Xiaomi Introduces New AIoT Innovations for a Smarter, More Connected Lifestyle

Xiaomi, a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an Internet of Things (IoT) platform at its core, today introduces its latest lineup of innovative devices: Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi), Xiaomi Watch S4, Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Max, and Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro in a new variant. From immersive entertainment to fitness, fashion, and smart mobility, Xiaomi has enriched its AIoT portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to innovation across multiple lifestyle categories.

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro: Premium Audio for Your Daily Soundtrack

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro redefines wireless audio with Snapdragon Sound™ Technology Suite and Qualcomm® aptX™ Lossless technology,¹ delivering 48kHz/24bit sound at a high transmission bandwidth of up to 2.1Mbps.²Featuring a dual-amplifier coaxial triple-driver system, it ensures deep bass, balanced mids, and an expansive soundstage. Master tuning by the Harman Golden Ear Team enhances the listening experience with two professionally crafted EQ profiles. With up to 55dB hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC),³ Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro can adapt to different environments, blocking distractions. It is designed for everyday convenience and supports dual-device connectivity, personalized dimensional audio,⁴ and an extended battery life for uninterrupted listening. Including the case battery, you can get up to 40 hours of battery life⁵ and 4.5 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of fast charging.

 

Built-in audio recording lets users capture important conversations by pressing the case button three times.⁶ The case itself serves as a recording trigger, enabling users to start voice capture—perfect for meetings or quick memos. Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro also supports AI-powered translation and transcription,⁷ providing seamless multilingual assistance with a quick gesture. In addition, press controls enable simple pinch gestures for music playback, call management, ANC adjustment, voice assistant activation, and audio recording, while swipe controls provide convenient volume adjustments.⁸ 

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi): Lossless Sound, Elevated Listening

Xiaomi also introduces Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi), its first earbuds to support direct Wi-Fi connectivity with smartphones, offering an industry-leading lossless audio experience. Powered by Snapdragon Sound™ Technology Suite and Qualcomm® XPAN technology,¹ it supports 96kHz/24bit lossless transmission at a bandwidth of up to 4.2Mbps for an unmatched, high-fidelity sound experience.⁹ Building on its advanced triple-driver system, Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi) refines every detail, delivering deep bass, crisp highs, and an expansive soundstage. It features specialized EQ profiles and offers a more refined and immersive sound experience, ensuring every detail is perfectly tuned for your listening pleasure. 

With up to 40 hours of battery life (with the case) and 4 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging,⁵ Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi) offers a seamless listening experience for any lifestyle. Available in Translucent Black, it exudes a futuristic and sophisticated aesthetic. The high-quality finish combines a sleek, glossy surface with subtle matte textures, offering a premium feel that complements its advanced capabilities.

 

Xiaomi Watch S4: A Stylish Companion for Health and Productivity

Xiaomi Watch S4 delivers a premium viewing experience with its 1.43-inch AMOLED display, featuring 466 x 466 resolution, 326 ppi, and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate.¹⁰ With 1500 nits HBM brightness, the screen remains vibrant even in direct sunlight. Its 15-day battery life ensures long-lasting performance, while a quick 5-minute charge provides up to 2 days of usage.¹¹ Designed for versatility, Xiaomi Watch S4 features interchangeable bezels and straps, allowing users to switch between various unique styles. Functional dials such as Clearheaded automatically track stress levels with expressive emoji indicators and Wild Walker provides real-time direction and altitude.

 

For fitness and health tracking, powered by an upgraded self-developedalgorithm, it provides all-day monitoring of heart rate, blood oxygen, stress levels, and sleep patterns. With heart rate monitoring accuracy reaching 98%,¹² it offers trustworthy, multidimensional health analysis. Xiaomi Watch S4 also offers one-tap health insights,¹³ generating a detailed health report in around 60 seconds, along with breathing training courses. Advanced L1+L5 GNSS technology ensures precise location tracking and pace monitoring for outdoor workouts, complemented by over 150 sports modes.

 

Xiaomi Watch S4 offers seamless integration with Xiaomi Smart Hub,¹⁴enabling users to effortlessly connect their Xiaomi smartphones, tablets, earbuds, and smart home devices for enhanced device management.¹⁴ This advanced connectivity allows users to easily find their phone or tablet through the ringing function, remotely capture photos, and manage earbudssettings—such as adjusting volume, switching noise reduction modes, and monitoring battery levels in real time. It also introduces innovative quick gestures, like snapping fingers to reject calls or dismiss notifications to enhance everyday convenience, making it a truly smart lifestyle companion.

 

Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Max: A Smarter, Smoother Ride

Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Max redefines urban commuting with an upgraded front dual hydraulic-spring and rear dual-spring suspension system, providing a smoother ride, reducing numbness in hands and feet, and improving overall comfort, even on uneven roads. Additionally, this system reduces wear and tear, extending the scooter's lifespan for long-term reliability. 

 

Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Max also features smart energy recovery, converting kinetic energy into battery power while in motion. It also intelligently detects slopes, adjusting energy recovery levels to ensure a smoother, more controlled descent. Combined with smart slope parking, which temporarily holds the scooter in place on slopes without manual effort, it enhances stability and provides a more effortless riding experience on varied terrain. A powerful 1000W motor¹⁵ enables rapid acceleration to a max speed of 25km/h¹⁶ and a 22% incline capability¹⁷, making urban commutes effortless. The maximum load capacity of 120kg makes it suitable for a wider range of riders.¹⁷ The increased deck area provides a more stable standing platform, and a longer handlebar makes handling easier. In comparison, the higher stem ensures a better fit for a broader range of riders. With a 60km travel range¹⁸, it reduces the need for frequent charging, while fast charging fully recharges the battery in just 3 hours.¹⁹

 

Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Max also integrates a TCS (Traction Control System) for excellent stability on wet roads. Using a gyroscope sensor and intelligent controller algorithm, it detects wheel slippage and automatically adjusts motor power output. This prevents skidding and improves traction, ensuring a safer, more controlled ride. And auto light mode automatically activates the front light and taillight in low-light conditions,²⁰ while new ambient light enhances visibility on dark roads, ensuring a safer riding experience. 

 

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro: Premium Design and Advanced Fitness Features

Now available in a versatile Cream White variant, Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro blends style with powerful fitness tracking. Its narrow-edge quadrilateral AMOLED display features a 77% screen-to-body ratio,¹⁷ offering a more immersive viewing experience. The 336 x 480 resolution¹⁷ and auto brightness adjustment with a maximum brightness of 1200 nits¹⁷ ensure clear visibility in bright light. With a 350mAh battery, it delivers up to 21 days of battery life,¹¹ making it an excellent companion for active users. 

 

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro enhances health tracking¹³ with a 15% improvement²¹ in heart rate monitoring accuracy, supporting 24/7 monitoring of heart rate,²² blood oxygen,²³ and stress levels. It features professional sleep tracking with in-depth reports and tailored improvement suggestions. This band supports 150+ sports modes, built-in GNSS for precise outdoor tracking, and 3D exercise animations to guide workouts.²⁴ A new built-in compass function provides direction guidance for outdoor sports, enhancing navigation during hikes and runs. Designed for both function and style, Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro also offers a variety of strap options, including TPU, leather, and magnetic designs.²⁵

 

Price and Availability

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi), Xiaomi Watch S4, Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Max, and Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro will be available in a new Cream White variant through Xiaomi's official channels and authorized retailers. Please visit mi.com for more detailed information on these products and their features.²⁶ 

 

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro: Priced starting at €199.99

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi): Priced starting at €229.99

Xiaomi Watch S4: Priced starting at €159.99

Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Max: Priced starting at €599.00

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro in a new Cream White variant: Priced starting at €79.90

 

NDAP Marks 70th Annual Convention, Celebrating Seven Decades of Nutrition Excellence

 The Nutritionist-Dietitians’ Association of the Philippines (NDAP) marks a historic milestone as it celebrates its 70th Annual Convention from February 18-20, 2025, at Manila Hotel. The event brought together the country’s leading experts in nutrition to discuss the latest advancements in health and wellness in nutrition. 

A former Ajinomoto Foundation scholar, Dr. Giselle Grace Lim-Co Yu Kang , led the discussion on Transforming Taste and Nutrition: Practical Innovations for Dietetic Practice at NDAP’s 70th Annual Convention in Manila Hotel.

As a Platinum Sponsor of this landmark event, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) proudly reinforced its commitment to nutrition, sustainable diets, and public health. With decades of expertise in food science and taste innovation, APC joins this year’s convention to emphasize the importance of nutrition without compromising taste. The highlight was umami and the role it plays toward better dietary practices. 

Delegates from Asian Young Dietitians Network (AYDN), led by Ms. Andrea Wakita (right most) from Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Global Communications Department at Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation’s booth during NDAP’s 70th Convention

A key highlight of APC’s participation is the symposium "Transforming Taste and Nutrition: Practical Innovations for Dietetic Practice," featuring Dr. Giselle Grace Lim-Co Yu Kang, an esteemed expert in biochemistry and a proud former scholar of the Ajinomoto Foundation through APC. The session focused on how umami flavors can enhance vegetable consumption, addressing a crucial challenge in improving dietary habits by moving them towards a well-balanced, more sustainable lifestyle. 

 

Beyond the symposium, APC also welcomed Ms. Andrea Wakita from Ajinomoto Co., Inc. or AJICO Global Communications Department, along with 15 members of the Asian Young Dietitians Network (AYDN), fostering international collaboration among nutrition professionals. The delegation collaborated with local experts to exchange knowledge and share best practices in sustainable nutrition.

As NDAP celebrates 70 years of leadership in nutrition and dietetics, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation took the opportunity to reinforce its role as a trusted partner in health and wellness. By engaging with dietitians, healthcare professionals, and wellness advocates, APC continues its mission to provide science-backed, sustainable, and flavorful nutrition solutions for Filipinos.

 

This initiative embodies Ajinomoto Group’s “Eat Well, Live Well” philosophy, bringing together the power of nutrition and innovation to shape a healthier future for the Philippines.

 

Delegates from Asian Young Dietitians Network (AYDN), led by Ms. Andrea Wakita (right most) from Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Global Communications Department at Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation’s booth during NDAP’s 70th Convention

 

 

About the Nutritionist-Dietitians’ Association of the Philippines (NDAP)

 

Established in 1955, the Nutritionist-Dietitians’ Association of the Philippines (NDAP) has been at the forefront of advancing nutrition and dietetics in the country for seven decades. As the leading organization for Filipino nutrition professionals, NDAP is dedicated to promoting evidence-based dietary practices, professional development, and public health advocacy. Its annual convention serves as a premier platform for collaboration, education, and innovation, bringing together experts and industry leaders to drive meaningful progress in the field of nutrition.

 

Samsung Unveils Galaxy A56 5G & A36 5G: Bringing Awesome Intelligence to Everyone

 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G, the latest Galaxy A series smartphones. For the first time, the Galaxy A series is integrating Awesome Intelligence—including Galaxy’s fan-favorite AI-powered features to reimagine creativity — while bringing enhanced durability and longevity, as well as robust security and privacy protections to provide a safe and long-lasting mobile experience.

 

“The new Galaxy A series marks an important step in our mission of AI for all, by opening Galaxy’s incredible mobile AI experiences to even more people around the world,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “With these awesome new features and capabilities, we are excited to unlock limitless creativity on the Galaxy A series while ensuring a safe, reliable and fun mobile experience.”

 

Awesome Intelligence for Advanced Search and Creativity

Awesome Intelligence is the first comprehensive mobile AI exclusively available on Galaxy A56 5G Galaxy and A36 5G and brings users powerful, fun and easy-to-use AI tools. Powered by One UI 7.0, the new Awesome Intelligence features bring amazing search and visual experiences to Galaxy A series users. 

 

A fan-favorite on Galaxy A series devices last year, Google’s enhanced Circle to Search, makes it easier than ever to search and discover from the phone’s screen. With the latest upgrades, users can now get even more done on their phone. Circle to Search will quickly recognize phone numbers, email addresses and URLs on the screen so users can take action with a single tap.

 

With the recent enhancements to Circle to Search, users can also instantly search the songs they hear without switching apps. Whether it’s a song playing on social media from their phone or music that’s playing from speakers near them, just long press the navigation bar to activate Circle to Search, then tap the music button to effortlessly identify the song name and artist

 

The Galaxy A series also takes the camera experience to a new level with creator-focused tools, starting with a powerful triple-camera system featuring a 50MP main lens on all devices and 10-bit HDR front lens recording on Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G for bright and crisp selfies. Galaxy A56 5G features leading camera technology with a 12MP ultra-wide lens, while the entire Galaxy A series empowers creativity in new and exciting ways through intelligent visual editing. 

 

Exclusively available on Galaxy A56 5G, Best Face makes it easier than ever to capture the perfect group shot by selecting and combining the best expressions or features for up to five people from a motion photo. Whether someone blinked or looked away, Best Face ensures everyone looks their best in a single, seamless shot. The Galaxy A56 5G also brings enhancements to Nightography, with Low Noise Mode making its way to the 12MP selfie camera and additional wide camera support to capture stunning content in low-light settings.

 

Galaxy A 56 5G, and Galaxy A36 5G all bring fine-refined Object Eraser, allowing users to remove unwanted distractions from photos. Whether it's an unexpected passerby or a distracting shadow, users can manually or automatically select objects to erase, achieving a cleaner, more polished final image with just a few taps. Moreover, Filters enables custom filter creation by extracting colors and styles from existing photos for users to apply for a unique and personalized effect depending on mood and taste. With these intelligent tools, users can refine and enhance their photos effortlessly, bringing a new level of creativity to every shot.

 

Built To Last With Upgraded Displays and Software Longevity

 

Now with up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades and six years of security updates, the Galaxy A series reinforces its software longevity even more. These updates add additional support toward optimizing the device’s lifecycle, ensuring users can enjoy a smooth and reliable experience for years to come.

The Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G also introduce a larger display created for a high-quality, immersive viewing experience. Both devices feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with brightness levels reaching up to 1200 nits, allowing for a more vibrant and immersive entertainment experience. New stereo speakers further enhance the experience with rich, balanced sound.

 

With a 5,000mAh battery included throughout the entire lineup, the new Galaxy A series is designed to keep up with users' daily routines. Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G support 45W charging power and Super Fast Charge 2.0 technology, delivering even faster charging for extended use. Both models also deliver enhanced performance, as Galaxy A56 5G is powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset and Galaxy A36 5G features the Snapdragon® 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. A larger vapor chamber in both devices helpssustain performance, ensuring smooth gameplay, video playback, and effortless multitasking.

Beyond performance, the new Galaxy A series is built to withstand life’s unpredictable moments. Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A365G feature an IP67 dust and water resistance rating for strong protection against the elements. Additionally, an advanced Corning® Glass cover material adds a layer of durability against scratches and cracks.

 

Expanded Protections for Security and Privacy Assured

Thanks to the integration of One UI 7.0 on the Galaxy A series for the first time, Samsung is further supporting robust security and privacy. With Samsung Knox Vault, the Galaxy A series provides an extra, fortified layer of device safety, transparency and user choice – ensuring sensitive data always stays protected. Equipped with the latest One UI 7.0 security and privacy features, Galaxy A series users benefit from holistic protection  — including enhancements in Auto Blocker, Theft Detection, More Security Settings and other features.

 

The new Galaxy A series is available in a range of colors.Galaxy A56 5G is available in Awesome Light Gray, Awesome Graphite, and Awesome Pink. Galaxy A36 5G is available in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Black and Awesome White.

 

Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G will be available in the Philippines by March 17, 2025 at Samsung Experience Stores and partner retailers, and in the Samsung Online Store by March 24, 2025. 

 

To find out more about Galaxy A56 5G, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a56-5g-awesome-lightgray-128gb-sm-a566bzasphl. 

 

To find out more about the Galaxy A36 5G, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a36-5g-awesome-black-128gb-sm-a366bzksphl.  

Stay Fit and Stylish with HUAWEI Band 10: The Thinnest, Lightweight Smartband Starting at PHP 2,199

 Leave heavy fitness watches behind and go for the all-new HUAWEI Band 10. The latest and thinnest smartband from HUAWEI combines comfort, style, and smartwatch-level functionality to support your connected, active, and well-balanced lifestyle — without compromise.

The HUAWEI Band 10 is now available in the Philippines. HUAWEI’s newest smartband will retail for a promo price as low as PHP 1,899 exclusively online starting March 2 at 8:00PM.

Feel Comfortable All Day with a Slim, Stylish, and Featherlight Design

The HUAWEI Band 10 feels so light and sleek, you forget it’s even there. Designed to make all-day wear feel more comfortable than ever, the HUAWEI Band 10 has an ultra-slim 8.99mm profile and featherlight weight at 15g for the aluminum alloy variant, which weighs less than two 10-peso coins (8g per coin). The durable polymer plastic model is even lighter at only 14g. 

For a statement piece that’s both stylish and functional, the aluminum alloy HUAWEI Band 10 has a high-gloss finish that exudes a premium feel. Choose from Matte Black, White, Green, Blue, or Purple to match your vibe. If you’re looking for something more versatile, the durable polymer HUAWEI Band 10 in Black or Pink, offers the same modern aesthetic with added lightness and strength. 

You can personalize the smartband’s 1.47-inch AMOLED screen and choose from over 700 dynamic watch faces, which ensure a fresh look every day. You’ll be comfortable all day with the HUAWEI Band 10’s skin-friendly, hypoallergenic fluoroelastomer strap. Plus, with its quick-release design, switching up your style is as easy as a snap. Whether you’re heading to work, hitting the gym, or stepping out on the town, the HUAWEI Band 10 is your perfect companion anytime, anywhere.

Train Smarter and Stay in Tune to Your Wellness with Advanced Monitoring Features

Whether you’re hitting the basketball court, swimming laps, or going for a run, the HUAWEI Band 10 keeps up with your every move. With over 100 workout modes and real-time health tracking for heart rate variability (HRV), which measures the time variation between heartbeats to track stress levels and sleep quality. After a 7-day baseline assessment, nightly readings are compared to detect changes and potential health risks. This allows the HUAWEI Band 10 to provide personalized insights and tips to help you improve your sleep and well-being.

The smartband also tracks your blood oxygen levels (SpO2), and pulse wave arrhythmia to help you train safely and effectively. Track your calorie count to make sure you are consuming the right amount daily. Women can manage their menstrual health with the smartband’s cycle tracking features.

Monitor your strokes and posture while swimming, even your heart rate and energy spent underwater, with the AI Swimming Posture Model. You can track your pace and distance while running indoors and share it with friends on Strava. Water and sweat-resistant, the HUAWEI Band 10 is built to handle your toughest workouts.

Struggling with restless nights? Not only does the HUAWEI Band 10 track your sleep, it helps you improve it with bedtime reminders and sleep quality ratings. It also monitors your HRV, breathing patterns, even your Sleep Apnea risk. Just wear the watch for seven days straight for more accurate results. Stay on top of your emotional wellness with the Emotional Wellbeing Assistant and the Pet Panda watch face. De-stress with guided breathing exercises and mindfulness training. Enjoy Smart Convenience Right from Your Wrist

The HUAWEI Band 10 seamlessly fits into your daily routine with smart features that keep you connected and in control. Enjoy an uninterrupted performance with the smartband’s 14-day battery life and universal compatibility across iOS and Android devices. Stay connected on the go and quickly reply to messages and calls without having to reach for your phone.

HUAWEI Band 10 will soon feature the QR Watch Pay via GCash, so you can pay for coffee after a jog without pulling out your wallet or your phone. With the HUAWEI Band 10, you can control your music playback, manage your schedule, and even snap photos remotely — perfect for group shots or solo adventures. Lost your phone? The Find My Phone feature helps you track it down instantly. 

Upgrade Your Every Day with the HUAWEI Band 10

Feel the comfort and enhance your overall experience with the HUAWEI Band 10. Get first dibs on the HUAWEI Band 10, available for a promo price as low as PHP 1,899, starting March 2 at 8:00PM exclusively online.

To learn more about the HUAWEI Band 10, visit the nearest HUAWEI Experience Stores and check out HUAWEI’s official website and social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Watsons Strengthens Sustainability Efforts with Expanded Solar Energy Use Across Stores and Distribution Centers

 Watsons, the country’s leading health, beauty, and wellness retailer, continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability by expanding the use of renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions across its operations. With solar panels now powering more stores and distribution centers nationwide, Watsons is making meaningful progress in reducing its environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable retail landscape.

 

To date, 95 Watsons stores nationwide, along with all of Watsons’ distribution centers in Luzon and Visayas, are utilizing renewable energy. This transition not only reduces reliance on traditional power sources but also reflects Watsons’ dedication to adopting greener energy solutions.

As of December 2024, a total of 338.32 tons of CO2 have been reduced, 188 trees have been planted, and 135.74 tons of standard coal have been saved since the installation of solar panels. This initiative reduces Watsons' carbon footprint and significantly lowers operational energy costs while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

 

In 2024, Watsons Philippines achieved a milestone by launching its first-ever Greener Store in San Pedro, Laguna. This store, equipped with solar panels, partially operates on sustainable energy. It represents a positive step toward creating eco-conscious retail spaces that balance environmental responsibility with the quality shopping experience Watsons is known for.

 

 

Watsons’ sustainability efforts extend beyond solar energy. Across all its stores, Watsons utilizes LED lights that are free from toxic materials, 100% recyclable, and reduce energy consumption by up to a third. Additionally, the stores are equipped with inverter air conditioners and refrigerators, which consume 40% less energy than conventional units—further boosting energy efficiency and supporting the company’s commitment to sustainable operations.

 

"Our commitment to sustainability drives us to integrate renewable energy into our operations, transforming how we power our stores and distribution centers. With 95 stores and all distribution centers around the country now running on solar energy, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also setting a benchmark for sustainable retail practices. This is just the beginning, and we are excited to expand these initiatives to create a greener future," said Sharon Decapia, Watsons SAVP for PR, Marketing & Sustainability.

 

 

 

Looking ahead, Watsons plans to scale up its solar energy program by converting an additional 30 stores and one more distribution center to renewable energy this year. These initiatives underscore Watsons’ dedication to building a more sustainable future while continuing to provide the exceptional shopping experience its customers expect. They also reinforce Watsons’ position as a leader in sustainable retail practices, setting a high standard for the industry.

 

As Watsons innovates and expands its sustainability programs, it invites customers to be part of the journey. Visit your nearest Watsons store or browse conveniently through the Watsons App, available on the App Store or Google Play, to discover sustainable choices products and a wide range of health, wellness, and beauty essentials.

 

Visa and CIMB Bank Philippines Forge Exclusive Deal for SME Debit Cards

 Visa , a global leader in digital payments, and CIMB Bank Philippines, the most-awarded digital-only commercial bank in the country and The Asian Banker’s Best Digital Bank in the Philippines for 2025, have announced an exclusive partnership aimed at enhancing financial solutions for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines. The signing ceremony, attended by senior officials from both Visa and CIMB Bank Philippines, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration that began in 2023.

 

From Left: Suraj Ramchandani, Chief Growth Officer, CIMB; Ankur Sehgal, Chief Business and Strategy Officer, CIMB; Vijay Manoharan, CEO, CIMB; Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager, Visa Philippines; IsidoreBada, Head of Clients, Visa Philippines; Oliver Ornido, Director and Account Executive, Visa Philippines.

 

This strategic collaboration builds on the strong foundation established in 2023, when Visa and CIMB Bank Philippines first joined forces to provide innovative and accessible financial solutions to Filipinos. The new agreement will integrate Visa's world-class technology and extensive global network in digital payments with CIMB Bank Philippines’ cutting-edge digital offerings to deliver a superior banking experience to the underserved SME market.

To complement an upcoming business deposit product from CIMB, a new Visa Business Debit Card will also be offered by Q3 2025. The card will be linked to the high interest business savings account, where business owners can enjoy zero fees, free fund transfers, insurance product offers, as well as a revolving credit facility that they can maximize to grow their business. These new offerings cater specifically to micro and small enterprises, which make up majority of the SME market, with the potential to expand to larger enterprises later on.  

In the Philippines, SMEs are often regarded as the "backbone" of the economy, constituting 99.6% of the economy in the country. This means they create a substantial amount of employment and contribute significantly to the country's GDP. By providing jobs and income to a large segment of the population, SMEs drive economic growth and development. Recognizing their strategic importance, this partnership aims to support the financial needs of SMEs and enhance their growth prospects.

Through this collaboration, Visa will provide CIMB customers with exclusive discounts and privileges at select Visa merchants, adding more value to the CIMB Visa Business Debit Card. This alliance aims to deliver seamless, secure, and innovative payment solutions for SMEs, making it easier for them to access the financial services essential for their operations and growth.

"This milestone marks an important step towards our shared vision of providing accessible and innovative financial solutions to consumers and businesses, thereby boosting financial inclusion for Filipinos everywhere. Building on our successful partnership with CIMB Bank Philippines, there is a tremendous opportunity to enhance the digital capabilities of SMEs in the Philippines. Additionally, SMEs have unique and personalized needs that require bespoke solutions. By utilizing Visa’s global network and expertise, and CIMB’s digital leadership, we are committed to seizing this opportunity to serve the unique needs of SMEs and provide tailored solutions to facilitate their growth and success,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines.

"As a pioneer in digital-only banking in the country, CIMB Bank Philippines has disrupted the retail banking space for the better with our partnership-led model, earning the trust of 9 million customers and counting. We are now dedicated to also empowering SMEs who are looking for better ways to bank, all while we continue to drive digital and financial inclusion," said Vijay Manoharan, CIMB Bank Philippines CEO. "Our partnership with Visa is part of our maiden foray into the SME segment and helps enable us to offer enhanced payment solutions that are secure, convenient, and specifically designed to support the growth and financial health of SMEs. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to empower SMEs and contribute to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap, which targets to make 50 percent of total retail transaction volumes digital."

POTEN-CEE’s 50th Anniversary Campaign Wins Silver at the 60th Anvil Awards

 As Pascual Laboratories, Inc.’s (PascualLab) flagship brand, Poten-Cee, celebrates over five (5) decades of serving the vitamin C needs of Filipinos, it continues to carve milestones in the health industry. At the 60th Anvil Awards at the Manila Hotel, PascualLab received a Silver Anvil from the prestigious PR Society of the Philippines (PRSP) for Poten-Cee's 50th-anniversary campaign, #FiftyFortifiedandForgingForward.

#FiftyFortifiedandForgingForward celebrates 50 years of Poten-Cee which began as pedia brand Infan-Cee. Originally launched to offer vitamin C supplementation, the brand has since evolved to meet the health requirements of various individuals and has adapted to the Filipinos' diverse health and lifestyle needs, including immunity support as brought to the fore by the recent pandemic. The campaign for internal and external audiences highlighted these innovations across various media platforms, including digital and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

For successfully capturing the milestones and meaningfully engaging stakeholders who helped shape Poten-Cee into the well-loved brand that it is today, the campaign met the award-giving body’s strict criteria.  It was then shortlisted among a record-breaking 586 entries, with only 122 or 20% making the cut, earning PascualLab its first Anvil. 
 
According to Mickey de Quiros, Anvil Committee Chairman: “While the volume of entries is impressive, we must remember that the Anvil Awards have always stood for one core principle—integrity. The true value of an Anvil lies not in the number of awards given, but in the quality of the work. So, as we honored winners, we are reminded that the recognition is a reflection of the impact they have on the communities and industries they serve. It is about creating meaningful change through well-crafted, thoughtful, and strategic campaigns.” 
 
This 2025 and forging forward, Poten-Cee affirms its commitment to Filipinos.  

 
Valerie Anne T. Sison, Group Product Head shared: “Quality and care are at the heart of PascualLab’s service. With Filipinos’ health needs front and center, Poten-Cee, will continue to move forward with health innovations tailor-fit for customers’ needs, offering benefits beyond immunity.  We always go forward, true to our 50th-anniversary mantra.” 
 
Poten-Cee is available in all leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide and at PascualLab’s official Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok stores.

https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/pascuallab/?path=index.htm  
https://shopee.ph/buyer/login?next=https%3A%2F%2Fshopee.ph%2Fpascuallabstore
https://www.tiktok.com/@officialpascuallab