Monthly Archives

March 2025

Lifestyle

Paynamics x Sterling Bank of Asia: Empowering Businesses Together!

Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) and Paynamics Technologies have renewed their partnership to enhance the accessibility of digital payments for SBA’s business clients. Attending the event were (L-R) SBA Retail Banking Group Head and EVP Ralph Cadiz, along with President and CEO Cecilio San Pedro; Paynamics CEO Mylene Chua-Magleo, Board Member Esther Magleo, CFO Ronald Magleo, and Chief Revenue Officer Allan Condino.

We’re thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Sterling Bank of Asia! Through this collaboration, Sterling Bank will introduce Paynamics’ cutting-edge payment solutions to its merchant clients—helping businesses streamline transactions and drive growth.

Together, we’re making digital payments more accessible, seamless, and efficient for merchants across industries. This is just the beginning of financial innovation at work!

Stay tuned for more updates as we build the future of payments!

March 25, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

Sterling Bank of Asia Grants Php 370 Million Credit Facility to Skyro

Sterling Bank of Asia and Skyro solidified their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a ₱370 million credit facility. This strategic collaboration aims to contribute to economic growth and financial inclusivity in the Philippines.
Standing (L to R): SBA Marketing Assistant Ms. Patricia Cabas, SBA Relationship Manager Ms. Jessa Mahinay, Skyro Head of Funding Ms. Victoria Tupaz, and Skyro Treasurer Mr. Vicente Dela Cruz.
Seated (L to R): SBA Senior Vice President Commercial Lending 1 Head Mr. Jose Ison, Jr., SBA Executive Vice President for Commercial Lending Group Head Mr. Benson Hari-Ong, Skyro Co-Founder and Co-CEO Mr. Nasim Aliev and Skyro President Mr. Anthony Co
Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) has granted a Php 370 million credit facility to Skyro, one of the fastest-growing fintech companies specializing in financial lending services. This strategic partnership aims to support Skyro’s expansion and enhance its ability to provide seamless digital lending services to consumers nationwide.
“We are committed to empowering fintech companies like Skyro, which are driving financial inclusion and digital transformation in the Philippines,” said Mr. Jose S. Ison, Jr., Senior Vice President of the Commercial Lending Group of Sterling Bank of Asia. “By extending this credit facility, we reaffirm our confidence in Skyro’s vision and its potential to reshape the financial technology landscape.”
The Php 370 million credit line will enable Skyro to scale its operations, expand its digital lending infrastructure, and strengthen its capabilities. This funding will accelerate Skyro’s mission of providing fast and accessible financial lending solutions to underserved communities.
“We are grateful for the trust and support of Sterling Bank of Asia,” said Mr. Nasim Aliev, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Skyro. “This credit facility will help us drive financial accessibility and continue delivering secure, efficient, and customer-centric digital lending solutions.”
Sterling Bank of Asia remains committed to supporting the growth of the fintech sector by fostering collaborations that drive economic progress and financial inclusivity in the Philippines.
March 25, 2025 by
Entertainment

Minsan Studio presents Minsan Fest, a student-focused summer celebration

The outdoor festival aims to provide an affordable and inclusive live music experience for the most passionate supporters of local artists

Minsan Studio (stylized as ‘minsan studio’), an independent events production firm, is preparing for the May 17, 2025, launch of their own music festival, Minsan Fest, at Quezon City Memorial Circle.

The festival, which begins at 2:00 PM, is especially made to be accessible to young fans and students.

The Itchyworms, Mayonnaise, Ebe Dancel, Zild, Autotelic, Reese Lansangan, Clara Benin, TONEEJAY, SUD, thesunmanager, and Minaw are among the well-known and up-and-coming local musicians on the program for the inaugural Minsan Fest.

According to minsan studio head Jason Conanan, the event aims to provide an affordable and inclusive live music experience, particularly for students who are often the most passionate supporters of local artists.

“We have always done our best to make things accessible for the most hardcore fans, and we believe the students are the heart of that,” says Conanan. “They are the key to long-term careers for creatives, as they are the ones who actively engage with the artists and the music, share them with their friends, and once they enter the workforce, continue to support their favorites throughout their careers. We want to create an event that allows them to experience a festival of this scale without having to ask their parents for extra money.”

What sets Minsan Fest from other music festivals is its egalitarian approach to artist billing. Instead of emphasizing headliners, the festival treats all performers as equals, recognizing that each artist brings a unique fanbase and presence to the stage.

“There is no headliner because we believe every artist in our lineup has their own following,” Conanan explains. He also highlights the festival’s commitment to documentation, ensuring that performances are captured as a valuable marketing tool for bands to expand their reach and pitch for future festivals and opportunities.

In line with its commitment to accessibility and sustainability, minsan studio is launching the minsan pass, an eco-friendly digital pass available in the form of a lanyard or bag tag. The pass, priced at PHP 349 for attendees aged 24 and below and PHP 699 for adults, serves as a scannable contact card that grants entry to Minsan Fest and future events hosted by the production outfit.

“The minsan pass will act as a gateway to our future events, whether it’s a gig, workshop, concert, or possibly another music festival,” Conanan shares. “It also provides early access for updates about our upcoming shows and projects.”

The municipal administration of Quezon City and Minsan Fest collaborate to provide performances with as little of an impact on the environment as possible. “In keeping with that, we made the decision to introduce a method to make things a bit more sustainable,” Conanan adds.

You can purchase Minsan Fest tickets at www.minsan.studio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 24, 2025 by
Automotive

Prepare for Summer with a New Toyota—Special Offers Are Coming This March!

Drive home a Wigo 1.0 G CVT and enjoy as much as up to PHP 84,000—plus exclusive deals on other Toyota models!

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is bringing the beach and road trip vibes to life this summer with alluring discounts and promotions on its well-liked car lineup.

Attractive Financing Options

With the Pay Low option, you can start your summer in style with a brand-new Wigo 1.0 G CVT for as little as PHP 110,250 down! Free first-year insurance, free three-year LTO registration, a 15% down payment, and a flexible 60-month payment plan are all included in this package.

For those opting to pay in full, enjoy up to PHP 40,000 worth of benefits when purchasing this Wigo variant in straight cash.

Prefer lower monthly payments? The Wigo 1.0 G CVT is also available under the Pay Light option at just PHP 7,636 per month with a 50% downpayment and a 60-month amortization plan.

Planning a summer getaway with the family? Drive home the Avanza 1.3 E CVT and save PHP 50,000 when you pay in straight cash or enjoy affordable monthly payments of PHP 10,069 under the Pay Light option.

For adventure seekers looking for a beach-ready ride, the Raize 1.2 E CVT is also available with a downpayment of only PHP 9,038 under the Pay Light option.

Free Periodic Maintenance for Toyota Models

As part of Toyota’s commitment to road safety and customer satisfaction, all brand-new Raize, Veloz, Rush, and select variants of the Vios, Avanza, Innova, Fortuner, and Hilux come with a FREE Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) up to the 20,000 KM check-up.

Customers can avail of this exclusive offer within 36 months from their vehicle’s release date, provided they complete all scheduled maintenance services from 1,000 KM to 20,000 KM without any lapses.

Trade-in Rebate, Insurance and a Discount Service for Tamaraw owners

Get up to PHP 25,000 rebate when you trade in your old Vios, Innova, Fortuner, or Hilux for a brand-new Wigo, Yaris Cross, or Zenix V CVT. Alternatively, enjoy a PHP 15,000 rebate when you trade in your old Vios, Innova, Fortuner, or Hilux for a brand-new Rush, Raize, Avanza, Veloz, Fortuner, or Hilux.

Owners trading in their old Wigo, Rush, Raize, Veloz, or Avanza can receive a PHP 15,000 rebate when purchasing a brand-new Wigo or Vios, or a PHP 10,000 rebate when upgrading to a brand-new Rush, Raize, Avanza, Veloz, Fortuner, or Hilux.

And there’s more! Trade in any 4-wheel vehicle and enjoy an incredible PHP 20,000 rebate toward your brand-new, next-generation Tamaraw! This is your chance to upgrade in style while enjoying exclusive savings.

All rebates can be applied as a cash discount toward your new vehicle purchase or used to buy Toyota Genuine Accessories.

The free one-year insurance covers 24/7 personal accident, passenger auto personal accident, three-year CPTL, own damage (OD), loss/theft, excess bodily injury (EBI), property damage (PD), acts of nature (AON), and includes emergency roadside assistance.

Customers who purchase the Tamaraw from March 1-31, 2025, will receive a PHP 1,200 Service Discount Voucher applicable to nine periodic maintenance services (PMS) from 1,000 km to 40,000 km. This ensures lower maintenance costs, making it easier to keep your Tamaraw in top condition. This offer is valid at all Toyota dealerships nationwide for up to 48 months from the vehicle’s release date.

The promotion is only available from March 21–31. Visit this link to see the complete mechanics, deals, and models present: https://toyota.com.ph/promos/SummerBlowout

Permit No. for DTI Fair Trade. FTEB-218884 2025 Series

To receive the most recent information on Toyota Motor Philippines’ goods, services, and promotions, follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and X. You can also join the ToyotaPH community on Viber.

 

 

 

 

March 24, 2025 by
Entertainment

The theatrical run of Eraserheads: Combo On The Run has been extended by one week!

Originally intended for a limited release, the documentary film performed well over the weekend—thanks to online buzz

Photo credit: Team Eraserheads/WEU

An overwhelming encore.

People have spoken! Eraserheads: Combo On The Run will be staying in theaters for an additional week due to continued and resolute audience demand!

Thanks to positive reviews and excited word-of-mouth, the documentary, which was directed by the renowned Diane Ventura, has had a very successful weekend.

Ventura expressed her deep gratitude to Eheads fans for their unwavering support.

“The positive response and support have been overwhelming and humbling,” she shared. “I’m filled with so much gratitude.  I hope more people get to see the film. I hope it does for them what it did for me. This is not just a music story; it’s our story. This is for all of us.”

Originally planned for a limited release, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is a powerful exploration of how a once-disbanded group of punks came together and provided reprieve to an entire nation while, perhaps unknowingly, embarking on their own journey of healing. Featuring rare footage and never-before-seen interviews, the documentary offers a compelling look at the band’s storied history, struggles, and triumphs.

The enthusiasm was increased over the weekend when Eraserheads themselves made an unexpected appearance and performed live at a sold-out screening at a Quezon City mall. Superproxy, “Combo on the Run,” “Alapaap,” “Spoliarium,” “Pare Ko,” and “Magasin” are just a few of the timeless hits from the renowned Pinoy rock quartet’s Greatest Hits repertoire that stunned an unprepared audience.

In addition, Ely Buendia went to another movie theater last Sunday to express gratitude to the audience for purchasing the documentary.

Warner Bros. is the distributor, and DVent Pictures and WEU are the presenters of Eraserheads: Combo On The Run. images. For information about ticket availability and viewing times, contact your neighborhood movie theaters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 24, 2025 by
Entertainment

David Archuleta’s new song, “Crème Brulée,” is now available – here

WATCH THE “Crème Brulée” video here

Photo credit: Irvin Rivera

Singer-songwriter David Archuleta is back with his first taste of new music and what is sure to be his most delicious pop confection of a song with his new single, “Crème Brulée.” Written by David, Ryan Nealon, and Robyn Dell’Unto, and produced by Michael Blum, the sweet and seductive song is the first single off David’s upcoming EP, which will be released this summer.

“Crème Brulée,” a lighthearted and enticingly flirtatious pop hit that showcases David Archuleta’s remarkable vocal range and Latin heritage like never before, marks the beginning of a daring new era.

David blends English and Spanish in a way that feels as smooth and addictive as the namesake dessert. “All this time I’ve been singing Spanish covers, but I’ve never had that Spanish flair in my own pop music. I wanted to get in touch with my Latin roots, have fun, be flirty, and explore the sensual side of David.”

With infectious energy and a hint of Latin flair, “Crème Brulée” is a confident, fun-loving track that showcases David’s evolution as an artist—sultry, charismatic, and completely in his element.

With smooth, dynamic vocals and a hook that sticks like caramelized sugar, David teases the listener—giving just enough to leave them wanting more. “Someone was really after me and wanted everything from me right away, but you’ve gotta work for it if you want more from me. You may have had a taste that makes you go crazy (“yo te vuelvo loco” is “I make you crazy” in Spanish), but I’m not going to give it all just yet unless you’re really worth my time and it’s worthwhile for me.” 

“Crème Brulée” has all the ingredients to be a pop anthem for the year and is too irresistible to listen to just once.

Photo Credit Wes and Alex

Additionally, the official “Crème Brulée” music video can be found HERE. Nathan Kim, who has worked on projects for Charli XCX, David Guetta, and Lady Gaga, is the director of the edgy and intricately choreographed dance video. It shows David expressing his passion for dancing with the JA Collective dance trio. “The Crème Brulée video was so much fun to make with the choreography and a new creative release for me. I’ve always loved moving to music and so the more I’ve taken choreography/dance classes I’ve found a better outlet to feel liberated and express myself. Working with Aidan, Jordan, and Nathan Kim introduced me to a new style that was really satisfying. Dancing brings me a newfound confidence, and makes me feel like I’m more in touch with my body and sensuality,” states David.

Follow David Here:

Twitter 1.1M Followers

TikTok 1.2M Followers +  19.6M Likes

Instagram 640k Followers

Facebook 3.4M Followers

YouTube 842k Subscribers

Spotify 1.6M monthly listeners

www.davidarchuleta.com

 

 

March 24, 2025 by
Entertainment

The sold-out “Combo On The Run” presentation features an intimate live performance by Eraserheads, surprising fans

The iconic alt-rock band is set to visit select cinemas during its limited run

Photos by Lawrence Del Rosario
More videos here
Videos by Gelo Riego

Last night, during a sold-out screening of Eraserheads: Combo On The Run at a mall, the iconic Filipino rock group Eraserheads surprised the audience with a live performance

With a six-set performance, the multi-awarded band stunned the gullible audience with some of their greatest hits, such as “Superproxy,” “Combo on the Run,” “Alapaap,” “Spoliarium,” “Pare Ko,” and “Magasin.”

The pop-up performance was part of an initiative to reward devoted fans and rekindle the magic of in-theater experiences, encouraging audiences to support moviegoing culture in an era dominated by streaming.

As previously announced, the band is set to make select appearances in cinemas in the coming days to further fuel the excitement for the documentary film’s nationwide run.

Now open in more than 150 theaters nationwide, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run has received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. Billboard Philippines praised the film for being a “testament to the relatable human experience of finding healing and reconnecting with those who were once close to us.” Meanwhile, Pelikula Mania gave it a 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling it a “perfect tribute to an original Pinoy music icon.”

Directed by Diane Ventura, the documentary offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Ang Huling El Bimbo reunion concert of 2022, unfolding against the turbulent backdrop of political division and the lingering uncertainty of the post-pandemic era. Featuring rare footage and never-before-seen interviews, the film takes audiences on a captivating odyssey through the band’s stories history, challenges, and triumphs.

The film further heightened the excitement by teasing the audience and fans during the end credits with information about the band’s next performance, ERASERHEADS: ELECTRIC FUN MUSIC FESTIVAL, which is scheduled for May 31, 2025, at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Pasay City and is expected to be another spectacular celebration of the band’s lasting legacy.

Warner Bros. distributes Eraserheads: Combo On The Run, which is produced by DVent Pictures and WEU. Images.

Check your local theaters for movie times and ticket availability. From March 21–23, 2025, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run will be showing in theaters across the country.

 

 

March 22, 2025 by
Food

Eng Bee Tin is offering a great discount on VYBE by BPI

Your Eng Bee Tin shopping is made even more enjoyable with VYBE, a digital e-wallet and rewards app from the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI).

When you use the VYBE e-wallet to spend at least Php 500, you can get a special 20% discount on your favorite hopia, tikoy, and other delicacies. The maximum discount is Php 500 per transaction. Just use your VYBE app to scan the QR code, and the discount will be applied immediately.

You have extra time to take advantage of the savings after the Lunar New Year because this offer is valid until March 31, 2025.

A digital e-wallet and rewards app, VYBE by BPI is made for safe and easy cashless purchases. It provides a straightforward way to handle payments and receive incentives, and it is available to non-BPI customers as well as BPI account holders with expanded capabilities.

Paying for your goods or transferring money to loved ones is quick and simple with VYBE. Regardless of whether they are new to VYBE or have an existing BPI account, users can use InstaPay to receive money from other banks or e-wallets and send money for free to other local banks and e-wallets. Continue using VYBE to receive exclusive benefits and enhance the value of your festivities.

March 21, 2025 by
Entertainment

At the end credits of Combo On The Run, Eraserheads promote their 2025 concert and new music

ERASERHEADS: ELECTRIC FUN MUSIC FESTIVAL is set to take place at SMDC Festival Grounds on May 31, 2025

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run expands to over 150 cinemas nationwide and counting!

A major event has been put in motion by The Eraserheads.

The news of an upcoming performance that is expected to be even greater than their previous one was an exciting surprise for fans who waited until the end credits of the Eraserheads: Combo On The Run movie. It would be an incredible experience to hear from them again. After witnessing their outstanding performance, I am eagerly looking forward to the exciting activities they have planned ahead!

The outdoor event, appropriately named ERASERHEADS: ELECTRIC FUN MUSIC FESTIVAL, is scheduled for May 31, 2025, at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Pasay City. Early bird tickets will only be available through PalawanPay beginning March 24, 2025, however specifics are still being kept under wraps.

Adding fuel to the excitement, the band also teased a brand-new song in the end credits, sparking speculation about an upcoming release in the future. If confirmed, this would mark the Eraserheads’ first new material in over a decade, following 2014’s “Sabado” and “1995,” which were later reissued on limited-edition vinyl with exclusive remixes in 2021.]

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run will be screening in more than 150 cinemas nationwide and has already received glowing reviews from early screenings. Rappler called it “pure nostalgia juice that no fan can resist” in their spoiler-free review of the film, while GMA News spoke fondly of the material, calling it a “history lesson on an important chapter of Pinoy pop culture.”

Directed by Diane Ventura, the docu-film offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential bands in OPM history.

To top it all off, during the documentary’s theatrical run from March 21 to 23, 2025, the Eraserheads will also be performing live and unexpectedly at an unnamed theater. Additionally, fans can see them at Rolling Stone Philippines LIVE’s debut! They will appear on one of the three covers of its debut issue on March 21, 2025.

For Eheads fans, 2025 is looking to be a historic year with a big concert, maybe new music, and a ground-breaking documentary. Watch this space for further information.

Warner Bros. distributes Eraserheads: Combo On The Run, which is produced by DVent Pictures and WEU. Images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 21, 2025 by
Health and Wellness, Lifestyle

A Female Leader’s Path to Empowerment and Health

As a woman who has broken barriers in business, Rebecca Bustamante knows that true success begins with good health—and her journey with Fullerton Health proves it.

Among important Philippine sectors and companies, Rebecca Bustamante, CEO of Asia CEO Events, has long been a formidable presence. She has cleared the ground for professionals to take control of their lives and forge their own route to success as a motivational keynote speaker and the host of the nation’s biggest business forums and summits.

She is undoubtedly one of the best representations of what it means to be an empowered woman—one who inspires and brings about change while assisting others in achieving success. Beyond her career achievements, however, Bustamante is aware that taking control of one’s health is the first step towards true empowerment, and for her, working with Fullerton Health has been an essential component of that process.

With the intention of taking control of her health, she turned to Fullerton Health, a leading vertically integrated healthcare platform in Asia with a proven track record of providing enterprise healthcare solutions. As a woman who believes in the power of preventive care, she shares her story of health challenges and triumphs—all fueled by her trust in Fullerton’s executive health screening facility.

A Wake-Up Call to Prioritize Health

Bustamante’s journey to prioritizing wellness began with a moment that changed everything. In 2005, at just 38 years old, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and only given six months to live. The news was devastating.

“I was paralyzed, I couldn’t function,” she recalls. “It was the biggest turning point of my life.”

Against all odds, Bustamante survived. But the experience left a lasting impact, reshaping her entire perspective on health. She realized that no matter how successful one becomes, it all means nothing if one’s health is compromised. That wake-up call made her more intentional about wellness, sparking a lifelong commitment to proactive healthcare and preventive measures.

Since then, taking care of her health has been at the forefront of her priorities. She knew that while she had achieved great success, maintaining her well-being was just as important as building her career.

Discovering Fullerton Health

In her search for a healthcare provider that aligned with her commitment to long-term wellness, she was introduced to Fullerton Health by her colleague and friend, Carmie De Leon, who happens to be Radlink Philippines’ Country General Manager and EHS Lead. Fullerton’s executive health screening offered a seamless, thorough, and personalized approach—something Bustamante knew was essential in maintaining her well-being.

“Upon learning about it, my husband and I were excited to experience Fullerton Health because we wanted to see if we were really looking after ourselves properly,” Bustamante explains. She added that her first executive check-up exceeded all expectations.

“It’s truly a five-star experience,” Rebecca shares. “We didn’t have to wait for the whole day just to get our results because Fullerton Health is efficient and personalized. In just three hours, we completed a full-body assessment. It felt like a business-class health experience.”

Taking Charge of Her Health with Fullerton

Through Fullerton’s comprehensive executive check-up, Bustamante, along with her husband, gained valuable insights into her health—all consolidated into one detailed report and thoroughly explained by Fullerton Health’s doctors. These results served as a guide for her wellness journey, helping her make necessary lifestyle adjustments.

“Fullerton doesn’t just give you test results—they guide you on what to improve and maintain,” Bustamante says. “It’s not just about diagnosing problems but about taking control of your health before issues arise.”

She also emphasized the convenience and efficiency of Fullerton’s services, which allowed her to focus on making meaningful lifestyle changes while balancing the demands of being a CEO and a mother. She shared how her experience with Fullerton Health made her realize the importance of treasuring time with family.

“If you love your family, you owe it to them to stay healthy. You don’t want to be a burden. Instead, you want to be present for your children and grandchildren,” she emphasizes.

When asked what advice she would give to others looking to take charge of their health, she states: “Don’t wait for a wake-up call. Your health is your greatest investment. Fullerton Health has given me clarity, confidence, and control over my well-being—and that’s priceless.”

A Commitment to a Healthier Future

Bustamante demonstrates through Fullerton Health that self-care is the first step towards real achievement. Her experience serves as evidence that putting one’s health first can result in a more fulfilled and capable life.

Her experience with Fullerton Health, which went beyond a simple executive check-up, strengthened her conviction that the best care is preventive care. She now looks forward to her yearly physicals, viewing them as a necessary step on her path to a better, more independent life rather than a chore.

 

 

 

March 21, 2025 by