Category: Feature

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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.

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Just ₱1 per day with BDO Insure can help prevent Dengue.

Although it provides a nice vacation during the summer, the rainy season also presents its obstacles. The challenges range from traffic congestion to the onset of flu season and dengue.

Dengue is most common from June to November. Dengue-carrying insects like Aedes aegypti are more prevalent during the rainy season. The possibility for year-round transmission makes dengue a hazard even outside of peak months.

In January and February 2025, dengue illness jumped 40% from the previous year, according to the Department of Health. The spread of dengue makes it a national public health issue.

For year-round protection, pay ₱1 a day.

Dengue fever is a difficult, expensive illness that can affect the whole family. Imagine the stress, medical expenditures, and lost income. BDO Insure helps you locate inexpensive dengue insurance that provides peace of mind.

Get ₱10,000 monetary assistance if diagnosed with dengue for just ₱350 a year. For just ₱700 annually, receive ₱20,000 in cash support to cover medical bills, recuperation costs, and lost wages, alleviating the financial burden of dengue.

Protect your loved ones

You can buy dengue insurance for yourself, your kids, parents, spouse, or friend. This is a simple yet impactful way to show that you care. Each individual is allowed to have a maximum of one policy.

BDO Insure, part of BDO Group, helps you choose and claim personal and business insurance. BDO Insure can propose the correct coverage for your car, company, medical requirements, and pets.

Contact BDO Insure at www.bdo.com. ph/bdo-insure.

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Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash Features Magic, Education, Games, and Arts From Enchanted Kingdom.

Enchanted Kingdom, the Philippines’ only world-class theme park, celebrated Eldar the Wizard’s 30th birthday on August 2 with a fun-filled party.
Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash at the Spaceport Grounds on Saturday culminated a month of celebrations for his beloved local mascot, who has given magic, values, and fun to Filipinos since the park opened in 1995.

Last July, Park guests enjoyed exciting activities like searching for missing birthday invitations and hats in preparation for Eldar’s big day. EK encouraged everyone to donate sentimental presents like toys, clothes, and non-perishable goods through The Birthday Giver to spread the magic.
Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash began with the Faerie King and Queen’s royal arrival to welcome guests.

The crowd enjoyed the performances by SMS and Kingsmen, as well as the original theatre play, The Enchanted Story of Eldar the Wizard: Volume Two, which explored the cultures of the park’s theme zones through music and dance.

Kids and companions from Casa dei Bambini Home for Children and Southville Foundation were also invited to this special day, where they were surprised with the official turnover of The Birthday Giver proceeds as the chosen beneficiaries.

Eldar’s Theatre provided all parkgoers with activities such as colouring, slime creation, and face painting.

Thereafter, the entire kingdom, including EK characters and sponsor mascots, joined Eldar for the wonderful birthday greeting and candle blowing. The jovial wizard gave everyone a memorable birthday parade and fireworks as a token of appreciation.

Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash was spectacular thanks to Klook, Coca-Cola, Cherifer, Scott’s, McCormick, Krispy Kreme, Rich Garden, RCBC, Fit Style, Evensia Events Management, Iced Gems Biscuits, Snackeroo, Ceres, Australia’s Own Milk, Barilla, Tulip, Avea Handsoap, Dayzinc, Nutri10Plus, Bounty Fresh, Cobra Rise, Vitamilk, Pascual, Sunkist, Pic-A, Mang Juan, Roller Coaster, Chiz Curls, Nova, Mr. Chips, Goodday, Protect, Hello Glow, Nestle Chuckie, Chupa Chups, Silka, Tiny

Shakey’s, Purefoods, Dairy Queen, Hap Chan, Potato Corner, and ViewTrue Imaging supported Eldar’s birthday.
EK’s official social media accounts, @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok and @ek_philippines for Instagram, provide updates on EK’s forever enchanting events and offers.

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Bank like Alden Richards with BDO

The country’s leading bank offers an exciting branch experience tailored to fit every client’s lifestyle

Whether you’re choosing from the many banks around the corner or exploring banking through your phone or laptop, picking the ideal bank partner is not always easy.

True to its commitment to finding ways for customers, the country’s leading bank offers the best choice for your lifestyle. BDO makes banking easy, simple, and accessible with branches conveniently located near your home or workplace, friendly staff ready to assist, and extended hours on weekdays and weekends. Digital natives and newbies can also tap away their banking needs with round-the-clock online banking.

Actor and entrepreneur Alden Richards showcased the versatility of BDO in a new video when it comes to serving clients. “Sa BDO, I get the best of both worlds. I use digital when I want to, or visit branches when I need to. They find ways to make my banking easy.”

Alden, a loyal customer of the bank, candidly admits that he grew up with BDO. He opened an account with the bank’s Sta. Rosa branch over a decade ago and remained a devoted customer until he was invited to become the bank’s brand ambassador. “Madaling yes para sa akin. Napansin ko kasi na whatever you are looking for, you can find it sa BDO. Banking with BDO is always simple and secure.”

Digital when you want it

BDO values your time, so you can choose your preferred time and the nearest branch. Simply visit www.bdo.com.ph/book-your-visit to set an appointment. Enter your transaction details, save the QR code, and drop by the branch at your chosen time.

Self-service machines at a BDO branch expedite your banking experience. Start with the Universal Teller Machine, which lets you perform bank transactions that are normally done over the counter, such as depositing checks and updating passbooks. It looks like a regular ATM, but you’ll find out it’s so much more. You can also transact cardless using QR and biometrics.

Next is the Service Assist Machine (SAM), where you can enter your transactions, get a queue number, and wait to be called. Filling up paper forms is no longer needed.

You can also open an account in the branch with no paper forms through the Account Assist Kiosk—just input your information on screen. BDO clients can easily access their accounts and apply for loans and credit cards using their biometrics or debit card and PIN to verify their identity. The forms are automatically pre-filled for a more convenient experience.

Personal when you need it

You can still approach tellers if you like to, or try BDO Connect. Available at selected branches, this is a convenient platform to get information on various BDO products. Bank officers can assist you on-site or connect you via virtual meetings with the bank’s expert product specialists.

At BDO, every kind of client can find what they need. On top of product solutions tailor-fit to financial needs at every life stage, the bank’s services are designed to cater to the fast-changing lifestyles of consumers. The bank effectively provides digital services whenever you desire them and personal assistance whenever you require it. Bank at your pace, at your convenience, only with BDO.

Point your browser at www.bdo.com.ph to know more.

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2GO Honored as Zuellig Pharma’s Most Trusted Logistics Provider

2GO, the Philippines’ leading logistics provider, continues to demonstrate its strength and reliability in pharmaceutical and medical healthcare logistics with its latest recognition from Zuellig Pharma as the “Most Reliable Partner” in Logistics.

This award is a testament to 2GO’s ongoing dedication to delivering logistics excellence, particularly in handling and transporting life-saving medical products. The recognition follows 2GO’s successful management of direct delivery operations from Zuellig Pharma’s distribution hubs in Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Tacloban.

With 2GO operating major hubs in these cities, the logistics solutions provider ensures the seamless distribution of pharmaceutical and consumer products from Zuellig’s main distribution centers to pharmacies, drugstores, doctors, and hospitals across the region. Utilizing a fleet of ambient and temperature-controlled trucks, 2GO ensures that essential pharmaceutical shipments are transported safely, securely, and on time.

The recognition underscores 2GO’s expertise in handling specialized commodities, including temperature-sensitive and perishable medicines that require precision, care, and consistency in delivery.

“During our peak season in our Cebu and Visayas depot distribution last year, we encountered some logistics challenges.” 2GO was on the scene to respond to the situation and immediately assist our team in ensuring that our operations remained uninterrupted and that delivery commitments were met for our end customers. Paul Sanchez, Director of Zuellig Pharma Corporation (ZPC), said, “2GO has consistently delivered with professionalism and precision, earning our full trust as a logistics partner.” Their ability to manage critical pharmaceutical cargo products, which are essential to saving lives, with utmost care and timeliness, has been instrumental to our operations. In a sector where every hour counts and quality cannot be compromised, 2GO has proven to be an important extension of our commitment to safeguarding healthcare access across the country.”

“We are honored to be recognized by Zuellig Pharma,” said Faye Alonzo, 2GO Forwarding Business Unit Head. “This award highlights our continued commitment to quality service and our crucial role in making sure life-saving medicines reach communities when and where they are needed. We remain focused on delivering what matters most through our nationwide network and dedicated team.”

2GO’s role in the pharmaceutical supply chain reflects its commitment to supporting the country’s healthcare system and ensuring the timely delivery of critical medical supplies.

For more information about 2GO’s logistics solutions, visit 2GO.com.ph or email forwarding_sales_mnl@2go.com.ph.