 scholars, to receive aid safely and hassle-free through GCash-linked Visa cards, alongside other beneficiaries such as senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). This system will eliminate long lines, ensure faster and more secure delivery, and empower Pasig City residents to manage their finances.
In his message, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto shared that this partnership is a “triple win” for the Pasig City Government, GCash, and most importantly — for Pasigueños, stating, “Ito naman po ay primarily gagamitin para sa social services at poverty alleviation programs. Kasi marami pong posibleng paggamitan ng GCash. Ito ay para maging cashless na, mas maikli ang pila, para sa iba’t ibang programa. Sa totoo, sa dami (ng mga programa), talagang ang hirap ng disbursement. Talagang napaka importante ng ganitong partnership para sa amin. Hopefully, everything runs smoothly and works out, and we’ll be able to use GCash more with your help.” Beyond aid distribution, the initiative also introduces cashless payments for vendors at the Mutya ng Pasig Mega Market who will soon be able to pay rental fees using GCash Scan to Pay. By shifting away from manual cash collection, the city reduces the need for time-consuming verification and reconciliation, allowing smoother and more efficient daily operations. With digital disbursement and payment systems in place, Pasig City strengthens transparency and accountability in handling public funds while reducing administrative burden on local government personnel. The streamlined process minimizes errors, accelerates transactions, and ensures that both residents and small business owners experience more seamless interactions with city services.
The partnership also supports broader financial inclusion by giving beneficiaries access to essential digital financial tools. Through GCash, users can manage their funds, pay bills, and complete everyday transactions, or withdraw through accessible cash-out channels nationwide, helping them stay financially empowered. As more Filipinos embrace digital financial solutions, GCash continues to support more responsive and inclusive local governance, leveraging technology to help ensure support reaches communities faster, services become more accessible, and everyday transactions are made simpler for every Pasigueño.
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TECNO CAMON 50 Series Launch Day Draws Massive Crowds Nationwide As KOLs Take Over As One-Day Store Managers
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| (Image Source: GadAboutPrincess.com/TECNO Philippines) |
TECNO’s new CAMON 50 Series recorded a strong first-day offline response in the Philippines with shoppers lining up at participating stores and generating visible retail momentum across key launch-day locations. From early store traffic to active product tryouts and purchase activity, the CAMON 50 Series quickly turned its first offline selling day last April 18, 2026 into a high-energy retail moment for the brand. Long queues formed outside authorized TECNO Physical stores across Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao and all nationwide as early as 10:00 am ahead of their opening. Many cited the series’ flagship camera capabilities, IP69K durability, and the generous gift bundle as key reasons for their purchase decision.
Adding to the launch day excitement, TECNO rolled out its “KOL One-Day Store Manager” program, inviting some of the country’s most influential tech and lifestyle content creators to take over select store locations. Popular PBB Celebrity Collab Edition housemates Rave Victoria, Wynona Collings, and John Clifford Gawchua as well as many lifestyle/tech creator like MESES VLOGs 2.0 and Bogart The Explorer each brought their unique energy to different TECNO stores nationwide. The KOL store managers not only interacted with customers but also offered hands-on demonstrations of the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G’s key features, including the Super-Zoom FlashSnap for zero-shutter lag action shots and the 100x zoom telephoto lens. Many shoppers also took the opportunity to experience the CAMON 50 Series on-site with particular interest in the lineup’s imaging features, stylish design, and getting launch-day extra freebies.
“The first-day over 3000 orders response shows the strong excitement surrounding the CAMON 50 Series in the Philippines. We are encouraged by the strong store traffic, the customer energy on the ground, and the growing interest in TECNO’s latest imaging and AI smartphone experience,” said TECNO Philippines Country Manager Jason Wong. With strong first-day store heat and continued launch-week activities, TECNO expects the CAMON 50 Series to sustain strong momentum as more consumers experience the lineup both offline and online.
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Life Uninterrupted In Cebu: All Batteries Inc. Teams Up With Jackery To Provide Dependable Power Solutions
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Jackery Philippines) |
With the goal of providing portable power solutions throughout the Philippines, Jackery, the Apple of Solar Generators, finally arrives in Cebu, the Queen City of the South. Through its partnership with All Batteries Inc., Jackery’s power stations and solar panels are now available at all All Batteries branches in Cebu, including Mandaue, Banilad, Mactan, Banawa, Talisay, Liloan, and Carcar.
Jackery’s expansion to Visayas, starting with Cebu, aims to meet the region’s rising need for sustainable energy. With Cebu as a booming commercial hub, power outages are more than just minor inconveniences; they disrupt productivity and can lead to lost business opportunities. With Jackery’s advanced technology and All Batteries’ excellent service and strong local support, this initiative is making energy independence more accessible than ever for the Cebuano community. “Cebu’s economy is rapidly progressing, so its current energy landscape also requires modern solutions. With the availability of Jackery, and through the help of All Batteries Inc. in bringing this to the region, we are providing a critical tool for energy security for homes, and for the business community, so life doesn’t stop when the grid does,” said Cognetics Inc. Head of Marketing and Emerging Businesses Igue Bonifacio. “We are proud to be among the first to bring Jackery here in Cebu. Cebuanos have been searching for a reliable portable power source, and Jackery’s award-winning features and globally recognized technology could be exactly what they are looking for. We invite everyone to visit our stores and explore how Jackery can meet their power needs,” said All Batteries Inc. President Francis Manglapus.
There’s a perfect Jackery product for every need: the Explorer 100 Plus, which is portable and can charge three devices simultaneously; the Explorer 300 Plus, ideal for outdoor use; and the Explorer 1000v2, suited for heavy-duty power backup. Additionally, the Solar Saga panels enable users to harness solar energy for a cleaner, more sustainable power source. And unlike traditional generators that rely heavily on fuel, Jackery units are safe for indoor use and operate whisper-quietly: key features suitable for condominium dwellers and residents in community clusters. Visit any All Batteries Inc. location to check out Jackery or inquire through their hotline at (032) 340 8989 / +639176247228.
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Skyro And ECPay Partnership Expands Payment Options For Filipinos
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| Seating, L-R: Skyro President Anthony Co, ECPay President and CEO Ma. Patricia Pascual, Skyro Co-founder and Co-CEO Nasim Aliev Standing, L-R: Skyro Payments Production Manager Daniil Murzabaev, ECPay Account Manager Aileen Vismonte, Skyro Head of Products Dmitriy Vavulidi, ECPay Portfolio Acquisition and Management Head Jason Manuel (Image Source: The Manila Times/Skyro) |
More ways to pay, wherever you are. That’s what Skyro, an SEC-registered fintech company in the Philippines, brings through its partnership with ECPay, a leading provider of electronic payment and collection services in the country. Through this partnership, Skyro makes loan payments easier and more accessible for Filipinos. Customers can now pay back their Skyro loans using just their mobile number through ECPay’s nationwide network of 462,000+ over-the-counter locations, 90+ digital payment touchpoints, and 16,000+ kiosk locations. This brings payment options closer to where Filipinos live and work.
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing led by Skyro Co-Founder and Co-CEO Nasim Aliev, President Anthony Co, Payments Production Manager Daniil Murzabaev, and Head of Products Dmitriy Vavulidi, joined by ECPay President and CEO Ma. Patricia Pascual, Portfolio Acquisition and Management Head Jason Manuel, and Account Manager Aileen Vismonte. “Our partnership with ECPay further underscores our mission of providing Filipinos easy and convenient access to financial services. We hope that this partnership will make everyday transactions simpler, faster, and more accessible to many Filipinos,” said Aliev. ECPay remains committed to improving financial access and inclusion for Filipinos. Pascual shared, “By extending accessible payments for Skyro’s customers through ECPay’s network, we are reaching more Filipinos who will benefit from more convenient and accessible payment options.” Using their 11-digit mobile number, payments can be made online via ECPay partners like GCash, PalawanPay, and 7-Eleven’s CLiQQ, or over the counter via partner outlets nationwide. This includes sari-sari stores, pawnshops, remittance centers, and partners like Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express, Prince Retail, and LCC.
Introduced in the country in August 2022, Skyro has quickly built a reputation for its customer-first digital financial services. It is now present in over 8,900 partner merchant stores nationwide with more than 600,000 active product loan customers. To learn more about Skyro’s flexible financing options and convenient payment channels, visit skyro.ph and follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.
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AirAsia MOVE Expands South Asia Footprint Through Direct Partnerships With IndiGo, Air India, And US-Bangla
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/AirAsia Group) |
Asia’s leading travel booking app AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) is expanding its capabilities and network of direct airline partners with the addition of IndiGo, Air India, and US-Bangla Airlines, bringing three of the region’s most in-demand carriers directly onto its platform.
South Asia continues to see rising travel momentum driven by tourism, business mobility, student flows, and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic. Routes connecting Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and other ASEAN cities to destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Dhaka are experiencing sustained demand as economic and cultural ties deepen. For the traveller, this means significantly more choice, better value through competitive pricing, and the freedom to manage an entire multi-city journey in a single place on the MOVE app. AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer said, “South Asia is one of the most exciting travel regions in the world with vibrant cities, rich culture and incredible food experiences waiting to be discovered. We are thrilled to kick off 2026 by partnering directly with IndiGo, one of the largest LCCs, alongside leading full-service carriers Air India and US-Bangla Airlines to offer deeper route access and more seamless booking experiences for our users, from flights and hotels to attractions bookings, all within the MOVE app. Whether it’s a business trip to Mumbai or Delhi, reconnecting with family in Dhaka, or exploring other major cities, MOVE makes cross-border travel simpler and more convenient.”
Air India, IndiGo, US-Bangla Airlines joined 70 other notable global carriers who partnered directly with MOVE. This surge in direct airline partnerships reinforces MOVE’s commitment to becoming the region’s preferred OTA. Complementing these direct partnerships, MOVE also has a selection of about 700 other airlines through its authorized suppliers for travelers to choose from. Beyond flights, the platform offers access to over 1 million hotels, airport transfers, online duty-free shopping, travel insurance and more.
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SM Hotels Expands Circular Economy Program Through Biodiesel Project In Bacolod
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| Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod (Image Source: Manila Standard/SM Hotels And Conventions Corporation) |
Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, a property of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), is expanding sustainability initiatives through waste-to-energy and community programs as part of its circular economy efforts. The hotel’s biodiesel project, launched in 2024, converts used cooking oil into fuel and has grown through partnerships with local stakeholders and government offices. In its latest turnover, the hotel, together with the Congressional Office of Representative Albee Benitez, donated 200 liters of biodiesel to residents of Barangay Singcang. SMHCC said total donations from the project have reached 2,600 liters since it started.
The hotel estimated the volume could support around 16 tons of collective catch for local fisherfolk, citing its internal conversion assumptions. The fuel is also intended to provide an alternative energy source for community use. The project is implemented with technical support from Green Solutions, led by Chief Executive Officer Engr. Ian Fred Solas, which processes used cooking oil into biodiesel for reuse rather than disposal. “Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, especially as we navigate the complexities of the global fuel market,” said Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod's Director for People and Culture Reljun Oloroso. He said the initiative shows how partnerships with government and technical groups can convert waste into usable resources for communities and environmental management. The Bacolod City government has invited the hotel to present its sustainability programs at the Panaad sa Negros Festival. The initiatives are on display at the Bacolod local government pavilion. These include the biodiesel project, a linen upcycling program called Tela Tales that produces goods from retired hotel fabrics and involves 15 volunteers in Barangay Felisa, and a Bokashi composting system run with the Negros Economic Development Foundation. The composting program has processed more than 100,000 kilograms of food waste and supports 55 farmers, the company said.
SMHCC said Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod is the only hotel in Negros holding the Hotel Sustainability Basics certification. “At SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, we see sustainability as a shared responsibility that extends beyond our properties and into the communities we serve,” said SMHCC Vice President for Quality and Sustainability Leah Magallanes. She said the programs show how circular economy practices can be integrated into daily hotel operations to support environmental and community outcomes. SMHCC said it continues to expand sustainability programs across its properties as part of efforts to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.
