Author: Thoney Pascual

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Enchanted Kingdom, Two Other Filipino Companies Win ASEAN Tourism Awards

The first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines enters 2026 as one of the three Filipino companies that were recognized by ASEAN’s most esteemed honors in tourism!

Now on its 30th year, Enchanted Kingdom (EK) was hailed as the Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction for its unique flying theater, AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY as awarded by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA).

The award was received by EK Chairman and President Mr. Cesar Mario O. Mamon together with Chief Operating Officer Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon during the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards held this January 27, Tuesday at JPark Island Resorts and Waterpark in Mactan, Cebu.

As part of the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), the ASEANTA Excellence Awards 2026 honored “creativity, innovation, and dedication that drive the tourism industry forward” in the Southeast Asia region.

“We are deeply honored and humbled to represent Filipino excellence in tourism and entertainment in this prestigious platform in the ASEAN community. This award fuels our commitment to continuously provide magical experiences like AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY that also contributes towards our shared mission of sustainable tourism,” shared Dr. Mamon.

As the first and only flying theater in the Philippines that’s also a part of EK’s Education Program, AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY has been going above and beyond its core mission to drive educational tourism and national pride by showcasing the natural beauty of the country ever since it was first introduced in 2016.

EK relaunched this attraction last October as part of the theme park’s 30th anniversary celebration, now serving as a powerful call to action — reminding everyone of the urgent need to conserve and protect the environment.

With its enhanced film and overall thematic experience, the flying theater now also takes guests on a magical journey underwater as it features various local marine ecosystems along with some of its diverse yet endangered wildlife.

Aside from EK, two other Filipino companies were also awarded, namely the Muntinlupa-based destination management agency Shroff Travel as the Best Asean Travel Article, and the premier event space SMX Convention Center as the Best ASEAN Convention Centre.

Shroff Travel was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Arjun Shroff, while Mr. Walid Wafik, Senior Vice President–Operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), received the award for SMX Convention Center during the award ceremony.

Guests can experience EK’s award-winning attraction along with its other rides and offerings from Wednesdays to Sundays, 11AM to 8PM.*

*Park and ride schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information and updates regarding AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY and EK’s other forever enchanting events and offers, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.

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Payments Today, Rewards Tomorrow: Make Every Transaction Count with BDO Pay

Why stop at simply paying when every transaction can give you more? With BDO Pay, settling your everyday expenses goes beyond speed and convenience—it turns each payment into a rewarding experience. Every scan, bill payment, or mobile load top-up brings you closer to exciting rewards and exclusive deals that add extra value to your daily spending.

From shopping at your favorite stores to taking care of essentials, BDO Pay makes sure you earn while you spend.

Shop Smart, Earn Instantly

From February 1 to March 31, 2026, using BDO Pay’s Scan to Pay at SM Store and SM Retail affiliates gets even more rewarding. For every ₱5,000 accumulated spend, you’ll receive a ₱100 SM eVoucher, with up to ₱300 worth of eVouchers available per customer during the promo period.

Whether you’re stocking up on beauty essentials at Watsons, restocking your pantry at SM Supermarket, adding stylish touches to your home from Our Home, or browsing exciting finds at SM Store, BDO Pay helps you get more value from every purchase.

Load Up on Points

Rewards don’t stop at shopping. From January 16 to March 31, 2026, every time you Pay Bills or Buy Load through the BDO Pay app, you earn 1 Rewards Point for every ₱100 spent.

Getting started is easy—just log in to the BDO Pay app, activate your BDO Rewards Card, and start earning points instantly. You can also track your rewards anytime, all in one place.

Simple, Secure, and Designed for Your Lifestyle

BDO Pay is built to make everyday transactions effortless. With features like Pay Bills, Send Money, Scan to Pay, Split Bill, and Request Money, managing your finances is quick, safe, and seamless. Add exclusive rewards into the mix, and every transaction becomes even more worthwhile.

Make every payment count. Download BDO Pay from the App Store, Google Play, or AppGallery, sign in using your BDO Online username and password, and experience how convenience and rewards work better together.

For full promo details and the complete list of participating SM Retail merchants, visit bdo.com.ph/bdopay-evouchers.

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MIAS 2026: Powering Mobility for the Future of the Automotive Industry

The drive towards mobility starts now! Following the successful celebration of its 20th anniversary, Worldbex Services International (WSI), the organizer of the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), proudly announces the return of MIAS this coming April 9 to 12, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, from 10 AM to 9 PM. Once again, the country’s premier automotive event will take center stage, bringing together leading automotive brands and placing innovation, performance, and mobility in the spotlight.

For over two decades, MIAS has continuously showcased the best of the automotive industry, underscoring its vital role in shaping modern society. Central to this progress is the industry’s unwavering commitment to mobility, constantly pushing boundaries through innovation, technology, and design. With the 2026 theme being “Powering Mobility”, MIAS honors this forward driven movement by celebrating the advancements that continue to propel the industry into the future.

Recognized as the leading automotive event in the Philippines, MIAS marked a milestone during its 20th anniversary in 2025, attracting over 170,900 visitors. The event featured more than 145 exhibitors across 33,000 sqm of exhibit space and showcased over 310 cars, trucks, and motorcycles throughout the weekend. Building on this momentum, WSI aims to elevate the MIAS experience in 2026 by delivering a larger platform, bolder showcases, and even more memorable moments for both industry stakeholders and automotive enthusiasts.

The main highlight of MIAS 2026 is the Mobility Marathon, a dynamic series of vehicle launches where participating brands will unveil their latest models and technological innovations to the public for the first time. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience these vehicles firsthand at the Test Drive Avenue. Additional attractions include the Truck Zone, featuring trucks of all sizes; the Die-Cast Car Collection, showcasing rare and distinctive collectible die-cast models; and the Car Club Display, where passionate automotive communities from across the Philippines present their prized vehicles.

To further energize the event, MIAS will once again host signature competitions such as the MIAS Petron Custom and Classic Car Competition, in partnership with Petron, celebrating outstanding classic and customized vehicles across various categories. The event will also feature Ms. MIAS, a pageant highlighting representatives from participating automotive brands to showcase their beauty and grace.

With innovation, mobility, and passion at its core, the Manila International Auto Show is set to drive the automotive industry forward—bringing the future of mobility closer to the public than ever before. MIAS 2026 is happening from April 9 to 12, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. You can get your tickets now at https://manilaautoshow.com/

MIAS 2026 is an event organized by Worldbex Services International, and is for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.

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Our Market and Barangay San Antonio Celebrate Children’s Month Through Art and Community

Art took center stage this Children’s Month as Barangay San Antonio in Pasig City, together with Our Market, brought creativity, connection, and community spirit to life through the Sining Galing program.

Launched in 2022, Sining Galing was conceived as a response to post-pandemic stress, to promote mental wellness and creative expression among residents. Since then, the program has been hosting free monthly art workshops, highlighting Filipino artistry and encouraging people to see art not just as expression, but as a source of value, healing, and community pride.

STI students visit the Our Market booth at F. Ortigas Jr. Road

The initiative is spearheaded by the Committee Co-Chair on Tourism, Culture, and Arts, Councilor Venus La Putt, with the support of Barangay Chairman Thomas Raymond Lising. Through strong collaboration with civic organizations, stakeholders, and active community members, Sining Galing has grown into a meaningful platform for cultural engagement in Barangay San Antonio.

On November 15, 2025, Sining Galing marked International Children’s Month with the support of like-minded collaborators who share the same passion for uniting communities and fostering growth. Among them was Our Market, a rising digital magazine that helped amplify the celebration’s reach and impact.

In celebration of Children’s Month, Our Market engaged participants through interactive activities and generous giveaways. Attendees were invited to join the platform, which automatically granted them shopping discount vouchers and special items from partner sponsors such as Search Commercial, Inc. (SCI) and Barilla and Tulip of Federated Distributors, Inc. (FDI).

Our Market’s booth at Sining Galing featuring Barilla and Tulip

The event also served as a timely introduction of Our Market’s digital platform to the public, following its official launch at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde on October 17, 2025. Through this partnership, families and community members were introduced to a reliable online resource hub—one that offers exposure and growth opportunities for individuals, creatives, and businesses alike.

More than just a children’s activity, the event became a shared experience for parents, guardians, and adults, allowing them to connect, learn, and engage with a platform that inspires creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

This marks Our Market’s second partnership with Sining Galing, following its participation during International Women’s Month in March 2025. That earlier celebration featured Our Market partner brand Unox Philippines, through the Healthy Baon Bites Cooking Demo for moms. With aligned missions and shared values, Our Market looks forward to more future collaborations with the program.

Our Market is a newly launched digital publishing platform that covers business, culture, food, and lifestyle. Its mission is to produce high-quality content that promotes Filipino culture and entrepreneurship through powerful storytelling—while serving as a bridge that connects businesses and communities.

Beyond publishing, Our Market also functions as an online resource hub, directly linking users to companies across various industries for special assistance, consultancy, and collaboration opportunities.

To stay updated on future partnerships, features, and community-driven stories, subscribe to Our Market and be part of the growing Filipino creative ecosystem.

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Myth Avenue Gaming, Fancy United secure the 2026 Predator Shield

Xipto Esports and InterActive Philippines show their grit by reaching the semifinals.

The Asia Pacific Predator League concluded in New Delhi, India. What began with 24 VALORANT and Dota 2 teams from 14 territories across the Asia-Pacific region culminated in only the best of the best being crowned with the Predator Shield.

On Day 1 of the tournament, the rising Vietnamese squad Fancy United outdueled fan-favorite BOOM Esports to the surprise of many, lifting the trophy and a $65,000 cut of the prize pool. Young gun Hoàng “Twilight” Minh Dũng was an unstoppable force for the Vietnamese, racking up an impressive 40 kills throughout their series against BOOM Esports. Twilight’s performance earned him the tournament MVP award and a nifty $10,000 cash prize.

In Dota 2, Myth Avenue Gaming defended their Predator Shield against in-form REKONIX, who had earlier on Day 2 bested the Philippine squad InterActive Philippines. The series went all the way as the two squads proved equal in skill and mettle. The deciding Game 3 was a 41-minute brawl that showcased Myth Avenue Gaming’s dominance, allowing them to take home the Predator Shield anew and $65,000. Myth Avenue Gaming racked up 44 kills in the deciding game, with offlaner ‘egxrdemxn’ showing everyone why he deserved to be the MVP and take home $10,000.

Philippine grit in full display

Philippine teams came out swinging throughout the LAN in South Asia. Xipto Esports, led by former Team Secret stalwart Emmanuel ‘Emman’ Morales, was key to the VALORANT team’s run, carrying the flag all the way to a Top 4 finish. Meanwhile, in Dota 2, InterActive Philippines turned in some surprise performances despite being a late call-up.

Xipto Esports outperformed APAC Predator League Philippine Champions Oasis Gaming in the tournament. Oasis Gaming fizzled out after a 1-2 record in the Group Stage, while Xipto Esports topped their tough Group C assignment. Xipto Esports lost to BOOM Esports in the semifinals, who featured international VALORANT superstar and former VCT Masters winner Nikita ‘d3ffo’ Sudakov. While they couldn’t lift the Predator Shield this time, Xipto Esports showed everyone a glimpse of their untapped potential.

Indonesia’s REKONIX was InterActive Philippines’ (IAP) obstacle to reaching the grand finals. REKONIX was the team that sent IAP to the Lower Brackets, so IAP didn’t need any extra motivation to send the Indonesians packing in New Delhi. The match was a tightly contested affair that went all the way to three games. In the Winner-Take-All Game 3, a Slardar and Anti-Mage draft misfired for IAP, and REKONIX secured their Grand Finals slot

At the conclusion of the tournament, it was officially announced that APAC Predator League 2027 will be held in Vietnam.

For more information and updates about the Predator League, follow Predator Gaming on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PredatorGamingPhilippines) or visit the official website www.predator-league.com.

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GLoan with Benefits: Handle Today’s Needs, Protect Tomorrow’s Plans

More than just extra cash—GLoan now includes FREE health and loan insurance with every approved loan

No matter how carefully we plan our budget, there are times when expenses catch us off guard. A sudden repair at home, a restock that costs more than expected, or a school expense that can’t wait. These things happen, and when they do, having quick access to funds can make all the difference.

That’s where GLoan on GCash comes in. Every approved GLoan of at least ₱500 now comes with an added layer of reassurance: FREE health and loan insurance, so you’re covered not just today, but for whatever comes next.

Covering Today’s Needs, Protecting Tomorrow

At home, breadwinners handling an urgent repair or an unexpected bill need a quick solution. GLoan makes it easier to cover immediate household needs, while the free health and loan insurance provides extra protection for the family. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about feeling secure while doing it.

For small business owners restocking a sari-sari store, cash on hand may not always cover essentials. Instead of cutting back or delaying, GLoan helps fill the gap straight to the GCash wallet. Knowing that free health insurance is included brings extra peace of mind, especially when missing a day of work due to illness could affect income.

When renovating at home, expenses rarely come one at a time. Materials, tools, and unexpected costs can quickly add up. GLoan provides instant cash when it’s needed most, while GLoan Protect insurance quietly works in the background. If an accident or hospitalization occurs, there’s one less financial worry to manage.

Extra Support for Life’s Unexpected Moments

When expenses pile up, quick access to funds makes things easier to manage. Eligible GCash users can borrow up to ₱150,000, with money sent instantly to their wallet. The funds can cover urgent household needs, school expenses, or be split across multiple necessities, with flexible repayment terms of up to 24 months and interest rates starting at 1.59%.

What makes it even more reassuring is that every approved GLoan comes with FREE health and loan insurance through GLoan Protect, no extra requirements, no added cost.

When you apply for a minimum loan amount of ₱500 through the GCash app, the insurance is automatically included. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Open the GCash app and tap on “Borrow”, then select “GLoan”.
  2. Enter your desired loan amount.
  3. On the installment plan, you’ll see that your loan comes with free GLoan Protect insurance.
  4. Tick the box to agree to the terms and conditions.

Once approved and disbursed, your loan to be sent to your GCash wallet, and your insurance policy will appear in your “My GInsure” page within the next 24 hours

Insurance coverage starts immediately upon loan approval and remains active until the end of your loan period, even if you pay early.

To qualify for GLoan Protect, you must be:

  1. 21-65 years old, a Filipino citizen, a fully verified GCash user
  2. Your GLoan must have:
    1. A minimum loan amount of PHP 500
    2. A minimum loan tenor of 1 month, and has been approved and disbursed

At the end of the day, unexpected expenses are just part of life. What matters is having a way to handle them without added stress. With GLoan on GCash, you’re not only getting fast access to funds—you’re also getting the reassurance of free health and loan insurance, giving you a little extra security when unexpected health expenses or emergencies arise. Whether it’s for work or home, it’s comforting to know that when the unexpected happens, you don’t have to face it alone. Free health and loan insurance is available for every approved GLoan from January 16, 2026, to March 31, 2026, so you can stay covered while taking care of what matters most.

To learn more, visit the MyGInsure portal on the GInsure dashboard in the GCash app, or check out the GLoan article on the GCash Help Center. You can also go to new.gcash.com for more details.

Access GLoan through your GCash dashboard or find it under “Borrow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.