Visa Advances Financial Access for Filipino SMEs with Digital Payment Innovations

Visa, a world leader in digital payments is looking to expand support for Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which, despite their economic contribution, still face significant barriers to financial inclusion and growth. While making up more than 99% of all business enterprises in the country and generating 66% of total employment, SMEs in the Philippines continue to face significant challenges, including access to funding. 

A global funding gap

Visa's recent study reveals significant challenges faced by SMEs, particularly in accessing capital, with these businesses receiving less than 10% of total corporate loans. Cash flow concerns are prevalent, as 44% of SMEs highlight it as a top issue, and over half report having reserves that would last less than six months. Additionally, other hurdles include device and hardware cost for acceptance and lengthy application processes for card holders. Fraud prevention was also cited as a key concern by 33% of those accepting cards.

The financial landscape further complicates these challenges, with the International Finance Corporation reporting a $5.2 trillion global funding gap for SMEs annually, predominantly in East Asia and the Pacific. The Philippines exemplifies this issue, with a $221-billion funding demand against a $15-billion supply. Despite mandates to increase SME lending, utilization remains low due to informal business practices, limited credit history, and financial literacy gaps.

Women-led SMEs across the region face additional social barriers, including gender bias in lending and limited property rights, which restrict their ability to use financial collateral. Moreover, the added burden of household responsibilities can hinder their capacity to effectively manage and expand their businesses. However, Visa's research shows promising outcomes, revealing that 51% of women-led SMEs and 56% of micro-businesses in the Philippines experienced revenue growth through the adoption of digital payments.

Innovation in SME support and funding

Recognizing the crucial role SMEs play in economic development, Visa, through the Visa Foundation, previously launched a $100-million small business accelerator initiative aimed at advancing digital financial inclusion, stimulating job creation, and increasing access to capital for SMEs in Asia Pacific, including the Philippines. 

This program has reached an estimated 29.6 million SMES in the region, including 10.9 million women-led SMEs. The program is complemented by Visa’s Practical Business Skills program, which equips SME owners with essential knowledge in cash flow management, digital payment integration, and financial planning. 

Visa has been actively working with local partners to launch innovative products designed to expand financial inclusion for SMEs. Recently, it signed a new deal with CIMB Bank Philippines to launch a new Visa Business Debit Card. Designed to cater to SME owners, the card will be linked to a 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. 

“SMEs form the backbone of our economy and supporting them helps contribute to overall economic growth. We continue to work with local partners to bring financial products and solutions responsive to their unique needs, and we share the government’s vision to help SMEs unlock their full potential through innovation and resilience,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines.

The Next Big Thing in TV Is Almost Here: Samsung Vision AI 2025

With artificial intelligence becoming integrated into every area of society, it comes as no surprise that AI can also be applied to one’s home life. Leveraging the power of AI, the global number one television brand Samsung, challenges the limits of what is possible by delivering seamless, smart, and connected living by introducing screens that do more than entertain. 

Through its 2025 lineup of screens, Samsung challenges Filipinos to rethink how they use their TVs and how much value these devices could bring to their everyday lives.

Samsung Vision AI: From Passive Watching to Active Living

Although televisions are widely used for entertainment, Samsung sees them as vital instruments that offer more than passive watching—they have the potential to simplify and enrich everyday life. Samsung Vision AI makes this a reality, transforming TVs into companions that are attuned to your needs and adapt to your lifestyle to best complement your life and passions. 

Designed with you at the core, Samsung’s upcoming 2025 TV lineup is powered by Samsung Vision AI, a suite of intuitive AI-powered features that allow the TV to upscale entertainment, simplify home management, boost productivity, and more. 

Through just one screen, Samsung Vision Al is set to enhance, enrich, and empower life as we know it. Samsung’s 2025 AI TVs boast a range of capabilities—from improving picture resolution and fine-tuning sound for immersive viewing to ensuring your pets are well taken care of with SmartThings—with Samsung Vision AI, enabling you to live your life at home to the fullest.

To become among the first to experience the power of Samsung Vision AI, register today until May 31 at https://samsung.com/ph/tvs/handraiser/. When you register, you stand a chance to win a 50" Neo QLED 4K AI TV worth Php 69,999 or an AI Q Soundbar worth Php 32,999.

You can also avail of an exclusive Samsung Reservation offer, getting up to Php 10,000 worth of e-vouchers when you pay Php 500 at https://samsung.com/ph/gift-card/e-vouchers/pre-registration-tv-evoucher/.

Learn more about Samsung's AI-powered innovations by visiting news.samsung.com/ph/.

UNIQLO AIRism Delivers Breathable Comfort All Summer Long

 The recent global UNIQLO AIRism Survey reveals the challenges caused by unpredictable weather and how people are taking back control with more conscious fashion choices

UNIQLO today shared results from its AIRism Survey, highlighting how unpredictable urban weather is reshaping everyday city life.

A global survey by UNIQLO and Dynata of over 7,000 people revealed that 86% of urban commuters are experiencing unpredictable weather, making comfort a top priority in their daily travel. Especially in challenging conditions like extreme heat, comfortable clothing is seen to greatly influence work performance, mood, and stress management. Breathable, lightweight, and sweat absorbent fabrics emerged as key priorities, with 64% believing quick-drying materials could ease daily challenges.

 

In Bangkok and similarly traffic-heavy, humid cities like Metro Manila, these challenges are felt even more sharply. Survey data from Bangkok reveals a clear shift in priorities, with comfort and function taking precedence over fashion trends due to rising heat and daily traffic. A striking 82% of respondents expressed concerns about feeling sticky, while 79% worried about visible sweat stains. Additionally, 80% reported experiencing heat-related issues such as headaches and poor sleep. Half of those surveyed said  that sweating during their commutes affects their mood negatively, and 42% noted that clothing discomfort impacts their work performance.

As a result, consumers are building mono-seasonal wardrobes centered on breathable, versatile essentials. 78% feel more comfortable in sweat-absorbent and quick-drying clothing, 38% opt for timeless designs over trends to reduce environmental waste, and 42% give importance to moisture-wicking features when shopping for innerwear. 

In cities facing increasingly unpredictable heat, dressing well now means dressing smart— and UNIQLO understands that comfort begins from within, especially with functional innerwear that can make the difference in how your day feels.With its quick-drying AIRism line, UNIQLO offers breathable, sweat absorbent and quick-drying comfort tailored for life in the city. The collection provides ultimate comfort using fabric developed from in-depth research and cutting-edge Japanese technology, alleviating stuffiness, stickiness, and odor. 

Since its 2012 launch, UNIQLO’s AIRism has evolved over 13 years, to manage the microclimate between skin and fabric. AIRism uses ultra-fine polyester fibers, about 1/10th the thickness of human hair — it keeps skin smooth, cool, and comfortable with a lightweight feel.

Since AIRism fibers react to weather and temperature in the production process, their complex production constantly evolves. Engineers even define the fibers as “alive.” The ultrafine fibers are made at Toray factory in Ishikawa, Japan, and they undergo UNIQLO’s strictest quality tests to ensure their advanced functions.

 

We break down the comfort functionalities, each varying by product, that make the AIRism line the go-to essential this summer:

● It's Quick-Drying. The capillary action of AIRism's ultrafine fibers wicks away sweat and dries quickly, keeping professionals and urban dwellers cool and comfortable as they hustle amid the scorching heat. AIRism dries approximately 1.9 times quicker than cotton, making it all the more breathable.

● AIRism dries 1.9 times faster than cotton, wicking away sweat to keep you cool and comfortable, even in the heat.

● From busy schedules to after-work workouts, its high-performance threads with Anti-Odor1 benefits neutralize sweat odors so there’s no need to worry about unwanted smells, no matter how busy or active one’s day gets.

● By eliminating sweat, AIRism offers Odor Control that keeps unpleasant odors at bay, keeping you fresh and confident all day.

● AIRism’s advanced Moisture-Wicking Cupro fabric releases trapped moisture, keeping city wanderers dry and comfortable while on the move. Its breathability and strength make it perfect for everyday wear.

● The careful weaving of ultrathin fibers makes AIRismSmooth to the Touch, minimizing surface unevenness and providing a silky smooth feel to the skin.

● The special weaving of AIRism also makes it Cool to the Touch, designed to feel refreshing against your skin. Slip it on and stay comfortable through busy schedules.

● AIRism’s Stretch ensures a snug, supple fit that moves with every type of wearer, whether reaching for that top shelf or engaging in an active workout. It surely won’t sag or restrict movement, keeping the promise of ultimate comfort all day long.

 

Discover the Ultimate Sweat Solution and check out the full AIRism collection in stores and online atwww.uniqlo.com/ph/en/. Follow @uniqlo on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram for updates.

HONOR Philippines Celebrates a Decade of Inclusion with Miss Possibilities 2025

 Miss Possibilities Foundation Inc., the visionary organization behind Asia’s first beauty pageant for young women with special needs, proudly announces the 10th-year celebration of the

Miss Possibilities Pageant. This milestone year marks a decade of advocacy, empowerment, and awareness through groundbreaking events and humanitarian efforts. 

A Decade of Breaking Barriers 

Since its inception, Miss Possibilities has been more than a pageant—it’s a movement. As the first pageant in Asia for individuals with special needs, it continues to provide a powerful platform that highlights the capabilities, beauty, and talents of young women with different needs.  

This year, the crown was awarded to Ms. Cy Cabana, a remarkable young woman with vision impairment. Her inspiring journey and heartfelt performance captured the hearts of the judges and audience alike, proving once again that true beauty shines from within. Cy now stands as a proud ambassador for empowerment and inclusion, representing the voice of countless individuals living with disabilities across the country.  

10th Year Anniversary Highlights 

To commemorate this landmark year, the Foundation is hosting a special Celebrity Fashion Walk, bringing together public figures and the Miss Possibilities candidates in a star-studded celebration of beauty and inclusivity. This glamorous event aims to raise awareness, break stereotypes, and reinforce the importance of representation in media and fashion. 

Campaigns and Advocacy 

Beyond the glitz of the pageant, Miss Possibilities remains deeply rooted in advocacy. This year’s campaigns will focus on: 

• Sensitivity Training for schools, companies, and the general public 
• Educational Advocacy to promote acceptance, inclusion, and equal opportunities 
• Empowerment Programs designed to build confidence and life skills for individuals with special needs 

Humanitarian Projects 

The Foundation’s humanitarian arm continues to work on grassroots projects benefiting marginalized communities and individuals with disabilities. These efforts align with the organization’s enduring mission: 

• To create social awareness of people with different needs and their vital role in society. 
• To build self-confidence in young women with different needs and celebrate their life accomplishments. 

Join the Movement 

As Miss Possibilities celebrates its 10th year, it calls on communities, institutions, and individuals to support its mission of inclusion and equality. Together, we can create a more compassionate and accepting world for all. 

For more information and 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 Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

realme GT 7 Series Launches with All-in-One Power and Flagship Performance

The Squad can now experience peak performance and flagship innovation as realme officially

launches its highly anticipated realme GT 7 Series in the Philippines, now available nationwide

starting at just PHP 29,999.

Composed of the realme GT 7 and realme GT 7T, the series is the latest addition to the brand's

popular flagship realme GT series. Both models share the same DNA: iconic design, massive

battery, and advanced cooling technology, setting a new benchmark for what a flagship mobile

experience means.

The realme GT 7 is powered by the next-generation MediaTek Dimensity 9400e while the

realme GT 7T runs on a Dimensity 8400-MAX processor, clocking in an impressive AnTuTu

Score of over 2.2 million and 1.78 million, respectively.

The 7000mAh Massive Battery delivers 5–15% more usage time so the Squad can enjoy up to

8.9 hours of Mobile Legends, over 20 hours of YouTube streaming, or almost 26 hours of

uninterrupted video calls. When it’s time to power up, 120W SUPERVOOC Charge fills the

battery from 1% to 100% in 40 minutes, while a quick 5-minute top-up provides 22% 

Ultra-Cool IceSense Graphene Design

The brand also debuts the revolutionary IceSense Graphene Design, which incorporates

realme's 7700mm² Cooling System. This is the industry's first integration of graphene into

smartphone design, serving two purposes: aesthetics and advanced cooling technology.

The phones come in IceSense Black and IceSense Blue colors with a Nano Velvet Coating

finish, making them feel as smooth as they are durable. The back panel of the design features

realme’s Thermal Conductivity Graphene for enhanced heat dissipation. Underneath is a

7700mm² Cooling System utilizing Thermal Conductive Gel and Bionic Heat Sensing to

maintain optimal temperature.

The color designs are also made with fiberglass. IceSense Blue mimics icy, ocean currents,

while IceSense Black resembles frozen crystals. The result? High performance and cool comfort

wrapped in a sleek and minimalist finish.

Score exclusive freebies

For the Squad who wants to experience Power Within Reach, now’s the best time to purchase

the realme GT 7 Series at its lowest price yet. Visit realme’s official online platforms and make

sure to claim discount vouchers to catch HUGE discounts and freebies on Shopee and TikTok

Shop. Check out the details below:

Shopee

Date Device Price Freebie

realme GT 7 As low as P31,999 May 27 to June 2

realme Watch S2 and

500 MLBB Diamonds

realme GT 7T As low as P25,499

TikTok Shop

Date Device 

realme GT 7 As low as P32,999

June 3 to June 10

realme GT 7T As low as P25,999

To cop rare and exclusive gift bundles, the Squad can also sign up for the pre-order list from

May 27 to June 5 to get a FREE realme Watch S2 worth PHP 3,999 and a discount of up to

P2,000.

An extra surprise awaits because the first 1,000 customers to line up during the claiming period

on June 6, 11:00 am at select realme Stores and Kiosks will receive an exclusive gift set worth

P5,999.

 In addition to the realme Watch S2 and up to P2,000 discount, the exclusive gift set

also includes a TechLife Bluetooth Speaker and a 1 Year Extended Warranty worth P1,299.

Once pre-order closes, the first selling period will continue until June 15, during which time the

Squad will receive a realme Watch S2 worth P3,999 for FREE upon purchasing either the

realme GT 7 or realme GT 7T.

Seize the moment to upgrade to the realme G7 Series and experience flagship power,

advanced cooling, and unbeatable value—available for a limited time only.

For news and announcements from realme, follow the brand’s official website and Facebook

page.