News

• Schneider Electric and Ayala Land partner to support the centralization and automation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG)  data using Schneider Electric’s Resource Advisor
• Resource Advisor is expected to enhance  Ayala Land’s reporting processes and data visibility, supporting progress tracking towards its sustainability goals.
• The platform will provide improved access to energy and water insights, support ESG standardization, and enable more informed sustainability decision-making.

A partnership between Schneider Electric, a global technology leader, and Ayala Land, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s top sustainable real estate developers, aims to improve ESG reporting using Resource Advisor. The platform supports better ESG data handling, improved reporting capabilities, and a scalable system for sustainability decision-making.

As part of its broader sustainability journey, Ayala Land aims to simplify ESG data collection and strengthen sustainability reporting across its diverse portfolio. As Ayala Land manages information across hundreds of sites and business units, the collaboration with Schneider Electric is intended to help streamline data collection processes, improve consistency, and enhance reporting readiness. The platform will support  Ayala Land in monitoring progress and informing action toward its sustainability priorities, including emissions reduction, zero landfilled waste, and the continued roll-out of green-certified property developments.

“Sustainability is embedded in our business operations and how we create long-term value for our stakeholders and the communities we serve,” said Robert Lao, Ayala Land’s Chief Sustainability Officer.  “As we continue strengthening our sustainability management approach, digital tools play an important role in making our ESG data more structured, comparable, and decision-useful over time.”

The Resource Advisor platform addresses challenges in sustainability reporting of its users through:

• Compliance & Reporting Excellence — Enables more consistent ESG  data management aligned with global standards, with auditable data trails and reporting workflows.
• Energy & Operational Efficiency — Provides increased visibility into resource consumption and sustainability performance,  to support operational decision-making.
• Digital Sustainability Enablement — Offers dashboards and scalable data infrastructure to support enterprise-level sustainability management over time.

“We have embedded decarbonization in our own business and value chain for decades,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines. “Our goal is to support companies across the country in strengthening their digital and operational foundations, so they can meet evolving regulatory requirements and achieve their sustainability targets.”

Named by TIME Magazine and Statista as the World’s Most Sustainable Company in both 2024 and 2025, and awarded Best Sustainability Consulting Firm in 2026 by Sustainability Magazine, Schneider Electric has long demonstrated leadership in large-scale sustainability. The company has expanded access to green electricity for more than 60 million people since 2009, helped customers avoid 729 million tonnes of CO₂ since 2018, reduced emissions among its top 1,000 suppliers by 53% since 2020, and trained over one million individuals in energy management.

Through this partnership, Ayala Land seeks to strengthen its data capabilities and advance its sustainability goals, supporting ongoing progress in sustainable real estate development across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Jagat, BingoPlus award BYD Sealion 6 DM-i to 30-year-old delivery rider Jess Mar Mallari

Jagat Coin Hunt participant and delivery rider Jess Mar Mallari received the surprise of a lifetime after winning a brand-new BYD Sealion 6 through the widely popular real-world Coin Hunt challenge.

Filled with emotion at the expansive BYD dealership in Taguig, the 30-year-old father from Tondo found it hard to put into words the happiness and disbelief he experienced after uncovering the winning card close to his neighborhood.

“Mayroon na ring tatlong buwan na rin, lagi kaming nauunahan. Ang dami rin kasi talagang naghahanap ng coins,” Mallari said.

Jess Mar Mallari signs his contracts after winning a BYD Sealion 6 DM-i from the Jagat Coin Hunt

“This time nakatiyempo kami na mas nauna kami doon sa mga naghahanap. Di ko naman expected na mayroong [BYD] card, na may prize pa palang ganoong kalaki.”

After three months of playing without any luck, Mallari admitted that his fateful trip to seek the winning BYD card would not have happened had his son not invited him for one more hunt along the infamously chaotic streets of Tondo.

“Actually kakauwi ko lang noon galing trabaho. Tapos nagpahinga lang ako kaunti, pero nagyaya yung anak ko na mag-Jagat. Nakita ko na may malapit sa amin. Natiyempuhan namin wala pang nakakakita,” Mallari continued.

“Ang saya po, sobra. Ilang araw hindi ako makatulog nang maayos. Paano ba naman yung kaba ng dibdib ko, di ko alam kung paano ko ipapaliwanag, kung totoo ba to o hindi. Di ko alam anong klaseng saya yung mararamdaman ko.”

BingoPlus and Jagat collaborate in awarding BYD Sealion 6 DM-i as Coin Hunt grand prize

Though admittedly only knowledgeable in driving motorcycles, Mallari said he’s willing to learn or at least ask for help from his friends for a while, as he wants nothing more than to first take his family out on road trips with his brand new BYD, notably worth more than P1.5 million.

Mallari is just one of many lucky Filipinos who have won exciting prizes in the highly successful Coin Hunt event, which used real-world tokens that corresponded to a wide array of prizes, from cash to phones to gaming consoles.

Coincidentally, Mallari is no stranger to winning, as he has also long been an avid patron of BingoPlus, Jagat’s key collaborator in this viral campaign.

The number one and most trusted online entertainment platform in the Philippines, the DigiPlus-owned BingoPlus, was also present at the interactive awarding ceremony at the BYD dealership in BGC, where Mallari gamely posed for photos and shot videos of his newest, most prized possession.

BingoPlus’s Bingbing poses with the brand new BYD Sealion 6 DM-i

Like most BingoPlus players, Mallari reminded everyone to game responsibly, as he knows full well how great a stroke of luck can feel when chanced upon in moderation.

“Maglaro lang tayo nang naaayon sa estado sa buhay,” he said. “Huwag namang sagarin yung sarili masyado sa pagsusugal. Focus lang sa goal mo at huwag mong ubusin ang pera mo.”

No matter the platform he takes a chance on, Jess Mar Mallari continues to come out a winner, returning to Tondo with greater rewards earned through his dedication, perseverance, and sense of responsibility.

From L to R: General Affairs & Administration Head Arvin Barcena, Business Center Manager Ivy Hizon, Technology & Information Head Delfin Lopez, Co-Coordinators Atty. Aileen Regio and Jaeson Evangelista, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer Jed Estanislao, and Customer Experience Manager Jocelyn de Vera

Eastern Communications has officially launched the Eastern Experience Center at Telecom Plaza, marking a significant step in its commitment to delivering immersive, customer-centric experiences. Anchored in its 148-year legacy of providing reliable connectivity, the company continues to evolve its approach to customer engagement by creating spaces that bring its brand and solutions closer to the people it serves.

The Eastern Experience Center is designed as a dynamic and technology-driven environment. It aims to deepen customer understanding of the company’s capabilities while showcasing its enduring brand story. The space also reflects Eastern’s customer-first philosophy, blending innovation with intentional design to communicate its promise of strong, dependable connections through multi-sensory storytelling.

“The Eastern Experience Center is a reflection of how we want to engage with our customers—more meaningfully and more memorably. By creating an environment that encourages exploration and understanding, we empower businesses to better appreciate how our solutions can support their growth and transformation,” said Jed Estanislao, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Eastern Communications.

The center reinforces Eastern’s “High Tech, High Touch” philosophy by showcasing the company’s advanced digital capabilities while underscoring the value of personalized service and genuine human connection. Customers are encouraged to engage at their own pace, fostering more authentic and productive conversations that go beyond traditional sales interactions.

The launch of the Eastern Experience Center further strengthens the company’s track record in customer experience excellence. It comes after the telco provider was recognized at the Asian Experience Awards 2025, where it received the Customer Experience of the Year distinction, and at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for Achievement in Customer Satisfaction. These accolades underscore Eastern’s continued focus on elevating service standards while adapting to the evolving needs of enterprises and SMEs.

Eastern Communications remains committed to driving innovation while maintaining a strong customer focus. The Eastern Experience Center stands as a tangible expression of this commitment of bridging technology and human connection to deliver meaningful, lasting impressions.

To learn more about Eastern Communications and their upcoming initiatives, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

JCI Manila has partnered with the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) and Hyve Sports PH to launch the JCI Manila ColorFest Carnival Run for Mental Health, a community run that will help fund the construction of the PMHA Wellness Center, a dedicated space for counseling, mental health support, and wellness programs.

Set on May 31, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, the ColorFest Carnival Run aims to bring together thousands of participants in a vibrant celebration of movement, community, and advocacy while highlighting the connection between physical activity and mental wellbeing. Participants may register at jcimanilacolorrun.com.

Proceeds from the run will support the construction of the PMHA Wellness Center, which will transform an unfinished area within the PMHA compound into a dedicated space for mental health care. The facility will include counseling and group therapy spaces, light-filled therapy rooms, a healing garden and meditation area, and a calm environment for mental wellness programs. The center is envisioned as a safe haven for individuals seeking support, healing, and guidance.

For JCI Manila President Edison Ke, the initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to service and community development.

“JCI Manila carries out around 400 community projects every year, supported by more than 600 members committed to service,” Ke said. “Physical health and mental health are closely connected. Through initiatives like this, we want to remind people that while we often focus on physical fitness, mental health is equally important.”

Anton Laborte, Project Chairman of the JCI Manila ColorFest Carnival Run, said the event goes beyond a traditional fun run.

“ColorFest Carnival is a movement that brings people together to remind everyone that mental health matters and that no one should face struggles alone. We invite everyone to run with us — run with purpose and run for mental health,” Laborte said.

The Philippine Mental Health Association, the event’s main beneficiary, welcomed the initiative as an important platform to expand awareness and support services.

“This is a powerful opportunity to reach more people and raise awareness about both physical and mental health, which are both essential to overall wellbeing,” said Dr. Carolina Uno-Rayco, National Executive Director of PMHA.

Meanwhile, PMHA President Arch. Mariano Arce Jr. emphasized the importance of creating spaces that support healing.

“Mental wellness requires spaces where people can relax, reflect, meditate, and reconnect with nature,” Arce said, referring to the upcoming PMHA Wellness Center.

The JCI Manila ColorFest Carnival Run for Mental Health will feature a vibrant course filled with bursts of color, music, and carnival-inspired elements designed for both seasoned runners and first-time participants.

As preparations continue for the May 31 run, organizers are inviting Filipinos from all walks of life to take part — because every step taken brings the community closer to building a space where healing, support, and hope can flourish. The initiative is supported by various partners helping amplify awareness and encourage broader community participation, including Punto Consultancy as PR-CSR partner.

Participants are encouraged to run with purpose — for themselves, for their community, and for mental health.

For more information, you may visit https://jcimanila.org/.

The Philippines’ premier event for gift sourcing returns with its largest showcase yet.

The Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show, the Philippines’ longest-running exhibition for corporate gifts, premiums, and office solutions, is set to return for its 39th edition on July 1–3, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, featuring its largest and most extensive showcase yet.

This year’s edition is set to be significantly larger, featuring over 65% more exhibit space to accommodate a wider range of suppliers, products, and sourcing opportunities for attendees. The expansion highlights the event’s ongoing success in generating tangible business outcomes for exhibitors while providing buyers with a more efficient procurement experience.

For nearly four decades, the show has established itself as a trusted platform connecting gifts & premiums suppliers with corporate decision-makers, attracting thousands of professionals from marketing, procurement, HR, and business development each year.

“Many of our exhibitors have been with us for over 20 years.” shared World Expos & Concepts President, Raquel Romero, the show’s organizer.

“Nothing makes us prouder than hearing exhibitors share how this event has supported their growth. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to generate consistent leads, orders, and long-term client relationships,” she added.

Corporate gifting remains a critical tool in modern business strategy. Beyond simple giveaways, companies now use branded merchandise to strengthen client relationships, reward employees, and reinforce brand identity throughout the year. As businesses move toward more meaningful engagement, demand continues to grow for functional, creative, and high-quality corporate gifts that leave lasting impressions.

The Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show brings this entire ecosystem together under one roof, making it easy for visitors to compare products, evaluate quality firsthand, and connect directly with reliable suppliers. From customizable merchandise and eco-friendly giveaways to premium executive gifts and office solutions, the event offers a comprehensive range of options for every corporate need.

Attendees can look forward to an engaging and convenient sourcing experience, whether they are preparing for corporate events, marketing initiatives, employee engagement activities, or client appreciation programs.

Admission to the Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show 2026 is free. Pre-event registration is now available at www.corporategiveawaysbuyershow.com

Concepcion empowers the Aling Tinderas in local communitiesto lead the change against plastic pollution in partnership with PCX

Concepcion Industrial Corporation, the country’s leading provider of home and enterprise solutions, continues to advance responsible corporate citizenship by demonstrating that sustainability should create impact beyond business operations. Through its subsidiaries—Concepcion Carrier Air Conditioning Company, Concepcion-Durables, Inc., Concepcion Midea Inc. Philippines, and Cortex Technologies Corporation—the group successfully diverted a total of 885,000 kilograms of plastic waste over the past year.

This annual achievement underscores CIC’s proactive approach to environmental  stewardship. In partnership with PCX, CIC has moved past standard environmental  compliance. This collaboration ensures that for every kilogram of plastic the company  produces, an equivalent or greater amount is recovered, processed into reusable materials or  energy, and reintegrated into the country’s circular economy. With this milestone, CIC proudly  stands among a select group of companies that consistently achieve and exceed the plastic  offsetting mandates set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Concepcion Industrial Corporation Sustainability Champions. at the 2025 PCX PULSE Sustainability Conferenc

While the environmental metrics are significant, the true measure of CIC’s initiative lies in its  grassroots social impact. Central to this mission is the Aling Tindera network, an initiative that  transforms everyday sari-sari stores into community collection hubs. Over 107,000 kilograms  of the total diverted waste were recovered directly from local neighborhoods through this  program. This initiative does more than clear plastic from the streets and oceans; it builds  economic resilience by empowering women micro-entrepreneurs to lead environmental  awareness in their communities while generating sustainable, supplemental income.

For many of these women, participating in this “waste-to-cash” ecosystem has provided a  tangible pathway to financial stability and growth. Aling Belen, a program partner, highlighted  how the initiative secures her family’s future: “Dinadala ko po siya sa pangangailangan ng  aking mga anak sa eskwela (I use this for my children’s school needs).”

Similarly, Aling Lorme reflected on the opportunities the program unlocked for her family’s  business: “One week lang, puno na ang site namin dahil maraming nagbebenta sa amin ng  mga plastic bottles, sachet at PET bottles. Nakapagpundar na kami ngayon ng tindahan ng  school supplies. Kung wala itong Aling Tindera, hindi namin ma-eexpand ang aming  tindahan (In just one week, our site is full because so many people sell us plastic bottles and  sachets. We’ve since been able to establish a school supplies store. Without Aling Tindera,  we wouldn’t have been able to expand our business).”

These initiatives illustrate Concepcion Industrial Corporation’s wider sustainability agenda in action. By combining large-scale investments in recycling systems with community empowerment efforts, recovered plastic waste is transformed into reusable materials that support a circular economy and help reduce the amount of plastic ending up in landfills and oceans.

Through these integrated programs, CIC shows that responsible manufacturing goes beyond reducing environmental impact—it is about generating shared value. Each kilogram of plastic diverted reflects not only a healthier environment but also improved livelihood opportunities for Filipino families.

Grand Monaco Land achieved a significant milestone after earning three prestigious awards at the FIABCI (International Real Estate Federation) Philippines 2026 Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards held on April 29, 2026 at Solaire Resort North.

The prestigious event celebrated outstanding achievements and leadership in the Philippine real estate sector, with Grand Monaco Land receiving honors in residential affordable housing, hospitality development, and executive leadership.

Leading the company’s honors was the conferment of the Diplomate in Real Estate Management award upon Grand Monaco Land President and CEO, Engr. Reynaldo A. Carpio, Ph.D.. Regarded as the highest recognition bestowed by FIABCI Philippines, the award recognized his nearly four decades of contribution to Philippine real estate and his role in advancing affordable housing and integrated community development across the country.

During the awarding ceremony, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo likewise recognized Engr. Carpio’s business philosophy, highlighting that its wisdom transcends business and applies to all walks of life: “Once you stop learning, you stop growing. Therefore, never stop learning.”

Further adding to the company’s achievements, Grand Monaco Land received the Gold Winner Award as 2026 Outstanding Developer of the Year – Residential Affordable Category for Montana Misora Homes under the Grand Monaco–Montana Homes development portfolio. The recognition marked the company’s 3rd Outstanding Developer of the Year Award, underscoring its continued commitment to developing quality and accessible communities for Filipino families.

The company also received the Silver Winner Award for the 2026 Outstanding Developer – Hotel Category (4-Star Level) for Monaco Hotel, further solidifying Grand Monaco Land’s expanding presence in the hospitality sector and highlighting its commitment to industry excellence.

The three recognitions underscore Grand Monaco Land’s ongoing dedication to innovation, quality, and community-focused development as it continues to grow its presence across both residential and hospitality industries

Thoughtful gifts and experiences made more rewarding with a Metrobank credit card

Mother’s Day doesn’t need to be lavish to be memorable. Often, it’s the simple and heartfelt gestures that leave the greatest impression.

For those still deciding how to celebrate, Metrobank has put together a few easy yet meaningful ideas to make moms feel extra special—plus added rewards when you use any Metrobank credit card.

Start with something she’ll keep
A well-chosen gift can say a lot, especially when it’s something she can return to every day. Jewelry remains a timeless option—not for its price, but for its meaning.

At Esotico Jewelry, you can enjoy 30% off on plain gold items with a minimum spend of PHP5,000, making it easier to find a piece she’ll treasure for years.

Whether it’s something simple or a bit more statement-making, the thought behind it is what she’ll remember.

Give her a moment to unwind  
Sometimes, the best gift is simply the chance to slow down—something many moms rarely get. Treat her to a quick skin retreat at VMV Skin-Specialist Boutiques and enjoy 15% off on products and services.

For a more memorable experience, consider doing something unique together, like a perfume-making session at The Scent Studio, where you can enjoy 30% off their workshop and 10% off home fragrances with a minimum single-receipt in-store spend of PHP650. It’s less about the activity and more about the time spent creating something together.

Upgrade her home
For many moms, the things they use daily matter just as much as special-occasion gifts.

A small upgrade at home can make routines feel lighter and more enjoyable. Get her new kitchen essentials from Ninja Kitchen and take advantage of a 20% discount on select appliances, including their popular Dual Zone Airfryers. These items sound too practical, but it’s the kind of gift that becomes an essential part of her everyday.

Keep the classics  
Some gestures remain timeless for a reason. Flowers, for one, never go out of style.

Whether it’s a simple bouquet or something more elaborate, FlowerStore.ph offers 25% off plus free shipping on Mother’s Day when you use your Metrobank credit card and the app code MBANKMOM. Potico.ph also offers 30% off for any item on their online shop when you use the code MBANKPMOM. It’s an easy way to add a thoughtful touch to the day, especially when paired with a handwritten note.

Celebrate every kind of mom
Motherhood looks different for everyone, and so does the way we celebrate it.

For new moms navigating a new routine, seasoned moms refreshing their newborn essentials, or any mom in need of a curated selection of parent-tested essentials, consider gifting items from Edamama, which offers 10% off in-store or PHP500 off online for first-time users (code: METROMAMA2026). It’s a small but helpful way to support this new chapter—practical, thoughtful, and grounded in what she actually needs.

Keep it simple, keep it meaningful
At its core, Mother’s Day isn’t about doing more—it’s about being present. A thoughtful gift, a shared experience, or even just uninterrupted time together can mean more than any grand plan.

With a thoughtfully selected range of offers, Metrobank credit cardholders can spend less time planning and more time celebrating the moms who matter most.

To view the complete list of participating merchants, exclusive offers, and terms and conditions, visit the Promo page on the Metrobank website.

Not a cardholder yet? Learn more or apply for a Metrobank credit card through Metrobank Credit Cards, visit https://www.metrobank.com.ph/personal/cards/credit-cards