Author: Thoney Pascual

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4 Travel Pro Tips to Plan and Spend Smarter on Your Upcoming Trips

Despite rising costs in recent months, travel remains a non-negotiable for many Filipinos. Whether it’s a family vacation booked months ahead, a work trip, a much-awaited concert, a sports event, or even a fitness competition abroad, the desire to explore and experience remains strong. What’s changing, however, is how travelers are becoming more intentional with their spending—making sure every peso counts without sacrificing the fun.

As you map out your adventures this year, here are four smart travel pro tips to help you stretch your budget while keeping the experience unforgettable.

Look out for promos and deals

One of the easiest ways to save while traveling is to stay flexible and alert for better-value options. Check for limited-time hotel offers, restaurant promos, or discounted tours before booking. A little patience in comparing prices can go a long way—sometimes the best deals pop up when you least expect them, giving you more room in your budget for spontaneous adventures.

Don’t overlook travel insurance

Unexpected disruptions like flight delays or lost baggage can quickly drain your wallet. Travel insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection. With GInsure Travel Protect on the GCash app, you can secure international coverage starting at just PHP 299—covering accidents, emergencies, and travel inconveniences. It’s a small investment that can save you from big headaches.

Skip roaming charges with an eSIM

Staying connected abroad is essential for maps, ride-hailing apps, and keeping in touch. Instead of paying hefty roaming fees, seasoned travelers now rely on eSIMs. These can be activated before you even land, ensuring instant connectivity. Through GCash Travel, you can purchase eSIMs for as low as PHP 1, with coverage in over 160 countries—setup takes just five minutes.

Be ready for every payment moment

Nothing ruins a trip faster than payment issues at the counter. While cash is still handy for small vendors or night markets, it’s best to carry multiple payment options. With GCash, you can manage everything in one wallet—scan to pay via Alipay+, tap to pay with your Android phone, or use the GCash Card for swipes and ATM withdrawals abroad. Plus, you’ll enjoy low forex rates and real-time spend tracking.

The Best Travel Pro Tip? Travel with GCash!

Heading out on your next international adventure is exciting, but making payments convenient and worry-free makes it even better. With GCash as your travel partner, you’ll have the flexibility, security, and savings you need to focus on the experience.

Download the GCash app today and keep these pro tips in mind—you’ll be ready for every moment of your journey!

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SM’s data privacy efforts recognized anew at National Data Privacy Conference

SM remains committed to ensuring and maintaining in-depth data privacy standards as a core component of corporate governance.

SM Retail, the retail arm of the SM Group, was recently awarded the NPC Seal of Registration Compliance Excellence Award for the Private Sector by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) during the National Data Privacy Conference.

The NPC Seal of Registration Compliance Excellence Award recognises private-sector organisations that uphold transparency and accountability by visibly displaying their NPC Seal of Registration across their operations and digital touchpoints.

“We are grateful for this recognition from NPC. We understand how critical data governance is in maintaining customer trust and loyalty. This award reflects the collective effort of the different business units across SM Retail to strengthen data privacy compliance and awareness,” shared Jonathan Ng, President of SM Retail

SM Retail was also recognised as a finalist for Privacy Initiative of the Year, in recognition of the company’s significant efforts to further educate its employees through data privacy learning channels, modules, and learning sessions. These are key initiatives aimed at strengthening privacy awareness across the organization.

“These programs promote the responsible handling of personal data as part of everyday work using practical, retail-specific scenarios to make privacy more relevant and actionable for employees,” Ng further shared.

SM Retail’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) Leyson San Juan was also named a finalist for Data Protection Officer of the Year for the second consecutive year. These recognitions follow SM Retail’s Privacy Management Program Award win last year.

The awarding ceremony in Parañaque was held during the Privacy Awareness Week (PAW). PAW is an annual celebration dedicated to strengthening data privacy awareness and promoting responsible personal data processing in the Philippines.

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Mindful Snacking: Turning Everyday Bites into Moments of Well-Being

Because even the smallest habits can shape how we feel, think, and live.

In a world that rarely slows down, where days are packed, and expectations run high, finding small pockets of comfort has become more important than ever. For many Filipinos, that comfort often comes in the form of a simple snack—something to enjoy between tasks, to share with loved ones, or to savor during a quiet pause.

But what if snacking could be more than just a quick fix?

What if it could be intentional, nourishing, and even empowering?

This is the idea behind mindful snacking—a growing movement that invites people to rethink how they eat, not by restriction, but by awareness.

From Mindless to Mindful

Snacking has always been part of daily life. It slips naturally into routines—a mid-afternoon biscuit, a sweet treat after a long day, or a merienda shared with friends. These moments, while small, carry meaning. They offer comfort, connection, and a chance to pause.

Yet because snacking feels so automatic, it’s easy to fall into habits without much thought. Portions become guesswork. Nutrition labels go unread. And enjoyment, while present, lacks intention.

Mindful snacking shifts that perspective.

At its core, it’s about being present—choosing snacks with awareness, understanding what’s in them, and savoring each bite. It’s not about giving things up but about finding balance between indulgence and well-being.

A Shift in How Filipinos Snack

Today, more Filipinos are becoming intentional about their health and lifestyle choices. Taste and convenience still matter—but they’re no longer the only considerations. There’s a growing curiosity about ingredients, portion sizes, and how food fits into a balanced day.

Without the right information, however, even simple choices can feel uncertain.

Recognizing this, Mondelēz International, together with registered nutritionist-dietitian Jo Sebastian, launched the “Snack na Swak” initiative—an effort to help Filipinos navigate their snack choices with confidence.

The goal is straightforward: turn everyday snacking into something more mindful, more informed, and ultimately more satisfying.

Making Mindful Snacking Practical

Mindful eating might sound like a big lifestyle shift, but in practice, it’s surprisingly simple.

It starts with small habits:

    • Reading and understanding nutrition labels
    • Being aware of portion sizes
    • Taking time to actually enjoy what you’re eating

During a recent event at Common Ground in Rockwell, participants experienced this firsthand. Through activities like the “Portion Puzzle,” they learned how to build snack combinations within a 250-calorie range, aligning with guidance from the FNRI-DOST.

The takeaway?
Balance isn’t about saying no to your favorite snacks—it’s about knowing how they fit into your day.

Keeping the Joy in Snacking

One of the biggest misconceptions about mindful eating is that it takes the fun out of food. In reality, it does the opposite.

Mindful snacking encourages people to fully enjoy the foods they love—whether it’s the familiar twist of an Oreo, the creamy richness of Cadbury Dairy Milk, or the crunch of a biscuit—without guilt, but with awareness.

Because when you slow down and pay attention, even a small treat feels more satisfying.

More Than Just Food

Ultimately, mindful snacking isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about how you relate to food in everyday life.

It’s about:

    • Finding balance in the middle of busy days
    • Turning routine habits into intentional choices
    • Creating small moments of care, even when life feels overwhelming

With better access to information, clearer labeling, and initiatives that make nutrition easier to understand, mindful snacking becomes something anyone can practice.

And in those simple, everyday bites, there’s an opportunity to feel a little more grounded, a little more present—and a lot more in control.

Because sometimes, the smallest choices—like how you snack—can make the biggest difference.

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2GO and Philippine Coast Guard Partner to Strengthen Nationwide Logistics Support

In a move that reinforces both operational efficiency and personnel welfare, 2GO Group, one of the Philippines’ leading shipping and logistics providers, has officially partnered with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to deliver enhanced transport and logistics support for Coast Guard personnel and their families.

Supporting Those Who Serve

Through a newly signed Memorandum of Agreement, the partnership aims to provide meaningful, everyday support to active and retired PCG members. By gaining access to 2GO’s extensive logistics network, Coast Guard personnel can more easily manage their travel and shipping needs—whether for duty or personal matters.

One of the key benefits of the agreement is access to discounted sea travel. These perks extend not only to PCG personnel but also to their legal spouses or authorized companions, making travel more accessible and affordable for families who are often on the move.

Boosting Operational Readiness

Beyond personal benefits, the collaboration plays a crucial role in strengthening the PCG’s operational capabilities. The agreement establishes a framework that allows 2GO to support official Coast Guard logistics requirements—including the transport of humanitarian and relief goods during emergencies.

With the Philippines being highly vulnerable to natural disasters, speed and efficiency in logistics can make a significant difference. Leveraging 2GO’s nationwide shipping network, the PCG can mobilize essential supplies faster, ensuring timely response during calamities and crisis situations.

A Shared Commitment to Service

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan emphasized the impact of the partnership, noting that reliable and affordable logistics services are vital for personnel who frequently travel across the country in the line of duty.

Meanwhile, 2GO Group’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Will Howell, highlighted the company’s commitment to giving back to uniformed services. He pointed out the necessity of supporting the men and women who dedicate their lives to safeguarding the nation’s waters and communities.

Strengthening Collaboration for the Future

Ultimately, the partnership between 2GO and the Philippine Coast Guard represents more than just a service agreement—it’s a shared commitment to national service. By improving mobility, enhancing logistics capabilities, and supporting humanitarian efforts, the collaboration sets the stage for more responsive and resilient operations across the Philippines.

As both organizations continue to collaborate, the benefits will extend beyond Coast Guard personnel and their families, reaching communities nationwide, particularly during times of need.

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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.