Author: Thoney Pascual

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When The ‘Universe’ Aligns, Great Banking Happens

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach gives her stamp of approval for BDO’s Universal Teller Machine

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach fell in love with the BDO Universal Teller Machine immediately upon discovering it.

“Honestly, BDO continues to surprise me, even after all these years,” says the global personality hailed for her modeling career, lifestyle choices, and meaningful advocacies. Pia made public her pick of BDO as her bank soon after she won the Miss Universe title, the first Filipina to win in four decades. She recently showcased her loyalty to BDO in a Facebook post.

“You know what I love? When things just work,” opens Pia in a short video posted to her millions of followers. “BDO now has the Universal Teller Machine, a self-service machine that lets you skip the line and do more than just basic banking.”

Thanks to the Universal Teller Machine, clients who visit select BDO branches now have a choice between transacting with the tellers or doing it themselves. With this machine, one can update their passbook, deposit checks, make cardless transactions via QR or biometrics, and withdraw or deposit cash.

“It’s safe, quick, and perfect for people like me who love options,” explains Pia. “From check deposits to updating your passbook to withdrawing or depositing cash, you can do all that at the Universal Teller.”

Pia was clearly a user, as she also confidently gave instructions on how to use the Universal Teller Machine in the video.

“For check deposits, just tap ‘Cardless Transaction’, choose Check Deposit and follow the steps. You can even send someone to deposit on your behalf. Want to update your Smart Passbook? Just choose Update Passbook, then pop it in the machine. You can still do other transactions like cash withdrawals, deposits and sending money.”

BDO is the only bank to offer all these transactions in one teller machine. As Pia happily shares, “BDO is always giving me better ways to bank.” Currently, over 400 BDO branches in Metro Manila house Universal Teller Machines. The next time you plan a visit to a BDO branch, join Pia in discovering the many ways the banking universe aligns by using the Universal Teller Machine.

To look for your nearest BDO branch and Universal Teller Machine, click on the Find a Branch or ATM page on the bank’s website at www.bdo.com.ph.

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Taiwan Keeps Doors Open: Visa-Free Entry for Filipinos Extended & Travel Expo Push in PH!

Filipino tourists can now enter without a visa again! The Taiwan Tourism Administration is sending a group of people to the Philippine Travel Expo and Promotion Events. They are also inviting top influencers to promote Taiwan.

Taiwan just said that Filipino travellers can now enter the country without a visa for another year, until July 31, 2026. In response, the Taiwan Tourism Administration quickly put up a Taiwan tourist delegation made up of 50 people from 25 groups, such as the Taichung City Government, travel agencies, hotels, and airlines. From July 11 to 13, the delegation will travel to the Philippines to participate in the Travel Madness Expo (TME) 2025.

The Taiwan Tourism Administration’s most recent statistics show that the visa-free policy has greatly increased travel from the Philippines. In the first quarter of 2025, 146,581 people came from the Philippines. This is a huge 29% increase from before the pandemic, making the Philippines the fastest-growing source market in the world and the largest source market in Southeast Asia.


The Taiwan Tourism Administration will build up a “Taiwan Pavilion” at TME based on its “Taiwan – Waves of Wonder” campaign for its Tourism Brand 3.0. The pavilion will use bright colours and fun features to show off how beautiful Taiwan is across all four seasons. Taipei 101, Taichung’s Rainbow Village, the Taiwan International Balloon Festival in Taitung, and the Morning Hot Springs of Green Island are all popular Instagram spots that are highlighted in the pavilion. This encourages Filipino visitors to capture unforgettable photos as they immerse themselves in Taiwan’s rich and diverse travel appeal.

The Taiwan Pavilion has asked well-known Filipino influencers, such as Carl Chuidian (The Chui Show) and Mommy Haidee, a travel vlogger, to help make this year’s campaign even more effective. Both will talk about their trips to Taiwan and the food and sights that are a must-see. People are likely to discuss the delegation’s appearances, which may encourage more Filipinos to choose Taiwan as their favourite travel destination.

Travel from the Philippines to Taiwan has been on the rise recently. Filipino tourists are drawn to Taiwan because it is close by, has a short flight time, a wide range of food, and unique attractions, such as the high-speed rail system that the Philippines doesn’t have. In 2024, Taiwan had the most Filipino tourists of any Southeast Asian country, with 467,000. The boom keeps going in 2025, with 25.38% more people coming in from January to March than in the same time in 2024. The Philippines is currently Taiwan’s top source market in Southeast Asia and sixth in the world, showing amazing performance.

The Taiwan tourism delegation will also hold promotional events in Iloilo (the Philippines’ fourth largest city) and Cebu (the second largest city) on July 15 and 16. The visit is in addition to their participation in the TME. The events will help strengthen cooperation between the two countries’ tourism industries and bring in more Filipino tourists. More than 100 important travel professionals, airline officials, and mainstream media will be at these events. They will show off Taiwan’s newest tourist attractions and incentives, with the goal of keeping the high rise in Filipino visitors coming to Taiwan and opening up new chances for Taiwan’s tourism in the Southbound market.

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AISIN Advances in Mindanao: A More In-Depth Examination of Motivations

Multi-city roadshows and exclusive gatherings introduce a broader product experience to Filipino riders and auto professionals.

A recent series of interactive events in the Mindanao region brought the AISIN brand closer to the people. The tour was a well-planned effort that brought together product debuts, shop-level activations, and industry-focused evenings to attract motorcyclists and automotive companies.

This series marked the second phase of AISIN’s initiatives in Mindanao, carrying on the brand’s objective to engage in direct communication with partners and end-users, thereby introducing its growing product range to local audiences and sparking discussions about it.

The crux of it all: genuine connections that let individuals experience, investigate, and grasp AISIN’s full potential.

Alternative Routes for Bicycles

As a brand primarily associated with four-wheel products, AISIN made a bold move by launching its motorbike oil line during the daytime roadshows. At each stop, which was organised in collaboration with nearby bike shops, participants got an opportunity to try the product for themselves. There was levity in the air thanks to the promotions, games, and gifts, but the message got across.

On two wheels, as on four, reliability, safety, and performance are paramount. A lot of people didn’t know this before, but a well-known auto parts manufacturer now has a product tailored to motorbikes.

Here are the new AISIN Motorcycle Oils that are available:

Recognised Name, New Dialogues

For further in-depth discussions in the evenings, AISIN convened aftermarket experts, including shop heads, long-term clientele, and garage owners. The purpose of these VIP Nights was to reevaluate the overall vision, not merely to showcase individual products.

At AISIN, we offer comprehensive solutions, not just parts. Our displays showcase clutch kits, brake pads, filters, lubricants, and more, reminding participants of this fact. It came as a surprise to many people to learn that so much of what they currently use has a single point of origin, especially in an industry where dependability is paramount.

A nod, remark, or realisation characterises the response. “That was something I was unaware of as well.”

Putting the Name Behind It

This tour was distinguished not only by the introduction of a new product. It was like discovering a familiar brand for the first time but with a new perspective. Instead of relying on aggressive marketing or sensationalised claims, the focus is on everyday use in local areas by regular people.

Just turn up, provide value, and let the goods do the talking; that was AISIN’s strategy. Not only did AISIN unveil new products, but it also provided new information that many attendees found particularly intriguing, whether they were riders, mechanics, or owners of the shops involved.

You may find AISIN’s motorcycle oils and various automotive parts in partner shops throughout the country. It is likely already a component of your drive, whether you are on the go or in the garage.

Are you seeking additional information? Follow AISIN Philippines on Facebook at https://facebook.com/AISINPhilippines.

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2GO Receives First BALANGAY Legacy Award for Domestic Shipping

2GO, the Philippines’ leading shipping and logistics solutions provider, was honored by the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers, Inc. (SONAME) with the first-ever Balangay Legacy Award for Domestic Shipping as part of the year-long 75 Years of Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding celebration.

The accolade recognizes 2GO’s outstanding contributions to modernizing and advancing inter-island sea transport in the Philippines, acknowledging the company’s pivotal role in shaping the maritime landscape through innovation, resilience, and operational excellence.

Since 2022, 2GO has been actively modernizing its fleet to elevate the passenger and cargo experience. Today, the company operates nine ROPAX (Ro–Pax) vessels and one freighter, servicing 19 ports of call across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Notably, five of those ROPAX ships are among the country’s most modern and state-of-the-art vessels.

The Balangay Legacy Awards honor industry leaders who have helped chart the course of Philippine maritime history—from the seafaring heritage of ancient balangay boats to today’s sophisticated domestic shipping networks. The ceremony brought together leading stakeholders from the maritime and logistics sectors to celebrate this evolution.

“This award is a testament to our consistent dedication to excellence, resilience, and national development,” said Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions. “As we continue to enhance our fleet, operations, and services, we aim to provide local businesses and industries with sustainable and reliable shipping solutions—ones that prioritize safety, convenience, and efficiency for both cargo and passengers.”

2GO remains the only RORO and ROPax logistics provider offering direct routes from Manila to the Visayas and Mindanao, including newly launched services to Davao and General Santos City, further reinforcing its role in supporting regional development and national connectivity.

To learn more about 2GO’s services, visit www.2go.com.ph or email 2go_freight@2go.com.ph.

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Bell-Kenz Pharma, PHINMA Education Launch First 1000 Days (F1KD) Program to Combat Child Malnutrition

Bell-Kenz Pharma, through the Bell-Kenz Foundation, successfully partnered with PHINMA Education to officially launch the First 1000 Days Nutrition (F1KD) Program, a bold step in the fight against malnutrition and stunting among Filipino children. The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held recently and will begin implementation across PHINMA campuses and partner communities.

With a strong track record in healthcare and advocacy, Bell-Kenz Pharma plays a lead role in providing medical support, research collaboration, and on-the-ground health programs. The company brings its expertise in maternal and child nutrition to support interventions during the most critical window of human development, which spans from conception to age two.

Mr Christopher Tan, Country Head Phinma Education Philippines, cites “an estimated 33% of Filipino children under 5 years old suffer from stunting.“ He further adds, “While it is not impossible for these children to succeed, acquiring necessary skills for job employment is exponentially difficult. That is why we are committed to establishing intervention centers, focused on early childhood nutrition.”

“This is not just a program. It is a movement,” said Dr James Cayetano, President of the Bell-Kenz Foundation. “We are proud to work with PHINMA Education in creating communities that prioritize health, development, and long-term wellness

Through the First 1000 Days nutrition initiative with Phinma Education, Bell-Kenz aims to create grassroots impact and a scalable model of care. Bell-Kenz is currently piloting the F1KD Program in Cebu and plans to expand its reach to more campuses in the coming months.

Dr Cayetano of Bell-Kenz Foundation expressed optimism, “ We are inspired by Phinma’s dedication, and we are confident that we will achieve an outcome greater than the combination of the partnership.”

This partnership reflects Bell-Kenz Pharma’s strong commitment to public health and social development. It empowers families, supports education, and helps build a healthier next generation.

For more information about the First 1000 Days nutrition advocacy of Bell-Kenz Pharma,  visit www.bell-kenz.net

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SM Helps Smallholder Farmers Make A Living

The SM Group keeps helping with inclusive development by giving smallholder farmers useful, long-lasting farming skills. This helps them improve their lives and make their communities more food secure.

The Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Program from the SM Foundation is at the heart of this project. It has trained 32,359 farmers. SM Foundation and the Philippine Geothermal Production Company, among others, have trained over 49,000 farmers across the country so far.

The KSK program will reach more rural areas in 2025, including parts of Visayas, Bicol, and Northern Mindanao that don’t get enough help. This will bring opportunities closer to where they are most needed.
Cristie Angeles, the SM Foundation’s Assistant Vice President for Livelihood and Outreach Programs, said, “We think that inclusive growth starts at the community level.” “We’re not only helping to secure local food supply chains by investing in smallholder farmers, but we’re also making it possible for people in rural areas to have better lives.”

KSK teaches people how to improve the quality and quantity of their crops by giving them hands-on experience with backyard and small-scale farming. More importantly, the program helps them connect with local markets and SM’s larger supplier network, which helps farming families form cooperatives and get more stable, long-term income.

The Asian Development Bank found that smallholder farmers are the backbone of food systems in developing countries. They make up 84% of all farms and grow almost a third of the world’s food. In the Philippines, where many people farm less than a hectare of land, having access to information, technology, and markets is very important.

To strengthen connections in the market, SM started the SM Weekend Market, a place where local farmers and agripreneurs can sell their goods directly in busy malls. The weekend market helps local farmers find new customers, including people who shop there every day and people who work or live in the mall.

SM cares about the community in all of its businesses. SM supports urban farming projects in collaboration with the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC) and the Makiling Centre for Mountain Ecosystems. They do this by promoting sustainable gardening and finding long-term farm sites.

The SM Group’s larger mission is to be a partner for inclusive progress by making meaningful, inclusive opportunities that support rural development, create jobs, and boost local economies. These projects are part of that mission.