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With one laptop and a leap of faith, this couple transformed their future—proving that big dreams start with small steps

Every Filipino aspires to live a better life, one that is stable, comfortable, and full of growth chances. These goals represent the aspirations we have for ourselves and our loved ones, whether they are home ownership, starting a new career, or just easily handling daily expenses. And even if obstacles and a lack of resources can occasionally slow us down, the correct assistance can transform even the most simple moment into a powerful fresh start.

Home Credit Philippines, the top consumer finance company in the nation, marked a turning point for many. With flexible payment plans and reasonably priced financing choices, Home Credit enables Filipinos to confidently move toward the future they have always dreamed of—one attainable goal at a time.

A laptop that changed everything

Take the inspiring story of Manilyn and Mark Anthony Agus, both 35, who once juggled multiple side jobs to make ends meet. Today, they’re thriving as full-time virtual assistants, earning a combined six-digit monthly income–and it all began with one simple opportunity made possible by Home Credit. Before their careers took off, Mark worked at a factory and later became a delivery and ride-hailing rider. He also helped Manilyn sell home-cooked meals while she ran a small online business selling decorative pebbles.

Despite their hustle, most of their income went toward daily expenses and supporting Mark’s mother’s medical needs. Their dreams of owning a home and financial stability felt distant–until a chance encounter at a tech store changed their lives.

“We were just walking around the mall in 2022 when a Home Credit sales associate introduced us to their installment plans,” shared Manilyn. “All they asked for was one valid ID. The process was quick—less than a minute—and we walked out with a laptop.”

That laptop was more than just a device. It was a stepping stone.

From Struggles to Stability

With her new laptop, Manilyn secured her first virtual assistant job. Realizing the potential of remote work, she encouraged Mark to follow the same path. Soon, they secured a second laptop through Home Credit, allowing them both to work from home full-time.

“Napakalaking tulong sa amin ng Home Credit. Ito ang naging pundasyon namin para makapag-trabaho as virtual assistants,” Mark shared.

(The laptop we got through Home Credit was a huge help. It became the foundation of our work as virtual assistants.)

Since then, the couple has taken out and successfully paid off 11 loans with Home Credit—including cash loans and product installments. They’ve gradually built the life they once only dreamed of: owning a home, upgrading appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, buying furniture, motorcycles, and even a PS5 for leisure.

“Sa tulong ni Home Credit, nakapag-umpisa kaming mag-asawa ng bagong career at ngayon ay kumikita na kami ng umaabot ng six digits,” Manilyn added.

(With Home Credit’s help, my husband and I were able to start new careers, and now we’re earning up to six digits.)

Most recently, they used a ₱30,000 Home Credit Cash Loan to renovate their kitchen—approved in just one minute through the Home Credit App.

“Nag-avail kami ng cash loan through the Home Credit App. And in as fast as one minute, na-approve na siya agad,” Manilyn remarked.

(We availed a cash loan through the Home Credit App, and in as fast as one minute, it was already approved.)

“Malaki ang tiwala namin sa Home Credit dahil isa siya sa naging parte ng kung paano kami nakabangon. Kung tao si Home Credit, taos-puso kaming magpapasalamat dahil nakabili kami ng laptop na naging pundasyon para makapag-umpisa kaming mag-asawa. Malayo na rin ang aming narating mula noong panahong puro sideline lang ang aming kinakapitan,” Manilyn added.

(We have great trust in Home Credit because it played a big role in helping us build a better life. If Home Credit were a person, we would wholeheartedly say thank you, because it enabled us to buy a laptop that became the starting point for my husband and me to pursue our dreams. We’ve come a long way since the days when we relied only on side hustles.)

Helping Filipinos Achieve the Good Life

“Mark and Manilyn’s story reminds us of what’s possible when financial access meets real ambition,” said Shiela Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of Home Credit Philippines. “Our mission is to bring life-changing opportunities closer to everyday Filipinos. Their journey is proof that with the right tools and support, big dreams can come true.”

From a single gadget to a thriving home-based career, Mark and Manilyn’s experience reflects what Home Credit stands for: making progress possible, one empowered Filipino at a time.

Visit Home Credit Philippines official website at   www.homecredit.ph, to learn more about the most recent upgrades, or download the Home Credit app from Google Play, the App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. Additionally, you may follow its official profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). have granted Home Credit Philippines a license and are overseeing the financing company.

NYMA talents photos

The 46th Annual Telly Awards honor excellence in international video and television programming, and this year’s notable winners include Filipino content creator Abi Marquez and Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, singer-actor Christian Bautista.

One of the most lasting and renowned artists in the Philippines, Christian Bautista, won his first Telly Award this year for his endearing digital series, Matching Outfits, which he co-created with his wife.

Bronze in the Beauty, Fashion & Shopping  – Matching Outfits Series

His content series has quickly become a fan favorite, delighting audiences with playful fashion videos where he coordinates outfits with his wife, Kat. Each release is an instant hit—garnering millions of views and flooding the comments with admiration. Fans can’t get enough of their undeniable chemistry and charm, and even fellow celebrities have joined in, leaving enthusiastic comments and praise.

His top five Matching Outfit videos alone have pulled in a total of 41.2 million views across platforms!

Beauty, Fashion & Shopping Listing

Abi brought home three Silver Telly Awards for her work across different platforms and formats, winning in the following categories:

1. Online Series, Shows & Segments – Abi’s TikTok Account

Abi Marquez’s TikTok has become a go-to destination for food lovers of all ages, across countries. With a community of over 4.4 million followers and counting, her content stands out for making recipes feel fun, approachable, and unapologetically Filipino.

Whether she’s breaking down a traditional dish or trying something trendy, Abi’s tone stays grounded and friendly—like a friend who just happens to be really good in the kitchen. Her videos are fast-paced, visually sharp, yet easy to follow, which keeps viewers engaged from the first second to the last. And while she’s always entertaining, the heart of her content is cultural pride—shining a spotlight on Filipino food or culture in every frame.

Online Series, Shows & Segments Listing

2. Food & Beverage – Mabuhay World Campaign

Mabuhay World is Abi’s love letter to Filipino cuisine and culture on a global scale. Inspired by the word “Mabuhay,” which means “welcome” or “to live,” the campaign showcases the warmth and hospitality that define Filipino food.

Whenever Abi visits a country, she partners with international food creators to introduce Filipino dishes to new audiences—turning each collaboration into an opportunity to share recipes, stories, history, and identity. The spirit of Mabuhay World extends into an annual gathering in the Philippines, bringing together food content creators to celebrate collaboration and push Filipino cuisine on the world stage.

Mabuhay World Video

This campaign reflects Abi’s commitment to bringing Filipino food culture to the global stage—making it more than deserving of the Telly honor.

Food & Beverage Listing

3. Social Video – “Gordon Ramsay Doesn’t Like My Beef Wellington” Vlog

Abi’s dream collab has always been Gordon Ramsay—and this year, it finally happened. When Ramsay visited the Philippines to open his restaurant, Abi seized the moment and recreated his iconic Beef Wellington, adding her own twist: a lumpia-inspired version.

The video blew up, racking up nearly 80 million views across platforms to date. But it was the vlog, “Gordon Ramsay Doesn’t Like My Beef Wellington,” that gave fans the full story—from behind-the-scenes jitters to surreal moments with Gordon himself.

Gordon Ramsay Doesn’t Like My Beef Wellington vlog

For longtime followers, it felt like everything had come full circle. From growing up watching Gordon on TV to cooking beside him in a real kitchen, Abi just made her dream come true.

Social Video Listing

Over 13,000 submissions were submitted to the Telly Awards this year from six continents, showcasing a diverse array of creative work ranging from self-produced social content to large-scale advertising campaigns. Since its inception in 1979 as a means of honoring regional TV ads, the award has expanded to become one of the most inclusive in the industry, honoring brilliance on all screens.

The victories of Christian Bautista and Abi Marquez signal a significant milestone for Filipino artists establishing themselves internationally. Their work demonstrates that effective narrative is effective, whether it is in the form of a fashionable video or a recipe that goes viral.

FOLLOW ABI MARQUEZ AND HER FOOD ADVENTURES ON:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE |  X

CONNECT WITH CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE |  X | SPOTIFY

To learn more about NYMA, visit nyma.ph

By participating in this year’s simultaneous nationwide LAB Virus Program and Medical Mission on June 4, 2025, in collaboration with Cardinal Santos Medical Center, the Philippine National Police Officers’ Ladies Club (PNPOLC) demonstrates that they are much more than just a conventional social organization.

What started out as a support club for PNP officers’ spouses has expanded into a national network of strong, independent women who are significantly improving the lives of Filipinos. One of the best examples of that change is the LAB Virus program, which stands for “Love and Blessing.” This organization provides essential medical care to underprivileged areas nationwide in a kind and compassionate manner.

“In the past, it’s the Officers’ Ladies Club. This is composed of the wives of the officers of the PNP. But, of course, due to the changing times, nakita natin na ang mas kailangan pala ang mga pulis. So, that’s why we decided to transform it and register it as a foundation with the sole purpose of helping our PNP personnel and in order to make this sustainable, we made sure to create partnerships like this with Cardinal Santos Medical Center,” said Mrs. Mary Rose Marbil, National Adviser of the PNP-OLC Foundation.

Mrs. Marbil said she and her husband, former PNP Chief Rommel Marbil have decided to make this initiative nationwide and simultaneous in all the regional police offices in the country.

“Ang pangarap niya ay pangarap ko rin. Matatag na ekonomiya, maayos na lipunan at maayos na Kapulisan”, she added.

In an unprecedented show of unity and service, the PNP-OLC mobilized members in all regions to simultaneously conduct medical missions in police camps, barangays, and remote areas. In collaboration with Cardinal Santos Medical Center, the initiative will provide:

• Free health consultations
• Basic laboratory services and Free circumcision
• Blood pressure and blood sugar checks
• Flu and pneumonia vaccinations
• Medicine distribution and wellness education

The event is part of PNP-OLC’s broader effort to redefine the role of women in the uniformed service community—not just as supporters, but as leaders, organizers, and changemakers in their own right.

Mrs. Marbil further assured the continuity of the initiative as they transition to a new leadership in the PNP.

“I made a playbook para may guide na kung ano ‘yung gagawin, we will support the new adviser. I’m sure may mas marami pa siyang ideas na maiisip for the police force”

The club demonstrates that true service transcends uniforms and that compassion knows no rank by partnering with one of the top medical institutions in the nation to guarantee that high-quality care reaches even the most difficult-to-reach populations.

IN PHOTO: The elevated flood-proof Olandes STP control room located in Marikina City The enhancements at Manila Water’s Olandes STP, which include upgrading the Biological Nutrient Removal system, demonstrates the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and adherence to government standards on effluents, ensuring cleaner and safer waterways

Manila Water has completed major upgrades at the Olandes Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Marikina City, converting its previously unused capacity to support Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) treatment. This development reflects the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship and adherence to more stringent effluent quality standards.

The P129.31-million BNR enhancement project, finalized in November 2024, aimed to boost the STP’s efficiency in eliminating harmful nutrients such as ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates—pollutants that can severely impact ecosystems if not properly treated. Through this improved BNR process, Manila Water is actively reducing the environmental footprint of wastewater discharge into surrounding waterways.

Key enhancements implemented as part of the operational modification include replacing the existing Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS) process with a more advanced Modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) configuration. This upgrade involved several critical components such as structural modification and repair of tanks, construction of a chemical house for the chemical dosing system, installation of submersible pumps and mixers for improved distribution of treatment chemicals, and installation of a control panel and instrumentation for better monitoring and management of treatment processes.

With a current capacity of 10,360 MLD and a daily average inflow of 5,000 MLD, the Olandes STP serves over 40,000 residents across Barangays Cinco Hermanos, Industrial Valley, Sitio Olandes, Blue Ridge, and Libis in Marikina and Quezon City.

“The completion of the Olandes STP enhancements marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect the environment and ensure compliance with stringent effluent standards. By adopting advanced nutrient removal technology, we are not only improving the quality of wastewater treatment but also safeguarding the health of our waterways and communities,” Manila Water Communication Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said.

Moreover, upgrading the Olandes STP to improve its current BNR processes helps meet the stringent regulations of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for Class C wastewater, which supports marine life. This initiative is intended to ensure that wastewater treatment facilities follow BNR process standards, ultimately leading to cleaner and safer bodies of water.

Pru Life UK Assistant Manager for Community Investments and Sustainability Partnerships
Hannah Aman accepted the awards during a banquet dinner in Seoul, South Korea

Pru Life UK received Gold and Silver honors at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards for its exceptional thought leadership and pioneering corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that support underserved Filipino communities and advance financial education among the youth.

The Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards celebrate innovation in business across 29 countries, recognizing both organizations and individuals for their excellence in areas such as thought leadership, business growth, and CSR.

Pru Life UK received the Gold Stevie® for Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year for its Takaful Journey–a holistic approach to Islamic Finance through stakeholder and community engagement, capacity building workshops, and educational efforts. The initiative made Pru Life UK the first insurer in the Philippines to receive a Takaful license and is set to launch a Shari’ah-compliant product to cater to the financial needs of over seven million Muslim Filipinos.

The company also earned the Silver Stevie® for Innovative Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility for its Cha-Ching’s Million-Step Journey: Transforming Filipino Lives Through Financial Education. Developed by Prudence Foundation in partnership with Pru Life UK and JA Philippines, the programme has reached over one million Filipino children last year through a collaboration with the Department of Education, tackling financial illiteracy at the grassroots level by educating students on the fundamental financial concepts of Cha-Ching: earning, saving, spending, and donating.

“We are honoured to receive these recognitions that affirm the impact of our efforts in empowering underserved Filipino communities,” said Paul Mandal, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer at Pru Life UK. “We remain committed to helping Filipinos from all walks of life secure a better future.”

The company earned two Silver and three Bronze honors at the  2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards for its initiatives that support Filipino families. It remains committed to its mission of being the most trusted ally and guardian for today’s Filipinos and future generations.

Philippines First Insurance Group (PFI Group) officers welcome their new brand advocate at the PFI Group Makati headquarters. (Standing from left) PhilPlans SVP Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Ronald Bautista, PhilFirst AVP Head of Marketing Luis Cebrero Jr., PhilLife SVP and Chief Operating Officer Michelle Ambagan, PhilCare EVP Operations Raymond Tiangco, (Seated from left) PFI Group Brand Advocate Dianne Medina and PFI Group President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco.

A recent market research initiative, titled “PhilLife Meter: Feeling the Insurance Pulse of Pinoy Gen Y and Z,” found that 78% of young Filipinos place family protection at the top of their priorities, while 77% consider emergency preparedness the most crucial benefit when selecting insurance plans.

Commissioned by the Philippines First Insurance Group (PFI Group) for PhilLife, the study highlights the shifting values of Filipino youth around protection and future planning. It underscores a new generation that is intentional, family-oriented, and proactive—eager to embrace solutions that genuinely resonate with their needs and lifestyles.

This study resonates with me because it shows how young Filipinos, are becoming more mindful of what truly matters—family, health, and security. It’s encouraging to see companies like PFI Group listening and responding with solutions that reflect our values. In a world that’s constantly changing, it’s empowering to know we’re not alone in wanting to build smarter, bolder, and fuller lives.

“Contrary to a qualitative study released a few years back, young Filipinos now prioritize their health and families over investment growth,” PhilLife market study lead researcher Dr. Fernando Paragas said.

“The changed priorities perhaps resulted from the effects of the pandemic. It’s no longer just about growing your money, but growing your peace of mind.”

In response to the study’s findings, the PFI Group has launched an umbrella initiative for its four brands — PhilLife, PhilCare, PhilPlans, and PhilFirst. Called Smarter. Bolder. Fuller., the project marks the first time these industry-leading brands are coming together for a campaign aimed at young Filipinos.

“The Smarter. Bolder. Fuller. drive aims to meet today’s millennial Filipinos where they are in life and provide them with the tools to enable their needs, dreams, and aspirations for themselves and their families. It’s more than just a campaign–it’s a mindset. A declaration of who we are and who we want to be for every Filipino.”

A century of service

Founded in 1906, PhilFirst was the first insurance company in the country and the first to offer domestic non-life insurance plans for unexpected events like natural disasters and personal accidents. This paved the way for the creation of PFI Group’s other leading brands, broadening its ecosystem of protection and security.

PhilLife secures families and dreams with life protection and savings plans. PhilCare makes healthcare more accessible, proactive, and responsive. PhilPlans celebrates life’s milestones with its various plan offerings.

These companies have evolved with the times—like adopting digital technologies, offering prepaid options, and enhancing customer experience—to ensure they meet the evolving needs of a digitally fluent and value-conscious Filipino market.

“Findings from the PhilLife study are more than just numbers, they are a call to action for businesses,” PhilCare and PhilLife Chairman of the Board Monico Jacob said.

“Young Filipinos are telling us what they value: protection, preparedness, and purpose. Companies that listen to them won’t just earn their trust, they’ll earn their loyalty. At PFI Group, this is exactly the kind of insight that drives innovation.”

Championing the next generation

With the rise of digital lifestyle and flexible work arrangement, PFI Group’s campaign also comes with a clear direction: serve the modern Filipino, particularly the Gen Zs and millennials who now represent a large part of the workforce.

“Through simplified insurance products, tech-enabled customer service, and value-driven financial planning, we are set to make protection more personal, more relevant, and more feasible for the young generation,” Tanco said.

“Whether it’s an entrepreneur thinking of getting a healthcare plan, a millennial parent investing in their child’s future, or a creative freelancer wanting to protect his online assets, we want to be there for them every step of the way.”

PhilLife and PhilCare Chairman of the Board Atty. Monico “Nick” Jacob (left) and Philippines First Insurance Group (PFI Group) President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco (right) welcome new PFI Group Brand Advocate Dianne Medina (center) during the partnership signing at the PFI Group Makati headquarters

The campaign follows Tanco’s recent success at the esteemed 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, where he earned a Silver Stevie® for Most Innovative Leader of the Year for his work with PhilCare and a Gold Stevie® for Most Innovative Creative Person of the Year for his achievements at Comm&Sense.

Recognized as the region’s top honors for business innovation, the awards highlight Tanco’s forward-thinking approach—further reinforced by the PFI Group’s Smarter. Bolder. Fuller. campaign.

Actress and TV personality Dianne Medina has joined as a brand advocate for Smarter. Bolder. Fuller. to help convey PFI Group’s unified message of empowering Filipinos to live smarter, bolder, and more fulfilling lives.

The early 2028 Pre-Election Presidential Preferential Survey by Tangere shows that Vice President Sara Duterte and former Vice President Leni Robredo are the leading presidential contenders. VP Sara Duterte leads with 29% voter support, largely from the Davao and Northern Mindanao regions. She is followed by former VP Leni Robredo, who has 21% support, mainly from Metro Manila and the Bicol Region.

Senator Bong Go, the front-runner in the 2025 Senatorial Elections, ranks third with 15% voter support. Senator Raffy Tulfo, once the top pick for the 2028 presidency, has dropped to fourth place with 11%, supported mostly by voters in Southern Luzon. Speaker Martin Romualdez takes fifth place with 6% voter support, primarily from Eastern Visayas and Northern Luzon—a significant rise from the previous survey. Other potential candidates received just 1% support, while 11% of respondents remain undecided.

Sara Duterte is not the second choice among people who favors Bong Go

When asked the question on their second choice for President, Senator Bong Go is the second choice of 6 to 7 out of 10 voters that favor VP Sara Duterte as President. However, those who favor Sen. Bong Go as president had VP Leni Robredo as their second choice (45%), followed by Vice President Sara Duterte (30%). Senator Bong Go is also the second choice for President for those who favor VP Leni Robredo (52%).

Sen. Go and Sen. Bam Aquino as the early front runners for Vice President

Senator Bong Go emerged as the early favorite for Vice President after getting a 36% voter preference driven by respondents from Visayas and Mindanao. He is followed distantly by incoming Senator, Bam Aquino with a 26% voter preference driven by Metro Manila and the Bicol Region. Senator Raffy Tulfo ranked third with 11%, No other possible candidates reached double digits in voter preference.

The combination of VP Sara Duterte and Senator Bong Go as President and Vice President, respectively, is the top tandem of choice from the survey. They are followed closely by the combination of Former Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Bam Aquino.

The non-commissioned survey, conducted May 20-21, 2025, was administered via a mobile-based respondent application with a sample size of 1,800 participants (+/- 2.48% Margin of Error at a 95% Confidence Level) using a Stratified Random Sampling method (Quota Based Sampling). The proportion was spread throughout the Philippines with 12 percent from NCR, 23 percent from Northern Luzon, 22 percent from Southern Luzon, 20 percent from Visayas, and 23 percent from Mindanao.

Tangere is a recognized, award-winning tech-driven market research firm dedicated to capturing the sentiments of Filipinos. It is a proud member of the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines (MORES), the European Society for Opinion and Market Research (ESOMAR), and the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA).

For the topline report and analytics of this independent study, you may contact Tangere via email at [email protected].

One movement is making a significant impact in a world where digital noise frequently overpowers authenticity: House Creatives PH. Based on the idea that content is a catalyst for change rather than merely a means of expression, House Creatives PH aims to give people the abilities, attitude, and self-assurance they need to tell stories that transform lives.

A potent Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP) is at the heart of this movement: “Creating Creators That Influence Transformation.”

Through immersive bootcamps, high-impact workshops, and deeply purposeful mentorship programs, House Creatives empowers entrepreneurs, professionals, and aspiring content creators to go beyond trends and build legacies. Whether you’re a business owner looking to elevate your brand through storytelling or a creator wanting to inspire action, House Creatives offers the tools and support to make that leap.

Their flagship program, the Content Mastery Bootcamp (CMB), has become a proving ground for personal and professional breakthroughs. More than just technical training, it is a transformative experience that nurtures self-mastery, strategic communication, and authentic branding. Attendees don’t just learn how to create content—they know how to lead movements.

At the heart of this thriving community is a culture of collaboration, alignment, and shared growth. Participants leave not only with refined skills but also with a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and connection.

From Real Talk to Real Impact

Real Talk Darbs (RTD), whose real name is Darbie Kim Estrebilla, is the driving force behind House Creatives PH. Darbs, a self-made businessman and globally renowned content creator, turned his own tale of adversity, development, and perseverance into a platform that now inspires thousands of people.

The core of the group he established is his credo, “One changed soul is worth more than a billion views.” He keeps transforming passion into purpose with House Creatives PH, demonstrating that every tale has the capacity to inspire, influence, and change under the correct direction.