Globe president and CEO Carl Cruz believes in building a company around people and customers, not products. This mindset is shaping how the company grows and how it impacts the lives of millions of Filipinos.
In the first quarter of 2025, 87% of Globe’s total service revenues came from data, up from 85% the previous year—a strong sign that Filipinos are embracing a digital-first lifestyle, and Globe is enabling it at scale. Globe mobile customers also expanded to 61.6 million subscribers as of end-March 2025, up 5% from 58.8 million a year earlier. Globe broadband customers also grew to 1.83 million as of end-March 2025, up from 1.72 million in the same period last year.
“We’re not just going digital for the sake of it,” said Cruz. “We’re building solutions that reflect real needs, real affordability, and real stories of connection. That means helping students with their online learning, helping an OFW see their family over a clear video call, or allowing small businesses to receive payments digitally. These moments are what matter.”
That approach is clearly resonating with customers. As of April, GFiber Prepaid (GFP) earned a standout Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 67—a strong indicator of satisfaction and trust among value-conscious households.
GFP continues to reshape the home connectivity market. With 70% reload rates—the highest among prepaid fiber brands—and a stellar 53% quarter-on-quarter subscriber growth, the product is expanding rapidly into income-challenged households—proof that affordable, on-demand fiber is unlocking real demand.
“These numbers are indicative that customers prefer our service,” Cruz added. “We’ll keep innovating, investing, and pushing technology forward, but always with the customer in mind. When you build with empathy, the impact follows.”
Shell Philippines has delivered a set of 110 bike racks made from 3,000kg of plastic waste around Metro Manila and Southern Luzon as part of a unique activation aimed at promoting sustainable mobility and highlighting the power of the circular economy.
The Philippines has been severely impacted by the plastic waste crisis, which poses a significant threat to the health of our planet. The country’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, which requires large companies to recover 40% of their plastic packaging footprint in 2024, aims to encourage a circular economy for plastics to ensure waste doesn’t end up in nature.
Shell Philippines purchased plastic credits from PCX Markets,a responsibility platform that offers upstream solutions and helps fund plastic pollution cleanup projects around the world. One credit enables the collection and processing of 1,000 kilograms of plastic waste by project partners listed on PCX Markets. This purchase supports the work of EFT Philippines, an SME based in Davao, which upcycles plastic waste into various items, including outdoor furniture.
Funds raised through credit sales helped EFT Philippines expand its collection and purchase more plastic waste from informal sector waste pickers through aggregators, such as junk shops. Shell went on to purchase upcycled bike racks from EFT, helping to fund the entire circular journey of plastic waste, from collection through to processing and, ultimately, the purchase of the end product.
Shell unveiled the project on October 24, 2024, including the first prototype, as part of the company’s Sustainability Week event in Manila. The first 55 bike racks were installed in various Shell Mobility sites in Q1 of 2025, and another 55 will be deployed within the 3rd quarter of 2025.
Shell supports the need for improved circularity of plastics markets and globally aims to increase the amount of recycled plastic in Shell-branded packaging to 30% by 2030, ensuring that the packaging used in their products is reusable or recyclable. The company’s approach to sustainability is to integrate sustainable practices in every aspect of the business, from its operations to customer interactions.
In the Philippines, Shell has partnered with PCX Markets to develop a downstream plastic diversion program that helps fund various recycling, upcycling, and social impact projects aimed at keeping plastic out of the natural environment.
In an era defined by economic uncertainty, digital fatigue, and growing social isolation, young Filipinos are emerging at the forefront of a vital conversation: mental health. According to AXA’s 2025 Mind Health Report, Filipinos, aged 18 to 34, are experiencing significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than their global peers. Yet, they are also among the most proactive in seeking support through digital and AI-powered mental wellness tools.
This year’s study offers deep insights into how Filipinos, especially the younger generation, are coping, adapting, and innovating in response to mental health challenges.
Gen Z and Millennials Lead the Shift to Digital Mental Health
The AXA Mind Health Index, a key component of the report, categorizes individuals into four distinct mental well-being states:
Flourishing, the pinnacle of positive mind health;
Getting by, where individuals show some areas of well-being but not enough to flourish;
Languishing, the absence of positive well-being; and
Struggling, the most vulnerable state, marked by challenges in most areas of life.
A significant portion of Filipino youth identify as languishing or struggling, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, relevant, and proactive mental health solutions.
This year’s AXA Mind Health Report provides valuable insights into how Filipinos, particularly the younger generation, are coping, adapting, and finding innovative ways to address mental health challenges.
According to the report, Filipinos aged 18 to 34 are more likely than older generations to suffer from severe mental health symptoms and are diagnosed with conditions at higher rates than their global peers. Despite these challenges, this age group demonstrates strong resilience and initiative—39% turn to AI-powered mental health tools, which is well above the global average of 28%. In fact, half of all Filipinos now rely on digital platforms like websites, blogs, forums, and social media for mental health support.
Stress Levels Among Working-Class Filipinos Among Highest Globally
The report also reveals that nearly seven in ten Filipinos experience at least mild forms of anxiety, stress, or depression, among the highest rates globally. Key drivers include financial instability and job insecurity (76% vs 53% globally), uncertainty about the future (70% vs 53%), loneliness and social isolation (58% vs 42%), climate change anxiety (57% vs 38%), and exposure to negative news (55% vs 45%).
Workplaces play a significant role in both stress and support. The data points to an opportunity for organizations to be part of the solution by fostering psychologically safe environments, supporting mental health literacy, and encouraging open conversations.
Local employers must encourage proactive conversations and collaborations among young Filipinos to support mental health and promote holistic well-being across communities.
Building a Culture of Early Support
As more young Filipinos turn to self-guided tools and digital channels for help, the availability of accessible resources for early mental health awareness and care becomes increasingly important.
Simple, non-diagnostic tools— such as AXA’s Mind Health Self-Check—are helping individuals reflect on their mental state and take proactive steps when needed. Some health plans in the market have also begun to include free mental health consultations as part of their coverage, recognizing the importance of holistic care. Additionally, a growing number of protection solutions now acknowledge the reality of mental health conditions, with some beginning to incorporate coverage for select mental health conditions.
“Because mental health is not just a personal issue—it’s a public one. And tackling it requires shared understanding, accessible tools, and sustained support,” said AXA Philippines CEO Ayman Kandil. “And while we still have a long way to address the gaps, know you can do something now and thrive with the right support.”
The annual AXA Mind Health Report, now in its fifth year, explores global and local attitudes toward mental health and tracks emerging trends and behaviors that influence mental wellness across life stages and cultures. As one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, AXA Philippines aims to amplify the conversation around mind health and uncover opportunities for individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to take action for a better global mind health.
For more information about AXA Philippines’ commitment to holistic well-being for all, visit https://www.axa.com.ph.
Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, has announced the appointment of VST ECS Phils., Inc. as its newest distribution partner in the Philippines. The distribution partnership reflects Vertiv’s strategic focus on expanding nationwide access to critical digital infrastructure technologies and supporting business resilience amid accelerating digital transformation.
With the Philippines fast emerging as a data center hub in the ASEAN region and digital transformation accelerating across industries, the demand for reliable, scalable, and resilient IT systems has never been higher. Enabling continuity in critical environments now requires more than just power protection—it demands a holistic infrastructure strategy that includes advanced cooling, monitoring, and space optimization.
VST ECS is one of the leading ICT distributors nationwide. With a rich legacy of providing transformative IT solutions from trusted global brands, the company’s mission is to give organizations and individuals access to the latest technologies and solutions in the market. VST ECS prides itself on having a strong footprint, with an established presence across the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
“We are thrilled to welcome VST ECS as our newest distribution partner in the Philippines,” said Daniel Sim, senior director for IT distribution and partners at Vertiv Asia. “This partnership marks a significant milestone in Vertiv’s commitment to broadening access to critical digital infrastructure solutions nationwide. VST ECS brings not only an extensive distribution network but also deep market expertise and a strong track record of enabling digital transformation across industries. By joining forces, we are better positioned to address the growing demand for resilient, energy-efficient IT infrastructure in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital economies. Together, we aim to empower businesses—large and small—with the tools they need to build agile, future-ready operations.”
VST ECS will offer Vertiv’s comprehensive portfolio of end-to-end power and cooling systems and integrated solutions to enterprise, commercial, and government sectors.
VST ECS also brings a track record of enabling channel growth through partner education, local market insights, and access to emerging technologies—aligning with Vertiv’s long-term strategy to support digital resilience across Southeast Asia.
“In today’s fast-paced digital world, uninterrupted operation of vital IT infrastructure is paramount. Vertiv’s trusted business continuity solutions are an essential safeguard against power disruptions. This partnership strengthens our portfolio and presents significant growth opportunities for our channel partners, equipping them to meet the growing customer demand for cost-effective and reliable power. Vertiv’s local service center in the Philippines is a strategic advantage, providing rapid customer support and minimizing downtime. With the projected explosion of data centers in the Philippines, driven by government support to improve our country’s digital infrastructure, we foresee a significant demand for data center power management and cooling solutions,” said Jimmy Go, president and CEO, VSTECS Phils., Inc.
He concluded, “VST ECS is committed to working hand-in-hand with our channel partners, leveraging Vertiv’s strong market presence and our extensive channel ecosystem and programs, to impactfully expand brand reach and presence. This collaboration signifies our focus on delivering comprehensive and reliable ICT solutions that empower our customers and fuel mutual success.”
VST ECS Phils. Inc. is a member of the VST ECS Group, a regional distribution network. Vertiv also has a distribution partnership with its Singapore affiliate, VST ECS (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is officially introducing the updated Mitsubishi Mirage G4, continuing its legacy as a practical, stylish, and easy-to-drive sedan that is built for everyday Filipino journeys.
Since its introduction to the Philippine market in 2013, the Mirage G4 has become one of MMPC’s key models, majorly contributing to the company’s yearly sales volume. With its proven reliability, it has consistently won the hearts of new car buyers. Now, with fresh updates for 2025, the Mirage G4 is ready to elevate daily drives once again — proving that a ride this practical has never looked this good.
Carrying the tagline Everyday Made Stylish, the updated Mirage G4 is now equipped with enhancements that will make you drive with style and confidence—whether it’s for workday commutes, weekend errands, or quick road trips.
The latest Mirage G4 features several upgrades designed to enhance both style and safety. Here are what’s new with the Mirage G4:
Exterior Enhancements
It is now equipped with LED Projector Headlights and Tail Lights* offering better visibility and a modern look.
LED Tail Lights *For GLX CVT and GLS CVT variantsLED Tail Lights *For GLX CVT and GLS CVT variants
A new machine finished two-tone alloy wheel design for all variants gives the Mirage G4 a sharper, sportier appearance on the road.
Safety Upgrades
Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Active Stability Control (ASC) are now standard across all variants — ensuring added peace of mind whether on inclined roads or slippery streets.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)Active Stability Control (ASC)
Same Tried & Tested Performance
Under the hood, the Mirage G4 retains its trusted 1.2L MIVEC engine paired with a smooth CVT transmission (also available in MT for GLX variant). Known for its fuel efficiency and simplicity, it remains one of the most economical options in its class — perfect for Philippine’s usual city traffic and daily drives.
Constant Functional Features
The updated Mirage G4 continues to offer features that make everyday drives more convenient:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (wired) for seamless navigation and music streaming.
A generous 450-liter trunk space, big enough for multiple suitcases, grocery bags, or a child’s stroller.
Keyless Operation System, Remote Key with Trunk Opener, Backing-up Camera, and Automatic Climate Control — available for the top-of-the-line GLS variant.
Dual SRS Airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as standard safety features across all variants.
Still Proudly Filipino-Made
As one of the models being assembled locally at MMPC’s plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, the Mirage G4 continues to embody Filipino craftsmanship and resilience while delivering top-notch quality and reliable value for money.
The updated Mirage G4 is available in four exterior colors: Titanium Gray Metallic, Red Metallic, Cool Silver Metallic, and White Solid (available via order basis)
Drive everyday in style and confidence. The new Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is now available in all authorized Mitsubishi Motors Philippines dealerships nationwide. Visit your nearest dealership to take a closer look and test drive.
For more information, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ph or follow Mitsubishi Motors Philippines official social media pages.
Maya, the Philippines’ #1 digital bank and fintech ecosystem, has partnered with retail chain Ultra Mega and connectivity provider GoodApps to advance digital financial inclusion for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)—with a strong focus on sari-sari stores.
The tripartite collaboration aims to empower over 100,000 retailers in Ultra Mega’s distribution network by providing access to financing, digital tools, and connectivity solutions that help businesses grow and thrive in today’s evolving economy.
“Sari-sari stores are more than just neighborhood shops—they’re vital to our economy and daily life. By combining financial services, digital tools, and on-the-ground support, we’re helping these micro-entrepreneurs become more resilient and future-ready,” said Khurram Malik, group chief commercial officer, Maya.
“This collaboration is about rethinking how credit reaches the underserved. We’re using technology and real business activity—not just paperwork—to unlock access to responsible financing for the country’s smallest but most essential businesses,” said Angelo Madrid, Maya Bank president.
Maya will offer credit to eligible MSMEs through Maya Advance, its financing product powered by Maya Bank, available via the Maya Business App. By leveraging Maya’s AI-driven credit and risk models, sari-sari store owners and micro-retailers can access working capital based on their business activity—without collateral or lengthy paperwork, following a standard merchant account screening process.
“We believe in creating real, practical support for our partner retailers,” said Julie Lim, VP for operations at Ultra Mega. “By working with Maya and GoodApps, we’re delivering more than just products—we’re opening doors to financing, digital adoption, and new revenue streams for our communities.”
GoodApps, through its LokalWifi initiative, will offer community Wi-Fi packages to participating MSMEs, creating new revenue-generating opportunities for sari-sari stores, while helping to bridge the digital divide at the grassroots level. These Wi-Fi solutions are also presented as a practical use-case for the loans accessed through Maya.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury, it’s a lifeline,” said Brezhnev Tero, chief operating officer of GoodApps. “With LokalWifi, we’re helping small store owners transform into community hubs by offering affordable Wi-Fi access while building sustainable income.”
By combining Maya’s financial technology, Ultra Mega’s retail reach, and GoodApps’ connectivity solutions, the partnership delivers an integrated model for grassroots economic empowerment. It supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ push for greater financial inclusion, while also accelerating the digitalization of the country’s MSME sector.
(Seated, from left): Khurram Malik, Maya group chief commercial officer; Julie Lim, VP operations, Ultra Mega; Caesar Michelena, chief executive officer, GoodApps. (Standing, from left): Rolex Campos, head of MSME solutions and marketing, Maya; Renan Santiago, head of retail and msme, Maya; Rosalinda Lim, assistant VP for operations, Ultra Mega; Madette Fernandez, head of business banking, Maya.
Leading global technology brand HONOR dropped a hint on what seemed to be its newest phone, dubbed as ‘AI Phone’. From durable devices, student-friendly tablets, and high-end AI camera smartphones – HONOR Philippines has been putting out innovative products since the beginning of the year.
“The time has come. Filipinos deserve to get introduced to the real AI Phone. We are most excited with this launch, and we couldn’t wait to share more to our loyal HONOR fans so stay tuned in the coming days,” said HONOR Philippines vice president Stephen Cheng.
In a later post, HONOR Philippines released a related video showing still photos coming to life using its latest AI technology. With its viral and out-of-the-box content strategies, one can never really be sure of what HONOR is about to release.
Never miss the latest updates and visit HONOR’s official website at www.hihonor.com or follow their social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.
Lenovo unveiled its new generation of business devices for modern workplaces, featuring a comprehensive selection of AI-powered ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 desktops and the ThinkVision T Series Gen 40 monitors. Designed to address the needs of businesses of all sizes, the ThinkCentre family of desktops combines performance and reliability in various form factors, including tower, compact, and all-in-one (AIO). Meanwhile, the ThinkVision T Series monitors offer outstanding display, connectivity, and manageability.
“Nearly half of businesses believe that AI-powered devices boost employee productivity, and 90 percent of those are already piloting, planning, or exploring AI-powered PC rollouts, according to a recent Lenovo and IDC global survey of IT decision-makers. AI has and will continue to reshape the future of work, and Lenovo is proud to lead the way with a new generation of AI desktop PCs and monitors that meet the changing needs of businesses in this new era,” said Johnson Jia, senior vice president of Intelligent Devices Group’s Global Innovation Center at Lenovo. “Our latest ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 desktops and ThinkVision T Series Gen 40 monitors power businesses of all sizes with scalable performance to unlock next-gen AI productivity and creativity.”
Scalable Power and Towering Performance
An uncompromised blend of power and expandability, Lenovo’s ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 tower and small form factor desktops are engineered for the most demanding business environments. Designed for AI model training, 3D design, data analysis, and more, the desktops deliver maximum TOPs performance through a combination of CPU and discrete NPU and GPU, along with outstanding connectivity via a variety of ports. Tower models, such as the ThinkCentre M90t Gen 6, are equipped with up to Intel vPro Enterprise with AI-capable Intel Core Ultra 9 Processors (Series 2), DDR5 memory support, and 8 expansion slots, making them future-proof.
Big Capability with a Tiny Footprint
Ideal for compact settings, the ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 desktops also come in a compact, 1L design that can fit or hide behind a monitor screen or even inside a desk drawer. Ideal for the healthcare, retail, and financial industries, these compact desktops deliver full-size, enterprise-level AI performance and can be fully customized, from components to accessories such as mounting options. Select models, including the ThinkCentre M90q Gen 6 can be powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, support up to four displays, and can come with an option discrete NPU at 30 TOPs for protected on-device AI.
Streamlined Design Meets AI Intelligence
For companies demanding clutter-free AI-performance, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 AIO desktops offer efficient power with an immersive display. Designed for the most demanding industries, including those requiring 3D visualization, such as healthcare, creativity, and education, the new generation of AIOs can deliver up to 260 TOPS of AI performance with Intel Core ultra processors. Select models, such as the ThinkCentre M90a Gen 6, feature a 23.8” near edgeless FHD anti-glare display with 99% sRGB color accuracy, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for crisp visuals, and certifications for EyeSafe and IP55 water and dust resistance.
Lenovo’s new ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 desktops come with Lenovo’s proprietary AI solutions, including Lenovo AI Now on-device personal assistant to enhance workflow productivity and automation and Lenovo AI Turbo Engine that continuously allocates resources to optimize performance based on workload, and are backed by Lenovo ThinkShield, a comprehensive end-to-end security solution that combines hardware and software to protect your data. For additional security, they spot a dTPM 2.0 chip that encrypts passwords and data, a BIOS-based Smart USB protection and individual USB port disablement to help prevent unauthorized access via peripherals, and more.
Visual Performance and Versatile Connectivity
The ideal choice for modern professionals, Lenovo’s ThinkVision T Series Gen 40 monitors deliver performance that caters to individual needs. The family of WQHD and UHD IPS displays feature a wide 99% sRGB & BT.709 color gamut for accurate and vibrant images and a variable refresh rate (48-120Hz) that dynamically adjusts to match on-screen content for long term energy saving and smooth visuals. Designed to boost efficiency, each monitor sports an array of connectivity options, including a USB-C one-cable solution on ThinkVision docking monitors, built-in modular VoIP remote conference technologies with AI-powered features, and more. Select units offer fast device charging with up to 100W power delivery.
Responsible Design and Centralized Management
Lenovo’s commitment to the increased use of more sustainable materials is reflected in the lineup of ThinkVision T Series Gen 40 monitors, which use 95% post-consumer recycled plastic with plastic-free packaging. The lineup is also certified to meet the industry’s most rigorous environmental standards, including ENERGY STAR, TCO, and EPEAT Gold. For IT managers, Lenovo Display Fleet Manager (LDFM) enhances remote manageability with centralized asset management, firmware updates, and display setting configurations. With LDFM, firmware updates take around a minute and can be deployed in batches to minimize downtime for end-users.
VinFast has announced the official signing of collaboration agreements with four reputable partners in the Philippines: Goodyear Philippines, Tire King and Rubber Products, Power Tread Services, and Marcjan Cavite. These partnerships are expected to play a crucial role in helping VinFast achieve its goal of establishing over 100 authorized service workshops across the Philippines by 2025.
Under the newly signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs), VinFast will collaborate with four experienced partners operating service centers across the Philippines to provide maintenance, repair, and electric vehicle care services in accordance with the Company’s global standards.
Specifically, Goodyear Philippines will collaborate to establish 50 authorized VinFast service workshops in 2025. Similarly, Marcjan Cavite is expected to open eight workshops, while Tire King and Power Tread will each establish seven.
These authorized service workshops in the Philippines will adhere to stringent standards regarding facilities, machinery, equipment, and the professional qualifications of the technical teams. They will also prioritize the provision of genuine services and parts for VinFast vehicle owners.
As part of this collaboration, the Vietnamese car brand is committed to supporting its partners through personnel training programs, technical consultation, and experience sharing, aiming to rapidly expand the network of authorized service workshops.
These latest agreements, combined with previous MOUs signed with JIGA and Motech, will serve as a crucial stepping stone for the brand to accelerate the development of its electric vehicle ecosystem in the Philippines, enhancing the after-sales experience for customers.
Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, shared: “The collaboration with experienced and insightful local players in the Philippines is a clear testament to VinFast’s enduring commitment to developing a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem here. This marks the beginning of promising partnerships, laying a solid foundation for VinFast to better serve customers and promote a green lifestyle throughout the nation.”
Nearly a year since its market entry in the Philippines, VinFast has steadily expanded its presence with its portfolio of smart EV models, attractive sales offerings, and a continuously refined after-sales support system. Across Southeast Asia, the Vietnamese car maker is actively pursuing the development of a comprehensive “For a Green Future” ecosystem, placing a strong emphasis on collaborative growth of charging infrastructure and service networks. This framework, established successfully in Vietnam, is now being extended to promising markets such as the Philippines.
PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently organized a TikTok seminar that combined creativity, culture, and corporate learning in one scroll-stopping session.
Titled “Let’s TOK: Maximize the Content You Create on TikTok”, led by the company’s very own Gen Z employees, the event was designed to upskill PLDT Group employees in the art and science of TikTok content creation. With the platform now a powerful tool for storytelling and brand engagement, the seminar aimed to empower employees to become digital-savvy ambassadors in their own right.
“With the help of our partners, we continue on our mission to help our workforce, communities, and local businesses to not just survive, but thrive in today’s fast-moving, tech-driven economy,” said Roby Alampay, head of public engagement and corporate communications at PLDT and Smart.
TikTok Philippines’ education and incentives manager John Albert Figueroa took center stage to share practical tips on creating compelling content. He emphasized that authenticity is the secret sauce to standing out the platform, where realness resonates louder than perfection.
Adding flair and inspiration to the session was Mark Averilla, the content creator behind the “Macoy Dubs” social media accounts, which gained prominence during the pandemic. He shared his personal journey from being a casual creator to a viral sensation. Macoy highlighted how TikTok not only shaped his career but also influenced Filipino pop culture and digital expression.
A Longstanding Partnership for Digital Empowerment
This seminar is just the latest chapter in the long-standing partnership between TikTok and PLDT and Smart. Through the PLDT Group’s eBizNovation program, the companies have been collaborating to transform micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into digital-savvy TikTok Shop merchants, enabling them to reach broader markets and thrive in the digital economy. Currently, the PLDT Group has equipped over 32,000 MSMEs nationwide with digital skills, e-commerce tools, and online safety training.
Together, TikTok and PLDT, Smart are bridging the generational gap and narrowing the digital divide — proving that when innovation meets collaboration, everyone scrolls forward.
Looking for a reason to get the latest Galaxy S25 Ultra? Look no further.
The all-new Galaxy S25 Ultrais not just another smartphone – it is your personal AI companion, powered by advanced AI technologies and serious hardware upgrades that set new standards for what a phone can do for you.
Your second brain that lets you work smarter
Ever wish that you could clone yourself when juggling multiple tasks? Fret not, the Galaxy S25 Ultra easily steps in as your multimodal AI agent, thanks to the revolutionary Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy chipset, which powers Galaxy AI 1 experiences that make every task easier, along with smoother performance, faster app launches, and enhanced energy efficiency.
This is not just about raw power; it is about intelligent assistance that feels natural and intuitive. For instance, checked out a great deal on flights to Bali? The new AI Select function recognizes vital details from your inbox and suggests next actions, such as adding them to your calendar, so you can avoid tedious copying and pasting between apps. With this highly efficient personal secretary, you’ll never miss a beat.
Galaxy AI searches through your Samsung Gallery via voice command to find the photo you’re looking for
Finding that perfect sunset photo from your last holiday with your besties does not mean scrolling endlessly through your photo album anymore. Simply say what you are looking for – “Find me that sunset photo I took with my friends at Mount Batur” – and watch as your Galaxy S25 Ultra instantly understands and retrieves what you need. This natural language search capability works across your Galaxy S25 Ultra, from Gallery to Settings, making navigation feel more like a conversation than a hunt.
Your personal information hub that knows you better
Imagine waking up to Now Brief, your personalized morning briefing that integrates essential information such as weather updates and Samsung Health insights. The innovative Now Bar keeps you updated on everything that you use most frequently on your smartphone, from live sports scores, notifications, music controls, or modes and routines. These are consolidated and accessible on your lock screen, so you get your need-to-know updates with just a glance.
Get personalized briefs throughout your day with Now Brief
Want to know when your favorite sports team is playing next? Simply press and hold the side button to activate Google Gemini and the schedule can be added to your Samsung calendar with a single command. Heard a catchy tune while grabbing your morning coffee? Circle to Search lets you search with Google for a song that you hear in the moment without switching apps.
You can also rest assured that your personalized data is securely guarded by Knox Vault. The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Personal Data Engine powers customized AI features by safely analyzing your data on-device to deliver highly tailored experiences based on your preferences and usage patterns.
Unleash your ultimate gaming potential with the Galaxy S25 Ultra
All these new Galaxy AI experiences and more run smoothly without compromise, thanks to the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, which boasts a 40% boost in NPU performance, a 37% uplift in CPU performance, and a 30% faster GPU compared to its predecessor. This is not just an incremental upgrade in processing power for the Galaxy S25 Ultra – it is the most powerful processor available on Galaxy S series devices yet.
Enjoy binge-watching marathons with the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s enhanced battery life, providing up to 31 hours of viewing time. For gamers, enjoy smoother and more realistic mobile gaming with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, featuring the Galaxy’s Vulkan Engine and improved Ray Tracing. All intense device usage and AI processing run smoothly thanks to an improved heat dissipation structure with a 40% larger vapor chamber.
A more stunning videography experience on the Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s ProVisual Engine reimagines what is possible in mobile photography. Whether you are shooting landscapes at sunset, portraits in a dim restaurant, or trying to capture that perfect selfie, AI improvements are ready to enhance every shot.
Shoot videos with improved 10-bit HDR for four times richer color and contrast, while after-dark scenes are brought to life without grain with advanced noise removal.Built-in ProScaler technology also boosts display image scaling quality by up to 40%, making every photo and video more vibrant and true-to-life than ever before. It is like having a professional photography studio at your fingertips.
More dependable than before
Galaxy S25 Ultra features durable titanium and the new Corning® Gorilla® Armor2, a first-of-its-kind material that is more durable than glass
From day to night, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is as tough as it is smart. Protected by the new Corning Gorilla Armor 2, which combines Corning’s glass-ceramic with a proprietary anti-reflective surface treatment, this helps ensure advanced drop protection, alongside anti-reflective surface treatment and scratch resistance. This means you can count on your digital companion throughout your busy day, from morning to night.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is here for the long haul, with seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates that enable it to perform reliably over a longer lifespan.
Get your personal AI companion
Samsung’s cutting-edge Galaxy AI technology is now more accessible with exclusive installment offers from select banking partners. Purchase the Galaxy S25 Series and take advantage of flexible payment options designed to fit any budget. UnionBank cardholders enjoy up to 10% off with convenient 24-month installments, while PNB customers receive an exclusive 5% discount, plus their first month’s installment is absolutely free across 24 months. EastWest Bank cardholders can also save up to 10% off on qualifying purchases. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity—promotional offers are available from April 29 to June 30, 2025 at participating Samsung authorized stores nationwide.
Whether you are a busy professional, a creative enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to make the most of their day, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is ready to be your ultimate personal AI companion. Welcome to the future of mobile technology, where your phone does not just keep up with your life – it helps you lead it.
POCO offers a range of smartphones designed to be your essential sidekick, whatever your budget. School’s out, which means it’s time for spontaneous adventures, and the perfect excuse to unplug from the routine and explore. Whether you’re out of town discovering hidden waterfalls, capturing the magic of firefly-lit evenings, or just soaking up the long and chill afternoons, you need a tech companion that’s ready for anything without breaking the bank.
POCO’s current lineup features a diverse range of devices, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every adventurer and budget.
For those looking for reliable performance for everyday moments and staying connected, the POCO C71 is a great starting point. It features a large 6.88″ screen for viewing your special snaps and a 5200mAh battery to keep you powered through the day, perfect for capturing timeless memories and sharing them instantly.
Stepping up, the POCO M7 Pro 5G offers enhanced capabilities like a 6.67″ AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 2100nits for clear visibility even under the bright sun and a 5110mAh battery with 45W turbo charging, making sure you spend less time stuck at an outlet and more time exploring. Its 50MP main camera with OIS is ready to capture stable, vibrant photos of your summer scenes.
The X7 Series is built for those who demand more from their mobile photography and performance during their adventures.
The POCO X7 boasts a 6.67″ CrystalRes AMOLED display with a dazzling 3000 nits peak brightness and IP68 water and dust resistance – ideal for either poolside or dusty trails – alongside a 50MP main camera with OIS and a 5110mAh battery with 45W turbo charging.
The POCO X7 Pro elevates performance with a Dimensity 8400-Ultra processor and a large 6000mAh battery, complemented by 90W HyperCharge, ensuring power and speed for all your summer activities and content creation.
At the top end, the F7 Series, comprising the powerful POCO F7 Pro and POCO F7 Ultra, is designed for users who seek flagship-level speed, stunning displays, and pro-grade camera systems to capture their vacation escapades in breathtaking quality.
Both feature a 6.67″ WQHD+ Flow AMOLED DotDisplay with a peak brightness of 3200 nits for incredible outdoor viewing. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform powers the top-tier POCO F7 Ultra, boasts a 5300mAh battery with incredibly fast 120W HyperCharge and 50W wireless charging, and includes a versatile 50MP floating telephoto camera perfect for capturing distant summer vistas. Meanwhile, the POCO F7 Pro features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform and a 6000mAh battery, paired with 90W HyperCharge.
With features like high-resolution cameras, large batteries, rapid charging, and bright displays, these phones are ready for everything from navigating new trails to streaming your vacation playlist by the beach.
This season, don’t let tech limitations hold you back. POCO’s diverse range ensures you can find the ideal smartphone to accompany you, helping you unplug, explore, and connect with the moments that matter most.
Check out what’s in store for you with the current lineup of budget-friendly yet power-packed smartphones! Head to the official POCO online stores on Shopee and Lazada and add to cart today!
Without the right tools or support, it’s easy to fall into operational pitfalls that slow your business down. To help you stay on top of your game, the right banking partner, like PSBank, helps you optimize your business operations.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, managing and growing a business is not easy. From overseeing payroll to ensuring bills, suppliers, and client payments are settled on time, managing these responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming.
Here are three ways to boost your business efficiency:
1. Simplify Payroll: Manage It Online, Not Manually
No matter the size of your workforce, manually processing payroll twice a month can be both time-consuming and prone to errors. It’s a critical responsibility that adds to the already demanding load business owners carry.
With PSBank, payroll doesn’t have to be a hassle. Opening a Corporate Account gives you free access to Business Online Buddy (BOB), a platform designed to simplify business transactions for business owners.
Through PSBank’s BOB, business owners can disburse salaries directly to PSBank Payroll Accounts in just a few clicks. It’s a faster, safer, and more accurate way to handle payroll to give you and your team one less thing to worry about.
2. Stay On Track: Automate Your Payments
Day-to-day operations often involve making sure utilities, rent, and supplier payments are settled on time. But with so much to manage, it’s easy for dues to slip through the cracks—resulting in late fees and operational hiccups.
Stay on top of payments with BOB. You can set up Auto-Credit Arrangements and access a wide network of accredited billers. Whether it’s utility bills, rent, or recurring supplier payments, everything can be handled online to make sure that payments are on time every time. You can even schedule recurring payments, disburse bulk payouts to vendors, or collect payments from clients, reducing manual errors and minimizing delays.
3. Stay on Top of Cash Flow: Track Your Finances Anytime, Anywhere
Staying on top of business finances requires clear visibility and secure management. Without consolidated tracking, it’s easy to lose sight of your cash flow or mismanage business funds.
You can avoid this by monitoring accounts in real time and have access to up to three months’ worth of transaction history with PSBank’s BOB. For added security, PSBank’s BOB offers multi-step authorization and user access management, allowing role-based permissions for team members. This means full control over who can view and manage specific financial tasks—ensuring transparency and accountability.
Your Maaasahang Buddy for Growth
Grow your business by streamlining financial processes with PSBank. You can open a PSBank Corporate Account at your nearest branch to get started. Access to PSBank’s Business Online Buddy (BOB) is free for all PSBank Corporate Accountholders. Learn more at www.psbank.com.ph.
Leading measurement and analytics company Adjust has announced the beta launch of Adjust Growth Copilot, a first-of-its-kind app growth partner. Adjust’s new product, built with client feedback, brings AI directly to modern marketers. With Adjust Growth Copilot, marketers instantly access performance insights across channels, campaigns, and key performance indicators (KPIs) — helping them optimize their strategies and boost revenue.
“The way we make data-driven decisions is changing. Instead of complicated drill-downs and filtering, we now ask direct questions to quickly get accurate, contextual answers from our data,” said Andrey Kazakov, CEO of Adjust. “We are embracing this trend by enabling our clients to ask questions directly within our product, which also provides exact references for each insight. This is the first step toward fully automating decision-making. Since we understand the business outcomes growth professionals want, we can use LLMs (Large Language Models) to power those decisions.“
Flattening the funnel to insights and action
Adjust Growth Copilot is redefining workflows by:
Turning reporting into insights: Ask precise business questions and instantly get clear answers — including sources — helping monitor performance and quickly spot anomalies.
Boosting team’s productivity: Growth Copilot connects directly with existing tools, making data easily accessible, improving efficiency, and helping teams collaborate better.
Providing asynchronous decision-making aligned with the advertiser’s goals.
A New Class of AI for INSEA’s Next Growth Chapter
Unlike AI for content, design, or coding, Adjust’s Growth Copilot is built for growth teams — offering detailed performance insights and rapid decisions. Key uses include diagnosing sudden performance changes or improvements, identifying top or low-performing creatives, detecting data anomalies, and uncovering actionable insights that the data can reveal.
“Adjust Growth Copilot has saved our team a massive amount of time by quickly providing reports without needing to create new reports or modify existing ones,” said Avi Blumenstein, director, Growth Marketing at leading education technology innovator Age of Learning, Inc. “What is really exciting is that this is just a glimpse of what’s to come for AI and Adjust. Pairing AI capabilities with business context will bring value to us now but far into the future.”
As Growth Copilot continues to roll out globally, its value for fast-paced, high-growth markets like Southeast Asia becomes even clearer. The ability to move from raw data to actionable strategy in seconds gives regional marketers a crucial competitive advantage.
“With the region’s fast-moving app economy, time is everything,” said April Tayson, regional vice president for INSEAU at Adjust. “Growth Copilot gives marketers a distinct edge by eliminating the friction between data and decision. Whether you’re launching a new app in India, Singapore, and Malaysia or scaling user acquisition in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, it’s a powerful partner that helps teams focus on what matters most – growth.”
To learn more about Growth Copilot and to request a demo, visit the solution page here.
ADVANCE.CBP, an accredited Special Accessing Entity (SAE) regulated by the Credit Information Corporation (CIC) in the Philippines, recently celebrated the official opening of its new office in Makati, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony officiated by CIC President and CEO (PCEO) Ben Baltazar.
At the ceremony, ADVANCE.CBP also announced the appointment of Michelle Anne Chan as country manager of ADVANCE.CBP and ADVANCE.AI Philippines. Michelle brings deep leadership and industry expertise to Advance’s mission of reshaping the credit landscape through innovative, trusted, and inclusive solutions.
The office opening signals a new chapter of growth, with ADVANCE.CBP unveiling an exciting product roadmap focused on delivering:
Detailed credit reports, including loan exposures, account usage, and repayment behaviour
Advanced credit score solutions, based on historical credit activity, loan applications, and integration of alternative data (e.g., telco, e-commerce and digital transactions)
Summarised credit insights to automate fast, reliable credit decision-making, risk modelling, and streamlined manual credit reviews
Together with ADVANCE.AI, ADVANCE.CBP is a one-stop data solutions provider for lenders, combining CIC credit data with alternative sources to assess credit risk, verify identity, and reach underserved segments. ADVANCE.CBP’s enriched reports and machine learning models help lenders improve risk accuracy, boost credit approvals, and mitigate bad debt—making credit smarter, fairer, and more accessible for all Filipinos.
“Our goal is simple yet powerful: ADVANCE.CBP aspires to be an industry leader and positive disruptor in the credit information space. Traditional credit assessment models are no longer sufficient and fit-for-purpose in today’s digital economy. What’s needed now is the ability to extract deeper, smarter, more powerful credit insights to expand effective and responsible access to digital financial services, especially among underserved populations and communities,” said Chan.
CIC PCEO Ben Baltazar congratulated ADVANCE.CBP on its new office and roadmap, stating: “The CIC welcomes ADVANCE.CBP’s commitment to enhancing the accessibility, quality, and relevance of credit information in the Philippines. This is critical in strengthening the foundation of our financial ecosystem, expanding credit opportunities for underserved sectors, and supporting the country’s broader digital and economic development.”
