Author: Thoney Pascual

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How to Make All Your #TravelGoals Come True This Year

Discover how you can unlock exclusive travel promos with the GCash Card

Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore – these are just some of the top destinations of Pinoy travelers last year. Whether it’s a quick getaway, an adventure abroad, or a return trip to your favorite country, making your #travelgoals a reality starts with good planning.

With 2025 well underway and everyone eager to tick off the countries on their bucket lists, here are a few tips and tricks for a fun, stress-free, and memorable trip abroad while ensuring you always get the most out of your money.

Create a travel budget and track all your expenses

It is so easy to get carried away by the sheer excitement of traveling abroad. This excitement can sometimes lead travellers to make expensive mistakes, such as booking overpriced hotels, planning too many costly activities in their itinerary, or purchasing excessive clothes and souvenirs that exceed their baggage allowance.

While it’s wonderful to splurge once in a while for a trip abroad, setting a budget can help you financially stay on track and prevent unexpected expenses. Who knows? You might save enough to be able to go on another trip later in the year!

An easy way to keep an eye on your budget is by tracking all your expenses in a notebook, an online spreadsheet, or an app – what matters is finding what works best to help you stay on top of your expenses so you can see where you can ease off on spending.

Research, research, and research

With a set budget in mind, your next planning focus would be finding the most ideal flights, accommodations, and tours. Now, research options to see if they meet your needs. Researching for your trip can be as simple (and fun!) as reading blog posts and watching travel videos about your dream destination. You can also check out reviews of certain hotels, restaurants, and activities to see whether they’re worth booking or not.

Before you finalize anything, make sure you also take a look at online promos and discounts, because it’s usually cheaper to book in advance online, rather than when you get to your destination. Also, make sure the travel apps and websites you’ll be booking on are safe and legit!

Get exclusive deals with your GCash VISA Card

One way you can unlock exclusive travel deals is by paying with the GCash VISA Card. Available in 200+ countries and territories and with over 80 million merchants, the GCash Card opens up endless possibilities – from the planning stages of your trip until you’re at your destination.

Using your GCash Card to pay for hotel bookings at Agoda gives you an exclusive 8% discount. Lifestyle and travel content creator Kara Rodriguez knows all about this convenient deal. During her recent stay in Cebu with her mom, she was able to take advantage of a hotel booking discount that provided everything she needed to truly connect with her mom! Check out her vlog here, and remember that with smart planning and your GCash Card always on hand, you can secure deals just like Kara did.

Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@karaysabella/video/7450340865966460178?_t=ZS-8uamg3Xdhgt&_r=1

But that’s not all! You can also book hotel stays with IHG and use your GCash Card for up to 20% off in participating hotels in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Maldives, Laos, Japan, Micronesia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands!

Enjoy your travel adventure

With your bookings finalized, time to pack your bags, grab your passport, and get your OOTDs ready. Take lots of photos and videos, check out your destination’s hottest food and culture spots, and make unforgettable memories. Most of all, don’t forget to bring the all-new VISA-powered GCash Card with you for more convenient travels!

Easily order one without the need for required documents through the GCash app; turn your #travelgoals into a reality! To learn more, visit GCash at www.new.gcash.com/services/cards.

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Bank your way with BDO’s Universal Teller Machine

Do you believe that certain bank transactions are exclusive to the counter? Not anymore! With BDO’s Universal Teller Machine (UTM), everyday banking has become simpler and more convenient, giving you more ways to choose how you bank.

Whether you need to deposit your cheque, update your passbook, or make cardless transactions, the UTM enhances your banking experience with advanced self-service options.

“By integrating digital innovations into our expansive branch network, we empower more customers to bank in ways that suit their diverse lifestyles and needs,” says Cora A. Mallillin, BDO Branch Banking Group Head and Executive Vice President. “That’s why we are expanding the rollout of UTMs to more branches nationwide. With around 500 UTMs already installed, mostly in Metro Manila, more customers can enjoy flexible and hassle-free transactions.”

So the next time you plan a visit to a BDO branch, discover the following features that make the UTM smart and unique:

Fast check deposit, check! Now you can walk up to the UTM and deposit checks–as easily as depositing cash in a machine. The UTM lets you view your cheque details before completing the transaction, giving you peace of mind with an SMS afterwards.

 

Update your passbook on the go. With the UTM, you can update your passbook at your own convenience—simply insert your passbook once prompted. Within seconds, the UTM will automatically update your records, saving you more time for things that matter.

 

Cardless transactions, cool! No card? No worries with the UTM. Choose your way: scan your fingerprint to access your account or generate a QR code via the BDO Online or BDO Pay app. It’s that easy, simple, and seamless.

 

Join the many BDO clients who have discovered UTM in BDO branches and are sharing their wow experiences on social media. Find the BDO branch and UTM near you by visiting www.bdo.com.ph and going to the branch and ATM locator.

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2GO Receives Top Honors at the 2025 Toyota Supplier Conference

2GO, the Philippines’ leading shipping and logistics solutions provider, proudly received the 2024 Superior Shipping Line Award during the 2025 Toyota Supplier Conference and 25th Toyota Supplier Club General Assembly held at the Grand Hyatt Manila. This recognition underscores 2GO’s continued commitment to reliability, operational excellence, efficiency, and outstanding customer service in the logistics industry, particularly in support of automotive giant Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation.

The team’s consistent performance and alignment with Toyota’s service requirements have made it a standout partner in Toyota Motor Philippines’ extensive supply chain network.

“We are deeply honored to receive these prestigious awards, especially the 2024 Superior Shipping Line Award,” said Sharon Musngi-Ngo. “This recognition is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our team, who continuously strive to exceed expectations in integrity, reliability, efficiency, and service excellence. Our partnership with Toyota Motor Philippines is built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to operational excellence, and we look forward to continuing this successful collaboration.”

In addition to this major honor, 2GO was also recognized during the 2025 Annual Vehicle Logistics Conference, bringing home a total of four awards: the 2024 Most Outstanding Performer – Shipping Line (Large Category), the Capacity & Service Enhancement Award, the 2024 Shipment Compliance Key Performance Indicator, and the 2024 Safety Key Performance Indicator Award. These accolades reflect the 2GO Sea Solutions team’s strategic efforts in optimizing capacity, meeting key performance indicators, and prioritizing efficiency and safety in every aspect of shipping operations.

The annual Toyota Supplier Conference and Toyota Supplier Club General Assembly are landmark events in the automotive industry calendar. Organized by Toyota Motor Philippines, these gatherings celebrate and honor the achievements of key suppliers and logistics partners. The 2025 edition also marked the 25th year of the Toyota Supplier Club, making the event even more significant. It comes on the heels of Toyota’s record-breaking performance in 2024, where the brand sold 218,019 vehicles and secured a 47% market share, earning its 23rd consecutive Triple Crown as No. 1 in sales, production, and exports in the Philippine automotive industry.

2GO’s 2024 performance and 2025 recognition are evidence of its strategic emphasis on efficiency, innovation, and high-quality service.

Setting the national standard for maritime transport and logistics solutions, 2GO is a reliable logistics partner of Toyota and other top brands.

For more information, please visit 2go.com.ph.

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Dine out with up to 55% off—only with BDO Pay!

Dining out is much more delicious with a discount—especially if it’s up to 55% off! All you have to do is pay the bill with your BDO Credit Card through BDO Pay.

This April, BDO Elite and Gold Credit Cardholders can enjoy 50% off and an extra 5% off when paying through BDO Pay in these restaurants:

  • Botejyu: An authentic Japanese traditional cuisine restaurant serving a variety of dishes – from sushi and ramen to the signature okosoba or okonomiyaki. Dine in with a minimum of P3,000 and get 55% off using BDO Elite or Gold Credit Cards on BDO Pay.
  • Greyhound Café: Craving Thai food? Greyhound Cafe offers ‘Thai food with a twist’. Pay using your BDO Elite or Gold Credit Card through BDO Pay and get 55% off a minimum dine-in bill of P3,000.

Standard, Classic, or Co-Brand BDO Cardholders can also enjoy 30% off plus an extra 5% off with BDO Pay.

Ready to enjoy this deal? Download the BDO Pay app, sign up for an account, and link your BDO Credit Card. After the app launches, use its scanning feature to settle your restaurant bill, which will subsequently charge your credit card.

Get it while it’s hot—these discounts are valid Monday through Friday until April 30, 2025, only!

For more promo details, visit the BDO website and search for the restaurant’s name.

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Enchanted Kingdom treats Filipinos with magic and family fun at Eldar’s Easter Adventure

Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, introduces yet another magical twist to the tradition of egg hunting at Eldar’s Easter Adventure on Sunday, April 20.

As part of The Enchanted Story of Eldar the Wizard campaign from April and June, guests will embark on a fun-filled quest with EK’s beloved characters — Eldar the Wizard, Benny, T-Tops, and Ogg — as they search for special egg stickers through exciting activities around the park.

Aside from trying out rides, attractions and spectacular shows, kids and the young-at-heart can channel their wit and creativity through eduFUN, EK’s very own educational and fun activities.

Exciting prizes and surprises await the lucky participants who will be able to complete Eldar’s Easter Adventure. Those who stood out in their best on-theme attire will also receive special treats from the theme park’s jolly and wise wizard.

To unlock this whole magical experience, avail the Eldar’s Easter Adventure bundle, inclusive of Park access and event pass. Enjoy early bird rates when you book this limited-time offering at the EK Online Store on or before Saturday, April 19.

The Regular Day Pass for kids 48 inches and taller costs Php 1,300, the Junior Day Pass for kids 32 to 47 inches costs Php 900, and the EKsperience the Magic Card (EKMC) costs Php 3,800. Existing EKMC members will also get access to this enchanting event with a special rate of Php 300.

Walk-in guests can avail themselves of the event bundle for its regular rate, subject to slot availability.

For more information and updates regarding Eldar’s Easter Adventure and EK’s other upcoming 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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Tip-Top Chicken imparts “Wa-Ease” kitchen hacks to home cooks, beginners

In a time when the quality of being wais (or “Wa-Ease”, as coined by Tip-Top Chicken) feels scarce, Tip-Top Chicken keeps this Filipino trait alive with simple kitchen tips that help everyday Filipinos live out the spirit of “Wa-Ease-ness” at home and in the kitchen.

Tip-Top Chicken Products
  1. Buy only fresh and high-quality ingredients.

Every good meal starts with fresh, flavourful ingredients. Fresh ingredients are not just safer and healthier, but they also taste better. Therefore, don’t compromise on the quality of your ingredients!

Tip-Top Chicken ensures freshness by processing and packing a variety of choice cuts on the same day. Its product line, which includes Tip-Top Whole Chicken, Tip-Top Choice Cuts (breast with bone, thigh with bone, breast fillet, thigh fillet, wings, and drumsticks), Tip-Top Chicken Nuggets, and Tip-Top Chicken Tocino, comes at affordable prices for everyday grocers to stay within their budgets and still make delicious meals at home.

  1. Simple doesn’t have to mean bland.

You don’t need a complicated recipe to make a delicious ulam. If you season it well with salt and pepper, a simple dish can become the highlight of the dinner table. If you’re feeling daring, you can even add an acid like vinegar or lemon juice to give your cooking some tang.

For starters, you can experiment with tocino sisig using Tip-Top Chicken Tocino. It’s possible to make it with ingredients you already have at home, making it a low-maintenance dish for home cooks with high standards

Chicken Tocino Sisig Recipe

By Alonzo Cruel (@crucrukatchoo on Tiktok/Instagram)

Serving Size: 2-3 pax

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tip-Top Chicken Tocino
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1 red onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 Tbsp liquid seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 pc calamansi
  • 1 egg
  • 1 siling labuyo (optional)

Instructions:

  • Cook the chicken tocino according to the packaged instructions on the pack. Once cooked, dice into pieces.
  • In a pan, add the green chillies, red onion, and garlic, and cook until the onion has softened.
  • Add back in the chicken tocino, and then add liquid seasoning, oyster sauce, black pepper, sugar, calamansi, and one egg.
  • Top it with more diced red onions, green chillies, and siling labuyo.
  1. Liven up your recipes with seasonal ingredients.

Using ingredients that are readily available year-round makes cooking more convenient, but challenging yourself to use a few different ingredients here and there is a step towards becoming more confident in your skills. If you’re uncertain about how to begin experimenting, consider starting with what’s seasonally available.

For instance, summer is perfect for cooking with the Philippines’ delicious fruits! Summer is a wonderful time for mangoes, so why not incorporate them into your next dish? It does not necessarily have to be a viand. You can play around with salads and side dishes, too.

  1. Freeze food to avoid wastage.

Putting your food in the freezer is a simple trick to keep ingredients fresh and reduce your stress on a lazy Sunday evening. Storing them in the refrigerator might keep them edible for a few days, but freezer storage can help them stay fresh for months.

You can save yourself multiple trips to the grocery store in a month by buying more ingredients at once and then storing what you don’t immediately need in the freezer, from vegetables to meats and fish.

If you have leftovers that you’re unsure about having for another meal, store them in the freezer. They’ll be safe to reheat and consume the next time that you find a craving for them—no cooking is required.

  1. Have fun!

“Our goal is to make every kitchen activity enjoyable with your kids, your friends, and also yourself!” shared Ralph Recaido, brand marketing manager of Tip-Top, at its first-ever “Tip-Top Fiesta” event. “We hope you find Tip-Top to be the Wa-Ease Choice and that you also find the fun in cooking.”

What is the benefit of learning to cook if it isn’t enjoyable? There are little things that make the activity more joyful. You can play music while prepping ingredients, do some stretches while waiting for your food to cook, or invite a family member or a friend to join you and make a bonding activity out of it.

Cooking is a time of adventure and discovery within the four corners of your home, so let Tip-Top Chicken accompany you as you find the dishes that make you fall in love with cooking and celebrate your Wa-Ease moments!

Tip-Top Chicken is a brand of C-Joy Poultry Meats Productions, Inc., a joint venture between Cargill Philippines and Jollibee Foods Corporation. Tip-Top offers consumers budget-friendly chicken products that are high in protein, free of salitre, made with 100% chicken meat, and processed and packed on the same day. Its choice cuts are available in major groceries like Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, and Shopwise.

For more information on Tip-Top Chicken and its offerings, visit their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages (@tiptopchickenph).