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| (Image Source: Mindanao Daily News/Philippine Franchise Association) |
The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) and GCash for Business have once again partnered to strengthen access to digital payments and business solutions for Filipino entrepreneurs at Franchise Asia Philippines 2026, Asia’s largest franchise exhibition and the country’s leading gathering of franchisors, franchisees, and growth-focused business owners which drew over 1,000 participating brands and more than 50,000 trade visitors under one roof. This year's edition carried added significance as PFA marked its 30th anniversary under the theme “Franchising Together: ASEAN To The World”, underscoring the industry’s collective approach to growth and reflecting the Bayanihan spirit that defines Filipino entrepreneurship. This direction also aligns with the broader push of GCash for a more inclusive digital economy.
Franchising has become an increasingly popular path for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a more accessible way to start a business with established systems and expert support. Yet while MSMEs make up 99 percent of businesses in the Philippines and remain a key driver of employment and local commerce, many franchisees and small business owners still rely on manual or fragmented systems, making it harder to track cash flow, separate personal and business finances, and plan for growth. As more Filipinos explore franchising as a viable livelihood, the need for simple, reliable, and integrated financial tools becomes even more critical. To address this gap, GCash for Business engaged merchants on-site at Franchise Asia Philippines, providing product demonstrations, onboarding assistance, and guidance on digital payment adoption. GCash for Business General Manager Paul Albano shared, “Franchise Asia gives us the opportunity to connect directly with the entrepreneurs who are building the next generation of Filipino businesses. Being here on the ground, we see firsthand how the right financial tools that are accessible, simple, and built for scale can make a real difference in how MSMEs start, run, and grow. Our goal with GCash for Business is to make sure no entrepreneur is left behind in the digital economy.” Featured solutions include GCash SoundPay Plus for audio payment confirmation and GCash EasyPOS, an all-in-one device for card and QR payments. The GCash for Business Portal offers centralized transaction monitoring, while GLoan for Business provides credit support up to Php2M (2 million pesos) to manage cash flow and expansion.
Through the GCash for Business Franchisee Bundle, franchisors streamlined the onboarding of new franchisees from registration through activation, ensuring operational consistency across expanding networks. Merchants also gained access to business development resources, including design support, social media training, and marketing workshops. Through its “Finance For All” commitment, GCash for Business continues to democratize financial solutions for Filipino MSMEs, ultimately helping grassroots merchants improve efficiency, enable secure transactions, and unlock broader growth opportunities. To get started, merchants can sign up via the GCash for Business Portal at business.gcash.com.
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Why Taiwan Continues To Capture The Hearts Of Filipino Travelers
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Taiwan Tourism Administration) |
Taiwan has officially become the go-to destination for Filipinos, securing the top spot in Southeast Asia with a historic 210,000 visitor arrivals in Q1 2026 alone — a massive 43% jump from last year. Backed by an expanding middle class, a young travel-hungry demographic, and a convenient visa-free policy, Taiwan has rapidly climbed to become the Philippines’ fourth-largest outbound destination. Filipino travelers are overwhelmingly choosing the Free Independent Traveler (FIT) route, exploring Taiwan on their own terms. Driven by social media trends, their itineraries are packed with vibrant night markets, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural festivals.
To bring this magic closer to home, the Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) is hosting an immersive Taiwan Travel Fair on June 12–14, 2026, at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati. Designed around the fresh “Taiwan – Waves Of Wonder” identity, the fair brings iconic Taiwanese sights to life, featuring replicas of the legendary Alishan Forest Railway and neon-lit streetscapes. Visitors can dive into interactive cultural experiences, from tasting authentic brown sugar bubble milk tea to crafting traditional Dragon Boat Festival scented sachets. The high-energy event will also feature mind-blowing performances by the world-class Diabolo Walker troupe, lively Zumba sessions, and special appearances by popular lifestyle influencers Cocoy Lim and Rosie Domingo, who will share their insider travel tips. Booking at the fair unlocks massive incentives for those who aspires to plan their next getaway. Among them is free connectivity where, for the first time, the TTA is partnering with Chunghwa Telecom to give away complimentary 5-day EASY SIM cards for on-site buyers.
On the other hand, interested travelers are encouraged to purchase any Taiwan travel product worth over Php20,000 to enter a draw for round-trip Manila-Taipei flights, luxury accommodation vouchers, and exclusive souvenirs. Discover the latest travel deals, customized itineraries, and seasonal promotions by visiting the official tourism platform at https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanTourismPH.
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PLDT Enterprise And Starlink Score Big In The Broadband Space
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| PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer Menardo “Butch” Jimenez (Image Source: Manila Standard/PLDT Inc.) |
PLDT Enterprise continues to strengthen its position as a leader in innovative connectivity solutions through its highly successful collaboration with Starlink Corporate Broadband Services, further expanding reliable internet access to enterprises across the Philippines. The partnership officially began commercial operations in the second quarter of 2025, with PLDT Enterprise becoming the first — and currently the only — Philippine telco partner to offer enterprise broadband services in the country.
Since launch, the collaboration has delivered strong commercial momentum, immediately attracting enterprise clients and meaningful revenue contributions for the business. By the first quarter of 2026 alone, PLDT Enterprise had already deployed nearly 1,000 Starlink broadband units to corporations, government institutions, logistics operators, energy companies, financial institutions, retail businesses, and organizations operating in geographically isolated and disaster-prone locations. The business is now projected to further accelerate revenue growth in 2026, reflecting the increasing demand for resilient and rapidly deployable satellite-based connectivity solutions. PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer Menardo “Butch” Jimenez explained, “We are encouraged with our Starlink Satellite partnership in delivering high quality Home and Enterprise broadband all across the country. In a challenging telco environment, timing is key. And we believe now is the right time to deploy satellite broadband services.”
PLDT Enterprise has strategically capitalized on this growing opportunity by integrating satellite broadband into its broader suite of enterprise connectivity solutions. PLDT Enterprise is following the success of Starlink broadband in other Asian countries such as KDDI in Japan which began deploying thousands of Starlink-powered enterprise broadband and satellite backhaul solutions as early as 2022 to support businesses, maritime operations, disaster recovery efforts, and cellular network resiliency. “We are optimistic about our partnership with Starlink in the enterprise broadband space. We believe the service will continue to grow and generate strong revenues for PLDT while, more importantly, providing robust connectivity anywhere in the country,” said PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Enterprise Business Group Head Blums Pineda.
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BRAVE Hearts Partners With BRAVE Media Holdings To Advance Marketing And Media Support For Enterprises
%20(1).jpg "BRAVE Hearts x BRAVE Media Holdings") |
| BRAVE Media Holdings Director Thabith Fouzer and BRAVE Hearts Director Jabran Zakariya (Image Source: BRAVE Combat Federation) |
BRAVE Combat Federation™ (BRAVE CF), the world’s fastest-growing and most global mixed martial arts organization, proudly highlights a major development under its corporate social responsibility platform BRAVE Hearts following the official partnership with BRAVE Media Holdings to enhance the marketing, digital communication, and media production capabilities of local businesses. The agreement was formally signed by BRAVE Media Holdings Director Thabith Fouzer and BRAVE Hearts Director Jabran Zakariya, marking a meaningful step toward empowering enterprises with the tools and strategic guidance necessary to navigate an increasingly competitive and technology-driven environment.
Fouzer said, “Effective storytelling and digital presence are essential for organizations striving to remain relevant and trusted. We are honored to work alongside BRAVE Hearts in supporting businesses through modern communication solutions that can strengthen their public engagement and elevate their overall market presence.” Zakariya stated, “The partnership reflects our commitment to creating meaningful impact beyond sport. Businesses today require more than financial support. They need guidance, innovation, and access to professional expertise to remain competitive and connected to their communities. Through this collaboration, we are creating opportunities that encourage resilience and long-term progress.” This collaboration directly strengthens the “Marketing” and “Technology” pillars of the BRAVE Hearts program. By integrating BRAVE Media Holdings’ extensive expertise in broadcasting, strategic communications, and multimedia production, participating organizations will gain access to practical, high-level support to improve brand positioning, strengthen audience engagement, and reinforce operational continuity in the digital era. Moreover, the alliance aims to help businesses maintain visibility in rapidly evolving markets, overcome communication barriers, and create sustainable pathways for long-term development. By providing actionable solutions and tailored media strategies, the initiative seeks to ensure that enterprises are equipped not only to adapt to modern challenges but also to grow with confidence and stability.
BRAVE Hearts is built upon the principles of Empowerment, Resilience, and Community. The program is dedicated to bridging corporate needs with practical assistance across critical operational sectors including Technology, Marketing, Finance, and Business Development. Through collaborative partnerships and sustainable solutions, the initiative continues to support organizations seeking growth, continuity, and renewed confidence. On the other hand, BRAVE Media Holdings stands as a premier media and broadcasting organization specializing in impactful digital content, strategic communications, and comprehensive media production. Through innovative multimedia solutions, the company empowers brands to strengthen their identity, amplify their reach, and establish meaningful connections with their audiences across diverse platforms. As BRAVE Hearts continues to expand its network of strategic alliances, the initiative remains focused on delivering transformative support systems that contribute to stronger businesses, empowered communities, and sustainable development across multiple sectors.
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PFL Middleweight World Champion Rematch Between Costello Van Steenis And Johnny Eblen Headlines PFL Austin On July 18
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| (Image Source: Professional Fighters League) |
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) recently announced that PFL Middleweight World Champion Costello van Steenis (18-3) will defend his title against No. 1-ranked Johnny Eblen (17-1) in a highly anticipated championship rematch on July 18, 2026 at Moody Center in Austin, Texas, U.S.A. The PFL Austin main card will air live on ESPN2 in the U.S. beginning at 8:00 pm ET. The preliminary portion will begin at 5:00 pm ET and can be seen on the ESPN app. PFL Austin will also be aired live in the Philippines on Premier Sports via Blast TV, SKYcable, SKY TV, Cignal, and GSat starting at 5:00 am. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.
“This is the fight fans have been asking for since the moment Costello secured the rear-naked choke in the final seconds of their first world championship fight. There were a lot of opinions about how that fight ended, and both fighters have something to prove. Now we have a massive rematch with everything on the line, validation for The Spaniard, or redemption for Pressure. I can’t wait to see how it plays out on July 18,” said PFL CEO John Martin. Van Steenis and Eblen first met in July 2025 for the inaugural PFL Middleweight World Championship, producing one of the most dramatic finishes in recent MMA history. Eblen controlled the fight and was seconds away from victory before van Steenis changed everything, securing a rear-naked choke in the final moments of the fifth round to capture the title and hand Eblen the first loss of his professional career. One moment decided their first meeting in Africa and that moment has defined everything since. Van Steenis returned to prove it wasn’t a fluke. In his first title defense, he delivered a statement performance against Fabian Edwards at PFL Madrid, finishing the fight by third-round TKO and reinforcing his claim as the best middleweight in the world. “I wanted this rematch with Eblen from the moment the first fight ended. There’s still a lot being said about that first result, and I’m looking forward to proving, definitively, that I’m the better fighter on July 18,” said van Steenis. Eblen also responded. In his return, he dominated UFC veteran Bryan Battle at PFL Pittsburgh from start to finish, securing a first-round rear-naked choke and immediately reestablishing himself as the division’s top contender. Following his win over Battle, Eblen screamed, “I gotta get that belt back. Costello if you’re watching, I’m coming for you baby, revenge. Let’s go, revenge!”
Validation vs. redemption. For van Steenis, this is validation, beating Eblen once isn’t enough. He must prove it wasn’t timing, wasn’t luck, and wasn’t a single moment, but that he is, without question, the best middleweight in the world. For Eblen, this is redemption. Not a comeback. Not a reset. Taking back the title he believes should never truly left him. On July 18, the PFL middleweight division doesn’t move forward until this is settled.
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Battle Waves: Mobile, The #1 Pre-Ordered Card Game On iOS Worldwide, Now Available On iOS And Android
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| (Image Source: Pocket Gamer/Gabriel's Games) |
Independent video game developer Gabriel's Games announces that Battle Waves: Mobile, a free-to-play, real-time deckbuilding card battler, is available now on the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android. Four years in the making and built by a single developer, the game launches today with a five-act campaign with infinite New Game Plus, ranked cross-platform PvP with online matchmaking, campaign and multiplayer leaderboards, and the start of Season 1: The Cosmic Collision. To mark the occasion, the studio releases the Battle Waves: Mobile Official Launch Trailer, a high-intensity cinematic showcasing the factions, battles, and world of Battle Waves: Mobile in action.
Battle Waves: Mobile arrives with a pre-launch run that stands out for an independent debut. During the pre-order window, it became #1 Card Game in iOS Pre-Orders worldwide according to Appark.ai. Ahead of its launch, the game garnered 160,000 pre-registrations on Google Play, 146,000 views on TikTok, and 66,000 views on YouTube while players identified six critical gameplay crashes which were eventually resolved during a two-week Open Beta. Gabriel's Games founder Gabriel Langlois said, "Combining the tactical depth of Auto-Battlers with real-time fun was a design and development challenge that took over four years of iteration. The fans caught six crashes pre-launch and pushed the game to #1 in Card Game pre-orders on iOS. I cannot wait for tens of thousands of players to hop into matchmaking and share their builds online!" In Battle Waves: Mobile, Helios and Nyxia collided and the shockwave flooded reality with Cosmic Essence — raw, unstable power that transformed armies, awakened constructs, and fractured civilization into factions fighting to control what's left. Players can add six factions from Helios and Nyxia to their deck from a launch roster of 26, offering enormous potential for new builds, counters and end-game strategies. Gameplay is deceptively simple. Matches are fast, readable, and tactical: deploy units into lanes, counter your opponent's waves, and destroy their base before they destroy yours. Experiment and learn in the infinite solo campaign or see if you have what it takes to compete in ranked PvP online.
Key features of the game include lane-based real-time 1v1 PvP Battles where iOS and Android players compete together on the same ladder; 26 Factions at launch across Helios and Nyxia with 6 more coming soon — each with unique unit pairs, team bonuses, and playstyles; six-faction deck building for deep counter-strategies and combinations; a five-act campaign with infinite New Game Plus for solo players, and ranked PvP and leaderboards. Battle Waves: Mobile is free to play with no upfront cost and optional in-app purchases while Season 1: The Cosmic Collision, featuring the Battle Pass and game lore, is live now. For more information, visit the official website of Gabriel's Games at gabrielsgames.com, @gabrielsgames on TikTok, and @Gabriels-Games on YouTube.
