Tuesday, July 7, 2026

(PCPPI turns over various learning equipment to Muntinlupa Business High School – Annex)


Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) strengthened its support for public education through the donation of various learning equipment to Muntinlupa Business High School (MBHS) – Annex, in support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela program. 


PCPPI turned over 25 student tables for the school’s computer room, four smart televisions, two projectors, and two white screens that will support more engaging and technology-enabled instruction across the school.



The turnover, held on June 5, 2026, was led by Joongmin Kim, PCPPI Chief Strategy Officer, together with Dr. Ada Trinidad Tagle, Public Schools District Supervisor of the DepEd Schools Division Office of Muntinlupa City; and Jinky Santos, Principal II, and Crispina Argana, Administrative Assistant I, both from MBHS-Annex.


PCPPI volunteers also joined the activity to help set up the donated student tables, demonstrating the company’s spirit of volunteerism and commitment to supporting the communities where it operates.








(PCPPI volunteers)


“At PCPPI, we believe that access to the right learning tools can help make classroom instruction more engaging, practical, and meaningful for both students and teachers,” said Kim.


“Through this donation, we hope to support MBHS-Annex by providing equipment that teachers can use to deliver lessons more effectively and that students can benefit from in their everyday learning,” he added.


The donation forms part of PCPPI’s continuing support for Brigada Eskwela and its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education by helping improve access to learning resources and creating a more conducive environment for learning.


Brigada Eskwela is DepEd’s annual school maintenance program that brings together government, private sector partners, community groups, and volunteers to help prepare public schools for the opening of classes.


PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with products such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum, Saero, and Premier. More information about PCPPI and its products is available via www.pepsiphilippines.com.






QCitizens access a range of health services during the “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD habang maaga pa!” program, including kidney health screening, risk assessment, patient counseling, and interactive learning activities. By bringing these services directly to the community, the initiative aims to strengthen awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD), support early detection efforts, and encourage QCitizens to take proactive steps toward better kidney health.

The Quezon City Government, in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc., officially launched the “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD habang maaga pa!” program on June 22, 2026, in celebration of National Kidney Month.

The citywide initiative aims to strengthen early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and improve kidney health awareness among QCitizens, particularly those at increased risk. Through community-based screening and education, the program encourages earlier health-seeking behavior and supports timely referral to appropriate care before complications arise.

In the Philippines, CKD remains a growing public health concern, with an estimated 13 million Filipinos, or 11.2% of the population, living with the condition, many of whom remain undiagnosed until later stages. Early detection is critical, as timely intervention can help slow disease progression and reduce the risk of serious complications.

“National Kidney Month reminds us that awareness must go hand in hand with access to screening and preventive care,” said Dr. Bin Wang, General Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. “Through Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys, we aim to empower QCitizens to better understand their kidney health and take timely action when needed.” 

In line with its commitment to bringing healthcare closer to communities, over 4,000 residents participated in kidney health screening, risk assessment, and patient counseling at Quezon City Hall.  Participants also engaged with interactive health education booths highlighting the connection between heart, kidney, and metabolic health, including conditions such as diabetes. 

To date, over 8,000 individuals have undergone kidney health screening and assessment through the program, with Quezon City accounting for nearly half of its total reach. The initiative has been implemented across 21 barangays, primarily in District 1, and recently expanded to District 2, with pilot screening in Barangay Payatas reaching over 200 residents. 

“Advancing sustainability means enabling individuals and communities to live healthier lives,” said Augusto Muench, Global Head of Sustainability, Boehringer Ingelheim. “When people are supported to prevent or better manage chronic conditions, they are better able to pursue opportunities, while healthcare systems are strengthened through a shift toward prevention and early intervention.”

The program also featured an educational session led by Dr. Anthony Russell Villanueva, nephrologist from National Kidney and Transplant Institute, who highlighted the link between kidney, heart, and metabolic health and emphasized the importance of early CKD detection in preventing serious complications.

Participants also heard from CJ Luis of Dialysis PH Support Group, Inc., who shared a personal journey with CKD, underscoring the importance of early screening, increased awareness, and timely access to care.

The program concluded with a symbolic activity involving representatives from the Quezon City local government, healthcare community, patient organizations, and Boehringer Ingelheim, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing CKD awareness, prevention, and early detection efforts at the community level.

Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte underscored the importance of bringing preventive healthcare services closer to communities.

"Early screening of high-risk individuals can significantly delay chronic disease progression,” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. “Here in Quezon City, we are committed to our shared advocacy of healthy kidneys, good kidney health, and, of course, early detection and prevention. Together, I know that we will bring Quezon City one step closer to a future where each QCitizen is healthy and ready to embrace their fullest potential."

The initiative reflects Boehringer Ingelheim's commitment to transforming lives for generations by improving health outcomes through sustainable, community-based partnerships. By focusing on earlier detection and intervention in chronic diseases such as CKD, the company continues to support more resilient healthcare systems and healthier communities. 

Residents are encouraged to prioritize regular health check-ups and early screening, particularly those living with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or a family history of kidney disease.

For more information on Chronic Kidney Disease and early screening, visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.




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Make sure your BPI app is up to date to enjoy the latest features and enhancements.


As part of its push for financial inclusion and in celebration of its 175th anniversary, the Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) announces that fund transfers to other banks and e-wallets via InstaPay and PESONet on the BPI app, online banking, VYBE, BanKo, and BizKo will be permanently free, effective July 1, 2026.


The move is also aligned with BSP Circular No. 1238, Series of 2026, which calls on BSP-supervised financial institutions to adopt reasonable and fair, market-based pricing for person-to-person electronic fund transfers.


Previously, BPI app users were charged ₱10 for InstaPay transactions and ₱50 for PESONet transfers when sending funds through the BPI app. Transfers to other banks and e-wallets remain free for all verified VYBE users.

“As we mark our 175th year, BPI remains committed to removing barriers to financial access and making banking more inclusive for all Filipinos. Making interbank transfers free is a meaningful step toward enabling our customers to move their money more freely, while strengthening adoption of secure and convenient digital banking,” said BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco. 

“We expect this to drive more frequent use of digital transfers as customers no longer have to factor in per-transaction costs. It simplifies everyday payments and makes the BPI app an even more practical tool for managing finances,” he added. 


The free interbank fund transfer initiative is expected to benefit more than 9.5 million BPI app enrolled users, enabling more cost-efficient and accessible digital transactions.






The waived fees apply to transactions of:

  • All existing BPI mobile app users, including both active and inactive customers

  • Clients under BPI Preferred, BPI Gold, BPI Private Wealth, and verified VYBE users who already enjoy free interbank fund transfers as part of their existing benefits

Offer Details

  • Zero fees for transfers to other banks and e-wallets

  • Applicable to InstaPay (real-time transfers) and PESONet (batch processing)

  • Available via BPI online banking, BPI app, BanKo, and BizKo

  • Effective July 1, 2026

App Update

In a related development, BPI customers will need to use the updated version of the mobile app by June 25. The app update includes minor fixes and performance improvements to further enhance the user experience.

Customers are encouraged to ensure their app is updated to the latest version, available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery.

The removal of interbank transfer fees forms part of BPI’s broader strategy to drive digital adoption and enhance accessibility to financial services. By lowering transaction costs, the bank aims to encourage greater use of digital platforms for payments, remittances, and fund transfers.

Should customers encounter issues, BPI remains ready to assist through its official channels to ensure a smooth and seamless banking experience. Clients may visit www.bpi.com.ph or contact the BPI 24/7 Contact Center at (02) 889-10000.



MANILA, Philippines – Despite higher costs in recent months, travel remains firmly on the calendar for many Filipinos, whether it’s for a family vacation booked months in advance, a work-related trip, attending a highly-anticipated concert, watching a sports event, or joining a fitness competition. And while the desire to travel remains strong, many are now being more intentional about how they spend once they’re abroad, becoming more mindful with their budgets. 

As your travel plans take shape in the coming months, take note of these smart travel pro tips that can help you make the most out of your travel budget without cutting back on the experience! 

  1. Be smart and look out for promos and deals

One of the most practical ways to manage your budget while abroad is to stay open to better-value choices as you move through your trip, like checking for limited-time offers on hotel accommodations, researching ongoing promos at restaurants, or comparing prices before booking tours and experiences.

Give yourself time to compare prices so you can get the best value out of every experience. Sometimes, the best promos and deals appear when you least expect them, and with a little bit of patience, this is a way to stretch your budget further without changing any of your plans.

  1. Don’t overlook travel insurance

Speaking of changing plans, should they happen through disruptions like a flight delay or lost baggage, having travel insurance adds an important layer of protection and helps you avoid significantly larger expenses. When you use GInsure Travel Protect on the GCash app, you can find international travel insurance starting at PHP 299, covering a range of accidents, emergencies, and inconveniences. 

  1. Skip expensive roaming charges with an eSIM

When you have to rely on online maps and ride-hailing apps to get around abroad, it’s important to stay connected, and the most seasoned travelers know that the smarter way to guarantee this is by having an eSIM. What makes these so convenient is that you can activate them even before you arrive, so that you’re connected the moment you land.

On the GCash app, you can now purchase eSIMs for as low as PHP 1, with coverage across more than 160+ countries. Access this travel pro tip via GCash Travel on the app – it only takes 5 minutes to set up, even right before your flight!

  1. Be ready for every payment moment

The last thing you want while on a trip is to encounter an issue with your payments just when you’re already at the counter! While cash still comes in handy for smaller merchants, street vendors at the night market, or transportation in certain destinations, it’s most practical to carry multiple ways to pay for your different purchases abroad. 

With GCash as your partner for international travel, you can manage different payment methods through a single e-wallet, access low forex rates, and have real-time spend tracking on the app. 

You can use GCash to Scan to Pay via Alipay+ at merchants that accept QR payments when dining at restaurants or purchasing snacks at a convenience store. For instant, on-the-go payments especially in crowded areas or pasalubong shops, you can also use GCash with your Android phone to Tap to Pay so you don’t need to worry about scrambling for cash. 

For high-value purchases, the GCash Card offers another layer of flexibility with your payments. You can simply swipe or tap your card to pay, without worrying about hidden fees or extra charges that you would typically encounter with a credit card. And for when you need it, you can also use your GCash Card to withdraw money from ATMs abroad!

The Best Travel Pro Tip? Travel with GCash!

Heading out to your next international adventure is exciting but keeping things convenient and worry-free when paying abroad makes it even better. Take note of all these GCash travel pro tips and download the GCash app today to stay ready for your upcoming trip! 

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Anna Chua-Norbert, Group Chief Culture Officer of GGC Group Asia, receives the Gold Award at the Campaign Agency of the Year Global’s awarding ceremonies held last June 18th in London.

London, United Kingdom — June 30, 2026 — GGC Group Asia, formerly DDB Group Philippines, has won Gold at the prestigious Campaign Agency of the Year Global Awards, one of the advertising and marketing communications industry’s most respected international competitions, held recently at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London.

The group’s talent management team, The Culture Hub, was awarded Gold for Talent Management Team of the Year, recognizing its outstanding commitment to employee development, engagement, and workplace culture. Meanwhile, Group Chairman and CEO Gil G. Chua was named a Global Finalist for Agency Leader of the Year, while GGC Group Asia was also recognized as a Global Finalist for Best Place to Work, underscoring the organization’s people-first culture and leadership excellence.

🥇 GOLD WINNER: Talent Management Team of the Year – The Culture Hub, GGC Group Asia

🏅 GLOBAL FINALIST: Agency Leader of the Year – Gil G. Chua, Group Chairman & CEO, GGC Group Asia

🏅 GLOBAL FINALIST: Best Place to Work – GGC Group Asia

The Gold win, together with two global finalist nominations, places the Philippine-based group once more among the world’s most admired marketing communications organizations. It is the only agency from the Philippines to win Gold and secure top leadership recognitions at this year’s prestigious Awards.

“This recognition belongs to every member of our team,” said Gil G. Chua, Group Chairman and CEO of GGC Group Asia. “Awards are never about a single leader. They are about the people who choose every day to build something bigger than themselves. We have always believed that businesses grow when people grow.”

The honors come during a historic period of transformation for the organization as it recently rebranded as GGC Group Asia, following the global retirement of the DDB brand.

A group of people posing for a photo Description automatically generated
The Culture Hub’s core team members led by GGC Group Asia’s Chief Culture Officer Anna Chua-Norbert (3rd from right) and Group Talent Management Director Hiedy Enriquez (3rd from left) with Group Chairman and CEO Gil G. Chua (center) and Group CFO and COO Judd Balayan (2nd from right). They are joined as well by Sr. Talent Associates Clodene Abrigo (leftmost) and Raya Teylan (2nd from left), and Communications Director Maricar Angeles (rightmost).



Despite significant industry disruption, the Group achieved its strongest financial performance to date, growing revenues while increasing profit before tax. The organization accomplished this while maintaining a people-first philosophy centered on leadership development, succession planning, capability building, and the long-term stewardship of talent.

The Gold-winning Talent Management Team of the Year entry, credited to The Culture Hub, recognized the Group’s belief that talent is not something to be owned but developed — empowering employees to become future leaders, entrepreneurs, collaborators, and industry partners. The approach contributed to strong business performance, leadership continuity, and a growing alumni ecosystem throughout the Philippines.

“At GGC Group Asia, we believe that success is not measured only by profit, but by the lives we help shape, the opportunities we create, and the impact we leave behind,” said Anna Chua-Norbert, Group Chief Culture Officer and Founder of The Culture Hub. “To win global Gold for talent management — and to be named a finalist for leadership and workplace excellence — is a proud moment not only for our people, but for the Philippines.”

The Agency Leader of the Year finalist nod recognizes Gil Chua’s decades-long commitment to building resilient institutions — personally leading the organization through major industry crises, organizational transformation, and sustained growth, while holding firm to a commitment to employee welfare and nation-building. The Best Place to Work finalist recognition affirms a culture built on stewardship, fairness, and growth.

For GGC Group Asia, the awards represent more than industry recognitions. They affirm a philosophy that creativity, humanity, impact, and technology can work together to create meaningful growth for clients, communities, and employees alike.

The iconic pop-rock band is set to stage two special performances on July 26, 2026, bringing a taste of home to the Filipino community in HK


Manila, Philippines – The Itchyworms are set to bring their highly successful “Akin Ka Na Lang” tour to Hong Kong on July 26, 2026, at The Wanch in Wan Chai.

The one-night-only show promises to deliver an exciting live music experience for our kababayans seeking a semblance of home through the Filipino band’s brand of timeless OPM hits.

The chart-topping act behind the hits “Beer,” “Love Team,” and “Di Na Muli” will stage two performances at the same venue—4:00 PM matinee and an 8:00 PM evening show—giving overseas Filipinos considerable flexibility to attend, especially those with work schedules and curfews.

“Hong Kong has always been part of the Filipino story,” shares Jugs Jugueta. “The fact that it’s so near, yet only a few OPM bands have played there baffles me. The last time I was in Hong Kong was in 2019, so I’m so excited to come back and eat goose with my bandmates.”


The special concert represents an opportunity to reconnect with the thousands of Filipinos who have carried Filipino music with them while building lives abroad.

“It’s very humbling that we are able to tour the world, and anywhere we go, there will be Filipinos there,” Jugs reveals. “It is also humbling that multiple generations love The Itchyworms’ songs and continue to sing them everywhere.”

While the band is entering unfamiliar territory with their first-ever Hong Kong performance, they are embracing the experience with the same spontaneity and enthusiasm that have been prevalent in their previous live shows.

Jazz Nicolas explains, “We don’t know what kind of atmosphere to expect. We really just roll with the punches and give them everything we’ve got.”

Jugs adds that the Hong Kong stop will be made even more special—thanks to the collaborations with Filipino musicians based in the city, including Jesper Mercado and Rendel Frendol, who are expected to join the band on stage.

Tickets are now available at https://bit.ly/AkinKaNaLangHK.

In an economy where everything seems more expensive than it used to be, people aren’t avoiding credit anymore. They’re finding ways on how to make it work harder for them.

This shift fueled the rise of Moneymaxxing, a growing mindset focused on getting more value from the money you’re already spending—whether that’s through rewards, cashback, flexibility, or simply using the right financial tools for the right purchases.

Credit cards, when used strategically, can play an important role in that equation.

As the country’s #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform, Maya makes it easier for users to put that mindset into practice through rewards, cashback, flexible payment options, and tools that help them get more value from their everyday spending.

Put planned spending on your card

One of the easiest ways to moneymaxx your credit card is surprisingly simple: use it for spending that was already going to happen. Think groceries, dining, travel bookings, subscriptions, fuel, and recurring bills.

The goal is to  be more intentional about the spending that’s already part of your life. Because the more your credit card aligns with your actual spending habits, the easier it becomes to earn rewards, enjoy cashback, and get more value from purchases you were already planning to make.

Treat your credit limit as a tool

A credit limit isn’t extra income, it’s a financial tool. 

A good rule of thumb is to treat your credit card as a payment tool, not a spending target. Keeping your spending manageable makes it easier to stay on top of payments, avoid unnecessary stress, and maintain healthy credit habits over time.

Because moneymaxxing isn’t about seeing how much credit you can access. It’s about using it strategically.

Choose rewards you’ll actually use

The best rewards are the ones you’ll actually use.

With the Maya Black Credit Card, cardholders earn instant Maya Miles for every purchase, including up to 10x Maya Miles at Maya Black Preferred merchants. These Maya Miles can then be used for shopping, dining, and more, turning regular spending into perks and experiences that actually feel worth it.

There are also benefits beyond points. Complimentary quarterly airport lounge access at select local and international airports means cardholders can enjoy a more comfortable travel experience before takeoff.

For those who prefer cashback, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card helps everyday spending work a little harder too, with 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% on most purchases.

And if you’re regularly on the road, using your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card at Landers-Caltex stations guarantees a minimum discount of up to ₱7.00 per liter on fuel, helping make every fuel stop a little easier on the wallet.

Because whether it’s miles, cashback, travel perks, or fuel savings, moneymaxxing isn’t always about spending less, it’s about getting more value from the spending that’s already happening.

Use flexibility when it makes sense

One thing people don’t talk about enough when it comes to credit cards? Timing. Sometimes financial stress isn’t caused by overspending. Sometimes it’s simply because several expenses decide to show up at the same time: a trip gets booked, a bill comes in, something at home needs replacing. Life has a funny way of clustering expenses together.

That’s why flexibility has quietly become one of the most underrated financial tools.

With Maya’s Mini Payments feature, cardholders can split eligible posted purchases into 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly payments, all with a fixed add on rate of 1% interest per month , making it easier to spread out larger expenses when it makes sense for your budget.

Pay on time, your future self will thank you

Moneymaxxing isn’t just about rewards, cashback, or perks. Some of the biggest benefits happen behind the scenes.

Paying your credit card bill on time helps you avoid unnecessary charges and supports healthy credit habits over time.

And since everything lives within the Maya app, it’s easier to keep track of spending, rewards, payments, and credit all in one place.

At its core, moneymaxxing your credit card isn’t about spending more money. It’s about getting more value from the spending that’s already happening, whether that’s through rewards, cashback, flexibility, or simply building better financial habits along the way.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

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