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| (Image Source: Metrobank) |
Mobile banking has made managing money more convenient, but it’s also given scammers more opportunities to target unsuspecting users. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), social engineering attacks, including phishing, account takeovers, and identity theft, accounted for 76% of reported cyber fraud losses in 2025. As scams become more sophisticated, banks are adding stronger security features to help customers stay protected. Metrobank recently rolled out several new security enhancements in the Metrobank App designed to give users more control over their accounts while making it harder for fraudsters to access their money.
Get a 24-hour safety buffer with Cooling-Off Period
Metrobank now automatically activates a 24-hour Cooling-Off Period whenever critical security settings are changed. This means when important account settings are changed, such as your password or registered device, all transactions in your app are temporarily disabled for 24 hours. This protects you from scammers who will attempt to change your account details and gives you time to notice any suspicious activity, secure your account, and report unauthorized changes before any money leaves your account.
Lock your savings instantly with Money Lock
One of the biggest concerns after falling victim to a phishing scam is how quickly fraudsters can transfer your money. Metrobank’s Money Lock feature lets you instantly lock part or all of your available balance directly from the app. Once locked, the funds cannot be transferred or used for transactions — including scheduled transactions — until you unlock them yourself. Even if someone gains access to your card, your Money Locked savings remain protected. Before locking your funds, make sure you have enough available balance to cover any upcoming or scheduled transactions to avoid disruptions.
Have extra protection through Geolocation checks
Metrobank has also added Geolocation as an additional layer of protection. The app checks whether a transaction is being initiated from your registered mobile device and your device’s location. If something appears unusual or inconsistent, the system can flag suspicious activity and help prevent unauthorized transactions from pushing through. While invisible during normal use, this feature works behind the scenes to strengthen account security.
Double-check who you’re sending money to with Payee Verification
Ever worried about sending money to the wrong account because of a typo? Metrobank’s new Payee Verification feature helps reduce that risk. Before completing a transfer to another Metrobank account, the app displays a masked version of the recipient’s registered account name. This allows you to confirm that you’re sending money to the correct person before finalizing the transaction. It’s a simple addition that can help prevent costly transfer mistakes.
These new security enhancements are part of Metrobank’s continuing efforts to strengthen digital banking security while supporting the government’s broader anti-scam initiatives under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) and the laws amendments under BSP Circular No. 1213. Customers can start using these features by updating to the latest version of the Metrobank App. As digital scams continue to evolve, having multiple layers of protection and knowing how to use them, can go a long way toward keeping your money safe.
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Newport World Resorts Turns Culinary Excellence Into A Pathway For Young Talent
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| (Image Source: Malaya Business Insight/Newport World Resorts) |
Newport World Resorts, the Philippines' premier leisure and entertainment destination marked the Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC) 2026 by celebrating talent at two stages of the profession. Five teams from across the property earned over 80 medals, the largest haul by an integrated resort in this year’s competition. For the participants, preparation forms part of a broader approach to culinary development. Property-wide learning sessions give chefs from different kitchens opportunities to exchange techniques, strengthen their foundations, and refine ideas for competition and daily service.
The Newport World Resorts culinary team contributed to the property’s tally across Filipino cuisine, international proteins, pastry showpieces, and collaborative categories. Chef Brent E. Catoltol led the wins with a Creative Breakfast gold for Tatlong Yaman Hapag Ani. Sheraton Manila Hotel finished with the most gold awards in the Newport World Resorts’ team. Chef Francheska Miranda, Chef Miguel Fabela, and Chef Celine Cascon prevailed in the Dream Team Challenge, while Chef Gretchen Fajardo earned gold in Modern Filipino Plated Desserts. The MICHELIN Guide-listed Manila Marriott Hotel recorded a high tally of medals. Chef Glen Endozo received Highest Gold in the Burger Challenge for his Multi-Grain Kaiser Burger, while the delegation also earned awards in creative breakfast, wedding cake, European gourmet, Dream Team, and protein categories. Hilton Manila triumphed across savory and pastry disciplines. Chef Marjorie Dionisio earned the second highest gold in Wedding Cakes for a creation themed Hunchback of Notre Dame, joining medal-winning entries in Filipino cuisine, Amuse Bouche, Canada Land and Sea, pizza, dim sum, and pastry showpieces. Hotel Okura Manila, another MICHELIN Guide-listed hotel, led the collaborative competition categories. Chef Rexander Aspiras, Chef Jabin Cabral, Chef Jenny Tanay, and Chef John Louie Alfuang received silver in the Dream Team Challenge, while the hotel also earned silver in the European Gourmet Team Challenge and bronze awards in U.S. Lamb, Pasta, and U.S. Turkey.
At the same event, Newport World Resorts extended the opportunity beyond the competition by sponsoring 12-month paid culinary internships for the three finalists of the Michael Strautmanis Culinary Arts Scholarship Grant. The program was initiated and developed by NWR Director for Kitchen Operations Chef Neil Abrahams. Structured across 12 monthly rotations, the internship provides hands-on experience in butchery, bakery, pastry, international and Filipino cuisines, banquet production, culinary administration, pre-opening operations, and kitchen leadership. Training will take place across the integrated resort kitchens at Newport World Resorts supported by quarterly leadership modules in food safety, food costing, event logistics, and pre-opening management. Upon completing the program, interns will receive a Newport World Resorts Culinary Leadership Certificate while top performers may be considered for fast-track placement in demi chef positions at Narra Palm Resort & Villas or partner luxury properties across Newport World Resorts. The program carries the lessons behind the PCC results forward, turning competition-tested expertise into practical opportunities for a new generation of culinary talent.
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Okada Foundation Inc. Extends Php20M Donation To Malasakit And Bayanihan Foundation Inc. For Nationwide Relief And Education Assistance
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| (Image Source: Malaya Business Insight/Okada Manila) |
Okada Foundation Inc. (OFI) turned over a Php20M (20 million pesos) donation to Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation Inc. last August 11, 2026 at Okada Manila, supporting nationwide humanitarian relief and educational assistance for Filipino families in need and underprivileged graduates. The turnover ceremony was attended by OFI President James Lorenzana and representatives of Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation led by Secretary General and Treasurer Marc Benedict R. Talavera and Chief of Staff Dr. Shane Kinsley E. Veloso as well as Atty. John Cyril E. Santiago, Utopia G. Cuyugan-Talavera, and Mariano L. Valiente Jr.
The donation will support the foundation’s “Malasakit Sa Kapwa” Nationwide Humanitarian and Educational Recognition Program. It will fund grocery packs containing food and hygiene essentials for indigent families, particularly those affected by natural and man-made disasters, as well as graduation grocery gift packs for underprivileged graduates of state universities and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions. As the charitable arm of Okada Manila, OFI sees the contribution as an opportunity to help address needs that directly affect families and communities. The donation will provide practical relief to Filipinos facing difficult circumstances, including those rebuilding their lives following disasters, while supporting underprivileged graduates as they complete their education and prepare for what comes next. “Our partnership with the Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation, Inc. allows us to reach Filipinos at different points of need, from families facing difficult circumstances to graduates preparing for what comes next. Through initiatives like this, we hope to contribute to stronger, more resilient communities and create an impact that extends well beyond the assistance we provide today,” said OFI President James Lorenzana.
OFI advances its social development initiatives through four key pillars: Health, Education, Cultural Heritage, and Environment. This partnership reinforces its commitment to Education through assistance for underprivileged graduates while extending humanitarian support to families and communities facing difficult circumstances. Through partnerships with organizations that share its commitment to meaningful social impact, OFI continues to translate these priorities into programs that address real community needs and create lasting benefits for Filipinos across the country.
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More Reasons To ‘Tastify’ As McDonald’s Launches New Chicken McDo Mega Meals
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/McDonald's Philippines) |
McDonald’s napakalaki and napakasulit Chicken McDo can now be enjoyed in even bigger and more ‘mega’ ways as McDonald’s Philippines launches new Chicken McDo Mega Meals, providing a complete meal experience with Chicken McDo, an extra protein, a drink, and a dessert, and giving Filipinos more reasons to enjoy and ‘tastify’.
“Our customers and fans loved the Chicken McDo combos we launched last June which gave them more fill and more satisfaction with the addition of more protein to their Chicken McDo meals. Now, we’re providing more options with our new Mega Meals, completing the meal experience with our delicious dessert. This is another napakasulit win that everyone can ‘tastify’ about,” said McDonald's Philippines Senior Brand Manager NJ Caballar-Azurin. These new Chicken McDo Mega Meals, starting at Php195 and comprising of 1-pc. Chicken McDo with Rice, Fries, Drink, and Plain Sundae; 1-pc. Chicken McDo with Mushroom Pepper Steak, Rice, Drink, and Plain Sundae; 1-pc. Chicken McDo with Crispy Chicken Fillet, Rice, Drink, and Plain Sundae; and 1-pc. Chicken McDo with Chicken Fillet Ala King, Rice, Drink, and Plain Sundae, are available all-day while Mega Meals with Spicy Chicken McDo can be ordered during regular hours. Caballar-Azurin added, “McDonald’s new Chicken McDo Mega Meals are already a complete meal experience, staying true to our promise of more napakasulit and mas nakakabusog ways to enjoy Chicken McDo.”
Aside from the new offers, fans and customers can still enjoy other Chicken McDo offers and combinations. All the options above can be ordered and enjoyed without Plain Sundae for starting at just Php158. The 1-pc Chicken McDo with rice and regular drink is still great value for money starting at Php99. The new Chicken McDo Mega Meals are available via Dine-in, Take-out, Drive-thru, or delivery via McDelivery, GrabFood, and foodpanda.
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Jollibee Wants Filipinos To Taste The Thrill Of Spice
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| (Image Source: Jollibee) |
For Filipinos who believe fried chicken tastes even better with a little kick, Jollibee is turning up the heat with Spicy Chickenjoy, putting the spotlight on a familiar favorite with a flavor profile designed to deliver more than just the sting of spice. Jollibee Spicy Chickenjoy combines its signature crispy, juicy chicken with a blend of spices, bringing a noticeable kick to every bite. Rather than treating spiciness as a test of endurance, the brand is framing it as another layer of flavor to enjoy.
“Spiciness should not simply be about tolerating the heat. It should be about enjoying what the spice brings to the overall flavor experience. With Spicy Chickenjoy, we want Filipinos to discover that spicy can be exciting, flavorful and, most importantly, delicious,” said Jollibee Philippines Vice President for Marketing Dorothy Ching. The move also comes as spicy flavors continue to gain a place among Filipino food preferences. According to research, 13 percent of surveyed adult Filipinos, or roughly one in eight, identified spicy as a taste preference. While the findings do not suggest that spicy food appeals to everyone, they point to a notable group of consumers who enjoy the added flavor and heat that spicy food brings. Jollibee is bringing that flavor story to life with Alexa Ilacad, an actress, singer and performer known for her energetic personality and strong connection with younger Filipino audiences. Her naturally lively and expressive persona makes her a fitting face for Spicy Chickenjoy, particularly for a campaign that seeks to portray spice not as something intimidating, but as something fun, exciting and full of character.
For Ilacad whose public persona often combines confidence, playfulness and youthful energy, the partnership gives Jollibee a way to personify the product’s fiery personality while keeping the focus on the enjoyment that comes with every bite. With Spicy Chickenjoy, Jollibee is ultimately asking consumers to look at spicy food beyond the question of how much heat they can handle. The bigger question, it suggests, is how much flavor they can enjoy.
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Smart Strengthens Partnership With SM Supermalls For Tech & Play Month 2026
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| L-R: SM Supermalls Vice President for Cyberzone Management Patrick Raymund G. Pacla, Smart Key Accounts Sales Manager Kristine Mendoza, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for SM North EDSA Operations Jocelyn Ann C. Lapid-Clariño, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin, PLDT Assistant Vice President and PLDT Home Retail Management Head Anna Fernando, AMD Philippines National Sales Manager Lance William Mendoza, Datablitz Marketing Head Renz Ga (Image Source: Starmometer/Smart Communications Inc./SM Supermalls) |
Filipinos are increasingly finding connection through gaming, technology, and creator culture. In its drive to be at the forefront of this, Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) continues to support events that inspire innovation, digital engagement, and meaningful connections across the country including SM Supermalls’ Tech & Play Month 2026 which brings together gamers, creators, collectors, and tech enthusiasts through immersive events that celebrate innovation, creativity, and community.
“Smart and SM Supermalls share a common vision of creating meaningful experiences that connect people through technology, innovation, and community. Our continued support for SM Tech & Play Month underscores our commitment to empowering Filipinos to pursue their passions and enjoy enriching digital experiences,” said Smart Assistant Vice President and Head of Modern Trade Key Accounts Christian So. Smart subscribers can level up their digital experiences powered by Smart 5G which offers seamless streaming, gaming, and video to support their lifestyle. This year’s lineup features marquee attractions including SM Geek Fest which showcases cosplay, collectibles, trading card games, merchandise, and fan communities as well as SM Super Play Con, a gaming convention featuring eSports tournaments, gaming demos, creator engagements, and technology exhibits. The campaign also includes gadget discovery zones, creator-focused activities, and technology showcases that bring the latest innovations closer to consumers.
The partnership also highlights both organizations’ commitment to fostering engagement among passion-driven audiences, particularly Gen Z and millennials who increasingly seek experiential and community-centered activities. By supporting platforms that encourage discovery, creativity, and connection through its reliable 4G LTE and 5G mobile network, Smart continues to create memorable experiences for SM’s customers nationwide.
