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Charlie Lui, Managing Director and Investment Committee Chairperson of BPI Wealth Hong Kong, represented BPI at the 2026 FinanceAsia Awards and the FinanceAsia Asia’s Best Companies Poll in Hong Kong, where the Bank received eight major awards recognizing excellence in banking, capital markets, sustainability, and technology.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to strengthen its standing as a leading financial institution in the Asia-Pacific region after securing eight awards from prestigious financial publication FinanceAsia.

BPI received a Gold award in the FinanceAsia Asia’s Best Companies Poll 2026, earning the distinction of Best Managed Company among Philippine financial institutions. The recognition reflects the Bank’s strong 2025 performance, highlighted by a record net income of ₱66.62 billion.

Several BPI business units also earned recognition at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026, with BPI Capital leading the honors. The investment banking arm was named Best Investment Bank and Best ECM House, while also receiving a Highly Commended distinction for Best DCM House. These awards underscore BPI Capital’s expertise in supporting businesses as they expand, secure funding, and respond to changing market opportunities.

Lester Ong, President of BPI Capital, accepts BPI Capital’s awards at the 2026 FinanceAsia Awards after the company was named Best Investment Bank, Best ECM House, and Best DCM House (Highly Commended).

BPI—through its Transaction Banking unit—won the Best Bank for Use of Technology award for its Digital Supply Chain Financing (SCF) platform. Digital SCF transforms paper-based financing into a fully digital solution, allowing clients to check their invoices in real time. The platform also gives instant access to working capital.

The bank’s Institutional Banking (IB) unit on the other hand, secured the Best Bank for Large Corp & MNCs award. IB’s total outstanding loan portfolio went up by 10.4% to ₱1.83 trillion last year, while its Business Banking (BB) unit—was also named Best Bank for SMEs. BB’s total outstanding portfolio in 2025 jumped by 80% to ₱64 billion.

Finally, BPI was named as the Philippines’ Best Sustainable Bank for its commitment in championing Environment, Social, and Governance + Economic Value (ESG+E2) principles through responsible banking and responsible operations. Last year, BPI transitioned 70 of its branches to 100% renewable energy under the government’s Retail Aggregation Program. In addition, 24 more branches became IFC EDGE-certified, bringing the total to 46. On the social front, BPI Foundation (BPIF) continued to advance financial empowerment and sustainable community development, reaching more than 3.6 million beneficiaries through its Financial Education and Enterprise Development and Livelihood initiatives in 2025.

“We are proud of the solid accomplishments that we have achieved in the lead-up to our 175th anniversary this 2026. This is a strong testament to our continuous progress and industry leadership, underpinned by our strong commitment to embody banking excellence anchored on trust and building dreams for others,” said BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco.

The FinanceAsia Awards is an annual program presented by FinanceAsia, a prominent Hong Kong-based publication covering financial and capital markets across the Asia-Pacific region. The awards recognize outstanding achievements and excellence in banking, capital markets, and financial services throughout Asia.

FinanceAsia also conducts the Asia’s Best Companies Polls, a well-regarded measure of corporate performance and excellence in the region, including areas such as investor relations. The rankings are determined through nominations and assessments from leading investors and financial analysts across Asia, providing an indication of market confidence in the companies recognized.

The BPI Angeles–Sto. Rosario branch is located within the Angeles City Heritage Zone and follows the architectural guidelines set by the city to preserve the character of its historic core. The building was originally constructed in the 1980s as a former FEBTC branch.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to deepen its presence across Luzon, bringing banking services closer to communities through an extensive network of branches, partner stores, and other access points.

Across Luzon, BPI has 234 BPI branches, complemented by 218 BanKo branches and 23 LSB branches that help serve customers with diverse banking needs. Beyond its physical branches, BPI also reaches more communities through 2,746 Agency Banking partner stores, providing customers with more convenient ways to access essential banking services within their local areas.

“Luzon is home to diverse communities with different needs and aspirations. Our presence across the region allows us to be closer to our customers and support them where they are, whether through our branches or our growing network of partner stores,” said Cathy Santamaria, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at BPI.

BPI is also making its presence in Luzon more sustainable, with 100 branches in the region powered entirely by clean energy. This includes 30 additional branches that recently transitioned to renewable energy through the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), which allows businesses to combine their power requirements and choose renewable energy sources. The shift is part of BPI’s broader efforts to meaningfully reduce its carbon footprint and embed sustainability into its operations.

As BPI celebrates its 175th anniversary, the Bank remains committed to being a trusted part of Filipino communities, continuing a legacy of service while responding to the needs of generations of customers.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) celebrates its 64th anniversary this September, building on its strong financial foundation to continue supporting Filipinos and businesses as they respond to evolving needs, emerging opportunities, and changing economic conditions.

Since opening its first branch in Binondo in 1962, Metrobank has remained committed to building a bank that understands and responds to the needs of the people and businesses it serves. Through the years, the Bank has strengthened and broadened its capabilities as customers’ approaches to saving, spending, investing, growing businesses, and preparing for the future have evolved.

“Over the past 64 years, we have seen our customers navigate many periods of change and uncertainty. Today is no different. There are challenges ahead that we have to be prepared for, but Metrobank enters this environment with discipline, well-supported by our capital, liquidity, and risk buffers to help us navigate uncertainty and continue supporting our customers,” said Metrobank President Fabian Dee.

“Our financial strength allows us to continue lending, investing in our capabilities and supporting our customers through different market conditions. Ultimately, we believe a bank becomes stronger when the people and businesses it serves become stronger, too,” he added.

Strong and ready for what comes next

Metrobank enters its 64th year with a strong balance sheet. In the first half of 2026, the Bank posted PHP 24.9 billion in net income and PHP 3.9 trillion in consolidated assets, while maintaining healthy capital and asset quality that provide buffers against potential risks and room to support further growth.

The Asian Banker has also named Metrobank the Strongest Bank in the Philippines for five consecutive years since 2021 and has recognized Metrobank as the Best Managed Bank for 2025.

This strength allows Metrobank to continue extending credit to businesses, financing important milestones for customers, safeguarding deposits, and investing in technology, security, and its people.

As the financial landscape changes, Metrobank continues to expand the ways Filipinos can manage and grow their money. It has developed capabilities, allowing customers to open an eSavings account and access Online Time Deposit, UITFs, and government securities through Metrobank’s digital channels.

The Bank also strengthened its approach to financial education and security. Through the Earnest financial mindfulness advocacy and Moneygurado docuseries, Metrobank helps Filipinos make more informed decisions about saving, investing, debt management, and financial security, while the Bank continues to introduce safeguards that give customers greater protection and control over their accounts.

For businesses, Metrobank provides financing, cash management, investment solutions, and market insights to help them manage day-to-day requirements and pursue opportunities for growth.

Growing stronger together

Metrobank’s commitment extends beyond its banking services to the communities it serves.

Through the Metrobank Foundation, the Bank supports initiatives in education, health, livelihood, the arts, and community development. The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program recognizes teachers, policemen, and soldiers whose work contribute to stronger communities and institutions. The Metrobank Foundation and GT Foundation also provide support to organizations addressing key societal challenges in education, health, livelihood, and community development through the George S.K. Ty Grants Program. Supporting the next generation of Filipino artists and creatives, the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence program has recognized and nurtured emerging talent in the visual arts and design, providing a platform for young Filipino creatives to develop their craft and contribute to the country’s vibrant creative community.

Together, these efforts reflect Metrobank’s broader view of growth, one that spans from progress of the Bank, to the progress of its customers, businesses and communities it is a part of.

The Bank has grown by staying close to its customers and understanding where they want to go. As their ambitions and financial needs continue to evolve, Metrobank has always been ready to evolve with them.

That is the partnership Metrobank wants to continue building. One where its strength allows it to support its customers’ growth, and where their progress contributes to the Bank. This is how Metrobank will continue earning their trust and keeping them in good hands.

In a country celebrated for its warm hospitality, coffee culture, and beloved merienda traditions, usmile believes that maintaining healthier oral habits should be an essential part of everyday Filipino life. Anchored in its “Prevention Over Treatment” philosophy, the global professional oral care brand is bringing science-backed solutions tailored to the needs of today’s lifestyles.

“Oral care should focus on prevention and proactive habits. By combining scientific innovation with convenient, user-friendly products, we aim to help Filipinos make preventive oral care a consistent part of their daily routines,” said Dr. Jitao Liu, Chief R&D Scientist of usmile.

Here are usmile’s specialized solutions designed to meet different oral care needs and lifestyles:

1. Optical White 2.0 “Purple Corrector”: Instant Whitening

Leading the lineup is the Optical White Toothpaste, usmile’s flagship whitening toothpaste for Filipinos who enjoy weekend café hopping or are always ready for spontaneous selfies. Powered by advanced stain-dissolving technology, its purple color-correcting formula effectively whitens teeth and helps maintain a brighter smile for up to 16 hours, making it ideal for busy days that stretch from morning coffee to evening celebrations.

Designed for everyday comfort, Optical White 2.0 is also alcohol-free, bleach-free, and mineral oil-free, enhancing brightness in a gentler, daily-use whitening routine. Users may see possible results upon continuous usage

A proven favorite across Southeast Asia, Optical White Toothpaste has become the top-selling toothpaste brand on TikTok Shop in the Philippines and has received massive success in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

2. Fresh White Toothpaste: All-Day Fresh Breath

The Fresh White Toothpaste, designed for Filipinos constantly on the go, acts as a perfume for the mouth, eliminating odor-causing bacteria for all-day freshness. It features zinc ions that target odor-causing bacteria, alongside 3D microcapsules with enzymes and apple polyphenols that help neutralize bad breath while leaving a fresh, fruity aftertaste.

Fresh White provides up to 12 hours of fresh breath for lasting confidence throughout the day. It is available in three variants: Frosted Camellia, Juicy Grape, and Jasmine Tea.

3. Repair White Toothpaste: Cavity Protection, Stain Removal, Enamel Repair

usmile’s Repair White Toothpaste offers a smarter approach to whitening. It uses a safe water-free whitening technology with fluor-calcium phosphate compatibility that protects tooth enamel and whitens teeth without harsh bleaching.

Its formula is powered by triple bio-enzymes that deliver up to 2.5 times stain enzymolysis, which break down stubborn stains more efficiently. By combining effective stain removal with enamel-friendly care, Repair White makes it easier for Filipinos to enjoy their favorite merienda treats while maintaining a healthier, more confident smile.

4. Strength White Toothpaste: Enamel Strength and Whitening

Completing the toothpaste lineup is the Strength White Toothpaste, clinically formulated with a 3-in-1 Pro Whitening System and 99% high-purity baking soda that gently restores the teeth’s natural whiteness. It helps regulate oral pH balance and minimize enamel loss from acid erosion from daily food consumption. With Maximum Enamel Guard, it also helps strengthen enamel while protecting teeth against cavities, making it a reliable choice for long-term oral health.

Strength White offers everyday protection that keeps up with Filipinos’ packed schedules, snacking habits, and constant social interaction.

5. Sonic Electric Toothbrush Y1S: Efficient, Comfortable Brushing

Topping off usmile’s innovative dental lineup is the Y1S Electric Toothbrush, designed for Filipinos who want a deeper clean at home. It removes up to 99.99% of plaque, features an air-cushioning brush head for gentle gum protection, and comes in an ergonomic Roman Column design for a more comfortable grip. It also offers up to 365 days of battery life on a single charge.

The Y1S has earned the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance as well as TÜV Rheinland certification, reinforcing its safety and effectiveness in removing plaque. With over 10 million units sold globally, the Y1S delivers reliable, science-backed brushing technology for everyday oral care.

For more details, visit usmile’s official stores on TikTok Shop and Shopee , and follow the brand on social media through (TikTok | Facebook).