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| (Image Source: Mindanao Daily News/Cebuana Lhuillier) |
As Iloilo continues to grow as a dynamic commercial and residential hub, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank is further strengthening its presence in the region with the soft opening of its newest branch in Yulo. The new branch expands CL Bank’s nationwide network to 11 branches and marks the continued rollout of its co-located banking and pawnshop model, designed to make financial access more convenient, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of Filipinos.
Located in a busy commercial area that serves nearby residential communities, schools, markets, and local businesses, the Yulo branch is strategically positioned to bring essential financial services closer to where customers live and work. By establishing a presence in one of Iloilo’s growing economic corridors, CL Bank aims to support the financial needs of individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and workers who drive everyday economic activity in the region. The branch opening reflects CL Bank’s continued focus on expanding in high-growth areas where access to formal financial services can create greater opportunities for savings, business development, and financial security. “Expanding our presence in key growth areas like Yulo allows us to bring essential financial services closer to communities that need them most. Our goal has always been to make banking more inclusive, more accessible, and more responsive to the everyday needs of Filipinos,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier. The Yulo branch is CL Bank’s second co-located branch, following its Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna branch. Through this setup, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank integrates banking and pawnshop services in one location, allowing customers to access a wider range of financial solutions more conveniently and efficiently. The model also reflects the broader Cebuana Lhuillier vision of bringing essential financial services together under one roof, making transactions simpler and more accessible for underserved and emerging communities.
Clients may access a full suite of deposit products, including Micro Savings, Cebuana Savings, Regular Savings, Time Deposits, and Checking Accounts, designed to support both everyday banking needs and longer-term financial goals. These products provide customers with secure and accessible options for managing their finances while encouraging a stronger culture of saving. The branch also offers lending products such as teacher loans, business loans, home loans, and corporate salary loans, providing flexible financing solutions for individuals, professionals, and businesses. By offering access to credit tailored to different customer segments, CL Bank helps empower clients to pursue personal goals, grow enterprises, and invest in their future. The opening of the Yulo branch underscores Cebuana Lhuillier Bank’s continued commitment to expanding financial inclusion by making essential banking services more accessible in emerging commercial centers nationwide. As it continues to grow its network and strengthen its integrated service model, CL Bank remains focused on helping more Filipinos participate in and benefit from the formal financial system. A formal grand launch of the Yulo branch is expected in the coming weeks.
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STI West Negros University Expands Access To Cashless Solutions Through Tuition And School Fee Payments Via GCash GBills
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| G-Xchange Inc. Vice President and Head of B2B sales Cleo Celeste Santos (first row, 3rd from left) and STI West Negros University President and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Ryan Mark S. Molina (first row, 4th from left) lead the MOA signing between STI West Negros University and GCash to expand access to digital payments through GCash GBills. (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/GCash) |
Students and parents at STI West Negros University can now pay tuition and other school fees through GCash following the university’s partnership with the country’s leading finance app through the GBills platform. The agreement between STI West Negros University and GCash, formalized through a ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), aims to augment traditional manual payment systems with a more streamlined digital process, enabling stakeholders to settle institutional fees via the GCash app. The partnership comes as schools and universities across the Philippines continue expanding digital services introduced during the pandemic with many institutions seeking faster and more accessible payment channels for students and parents.
With the integration, STI West Negros University students and families can use the GBills feature in the GCash app to pay tuition and other fees without the need to visit physical payment centers or campus cashier offices. The integration is expected to streamline payment transactions, reducing queues and manual processing while providing students and parents with a more convenient way to settle tuition and other school-related fees. “At STI West Negros University, we continuously look for ways to enhance the student and parent experience beyond the classroom. This partnership reflects our commitment to modernizing our services and adopting solutions that make administrative processes simpler, more efficient, and more responsive to the needs of the school community,” said STI West Negros University President and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Ryan Mark S. Molina. This collaboration forms part of its broader push to support digital transformation in the education sector while widening access to cashless financial services outside major urban centers.
“Education plays a vital role in shaping the future, and access to convenient financial services should support that journey. By enabling seamless tuition and school fee payments through GBills, we are not only improving everyday transactions for students and parents but also form part of our mission of driving financial inclusion and supporting nation-building through digital innovation,” said GCash Vice President and Head of Sales Cleo Celeste Santos. The rollout of GCash GBills forms part of the university’s broader efforts to strengthen its digital payment infrastructure and support a more seamless campus experience.
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Train Like Alas Pilipinas: Decathlon Hosts Volleyball Clinic, Launches VNL Collection
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| Current and former Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team stars Niña Ytang, Faith Nisperos, and Ced Domingo with participants of the Decathlon-hosted volleyball clinic (Image Source: Manila Standard/Decathlon Philippines) |
Decathlon has teamed up with the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) to launch the exclusive VNL x Decathlon Fan Collection. Designed for the supporters who bring the noise, energy, and passion to the stands, this lifestyle range seamlessly blends iconic volleyball culture with everyday streetwear comfort.
In the Philippines, the exclusive lineup features the official VNL Volleyball available in Size 5 (Php850.00), Size 3 (Php350.00), and Size 1 (Php350.00). The collection also includes fan-essential apparel and gear, featuring the VNL lifestyle t-shirt at Php550.00, along with performance arm sleeves and knee braces priced at Php450.00 each. The collection is available exclusively at Decathlon stores in Alabang, Pasig, Pasay, and Cebu. In line with the collection launch and Philippine leg of the VNL Week 2 recently held at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, Decathlon hosted a volleyball clinic featuring current and former Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team stars Niña Ytang, Faith Nisperos, and Ced Domingo. The event provided specialized, hands-on training for selected aspiring athletes across Metro Manila. Ced Domingo, a former national team standout and multi-awarded middle blocker, expressed her joy for the continuous growth of the Philippine volleyball community: “I’m really happy that volleyball, both men’s and women’s, is getting the exposure it needs and deserves. A lot of people are becoming sports enthusiasts, which is incredibly beneficial for a person’s physical and mental well-being.”
Niña Ytang, the four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker from UP and standout Alas Pilipinas player, shared how valuable witnessing world-class volleyball action is for her development: “As an athlete, being able to watch these international players live is the most rewarding experience. You cannot replicate that kind of learning from a screen.” Faith Nisperos, former Ateneo Lady Eagle and Alas Pilipinas Spiker, shared her passion for mentoring the next generation of volleyball talents: “Giving back to volleyball has always been one of my life’s missions. Through clinics like this, I get the opportunity to share my knowledge and hopefully inspire them to fall even more in love with the sport. I truly enjoyed coaching because every athlete showed enthusiasm and a genuine desire to learn. Moments like these remind me why I love giving back to the game that has given me so much.”
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EastWest Brings Garmin Pay To Cardholders: Move, Tap, And Go
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| (Image Source: East West Banking Corporation) |
East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is making payments move with the customer through the launch of Garmin Pay for eligible EastWest cardholders. With Garmin Pay, EastWest customers can make contactless payments using compatible Garmin smartwatches — devices commonly used for fitness and everyday activity tracking. From workouts to errands, customers can simply tap their watch at any contactless-enabled terminal — no cash, no physical card, and no mobile phone needed.
The launch allows EastWest customers to enroll eligible Visa debit and credit cards, as well as Mastercard credit cards, into Garmin Pay. Customers may also link multiple EastWest cards and choose which one to use, giving them more flexibility and control over everyday spending, whether locally or abroad. “At EastWest, we are focused on making everyday moments simpler and more seamless for our customers. Whether you’re biking, running, grabbing a quick coffee, or heading out for an errand, you can leave your wallet and phone behind — just tap your watch and you’re done. It’s one less thing to carry, and one less thing to worry about,” said EastWest Senior Vice President and Head of Bank Marketing and Cash Management Norman Martin C. Reyes. Garmin Pay adds another layer of ease to EastWest’s expanding digital payments ecosystem, which includes EastWest Pay, the Bank’s proprietary mobile payment app, and Google Pay for mobile contactless transactions. With these solutions, EastWest customers can choose how they want to pay depending on their lifestyle, device, and everyday needs. For customers who are always on the move, Garmin Pay brings together speed, security, and convenience in one wearable payment experience. Card details are protected, transactions are contactless, and payments may be made wherever contactless payments are accepted.
“How Filipinos pay continues to evolve, with customers expecting solutions that are fast, flexible, and easy. By enabling both Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards on our digital payment solutions, we are giving our customers greater control and convenience, while continuing to make banking easier and more relevant to their everyday lives,” said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. Known for its GPS-enabled smartwatches and fitness-focused wearables, Garmin has become a trusted companion for customers who lead active, health-conscious lifestyles. Garmin Pay is now available to EastWest customers with eligible Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards and compatible Garmin wearables.
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HONOR 600 Pro Sells Out As HONOR 600 Series Continues Momentum
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/HONOR Philippines) |
The excitement surrounding the newly launched HONOR 600 Series shows no signs of slowing down as the HONOR 600 Pro has officially sold out while the HONOR 600 continues hot-selling momentum nationwide. Following a highly successful first-day sale that drew long lines and enthusiastic crowds nationwide, HONOR Philippines has once again proven its growing dominance in the local smartphone market. The overwhelming response from Filipino consumers reflects the increasing demand for AI-powered smartphones that combine flagship-level innovation with exceptional value.
“The strong consumer response from both loyal HONOR fans and first-time buyers underscores growing confidence in the HONOR brand. We are truly grateful to every customer who entrusted and invested their loyalty to us, and we remain committed to delivering innovation that creates real value in their everyday lives. The sold-out status of the HONOR 600 Pro and the continued strong sales of the HONOR 600 reaffirm our commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology that resonates with the needs of Filipinos,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. Packed with industry-leading HONOR AI capabilities like the AI Image-To-Video 2.0, impressive camera systems, and long-lasting battery performance, the HONOR 600 Series has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts, content creators, and everyday users seeking a smarter mobile experience. The flagship HONOR 600 Pro, known for its premium features and powerful performance, quickly became one of the brand’s fastest-selling devices, with stocks selling out shortly after its nationwide availability. Meanwhile, the HONOR 600 continues to enjoy strong market demand, cementing its status as one of the hottest smartphone releases of the year.
Designed to suit different needs and budgets, the HONOR 600 5G is offered at Php28,999 (8 GB + 256 GB), Php32,999 (12 GB + 256 GB), and Php37,999 (12 GB + 512 GB) while the flagship HONOR 600 Pro 5G with 12 GB + 512 GB storage retails for Php49,999.
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LG xboom Stage 501 Brings Party-Ready Sound To Every Moment
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/LG Electronics Philippines) |
Music has a way of turning ordinary moments into memorable experiences, and the new LG xboom Stage 501 is built to keep the party going wherever you are. Combining powerful xboom Signature Sound refined by will.i.am, AI-powered features, karaoke-ready controls, and a portable design, it delivers an immersive entertainment experience for any gathering.
Equipped with premium Peerless-developed drivers, the speaker produces powerful, balanced sound with deep bass and clear vocals. Its AI Karaoke Master lets users adjust vocals and pitch in real time while the AI Karaoke Control Knob instantly switches songs into karaoke mode. The LG xboom Stage 501 also features AI Sound and AI Lighting, automatically optimizing audio and syncing lighting effects to match the music. Space Calibration Pro adapts sound settings based on the environment, ensuring clear and vibrant audio indoors or outdoors. Designed for flexibility, the speaker supports four placement modes and features an easy-grip handle for portability. With up to 25 hours of playtime, a replaceable battery, IPX4 water resistance, and Auracast™ multi-speaker connectivity, it is built for long parties and larger gatherings.
From house parties and karaoke nights to outdoor celebrations, the LG xboom Stage 501 brings powerful sound, smart features, and all-day performance to every stage.
