The Search Is On! Cebuana Lhuillier’s ‘Happiest Pinoy’ Contest Accepting Entries Until July 31

 Cebuana Lhuillier’s iconic Search for the Happiest Pinoy is back—and with the July 31, 2025 deadline fast approaching, time is of the essence. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate your own journey of joy and resilience—or shine a spotlight on someone whose optimism uplifts others. Be part of this nationwide movement and get a chance to win a share of ₱1 million in tax-free prizes.

More than a search, Happiest Pinoy is a tribute to the unwavering Filipino spirit. As Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, explains: “Happiest Pinoy reflects our enduring belief that Filipinos are inherently hopeful, joyful, and resilient. It remains a powerful platform to honor individuals who embody the true Filipino spirit—those whose boundless joy uplifts others, even in the face of life’s toughest challenges.”

Among its most unforgettable winners is Zaldy Bueno, the 2019 Happiest Pinoy. A humble public school teacher from Gumaca, Quezon, Zaldy overcame poverty and personal hardship with an infectious spirit of service and hope. His tireless efforts to bring education to remote communitiesled to his launch of Project Padyak, an advocacy that provides bicycles to students in need so they, too, can access education. His story is proof that one person's happiness and determination can create ripples of change.

Now, it’s your turn.

With over 400,000 nominations already submitted, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be one of the most inspiring yet. But with the deadline nearing, there’s no time to delay. If you or someone you know has triumphed over adversity with joy and generosity, nominate them—or yourself—today.

This year’s search is more inclusive than ever, with new and diverse categories:

• Masayahing Gen Z – vibrant, hopeful youth

• Happy at 60 – seniors living joyfully

• No Way Kapansanan – persons with disabilities defying the odds

• Inspiradong Champion – employees who uplift others

• Bagong Bayani, Hatid Sigla – OFWs spreading joy worldwide

• Bibo sa Negosyo – entrepreneurs who inspire with purpose

• Proud as Pride – LGBTQIA+ individuals leading with love

• Creative Pinoy – creatives using their talents to spread joy

Two special categories include:

• Katutubo (TRIBO) – celebrating indigenous people and communities

• Happiest Ka-Cebuana – recognizing loyal Cebuana Lhuillier clients

The grand winner will take home ₱500,000 tax-free, while each category winner receives ₱35,000, and special awardees ₱25,000—all tax-free.

How to Submit:

• Online: forms.gle/vU4Y42zG1PepyVJX7

• Email: Download and email the form to happiestpinoy2024@gmail.com

• Cebuana Lhuillier Branch: Get and submit forms at any branch nationwide

• Courier: Send your entry to 12F, Pacific Star Building, Makati Avenue corner Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City (Attn: IMCG – PR Department)

Entries can also be submitted in creative formats like scrapbooks, vlogs, or short films.

Be part of a legacy that celebrates optimism, resilience, and everyday heroes. Join now! You might just be the next Zaldy Bueno—spreading happiness, one story at a time.

Deadline is July 31, 2025. Visit www.happiest-pinoy.comfor more info.

AOC Monitors Dominates 2024 as the #1 Gaming Monitor

AOC Monitors, a global leader in display technology, has once again proven its dominance in the gaming industry, securing the top spot as the Number 1 Gaming Monitor Brand in the Philippines for the year 2024, according to the latest IDC Worldwide Quarterly Gaming Tracker for Q4 2024. AOC outperformed the competition, maintaining its stronghold in the gaming monitor market throughout the year.

This milestone is a testament to AOC's unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming displays that cater to the demands of both casual players and esports professionals. Known for its high-quality, high-performance monitors, AOC continues to push the boundaries of gaming technology with immersive visuals, ultra-fast refresh rates, and precision-driven response times.

Among AOC's impressive lineup, several models exemplify the brand's dedication to innovation and excellence:

AG456UCZD – A 44.5-inch curved OLED gaming monitor with WQHD resolution (3440x1440 px), a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 0.03ms response time. Featuring an 800R curvature, HDR10, and low blue light mode, this monitor delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors for an unparalleled gaming experience. (Available for ₱90,440 SRP)

AG493UCX2 – A 49-inch SuperWide curved 5K Dual QHD monitor designed for total immersion. With DisplayHDR400 support, high responsiveness, and top-tier performance, this model is a powerhouse for gamers seeking expansive and crystal-clear visuals. (Available for ₱55,480 SRP)

PD49 – A premium 49-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor boasting 5K DQHD resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. Inspired by the Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa, the PD49 merges cutting-edge technology with timeless design, offering a peak 1000-nit brightness for an outstanding HDR experience. With USB-C connectivity, an ergonomic stand, KVM switch, and a USB hub, this monitor is ideal for both gaming and productivity. (Available for ₱101,110 SRP)

AOC’s dedication to innovation has solidified its reputation as the go-to brand for gaming monitors. Whether for high-speed competitive gaming or breathtaking single-player experiences, AOC Monitors deliver the visual excellence, speed, and immersion that gamers demand.

With a continued focus on groundbreaking technology, superior craftsmanship, and gamer-centric design, AOC is poised to lead the gaming monitor industry for years to come.

TechLife Unveils Budget-Friendly Pad Lite 8” at Just P4,999

 

Learning doesn't just happen in classrooms anymore. It unfolds in coffee shops, on public commutes, in quiet corners of the house, or during late-night deep dives on new hobbies. From schoolwork and self-improvement to casual curiosity and creative exploration, learning is an integral part of everyday life today.

With this mind shift, TechLife officially launches the newest addition to its Pad lineup, the TechLife Pad Lite 8”, available in elegant Champagne Gold and vibrant Lilac Purple for only PHP 4,999. These stylish color options are perfect for complementing any OOTD, blending function with flair wherever you go.

Designed to keep up with the curious, the busy, the ever-learning, the Pad Lite 8” offers just the right balance of performance, portability, and practicality, all wrapped in a sleek and compact build.

Made for the Flow of Real Life

With an 8” HD screen and a slim, lightweight body, the Pad Lite 8” doesn’t feel like carrying a device. It’s simply there when needed, resting on a stand beside the stove during a cooking video, on the bed during a journaling session, or tucked in a tote on the way to class or work.

Its detachable stand makes switching from active use to passive viewing effortless. No need to prop it up with a pillow or book. It fits in perfectly, regardless of the setting.

 

Steady Power Through Long Days

Battery life matters more during busy weeks than it does on paper. The Pad Lite 8” runs quietly in the background, handling streaming, browsing, note-taking, and multitasking without frequent charging breaks. With a 6000mAh battery, it remains active even when everything else starts to slow down.

At night, it still has enough charge left to finish a video, read one more article, or play music until sleep comes. No cords, no interruptions, just time well spent.

 

Connection That Doesn’t Rely on the Nearest Outlet

With 4G LTE connectivity, the Pad Lite 8” works in places where Wi-Fi doesn’t. It becomes a source of music on a walk, a quick hotspot during a group project, or a steady stream of productivity when the usual setup isn’t available.

Dual SIM support and VoLTE calling add even more utility, especially for those who switch between tasks and locations often.

Fitting into Routines Without Disrupting Them

This isn’t a device that replaces larger screens or more powerful setups. It complements them. It steps in during the quiet parts of the day, while making lists, checking content, skimming through ideas, or finding small ways to unwind.

Inside is a reliable octa-core processor, expandable RAM up to 8GB, and Android 15, enough to run smoothly without being complicated. Whether for media, messaging, notes, or inspiration, the Pad Lite 8” handles light to moderate multitasking comfortably.

And with up to 1TB expandable storage, it carries memories, materials, and media collections without asking what to delete next.

 

Designed for Those Who Learn by Living

The TechLife Pad Lite 8” isn’t about performance metrics or feature overload. It’s about presence - being there when curiosity strikes, when a task needs to be done, or when a quick break between work or class turns into a new discovery.

Because sometimes, the most meaningful lessons show up in the little moments, not in classrooms, but in everyday life.

 

Local Availability

From July 12 to 19, the TechLife Fam can enjoy special deals on Shopee, featuring exclusive freebies and platform voucher discounts. During these dates, the first orders will receive a FREE Folio Case and Globe 5G SIM card until supplies last. Fans are encouraged to redeem platform vouchers to score the lowest checkout price possible.

Similarly on TikTok, the TechLife Pad Lite 8” will be available starting July 14, with a promo running until July 19. Early buyers will receive a free Folio Case and Globe 5G SIM card, valid while supplies last.

 

To receive exclusive offers and news about TechLife, follow its official social media pages on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

 

Ortigas Art Festival 2025 Champions Creativity for Everyone

 Over the past eight years, the Ortigas Art Festival has grown from a local exhibit to a nationally recognized cultural event, receiving multiple accolades including the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards and the International Business Awards for its innovation and public accessibility.

 

This year, it builds on that legacy—not just to showcase talent, but to create real, lasting impact.

 

For the first time, Ortigas Art Festival 2025 will be held at GH Mall from July 10 to 24, 2025 with a powerful theme: “Art for All: A Celebration of Borderless Artistic Expression.”

 

At its core, “Art For All” is a movement that seeks to break down walls—between disciplines, between artists and audiences, and between the art world and everyday life. The Ortigas Art Festival shows us that art is not confined to galleries nor exclusive for collectors, but experienced by people from all walks of life.

 

It’s also about providing platforms that empower communities, amplify underrepresented voices, and support both emerging and established artists in ways that go beyond the commercial. The Ortigas Art Festival, with its free exhibitions, open-to-public workshops, free movie screenings, and diverse programming, is doing exactly that.

The Ortigas Art Festival 2025 will be held at GH Mall from July 10 to 24, 2025, with a powerful theme of “Art for All: A Celebration of Borderless Artistic Expression.” Present during the opening ceremony were (top L-R) Angono artist Totong Francisco; Nemiranda, founder of Angono Ateliers Association; fashion designer Chynna Mamawal; Tess Rayos Del Sol, Head of the National Committee on Art Galleries; Angono, Rizal Councilor Jhoanne Saguinsin; San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora Arch. Renee Bacani, Ortigas Malls Vice President; Pasig City Councilor Angelu De Leon; Helen Mirasol and Renato Habulan, Ortigas Art Festival Head Curators and Consultants; Franz Lopez, Born in Film founder; (bottom L-R) Monique Castañeda, Ortigas Malls AVP and Head of Marketing; Ortigas family JV Sullano, Alex Ortigas-Sullano, Maritess Ortigas, Maite Ortigas; and Cathy Dueñas, Ortigas Malls AVP Head  of Leasing.

 

Bringing art closer to the people

Taking over multiple venues inside GH Mall—including the East Wing Atrium, South Wing Atrium, 4F Tech Hub, and Promenade Cinema—the festival transforms its everyday spaces into living galleries, proving that art doesn’t need formal spaces to be powerful.

 

From July 10 to 24, the mall becomes a canvas for a community-led celebration of creative expression across a range of disciplines: visual art, photography, film, fashion, dance, music, and more.

 

“Our mission has always been to bring art closer to people and people closer to art,” says Renato Habulan, artist and Ortigas Art Festival Consultant and Head Curator. Art for All is our guiding principle. We believe that by making art more accessible, we’re helping artists grow, helping communities connect, and creating meaningful cultural experiences for everyone.”

 

A festival rooted in community

The festival’s curated exhibitions feature a dynamic mix of Filipino talent—many of whom are deeply connected to their local communities.

 

Totong Francisco, the grandson of National Artist Carlos Francisco, and Raul Roco Jr., son of the late beloved Senator Roco, will display their works, along with a fashion design exhibit featuring Chynna Mamawal, and a photography exhibit by Born in Film, Redlab, and many more artists.

 

In the East Wing Atrium, guests can discover works from Angono Artists, hailed as the art capital of the Philippines, Linangan Art Residency, Ortigas Foundation, Redlab Gallery, San Juan Artists, Shine Vitto Galerie from Mindoro, artists from Pasig City, and more. These groups represent not only artistic excellence but also the vibrancy of regional narratives and diverse cultural identities across the Philippines.

 

The South Wing Atrium showcases galleries like Art Circle, Art Point, Jean & Jaz Gallerie, Nami Art, and Born in Film, offering a rich visual experience that spans painting, mixed media, and analog photography.

 

And for those wanting more than just a viewing experience, the 4F Tech Hub is where you can roll up your sleeves and get involved. With a lineup of workshops, artist talks, forums, and pop-ups, it’s a space built for creative discovery. Mallgoers can join the Watercolor Pop-Up Art Fair by Philippine Guild of Watercolorists (PGW); art talk by Linangan’s Manny Garibay; workshops by Pasig Art Club and Born in Film at the South Wing Atrium.

 

These programs allow the public not only to engage with art but also to learn from the very artists creating it—turning them from passive viewers into active participants.

 

Beyond the brush: film, fashion, dance, and music

Art for All also means celebrating creativity in all its forms—not just on canvas. The Promenade Cinema will feature free screenings of acclaimed Filipino films starting July 11, 2025, thanks to a collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Screenings include Babae at Baril on July 11, John Denver Trending on July 12, and Thy Womb on July 18 at 7PM at Cinema 4 of The Promenade.

 

On the fashion front, designer Chynna Mamawal presents expressive pieces that blur the lines between couture and concept. The Learning Tree, Halili School of Dance, and UPeepz bring the rhythm and grace of movement to the stage.

 

This multidisciplinary approach reflects the evolving nature of art today—expansive, interdisciplinary, and deeply collaborative.

 

Ortigas Art Festival 2025 opens with a vernissage on July 10 at the East Wing Atrium and runs daily during mall hours until July 24. Admission to all exhibits and screenings are free. For workshops, be sure to register to confirm your slot.

 

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious wanderer, or someone looking for inspiration, this festival is your invitation to explore the boundless world of creativity—no gatekeeping, no barriers.

 

Because here, art isn’t just for some—it’s for all. For more information and updates, like and follow GH Mall on Facebookand Instagram. #OrtigasArtFestival2025 #OAF2025 #ArtForAll

HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) Powers a New Era of Creation and Innovation

 HUAWEI unlocks a new era of creation and productivity with the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025), a 3-in-1 genius device to power big creative ideas and peak productivity in every moment. Designed for those who lead, create, and build, this next-gen tablet transforms how professionals and creatives bring their visions to life.

The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) retails for PHP 49,999 and is available for pre-order starting July 11 to July 17, 2025. 

PC-Level Productivity for the Professional on the Move

Designed for the business elite and ambitious professionals, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” 2025 transforms any setting into a fully functional mobile office. Weighing only 512g and just 5.5mm thin, this ultra-slim tablet fits easily into bags, briefcases, and fast-paced lives. 

The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) transforms into a fully capable mobile workstation with the genius HUAWEI Glide Keyboard. Weighing just 420g, the ultra-portable keyboard delivers a tactile, laptop-like typing experience. It features a built-in stylus holder and is made of skin-friendly, spill-resistant materials that stand up to everyday messes like coffee, oil, and lipstick. Paired through NearLink 2.0 technology, it ensures a more stable, low-latency connection for real-time responsiveness whether drafting reports or jotting down ideas. Its smooth, sturdy hinge opens in one fluid step, similar to flipping open a laptop to turn it on. It also enables effortless transitions between typing, drawing, and presenting.

Users also get lifetime free access to PC-Level WPS Office Suite, making it easy to work on spreadsheets, presentations, and documents with PC-like mouse icons, tools, and functionalities. Complementing this is the all-new Live Multitask feature, which redefines touch control and workflow flexibility. Users can work on up to 3 apps in resizable windows, adjust their ratio on the screen, and switch between tools with ease. From writing notes during a virtual meeting, to reviewing a presentation deck while updating a spreadsheet, it brings fluid multitasking into a single interface.

And with the intelligent HUAWEI Notes app, capturing thoughts becomes effortless. Features like AI handwriting enhancement, symbol search, and a template-rich Resource Market, offering personalized covers, templates, and stickers to suit a variety of contexts from detailed meeting notes to visual timelines and digital journals. The innovative heat dissipation design of the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) powers its PC-level performance, keeping professionals and creatives productive through long sessions.

A Digital Artboard for Every Level of Creativity

For designers, illustrators, storytellers and visual creatives, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) transforms into a high-performance digital artboard through GoPaint, HUAWEI’s built-in creative app. Powered by the FangTian Painting Engine and supporting up to 8K canvases, GoPaint is engineered for expressive, detailed work. Paired with the HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd Gen), it delivers an immersive drawing experience that responds like pen-to-paper across a wide spectrum of pressure levels and drawing styles.

New brushes bring every idea to life from texture to tone. The 3D Oil Painting Brush captures pigment buildup, lighting effects, and textured surfaces. The True-Color Brush supports stroke-by-stroke gradients and tonal transitions for more nuanced storytelling. With the Splatter Brush, creators can add organic flair and texture with every flick, whether creating bold highlights or fine, atmospheric touches. A set of video tutorials come with the GoPaint app to ensure that even beginners can jump right in and start creating with confidence.

Made for designers and content creators, GoPaint now also features frame-by-frame animation with layer-to-frame mapping, enabling seamless motion design for sticker sets and storyboards. Whether moodboarding for a campaign, experimenting with animation, or preparing client visuals, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) offers a digital canvas that feels creative, powerful, and beautifully lifelike. 

A Lightweight Tablet Built for Everyday Excellence

The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) is engineered to deliver a seamless tablet experience through its immersive 12.2-inch OLED FullView Display. With a 2.8K resolution and a fluid 144 Hz refresh rate, every gesture from sketching to scrolling feels intuitive and responsive. Designed for extended use, the display is enhanced with anti-sparkle technology that reduces subtle flickering, anti-reflection layering that minimizes harsh glare, and multiple Eye Comfort Modes certified by international standards. These features work together to reduce eye strain, making the tablet ideal for long work sessions and deep creative focus.

Built for both performance and endurance, the display’s 2,000-nit peak brightness and 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio ensure remarkable clarity and color depth even in bright outdoor conditions or dim, low-light environments. A nano-etched anti-glare surface elevates visibility and tactile realism, mimicking the texture of paper to provide a more natural, comfortable experience for reading, drawing, or designing. It’s a visual system that doesn’t just show users their work, it supports the way they see and create it.

Powered by a robust 10,100mAh battery, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) offers up to 14 hours of use on a single charge and can fully recharge in just 55 minutes. With Smart Power Conserve, it can even remain on standby for over a year. Secure fingerprint unlock allows for fast, protected access and encrypted payments, while Super Signal technology powered by Wi-Fi 7 ensures stable, high-speed connectivity. Whether reviewing presentations in the office, jumping into a video call at home, or editing content in a café.h

Go Beyond Boundaries with the Genius HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” Pre-Order Today

The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025) is now available for pre-order at PHP 49,999 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, the HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. The pre-order period runs from July 11 to July 17. 

Collect early bird vouchers worth PHP 2,000 on the HUAWEI Online Store, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok. Enjoy an exclusive pre-order bundle worth up to PHP 28,895, including the HUAWEI Glide Keyboard (worth PHP 9,999), the HUAWEI M-Pencil (worth PHP 5,999), a HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 (worth PHP 5,999), a Bluetooth Mouse (worth PHP 1,899), and a PC-level WPS Office Suite license (worth PHP 4,999). 

To learn more visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Join the Xiaomi Pop Run 2025 at Filinvest City with a Free Slot via Smart Band 10 Purchase

 Join the Xiaomi Pop Run 2025 at Filinvest City Every purchase of a Xiaomi Smart Band 10 entitles you to free registration

Continuing a tradition of seamlessly blending physical fitness and technology, Xiaomi announces the return of the Xiaomi Pop Run this year, on August 30, 2025, at Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa.

The Run event, co-hosted by organizers RunRio, Inc., will feature a 5K fun run category, a 10K professional race, and, for the first time, a 21K half-marathon category for runners seeking a truly challenging experience.

Here are the full mechanics of each category:

● 5KM Fun Run

○ A non-competitive and untimed race meant for casual runners and

community participants.

● 10KM Professional Race

○ A timed and ranked category where participants will be evaluated based on

their official finish times. Registration opens on July 9, 2025, and entry is

free with the purchase of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10.

● 21KM Half Marathon

○ A timed and competitive category with prizes for both top overall finishers

and age group winners. Registration opens on July 9, 2025, and entry is free

with the purchase of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10.

The top finishers of the 21K will also win the latest Xiaomi products and devices, including a Xiaomi TV A Pro, Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, and much more. Top finishers by age group in the 10K will receive a free Xiaomi Massage Gun Mini 2.

All participants will receive a Runner’s Kit, which includes:

● Xiaomi POP Run Quick Dry Shirt

● Race Kit Bag

● Race Bib

● Ref Magnet

● Pace Band (for 21KM only)

All finishers will receive a Finisher’s Kit with finisher's Medal and a certificate of Completion.

Important Reminders for Race Registration

Please keep a few key details in mind for your race registration. Invitation codes are for one- time use only, so ensure you're ready to complete your registration once you have yours.

Race slots are also limited and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to register promptly to secure your spot. Only purchases of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 made between July 4–25, 2025, are eligible for this free race registration offer. Finally, to ensure you receive all official updates, please register using a valid email address.

Join the Xiaomi Pop Run 2025 today by getting a Xiaomi Smart Band 10! For more info and updates on the event, follow Xiaomi Philippines on social media.

Learn more here: www.mi.com/ph/event/band10-poprun

Watsons Partners with Diabetes Philippines to Strengthen Diabetes Prevention and Care

 Diabetes is a lifelong condition impacting a significant portion of the global population. 

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 589 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, with 215 million of them in the Western Pacific region, a number projected to rise to 254 million by 2050. The Philippines, one of the 38 countries in this region, is facing a growing diabetes burden. As of 2024, out of a total adult population of over 71 million, approximately 7.5% are living with diabetes, amounting to around 4.7 million Filipinos affected by the condition.

In response to the growing number of diabetes cases in the country and the need for more proactive health interventions, Watsons Philippines, the country’s leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer, has partnered with Diabetes Philippines, Inc. (DPI) to amplify efforts in awareness, early detection, and chronic disease management. The partnership aims to make credible health information and professional care more accessible, especially at the community level.

This meaningful collaboration was officially launched during a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, with key executives and leaders from both organizations in attendance. Representing Watsons were Joeweeh B. Liao, Director of Health Business Unit, Finance, and Property Development;  Maria Adelfa T. De Ramos, Sales Operations Director; and Ma. Corina M. Marte, Director for People and Organization Development. From Diabetes Philippines, Dr. Fatma Tiu, President, led the signing alongside Dr. Reynaldo Rosales, Treasurer, Dr. Luinio Tongson and Ms. Leyden Florido members of the board.

Watsons Philippines and the Diabetes Philippines Inc. executives pose for a photo following the ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement aimed at advancing diabetes awareness and health access across the country. From left to right: Watsons Ph Director for Sales OperationMaria Adelfa De Ramos;Watsons Ph Director for Health Business Unit, Finance, and Property Development Joweeh Liao, Watsons Ph Director for People and Organization Development Ma Corina Marte; Diabetes Philippines Inc. President Dr. Fatma I. Tiu, and Diabetes Philippines Inc. Treasurer Dr. Reynaldo Rosales, 

Joeweeh Liao, Director for Health Business Unit, Finance, and Property Development of Watsons Philippines, highlights Watsons Philippines’ commitment to making diabetes care more accessible across the country.

“This collaboration with Diabetes Philippines brings us one step closer to making quality healthcare, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, more accessible to every Filipino. We’re not only investing in education and early detection. While doing so, we are also strengthening our stores by beefing up our stocks and expanding our range of diabetes medicines and health essentials. We want every Watsons store to be a reliable source of support for people living with or at risk of diabetes,” shared Joeweeh  Liao.

Under this joint initiative, Watsons Pharmacists will undergo specialized training led by Diabetes Philippines, expanding their roles from conventional pharmacy practice to consultative, proactive care in managing diabetes and its complications. The program focuses on disease prevention, improving medication adherence, and achieving optimal treatment outcomes.

“Diabetes Philippines is deeply committed to improving the lives of Filipinos living with diabetes,” said Dr. Fatma Tiu, President of DPI. “We believe that education and early intervention can go a long way in preventing complications. This collaboration with Watsons allows us to bring that message closer to the public by equipping pharmacists, often the first point of contact, with the right tools and knowledge to help.”

This initiative supports Watsons Philippines’ broader mission to be the go-to destination for health and wellness by providing expert pharmacist advice, ensuring sufficient and readily available stocks, and promoting sustainable health practices. It also forms as part of Watsons’ “Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great” brand promise, now brought to life through meaningful tie-ups.

“Our goal has always been to give back to the community. Through this initiative, we’re helping our pharmacy teams gain a deeper sense of purpose. They’re not just dispensing medicine, they’re helping people live longer, healthier lives through confident, consultative care,”  added Ma. Corina Marte, Watsons Philippines’ People and Organization Development  Director. 

“When people walk into our stores, we want them to feel that Watsons is more than just a place to shop, it’s where good health begins. We are turning everyday visits into opportunities for health empowerment,”  emphasized Maria Adelfa De Ramos, Watsons Philippines’ Sales Operations Director.

Launched just in time for National Diabetes Awareness Month this July, the Watsons and Diabetes Philippines partnership is a firm step toward creating a healthier, better-informed Philippines, one customer and one community at a time.

Download and shop through the Watsons App, available on the App Store or Google Play.  Enjoy other exciting health and wellness deals, with exclusive offers and discounts available on the app as well. Whether you need health essentials, pharmacy services, or expert advice, Watsons—your trusted health and pharmacy retail partner- has everything you need to stay on top of your health, beauty, and wellness goals.

realme 14 Pro Series 5G Empowers You to Live and Capture What Matters

 Life rarely stays in one lane, and sometimes, the shift is a beautiful thing. Late-night study sessions can lead to academic awards and medals. Weekend side hustles can grow into full-time dreams. Even those random ideas that come up while stuck in traffic or brushing one’s teeth can blossom into creative content, passion projects, or even businesses.

Through every transition, the realme 14 Pro Series 5G stands quietly supportive, ready to grow with whoever holds it. Whether it’s the high-end realme 14 Pro+ 5G or the solid and stylish realme 14 Pro 5G, both are designed to complement every moment.

Aesthetics that Never Go Out of Style

Good design never screams. It settles in naturally, on a café table, beside a laptop, or in someone’s hand like the Suede Grey and Pearl White colorways of the realme 14 Pro Series 5G. They don’t beg for attention, but they never go unnoticed. The Pearl White variant even adds a playful twist, with a cold-sensitive back that shifts to a marbled blue below 16°C.

Beyond the surface, both phones offer immersive visuals. The realme 14 Pro+ 5G features a 6.83" quad-curved OLED display with 1.5K resolution, while the realme 14 Pro 5G comes in slightly smaller at 6.77" with a curved FHD+ OLED screen, providing fans with stunning clarity and rich contrast when watching or gaming.

Performance That Understands Ambition

From launching a brand to juggling school and side hustles, the realme 14 Pro Series 5G is built for the ambitious. The 14 Pro+ 5G, with its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, handles heavy tasks with ease, while the 14 Pro 5G’s Dimensity 7300 Energy chip is perfect for daily use. With up to 512GB storage, 26GB dynamic RAM, and a 6000mAh battery, both phones deliver all-day performance. For quick top-ups, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G features 80W fast charging, reaching 50% in under 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the 14 Pro 5G offers 45W SUPERVOOC charging, which is fast enough to power up during a coffee break.

A Camera System That Captures Small and Big Wins

Not every photo is about aesthetics. Some are about moments – messy, meaningful, blink-and-you’ll miss-it moments.

The realme 14 Pro+ 5G is equipped with a triple Sony camera setup, including a 50MP OIS main lens, a periscope-style telephoto lens for an impressive zoom range, and an ultra-wide lens for capturing travel days and group shots. Whether it’s shooting golden hour portraits in BGC, a photo of someone’s newly opened cafe, a medal, or a wacky shot with the gang, the results feel sharp, vibrant, and clear.

Meanwhile, the realme 14 Pro 5G also delivers beautiful shots with its 50MP main sensor, enhanced by realme’s powerful AI modes such as Snap Mode (for capturing fast-moving subjects), AI Ultra Clarity 2.0 (for instantly removing blur), and yes, even Underwater Mode that let’s users record videos underwater at depths of up to 1.5 meters.

Built for the Unexpected

Life throws curveballs. Rainstorms during errands. Spilled drinks during editing sessions. Beach sand, dusty roads, or the dreaded bathroom drop. That’s why both phones carry IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, meaning they’re dust-tight and water-resistant, even against high-pressure water jets. Add military-grade shock resistance and TÜV Rheinland certification, and fans get a smartphone that’s not just stylish, but also built to perform, rain or shine.

The realme 14 Pro 5G is available for P21,999, while the flagship realme 14 Pro+ 5G retails for P27,999, in all partner stores nationwide. As part of realme’s freebie giveaway promo, every purchase of the realme 14 Pro Series 5G until July 18, entitles buyers to get a free realme Buds T310 or realme Buds T300 worth up to PHP 1,999.

For the latest news and announcements about the realme 14 Series 5G, visit the brand’s official website and follow its Facebook page.

BDO to Issue PHP5B in New Peso-Denominated Sustainability Bonds

 

BDO Unibank, Inc.  is set to issue Peso-denominated Fixed-Rate Sustainability Bonds with a minimum aggregate issue size of PHP5 billion. This marks the Bank’s fourth Peso-denominated Sustainability Bond following a PHP 55.7 billion issue in July 2024, PHP63.3 billion issue in January 2024, and PHP52.7 billion issue in January 2022. This latest offering reaffirms BDO’s continued commitment to sustainable finance and responsible banking. Proceeds from the issuance will support projects aligned with the Bank’s sustainability framework, contributing to positive environmental and social impact across the country.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has confirmed that the proposed issuance complies with the requirements set forth under the ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards and the SEC ASEAN Sustainability Bond Circular.

The proposed issuance will have a tenor of one-and-a-half (1.5) years and a coupon rate of 5.875% per annum. The minimum investment amount is PHP500,000, with additional increments in multiples of PHP100,000 thereafter. The offer period will run from July 9 to 22, 2025, while the issue, settlement, and listing date will be on July 29, 2025.

The net proceeds of the proposed issuance will be used to finance and/or refinance eligible assets as defined in the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework, support the Bank’s lending activities, and diversify the Bank’s funding sources.

BDO reserves the right to amend the terms and the timing of the issuance as it deems necessary.

ING Bank N.V., Manila Branch (“ING”) is the Sole Arranger and Sustainability Coordinator of the proposed issuance, with BDO Unibank, Inc. and ING as the Selling Agents, and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation as Financial Advisor.

 

THE BONDS ARE SECURITIES EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 9.1(e)

OF THE SECURITIES REGULATION CODE (“SRC”) AND AS SUCH WILL NOT BE

REGISTERED UNDER THE SRC.

THE FOREGOING IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT

CONSTITUTE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS, AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION OF

ANY OFFER TO INVEST IN THE BONDS NOR AN OBLIGATION ON THE PART OF BDO TO

ISSUE THE BONDS OR THE ARRANGER AND SELLING AGENTS TO ACCEPT ANY

OFFER. THE ABOVE INFORMATION DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE OR

EXHAUSTIVE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD READ THE OFFERING CIRCULAR

FOR THE OFFER IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE BONDS WILL ONLY BE SOLD DURING THE

OFFER PERIOD STATED ABOVE.

 

Commitment to sustainability. BDO Unibank launches its fourth Peso-denominated Sustainability Bond.

BDO Foundation Puts Community Health First with Expanded Healthcare Efforts

BDO Foundation continues to strengthen its commitment to nation-building by prioritizing access to basic healthcare services for underserved communities. Through its various health-focused initiatives, the foundation aims to uplift the lives of Filipinos by improving healthcare facilities, supporting medical missions, and promoting health education. With a mission rooted in compassion and inclusion, BDO Foundation ensures that quality healthcare becomes more accessible—especially to those who need it most.

Several primary care facilities in the provinces of Antique and Cebu received renovation support from BDO Foundation through the recommendation of BDO and BDO Network Bank branches.

As part of its long-standing program, the foundation continues its mission to support public health workers and local government units in providing optimal patient care within an environment that is conducive to healing and wellness. “BDO Foundation prioritizes this mission because we believe in the importance of basic healthcare and its irreplaceable function in a community,” shared BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito.

The primary care facility serves as the first line of defense for communities in health and wellness. It is a space where children are vaccinated, individuals run to for routine check-ups, and a facility that provides overall basic preventive health care.

Reception area of San Jose de Buenavista Primary Care Facility. A health worker greets patients with a smile

The rural health unit rehabilitation program of BDO Foundation is supported by BDO and BDO Network Bank branches. Branch officers, acting beyond their mandate, recommend nearby health centers that would benefit from the program. “We have branch employees who grew up visiting these health centers, and they are always eager to find ways to support their own community,” he continued.

Rehabilitated facilities in Antique province BDO Foundation recently rehabilitated four new primary care facilities (PCF). These are Belison Primary Care Facility, San Jose de Buenavista Primary Care Facility, Sibalom Primary Care Facility, and Tobias Fornier Primary Care Facility.

General renovations include improvements in the primary care facilities layout, interiors, and exteriors. In bigger facilities like Tobias Fornier PC, space for the elderly was added. A private breastfeeding area for nursing mothers was added to Belison PCF. Reception area of San Jose de Buenavista Primary Care Facility. A health worker greets patients with a smile. More Cebuanos gaining better access to primary health care The Daanbantayan Primary Care Facility is the latest rehabilitation project of BDO Foundation in Cebu—the 7th facility in the province.

Turnover and inauguration of the Daanbantayan Primary Care Facility. Rehabilitating facilities to be more patient-centric and conducive to wellness

The facility serves more than 33,000 individuals in seven barangays and nearby communities. The two-story building was renovated to include a private breastfeeding area for nursing mothers, a play area for kids, and a space for the elderly.

Prior to this project, BDO Foundation also turned over the Tuburan Rural Health Unit-I. It is a health center that serves a population of more than 68,000 in 54 barangays—a testament to the foundation’s mission of bringing accessible health care to more Filipinos nationwide.

BDO Foundation aims to strengthen its support for the national health delivery system at the grassroots by continuously rehabilitating more facilities in the years to come. Turnover and inauguration of the Daanbantayan Primary Care Facility. Rehabilitating facilities to be more patient-centric and conducive to wellness