BINI Joins Forces with Payless to Celebrate Fun, Flavorful, and “Sakto” Moments

 For Filipinos, the beloved pancit canton is a universal dish that can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere. Whether as a hearty meal or a fun midday merienda, it’s hard to beat this satisfying dish's comfort. This is what Payless offers with its Xtra Big and Sakto Pancit Canton products, as well as its other instant noodles products.

Just like every Filipino, pancit canton is a dish and experience that BINI shares with many of us, especially now that they are the newest brand ambassadors for Payless Instant Noodles.

Dubbed as the nation’s girl group, the eight talented young women have many meaningful memories of eating pancit canton during the early days of their careers. From training in workshops to becoming a worldwide P-pop sensation, pancit canton has always been BINI’s go-to meal and snack.  “Going back home after performing, we only have time for quick meals. That’s why our choice will always be pancit canton. As spicy food lovers, Payless Sakto Xtra Hot, is a top pick,” said Gwen. 

Becoming a girl group and meeting seven sisters are some of the moments that feel like everything has fallen into place for BINI. It’s that “sakto” feeling, as many of them put it. For Aiah and Jhoanna, being a BINI member is their favorite “sakto” moment. “Us girls meeting each other to form BINI is the real ‘sakto’ moment! The timing just feels right for us to join together,” said Jhoanna.

“It might be cheesy, but being with the group just feels right, and I wouldn’t trade it with anything,” Aiah added. Stacey and Sheena also echoed this sentiment, in which they proudly call their fellow members their “small family.”

Being in the spotlight has also taught BINI a lot about being “wais,” especially considering their busy schedules. “Our schedules are very busy, so I always make sure that I have a to-do list to keep everything on track. I think all of us girls have that too!” said Colet.

On finding the sakto and wais choice in Payless Instant Noodles

In a lot of ways, that sakto feeling can be found in a plate of Payless Sakto Pancit Canton after a long day of working. During their downtime, the BINI girls also like to bond over movies and TV shows together, with their favorite snack on the side.

“I like multitasking while watching my favorite shows, so I always have a snack on the side, like pancit canton, to keep myself busy,” said Mikha. Maloi added that Payless Sakto’s flavors “makes [our free time] complete.”

As the newest brand ambassadors, BINI couldn’t help but be grateful for the opportunity. “As a group of pancit canton lovers, it’s a huge honor to be a part of the Payless Instant Noodles family. We are excited for fans to listen to our new jingle and try the new Payless Sakto Pancit Canton flavors (Kalamansi and Xtra Hot),” said Jhoanna.

The nation’s girl group surely knows their wais and saktomoments. With Payless Sakto Pancit Canton, they are creating fun memories each time they’re together as they continue to take the nation by storm with their hit songs.

 

YouTube and Shopee Team Up to Bring Seamless Shopping to the Philippines and Southeast Asia

 YouTube, in partnership with Shopee, launches YouTube Shopping in the Philippines. With this launch, the YouTube Shopping affiliate program is now available in six countries across Southeast Asia, further fueling the burgeoning video commerce in the region. YouTube Shopping seeks to elevate the purchase experience and create more opportunities for viewers, content creators, and even advertisers. 

Viewers can now seamlessly find and buy the things they love while watching content from their favorite creators. The YouTube Shopping affiliate program transforms video e-commerce from links in the description box to actual and direct product tagging – no more extra clicking, endless searching, or switching between websites. All they have to do is check out! 

 

The launch of the YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program in the Philippines offers exciting opportunities for both Shopee sellers and content creators. Shopee sellers can now expand their reach by collaborating with an even broader network of content creators through this partnership, giving them the opportunity to tap into a highly engaged, incremental audience and drive sales like never before. This seamless connection between creators and sellers accelerates product discovery, amplifies brand reach, and ultimately enhances conversion rates. 

L-R: Content creator Camille Co, Country Head of Shopee Philippines Vincent Lee, Vice President of Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier Sapna Chadha, Business Development Manager for ECommerce for Colgate Palmolive Philippines Tyron Syling, Content creator Mond Salem of Hardwage Voyage

 

For eligible local creators, this partnership unlocks new business opportunities, enabling them to monetize their influence by promoting products to an audience they have already built connections with. As consumers in the Philippines increasingly seek engaging, content-driven shopping experiences, this collaboration meets their evolving expectations.

Tapping on the rise of video commerce and creator economy in the Philippines

Southeast Asia is one of the world's fastest-growing e-commerce markets, with video commerce having surged to 20% of the region’s e-commerce gross merchandise value in 2024–a fourfold increase since 2022^[1]. At the same time the Philippine creator economy is thriving, with over 450 channels with more than one million subscribers, and over 6,000 channels with more than 100,000 subscribers^[2]. 

 

Driving this growth is a shift from traditional discovery to a video-first shopping experience, with consumers looking to online content with creators they trust for information and entertainment. On YouTube, creators are more than just entrepreneurs and cultural influencers – they are trusted advisors on behalf of brands. A global study reveals that online users are 98% more likely to trust recommendations from YouTube creators compared to other social platforms. This trust translates directly into purchase confidence. In fact, YouTube drives 3.8 times greater purchase intent than other social platforms on averages^[3]. 

 

This underscores viewers’ trust in creators' recommendations and their desire for authentic product reviews and demonstrations ultimately leading to conversion. Consumers are looking to search- and video-led entertainment to enrich their shopping experience, and this deep engagement with trusted creators on YouTube underscores the platform’s unique position to power this. 

 

According to a Kantar study on shopping behaviors among Southeast Asian Gen Zs, eight in ten Gen Z respondents desire entertaining shopping experiences reinforcing the importance of content in their shopping journey. Furthermore, despite exploring alternative channels for product discovery, 63% of Filipino Gen Z respondents still prefer to complete their purchases on e-commerce platforms, making this partnership between YouTube and Shopee highly synergistic in creating an integrated, seamless shopping experience. 

Sapna Chadha, Vice President for Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier said, “Southeast Asia is shaping the future of shopping with its powerful combination of a deeply engaged video-first audience, a profitable digital economy, and a vibrant creator community. We’re thrilled to bring YouTube Shopping to the Philippines—making Southeast Asia home to six out of nine countries globally that have it. Just seven months since our regional debut, we’re seeing strong traction across creators, sellers, and advertisers already. Building on this early momentum, YouTube Shopping will continue to grow, unlocking new opportunities for viewers, creators, brands, and partners across this dynamic region.”

Vincent Lee, Head of Shopee Philippines shared, ”At Shopee, we are committed to delivering engaging shopping experiences that integrate content, community, and commerce. Our partnership with YouTube Shopping is a significant milestone for our brands and sellers, allowing them to connect with creators and harness their influence to drive sales effectively. This collaboration also opens up exciting opportunities for the growing number of Filipino content creators to monetize their creativity while promoting products that resonate with their audiences. As the digital economy continues to expand, our commitment is to support sellers and creators alike, helping them thrive in this evolving landscape."

 

Earn more with YouTube Shopping affiliate program for creators 

With the YouTube Shopping affiliate program, creators can tag products in existing and new videos, as well as pin them during live streams. The full list of tagged products and information about each product is made available at a glance in the description section and ‘Product’ section of the video. Clicking on a product will lead viewers directly to an external sales page on Shopee, for a seamless purchase. 

The YouTube Shopping affiliate program complements existing monetization options that empower Filipino creators to engage their audience and build deeper connections beyond immediate sales. These include tools such as Ads Revenue, YouTube Premium Revenue, Channel Memberships, Super Thanks, Super Chat and Super Stickers.

 

In just seven months since YouTube launched the YouTube Shopping affiliate program in Southeast Asia, the program has delivered impressive results and fantastic momentum. 

 

For example, Mai Trinh Hồ, a beauty and fashion creator known for her honest reviews, joined the YouTube Shopping affiliate program in the last quarter of 2024 and has already seen her revenue increase by almost five times. Another case is that of Jagat Review, a tech creator from Indonesia, shared that his earnings from the YouTube Shopping affiliate program made up a whopping 50% of his channel's total earnings between July and October of last year. 

 

Now that YouTube Shopping is launched in the Philippines, creators like Camille Co are excited – she is already sharing her favorite makeup products by tagging them on her videos. 

 

“I always get asked where I got this and that makeup or clothing or home stuff on my vlogs and for a long time, it’s been challenging to share them all.” Co said. “Now with YouTube Shopping, it’s so much easier to share these products that I love and truly believe in. A huge plus also for me because I get to earn on the side while doing so!”

Mond Salem of Hardware Voyage, a Filipino tech channel, is also optimistic about the feature. “I’m so excited about YouTube Shopping finally being in the Philippines! I’m looking forward to me and my fellow creators earning more with featured product sale commissions,” he said.

 

Reach and engagement opportunities for brands and advertisers 

 

For advertisers, YouTube Shopping opens new doors to reach and engage more consumers, driving better business outcomes. 

 

By enabling advertisers to directly connect partnership ads with relevant creator content, it will shorten the customer journey from discovery to sale. Brands can also use creator videos both long and short with product feeds in campaigns to expand reach to new customers across YouTube. For example, L’Oréal Thailandcombined its campaign with the YouTube Shopping affiliate programme and achieved 10X more high-intent views, 

with a cost-per-visit twice as efficient as previous campaigns.

 

Since launching the YouTube Shopping affiliate program across the region, YouTube and Shopee have witnessed active usage and purchase across different categories such as Beauty, Mobile & Gadgets, and Home & Living. This shows the diverse product range and significant potential for creators to influence consumer purchasing decisions. As YouTube Shopping continues to gain momentum in Southeast Asia, it strengthens its position as a transformative force in the video commerce and creator economies.

 

To learn more about enabling YouTube Shopping on your channel, click here.

 

Plan Your Ultimate Summer Escape: Travel-Friendly Destinations Across the Philippines

 Picturesque natural wonders, warm hospitality, and unique cultural identity - this is the Philippines, offering something for everyone. It's no wonder millions of foreign tourists continue to visit the country.

Whether you are a balikbayan seeking to reconnect with your roots or a foreign tourist eager to explore the local hotspots and hidden gems, one thing’s for sure: the Philippines is the place to be this summer. 

 

As you plan your next summer getaway, getting around easily, safely, and affordably matters more than ever. That’s where inDrive comes in. From late-night food crawls to early morning island trips, inDrive fits seamlessly into any kind of local trip. It’s not just a ride; it’s your key to unlocking summer’s best memories — at your own pace, on your own terms.

 

Don’t know where to start? Here are inDrive’s top summer destinations this 2025:  

 

● Revel in Metro Manila’s nonstop energy 

Despite being the country’s capital region, Metro Manila is still quite underrated as a tourist destination for foreign travelers. However, this region breathes nonstop energy both day and night. Catch an inDrive ride for a day trip around historical sites like the Walled City of Intramuros and the world’s oldest Chinatown, Binondo. If you prefer to shop until you drop, Metro Manila is full of expansive malls such as the SM Mall of Asia. Travelers can also watch the metropolis light up at night thanks to its many karaoke bars and exotic street food night markets. 

 

● Food-trip around Bacolod 

Bacolod City is a foodie’s paradise. As the capital of Negros Occidental, the country’s largest sugar producer, the city is home to many delicacies including chicken inasal, cansi, and piaya. Not to mention, food-tripping around the city’s bustling street food scene and top restaurants has become more seamless as you can simply hitch a ride in inDrive.  

 

● Explore Cebu’s natural and historical wonders  

Cebu is where the rush of city living and the peace of island life intersect.  The Queen City of the South boasts pristine white-sand beaches and multiple waterfalls, such as the Kawasan Falls. Despite its urban growth, the island still exudes old-world charm as it is home to historical landmarks such as Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, and Fort San Pedro. And getting to these landmarks is now easier than ever, as travelers can simply book an affordable ride with inDrive. 

 

● Beat the heat at Baguio City

Baguio provides travelers respite from the heat in the south, as its location along the Cordillera Central Mountain Range creates a cool and temperate climate. True to its title as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio entices travelers with its lush green spaces, such as Burnham Park and Baguio Botanical Garden. They can also hitch an inDrive ride heading to indigenous sites such as the Tam-awan Village and Ifugao Woodcarvers’ Village.

 

● Relish in Iloilo’s old-world charm  

● Just a ferry ride away from Bacolod is Iloilo, a province rich in colonial history. It is home to religious landmarks such as the Sta. Ana Parish of Molo and the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, and heritage sites such as the Nelly Garden Mansion. Travelers can also experience Iloilo’s underrated beaches by island-hopping around the Gigantes Islands. So whether you are going on a city heritage trip or you need to head to your island-hopping meet-up spot, inDrive has your back. 

 

Smarter and more affordable summer escape (with a heart!)

inDrive offers a refreshing ride-hailing experience that puts fairness and transparency first. Passengers can view fixed rates upfront, while drivers get clear visibility on routes and fares — helping both parties move with more confidence and ease.

 

 

 

 

inDrive also endeavors to make this summer season (and beyond!) more inclusive and fair for all to enjoy.  inDrive fully shoulders the government-mandated 20% discounts for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), students, and national athletes and their coaches. Not only does it make rides more affordable for these groups as they see the Philippines, but it will also help drivers take home more of their earnings.

With inDrive, you can get around these travel destinations easily and comfortably. Not only that! Your ride with inDrive can also help make the Philippines a more traveler-friendly place as the app teamed up with mapping network Hivemapper to constantly upgrade existing maps. Here, inDrive partner drivers’ Hivemapper devices will track their routes while on the road, this data will then be used to update existing global maps and provide peace of mind to travelers. It’s a win-win all around: more accurate maps, extra income for drivers, and safer trips for passengers.

“Filipino travelers value flexibility and a sense of safety—especially during holidays,” said Sofia Guinto, Business Lead of inDrive Philippines. “By offering choice at every step, we aim to deliver a ride experience that feels empowering and human.”

Whether you’re exploring Bacolod’s delicacies, chasing waterfalls in Cebu, or enjoying the breeze in Baguio, inDrive is just a tap away.  Download the inDrive app via the App Store, Google Play or at www.inDrive.com – and see the Philippines your way.

Ready to Launch Your Laundry Business? Power Up with LG Commercial Washers!

 With the growing demand for quick and convenient services, laundromats have become a popular choice for busy individuals in both urban and rural areas. Limited space in homes, along with the increasing need for accessible laundry solutions, has led more people to rely on self-service laundromats for efficient laundry options that fit their fast-paced lifestyles. To meet this demand, entrepreneurs like Joy Gadrinab of Skilcraft Sales Corporation turn to LG Commercial Washers, known for their durability, efficiency, and smart technology, helping laundromat owners stay ahead.

Joy Gadrinab, founder of Skilcraft Sales Corporation

As one of the pioneers in self-service laundromats in Mindanao, Joy shares how LG Commercial Washers have played a crucial role in her business’s growth. From overcoming initial challenges to expanding her operations, she credits LG for its reliability and performance in supporting her long-term success. As the founder of Skilcraft Sales Corporation, Joy leveraged her background as a Chemical Engineer and her experience in industrial maintenance to diversify into selling LG Commercial Laundry Machines. Her technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit have been key in driving the success of her laundromat business.

Building ‘Laundry Lounge’: Growing from ‘Splash Coinwash’

Every business journey begins with a challenge. And for Joy, launching Splash Coinwash Laundry under Skilcraft Sales Corp. was no exception. What started as a simple observation turned into a thriving business opportunity just by filling a gap in the market. “We started Splash Coinwash Laundry because there were no laundromats in our area, especially the self-service kind of laundromats, only traditional laundromats,” she shared. Recognizing the potential, she and her team took a leap of faith. “We saw an opportunity and became the first to introduce LG Commercial Laundry Machines in our area. It was even coin-operated at the time.”

Laundry Lounge, Iligan City Branch

“Our main setback was our startup capital,” Joy admitted. But instead of letting it hold them back, they took a smart, strategic approach. “We overcame this setback by starting with 2 sets of machines and slowly reinvesting our income to add more sets of machines until we managed to open more branches.” Through patience, perseverance, and a clear vision, what started as a small operation steadily grew into a thriving business. Today, all Splash Coinwash branches have been renamed to Laundry Lounge, with 6 fully operational lounges in Cagayan de Oro City, Opol, El Salvador City, Iligan City, Talisay City, and Cebu City. A 7th branch is nearly finished in Tres de Abril, Cebu, while expansion continues with upcoming lounges in Surigao City, Pagadian City, and Lapu-Lapu City.

Joy believes that starting a laundry business offers great potential for growth and income.“We chose to open a laundry business, because we felt that it was very profitable and very easy to manage. We have always wanted to start the laundry business, and up until now we are still enjoying the business and our benefits. We are also lucky to become LG Commercial Laundry dealers,” she shared.

Why LG Commercial Washers?

From the beginning, Joy and her team knew they needed reliable, high-quality machines to ensure long-term success. “We have always thought of LG as the best value brand at the time, and we have always seen LG as the superior brand when it comes to quality.”

LG Giant Max

Their confidence in LG has only grown stronger over the years. “The durability of LG has stood the test of time in our laundromats for over a decade. In fact, the original machines we had when we started our laundromats are still in good condition until now.”

LG Giant C Washer

Beyond durability, LG machines have helped maintain high laundry standards while also streamlining operations. “Not only is the quality of the machines themselves good, but the quality of the laundry is very high. Our customers have been with us for years, and we are very happy that these customers are also enjoying the benefits of our newer machines: The LG Onyx C Max Models,” Joy shared.“These new machines are also easier for us to monitor, due to the new smart solution features these machines bring.”

Advice for Aspiring Laundry Business Owners

For those looking to start their own laundromat business, Joy emphasizes the importance of investing in the right machines. “The best advice we can give to any aspiring laundry shop owner is that the machines are your business partner.”

Laundry Business Seminar at Laundry Lounge Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City Branch 

“They do your service, and they satisfy the needs of your customers; and finally, the machines are the foundation of your business; so you have to treat these machines well,” Joy emphasized. She believes choosing a proven, high-quality brand makes all the difference—one that can support long-term success. “So you have to choose the brand that has stood the test of time. This is why we trust LG.”

Building a Future with LG

With multiple branches and years of experience, Laundry Lounge continues to thrive, proving that the right equipment plays a key role in long-term success. Joy remains confident in the brand that has supported their journey from the start. “So you have to choose the brand that has stood the test of time. This is why we trust LG.” 

Laundry Lounge, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City Branch

LG's durability, innovation, and commitment to quality have been integral to the success and growth of Laundry Lounge—proving that the right equipment can truly make a difference, because Life’s Good when your business thrives with a brand you trust.

As more people seek convenient laundry services, entrepreneurs across the country are turning to LG to build future-ready laundromats. With reliable performance and innovative features, LG provides a solid foundation for businesses to grow. 

Start your own success story with LG Commercial Laundry Solutions today and take your business further with advanced technology, efficiency, and seamless operations. Visit LG Commercial Laundry PH on Facebook or go to www.lg.com/ph/business/commercial-laundry/ to learn more.

Pamper Mom with a Luxurious Celebration at Solaire Resort

 Spend the weekend with your mom and cherish quality time with her at Solaire Resort Entertainment City. Make it special and put a smile on her face as you treat her to a luxurious afternoon tea,a lavish Sunday brunch buffet, and a relaxing spa experience. Bring the family together, celebrate, and indulge in a diverse range of culinary delights. It’s a time to give tribute to the one who brought joy to our lives.

Book a room using the Weekend Family Fun offer and get a buffet breakfast at Fresh for two adults and two kids of up to 12 years old. Enjoy Php 2,000 worth of F&B credits at the Pool Bar.Treat mom to a Solaire Signature massage or a soothing facial, making her feel refreshed and relaxed throughout her stay.

 

On Saturday, start with a delightful afternoon tea with mom at Oasis Garden Café. Indulge in an assortment of sweet and savory delights from a chamomile macaron, a cassis white chocolate petit, a flavorful salami Milano croquette and cranberry salmon gravlax topped with dill cream cheese. 

 

Choose from a Sunday brunch buffet of your choice at Finestra, Red Lantern, or Yakumi. At Finestra, savor radicchio risotto with caramel walnuts and guanciale, pan-fried mackerel with broccolini and lemon sauce, and flat iron “Milanese” style with mashed potatoes. End on a sweet note with raspberry éclairs and almond panna cotta. Enjoy unlimited flutes of champagne or pick a refreshing Aperol or Campari spritz from the roving aperitivo trolley. From a grand seafood tower served directly at your tableand hand-carved roast beef by the kitchen counter to a curated selection of cold cuts and luxurious desserts, every bite is made to celebrate the queen of the family.

 

An unforgettable feast at Red Lantern awaits with an eat-all-you-can dim sum buffet. Delight in exquisite bites like crystal skin lobster dumplings, crispy deep-fried cheese and prawn spring rolls, baked signature black pepper wagyu beef tart, and so much more. It's the perfect way to show love and appreciation — one delicious dish at a time.

 

At Yakumi, explore eight interactive live stations. There’s a great selection of seafood like grilled Boston lobster, scallops, blue marlin, prawns, and mackerel. At the meat teppanyaki station, savor on Kinross lamb chops or a tender US ribeye steak. Try themarinated miso foie gras teppanyaki or the Tai sake mushi— a Japanese sake-steamed seabream with seasonal vegetables.Raise a glass with your favorite cocktail and toast to a memorable celebration.

 

Waterside offers a salu-salo experience for the family. Laid out in the style of a traditional “boodle fight,” the vibrant spread invites families to gather around and enjoy together. Savor on a rich selection of unique Filipino dishes, such as Lauya – a hearty beef stew, Tiyula Itum — a burnt coconut stew from Davao, and Pagulong at Pasayan— a Sorsogon delicacy of shrimp and beans in coconut milk. You can also get to try Iloilo’s Nilatik naKalabasa -- squash cooked in coconut milk, Pancit Puso, which is pancit with banana blossom, and Kilawin Isda sa Ube at Ampalaya – a tangy mix of vinegar-cured fish with bitter gourd and ube.

 

Treat your mom to a sumptuous feast at Fresh, where you can explore diverse buffet stations featuring the finest seafood and meats, along with a variety of cuisines including Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese. Seafood lovers can enjoy premium offerings such as Gallagher oysters, fresh sashimi, whole yellowfin tuna, Norwegian salmon, octopus, Lapu-Lapu, and cuttlefish. At the Korean grill station, savor flavorful selections like pork samgyupsal, dak galbi, grilled squid, and marinated beef. To make the day even more special, mothers are served exclusive drinks right at their table.

 

Celebrate the queen in your life with a day of joy and indulgence at Solaire Resort Entertainment City. Secure your seats now by calling 8888-8888 or email restaurantevents@solaireresort.com.