Author: Thoney Pascual

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Because Life Can Give You Lemons, Make Sure You Own Insurance

Life Insurance Month has arrived, prompting you to assess your level of coverage for life’s unforeseen complexities. We should all stay positive and resilient, just like the famous saying, “What’s better than making lemonade when life gives you lemons?” But here’s the thing: while optimism is wonderful, it’s not enough to protect your future. That’s where life insurance comes in.

Did you know that life insurance is one of the most affordable ways to secure your future? Yet, many people choose to put it off and focus on other expenses. During this Life Insurance Month, let’s work towards making a change. Invest in a Plan B that will protect you and your family in the unfortunate event.

Start your insurance journey with BDO Life, available from over 1,200 BDO branches nationwide and 100% owned by the nation’s top bank. Ask anyone in the branch at BDO about BDO Life when you visit, and they’ll be happy to assist you.

BDO Life understands that you’re focused on your Plan A: working hard for a comfortable life, dreaming of owning a house, traveling, raising a family, owning a business, staying healthy, and so much more. But when unexpected events like critical illness, accidents, or even untimely passing happen, you need a Plan B to safeguard your Plan A. With BDO Life, you can protect the lifestyle your family has grown accustomed to.

Protection that fits your Some people are hesitant to buy life insurance because they are unsure of its value.ey think it’s too expensive. But that’s not true! Life insurance can be customized to fit your budget. You can start with a more affordable policy and gradually increase your coverage as your income and financial needs grow.

Accessible nationwide

You can ask about BDO Life’s wide range of Plan B solutions to support your savings, health, education, retirement, and estate planning needs by visiting any BDO branch near you. You can also visit BDO Life’s Get a Quote webpage at bdo.com/ph/bdo-life to get life insurance quotes that fit your needs and budget.

Claims within easy reach

BDO Life simplifies the process of filing claims. We’re here to help you navigate the process and make sure you get the coverage you need. So, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.

Filing insurance claims is a breeze! Please visit BDO Life’s website to file online, or stop by your local BDO branch for assistance. If you need a hand, give BDO Life’s Customer Care Hotline a call at (02) 8885-4110.

Need more protection? Sign up for your BDO Life Plan B today!

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2GO Travel Launches “Taste of the Philippines”

Celebrating Filipino culture and cuisine through education and experience

2GO Travel, the country’s premier sea travel operator, introduces Taste of the Philippines, a one-of-a-kind cultural and culinary journey at sea, specially designed to immerse future tourism, hospitality and culinary professionals with firsthand experiences of authentic Filipino flavors, regional traditions, and the rich food heritage of the islands, all brought to life through meaningful, real-world learning onboard and ashore.

Developed in partnership with FEATR Media, a digital platform dedicated to Filipino food and travel stories, the program combines travel, education, and cultural appreciation. Students and culinary enthusiasts will embark on curated voyages that highlight regional specialties, local markets, and cooking traditions unique to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Participants will dive into hands-on discovery of authentic Filipino flavors and traditions through culinary workshops and live cooking demonstrations led by acclaimed chefs, complemented by guided market tours and curated tastings that highlight the Philippines’ rich and diverse food heritage. Beyond the masterclass sessions, the program fosters meaningful connections with industry leaders, opening doors to valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for aspiring professionals pursuing careers in hospitality and the culinary arts, both locally and on the global stage.

“We are proud to partner with 2GO in championing local flavors and traditions through this program,” said Erwan Heussaff, co-founder of FEATR Media. “Filipino cuisine has rich regional stories that deserve more recognition. By immersing students in these experiences, we help nurture a deeper appreciation of our food culture and the value of telling these stories.”

As FEATR’s co-developer of the program, the channel will also document and share these culinary journeys, ensuring that Filipino food and heritage continue to gain visibility at home and worldwide.

“Taste of the Philippines is part of 2GO’s Educational Tour Series, which provides students with practical exposure to the industries they aspire to join,” said Francis Chua, 2GO Travel Business Unit Head. “Through this program, we not only celebrate Filipino cuisine but also strengthen the link between travel, education, and cultural appreciation.”

The inaugural run of Taste of the Philippines will begin in September 2025 as a limited program, sailing the Manila–Cebu–Cagayan de Oro route to link the country’s major islands while highlighting regional cuisines and culinary traditions.

To learn more about Taste of the Philippines, send us an email at tours_groups@2go.com.ph.

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10 YEARS OF OED: How Flexible Education Changed The Game For Filipino Learners

Online Education (OEd), the Philippines’ pioneer in flexible and personalised learning, proudly marks a decade of empowering Filipinos through education that truly adapts to the learner. What began as a bold alternative to traditional classrooms has evolved into a transformative force for students, professionals, and lifelong learners both locally and abroad.

A Decade of Transformation in Learning

Since its founding in 2015, OEd has consistently challenged conventions and expanded the possibilities of learning. Since its early beginnings, it has grown into a trusted institution, offering CHED-accredited programs across senior high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels. OEd’s learner-first philosophy was designed with inclusivity at its core, serving:

  • Parents and senior high school graduates are in search of affordable, credible paths to higher education.
  • Working professionals and returning learners are balancing the demands of work, family, and study.
  • OFWs and second-chance learners who once thought pursuing a degree was out of reach.

For OEd, flexibility means more than just online classes. It is about creating opportunities without borders, removing the barriers of time, place, and circumstance.

“Flexible Education That Adapts to You”

As OEd celebrates its 10th anniversary, it ushers in a refreshed identity anchored on its new guiding message:

Online Education (OEd) is the Philippines’ first in flexible and personalised learning, offering CHED-accredited programs from basic education, junior high to senior high, and undergraduate to postgraduate studies. Guided by its philosophy of “Flexible Education That Adapts to You”, OEd provides accessible, affordable, and quality education to learners in the Philippines and abroad. “Flexible Education That Adapts to You.” This promise reflects its continued commitment to respond to the evolving needs of Filipino learners. Whether it is a fresh high school graduate stepping into college, a call centre agent maximising study breaks, or an OFW completing a degree abroad—OED adapts to every learner’s unique journey.

“Over the past decade, OEd has empowered thousands of Filipinos to realise their dreams, regardless of their circumstances,” said OEd’s leadership. “As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our mission to make education not just accessible, but truly transformative.”

Success Stories that Inspire

The most powerful testament to OEd’s impact lies in the stories of its learners. Nurses and teachers who advanced their careers, mothers who completed their degrees while raising families, and overseas workers who finally earned their diplomas despite distance—all represent resilience, determination, and the life-changing power of flexible education. Each graduate is proof that OEd’s mission reaches far beyond academics, touching lives and building futures.

Looking Ahead: The Next Generation of Learning

As OEd enters its second decade, it sets its sights on expansion and innovation. Plans are underway to diversify program offerings, build stronger industry links, and develop future-ready curricula that prepare learners for the challenges of tomorrow. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, OEd continues to improve its digital platforms, ensuring that education remains seamless, engaging, and accessible for all.

A Legacy of Dreams, A Future of Possibilities

Ten years on, OEd stands as a beacon of how education can be redefined to meet the diverse needs of Filipinos. From enabling OFWs to achieve lifelong goals, to offering second-chance learners the opportunity to succeed, to equipping future leaders with knowledge and skills—OEd’s impact transcends diplomas and degrees. It is about unlocking dreams and empowering learners, one success story at a time.

As it looks toward the future, OEd carries a powerful promise: to remain the home of flexible and personalised learning for all, equipping Filipinos not just to adapt but to thrive in an ever-changing world.

About OEd

For inquiries, contact us via mobile/Viber/WhatsApp/email:
SMS/CALL: 09171901821 / 09171901817
Viber/WhatsApp: 09171901821 / 09171901817
Email: admission@amauonline.com
Landline: (632) 87375580

For existing student concerns, please use the OEd Ticketing System: https://helpcenters.amauonline.com

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Introducing OpenRice: The Platform to Search, Book & Review Restaurants, and Earn Rewards

With a vibrant food scene and countless restaurants around the Metro, finding your next meal can be a challenge. If you’re tired of endless scrolling to find the perfect restaurant, look no further than OpenRice, Hong Kong’s #1 dining platform, now making it easier than ever for Filipinos to search restaurants, book tables, post reviews, and earn rewards!

Founded in 1999, OpenRice has evolved into a leading culinary guide. Within 25 years of operations, OpenRice has evolved into the ultimate dining app, now operating across eight countries in Asia, including Hong Kong, Macau, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, and the Philippines.

The platform is designed to be your go-to resource for all things dining while connecting you with a vibrant community of fellow food lovers.

Key Features That Make OpenRice a Must-Have App

Search Restaurants with Ease: With over 19,000+ listed restaurants in Metro Manila alone, OpenRice helps you find the perfect spot for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a specific cuisine or looking for a restaurant in a particular location, their powerful search filters will guide you. You can even search via video for a more immersive experience.

Book Tables Instantly: Avoid the long queues and reserve your table with OpenRice. The platform allows you to book a table at over 150 partner restaurants (and counting), giving you instant confirmation and access to app-exclusive deals. OpenRice is partnered with restaurants such as Antonio’s, Single Origin, Le Feu Steakhouse, and Shi Lin, with more partners being added to the platform weekly.

Share Your Experience: As a dining enthusiast, your opinion matters! OpenRice encourages users to document their dining journey by writing reviews and sharing photos or videos. Your contributions help the community discover hidden gems and make informed decisions.

Earn Rewards While You Dine: Connect your GoRewards account to your OpenRice profile to earn points for confirmed bookings and reviews. (Earn up to 6 points per seat, 8 points for your first review.)

Are you eager to discover your next delicious meal? Download the OpenRice app from the App Store or Google Play Store today. Where to connect: For more information, visit our website at https://ph.openrice.com/en/manila or follow us on social media:
* Instagram: @openrice_ph
* TikTok: @openriceph
* Facebook: OpenRicePH
* Email: ph.marketing@openrice.com.ph

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Alden Richards Spotted at BDO.

As he takes on some demanding roles in movies and on television, Alden Richards always looks assured. However, in his most recent video, Alden seems like a genuinely pleased BDO client—no acting required.

When I hear BDO, my first thought is safety In an interview, Alden remarked, “BDO is the right partner for me.” He felt safe with BDO because of their 50 years of experience.

In his latest video, Alden helps a stressed-out customer finish a lengthy list of tasks at the branch. The Universal Teller Machine and the Service Assist Machine, or SAM, are just two of the several digital advances he highlights.

Customers’ familiar ATMs are vastly different from the Universal Teller Machine. You are able to accomplish tasks that are often performed in person, such as depositing cheques and updating passbooks. Customers of BDO can also use QR codes and biometrics to make cashless transactions.

At the same time, instead of filling out paper forms, you can use SAM to input your transaction details when you visit a branch. To make your wait more bearable, we’ll issue you a queue number.

Another way that BDO’s Account Assist Kiosk streamlines banking is by eliminating the need for paper forms while opening an account at the branch. Using biometrics or a debit card and PIN, this machine makes it easy for BDO customers to access their accounts and apply for loans and credit cards. For your convenience, the forms are pre-filled automatically.

Transforming banking convenience into a digital phenomenon

Although he rarely carries cash anymore, Alden freely confesses that most of his transactions are digital these days. He can pay for both little and large purchases with ease thanks to BDO.

Now more than ever, it’s about getting digital. He revealed that BDO is following suit, embracing digital to provide its clients with greater convenience.

Alden values the ability to speak with a helpful branch officer whenever he needs to and the convenience of being able to enquire about various financial products and services all in one visit, even if BDO provides access to a virtual universe of options.

For further information on loans, credit cards, insurance, or investments, Alden directs the consumer to meet with BDO Connect product specialists in person or online.

I’ve used BDO’s services for over ten years now. Additionally, I am grateful since BDO provides me with various branch possibilities. Alden recalled that there was some personal guidance to help him grow his savings.

The bank trips are always prearranged by Alden because of his hectic schedule. Follow his lead and schedule an appointment at your nearest branch with only a few clicks at www.bdo.com.ph/book-your-visit. You can better organise your day, and it’s easy to use.

You can also open a BDO account online at any time via www.bdo.com.ph/apply from the comfort of your home or office, or really anyplace else. A valid form of identification, some time on your laptop or phone, and a short video conversation with an agent from BDO are all that is required.

Choose Alden; you have the option to bank at any of BDO’s countrywide branches and enjoy digital services when you choose and human service when you need it.

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SM Expands Entertainment Ecosystem To Capture Emerging Consumer Demand

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM group, recently shared that it is strengthening its entertainment ecosystem across its portfolio to meet and possibly capture the growing demand for experiences among younger Filipino consumers.

“At SM, we recognize the younger generation’s growing preference for experiences, and this shift opens new opportunities for growth across our businesses. By listening closely to our customers, we are broadening our entertainment offerings to strengthen engagement and create long-term value across the SM ecosystem,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments.

A Groupwide Approach to Entertainment

The group’s presence in entertainment is not limited to its malls and arenas. Through SMIC SG Holdings, SM became the first Philippine company to invest in Klook, the Asia-based travel and experiences platform. It’s a one-stop logistics solutions provider, 2GO, which features karaoke lounges and video arcades in its vessels, rare in inter-island travel. BDO Unibank and China Bank also integrate lifestyle and travel-related rewards into customer programs.

This groupwide presence positions SM to tap the ₱1.94-trillion Philippine creative economy, which grew by 8.7% in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Next-Gen Entertainment Hubs

In its people-facing businesses, SM is transforming malls, convention centers, and arenas into multi-dimensional experience hubs.

“Malling for the older generation of customers in SM Malls was much simpler and practical then—dining, shopping and fun. Fast forward to today with our emerging segments, the millennials and Gen Z, who grew up on the Internet and social media—they now value the experience, the feeling of inclusivity, community involvement, and even sustainability,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.

“That is why our marketing efforts, including entertainment events, are now geared toward targeting communities, or what we call ‘tribes’. These are your gamers, geeks, foodies, and the many fandoms sprouting, who like more interactive and personalized experiences. The mall has become their entertainment hub and their escape,” Mr San Agustin said.

The MOA Arena, designed for global productions, continues to host international acts and will soon be complemented by a larger arena in Cebu.

“Production value is a whole lot better at the MOA Arena because the building is able to accommodate the creative demands of big events and top-tier acts, especially for multi-sensory experiences. We see the value in constructing world-class venues in key areas that would be able to support their economic growth,” said Arnel C. Gonzales, Vice President for Arena Operations, MOA Arena.

Meanwhile, SMX Convention Center is benefiting from the surge in fan meets, gaming expos, and pop culture conventions, with attendance and bookings rising significantly since late 2023.

“Over the past year, there’s been a remarkable increase in event bookings, ticket sales, and audience turnout at our venues, particularly for entertainment-driven events. This upward trend gathered momentum in late 2023 and continued to grow steadily through 2024 into this year. Even weekday events are seeing rising attendance, indicating that audiences are actively making time—and room in their budgets—for these experiences,” said Mike Albaña, Vice President and General Manager of SMX Convention Center.

Entertainment as Enabler

For SM, entertainment is not just an add-on but an enabler of business and community value. It drives consumer traffic across group businesses, strengthens partnerships with global content providers, and creates shared spaces for leisure and wellness, such as the FIFA-grade football pitch at SM MOA Sky.

“Our role is more of an enabler for all of the entertainment content to pass through our properties, to be able to give back more to our stakeholders as well as to give the fans, our loyal patrons, something to look forward to every time they visit our properties,” said Mr Gonzales.

With its scale, integration, and customer-first mindset, the SM group is positioning itself as a leading player in the country’s fast-expanding experience economy, where business growth, consumer satisfaction, and community value intersect.