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370 microbusinesses in Rizal and important VisMin provinces are strengthened by BPI

SEAL-BETA entrepreneurs proudly showcase their products and innovations,
highlighting the program’s role in fostering growth, creativity, and community impact.

In order to enable microbusinesses to expand their operations and improve their industry strategies, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) launched the Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab-Business Expansion through Training and Application (SEAL-BETA) in several provinces throughout the nation through its social development arm, the BPI Foundation (BPIF).

370 microbusinesses from the provinces of Rizal, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Samar, and South Cotabato received thorough business training and mentorship sessions from BPIF in collaboration with BPI Direct BanKo and DTI’s Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA).

According to Department of Trade and Industry, micro, small, and medium (MSME) enterprises account for 99.63% or 1,241,733 of the business establishments in the country as of 2023. Micro enterprises comprise 90.43% of total establishments, followed by small enterprises at 8.82%, and medium enterprises at 0.38%.

BPI SEAL-BETA is a project specifically designed for micro enterprises to undergo intensive training that covers product diversification, digital payments, costing and pricing, negotiation, and entrepreneurial finance—aligned with BPI’s advocacy to help marginalized communities achieve financial wellness.

“We carried out this initiative recognizing that our microbusinesses, especially those situated in local barangays, have the potential to thrive when equipped with suitable training tailored to their needs. By empowering them to grow and innovate, we believe they can become self-sustaining and deliver services to their customers well,” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director.

The implementation of the program also provided access to market by showcasing participants’ products and services during a market fair, which generated a total of Php2,250,000 in sales across six provinces. As part of the program, participants pitch their products and services, applying the knowledge gained from the training. Select entrepreneurs were awarded pitch grants of Php25,000 and booth set-up awards of Php20,000.

As of 2024, BPIF has supported 514 enterprises under SEAL-BETA.

BPI demonstrates its dedication to making a long-lasting and inclusive impact through sustainable financial education by offering microbusinesses hands-on learning and implementation.

Go to https://www.bpifoundation.org/ for additional details. For updates, follow BPI Foundation on Facebook (@BPIFoundation) and Instagram (@bpifoundationinc).

September 1, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

The Manila Water Foundation continues to increase RDF turnovers throughout Metro Manila and Rizal, which improves community health and sustainability

Manila Water Foundation, in partnership with Manila Water Service Area teams, recently conducted a series of handover ceremonies to distribute Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDFs) across select cities in Metro Manila and municipalities in Rizal.

In collaboration with its Service Area teams, Manila Water Foundation, the social development division of East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Company, recently held a number of handover ceremonies to distribute Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDFs) throughout a few Metro Manila cities and municipalities in Rizal.

This program seeks to enhance solid waste management, stimulate the use of reusable water tumblers to lessen the pollution caused by plastic bottles, and promote hydration for improved health.

The handover events took place at Taguig Integrated School in Taguig City, San Isidro Labrador Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal, and both the Philippine Science High School and University of the Philippines Integrated School in Quezon City.

A total of over 60 Refrigerated Drinking Fountains will be installed in 60 schools and public spaces, reinforcing the importance of hydration and the role of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs in advancing health and nutrition outcomes.

To further promote sustainable practices, drinking kits were distributed to select learners during the ceremonies, along with hygiene info-education posters on the 7 Steps to Proper Toothbrushing and the 7 Steps to Proper Handwashing. These kits encourage the use of personal water tumblers, aiming to reduce PET bottle usage, contribute to cleaner waterways, and improve solid waste management.

Key officials attended the ceremonies, including Rodriguez Rizal Municipal Vice Mayor Edgardo Sison and MWSS Regulatory Office Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Ty, who underscored the importance of regulatory and service-area support for WASH initiatives.

Noel Balubal, Chief of the Schools Governance and Operations Department of DepEd Taguig-Pateros, expressed gratitude for the program, noting that Manila Water Foundation’s WASH efforts help expand DepEd’s initiatives in health and nutrition.

Through the Erceflora’s Batang Matatag campaign, boxes of Erceflora probiotics were also handed over to school leaders in Marikina City and Municipalities of San Mateo and Montalban as a support to manage diarrheal, gastrointestinal disorder on campus and to promote overall gut health.

This initiative aims to promote hydration for better health, support solid waste management, and encourage the use of reusable water tumblers to reduce plastic bottle pollution.

More than 500,000 students, instructors, and staff in Metro Manila and Rizal Province are anticipated to gain from the Lingap RDF Program, which offers consistent access to clean drinking water.

In addition to commemorating Manila Water’s 28th anniversary, these transition activities highlight the organization’s ongoing dedication to WASH for all communities.

August 29, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News, Tech

Globe-backed social entrepreneurs The Spark Project and Virtualahan are included in the Singtel Group Future Makers 2025 Impact Report

Future Makers event in Sydney, Australia, November 2017 — Virtualahan x Globe x Singtel x Optus. Photo courtesy of Virtualahan

A regional study commemorating 10 years of tech-driven social innovation, the Singtel Group Future Makers (SGFM) 2025 Impact Report highlighted two Philippine businesses supported by Globe: Virtualahan and The Spark Project.

The Spark Project, which helps entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses, and Virtualahan,  the nation’s first disability-centered social company, are two examples of SGFM alumni that demonstrate how technology can meet community needs while fostering business expansion.

Launched in 2015, SGFM has become a regional platform supporting 85 start-ups through grants, mentorship, and ecosystem access, benefiting over 24 million people across 11 countries through initiatives in education, healthcare, mental health, environment, agriculture, waste management, and inclusion.1 In 2017, Globe adopted this in the Philippines when it launched its Globe Future Makers (GFM) program to empower startups that use technology to address societal challenges. GFM provides these startups with essential resources such as mentorship, marketing assistance, and networking opportunities. The program aims to cultivate an ecosystem of social innovators who leverage technology to create positive change, aligning with the Singtel Group of Companies’ broader social innovation initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.

As a major telecommunications conglomerate based in Singapore that provides a wide range of services across Asia, Australia, and Africa, Singtel is concluding the current format of the Future Makers program in the region after a successful ten-year run, citing a more mature social innovation ecosystem with growing government and corporate support.

“Moving forward, we will focus on working with alumni ventures to help drive their expansion and build stronger collaboration,” said Andrew Buay, VP for Group Sustainability at Singtel.

Virtualahan first gained recognition as one of the startups that won the Globe Future Makers (GFM) in 2017, while The Spark Project partnered with Globe for GFM 2019. Both later represented the Philippines for the regional SGFM network.

“Through our partnership with SGFM, we had the opportunity to support Filipino social enterprises in their journey to expand their impact and contribute to positive change in the communities they serve,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Virtualahan illustrates this pathway by equipping persons with disabilities, vulnerable youth, solo parents, recovering addicts, persons deprived of liberty, and displaced workers with digital skills training and support programs that open up access to livelihood and long-term reintegration.

Since completing the 2017 GFM and SGFM cohorts, Virtualahan has trained 1,267 persons with disabilities, with a 66% employment rate and a 25% income increase among graduates. It has increased annual revenues by approximately 300% and incubated two spin-off businesses.

“The exposure, learning, and endorsement we received from SGFM and Globe helped boost our credibility as a pioneering social enterprise in the local disability space,” said Ryan Gersava, founder of Virtualahan.

The Spark Project, originally a crowdfunding platform for creative ventures, evolved after its GFM and SGFM experience into an entrepreneur-support organization that has assisted over 135 enterprises, channelled Php25.5 million into impact projects, and deployed a Php16.6 million loan fund.

“By connecting us with a wider network of mentors, collaborators, and supporters, GFM and SGFM enabled us to build stronger programs that support Filipino creatives and social entrepreneurs,” said Patch Dulay, founder of The Spark Project.

Aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs gather at Globe Tower for Spark Fest — a day of inspiring talks and workshops on creativity, entrepreneurship, and impact. Photo courtesy of The Spark Project

Collaborating with Globe, both groups launched impactful thematic programs. Virtualahan, for instance, connected persons with disabilities, displaced workers, and out-of-school youth to the internet, enabling their participation in the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s Digital Jobs PH upskilling programs in 2021. Meanwhile, the Spark Project teamed up with Globe for Spark Fest 2018 and 2019, creating a dedicated space where individuals passionate about social causes can find inspiration, learn, and connect with creative founders, thought leaders, and other aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating how telco infrastructure can amplify civic impact.

Through digital innovation, strategic collaboration, and regional alliances, Globe is dedicated to supporting Philippine businesses that use technology to solve urgent social issues and promote sustainable growth.

Read this study to find out more about the Singtel Group Future Makers (SGFM) 2025 Impact study, read the report here.

Go to https://www.globe.com.ph/ to visit Globe’s website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 29, 2025 by
Lifestyle, Tech

Setting a new world record as the thinnest smartphone with a 3D curved display,

Measuring just 5.95mm at its thinnest point, the Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ combines ultra-thin design with powerful performance, setting a new benchmark for young global users seeking both style and substance.

Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ device officially been certified by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ as the World’s Thinnest 3D Curved Display Smartphone

The Infinix HOT 60 Pro+, which measures only 5.95mm at its thinnest point, has been formally confirmed by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS as the World’s Thinnest 3D Curved Display Smartphone. An important turning point in smartphone design and Infinix’s international expansion was reached with the certification event, which took place in Indonesia.

At the same time when the Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ was introduced locally, the award ceremony was held at Indonesia’s famous Borobudur Temple. Celebrated with XFans, this record-breaking accomplishment represents Infinix’s breakthrough in design innovation on a worldwide scale.

“The Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ not only achieves a balance between slimness and performance, but also reflects our continued exploration in smartphone innovation. Being officially certified by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ is a recognition of the Infinix team’s efforts and reinforces our commitment to continuous breakthroughs on the global stage. Through achievements like this, we hope to enable young users around the world to enjoy a more inspiring and enjoyable tech lifestyle,” said Tony Zhao, Chief Executive Officer of Infinix.

To validate the record, Infinix partnered with an ILAC-accredited laboratory, where the HOT 60 Pro+ underwent rigorous laser measurements taken at ten different points on the device. The verification confirmed a minimum thickness of 5.95mm at its thinnest section and 6.09mm at its thickest point, with the latter adopted as the official benchmark for the Guinness World Records™ title. This precise evaluation ensures the integrity and credibility of the recognition, marking the HOT 60 Pro+ as the World’s Thinnest 3D Curved Display Smartphone.

From left to right: JKT48 Christy, Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ Ambassador; Sergio Ticoalu, Head of Marketing, Infinix Indonesia; Kazuyoshi Kirimura, Guinness World Records™ Adjudicator; Abia Wang, Infinix SEA Marketing Director; and JKT48 Gita, Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ Ambassador.

Kaoru Ishikawa, Vice President of Guinness World Records for Japan and Southeast Asia, shared “We are delighted to award the Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title as the World’s Thinnest 3D-Curved Display Smartphone, presented in conjunction with its market launch in Indonesia. This achievement not only demonstrates Infinix’s relentless pursuit of innovation, but also places Indonesia in the spotlight as a center of technological celebration. We congratulate Infinix on this accomplishment and will remain committed to witnessing and celebrating more record-breaking achievements in the future.”

Despite its ultra-slim profile, the Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ delivers a full smartphone experience. It features an AMOLED curved display and runs on the MediaTek Helio G200 chipset, ensuring smooth and responsive performance in both everyday use and demanding scenarios. The device also incorporates a slim yet long-lasting battery with 45W fast charging, balancing lightness with durability. This design philosophy reflects Infinix’s brand proposition of “Tech for Enjoyment”—bringing young users technology that unites slim design, strong performance, and a joyful experience.

This official recognition marks a new chapter for the HOT Series in the international market in addition to being a product accomplishment for the HOT 60 Pro+. The HOT Series is one of Infinix’s main product lines for youthful consumers, and it keeps coming up with new design and technological innovations to satisfy changing customer demands. The honor supports Infinix’s expanding worldwide footprint and increases its competitiveness in both mass-market and emerging markets.

You can buy the Infinix HOT 60 Series on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. At retail, the Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ costs P8,999, while the Infinix HOT 60 Pro costs P6,999.

For more information, please visit www.infinixmobility.com.

To join this record-breaking community – and find out the answer to that original question – visit guinnessworldrecords.com.

 

August 29, 2025 by
Lifestyle, Tech

DITO’s exceptional network performance makes Filipinos’ digital dreams a reality

From left to right: Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Revenue Officer; Miriam Choa, Head of Mobile Business; and Jasper Evangelista, Director of Brand Marketing

The telco’s most recent campaign, Kaya DITO, had a successful media debut at Manila House in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, where DITO Telecommunity demonstrated how better connectivity turns Filipino digital dreams into attainable reality. DITO’s ecosystem, which is based on True 5G standalone technology and has been verified by Opensignal, a global leader in mobile analytics and insights, as the Philippines’ Fastest Mobile Network, demonstrates that the Filipino telecommunity’s demands for seamless network connectivity, value-driven services, and a unified digital experience are not just hypothetical but rather fundamental expectations that challenge the long-standing norms of the telco industry.

“For too long, outages, dropped calls, and overpriced data have been treated as normal. Let us say it bluntly: It is not normal. Every Filipino has limitless potential when equipped with the right tools, and the game is now changing since DITO has joined the fray and taken up the cause to disrupt the status quo—to deliver inclusive, next-gen technology to the  Filipino people. “Kaya DITO!” is our battle cry to symbolically break that cycle, because we truly believe that Filipinos deserve better,” shared by DITO Telecommunity President Eric Alberto in the event.

The DITO Telecommunity’s Kaya DITO campaign launch is that it truly highlights how fast and reliable connectivity can empower Filipinos to turn their digital goals into reality. With the recognition as the Philippines’ Fastest Mobile Network and its strong 5G technology, DITO sets a new standard that goes beyond just providing service—it reshapes what we should expect from a telco. For me, it’s inspiring to see how innovation and commitment to better connectivity can create opportunities and make our digital experiences smoother, more accessible, and more meaningful.

The Telco that Truly Takes Care of its Users

DITO’s prepaid solutions eliminate the frustration of wasted data through Level-Up Packs with ViLTE technology, making DITO the primary telco offering unlimited DITO-to-DITO HD video calls and unli mobile calls. Combined with Viber and Prime Video inclusions and flexible data packages with longer validity periods, users can now maximize their every peso without worrying about abruptly expiring data allocations.

The Telco that Offers Value-Packed Postpaid Plans

DITOFlexPlan 888 redefines what postpaid should offer—comprehensive inclusions and generous data at prices that make sense for Filipino budgets. Whether you choose SIM-only or device bundles, these plans prove that premium network performance doesn’t have to break the bank, empowering users to pursue their goals without connectivity compromises.

The Telco that Brings True 5G Home Internet Convenience

DITO WoWFi Pro 365 makes home connectivity effortless with a year-long unlimited connection that works when you need it. Families enjoy the convenience of reliable internet for work, study, and entertainment without the inconvenience of data top-ups and complicated installations; just network performance that simplifies your digital life at home.  Just ask any of your relatives and friends who have already ditched ordinary WiFi and jumped onto WoWFi— they will tell you what you’ve been missing out on.

The Telco that Built Everything You Need in One App

The DITO App represents one of the industry’s most comprehensive digital platforms, built from the ground up to handle the entire customer journey. From SIM and load purchase to account management and a wide range of OTT apps, users enjoy complete digital control with custom special offers, DITO Rewards points, and 24/7 customer support—managing everything while earning exclusive benefits.

This comprehensive approach to next-gen technology reflects DITO’s overall commitment to delivering on its promises across all digital touch points. The fastest-growing telco in the country is serious about maintaining its digital advantage and continues to drive digital innovation in the Philippines.

Chief Revenue Officer Atty. Adel Tamano emphasized DITO’s track record: “Kinaya Namin. We delivered—and in some areas, exceeded our promises. Every milestone we achieve represents a digital aspiration realized for the ordinary Filipino. DITO has built leadership not through claims, but through comprehensive digital solutions built on proven network performance.” He also shared that instead of asking Filipinos to settle for what’s just available, “We’ve listened to the market and have taken on the challenge of delivering on their digital aspirations. Kaya Mo – we believe every Filipino has the potential to achieve more when equipped with the right tools and services that get them. Kaya Namin– because we have the capabilities, technology, and service excellence to make it happen. And ultimately, we want every Filipino to recognize that they have a superior choice to be part of our growing telecommunity, Kaya, DITO na tayo!”

Built Different from Day One

Capping off the program, Rodolfo “GenBoy” Santiago, DITO Telecommunity Officer, highlighted how the company’s future-ready infrastructure sets DITO apart in delivering on the promise of Kaya DITO.

“From day one, we made the deliberate choice to build a true 5G Standalone network, not just marginal upgrades to legacy systems,” Santiago said. “This decision is what allows us to provide Filipinos with the real 5G experience — faster speeds, lower latency, higher capacity, and maximum reliability.”

Superior service across all services is made possible by DITO’s TRUE 5G Standalone infrastructure, which is built without legacy constraints. DITO’s dedication to closing the digital divide is evident in its technological advantage, which is confirmed by OpenSignal’s ranking as the fastest network in the Philippines.

According to DITO’s Brand & Marketing Director, Jasper Evangelista, “This deeper purpose of inspiring ordinary Filipinos to reach out for more and effecting real change—this is what continues to motivate all of us DITO employees.” He said this was the key to building brand love in a tribe of over 15 million DITOZEN subscribers in such a short time frame. In other words, this all-encompassing and empowering DITO ecosystem has essentially opened the door for Filipinos, regardless of their status or situation in life, to boldly exclaim, “Kaya ko nga dito!” And one empowered subscriber at a time, DITO is demonstrating that amazing things happen when performance is driven by purpose as they continue to connect more Filipinos.

DITO Telecommunity Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DITOphofficial 

Instagram: @ditophofficial 

X: @DITOphofficial 

TikTok: @ditophofficial 

 

 

August 28, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

Top Honors at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2025 Go to Alsons Dev

2nd from L-R: Asst. Gen. Manager for Sales & Marketing Jessa Mae Sisi and Asst. Vice President Jolla Soriaga, and Asst. Gen. Manager for Technical Operations Paul Francisco, receiving Narra Park Residences Avia’s second consecutive win for Best Housing Development (Mindanao)

At the 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) was once again honored as a developer. The company’s numerous accolades highlight its proven track record of producing high-quality properties in Mindanao. The award ceremony, which was presented in collaboration with the international brand Kohler, took place at Shangri-La The Fort in Manila on August 15, 2025.

The PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, the nation’s premier real estate awards program, was founded in 2011 and honors the best developers and projects around the country. Alsons Dev won several awards in several important categories in this year’s festival, including Best Mixed Use Development for Avia Estate, Best Housing Development (Mindanao) for Narra Park Residences Avia, and a Highly Commended citation for Best Housing Development (Metro Davao) for Mahogany South.

These recognitions build on Alsons Dev’s award-winning streak that began in 2023, underscoring the company’s reputation as a decorated developer in Mindanao and solidifying its multi-year legacy of excellence.

This year’s honors also highlight the strength of Alsons Dev’s portfolio. The recognition of Narra Park Residences Avia, which secured its second consecutive win as Best Housing Development (Mindanao), demonstrates the company’s leadership in delivering high-quality, thoughtfully designed housing developments. Avia Estate’s win as Best Mixed Use Development underscores Alsons Dev’s capability to create integrated, purposeful developments that combine residential, commercial, and leisure spaces in one masterplanned environment. Additionally, Mahogany South made a strong debut at the awards, earning a commendation that affirms its potential as a promising new residential community in Metro Davao.

“We are grateful to PropertyGuru Philippines for recognizing our work in Mindanao. These awards affirm our ongoing efforts to create well-planned communities that not only meet the needs of families today but also add long-term value to the region. It is especially meaningful to see Mindanao developments highlighted on a national stage, and we remain committed to building places that drive growth and opportunity for generations to come,” said Ms. Jolla Soriaga, Vice President for Business Development and Management of Alsons Dev.

Alsons Dev representatives pose for a photo after accepting three prestigious awards at the 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, including Best Mixed-Use Development and Highly Commended for Best Housing Development (Metro Davao).

These accolades reinforce the company’s long-term commitment to building people-first communities in Mindanao. Alsons Dev’s approach centers on creating developments that are both accessible and aspirational, blending affordability with elevated living experiences. This strategy ensures that the developer’s projects meet the needs of the market and contribute to the long-term progress of the communities they serve.

With a reputation for creating developments that are useful, affordable, and long-lasting, Alsons Dev is still a well-known brand in Mindanao real estate and will continue to be a partner in community development for many years to come.

Visit https://alsonsdev.com/ to find out more about Alsons Dev’s active projects and award-winning developments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 28, 2025 by
Health and Wellness, Lifestyle

MedGrocer and Novo Nordisk collaborate to improve obesity treatment in the Philippines

Together, Novo Nordisk and MedGrocer have launched ForwardMG by MedGrocer, the first cardiometabolic-focused ePharmacy in the Philippines that supports individuals with obesity and other chronic illnesses. With MedGrocer’s experience in digital healthcare and Novo Nordisk’s scientific leadership, the partnership seeks to make high-quality care more patient-centered, approachable, and less frightening. Through a single, integrated platform, ForwardMG offers a comprehensive care ecosystem, including access to physicians, medications, dietitians, and mental health assistance. Over a million Filipinos are already served annually by MedGrocer’s digitally connected healthcare solutions, and this collaboration furthers the company’s goal of revolutionizing chronic illness treatment in the nation. This program is also a component of Novo Nordisk’s Truth About Weight (TAW) campaign, which aims to increase knowledge, fight stigma, and support evidence-based, well-informed ways to treating obesity. (L-R) Geraldine Perez, Novo Nordisk Philippines’ director of market access and business development; Wei Sun, Novo Nordisk Philippines’ general manager; Germaine Kaw, co-founder and co-CEO of MedGrocer; and Raphael Santos, MedGrocer’s wellness lead.

 

August 28, 2025 by
Lifestyle, Sports

Pickleball and Proud Alliances

PPF Successfully Hosts the First-Ever Philippine Pickleball National Championship 2025 with Skechers Philippines

Hero Image

In the Philippines, pickleball is more than simply a game. It is a celebration of community, movement, and strategy. The Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) and its partner Skechers Philippines, a world leader in comfort and performance footwear, are at the center of the action as the sport continues to attract players of all ages and skill levels, fostering the nation’s growing pickleball fervor.

At the historic, first-ever Philippine Pickleball National Championship 2025, which took place at Dink and Shot in Marikina from May 30 to June 1, the excitement reached new heights. Skechers gladly supported its athletes, such as SJ Lim and Leander Lazaro, who competed while wearing their high-performance, agility-, stability-, and unbelievably comfortable Skechers Pickleball shoes.

Leander Lazaro and SJ Lim

The championship featured Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles divisions, spanning age groups from 19 to 55 and above, bringing in a mix of seasoned athletes and up-and-coming talents from across the country, all playing with passion, grit, and true sportsmanship.

Adding to the celebration, the tournament’s gold medalists from each division took home their well-deserved prizes, a pair of Skechers Pickleball shoes. Additionally, it is from the elite group of gold medalists where the Philippine Pickleball Federation will select the official athletes for inclusion in the national pool of pickleball athletes. The winners received their Skechers pairs in a special ceremony, marking another milestone in our partnership’s unwavering commitment to the sport.

Awarding

“Here in the Philippines, Skechers is beyond excited and optimistic about how the Pickleball community will grow. After being part of a monumental first for the Pickleball community with the recently concluded National Championship, we’re ready to support athletes and individuals who aspire to join the Pickleball community,” shares Suzette Pasustento, Country Manager of Skechers Philippines.

Suzette Pasustento

As pickleball gains even more momentum in the Philippines, PPF and Skechers stand ready to support every serve, volley, and victory. With footwear built for performance and comfort, Skechers ensures players at every level can step onto the court with confidence.

Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0

The game is expanding. The neighborhood is flourishing. Additionally, PPF and Skechers will be there at all times.

By following Skechers Philippines on Instagram and Facebook, pickleball players and fans may receive the most recent information about Skechers Pickleball product launches and more.

August 27, 2025 by
Lifestyle, Tech

Big Flavors, UNSTPPBL Energy: GOMO customers experience the First Scratch Session

GOMO is turning up the flavor in its mission to inspire subscribers to live an UNSTPPBL life by breaking limits, defying norms, and making every moment count. More than just connectivity, GOMO is about bringing fresh, bold experiences that fuel culture and creativity. That’s why the digital telco has partnered with Scratch Smashburgers as the Official Co-Presenter of the first-ever Scratch Session, a dining experience that fuses food, culture, and creativity.

On August 20, the debut Scratch Session will dish out a mash-up of flavors as Manila culinary heavyweights Stephen Duhesem (Automat, Metiz) and Mikko Reyes, Executive Chef of Scratch Smashburgers, join forces for an exclusive collab. Putting a fearless Filipino spin on the burger-and-fries classic, the duo brings to life GOMO’s vibe of breaking limits and turning the everyday into the extraordinary.

Headlining the menu is The Double MetCheeze, a double smash burger with mostaza, bagoong chili mayo, and fermented pineapple glaze. Also on offer is Twirly Spaghetti Fries, a playful spin on banana ketchup spaghetti served over fries with Malabon longganisa, samjang mayo, fermented red onions, and Gouda cheese.

GOMO subscribers can redeem these exclusives through the GOMO app using ‘Mo Creds. Get the Double MetCheeze for 15GB, Twirly Spaghetti Fries for 15GB, or both for 25GB.

“GOMO has always been about pushing boundaries and redefining what your telco can do for you.” said Dom Brucal, Head of GOMO PH. “Scratch Sessions is proof that our No Expiry Data doesn’t just connect people – it creates culture. With GOMO, you can turn your data into something tangible, memorable, and unique.

Scratch Sessions will continue as a series bringing together chefs, artists, and fashion creatives for fresh, surprising concepts.

“This menu was our playground for local ingredients and daring combinations,” added Chef Stephen Duhesem. “It’s a celebration of Filipino flavors in a way you’ve never experienced before.”“At Scratch Smashburgers, we thrive on pushing flavor boundaries, and this partnership with GOMO lets us take that creative freedom even further,” said Chef Mikko Reyes. “We wanted to create something fun, bold, and totally unexpected.”

GOMO is fueling the excitement for adventurous foodies and digital thrill-seekers, inviting everyone to share their bites with #ScratchSessions and #WeDontStop #WeGOMO.

Follow the action on GOMO’s Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for an all-access pass to behind-the-scenes moments and an up-close, mouth-watering look at dishes that make this food journey anything but ordinary.

Switch to GOMO by ordering a SIM at gomo.ph and unlock exclusive perks like Scratch Sessions and turn GBs into experiences with ‘Mo Creds.

 

August 26, 2025 by
Food, Lifestyle

Partnership between PCPPI and Plastic Bank creates shared value from plastic waste

13,000 metric tons of plastic recovered in 2024 alone

PCPPI Plant

In 2024, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) recovered 13,000 metric tons of plastic waste through its ongoing partnership with Plastic Bank, an international social fintech with a global bottle deposit program, setting a new standard for sustainability in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.

In addition to guaranteeing adherence to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law, which mandates that businesses recover a portion of the amount of plastic they produce, the program educated local communities, empowered waste collectors, and established PCPPI as one of the nation’s most progressive businesses in terms of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership practices.

“Plastic Bank partnered with us into thinking beyond compliance. We transformed sustainability into a company-wide mindset that involves every employee, partner, and community we touch,” said Atty. Carina Bayon, Chief ESG Officer of PCPPI. “This has created real, measurable value across our business and the communities we serve.”

Since launching the partnership in 2022, PCPPI has been funding the recovery of plastic equivalent to its entire annual footprint in the Philippines, covering key areas like Cebu, Pampanga, Davao, and Muntinlupa. This is after Plastic Bank gave PCPPI access to a scalable plastic recovery infrastructure aligned with the country’s evolving environmental policies.

But the effort goes beyond waste collection. It supports local recycling ecosystems, improves livelihoods of waste collectors, and strengthens grassroots partnerships with local government units (LGUs) through projects like Adopt-a-River and community-based material recovery initiatives.

“PCPPI’s corporate responsibility goes beyond compliance and leads by example in uplifting communities across the Philippines while preventing plastic from polluting the environment,” said David Katz, Founder and CEO of Plastic Bank. “Together, we’re proving that solving the plastic crisis is possible when companies lead with purpose and create prosperity for the people and the planet.”

From Bottling Beverages to Bottling Change

PCPPI’s sustainability model doesn’t end at recovery. “It aims to empower,” Atty. Carina Bayon added.

The company’s workforce has been mobilized as ESG champions through internal campaigns, bottle collection drives, and learning sessions with Plastic Bank.

With the appointment of its first Chief ESG Officer in 2023, PCPPI unified its sustainability, compliance, legal, and people strategies into one forward-thinking framework. This alignment has led to faster, more impactful decisions and solidified the company’s leadership in the ESG space.

Additionally, PCPPI’s dedication to sustainability is improving its reputation. The business gained recognition at international ESG events in Singapore and Jakarta, which increased it’s appeal to partners and investors who prioritize sustainability.

“The company’s transparency and consistency in passing EPR audits are also building consumer trust in a landscape where environmental credibility is increasingly non-negotiable,” said Atty. Carina Bayon. “By embedding ESG into our core strategy, PCPPI has proven that environmental responsibility is not just good business, it is good citizenship, for the common good.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 26, 2025 by