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Welcome to the metropolista!

Looking for fresh new inspiration for your next OOTD? How about where to travel on your next vacation leave? Any trendy food to try in your free time? What current released gadgets and technologies can pique your interest? Worry no more because the metropolista has got you covered!

the metropolista delivers the latest news trends in the city! It has been our goal that this website provides fashion, travel, food, technology, news, and feature articles in the metro. So stay tuned for the following posts that keep you updated on the happenings around the metropolis!

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50 Years of Finding Ways to Make Your Dreams Possible

BDO celebrates golden anniversary with a thanksgiving raffle

Financial milestones come in many forms. A first paycheck deposited into a savings account. The keys to a family’s first home. A small business finally opening. A child’s college fund is slowly growing. A retirement nest egg built over decades.

For 50 years, BDO has been a part of many of these stories. 

Growing with Filipino Dreams

Over five decades, BDO has grown alongside generations of Filipinos and the financial goals that matter to them. The young saver who opened a first account is now the parent saving for his child’s education. The entrepreneur who started with a small business went on to employ others. Families built homes, prepared for emergencies, planned for retirement, and passed on money lessons to the next generation.

Through all these milestones, one thing has remained constant: BDO’s commitment to find ways to help clients move closer to their goals. 

A Golden Thank You

As BDO marks its golden year, it is choosing to celebrate the people who helped shape its journey: its clients. It is also saying thank you in a way that gives customers even more reason to celebrate.

BDO is launching its 50th Anniversary Raffle, giving more than 250 customers the chance to win exciting prizes, including brand-new hybrid cars that help reduce fuel costs and emissions, along with SM Gift Passes for shopping.

To join, new clients can open a qualified account, register online once, and maintain the required balance for BDO Unibank or BDO Network Bank to earn raffle entries. Existing clients can also earn raffle entries by adding to their deposits and completing the one-time online registration.

The promo runs from August to December 2026 and features five raffle draws, with the fifth and final draw serving as the Grand Draw in January 2027 for eligible August to December participants.

 

Draw Raffle Prizes Eligible Period Raffle Draw Date
First Monthly Draw ·      50 winners of P5K SM Gift Passes August 1

to 31, 2026

 September 14, 2026
Second Monthly Draw ·      50 winners of P5K SM Gift Passes September 1

to 30, 2026

 October 14, 2026
Third Monthly Draw ·       1 winner of Toyota Ativ Hybrid Car

·       50 winners of P5K SM Gift Passes

 October 1

to 31, 2026

 November 14, 2026
Fourth Monthly Draw ·       1 winner of Toyota Ativ Hybrid Car

·       50 winners of P5K SM Gift Passes

 November 1

to 30, 2026

 December 14, 2026
Grand Draw ·       3 winners of Toyota Ativ Hybrid Car

·       50 winners of P5K SM Gift Passes

 August 1

to December 31, 2026

 January 14, 2027

 

The Next 50 Years

Fifty years is a long time, and much has changed in the way Filipinos manage money.

Transactions that once required a trip to the branch can now be completed online or through a mobile phone. Payments have become faster. Access to financial products has expanded. Customers today expect banking to keep pace with the way they live, work, and manage their money.

Financial dreams have changed, too. For one generation, success may have meant owning a home and securing a pension. Younger Filipinos today may be saving for travel, building an emergency fund, launching a side business or investing to gain more financial freedom. 

Tomorrow’s dreams may look different. And while the goals may change, the need for a trusted financial partner remains.

That is why BDO continues to evolve alongside its clients, finding ways to make banking simpler, more accessible, and more responsive to what they need today and what they hope to achieve tomorrow.

Because after 50 years, Filipinos are still dreaming. And BDO is still finding ways.

The promo runs from August to December 2026. To join, open a new BDO or BDO Network Bank account or top-up your existing account.

Register online here:  https://www.bdo.com.ph/forms/50th-anniversary-raffle-registration

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2GO Brings Cebu Business Community Together to Strengthen Connectivity for Tourism and Trade

2GO, the country’s leading integrated transportation and logistics provider, gathered members of the Cebu business community, industry experts, and policymakers for a strategic forum dedicated to leveraging stronger connectivity that can sustain the region’s momentum across trade, tourism, and economic growth.

In partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and in coordination with the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Region VII, 2GO hosted a dialogue with key regional stakeholders to discuss Central Visayas’ economic outlook and the vital role of modern supply chain networks in linking businesses to markets and travelers to key destinations.

“We want to hear your pain points and identify your areas of growth so we can co-create solutions together,” said 2GO Marketing Business Unit Head Ethel Concepcion, underscoring the company’s dedication to sustained dialogue and collaborations that enable long-term progress for regional trade and tourism sectors.

“When connectivity improves, businesses can move products faster and more efficiently. Tourism destinations become more accessible, supply chains build resilience, and new markets open,” said CCCI President Regan Rex King. “A stronger Cebu requires stronger connections, and those links begin with meaningful cross-sector alignment.”

The partnership reflects the shared commitment of 2GO and CCCI to foster a holistic economic framework. Through its expansive multimodal network, 2GO bridges trade routes across the Philippines while collaborating with local organizations to unlock regional opportunities.

Highlighting the region’s trajectory, DEPDev Region VII Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro presented an outlook emphasizing Central Visayas’ transition toward a more diversified and interconnected economy. Ranked as the country’s fourth-largest regional economy in 2025, Central Visayas is advancing toward modernized transit and freight infrastructure, backed by 90 strategic high-impact projects (SHIPs) scheduled in 2027.

The forum held an executive panel titled “Strengthening Connectivity for Tourism, Trade, and Regional Growth,” featuring insights from King alongside 2GO leaders Francis John Chua (Travel), Faye Allonzo (Forwarding), and Sharon Musngi-Ngo (Sea Solutions).

With logistics playing a pivotal role in accelerating regional development, 2GO reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with commercial enterprises, government bodies, and trade groups to build reliable connections across Central Visayas.

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AISIN at Toyota Gazoo Racing: Where Every Second on the Track Shapes Tomorrow’s Mobility

Motorsports is more than just a celebration of speed; it is a testament to precision engineering, continuous improvement, and unwavering quality. At this year’s Toyota Gazoo Racing event, AISIN Philippines brings the same engineering philosophy to enthusiasts through a dedicated booth showcasing its extensive lineup of automotive aftermarket parts.

For decades, AISIN, one of Toyota Group’s trusted original equipment (OE) manufacturers, has developed components that meet vehicle manufacturers’ exacting standards. While the excitement unfolds on the track, visitors can learn about the engineering principles that drive Toyota’s pursuit of performance and how these principles are reflected in the genuine parts that keep vehicles running smoothly.

The AISIN booth displayed a wide range of aftermarket parts designed for a variety of vehicles, including engine components, drivetrain parts, clutch systems, steering and suspension components, cooling system parts, brake system parts, wiper blades, car care products, and many more. Each product exemplifies AISIN’s commitment to quality, durability, and precision, which has earned the company a reputation among automakers and automotive professionals around the world.

“Toyota Gazoo Racing honors the spirit of driving and engineering excellence,” said Keisuke Fukuda, Chief Representative of AISIN Philippines. “Our goal is to help visitors discover the parts that underpin that reputation—components designed with OEM expertise to deliver dependable performance, fit, and durability.”

Aside from product displays, the booth is a destination for Toyota owners, enthusiasts, workshops, and distributors interested in learning more about AISIN’s growing automotive parts portfolio.

Visitors to the AISIN booth learned about product applications, OE quality standards, and the significance of using genuine components for long-term vehicle reliability.

The exhibit reinforces an important message: while race cars get the most attention, every Toyota on the road is built with thousands of precisely engineered components that work together. Using genuine OE-quality parts helps to maintain the performance, safety, and reliability that drivers expect from their vehicles.

As Toyota Gazoo Racing brings together automotive enthusiasts and the Toyota community, AISIN proudly participates in the celebration by highlighting the engineering excellence behind each journey—on the track and on the road.

For more information, follow AISIN Philippines’ official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AISINPHILIPPINES.

 

 

 

 

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All transactions no fees, kaya BDO Pay Mo Na!

Life moves fast, and your payment app should keep up—without extra fees and unnecessary complications. In a world where you can do almost anything with a tap, your digital payments shouldn’t come with added costs just to access your money. That’s the essence of BDO Pay: a payment app designed to simplify everyday finances, save you money on fees, and provide the convenience of managing everything in one place.

Keeping Things Simple and Free

Eliminate extra fees and unnecessary steps. BDO Pay offers a variety of ways to manage your money seamlessly:

– Send money for free to any BDO account, as well as to other banks and e-wallets through InstaPay or PesoNet.

– Pay bills to over 2,200 billers and purchase load without any fees.

– Scan QR codes for free—whether you’re paying at stores via QRPh with your BDO debit card, utilizing Scan to Pay with your BDO credit card, or withdrawing and depositing cash at QR-enabled ATMs.

Built for the Way You Pay

Paying shouldn’t feel like an overwhelming task, yet many Filipinos find themselves juggling multiple apps, cashing out funds, or incurring extra charges when completing everyday transactions.

To maximize the value of your transactions, BDO Pay allows you to pay directly from your linked BDO account or credit card, without needing to cash in. It also offers deals, discounts, and cashback opportunities to enhance your spending experience, all while keeping track of your rewards points in one convenient location.

You deserve a payment experience that works for you, not the other way around. With BDO Pay, every transaction is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, making it easier to navigate your day with confidence.

Better When Shared

Introduce your family and friends to the convenience and benefits of BDO Pay, and earn rewards together. From July 1 to September 30, 2026, you can convert referrals into cash. Share your referral code through the app. Once your loved ones sign up and enter the code, you’ll receive ₱100 in cash credits, and they’ll get ₱50 too. Here’s how it works:

1. Open the BDO Pay app, tap on “More,” and select “Refer a Friend.”

2. Copy your referral code or tap “Invite Friends” to share it.

3. Choose a messaging app and send the referral code to your friend.

4. Your friend can download and sign up for BDO Pay, enter the referral code during sign-up, and complete the registration process.

It’s easy and a thoughtful way to help those you care about enjoy the benefits of cashless payments while earning rewards together.

No Fees, Just Pay

The era of paying extra for convenience is coming to an end. If you’re ready to simplify your payment transactions with zero fees, it’s time to choose BDO Pay! Download it now from the App Store (iOS), Google Play Store (Android), or Huawei AppGallery (HarmonyOS).

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2GO Express and M Lhuillier Partner to Expand Nationwide Shipping Access

2GO, the leading shipping and logistics solutions provider in the Philippines, has officially partnered with M Lhuillier Financial Services, Inc. This collaboration aims to make logistics services more accessible, convenient, and closer to every Filipino.

The partnership was formalized during a contract signing ceremony in Cebu, establishing a foundation for a broader collaboration, with both parties planning to explore additional products and value-added services in the future.

As their initial offering, Pick-Up and Drop-Off (PUDO) services have been launched across M. Lhuillier’s extensive nationwide branch network. Starting on August 1, 2026, the service will initially be available to 2GO Express corporate clients, providing them with greater flexibility and accessibility in managing their shipping needs.

By leveraging M Lhuillier’s expansive branch network, customers will have access to significantly more locations for conveniently dropping off and collecting parcels. With branches operating nationwide—many of which are open seven days a week with extended hours—this partnership allows customers to transact beyond traditional office hours, including weekends.

Combined with 2GO’s trusted nationwide delivery network and logistics expertise, this collaboration enhances the overall customer experience by making shipping services more accessible where customers live, work, and conduct business.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to continuously improving the way we serve our customers,” said Ann Lago, 2GO Express Business Unit Head. “By combining our nationwide logistics capabilities with M Lhuillier’s extensive and easily accessible branch network, we are expanding customer touchpoints and making our services more convenient for businesses throughout the Philippines. This is just the first step in what we envision to be a long-term collaboration that will deliver even greater value to our customers.”

Kenneth Berangel added, “M Lhuillier has always been dedicated to bringing essential services closer to Filipinos through our nationwide branch network. Partnering with 2GO allows us to extend that commitment by providing customers with more accessible logistics solutions while laying the groundwork for future service innovations that respond to their evolving needs.”

This partnership brings together two organizations with complementary strengths—M. Lhuillier’s nationwide accessibility and strong community presence, and 2GO’s proven expertise in nationwide express logistics and delivery. Together, they create a more seamless shipping experience while expanding access to reliable logistics solutions across the country to support the growing needs of businesses and communities nationwide.

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Php 2M Incentives Awarded to inDrive’s Top Drivers

The ride-hailing scene in the Philippines just got a major boost. inDrive, one of the fastest-growing TNVS platforms, recently rolled out its Platinum Driver Campaign, rewarding top-performing partner drivers with over Php 2 million worth of incentives, fuel vouchers, and special prizes.

A BYD Seal 5 DMi car was awarded the grand prize.

Celebrating Dedication on the Road

From Metro Manila to Cebu and Bacolod, drivers who achieved Platinum status were entered into weekly raffles. A total of 319 winners took home laptops and fuel vouchers, while the grand finale saw lucky drivers receiving life-changing rewards—including a BYD Seal 5DMi, an M25 EV motorcycle, and even sari-sari store packages to help families build additional income streams.

Vanessa Taqueban, inDrive’s Driver Operations Lead, Philippines

“Being a TNVS driver comes with its share of challenges, including heavy traffic and expensive fuel. But despite these hurdles, inDrive drivers still show up every single day. This inspired us to come up with the Platinum Driver Giveaway to thank them for their dedication,” shared Vanessa Taqueban, Driver Operations Lead Philippines.

Driving Growth in the Mobility Industry

The campaign isn’t just about prizes—it’s about empowerment. As of June 2026, inDrive’s active driver base has grown by more than 100% compared to May 2025, with top performers increasing by 130% year-on-year. Weekly earnings also rose by 12%, proving that incentives can fuel both motivation and financial stability.

Beyond the Platinum Driver Campaign, inDrive continues to support its drivers through:

    • Seasonal incentives — top-up bonuses and fuel vouchers.
    • Green Zone program — reduced commission rates as low as 1%, letting drivers keep up to 99% of their earnings.

Upskilling for the Future

inDrive is also investing in long-term growth. Partnering with TESDA, the company launched the Driver Academy, offering professional training and upskilling opportunities. This initiative ensures drivers not only earn more today but also build sustainable careers in the mobility industry.

“As inDrive continues its nationwide expansion, it is vital for us to build a stronger Platinum Driver community. We plan to continue rewarding loyal drivers with strategic incentives and financial support both on and off the job,” said Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines Country Manager.

The Road Ahead

With its driver-first approach, inDrive is setting a new standard in the TNVS industry — one that values dedication, rewards excellence, and invests in professional growth. For updates on upcoming initiatives, visit inDrive Philippines or follow @inDrive.ph on social media.