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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Visa) |
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is teaming up with local partners BDO Unibank (BDO), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and GCash to bring Filipino fans closer to the one of the biggest moments in music as the Worldwide Tour Sponsor of “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’”, the highly anticipated global comeback tour of pop royalty BTS. Poised to become a worldwide phenomenon, “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’” features 82 shows in 34 regions. More than 18 million fans tuned in online to the “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG” on March 21, 2026 in Seoul, marking a powerful start to the group’s reunion.
Visa’s data also showed foreign travel to South Korea surged over 25% on the week of the concert compared to an average week, while travel spending climbed around 20% from an average week, showing that BTS is as much a magnet for music fans worldwide as they are a springboard for tourism wherever they go. As Worldwide Tour Sponsor for “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’”, Visa is collaborating with leading Philippine issuers BDO, BPI, and GCash to deliver exclusive promotions, rewards and fan experiences for Filipino cardholders. Through participating Visa card programs, fans eligible cardholders will have opportunities to access BTS-related experiences, exclusive offers, merchandise and ticket promotions connected to the tour. Additionally, Visa and GCash have entered into an exclusive partnership that will make GCash the only issuer of the official “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’” Visa Card in the Philippines. The limited-edition card is a certified official merchandise from HYBE, and complements hospitality and special promotional experiences available only to GCash Visa cardholders. For millions of Filipino fans, BTS represents more than music — they are a global cultural phenomenon that inspires connection, passion and community. Through this partnership, Visa aims to make it easier for fans to engage with the artists and moments they love through seamless, secure and reliable payment experiences.
“Filipinos are among the most passionate fan communities in the world. Through our partnerships with BDO, BPI, and GCash, we are excited to create meaningful experiences that bring Filipino K-pop fans closer eligible Visa cardholders with access to unique experiences and offers related to the BTS tour. Our exclusive collaboration with GCash on limited-edition BTS-themed Visa cards further demonstrates how Visa is connecting consumers to their passions while delivering the secure and seamless payment experiences they trust,” said Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro. After hitting 11 Asia Pacific cities, the “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’” will hold three shows at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan in March 2027. Visa champions the moments that bring fans closer to the passions they love, from sports, lifestyle, and gaming to music and entertainment. Guided by a fan-first approach to partnerships, Visa designs experiences that deepen connection and make participation seamless, secure and accessible for audiences around the world. Through high impact partnerships, Visa helps shape cultural moments while enabling effortless, cross-border commerce. Visa’s partnership with “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’” builds on its affinity with music and K-pop such as MAMA AWARDS, the world’s number one K-pop awards, allowing it to create more meaningful experiences that bring fans closer to the artists they love.
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PLDT And Smart Extend Disaster Resilience Training To Manufacturing Partner Green Cross Inc.
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Smart Communications Inc.) |
For Green Cross Inc. (GCI) Makiling Plant Managing Head for Plant and Operations Manuel Manimtim, even decades of overseeing plant operations had not fully prepared him for the basics of surviving an emergency. That changed after PLDT and Smart brought their Individual Preparedness Caravan to the plant, where he and his colleagues learned how to assemble survival kits, secure communication links during emergencies, and put together the tools needed to respond when disaster strikes. “I learned a lot, primarily how to have this kit and prepare ourselves for any kind of emergency,” said Manintim, adding that he plans to bring the lessons home to his family.
Manimtim’s experience reflects the broader goal behind the caravan. Recognizing the important role of private sector collaboration in building safer communities, PLDT and Smart extended their disaster resilience training module to essential manufacturing partner GCI. The activity, which forms part of the PLDT Group’s #KonektedforResilience advocacy, reflects PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness among employees, communities, and partners. Facilitated by the PLDT Group’s longtime partner Emergency Management Center (EMC) and held at GCI’s Makiling Plant in Makiling, Laguna, the session enabled GCI employees to gain practical emergency response and personal preparedness skills. It also guided participants through the “rule of threes” for surviving without air, water, and food. GCI Makiling Plant Safety Officer Edward Sanchez II said the caravan revisited simple but essential preparedness practices, such as using cloth to filter water. He said he hoped PLDT and Smart would continue partnering with other companies and organizations to spread awareness on emergency preparedness. For Plant Superintendent Russel Vinuya, the session’s emphasis on preparing a “go bag” containing essential documents and tools stood out as a practical takeaway that ordinary individuals, not just specialists, can apply. He described the initiative as one he hoped to bring to the broader community.
All three GCI officials noted that the training arrived at a timely moment, as plant personnel juggle daily operations with the need to stay ready for unexpected emergencies. They said the caravan served as a refresher on preparedness fundamentals that are easy to overlook amid routine work, and expressed hope that PLDT and Smart would continue extending similar sessions to other private sector partners. The Individual Preparedness Caravan is one of PLDT and Smart’s capacity-building initiatives under #KonektedforResilience alongside network readiness, mobile solutions, and Communications As Aid, helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The initiative also supports the PLDT Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities And Communities and SDG 17: Partnerships For The Goals.
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SM Mall Of Asia Complex Expands Cultural Offering With Philippines’ First Experiential Maritime Museum
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| (Image Source: Philippine Concerts/Museo del Galeón) |
SM Mall of Asia Complex is expanding its cultural and tourism offering with Museo del Galeón, the first experiential maritime museum in the Philippines. The new destination uses immersive storytelling, interactive exhibits and live programming to explain the country's maritime history and its role in the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. The four-level, 9,000-square-meter museum features a full-scale version of the 17th-century Galeón Espíritu Santo crafted from fibreglass by local artisans.
Its location within the MOA Complex has helped broaden the museum’s reach and introduce it to a wider mix of visitors. Since its opening last May, Museo del Galeón has welcomed thousands of visitors, from students and families to tourists, corporate groups and culture enthusiasts, while hosting a growing mix of private tours, workshops, talks and after-hours experiences. Museo del Galeón has likewise drawn strong corporate support with companies backing the museum’s efforts to bring Philippine maritime history to a wider audience. Companies and individuals can sponsor one of the museum’s permanent installations of 181 floating galleons with the vessel carrying the sponsor’s name and providing a distinctive way to support the museum’s cultural and educational mission. Its early supporters include prominent business leaders and some of the country’s leading companies across multiple industries. “There is a real opportunity for the private sector to become part of this story — not simply as sponsors, but as partners in preserving our heritage and bringing Philippine maritime history to a much wider audience. Museo del Galeón also gives companies new ways to engage clients and customers through culture, storytelling and shared experiences,” said Operations Director Chiqui Batac.
One recent example was an after-hours program that paired museum access with curated cocktails, a guided cocktail journey and maritime trivia, developed in collaboration with several partner brands. Museo del Galeón plans to roll out more after-hours programs, expert-led talks, youth workshops and brand collaborations designed to attract diverse audiences and encourage repeat visits. “Our approach is to keep the experience evolving. We want visitors to have new things to discover each time they come while also creating different opportunities for the public to engage with the museum,” said Batac.
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ICA Students Create Platform For Young Entrepreneurs To Start And Grow
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Immaculate Conception Academy Greenhills) |
What if a group of students’ first steps into entrepreneurship could help another young entrepreneur take theirs? That idea came to life at the AVAIA Manila Bazaar, held at The Villa Studios at Cornerhouse in San Juan City where 18 student businesses gathered to showcase their products, meet customers, and experience running a business in a real marketplace.
Organized by AVAIA — a group of like-minded and passionate students from Immaculate Conception Academy Greenhills (ICA) — the bazaar was led by Kharly Chua, Meili Lee, Alessandra Valencia, Samantha Yap, Alexandra Tanglao, Jean Marie Enriquez, and Lauren Dychiao. The initiative gave young entrepreneurs a platform to sell and develop their products without having to take on the costs and practical demands of securing and setting up a physical space — from speaking with landlords and negotiating rental terms to managing setup and other logistical requirements. Many young businesses begin online where social media provides an accessible way to reach customers. But when products are experienced only through a screen, building a personal connection can be harder. The AVAIA Manila Bazaar gave students a chance to meet customers face-to-face, share the stories behind their products, and receive feedback to improve their products and branding. The initiative reflects a familiar part of the Chinese-Filipino community, where entrepreneurship has long been pivotal. For AVAIA, it was also an opportunity to introduce social entrepreneurship — using business initiatives to create opportunities while making a positive impact on others. “We envisioned AVAIA as more than just a simple CAS Project for school. We wanted to reach our one simple goal of giving aspiring business owners a space where they could test their ideas, manage teams, and learn from real customers,” said AVAIA Chief Executive Officer Kharly Chua.
At ICA, CAS stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service, encouraging students to apply what they learn beyond the classroom. For the AVAIA team, the bazaar became an opportunity to turn their lessons into something tangible while gaining firsthand experience in organizing and building a business initiative of their own. The group is also looking beyond its current batch. By bringing in interns from lower batches, AVAIA gives younger students the opportunity to learn from the concepts and advocacy the team has established. As they graduate, they can leave their own contributions behind for future batches to build on, creating a legacy that allows the advocacy to continue. Beyond empowering student businesses, the initiative also created an opportunity to give back. Proceeds from the bazaar were donated to the Alay Sa Kapatid Foundation, supporting its initiatives for indigenous farming communities in Benguet through the apostolate of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (MIC). In doing so, AVAIA made the bazaar more than an event. It created a starting point for young entrepreneurs — lowering the barriers to getting started while turning their first steps into an opportunity to help others move forward.
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SM Megamall Unveils The Philippines’ First PAW Patrol-Themed Pet Park For The Ultimate Fur-Kada Playground
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/SM Supermalls) |
Muddy pavements, shortened walks, a dog eyeing the door with nowhere to go. The rainy season can turn pet parenthood into a full-time indoor gig. But fret no more, because your most loved mall, SM Megamall has launched its remodeled Paw Park at Level 5, Mega Fashion Hall – a rain-proof playground designed specifically for pets to frolic and mingle freely with their fellow fur friends.
The revamp marks the Philippines’ first PAW Patrol-themed pet park, launched alongside the local premiere of PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie – making it the perfect time to bring the whole family, fur babies included. In the film, the pups find themselves stranded on an uncharted island teeming with dinosaurs, where they must team up with a new friend to stop the mischievous Mayor Humdinger from putting the island’s creatures at risk of extinction. It’s this same spirit of adventure and teamwork that inspired the Paw Park’s new look. To mark the occasion, pet owners and their furry besties were treated to a Meet & Greet with the PAW Patrol pups during the launch day last August 29. The Paw Park is free for use and interested fur parents simply need to sign up for the Super Pets Club exclusively thru www.smsuperpetsclub.com to unlock access to the space. Once inside, pets can romp through play equipment such as tunnels, mazes, and stairs, getting all the physical exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization they need to thrive.
Beyond the festivities, the Paw Park stands as a year-round space for pet owners to enjoy with their fur babies. It is a lasting addition to the SM Megamall experience, designed with every member of the family in mind. Because “My SM” isn’t just for people anymore. It’s built to provide a maxed out experience for the entire pack, and that includes our furry companions. Check out @smmegamall on social media for updates on upcoming events at your most loved supermall.
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Puregold Hakot Relay Takes Cavite By Storm: 4,000+ Runners, 8K Challenge, And More
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Puregold Price Club Inc.) |
Puregold’s “hakot” legacy hit a whole new stride in Cavite as the Hakot Relay South Luzon leg transformed Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus into an adrenaline-charged showcase for speed, grit, and panalo. More than 4,000 runners that showed up had their game face on as they competed, enjoyed the camaraderie, and joined the signature “hakot” moments of the race.
The Southern Luzon leg — of the nationwide Hakot Relay series — marked the launch of Puregold’s first-ever 8K Individual Challenge, putting solo runners to the ultimate test. Around 500 runners took on the full 8 kilometers, proving that Puregold Hakot Relay is also about pushing one’s limits and crossing the finish line stronger than ever. The rest competed in the event’s signature Hakot Relay where runners formed teams and raced through the course while collecting grocery items along the way. Therein lay the difference: Hakot Relay was a team event, while the new 8K was an individual race. In the relay, teammates had to strategize and work together as they raced to collect groceries before reaching the finish line. In the 8K Individual Challenge, runners tackled the longer distance entirely on their own. “We wanted to offer runners a fresh and enjoyable way to challenge themselves, with the ‘hakot’ mechanic adding a playful and uniquely Puregold twist to the race. Being part of the running community is meaningful to us, and it is a privilege for Puregold to bring people together for a shared panalo experience.” said Puregold Price Club Inc. Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. Participants began with a pre-race warm-up before heading to the starting line and completing their respective courses within prescribed cut-off times. After crossing the finish line, runners collected their race-day rewards and visited sampling booths of participating brands. Sponsor-led stage activities and an awarding ceremony capped the event.
Participants in the team Hakot Relay went home with a Grocery Sling Bag and a Finisher’s Grocery Bag, but a ‘surprise’ awaited the solo 8K finishers at the end of the line: the chance to roll home their loot in a finisher’s grocery cart wagon. “We’re always looking for ways to level up the Hakot Relay and give Filipinos something new to look forward to,” Piedad said. “This year, this meant introducing our first-ever 8K challenge and bringing the experience to an even bigger scale,” said Hayagan-Piedad. With more than 4,000 runners joining either as teams or solo competitors, the South Luzon leg expanded the Hakot experience while keeping its coveted reward intact: you race to the finish line — and go home with groceries, too.
