Wednesday, March 25, 2026
The excitement was undeniable as ARMYs gathered in full force across SM malls to celebrate one of the most anticipated K-pop comebacks of the year.
At SM City Valenzuela, excitement filled the air during a lively listening party as fans came together to enjoy BTS’ music. With synchronized chants and impromptu sing-alongs, each song became a shared moment, showing that BTS celebrations are best experienced with fellow ARMYs.
Over at SM City Grand Central, the celebration continued with a lively fan meet where ARMYs bonded over their love for the group through activities, games, and unforgettable fan moments. It was more than just an event. It was a heartfelt gathering of a community that spans the globe.
All of this buzz leads up to BTS WORLD TOUR ‘Arirang’, which fans can catch on the big screen at SM Cinema of SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela on April 11, 12 , and 18.
Watch out for more events at your most-loved SM malls in Grand Central, Valenzuela, and Sangandaan, the home of everyday celebrations. Visit and gala to the max at your favorite SM Mall!
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the Philippines’ first and Southeast Asia’s oldest bank, recently garnered eight distinctions from the 13th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards and the 61st Anvil Awards.
The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards—widely recognized as one of the region’s premier business awards programs—celebrate innovation across industries. Together with The International Business Awards and other Stevie programs, the Stevies are regarded globally as a benchmark of excellence in organizational performance and creativity.
BPI’s five Stevie wins highlight the Bank’s continued leadership in purposeful communication across video storytelling, public affairs, marketing, events, and B2B services. These recognitions include:
Gold Stevie – Innovation in Public Relations Videos
BPI #ProudToBePartOfIt – now on its fifth season, the series reimagines employer branding by shifting from scripted recruitment materials to authentic, vlog-style storytelling that gives audiences a genuine look into the culture, passion, and everyday purpose that drive BPI employees.
Gold Stevie – Innovation in Public Affairs Communications
AFASA: Blazing the Trail in Consumer Protection – an initiative that combined education, advocacy, and multi-sectoral engagement to help shape national policy, culminating in the passage of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), a landmark law that reinforces cybersecurity and strengthens safeguards for the public.
Silver Stevie – Innovation in Purpose-Driven Marketing
BPI Partner-serye – a social media video series that introduced the “Withdrawal via BPI app” capability, allowing customers to get cash at partner stores through an app-generated barcode while highlighting how partner stores help bring banking closer to everyday Filipino routines.
Bronze Stevie – Innovation in Business-to-Business Services
BPI Salary On-Demand – a service exclusive to BPI payroll customers that allows employees to access a portion of their earned salary ahead of payday, enabling employers to offer a financial wellness benefit without changing internal processes or adding administrative burden.
Bronze Stevie – Innovation in the Use of Events
BPI Cyber Protect Conference Series – launched in 2023, the initiative has grown into a multi-sectoral platform against digital fraud, bringing together leaders from government, industry, and civic organizations to elevate cybersecurity awareness and collective protection.
“These recognitions from the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards affirm BPI’s ability not only to compete but to stand out across the region,” said TG Limcaoco, BPI President and CEO. “They inspire us to continue building programs rooted in collaboration, creativity, and the trust of our customers as we move toward our 175th year.”
The awards will be formally presented on April 17, 2026, in Macau.
BPI’s Public Affairs and Communications team celebrate the Bank’s three Silver Anvil wins at the 61st Anvil Awards on January 28, 2026 at Solaire Resort North in Quezon City.
Meanwhile, BPI also received three Silver Anvil Awards at the 61st Anvil Awards held on January 28, 2026 at Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, recognizing communication initiatives that deliver real impact.
Organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the Anvil Awards are widely known as the “Oscars of Public Relations” in the country, celebrating programs and tools that meaningfully connect with audiences and help drive positive change.
BPI’s Silver Anvil Awards include:
Silver Anvil – Public Relations Tools (Multimedia)
BPI #ProudToBePartOfIt
Silver Anvil – Public Relations Programs (Best Use of Influencer Marketing)
BPI Circle: Championing Financial Wellness with KOLs – a program that partnered with content creators nationwide to make conversations on financial education, cybersecurity, sustainability, and digitalization more relatable and accessible to Filipinos.
Silver Anvil – Public Relations Programs (Government Relations)
CyberAcademy: A Public Private Partnership for Cybersecurity and Financial Protection – an initiative that brings together BPI and key government agencies to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities through specialized training and certification programs.
“These awards remind us that communication is most effective when it is anchored on service and shared responsibility,” said Maria Elena Torrijos, Head of BPI Public Affairs and Communications. “From telling the stories of our people, to working with creators, and partnering with government, our goal has always been to create initiatives that truly matter to the communities we serve.”
The recognition at the 61st Anvil Awards underscores BPI’s continued commitment to communication excellence, driven by empathy, collaboration, and a clear focus on making a positive difference for Filipinos.
Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G feature a sleek design, powerful camera and upgraded Awesome Intelligence to give users the confidence for everyday use
SEOUL, Korea – March 25, 2026 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the new Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G, the latest Galaxy A series devices that bring Samsung’s newest mobile innovations — including enriched Awesome Intelligence — to more users worldwide. The latest Galaxy A series reflects Samsung’s commitment to expanding AI capabilities across more devices and empowering more users to harness the power of intuitive AI that simplifies everyday tasks. Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G strengthen the experiences users rely on every day with upgrades to performance, camera and display, alongside durability and security features. With up to six generations of OS upgrades and long-term security support, the new Galaxy A series is built to last. Leading the lineup is Galaxy A57 5G, featuring a slimmer, more refined design and upgraded AI-powered capabilities that make it the most powerful Galaxy A series device yet.
“The new Galaxy A series reflects our continued commitment to AI democratization by bringing the latest innovations to more Galaxy users,” said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “With Samsung’s fundamental capabilities combined with enriched Awesome Intelligence, Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G will deliver reliable everyday performance to users around the world and drive rapid AI expansion.”
Enriched Awesome Intelligence Designed for Everyday Life
Through the latest One UI 8.5, Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G extend Samsung’s latest AI innovations to more users, with Awesome Intelligence that helps people get more things done with ease while unlocking new ways to create and stay productive.
Voice Transcription is new to the Voice Recorder app, making it easier to revisit important details from meetings, lectures or calls by quickly transcribing and translating call recordings or turning voicemail audio into text. AI Select is easier to access with a long press on the Edge Panel, surfacing relevant actions directly on the screen to extract text or create content without manually selecting items. AI Select also supports Drag & Drop in Multi-Window layout, allowing users to easily move images into Samsung Notes or Photo Editor for faster editing and improved productivity.
Awesome Intelligence makes everyday photo editing easier than ever. Object Eraser now delivers more natural results when removing unwanted distractions, like a passerby in the background or clutter in a café. On Galaxy A57 5G, Best Face supports more photos and continuous shooting, making it easier to capture the perfect group photos where everyone looks their best. Fan favorite tools like Filters and Edit Suggestions help users quickly refine and share moments without extra effort, while Galaxy A57 5G also features Auto Trim for even easier video editing.
Circle to Search with Google adds multi-object recognition so users can easily explore multiple items in an image at once — from an outfit to surrounding accessories — all in one search.
The new Galaxy A series expands Awesome Intelligence experiences with a choice of agents designed to simplify everyday tasks from search to organizing plans or easily adjusting settings. As a conversational device agent, upgraded Bixby lets users intuitively control Galaxy settings and features using natural language, while Gemini navigates complex tasks across native Galaxy apps and select third-party apps to support faster, more intuitive interactions.
Awesome Camera to Capture Clearer Photos and Videos, Day or Night
As AI becomes more deeply integrated into mobile experiences, camera performance remains essential to delivering the everyday usability and satisfaction users expect.
Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G deliver brighter, clearer visuals powered by the upgraded camera hardware and an improved Image Signal Processor (ISP). The devices feature a versatile triple-camera system, led by a 50MP main sensor , delivering sharp, detailed images across a wide range of lighting conditions without the need for manual adjustments.
When the lights go down, the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G camera adapts seamlessly with improved Nightography , capturing clear and true-to-life photos and videos even in low light conditions.
Galaxy A57 5G takes photography a step further with enhanced image processing that sharpens detail and reduces noise for even clearer, more vibrant results. It delivers rich contrast and balanced color even in challenging light, while with a faster shutter speed, users can instantly capture fleeting moments faster and with improved clarity.
Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G also benefit from AI-based subject recognition and scene optimization to balance portraits, preserve natural skin tones and create clearer background separation. When the moment calls for a wider perspective, the ultra-wide lens captures more in every group photo or landscape view, while the 5MP macro camera reveals fine details up close for added creative flexibility.
Performance for Streaming and Multitasking
Galaxy A57 5G delivers the best of both design and performance , combining upgraded CPU, GPU and NPU to deliver improved performance with its sleek and light form. Built for smooth streaming, scrolling and content creation, its refined design features a glossy finish and distinctive triple-camera island for a standout modern look that feels comfortable in-hand.
Despite its slimmer profile, Galaxy A57 5G packs powerful performance. Its 5,000mAh battery supports up to two days of use — powering everything from filming and editing to viewing on the go. Slimmer bezels and a bright Super AMOLED + display with Vision Booster ensure an immersive, clear viewing experience indoors and outside.
Built for everyday use, Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, adding durability in real-world environments and offering users peace of mind when accidents happen.
Long-Term Support and Foundational Security
Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G reinforce Samsung’s commitment to device longevity, offering up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, along with up to six years of security updates – giving users the confidence to rely on their device for years to come.
Samsung provides a fortified layer of device safety, transparency and user choice with Knox Vault , a hardware-based, tamper-resistant security solution. Galaxy A series offers users holistic protection through innovative security and privacy features including Security & Privacy Dashboard, Auto Blocker, Private Sharing, Theft Protection as well as the new Private Album, a Gallery feature that allows users to lock away personal media quickly and easily. Unlike traditional safeguards, the latest A series devices also proactively notify users about potential risks with Privacy Alerts, which are intelligent notifications that offer clearer insight and control over location permissions or suspicious monitoring of sensitive data. Together, these enhancements make security feel as intuitive as the rest of the experience, making device protection easier than ever for everyone.
Availability
Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G is now available in Samsung Authorized Stores nationwide. Galaxy A57 5G will be offered in Awesome Navy, Awesome Gray, Awesome Icyblue and Awesome Lilac, while Galaxy A37 5G comes in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Charcoal, Awesome Graygreen, and Awesome White. For added peace of mind, Samsung Care+ offers comprehensive coverage optimized to users' device needs, including tailored benefits that protect the devices’ value.
Every purchase comes with a free travel adapter (worth P1,190) and phone case (worth P990), alongside two-year Samsung Care+ warranty for total peace of mind. And for a limited time only, you can get the 256GB variant at an additional P1,500 off! That's up to P5,170 worth of savings.
Looking to upgrade to the Galaxy ecosystem? Take 40% off the Galaxy Fit3, Watch8, Buds3 FE, and Buds Core with every purchase of the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 5G too.
Offers valid until June 30 only*. For more information on the latest Galaxy A series devices, please visit:
Galaxy A57 5G: http://smsng.co/GalaxyA57-PR
Galaxy A37 5G: http://smsng.co/GalaxyA37-PR
DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-252295, 251225, and 251388 series of 2026
MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Legendary frontman Ely Buendia is back on our playlists with new song “Ate” to be released March 26 under his own label, Offshore Music Philippines.
After a year of the release of his tumultuous solo album “Method Adaptor” (2025), which garnered a string of praise from critics and fans alike, noted by Rolling Stone PH as “a sprawl of metaphors that thrive in paradoxes…”, and a continuously successful run of his intimate bar tour which shares the same name as the album, Buendia is far from taking a step back and is gearing up to expand his range and discography with solo single, “Ate”.
Official artwork for “Ate”
“I wanted to change the atmosphere a bit,” says Buendia in an interview about his upcoming single, noting the contrasting nature of his previous sonic masterproject and the new single, he pinpoints his intentions for shortly following up his grittier and more serious album, Method Adaptor, with a more “light and optimistic" new track.
The song carries a softer tone in both instrumentation and lyricism, not novel to Buendia’s prowess but a stark difference to what the artist is currently known for. “The melody had such a nursery rhyme-feel which came directly from the harmonized lead guitar lines that go up the major scale,” Buendia discusses his rationality behind the inception of “Ate”. Saying as if the song itself embodies the mindset of seeing the positives in life’s ebbs and flows.
In addition with the idea of “Ate” being a break from the norm of the OPM icon’s current sound, the place where it was recorded was also something different for the “Bulaklak sa Buwan” singer, “I needed a change of pace. I love the weather there [Baguio],” citing a change in scenery was crucial in influencing the project. This overall chase for fresh air, perspectives, and sound were also present due to the inclusion of Shadiel Chan, music producer and label head of Nine Degrees North, where Buendia and his band recorded “Ate”. This marks the first collaboration between the Baguio producer and the singer. “Shad[niel] had a fresh take on everything. He works fast which I really like and had spot on instincts. I’m always up for working with new blood, there’s a lot you can learn from them.”
Speaking of young bloods, “Ate” was recorded by a slightly new set-up, with rising artists Dani Mendoza on keys and Jian Nisnisan on guitar, and alongside them were Chan on bass and Pat Sarabia on drums.
“Ate” by Ely Buendia is set to release on March 26 and will be available on all digital streaming platforms.
Ely Buendia Socials
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560884825570
IG: https://www.instagram.com/elybumbilya/
X: https://x.com/elybuendia9001
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@elybuendia9000
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@theelybuendia
Friday, March 20, 2026
The GSave Ipon to a Million raffle gave GCash users a chance to win up to ₱1 million in GCash credits, plus other prizes, by opening a GSave account and depositing funds during the promo period.
When Ronaldo from Muntinlupa suffered a stroke, life paused without warning. He lost much of his mobility, his job, and the steady income his family depended on. Recovery became more than a medical journey; it became a financial challenge as well.
To replace lost income, Ronaldo opened a sari-sari store in their neighborhood. The earnings were modest at first, but steady. By chance, a customer asked him about GCash which touched his curiosity. This prompted him to use the e-wallet at the store, which led to more customers, he shares. What started as a simple question led to new possibilities.
With his business gaining traction, his daily sales and earnings steadily improved. This pushed him to be more intentional about saving, transforming everyday income into a habit of setting money aside.
But with limited movement and his own full-time business to look after, access to traditional banking no longer felt realistic. Physical branches, paperwork, and minimum balances felt distant from his daily reality. In that uncertain stretch, digital savings offered a way forward, giving him a sense of control.
Through GCash, Ronaldo discovered GSave, allowing him to earn interest by depositing his savings with the app’s partner banks. Having access to a financial service right from his mobile phone enabled him to manage money independently and rebuild confidence at a time when financial agency mattered most.
This is how GSave became part of Ronaldo’s daily routine. It removed the usual barriers that often make saving difficult for small store owners and informal earners. There is no maintaining balance, paperwork requirement, and savings are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. The small entrepreneur finds the interest competitive, and transactions easy. Without the burden of fees or complex requirements, saving becomes accessible and sustainable.
Each night after closing his store, Ronaldo sets aside the excess funds from the day to deposit, converting daily earnings into savings. These routine micro-deposits steadily grew into working capital that helped him manage daily needs and continue his fledgling business.
“[GSave] was a big help for me. My deposits grow even while I’m asleep because of the daily interest. It's also easy to withdraw and easy to make a deposit,” Ronaldo says. What seemed small at first accumulated into something meaningful.
After two years of consistent saving, Ronaldo has reached an unexpected milestone. He won the ₱1 million grand prize through the GSave Ipon to a Million e-raffle in December.
The e-raffle encouraged Filipinos to save by giving users a chance to win ₱1 million in GCash credits, a motorcycle, or a laptop by depositing funds into their GSave account. Fully verified GCash users aged 18 and above could earn raffle entries by opening a GSave account with a ₱100 deposit or gain additional entries for every ₱5,000 deposit made during the promo period.
Becoming a millionaire didn’t change Ronaldo’s habit of saving. In fact, the reward strengthened his resolve to save more for his child’s education and future. “Winning the raffle motivated me to remain committed to my savings routine. This huge amount will also help set more funds aside for my child,” Ronaldo said.
More than the prize, GSave brought peace of mind. It gave him the confidence to manage his money in a way that works for them, reassuring him and his family they could move forward despite setbacks. By making saving simple and accessible, GSave helps create a more level financial environment, where resilience and discipline matter more than the starting point. It shows how digital finance can help ensure no Filipino is left one crisis away from instability.
Ronaldo is among millions of Filipinos proving that digital savings can be a practical tool for everyday resilience—turning small, consistent habits into long-term financial security. As of 2025, GSave serves over 15 million registered users. One in four Filipino bank account holders has a GSave account, powered by partner financial institutions such as Bank of the Philippine Islands, CIMB Bank, Maybank, UNOBank, and Cebuana Lhuillier Bank.
For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
As Lent approaches, many Filipino families switch things up and adhere to modest, meatless meals. It's all about vegetables, fish, and plant-based cuisine that everyone enjoys. At SM Hypermarket Baliwag, customers will find fresh, healthful foods, making it simple to stick to tradition without feeling deprived.
Kimchi Pancake is a guilt-free side dish you should try this Lenten season. Grab yours now at SM Hypermarket Baliwag.
Kimchi Pancake is a guilt-free side dish you should try this Lenten season. Grab yours now at SM Hypermarket Baliwag.
Curious about new options? SM Hypermarket also stocks more plant-based products lately. Tofu and meat substitutes such as vegetable dumplings are right there on the shelves, so going meatless feels less like a sacrifice and more like something to actually look forward to.
Kimchi Pancake is a guilt-free side dish you should try this Lenten season. Grab yours now at SM Hypermarket Baliwag.
Put it all together, and SM Hypermarket Baliwag really helps families whip up meals that feel meaningful, nourishing, and affordable all throughout Lent.
Manila, Philippines, March 6, 2026—HUAWEI, the no. 1 smart wearable brand, in collaboration with HONMA Golf, a Japan-based premium golf club manufacturer and sports lifestyle brand, recently supported the Malbon Buckets Club 004 Golf Tournament. Held at the Canlubang Golf and Country Club, the event allowed participants to explore the newly released HONMA x Huawei Watch GT6 Pro and experience its features in real playing conditions.
Players competed across four divisions where they delivered strong performances and closely contested scorecards throughout the day. The tournament showcased both seasoned golfers and rising talents, reinforcing the inclusive and competitive spirit of the Buckets Club.
HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro: Luxury Golf Technology on the Course
Beyond the competition, the Malbon Buckets Club offered players the chance to experience the HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro at the tournament. Attendees explored its suite of professional golf features that are designed to elevate every aspect of their game.
With over 17,000 zoomable 3D course maps worldwide, including over 100 courses in the Philippines, players could visualize fairways, hazards, and landing zones before taking each shot. Green Slope Direction and Play-Like Distance provided accurate insights into putting breaks and yardages that account for elevation and wind conditions, helping golfers make informed decisions at every swing.
The watch’s AI Caddie analyzed each player’s performance trends and swing history, offering tailored club and strategy recommendations in real time, while Shot Distance Tracking and digital scorecards automatically captured every stroke for review later in the HUAWEI Health app. Players could even share their best shots via Ball Trajectory Sharing, turning each round into a data-driven and social experience.
Luxury craftsmanship is equally front and center. The watch features HONMA-exclusive dials from the traditional Pine Leaf Pattern to the vibrant BERES 7S Mt. Fuji design, paired with an aerospace-grade titanium case, sapphire crystal glass, and a HONMA-engraved gold buckle. The 1.47-inch AMOLED display, with 3,000-nit peak brightness, ensures clarity even under bright sunlight, while the black-and-gold color scheme balances elegance with sporty functionality.
Two tournament winners took home the HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT6 Pro as part of their prizes, underlining the connection between performance on the course and innovative golf technology.
Paul Martires of Malbon Buckets Club
Paul Martires, one of the first Eagles members and part of the highest tier of Malbon Buckets Club membership, used the watch throughout his round. “Super helpful watch on the course. It’s light on the wrist, easy to check mid-swing, with GPS and yardages that stayed on point my whole round,” he shared.
Players and collectors also had the opportunity to purchase the watch on-site, making the experience interactive, exclusive, and a true celebration of golf innovation.
With its combination of professional-grade golf intelligence, real-time performance insights, and premium Japanese craftsmanship, the HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro sets a new standard for golfers seeking precision, style, and innovation on the course.
From advanced course mapping and AI-driven caddie recommendations to its luxurious titanium build and exclusive HONMA dials, the device offers a full-featured golf companion designed to elevate every round.
The HONMA Premium Collection Gift Box, an exclusive gift set designed for discerning golfers and collectors alike, completes the experience. The premium box includes the limited-edition HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro alongside curated HONMA golf essentials such as a commemorative golf ball, tee, divot tool, and ball marker. These are carefully arranged in a signature black-and-gold case inspired by HONMA’s iconic pine leaf motif.
For a limited time, the Premium Collection is available for only PHP 17,999 (from PHP 19,999). The package also includes added digital benefits such as VIP watch faces and a HUAWEI Health+ membership, along with trade-in incentives and exclusive vouchers available in-store and online. Flexible payment options, including 0% installment plans, make owning this luxury golf companion even more accessible.
Golfers and collectors can shop the Premium Collection through Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, the official HUAWEI Online Store, and at your nearest HUAWEI Experience Stores.
For more information about HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro collaboration, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).
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