Lifestyle

Haraya Residences as seen from above, situated along C5 and Ortigas Avenue Extension

Metro Manila continues to transform, and at the core of its next wave of urban expansion is one key thoroughfare: C5. Once seen merely as an alternative to EDSA, it has evolved into a dynamic growth corridor—supporting major infrastructure developments, flourishing business hubs, and thoughtfully planned communities. At the forefront of this evolution stands Haraya Residences, a contemporary vertical gated village located within Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Pasig City.

C5: A Strategic Urban Spine

Stretching along the eastern side of Metro Manila, C5 links key cities including Pasig, Mandaluyong, Taguig, Makati, and Quezon City. Its strategic importance lies not just in its reach, but in how it connects everyday life—bringing homes closer to workplaces, schools, hospitals, and leisure destinations.

Over the years, the corridor has attracted large-scale developments, positioning C5 as one of the metro’s most dynamic and in-demand addresses. As connectivity improves through expanded road networks and public transport, it continues to support convenient city living while reinforcing the long-term value of real estate properties in well-connected locations.

Seamless Connectivity Across Metro Manila

C5 functions as one of Metro Manila’s most important mobility corridors, offering access to major expressways including SLEX, Skyway, and CAVITEX, with the future NLEX–C5 Link set to further strengthen its north–south connectivity. From Haraya Residences, this translates into more efficient travel to key business districts, residential communities, and lifestyle hubs across the metro.

Its direct connection to SLEX, via the C5–SLEX interchange and Skyway access points, allows convenient travel toward Makati, Muntinlupa, Laguna, and Batangas, making both daily commutes and weekend trips to the south more time-efficient.

On the southern end, the CAVITEX–C5 Link Expressway extends C5 toward Cavite and Las Piñas, reducing travel time to emerging residential areas and key transport gateways.

Looking ahead, the completion of the NLEX–C5 Link will provide a seamless route to northern growth areas such as Bulacan and Pampanga, offering residents greater flexibility and mobility without heavy reliance on inner-city roads.

Living Within Bridgetowne Destination Estate

Haraya Residences enjoys a prime position within Bridgetowne Destination Estate, a thoughtfully master-planned mixed-use community designed as a complete urban destination. Here, residential living is integrated with offices, hotels, retail spaces, open areas, and lifestyle destinations, creating a well-balanced and vibrant environment.

Connectivity within Bridgetowne is set to improve further with the completion of the MRT-4 line, with Tiendesitas and Rosario Stations located nearby. Plans for a future ferry station within the estate will add another layer of accessibility, supporting a more connected and multi-modal lifestyle.

Close to What Matters Most

Living along the C5 corridor places Haraya Residences near key institutions across Metro Manila. Schools and universities in Pasig, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Taguig are easily accessible, making school runs more manageable for families. Leading hospitals and medical centers are also located along or near C5, providing residents with quick access to quality healthcare.

Surrounded by major business hubs such as Ortigas Center, Bonifacio Global City, Eastwood City, and Makati Central Business District, the location supports shorter commutes and improved work-life balance.

Haraya Residences elevates modern city living as an upscale vertical gated village situated in the heart of Bridgetowne Estate, Pasig. Designed with the refined urban homeowner in mind, the two-tower project features one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, with select units offering the added privacy of their own dedicated lift. It harmoniously integrates architecture, greenery, and smart design—showcasing adaptable, light-filled interiors with generous loggias, thoughtfully curated indoor and outdoor amenities, and spaces that encourage both personal retreat and shared experiences. Drawing inspiration from the Filipino word “haraya,” which means imagination, Haraya Residences introduces a fresh vision of living—one that values comfort, connection, and well-being while keeping pace with the dynamic flow of contemporary city life.

Experience elevated living at the center of Bridgetowne, Pasig City. Welcome to Haraya Residences. To learn more, visit www.harayaresidences.com or follow @harayaresidences on Instagram and @harayaresidencesofficial on Facebook.

Key representatives from Eastern Communications and Shangri-La Mactan came together during the contract signing that formalized Eastern as the resort’s official internet and ICT service provider. In photo are Anthony Co, Head of Sales – Regional Operations Group, Eastern Communications; Edsel Paglinawan, Chief Revenue & Innovation Officer, Eastern Communications; Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator, Eastern Communications; Jaeson Evangelista, Co-Coordinator, Eastern Communications;Dave Junker, General Manager, Shangri-La Mactan; and Lourdes Dagat, Financial Controller, Shangri-La Mactan

Eastern Communications and Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu have officially sealed a strategic partnership through a formal contract signing, appointing Eastern as the resort’s exclusive provider of internet and ICT services. This alliance represents a major step forward in enhancing the digital backbone of one of Cebu’s most renowned island resorts, highlighting how exceptional hospitality today relies on equally robust digital connectivity.

Starting January 2026, Eastern Communications will deliver 1000 Mbps of its Internet Direct Service (IDS) to Shangri-La Mactan, powering both guest digital experiences and internal resort operations. Tailored for large enterprises, Eastern IDS offers a premium dedicated connection with a 1:1 contention ratio, ensuring dependable, stable, and high-performance internet access—even during peak demand.

In the hospitality sector, especially in regional and island destinations, dependable high-speed internet is a necessity in daily operations. From seamless guest check-ins and uninterrupted in-room connectivity to operational systems that support service excellence, safety, and efficiency, connectivity plays a central role in shaping the modern resort experience. Through this partnership, Shangri-La Mactan enhances its ability to deliver a smooth, digitally enabled stay that meets the expectations of today’s always-connected travelers. According to the Department of Tourism (DoT), Cebu is listed among the top travel destinations in the country and its capital city drew in 102,124 visitors during the holiday break. This surge was just ahead of Lapu-Lapu City hosting the 45^th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum this January.

“Providing an exceptional guest experience means ensuring that connectivity is effortless and reliable throughout the resort,” said Dave Junker, General Manager of Shangri-La Mactan. “By working with Eastern Communications, we are strengthening our digital capabilities in a way that supports both our guests and our teams, allowing us to consistently deliver the exceptional service Shangri-La is known for.”

The collaboration reinforces Eastern Communications’ position as a trusted connectivity partner for enterprises that require robust infrastructure and dependable, personalized support. Bringing enterprise-grade connectivity to a premier island resort demonstrates the telco provider’s commitment to enabling businesses to operate at their best—regardless of location.

“Connectivity is fundamental to how businesses serve their customers and how guests experience a destination,” said Anthony Co, Head of Sales – Regional Operations Groupof Eastern Communications. “Our partnership with Shangri-La Mactan reflects our commitment to ensure reliable, high-quality internet and digital services to businesses in areas that have high growth potential.”

The partnership reflects a shared vision of helping organizations reach beyond boundaries. As businesses across the country continue to evolve, Eastern Communications remains committed to empowering its partners to move forward with confidence and to dare to soar by building on strong digital foundations supported by responsive, human-centered service.

As Eastern Communications grows throughout the Philippines, its collaboration with Shangri-La Mactan demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier businesses with cutting-edge connectivity solutions, demonstrating that digital excellence can flourish even in island locations.

Call 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph to find out more about Eastern Communications and their future collaborations.

For many Filipino families, huge dreams like a bigger automobile or a new home are typically accompanied by a lot of hesitation. These milestones patiently wait in the “someday” box due to financial uncertainty and hesitancy because it feels difficult to take the initial step.

Metrobank fills this gap by reintroducing the Goals Made Real promotion from February 16 to May 29, 2026, which gives families affordable, value-driven house and auto loan options so they may move forward with confidence.

If you put off saving for a house for ten years, your family would be without the security and stability they may already have. Putting up with lengthy, taxing journeys means forfeiting time and energy that could be used at home. Loans provide breathing room when handled properly; they don’t increase tension.

That’s where Metrobank steps in. It takes on the heavy lifting so families can confidently move from “someday” to “now.” If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally secure that home or get that car, this is it.

With Goals Made Real, borrowers who apply under this promo can enjoy:

• Low Interest Rates to keep monthly payments predictable and easier to manage.
• Waived Fees that will givesavings of up to PHP 60,000, which means you have extra funds for other related expenses such as home appliances or accessorizing your new car.
• Free One Year Car Insurance from AXA for car loan borrowers. This gives you peace of mind from day one.

Whether it’s a car loan or a home loan, the goal remains the same: to give you and your family the stability and comfort you deserve without letting “what ifs” hold you back.

You can take your loved ones on road excursions and travel anywhere in luxury and safety with a new car. You may create a secure environment where you and your family can work, play, and develop together with a new house.

Large dreams don’t have to wait. You and your family are always one step closer to the next milestone when Metrobank is your partner and cherishes your hard-earned money just as much as you do.

Are you prepared to begin? For complete information on Goals Made Real 2026, visit any Metrobank location or visit this page.

Kat Bautista

Kat Bautista, COO and Founder of NYMA Management, has been appointed a judge for the 13th Annual Asia‑Pacific Stevie Awards. Bautista will join a panel evaluating entries across marketing, communications, innovation, and leadership categories for the region’s premier business awards.

Her selection reflects a proven track record in brand transformation and measurable campaign results across Asia‑Pacific markets. A two‑time Stevie winner, she was honored in 2025 as Best Female Entrepreneur at the International Business Awards (IBA) in Lisbon, Portugal, and was named a Bronze Stevie® Winner for Most Innovative Leader of the Year at the 2024 Asia‑Pacific Stevie® Awards.

Bautista also served as a judge for the 2026 Webby Awards — widely regarded as the leading international honors for excellence on the internet — bringing additional adjudication experience and a broad perspective on digital creativity, user experience, and strategic communication to the Stevie jury.

“I’m honored to join the Asia‑Pacific Stevie Awards jury,” Bautista said. “Judging is a responsibility I take seriously — it’s about recognizing craft and strategy that move industries, uplift communities, and deliver measurable results. I look forward to celebrating work that pairs creative ambition with clear business impact.”

The Awards celebration ceremony is set to take place on April 17, 2026 — The Venetian Hotel, Macau

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To learn more about NYMA, visit nyma.ph

L-R): Atty. Calvin Kohchet-Chua, Pru Life UK Chief Legal and Government Relations Officer; Kathryn Cajucom, Pru Life UK Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications; Sarah Hulton OBE, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines; Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and CEO; Sarah McLeod, British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) Chair; Zoe Tamano Alonto Lucman-Mambuay, Pru Life UK Takaful Agent Ambassador; and Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK VP Sustainability and Takaful Head

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) saw the triumphant return of the Great British Festival, which attracted large audiences to the BGC Amphitheatre for a lively celebration of British talent, cuisine, and culture. The nation’s top life insurance, Pru Life UK, once again served as a major sponsor of the much awaited event.

The Great British Festival 2026, which was organized by the British Embassy Manila, the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), and the British Council, included a packed schedule of events, programs, and performances. These included live band performances, pub quizzes, food and drink, brand booths, raffles, and educational talks and video screenings about studying and travelling in the UK.

The two-day event brought together leaders, innovators, and members of the diplomatic community, with His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton OBE and BCCP Chairman Sarah McLeod leading the opening programme.

“At Pru Life UK, we take great pride in our British heritage, and we are delighted to once again support the Great British Festival 2026. We have proudly sponsored this event for years reflecting our strong commitment to the British Embassy and the BCCP, our trusted and long-standing partners, as we continue working together to strengthen the ties between the UK and the Philippines,” said Sanjay Chakrabarty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pru Life UK.

As one of the event’s major sponsors, Pru Life UK hosted an immersive booth that relives Prudential’s rich history. This included a themed photo wall featuring a backdrop of the iconic Holborn Bars, as well as a feature wall that guided visitors through Pru Life UK’s journey, from its beginnings in the UK to its milestone 30th anniversary this year. Exclusive bookmarks were also given to participants as souvenirs, each beautifully inscribed with their name in calligraphy.

The Great British Festival 2026 welcomed a wide audience and once again served as an accessible platform for celebrating British culture while reinforcing cultural and business ties between the UK and the Philippines.

Financial protection for all

Through a featured talk at the event, Pru Life UK reaffirmed its commitment to championing financial inclusion and delivering financial protection plans that empower Filipinos to achieve security, stability, and hope for the future, regardless of faith, personal circumstance, or economic standing.

Through Takaful by Pru Life UK, the first Shariah-compliant life protection product in the Philippines, the company has addressed a significant gap in the insurance landscape, ensuring that Filipino Muslims and values driven individuals have access to insurance without compromising their beliefs.

Takaful Agent Ambassador

“In our country, millions of families remain vulnerable to unexpected life events such as illness, accidents, or the loss of a loved one. For many, the absence of financial protection can mean falling into poverty overnight. For communities that require financial solutions aligned with Islamic principles, this gap has been even wider,” said Zoe Tamano Alonto Lucman Mambuay, Pru Life UK’s pioneering Takaful Agent Ambassador.

“Takaful is not merely a product. It is a statement of values. It shows that financial services must evolve with society, that respect for faith and culture is not a limitation but a strength, and that business success and social responsibility can move forward together,” she added.

Pru Life UK has shown its commitment to promoting accessible finance and responsible business practices by introducing Takaful. Filipinos can rely on PRU for financial protection plans that are moral, inclusive, and transformative because it was the first insurer in the country to obtain a Takaful license.

Notes:

*New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year