Visa Unveils AI-Powered Payment Innovations to Shape the Future of Commerce in the Philippines

 With AI emerging as the new frontier in digital payments, Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in the industry, has unveiled a suite of innovative products designed to enable the next wave of digital payment experiences in the Philippines. The country’s digital payment sector is rapidly expanding, with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reporting that 50% of retail payments were digitized in 2023—a milestone that highlights both the growing adoption and the readiness for further innovation.

As digital transactions continue to rise, Visa’s AI-enabled solutions are set to empower Filipino consumers and business owners by providing secure, seamless payment experiences. “The continuously growing digital payment sector in the Philippines makes it a prime environment for technological innovation—one that harnesses AI for the benefit of the digital Filipino business owner and consumer,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager, Visa Philippines.

In this new era of agentic commerce, where AI agents will browse, purchase, and manage transactions on behalf of users, trust is more important than ever. Over the past decade, Visa has invested more than US$3 billion in AI and data infrastructure, enabling regional partners—including AI platforms, fintechs, banks, and merchants—to connect effortlessly to the Visa network. In an increasingly digital landscape marked by evolving threats and the need for greater accountability, Visa’s continued focus on AI, tokenization, and real-time fraud prevention ensures every transaction remains secure.

Leading this wave of innovation is Visa Intelligent Commerce, a new initiative that opens Visa’s payments network to developers and engineers building the next generation of AI-powered commerce in Asia Pacific.

Visa Intelligent Commerce: A New Era for Asia Pacific

Visa Intelligent Commerce brings a suite of integrated APIs and a commercial partner program to AI platforms, enabling developers to deploy Visa’s AI commerce capabilities securely and at scale. Visa announced that it is in explorations with Ant International, Grab and Tencent to grow AI commerce by enabling a secure and seamless checkout experience.

Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation, and financial technology provider. Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading super app offering ride-hailing, food delivery, digital payments, and financial services across eight markets. Tencent is a multinational technology leader that develops a wide range of digital products and services, including Weixin/WeChat, China’s super app. 

“The Philippines’ digital economy remains vibrant, and Visa’s cutting-edge innovations are key to keeping the country at the forefront of payment technology,” said Poojyata Khattar, Head of Product for Regional Southeast Asia at Visa. “Imagine the possibilities that AI brings to everyday life for Filipino digital consumers—from automatically ordering your favorite meals on Grab before you even think of it, to alerting you about the next big K-pop concert and arranging all your travel plans. With Visa’s trusted payment infrastructure and advanced AI capabilities, these seamless, secure, and enjoyable experiences are now within reach for everyone in the country,” Khattar added.

Over the past 25 years, Visa’s global network has handled 3.3 trillion transactions. Today, Visa is advancing its infrastructure, standards, and capabilities to power AI-driven commerce, opening new opportunities for consumers across Asia Pacific. Soon, AI agents integrated into familiar platforms will be able to transact using Visa’s 4.8 billion credentials at millions of merchant locations worldwide.

Expanding payments innovation and connectivity for Filipino businesses

Visa is also launching new services to make it easier for consumers, merchants, and businesses in the Philippines to pay and be paid. 

Visa Pay: A service designed to connect any participating wallet to any Visa-accepting merchant, local or international, in-store or online, launches across Asia Pacific, home to the largest number of digital wallet users. Through partnerships with leading players including LINE Pay in Taiwan, Maya in the Philippines, OpenRice in Hong Kong, and Woori Card in South Korea, Visa is expanding access to its global network, giving consumers more ways to pay globally by tapping, scanning or online. 

Digital Identity:  This suite of solutions includes Passkeys, Tap to Confirm, and enhanced data which are meant to identify and authenticate digital users. These solutions will reduce friction for consumers by being digitally native while improving payment security and authorisation rates with enhanced transaction data and state-of-the-art fraud prevention techniques. New partners in the region include Coles, a supermarket chain in Australia and Maybank, a leading financial services provider in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Visa Accept is a new solution that allows micro-sellers to receive payments directly to their eligible Visa debit card using any NFC-enabled smartphone. Launching in Vietnam, the service supports micro-entrepreneurs and informal sellers such as street vendors, freelancers, and small service providers. Participating issuers will enable cardholders to accept contactless payments through their bank’s mobile app. 

Seamlessness in payments 

Visa continues to expand its product portfolio with solutions designed to support the evolving payment needs of consumers and businesses in the country and across Asia Pacific, particularly 
Millennial and Gen Z consumers who are increasingly looking for flexible and convenient payment options that match their lifestyles. 

Flex Credential: Visa’s Flex Credential, a next-generation card that allows users to seamlessly toggle between debit, credit, and reward points, continues to gain traction in Asia Pacific. Visa first launched Flex in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company (SMCC), known as Olive, two years ago in Japan. Today, more than 5 million Olive account holders are benefitting from the Visa Flex Credential. The Olive card continues to outperform, with cardholder transactions averaging 40% higher than the national average in Japan over the past year. 

Visa and SMCC have expanded the Visa Flex Credential to support small businesses with the flexibility to switch between business and personal accounts using the same Olive card, enhancing access to credit and cash flow management. Visa is also collaborating with local banks in Vietnam to launch Flex Credential in the next few months.

Stablecoins: Visa has been facilitating cryptocurrency transactions for over five years and is now expanding its offering to include stablecoin-backed cards, settlement, and programmable money. On and off-ramps via stablecoin-backed cards allow consumers to use their Visa credentials to buy stablecoins with fiat currency and pay with stablecoin across Visa-accepting merchant locations. In Asia Pacific, Visa is partnering with DCS Singapore, DTC Pay and StraitsX on stablecoin-backed cards that support conversion through regulated infrastructure. 

Enabling seven-day-a-week settlement for stablecoins: Visa has settled more than $225 million to date in stablecoin volume that has been settled through Visa across participating clients. In Asia Pacific, Visa is working with StraitsX for stablecoin settlement.

Through the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), Visa provides a platform for our partners to issue and manage fiat-backed tokens, offering interconnectivity to public and private blockchains, enabling programmable financing, trading of tokenized assets and facilitating cross-border money movement. Visa is looking to expand the availability of VTAP to more partners later this year and into 2026.

“We are excited to work with local banks, acquirers, merchants, and the government in bringing these innovations to the Philippine market. Working with the right partners will help us translate these global innovations into real, tangible impact for local stakeholders – helping us all advance into the future of payments,” said Navarro. 

HONOR 400 5G Sells Out in Just 3 Days, Outselling HONOR 200 5G by 15x

 Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines recently set the internet ablaze yet again with the launch of #YourAIPhone HONOR 400 5G. With its image-to-vide feature, it brought HONOR fans, tech enthusiasts, and alike to a trip down memory lane as it can bring old photos to life. After its successful pre-order campaign, HONOR 400 5G has officially surpassed its predecessor HONOR 200 5G by 15 times!

“We are still in shock. We have been working very hard for the past few months to introduce HONOR 400 5G to our supporters perfectly and it’s safe to say that all our hard work has paid off. Don’t worry to those who haven’t gotten their hands on our AI phone, restock will arrive sooner than later,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

 

Sold Out in just 3 Days with 15x Sales Growth vs HONOR 200 5G

 

The HONOR 400 features a cutting-edge 200MP Ultra-clear AI Camera System that includes a 1/1.4-inch large sensor, f/1.9 aperture, and dual stabilization (OIS + EIS) to ensure exceptional clarity, even in low-light conditions. A 12MP Ultra-Wide and Macro Camera captures expansive shots, while the 50MP Portrait Selfie Camera delivers professional-grade selfies with lifelike details.

 

AI-Powered Creativity

With advanced AI Editing tools, the HONOR 400 allows users to transform photos into dynamic videos using Google’s Veo 2 model on Google Cloud. The HD Moving Photo feature captures vivid, live moments, while the AI Eraser and AI Outpainting tools simplify editing for everyday users.

 

Built for Durability and Performance

The HONOR 400 is powered by a 6000mAh Silicon-carbon Battery, offering extended usage even in extreme conditions and maintaining over 80% health after four years of use. With 80W HONOR Wired SuperCharge, the device can charge up to 40% in just 15 minutes.

 

Pricing and Availability

Available in stunning color options—Midnight Black, Tidal Blue and Desert Gold—the HONOR 400 5G is now available for pre-order across the Philippines for only Php 22,999 (24GB + 512GB)! Get it now at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, and online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_H400_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_H400_PR, and TikTok Shop https://bit.ly/TikTok_H400_PR.

 

You can also #BringPhotosToLife with #YourAIPhone via Home Credit easy installments of as low as ₱979/month for 18 months! Check the best HONOR products and deals for you here: https://hcph.info/3I2m1gb.

 

To know more about HONOR 400 5G, head on to: https://bit.ly/Web_H400_PR. For more exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph) and TikTok (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

 

Knorr Professional Launches Team Sure Lasap at Flavor-Packed Stir Fry Fest

As a mom who’s always on the lookout for ways to make mealtime both delicious and stress-free, I was genuinely excited to see Knorr Professional introduce Team Sure Lasap at their recent Stir Fry Fest. This group of culinary ambassadors isn’t just about cooking—they’re about bringing reliable, flavorful dishes to the table that even picky eaters will love. Knowing that top chefs are championing the same ingredients I use at home gives me extra confidence in what I serve my family. Plus, the Stir Fry Fest was such a fun reminder that cooking can be both creative and practical—just like how we moms do it every day.

Knorr Professional proudly introduced Team Sure Lasap at its flavorful Stir Fry Fest — a powerhouse lineup of culinary ambassadors made up of Ninong Ry, Chef Rosebud Benitez-Velasco, Chef JR Royol, and Chef Boy Logro. These seasoned pros and Knorr ambassadors turned up the heat and led the charge in showcasing the versatility and boldness of stir-frying, bringing their unique flair to the kitchen.

 

Held at Whitespace Manila, the Stir-Fry Fest brought together chefs, food service operators, and culinary leaders from across the country for a vibrant, hands-on celebration of bold flavors, elevated techniques, and kitchen camaraderie. The venue was transformed into a dynamic cooking arena, where participants teamed up with Team Sure Lasap for live demos, interactive meal prep sessions, and exclusive tastings — all showcasing dishes made with Knorr Professional’s Sure Lasap seasoning.

 

Interactive stations allowed guests to experience cooking with Team Sure Lasap and using the new Knorr Professional Sure Lasap for their stir-fry creations.

 

For many chefs, sticking to old habits and relying on the same go-to ingredients can sometimes limit business success. The new Knorr Professional Sure Lasap offers a solution: an all-in-one seasoning powder packed with real garlic flavor and aroma as well as real chicken, helping chefs break out of their routines and elevate their dishes with ease. Specially crafted for food service kitchens, Knorr Sure Lasap delivers delicious garlic flavour and aroma across a wide range of dishes, from classic Filipino staples like PancitGuisado, Chop Suey, and Fried Rice, to modern Asian favorites. Its ease of use, flavor reliability, and kitchen efficiency make it an essential partner for today’s culinary professionals.

 

At the heart of it all was Knorr Professional Sure Lasap — an innovation designed to help chefs move beyond old habits and embrace new flavors and techniques without sacrificing the authentic taste diners crave.

 

When asked about the vision behind Knorr’s Stir Fry Fest, Monica Reyes, Country Marketing Manager of Unilever Food Solutions Philippines, notes “Knorr Sure Lasap is made for real kitchens, helping food service operators deliver consistent, delicious flavor with ease. It’s a product that understands the fast-paced demands of local kitchens. We aimed to celebrate the energy and creativity of Filipino chefs through our Stir Fry Fest together with Team Sure Lasap, who brings the Knorr Professional brand to life. Their passion, authenticity, and diverse cooking styles perfectly mirror what Knorr Sure Lasap stands for—flavor that connects and inspires."

As part of Knorr Professional’s ongoing commitment to uplift the foodservice industry, the Knorr Stir Fry Fest is just one of many initiatives aimed at empowering chefs with the tools, inspiration, and support they need to succeed in today’s fast-moving culinary world.

 

To know more from Knorr Professional and Unilever Food Solutions, visit www.ufs.com, and follow UFS on www.instagram.com/unileverfoodsolutions_ph and https://www.facebook.com/UnileverFoodSolutionsPhilippines

 

 

Haier x Abenson Just Changed the Game with the New Mini LED TV!

The future of home entertainment has officially arrived. Haier Philippines, in partnership with Abenson, has unveiled its cutting-edge Haier Mini LED TV, promising a next-level viewing experience for Filipino households. Combining ultra-clear visuals, deeper contrast, and lifelike color accuracy, the new Mini LED TV isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a complete reimagining of what watching at home should feel like. With this launch, Haier continues its commitment to innovation, while Abenson ensures the technology is more accessible to families nationwide. Whether you're binge-watching your favorite series or hosting movie nights, the Haier Mini LED TV is designed to make every moment on screen feel larger than life.

With the theme “Where Color Meets Innovation,” the event showcased how cutting-edge technology can elevate home entertainment and smart living for Filipino households.

Hosted by media personalities Aiyana Perlas and Noel Blanco, the event opened with a lively introduction and warm energy that set the tone for an afternoon filled with entertainment, innovation, and inspiration. In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Angeli Patricio, Senior Marketing Manager of Haier Philippines, emphasized that the Mini LED TV represents more than just another product in the lineup—it embodies Haier’s ongoing commitment to creating smarter, more connected homes for the Filipino market. “We’re not just unveiling a new television,” she said, “we’re presenting a smarter way of living.”

Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Apple Ma, Marketing Head of Abenson, expressed Abenson’s pride in being Haier’s exclusive partner for the product launch. She shared that Abenson remains focused on helping families upgrade their entertainment experience and was thrilled to bring this innovative new TV to Filipino households. “It’s about pushing the boundaries of how we see, hear, and experience the world from our living rooms,” she said.

A major highlight of the afternoon was the official unveiling of the Haier Mini LED TV, led by Mr. Xuhong Yan, CEO & President of Haier Philippines, along with Ms. Joy De Leon from Abenson. As the screen lit up with stunning clarity and vivid colors, guests witnessed the real-time capabilities of the Haier Mini LED TV—designed with True Color Pro technology for superior color accuracy, ultra-fine contrast from mini LED backlighting, and powerful AI integration for smart home compatibility.

Product Manager Mr. Jayden followed the unveiling with an in-depth presentation detailing the television’s cutting-edge features. These include 4K HDR resolution, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for cinema-quality viewing and sound, Game Mode Pro for responsive, lag-free gameplay, and voice-activated controls through built-in AI. The presentation demonstrated how Haier continues to redefine the home entertainment experience through innovation and user-focused design.

Adding excitement and insight to the event were special appearances by celebrities and influencers. OPM icon Chito Miranda, gaming content creator Cherizawa, and lifestyle personality Shanaia Gomez all shared how the Haier Mini LED TV fits into their everyday lives—whether for music, gaming, or smart home living—highlighting its immersive visuals, smart features, and stylish design.

Further adding credibility to the event, respected tech reviewer Peter of GizGuide provided a technical breakdown of the TV’s performance and specs. He praised the mini LED backlighting, Dolby integration, and AI-powered UI, calling it a strong contender in the premium TV market. “This isn’t just a display—it’s a digital hub for your home,” he stated during his presentation.

The event also featured elegant performances, including a live violinist interlude, engaging raffle draws, and a dedicated demo zone where guests could experience the Haier Mini LED TV firsthand. Media and partners had the opportunity to ask questions, take photos, and interact with Haier executives in an exclusive media interview segment after the main program.

In his closing speech, Mr. Xuhong Yan reaffirmed Haier’s long-term commitment to pushing innovation and delivering value-driven technology to Filipino consumers. “This launch is just the beginning,” he noted. “We are building a smarter, brighter future—one home at a time.”

The Haier Mini LED TV, now available at Abenson stores and online, promises to deliver next-generation viewing with deeper contrast, smarter features, and a sleeker design tailored for modern Filipino lifestyles. With its immersive color accuracy, ultra-clear 4K visuals, and smart capabilities, the new TV redefines what it means to live, play, and connect from the comfort of your own home.

Toby’s Youth Sports Foundation Launches Grassroots Sports Clinics in Tanay to Empower Young Athletes Ask ChatGPT

In its mission to empower the next generation through sport, the Toby’s Youth Sports Foundation, in partnership with Toby’s Sports, brought its grassroots outreach program to the heart of Rizal. The covered court of Barangay Cuyambay in Tanay recently came alive as students from Cuyambay Elementary School joined free basketball and pickleball clinics designed to spark a lifelong love for movement and physical activity.

Toby’s Sports executives and professional pickleball coach Mark Casal provided sports items to the children of Cayumbay, Rizal.

Children dribbled, passed, served, and scored their way through a day of fun, guided by Toby’s Sports employee volunteers and foundation leaders. The sessions, led by experienced coaches, introduced kids to basic skills and game rules while promoting teamwork, discipline, and confidence.

Luis Angelo Claudio, Head of E-commerce at Toby’s Sports, conducted a basketball clinic for children in Cayumbay, Rizal.

To ensure the momentum continues long after the event, Toby’s Sports donated basketballs, pickleballs, paddles, and nets to the school—providing students and teachers with the tools to keep playing and growing.

Kids trying pickleball for the first time during Toby’s Sports’ pickleball clinic in Cayumbay, Rizal. 

“Our goal is to create real access to sport for Filipino children—especially those in underserved communities,” said Toby Claudio, President of Toby’s Sports. “Through the Toby’s Youth Sports Foundation, we’re building more than athletes. We’re building self-esteem, values, and healthier futures.”

Toby Claudio, President of Toby’s Sports, hands over donated sports equipment to students with a representative from Cuyambay Elementary School.

Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, was a crowd favorite, offering an easy entry point for kids who had never held a paddle before. Paired with basketball, a sport embedded in local culture, the clinics blended new discovery with familiar passion—igniting excitement among both students and teachers.

“It’s inspiring to see how sport can change a child’s outlook, even in just a few hours,” said Andrea Tan, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience at Toby’s Sports. “The laughter, the energy, the smiles—it is proof that sport is a powerful tool for connection and empowerment.”

This initiative is part of the foundation’s broader commitment to bring structured, inclusive sports experiences to youth in all corners of the country—ensuring every child has the chance to move, play, and thrive.

BDO Retains Title as the Philippines’ Most Valuable Brand in 2025

 With its continued focus on enhancing customer experience, promoting financial inclusion, and driving operational excellence, BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) has once again been recognized as the country’s most valuable brand for the second straight year by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. 

Learning from the PH’s Most Valuable Brands: Cora A. Mallillin, BDO’s Executive Vice President and Head of

Branch Banking Group, shared valuable insights at the Brand Finance Philippines Brand Forum 2025.

In Brand Finance Philippines 2025 report, BDO’s brand value surged to US$ 3.7 billion, representing a 48% increase from previous year, underscoring the Bank’s strong market position, growing customer trust and solid execution.

According to Alex Haigh, Managing Director, Brand Finance Asia Pacific, “BDO’s latest brand

valuation is a testament to the years of strategic growth from an institution that remains focused

on building a future-ready bank for every Filipino. With physical presence in 92% of Philippine

municipalities and a growing global footprint around the world, BDO is on a positive growth

trajectory.”

This recognition highlights BDO’s sustained focus on customer satisfaction, operational

resilience and inclusive growth. In 2024, the Bank expanded its footprint bringing its total

network to 1,793 across the Philippines and key international markets such as Hong Kong and

Singapore. This expansion supports BDO’s mission to bring essential financial services closer to underserved communities.

Additionally, BDO has continued to strengthen its digital infrastructure to meet the evolving

needs of customers. Its Go Digital initiatives are designed to provide clients with secure and easy access to banking services anytime, anywhere.

 Enhancements to its BDO Online and BDO Pay mobile apps have delivered a smoother, more personalized experiences. Cora A. Mallillin, BDO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Branch Banking Group, said "We continue to put customers at the core of our business. By making financial services simple, easy and secure, we are helping build a more progressive economy while contributing to a better future for Filipinos."

BDO’s consistent distinction as the country’s most valuable brand reaffirms its commitment to

customers, sustainable growth, and long-term value creation for stakeholders.