The FCBAI Bakery Fair is back, and this year, the theme “RISE and Shine” couldn’t be more fitting with thousands of bakers from different parts of the world flocked to the World Trade Center for a 3-day baking exhibit.
This year’s fair is a celebration of resilience and innovation in the baking industry, a testament to the bakers who have weathered challenges and emerged stronger. URC Flour Brand Ambassador Chef Aileen Asilom more popularly known as Chef Ai, graced this year’s Bakery Fair and led the bakery demonstration at the URC Flour booth.
Chef Aileen’s story is one of inspiration. From her modest beginnings, fueled by a deep love for baking, she has risen to become a respected figure, known for her dedication to sharing her knowledge and empowering fellow bakers. Her journey resonates with many, making her the perfect face for URC Flour, a brand committed to providing quality ingredients for every baker’s dream.
URC Flour’s booth concept “SIKAT” reinforced the RISE and SHINE theme of this year’s Bakery Fair. Chef Ai’s path to being a successful baker is a story itself of passion and perseverance. Choosing the Right Flour
Chef Ai emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate flour for each recipe. “URC Flour offers a diverse range, from the versatile All-Purpose Flour to the robust Hard Flour for breads and the delicate Cake Flour for pastries,” she explains. “Understanding the characteristics of each variant is crucial for achieving the desired texture and outcome” added Chef Ai. She often recommends using URC’s hard flour for breads that need a good rise and chew, and their cake flour for light and airy cakes.
Chef Ai conducted live baking demonstrations together with other expert bakers,showcasing their signature recipes and innovative techniques, all using URC Flour. Attendees were able to witness firsthand the URC Flour quality products featuring DAISY, GLOBE, CONTINENTAL, SAMPAGUITA, BLEND 100 and CATTLEYA among others.
The baking demonstration also features baking equipment from Vesmach Hyundai Home Appliances while ingredients for the delicious baked goods are courtesy of Anchor Food Professionals, Sugar King Industries, Oleo-Fats Inc. and Neco Philippines, Inc.
In collaboration with URC Flour, Chef Ai curated a selection of recipes, featuring both classic favorites and modern creations,that were given to booth attendees to take home and recreate.
URC Flour: A Partner in Success: Chef Al’s passion extends beyond her own creations. She believes in sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to embark on their baking journeys. “Baking is a gift that should be shared,” she says. “Through my partnership with URC Flour, | hope to empower bakers of all levels to create delicious memories.” Chef Ai’s partnership with URC Flour is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and its dedication to supporting the baking community. “URC Flour is more than just an ingredient; it’s a partner in my baking journey,” she concludes.
Globe is revolutionizing the rewards experience by converting regular points into chances for exciting prizes, necessary redemptions, and life-altering objectives, providing customers additional ways to make the most of their points before they expire on March 31, 2025.
“As we approach points expiry, we want to ensure that customers fully enjoy the value of their Globe Rewards points,” said Peter Redan Ramirez, Head of Loyalty at Globe. “This year’s offers go beyond simple redemptions, creating exciting opportunities for customers to win prizes, enjoy exclusive perks, and support a worthwhile cause.”
Despite the fact that about 3 million Globe customers have redeemable points, many of them are hurried when redeeming them, forget their balances, or lose track of their accrued incentives.
Globe Rewards is launching March Haves, three innovative ways to interact with consumers whether or not they have points, to make sure that every point matters.
G-Gantic Goals empowers customers to support animal welfare and provide rescued animals with a second chance at life by redeeming just 1 Rewards point.
Through its partnership with Pawssion Project, Globe aims to raise 150,000 points to give their rescued animals a second chance at life through supporting critical structures such as collapsible playpens in Bulacan and a pet nursery in Bacolod, ensuring better care for animals in need.
G Raffle Rushoffers Filipino families a chance to create the life they want, giving them access to enriching and delightful experiences beyond telco.
For as little as 1 Globe Rewards point, customers can win the latest gadgets such as an iPhone 16 Pro, and a MacBook Air M2. They can also enjoy all-expense-paid vacations to the Maldives and El Nido, as well as a Southeast Asian cruise, or receive Php100,000 in GCash, and more. A 0917Lifestyle shopping spree worth P10,000 and P10,000 Singlife credits are also up for grabs!
Customers who redeem any of the G Raffle Rush offers will also be getting exclusive offers from Pancake House, Jamba Juice, and Krispy Kreme to sweeten the deal.
Promo period runs from February 24 to March 24, 2025, with raffle draws on March 15 and March 31. Customers must complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) form to qualify.
G Swipe for Allgives customers an opportunity to win prizes without using any Rewards points. Every Monday in March, customers can redeem a free G Swipe on the GlobeOne app, unlocking various instant rewards.
In partnership with 0917Lifestyle, this initiative provides discounts and freebies on shopping, gadgets, and food from popular brands, including SM, Shopee, Power Mac Center, Adidas, Puregold, Giftaway, GrabFood, Jollibee, and Krispy Kreme.
Globe wants to alert consumers to the dangers of receiving fraudulent text messages regarding their rewards claims. Only the GlobeOne app can be used to redeem Globe Rewards points.
Globe Rewards keeps coming up with new and interesting experiences. Download the GlobeOne app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery, then begin redeeming to become a member.
Book lovers, get ready! At the Philippine Book Fair 2025, which will take place at the Megamall Mega Trade Hall from March 13–16, Precious Pages Corporation and Lampara Publishing are prepared to enthrall readers with an amazing lineup of new book releases.
Known for its dedication to early childhood literacy, Lampara Publishing is releasing a new line of educational books for Preschool through Grade 3 (K–3) that include:
📚 Reading Primer: Filipino and English 📚 Basa Taktika 📚 Strategic Reader 📚 Numeracy Learning Kit 📚 Reference Books 📚 Atlas, Florante at Laura
According to Precious Pages CEO Segundo Matias Jr., the goal of these new releases is clear:
“Layon ng Lampara Books na matutong magbasa ang bawat batang Pilipino para sa kanilang pag-unlad bilang indibidwal at maging kapakipakinabang sa lipunan.”
Meanwhile, Precious Pages is bringing a dynamic selection of novels for Junior to Senior High students, tackling themes of reading literacy, gender and development, inclusivity, BLs, and social sciences. Featured titles with new editions include:
✨ 15 –Victoria Amor ✨ Marcelino Cinco’s High School Survival Guide – Rose Tan
✨ Hitman Tony’s Summer Camp Survival Guide – Rose Tan
✨ Arvy Nicole’s First Love Survival Guide – Rose Tan
✨ My Fat Chance – Sofia
✨ Happy Together – Luna King
✨ Forever and Never – Angelic Alcantara
✨ I Remember The Boy: Hiro Hinata – Sofia
✨ Just One Wish – Kayla Caliente
✨ Lost Stars – Maricar Dizon
✨ Love In A Game – Kayla Caliente
✨ Love, Lies and Kryptonite – Nina Satomi
✨ Mad World – Lush Ericson
✨ Melancholy of a Wallflower – Gazchela Aerienne
✨ Once a Princess – Angel Bautista
✨ Our Last Colorful Days – Tyra
✨ Red Briefs, Young Love, And Other Superstitions – Nina Satomi
✨ Ang Nawawalang Bayan – Maricar Dizon
✨ Paghahanap sa Mutya – Maricar Dizon
✨ Ang Awit ng Sirena – Maricar Dizon
✨ Palasyo ng Ilusyon – Maricar Dizon
✨ Ang Anak ni Dumagat – Maricar Dizon
✨ Ang Pag-ibig ng Danag – Maricar Dizon
✨ I Knew He Was Trouble – Heart Yngrid
✨ Eh, Di Sa Puso Mo – Heart Yngrid
✨ Confessions of a K-pop Fangirl – Heart Yngrid
✨ Social Media Addict – Heart Yngrid
✨ Pen Name: ilovesushi – Heart Yngrid
✨ Relationship Status: Friendzone – Heart Yngrid
✨ Supernova – Luna King
✨ Vanilla Twilight – Luna King
Black Ink (BIC) Comics & Manga
🖤 BIC Comics (Non-BL): 📖 Ibong Adarna Reimagined 📖 Florante at Laura Reimagined 📖 Bible Stories Reimagined: Genesis
🌈 BIC Comics (BL Titles): 📖 Poster Boy 📖 Poster Boy Vol 2: Fair and Square 📖 Poster Boy Vol 3: The Prince and the Knight 📖 Love Letter Fairy 📖 My Sweet Tooth Love 📖 My Sweet Tooth Love 2 📖 From Neighborhood to Brotherhood 📖 The Guardian Angel 📖 Puppy Love 📖 Terropian Princess 📖 The Girl and the Goldfish
These books aim to enhance reading comprehension among young readers and offer engaging, thought-provoking stories.
“The young adult books, both prose and graphic novels, will cater to Grade 6 up to Senior High. Para lalo pang malinang ang reading comprehension ng mga mag-aaral,” said Matias.
To discover these brand-new books, connect with other book enthusiasts, and enjoy the joy of reading, stop by the Precious Pages and Lampara Publishing booth at the Philippine Book Fair 2025!
🔖 Follow Precious Pages and Lampara Publishing on social media for updates.
Alsons Dev, in partnership with Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) and the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc. (CLAFI), brings The Mind Rover to Avia Estate, giving public school students in Sarangani an immersive, hands-on science learning experience.
The Mind Rover was brought to Avia Estate, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation’s (Alsons Dev) 121-hectare township in Alabel, Sarangani, on February 25, 2025, in collaboration with Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI), the group behind The Mind Museum. This program provides public school kids with free entry to the internationally acclaimed, multi-awarded science museum experience.
About 200 students from IP-integrated schools (IS) in the Sarangani Province, including Datal Basak IS and Lebe IS in Maasim; Malandag Central Elementary School, Pulatana IS, and Malungon National High School in Malungon; Policarpo H. Millona Central Integrated School and Lun Padidu National High School in Malapatan; and Paraiso IS and Sofan IS in Alabel, were welcomed by the Avia Estate leg through the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation (CLAFI), the Alcantara Group’s corporate social responsibility arm.
During their visit, the students explored interactive exhibits in the Mind Rover representing The Mind Museum’s five unique galleries: Atom, Life, Earth, Universe, and Technology. They also enjoyed special screenings of Mind S-Cool TV, a family-friendly show that makes science and the arts fun and engaging.
To make the most of their learning experience, the students also toured the Alabel Public Safety and Security Complex, home to a Fire Substation, Community Police Assistance Center, and Emergency Operations Center built and donated by Alsons Dev to the Alabel LGU. While waiting, the students enjoyed reading CLAFI’s Flalok Big Books, a collection of illustrated folklore of the Blaan Indigenous Peoples in Sarangani Province and General Santos. These books preserve traditional Blaan stories, originally passed down orally, by presenting them in written and illustrated forms that reflect Blaan culture.
By promoting education as the cornerstone of community development and increasing access to transformative learning opportunities, Alsons Dev reaffirmed the company’s dedication to empowering Sarangani communities.
With assistance from the Malungon, Malapatan, and Alabel LGUs, Sarangani Energy Corporation, Department of Education – Sarangani Division, and NutriAsia, BAFI and 2Go, in collaboration with local partners Alsons Dev and CLAFI, made the Mind Rover Avia Estate leg, the first of three stops in the SOX Region, possible.
[From L to R:] Eastern Communications’ (EC) AVP and Head of Marketing & Customer Experience Jed Estanislao, EC Product Manager Edwin De Jesus, EC CAN Planning & Engineering Head Rachelle Roque, EC Brand Communications Head Hannah Lazatin, and Contributing Editor of Asian Business Review, Simon Hyatt.
The Philippines’ online economy grew at the quickest rate among six Southeast Asian countries in 2024, according to the most recent e-Conomy SEA report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company. The nation’s digital economy grew by 20%, with its gross merchandise value (GMV) increasing from $26 billion in 2023 to $31 billion in 2024, mostly due to the growing e-commerce industry.
Leading telecoms and managed ICT services provider Eastern Communications emphasizes its impressive performance over the past 12 months and is prepared to enable businesses with state-of-the-art ICT solutions and its strong, creative network architecture as the need for digitalization increases.
A Year of Growth and Recognition
[From L to R:] Eastern Communications’ (EC) Brand Communications Head Hannah Lazatin, EC Product Manager Edwin De Jesus, EC AVP and Head of Marketing & Customer Experience Jed Estanislao, and EC CAN Planning & Engineering Head Rachelle Roque
Eastern Communications has experienced remarkable business growth and resilience over the past decade. In 2024, Eastern increased its revenue by 8.4%, marking its competitive presence in the telco industry. The company has fueled its success by continuously striving for innovation, operational sustainability, and customer-centric solutions.
With a growing B2B market share, Eastern Communications has been able to make its innovative ICT solutions more widely accessible. This expansion has significantly impacted offerings like Eastern Cloud, a customizable public cloud platform powered by CloudSigma. Designed for flexibility, Eastern Cloud allows businesses to purchase only the computing resources they need, without being locked into fixed server sizes, offering greater control, cost efficiency, and scalability.
It was recently named the Cloud Initiative of the Year – Philippines at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025, highlighting Eastern’s effort in redefining cloud computing in the Philippines. More than just a business success story, Eastern Cloud has also helped drive digital transformation across industries in the Philippines by enabling businesses to reduce IT infrastructure costs by up to 30%.
Further demonstrating its infrastructure excellence, Eastern Communications also received the Infrastructure Initiative of the Year – Philippines award for its participation in the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN),a joint venture between Eastern Communications, Globe Group, and InfiniVAN, designed to fortify the country’s communication infrastructure.
Addressing the vulnerabilities of traditional networks, the PDSCN Express Route strategically ensures that at least 80% of cables are laid underwater, with less than 20% inland, significantly reducing the risks of network disruptions caused by cable cuts. Through this innovative approach, Eastern Communications delivers enhanced bandwidth and network resilience, empowering Filipinos—especially those in disaster-prone areas—with stronger, more reliable connectivity.
For Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications, this recognition marks an exciting start to the year. “We are truly grateful for these global recognitions. They highlight our continuous mission to drive digital transformation across the Philippines. They fuel our passion to push boundaries, to empower businesses with resilient connectivity and future-ready solutions, and to champion ICT education and accessibility for all Filipinos,” she said
Expanding Reach and Elevating its Heart of Service
Eastern Communications’ management committee leads the pack through strategic growth in 2025
Eastern Communications is committed to expanding its network to more business hubs across the country. In 2025, the company will extend its services to key cities including: Cotabato City, in BARMM, General Santos City in South Cotabato, and Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte.
“Our continuous expansion across the country is more than just growing our footprint, but pushing for a digital-ready Philippines and driving economic progress. With the rising demand for digital solutions, we aim to bring our world-class connectivity to rising business centers across the country, strategically improving our network to provide world-class connectivity to Filipinos,” said Jaeson Evangelista, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications.
Strengthening Security and Connectivity with DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS
Eastern Communications enhances nationwide infrastructure through its submarine cable laying project.
As cyberthreats become more sophisticated, Eastern Communications continues to invest in next-level security solutions. One of its latest offerings, DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS (Internet Direct Service), provides a premium, dedicated, high-speed internet solution designed to meet the demands of modern businesses.
DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS uses fiber-powered leased line technology, coupled with robust DDoS (Distributed denial of service) protection, ensuring reliable 24/7 connectivity with speeds of up to 10 GBPS, symmetrical upload and download speeds, and resilient access to global internet backbones. This cutting-edge solution enhances workforce productivity while safeguarding businesses against cyber disruptions.
As Eastern Communications looks ahead, it remains dedicated to being more than just a telco and ICT provider—it aims to be a trusted managed services partner of choice for businesses. Eastern continues to highlight its Heart of Service, delivering personalized solutions that drive business success. In 2024, the company’s Customer Satisfaction Score rose to an above-industry standard of 96.1%, demonstrating its dedication to customer experience excellence.
The company’s 2025 campaign, “Exceeding Expectations,” was inspired by its Heart of Service and intends to use Eastern’s high-tech and high-touch solutions to assist businesses surpass their objectives and improve their own customer experience.
Please visit www.eastern.com.ph to find out more about Eastern Communications.
Making saving easier, rewarding, and aligned with the Filipino consumers’ financial aspirations. Monj Del Rosario, Metrobank’s Consumer Business Head, reinforces the bank’s commitment to enabling Filipinos to unlock their life goals with offers that address their needs.
Let’s face it, with your daily bills stacking up, your concerns about unforeseen emergency expenses, and the general need for the proper savings habit, saving money can frequently feel overwhelming.
And you’re not the only one. According to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), family spending is increasing while saving rates are down. From 29% in the third quarter of 2024 to 25.6% in the final quarter, the percentage of households with savings decreased. In the meantime, household expenditure has been rising for the upcoming quarter, especially when it comes to costs for dining out, clothes, and food. Life throws you curveballs, your costs go up, and all of a sudden your savings objectives seem farther away than ever. This is a frequent struggle.
At a recent event, Metrobank talked about the difficulties that can arise when saving money and how you can have a chance to change this by making saving a conscious habit and utilizing valuable deals like its newly announced Triple Bonus promotion. As we often find ourselves easily swayed into purchasing various things, I must admit that I am guilty of this. That’s why I truly appreciate the valuable insights Metrobank provides on effectively managing finances. They not only share essential data on saving rates and financial trends but also equip us with deeper knowledge about financial management and exclusive offers.
According to the bank, one simple but effective way to start saving money intentionally is through goal-based saving which entails having separate accounts for specific financial goals – a modern take on the classic envelope method. By having dedicated savings accounts for your goals, you create a clear boundary between what’s meant for spending on your essentials and what’s meant for saving for your dreams.
Say no to #FOMO and yes to #SWOMO. Cris Concepcion, Institutional Brand Marketing Head, introduces the concept of “saving without missing out” (SWOMO) – reiterating that saving money shouldn’t feel like a sacrifice. Filipino savers should be able to set aside funds for their dreams, big and small, on top of working towards financial security.
The bank also highlighted that saving shouldn’t feel like a sacrifice. While it’s important to save money to prepare for emergencies or retirement, Metrobank encourages savers like you to Save Without Missing Out or to #SWOMO. This entails setting aside money to fund your dreams, whether that’s a solo backpacking trip to Japan, a dream destination wedding, or buying a comfortable home. This helps strike a balance between striving to be financially secure and living the life you’ve aways dreamed of.
Reach your life goals with Metrobank. Ina Pilares, Head of Retail Deposits and Payments, discusses how Metrobank’s Triple Bonus Promo, which runs from today until April 30, 2025, provides meaningful offers that help empower Filipinos to reach their savings goals.
Saving for these goals is made even more rewarding with Metrobank’s Triple Bonus Promo, that offers meaningful perks to help you reach your financial goals. After all, building your savings is the best gift you can give to your future self. When you open your first Metrobank savings or checking account from now until April 30, 2025, you get a triple bonus that will help set you up on your savings journey:
PHP 1,500 Cash Gift: Consider this a head start, a boost to your savings, or a well-deserved reward for taking that first step in building your goals fund. Enjoy a cash gift equivalent to a 3% return on your savings, when you deposit and maintain PHP 50,000 in your account, for 6 consecutive months.
Rebates on InstaPay Fees for a year: Make your everyday transactions lighter on your wallet with up to 10 waived InstaPay fees per month, for 12 months. Just maintain at least PHP50,000 in your account monthly for a year to enjoy this exclusive benefit. This will definitely put more money back into your pocket – because every peso counts, especially for your everyday expenses.
AXA Personal Accident Insurance: Life happens, and unexpected expenses can derail your plans and deplete your savings. With this insurance coverage, you can focus on your goals, knowing that you have a safety net for unexpected events in your life. Keep at least PHP50,000 in your account every month for a year to enjoy this added protection.
Save for the future you dream of. Influencers and friends from the media pose with their creative vision-to-action boards– as they commit to saving more intentionally for their life goals with the help of Metrobank.
With these rewards, Metrobank aims to encourage more people to be able to save money, and ultimately, start building the financial habits that will allow you to reach your life goals. To enjoy these offers, head to your nearest Metrobank branch and open your first Metrobank account.
As you save for your life goals in 2025, give yourself a threefold bonus.
Money-festing Friends from the media excitedly create colorful vision boards for their life goals, with Metrobank’s Triple Bonus promo being the enabler of their dreams.
Visit the Metrobank location that is closest to you or visit https://metrobank.com.ph to find out more.
Hello Glow’s sunscreen bar at Waterbomb Manila 2025
With a thrilling blend of music, water-themed entertainment, and skincare fun, Waterbomb Manila 2025 makes a spectacular premiere at the Quirino Grandstand! The inaugural Waterbomb festival in the Philippines showcased a thrilling blend of K-pop, hip-hop, and EDM acts, all while keeping attendees shielded from the sun with the help of Hello Glow’s Sunscreen Bar!
Hello Glow Keeps the Crowd Sun-Safe
By installing a Sunscreen Bar at Waterbomb Manila 2025, Hello Glow created a stir and made sure that festival goers could enjoy themselves while protecting their skin. Hello Glow’s sunscreen testers let festival goers to make their own sunscreen charms and reapply SPF, making it the ideal summertime necessity for a day filled with music and nonstop water fights. Hello Glow, a skincare company with Korean influences, was a perfect partner in creating an amazing first Waterbomb Manila!
Hello Glow’s Sun Care Stick with SPF 60+
Day 1 Highlights
The festival kicked off with high-energy performances from a star-studded lineup. EXO’s Chanyeol electrified the stage, while Jessi made her triumphant return with a powerful set. Sunmi and Hyolyn wowed the crowd with their stunning vocals and dynamic dance performances. Hip-hop and R&B fans enjoyed sets from Gray, BamBam, and reggae duo Skull & HAHA. Representing the local scene, P-pop groups Bilib and ZÉLA proudly showcased Filipino talent.
Day 2 Highlights
The excitement continued on the second day with Kang Daniel, whose smooth vocals and choreography captivated fans. Hyolyn returned for another high-energy set, while Gray, Oh My Girl, VIVIZ, and NU’EST’s Baekho delivered unforgettable performances. Water fights and synchronized water shows kept the crowd refreshed throughout the festivities.
The Ultimate Festival Experience
With its combination of live performances, interactive water activities, and eye-catching visual effects, Waterbomb Manila 2025 was more than just a music event. Attendees were able to fully enjoy the action without worrying about sun damage because Hello Glow made sure everyone’s skin remained sun-safe.
Due to Hello Glow’s involvement, the event was not only more enjoyable but also more skincare-friendly! It’s safe to assume that SPF will continue to be essential for the best possible festival experience, and fans are already anticipating the next Waterbomb Manila.
The BPI #BestLifeRun 2025 is anticipated to attract 6,000 runners.(Photo from BPI #BestLifeRun last June 9, 2024)
On March 1, 2025, registration for the highly anticipated BPI #BestLifeRun Corporate Race 2025 will formally open!
This year’s marathon, the nation’s first and only corporate-focused running event, is expected to be bigger and better, bringing together professionals from different industries in the goal of corporate wellness, fitness, and friendship.
As it enters its third year, the BPI #BestLifeRun Corporate Race furthers the collective commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being while promoting workplace health and wellness. What began as a way for BPI employees to unite has grown into a multi-company fitness movement that now includes teams from huge firms and run clubs of all sizes as well as micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs).
Run for a cause, race for wellness
Happening on June 8, 2025, at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City, the BPI #BestLifeRun Corporate Race will feature four race categories—3KM, 5KM, 10KM, and 21KM—ensuring that runners of all fitness levels can participate. It expects to draw 6,000 participants, consisting of a mix of employees from various companies.
Companies and organizations can register teams with a minimum of four members, competing not just for speed, but for the title of the fastest, fittest, and most competitive organization.
“At BPI, we believe that a thriving workforce starts with a focus on wellness and well-being. The #BestLifeRun is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and the collective pursuit of a healthier lifestyle,” said Gina Eala, BPI Chief Human Resources Officer.
Beyond the excitement of competition, the BPI Foundation’s partner communities around the country will benefit from this year’s race’s net revenues.
“We extend an invitation to businesses and organizations to participate in this significant endeavor, where we enhance our business communities and significantly improve the lives of others,” Eala continued.
Special registration perks!
Early bird registrants from March 1 to 15, 2025, can enjoy discounted rates, with registration fees starting at P800 for 3KM; P1,000 for 5KM; P1,200 for 10KM; and P1,600 for 21KM.
Participants can register by visiting @bpibestliferun on Instagram, BPI’s official Facebook page, or RUNRIO’s social media pages. BPI corporate clients are encouraged to coordinate with their relationship managers for team registration.
More than a race – a celebration of corporate teamwork!
The excitement doesn’t stop at the finish line! Runners can enjoy post-race activities in the race village, connect with peers, and explore booths from event sponsors. Special awards await top-performing corporate teams, competitive individuals, and standout run clubs.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary race for health, camaraderie, and purpose. Gather your colleagues, lace up your running shoes, and be part of the BPI #BestLifeRun Corporate Race 2025!
For more information, follow @bpibestliferun on Instagram.
The nation’s first e-commerce site, Lazada, is starting March with premium products at cheaper prices during its 3.3 Pasabog Sale, which runs from March 2 at 8 PM to March 7. Take advantage of up to 90% OFF LazFlash offers, 100% free shipping with no minimum buy, and up to P2000 Lazada coupons when you switch to the better 3.3 sale!
Customers can use Lazada’s array of GenAI services, such as AI Lazzie—Southeast Asia’s first eCommerce chatbot—for a more smart and tailored buying experience. Customers’ decision-making process is streamlined by this application, which offers virtual try-ons, image-based searches, customized recommendations, product review summaries, and a skin analyzer.
In order to provide more flexibility and satisfaction, Lazada has enhanced its return and refund policy. It now offers 30-day free returns, which is twice the industry standard, as well as a simple refund procedure with more categories for Change of Mind returns.
Shop Lazada’s 3.3 Pasabog Sale from March 2 at 8 PM to March 7 and follow Lazada Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for additional daily pasabog offers.
AICI President Olen Juarez-Lim with AICI Punta Cana 2023 attendees
The AICI Global Conference 2025, which will take place in Manila from April 24 to 27, will bring together image consultants from around the world to discuss issues ranging from fashion choices and the power of communication to etiquette and protocol to personal image, visual branding and industry strength, networking and the necessity of presence, and more.
Olen Juarez-Lim
The first Asian president of the 35-year-old Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), Ms. Olen Juarez-Lim, founder and president of OJL Consulting Group, is hosting the 2025 global conference of the international professional association.
The largest and most prominent association of image consultants in the world is called AICI.
Members from 38 AICI chapters across 60 countries will be present at the event. The worldwide conference will take place in Asia, namely in the Philippines, for the first time in AICI’s history.
It will take place from April 24 to 27 at the Makati Shangri-La Manila, where delegates and conference participants will experience Philippine culture and fashion and visit tourist destinations.
“Image consultants from the USA, Latin America, China, Malaysia, India, Australia, the UK, and other regions will fly here to exchange ideas, share success stories, push the boundaries of image consulting, and strengthen global collaborations. The conference aims to propel our profession to new heights as we seek effective strategies to help our clients succeed in this challenging, constantly changing marketplace,” Ms. Juarez-Lim said.
The theme of the 2025 conference is “Elevating Excellence: Breakthrough Strategies for Image Consulting Mastery”. “It is a call to action for image consultants to hone their craft and find ways to push the boundaries of innovation,” she added.
AICI Punta Cana 2023
Image consultancy has been acknowledged as an important profession in the modern world. Celebrities, athletes, politicians, business leaders, and brands recognize the value of managing how markets and audiences perceive them.
“The AICI Global Conference offers an outstanding networking experience for ongoing professional development. The Manila conference will foster meaningful exchanges regarding trends, technology, and innovative practices in image consulting. This 2025 edition represents the most dynamic array of educational opportunities in our organization’s history, featuring keynotes and special guests alongside the full conference experience,” said Rosario Diz of Argentina, vice president of the global conference.
“AICI aims to provide an immersive experience that highlights Filipino hospitality, cuisine and the arts. This unique backdrop provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to experience the warmth and friendliness of the Filipino people, making the conference both educational and culturally entertaining. We are proud and delighted to welcome everyone to our country and showcase our rich culture,” Ms. Juarez-Lim said.
