Globe is making travel connectivity even more convenient for inbound tourists with the introduction of the Globe Traveler eSIM at airport booths, bundled with a free foodpanda voucher.
All Globe Prepaid Traveler SIM packages are now available in eSIM versions for an additional PHP99, allowing visitors to activate their mobile service instantly without needing to swap physical SIM cards.
This flexibility ensures that travelers, whether budget-conscious or seeking premium options, can find a package that suits their needs and preferences.
Available 5G eSIM packages at airport booths include Globe Traveler eSIM with 20GB, 30GB, 80GB, and 120GB. Tourists who prefer to secure their connectivity before arrival can also purchase a Traveler eSIM via the GlobeOne app.
Beyond offering seamless mobile access, Globe differentiates its Prepaid Traveler offers with added travel-related perks and privileges.
All Globe Prepaid Traveler SIMs come with a complimentary foodpanda voucher, offering a 50% discount on food transactions. This added perk allows tourists to conveniently enjoy local flavors while staying connected.
“We make staying connected effortless for travelers so they can focus on discovering the best of the Philippines without worrying about mobile access. As a trusted travel partner in mobile connectivity, Globe ensures that visitors can seamlessly stay online from the moment they arrive while providing lifestyle perks to enhance their journey,” said Givielle Florida, head of Globe Prepaid.
With this expansion, Globe strengthens its position as the most reliable mobile network partner for inbound travelers. Globe encourages tourists to visit its airport booths or download the GlobeOne app to purchase their Traveler eSIM and enjoy exclusive travel perks.
VinFast Philippines has officially joined the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), marking a key step in its efforts to strengthen its presence in the local automotive industry.
Founded in 1995, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) has been instrumental in championing the interests of the automotive sector, making significant contributions to the nation’s economic growth. As of May 2025, the association accounts for more than 92 percent of Philippine auto sales.
Committed to developing a viable and self-sustaining local industry, CAMPI works closely with the government and key stakeholders to shape policies, regulations, and standards that drive economic growth. Through its efforts, CAMPI promotes investment, job creation, skills development, technology transfer, environmental protection, and road safety across the sector.
As a member of CAMPI, VinFast will work alongside other leading automotive players to help shape policies, programs, and industry standards that support innovation and sustainable growth.
VinFast PH CEO Doan Thi Mai Anh shared: “We are proud to announce that VinFast is now an official member of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), the country’s leading automotive industry association. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our commitment to shaping the future of mobility in the Philippines through clean, smart, and sustainable transportation. As a CAMPI member, VinFast will actively collaborate with industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to support innovation, infrastructure, and responsible vehicle manufacturing and distribution across the nation. Joining CAMPI strengthens our mission to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of the Philippine automotive sector.”
Meanwhile, CAMPI president Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, noted: “We are honored to extend a warm welcome to VinFast – Vietnam’s pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer – as one of the newest members of CAMPI. VinFast’s entry as a pure electric mobility brand marks a significant milestone poised to inject renewed momentum into the Philippine automotive industry. By introducing innovative, environmentally sustainable, and accessible transportation solutions, VinFast is expected to play a vital role in advancing the country’s journey toward a greener and more sustainable future.”
After 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.
With strong backing from Vingroup, Vietnam’s leading conglomerate, and the strategic determination of chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, VinFast is actively pursuing the development of a comprehensive “For a Green Future” ecosystem across Southeast Asia, placing strong emphasis on the 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.
With a diverse portfolio that includes the VF 3, VF 5, VF 6, VF 7, and VF 9, VinFast offers a broad range of sustainable mobility solutions. The VinFast VF 6, in particular, is poised to be a key driver for EV adoption in the Philippines, building on its strong performance in Vietnam and favorable reception in European markets. It presents an enticing and affordable option for Filipino consumers eager to embrace eco-friendly transportation
Ford Philippines reinforces its commitment to an enhanced ownership experience with the opening of Ford Mandaue, a dealership service facility, in partnership with Fairlane Automotive Ventures, Inc. (FAVI), the operator of Ford dealerships in the Visayas region.
Located at North Road in Barangay Jagobiao, Mandaue, Ford Mandaue is set to elevate the Ford ownership experience with a new and bigger facility for various service and aftersales transactions of its customers. The opening of Ford Mandaue represents a significant investment in the region and a testament to the growing demand for Ford vehicles and services in Cebu and in the Visayas region.
Largest Ford service facility in Visayas
With a service floor area spanning 12,000 square meters, Ford Mandaue houses over 20 service bays and over 30 body and paint bays, making it the largest Ford service facility in the Visayas region. This expands Ford’s capability to provide comprehensive vehicle maintenance and repair services to its growing customer base in the northern part of Cebu City. The facility also has a 3-vehicle display area to cater to various sales and marketing activities for Ford vehicles.
“Ford Mandaue is a testament to our commitment to providing top-notch service and aftersales support, ensuring that every Ford owner enjoys a seamless ownership journey for many years,” said Pedro Simoes, managing director, Ford Philippines. “We thank our partners from FAVI for the continued partnership and collaboration to serve our customers.”
“We are thrilled to officially open Ford Mandaue and bring the Ford brand of ownership experience to more customers in Cebu,” said Andre Borromeo, general manager, FAVI. “With this expansive service facility, we look forward to creating and maintaining lasting relationships with our current and future customers as we continue to make aftersales a top priority for our business.”
Exclusive promotions at Ford Mandaue
As an exclusive promotion to celebrate the opening, Ford Philippines and Ford Mandaue are offering the first fifty (50) customers who will reserve and purchase a Ford vehicle from Ford Mandaue from June 5 to June 30, 2025, additional cash savings of up to PHP50,000.
The offer is applicable to new Ford customers who do not have any active reservation at Ford Cebu, Ford Talisay, or any Ford dealership. A minimum reservation fee of PHP10,000 is required for the Territory, Everest, and Ranger, while PHP30,000 is required for Mustang and Explorer.
Ford Mandaue is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Customers can call 09214613613 or visit their Facebook account at www.facebook.com/OfficialFordMandaue for more information.
UnionDigital Bank (UD), the digital banking subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines, has officially launched the Kaya Mo Movement, designed to break barriers to financial inclusion and empower every Filipino to believe in their financial potential.
Rooted in empathy, scale, and sustainability, Kaya Mo is UD’s commitment to reimagining banking for the 37.6 million Filipino adults who remain unbanked. The movement aims to make digital banking intuitive, accessible, and empowering—especially for first-time users among sari-sari storeowners, ride-sharing drivers, daily wage earners, and informal workers.
The movement was launched during a recent event that brought together UD’s ecosystem partners, digital inclusion advocates, fintech leaders, and grassroots community representatives. Attendees heard compelling stories from microentrepreneurs whose experiences reflect the everyday financial challenges faced by underserved Filipinos, highlighting the real-world relevance of UD’s mission to deliver accessible credit, savings, and digital financial tools to those who need them most. The event also featured wealth coach Chinkee Tan, who led an interactive segment with the audience, using relatable scenarios to highlight the importance of budgeting, saving, and smart borrowing, reinforcing how financial education is key to long-term empowerment for the underserved communities.
Danilo “Bong” Mojica II, PhD, President & CEO of UnionDigital Bank, unveils the Kaya Mo Movement, highlighting UD’s commitment to inclusive digital banking and uplifting underserved communities.
“At UD, financial inclusion isn’t just a mission—it’s the lens through which we grow and serve our communities,” said Danilo “Bong” Mojica II, PhD, president and CEO of UD. “We design technology around real people, helping every Filipino—regardless of income or background—access tools that empower them to take charge of their financial journey. Through the ‘Kaya Mo’ movement, we’re not just providing banking—we’re partnering with our customers and communities to help them start, recover, and thrive. Because when people are truly empowered, inclusion becomes transformation.”
Financial Products Designed for Real People
Enabling the Kaya Mo Movement is a growing suite of financial products designed to meet the real needs of underserved Filipinos. UD’s basic savings account, UD Save, promotes financial resilience with no minimum balance and zero maintenance fees, removing common barriers that often discourage first-time savers. Meanwhile, UD Time Deposit enables customers to start building long-term savings with as little as PHP1,000, making it the only digital bank in the country to offer this low-entry option. UD Loans, the bank’s existing credit offering, is currently made available through a microsite to select UnionBank payroll clients and pensioners. With flexible installment terms and use cases that cover essentials like healthcare, it remains a core product supporting customers’ everyday financial needs.
Soon, UD will further expand its offerings with UD Cash Loans, a simplified digital loan product set to be launched via the UD app. Designed for first-time borrowers, it aims to remove common barriers such as collateral and extensive documentation. The bank will also roll out a virtual card powered by VISA, allowing users to make secure and convenient online transactions without a physical card, broadening access to the digital economy. Additional features in development include early wage access, which will enable workers to tap into their salary ahead of payday, and microinsurance offerings to help users stay protected from unexpected life events. Together, these innovations are meant to give everyday Filipinos the confidence and tools to move forward financially.
Mike Magpily, chief marketing officer of UD, shared, “Kaya Mo is our promise to make financial inclusion real. We’re not just offering hope; we’re introducing products that help Filipinos take control of their money—from getting a loan when it matters, to saving for emergencies, to managing everyday expenses through a digital bank built for real life. It’s simple, accessible, and built around how Filipinos actually live, earn, and spend their money. Just to prove that kaya talaga ng Pilipino na umasenso.”
From Exclusion to Empowerment
A panel discussion featured voices from organizations that supported the movement, including mWell, the country’s first fully integrated digital health and wellness platform championing accessible healthcare for underserved communities, and Hapinoy, a social enterprise supporting thousands of microentrepreneurs nationwide.
Partners and changemakers affirm their commitment to empower underserved Filipinos through the UnionDigital Bank-powered Kaya Mo Movement. From L-R: Sid Bada, Head of Clients, VISA Philippines; Florencia Pacia, Commercial Lead and Consumer Head of mWell; Mike Magpily, Chief Marketing Officer, UnionDigital Bank; Danilo “Bong” Mojica II, PhD, President & CEO, UnionDigital Bank; Wealth Coach Chinkee Tan; Community Representatives Telly Moreño and Marjorie Sandoval; and Mark Joaquin Ruiz, Co-Founder & President, Hapinoy.
“Access to finance is one thing—but the gift of seeing a brighter future and having the agency to make it happen is what truly changes lives,” said Mark Joaquin Ruiz, co-founder and president of Hapinoy. “We’ve seen this firsthand through our work with sari-sari store owners—some of the hardest-working, most resilient Filipinos you’ll ever meet. With UD’s support, many of them are now shifting from day-to-day survival to longer-term financial planning. That’s the kind of transformation we believe in. When technology and empathy come together, communities don’t just survive—they thrive.”
UD’s use of alternative data enables us to extend credit to customers without traditional financial histories, who are often excluded from the formal financial system. By continuously refining its credit models, they’re able to responsibly serve more Filipinos while managing risk effectively.
Community representatives—TNVS driver Telly Moreño and sari-sari store owner Marjorie Sandoval—shared how access to digital banking can empower their livelihoods, bringing the promise of financial inclusivity to life through the Kaya Mo Movement.
The event culminated with UD representatives and partners coming together to express a unified commitment, symbolizing that the Kaya Mo Movement is about uplifting real people together, not just delivering products. “We’re not just refreshing how we look; we’re refreshing how we serve,” Mojica added. “We want to continue to be a true partner in every Filipino’s journey—from meeting daily needs to securing the future. With UD, Kaya Mo.”
Featuring a high-definition display, robust battery life, powerful performance, and running on the latest Xiaomi HyperOS 2, the Redmi Pad 2 4G delivers an immersive experience for everyday entertainment.
Vivid visuals and rich sound, built for everyday enjoyment
The Redmi Pad 2 4G features an expansive 11-inch 2.5K display, offering crystal-clear detail and vibrant colors for streaming, browsing, and casual gaming.
With a pixel density of 274ppi and a 90Hz AdaptiveSync refresh rate, visuals stay exceptionally smooth even during fast-moving scenes. Featuring DC dimming and TÜV Rheinland certifications for Low Blue Light (Software Solution), Flicker Free, and Circadian Friendly, the Redmi Pad 2 4G ensures all-day eye comfort. Complementing the display is a quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos® and Hi-Res Audio, delivering an immersive sound experience for music, movies, and games.
Seamless interaction with Xiaomi HyperOS 2
Powered by Xiaomi HyperOS 2, the Redmi Pad 2 4G provides a seamless connected experience that seamlessly integrates across Xiaomi phones and tablets.
With Xiaomi Interconnectivity features such as call sync, network sync, and shared clipboard,³ the tablet enables more intuitive workflows and greater flexibility across screens. Call sync allows incoming phone calls to be answered directly on the tablet, keeping you connected without needing to switch devices. When Wi-Fi is unavailable, network sync steps in, enabling quick access to your phone’s hotspot with a single tap. Meanwhile, the shared clipboard makes it easier to copy and paste text and images between your phone and tablet, as if you were working on the same device. Together, these features streamline daily workflows and enhance cross-device convenience.
Reliable performance and mobility with a sleek design
Equipped with the MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra processor, the Redmi Pad 2 4G delivers strong performance and an immersive experience for everyday entertainment.
A massive 9000mAh battery supports long viewing sessions and extended use with fewer charging breaks. For those who need connectivity on the go, the Redmi Pad 2 4G offers the same entertainment-focused experience, featuring dual-SIM and dual 4G support. From watching shows during commutes to enjoying music or videos in outdoor settings, the Redmi Pad 2 4G enables on-the-go access to content without relying on Wi-Fi. The Redmi Pad 2 4G also features a metal unibody design, offering users a sophisticated tactile experience.
The Redmi Pad 2 4G also supports key accessories that enhance its versatility for entertainment and creativity. The Redmi Smart Pen offers a 60Hz refresh rate and millisecond-level low latency — delivering precise input for writing, sketching, and note-taking. Requiring just 10 grams of activation force, it enables a natural, pen-on-paper experience. Meanwhile, the Redmi Pad 2 Cover adds 360° protection and supports smart wake and sleep functionality, while its adjustable stand ensures stable, hands-free viewing with added comfort.
Price and availability
The Redmi Pad 2 4G is available on the official Xiaomi store on Shopee and Lazada, as well as authorized Xiaomi stores nationwide in Graphite Gray, with two variants: 6GB+128GB (PHP10,499), and 8GB+256GB (PHP12,499). A free Redmi Smart Pen or Redmi Buds 6 Active is also available as a Shopee exclusive from June 5 to 18, 2025, along with PHP500 off with the special voucher code RMIPAD2. Enjoy immersive entertainment and get your own Redmi Pad 2 4G now!To learn more about the Redmi Pad 2 4G and other Xiaomi products, visit http://mi.com/ph.
Coursera, a leading online learning platform, has released its annual Global Skills Report, revealing a remarkable 383% year-over-year (YoY) increase in Generative AI (GenAI) enrollments in the Philippines, far outpacing the Asia Pacific average of 132% and the global average of 195%. The findings highlight the rapid adoption of emerging technologies by Filipino learners and the country’s increasing commitment to developing an AI-ready workforce.
Based on insights from Coursera’s global community of over 170 million learners, the report tracks emerging skill trends across more than 100 countries. Now in its seventh year, the 2025 edition ranks the Philippines 88th globally for overall skills proficiency and 18th in Asia Pacific. Filipino learners demonstrate 29% proficiency in business, 21% in technology, and 17% in data science. In Coursera’s newly-introduced AI Maturity Index, the country ranks 60th, indicating promising growth potential in AI research, innovation, and talent development.
This progress aligns with national efforts to upskill one million AI-skilled workers by 2028, as part of broader digitalization goals. 86% of Filipino knowledge workers already use AI at work, well above the global average of 75% and regional average of 83%. This trend is also echoed by learner behavior on Coursera, with a sharp rise in enrollments in courses that equip learners with skills that employers are prioritizing: AI and ML by 307%, Curiosity by 74%, Customer Service rose by 12% and Critical Thinking by 10%.
“The Philippines is laying the foundation for a digitally confident workforce. AI is a clear priority for employers, and learners are stepping up by acquiring GenAI skills and industry micro-credentials to stay ahead,” said Eklavya Bhave, head of Asia Pacific, Coursera. “From AI strategies to forward-thinking education policies, we’re seeing a strong national commitment to equipping Filipinos with the right mix of technical, business and human skills. Coursera is proud to support this transformation by partnering across education, industry, and government to build an inclusive, job-ready talent pipeline.”
Key findings for the Philippines:
Filipinos are embracing GenAI skills rapidly but participation gaps remain: GenAI enrollments jumped 383% YoY – one of the highest globally. Yet women make up only 37% of these learners, despite representing 51% of Coursera’s overall learner base in the country.
Demand for job-ready credentials continues to rise: Professional Certificate enrollments grew 23% YoY, highlighting strong learner interest in outcome-based programs.
Learners are building applied tech and digital marketing skills: Filipino learners are prioritizing practical skills in software development, IT infrastructure, and campaign management—signaling demand for roles at the intersection of technology, creativity, and operations.
With 2.7 million Coursera learners and a median age of 32, the Philippines has one of the region’s most digitally engaged populations and is poised to thrive in a fast-changing global economy. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 96% of Filipino businesses want to upskill their workforce to work better alongside AI, well above the global average of 77%. However, an International Monetary Fund report says that 40% of jobs in the Philippines are significantly impacted by AI, with 14% of the workforce being at direct risk of displacement. Bridging the gap will require coordinated national efforts – including expanding public-private partnerships, integrating micro-credentials into higher education, and scaling online learning access. Increasing women’s participation in emerging technology fields will also be critical, not just to achieve gender equality, but to also unlock the full potential of the country’s digital economy.
When you go back to school, there is something as inevitable as death and taxes: spending time in the library. Libraries hold a lot of physical and digital media. For those who haven’t been to a library in a while, I recall searching for books via a card catalog (this was prevalent even in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when I was still in school), with computer searches available alongside physical card searches. One of the methods libraries use to classify and organize books is the Dewey Decimal Classification, also known as the Dewey Decimal System. Who made this method of searching for books in the library, and why is it so integral to our educational experience?
The Dewey Decimal System gets its name from Melvil Dewey, an American librarian who claimed to also be a reformer. He developed his idea of a classification system in 1873 while working at the library of Amherst College. In 1876, he published his ideas in a pamphlet titled A Classification and Subject Index for Cataloguing and Arranging the Books and Pamphlets of a Library. He used this pamphlet to promote his ideas to other librarians and sought feedback for his ideas. However, it is unclear how many people read or commented on his pamphlet, as only one copy with comments survived. The same year, he applied for and received a copyright on the first edition of his index, which totaled 44 pages, 2,000 index entries, and had 200 copies printed.
Numerous other editions were printed, with formal adoption beginning in 1885, when the second edition was published. Dewey claimed that over 100 people offered criticism and suggestions for his format. What made it innovative was that the positioning of books was done in relation to other books on similar topics. Previously, most libraries would arrange the books based on height and acquisition, which, by today’s standards, would make no sense. Dewey even made an abridged version of his system in 1894 to help smaller libraries adapt. Others approached Dewey to translate his classification into French in 1895, and by the time of Dewey’s death in 1931, 12 unabridged versions and four abridged versions had been published.
How does the system work? First, it follows a hierarchical classification structure comprising ten classes, which are themselves divided into ten divisions. As for this writing, the ten major classes, notated by call numbers in parentheses, include Computer Science, Information, & General Works (000), Philosophy & Psychology (100), Religion (200), Social Sciences (300), Language (400), Science (500), Technology (600), Arts & Recreation (700), Literature (800), and History & Geography (900), covering nearly all subjects you might learn in school. The following three numbers note the discipline regarding the class. For example, a book about Jesus Christ would be notated under Religion (200), specifically the call number 232. However, to learn about Jesus Christ as a historical figure, the call number would be 232.908. 232 is referred to as the main subject, and the number after the decimal point represents a specific topic. There is a third classification called the Cutter number, which is often based on the author’s last name or title (i.e., the letter in T39 can either indicate the author’s last name or the title of the book). The Cutter number is named after Charles Ammi Cutter, who also developed a classification system alongside Dewey’s system.
While an article on the Dewey Decimal System can run far longer than this space allows, after Dewey’s death in 1931, many libraries found the abridged system to be insufficient, but the full edition to be too cumbersome. The 15th edition, published in 1951, significantly reduced the size of the full edition from 1,900 pages to only 700. An advisory committee was formed for the 16th and 17th editions (1958 and 1965, respectively). By 1993, the first electronic version of the Dewey Decimal System was released; however, hard copy editions are still published to this day. The last major revision to the Dewey Decimal System occurred in 2011.
While the Dewey Decimal System may be daunting to this generation of students, it is vital to know how to navigate the library and become the best student that you can be. While this can be done online today, understanding the origins of this complicated yet effective system can help you better comprehend the library and become a more effective student, potentially leading to an even more effective system in the future.
Words by Jose Alvarez Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 25 Issue No. 10.
Yamaha Motor Philippines has officially launched its boldest and most innovative campaign yet, featuring the Yamaha Mio Gravis as the sensible choice for mature and responsible riders. With emphasis on making safer and smarter decisions, the campaign aims to lead the way for the motorcycle riding community to steer away from reckless habits and toward a culture of mindfulness and responsibility on the road.
Making smart decisions on the road
The launch kicked off with a unique and engaging activity: Ridecast by Yamaha, which safely blended the elements of a podcast and a motorcycle ride. Hosted by Mikee Reyes and Kiko Matos, the pair took the road aboard their Mio Gravis, making their way to SM Megamall. Along the way, they dig into various motorcycle-related incidents, emphasizing the importance of safe riding, and discussing everything from traffic etiquette to making smart decisions on the road. The talk further shifts the focus on Mio Gravis, a motorcycle that embodies responsible and sensible riding culture with its smart functions that enable you to take control of the road in a smarter, safer way.
Transforming riding habits into something positive
As Mikee and Kiko reached SM Megamall, the event took a fun and unexpected turn. Instead of a typical finish line, the duo was greeted by a massive, custom-built oven. The eye-catching setup for a live cooking show was led by culinary sensation Ninong Ry. It was a playful and pointed nod to the country’s notorious kamote label.
Kamote is used to refer to reckless, undisciplined motorists that disregard safety and proper road etiquette. Through the cooking show, Ninong Ry expertly showed how kamote can be elevated from its derogatory association to a delicious dish, symbolizing the campaign’s goal to reshape the perceptions of riders and encourage safer, smarter choices on the road.
A sensible revolution for riders
As the event concluded, the riders and audience were reminded that the choices they make on the road can change the culture for the better. The presence of Mio Gravis offers an ideal combination of practicality and confidence on the road with its innovative features designed to support the needs of responsible, mature riders who want to ride with a purpose. Furthermore, it is a call to action for all riders to leave their reckless habits behind and make sensible choices on the road with Mio Gravis.
As Mio Gravis sets the standard for smart mobility, Yamaha continues to be a leader in the movement for safer, more responsible riding practices in the country.
Ant International, a leading global digital payment, and financial technology provider, has unveiled its AI strategy with the launch of Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, an AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) platform that empowers fintech companies and super apps to build AI-agentic and ultimately AI-native financial services with enhanced efficiency, security, and flexibility.
Making AI systemically work for finance remains the holy grail of the current AI revolution. Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit is a platform to help entrepreneurs architect an agentic and ultimately AI-native financial services, combining automated workflows and task orchestration with a dynamic enterprise context, across main fintech tasks, from payment orchestration, customer onboarding, compliance checks, to fraud detection, dispute resolution, as well as evaluation and performance optimization.
“The future of finance will be shaped by agentic AI that not only carries out tasks autonomously in real automated workflows and sophisticated financial business and compliance context with reliability, but also interacts, evolves and learns rapidly in orchestration with ever-growing precision,” said Jiangming Yang, chief innovation officer of Ant International.
Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit has been honed on Ant International’s four key business units: wallet gateway service (Alipay+), merchant payment service (Antom), cross-border business account service (WorldFirst), and embedded finance service (global treasury management, digital lending and credit tech solutions). Upon successful completion of trial runs, the first external clients in Southeast Asia and South Asia will start officially deploying the Cockpit in June 2025.
Three-Pronged AI Strategy: Security, Vertical Fintech Expertise, and Platform-level Support for Agentic FinAI
Combining a fintech-specific toolbox and dynamic industry knowledge base alongside business-ready AI innovations, the Cockpit embodies three key directions of Ant International’s AI strategy.
Security Shield for Trusted AI
AI scamming threats using deepfake and other technologies have been growing over 10 folds by the year, with grave implications, especially in the financial sector. Statistics show 22% of businesses have encountered AI-generated payment fraud.
Ant International invests heavily in AI security solutions to combat external AI scamming attacks and eliminate internal model security risks such as model hallucination or bias. Its AI SHIELD framework manages risks across system architecture designing, data processing, model training, and inferencing. It offers real-time dynamic risk assessment, including detecting adversarial prompts and sensitive data leakage through over 100 recognition models and 600,000 risk lexicons. Today, fraud loss rate in Ant International’s merchant payment service is 5% of industry average.
Deep Vertical Financial Expertise
Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit leverages over 20 leading LLMs, including Ant International’s own Falcon Time-Series-Transformer FX Model. However, it has focused on integrating fintech knowledge bases, such as bank transfer rules and dispute resolution policies, to help businesses build specialized fintech agents.
The Cockpit toolbox supports retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), post-training, evaluation, and benchmarking, taking the combination of general-purpose datasets with industry-specific benchmarks developed from Ant International’s financial expertise to help improve model precision.
Built on the Cockpit, Antom Copilot is the world’s first AI agent designed to help merchants boost conversion by streamlining the process of payment method integration, recommending optimal payment channels, and resolving common tasks like code correction and the auto-completion of merchant onboarding documents. It also allows merchants to configure risk management strategy with natural language.
Full-Stack FinAI Platform Support
Cockpit offers a wide selection of pre-built agents covering regular tasks, including customer service, content curation for targeted marketing, and AI-assisted coding. One level up, a business can easily customize agents for more specialized scenarios such as travel advisory, tax refunds, cross-border remittance, and loyalty rewards, accelerating time-to-value across business functions.
Further, the Cockpit’s model context protocol (MCP) marketplace supports major MCP servers developed thus far and allows businesses to create their own MCP servers to enable autonomous task completion. It also supports flexible deployment across public clouds and on-premise environments, drawing on strategic partnerships with Google Cloud and other top-tier infrastructure providers.
“The FinAI sector is at its big-bang moment,” said Yang. “We are eager to work with the industry to evolve and expand the toolbox as well as this ecosystem to help financial businesses scale their growth faster and better.”
With Protect from Funeral Costs, the latest offering in the Singlife Plan & Protect App, Singlife Philippines makes it possible to do one last act of love—to show up for those that matter most, even when you no longer can.
In Filipino culture, being present is everything. Whether it’s for birthdays, emergencies, or moments of grief, showing up is how we show love. But what if you couldn’t be there when it matters most?
This whole life insurance product offers a lump sum benefit of up to PHP500,000, which can help families cover funeral arrangements or other end-of-life expenses, giving peace of mind to both policyholders and their loved ones. Fully accessible through Singlife’s all-digital mobile platform, this solution empowers every Filipino to prepare responsibly, protect those they love, and continue showing up—even in their absence.
“Losing someone you love is already one of life’s most difficult moments, and having to rely on ‘abuloy’ or having to pass the hat just to pay for funeral costs makes it even harder,” said Lester Cruz, chief executive officer of Singlife Philippines. “Protect from Funeral Costs allows you to prepare in advance and leave behind a final act of love, one that ensures your family can grieve without financial worry. It’s part of our mission at Singlife: to empower every Filipino toward financial independence—in life, and beyond it.”
Growing Suite of Protection in the Singlife Plan & Protect App
Protect from Funeral Costs joins Singlife’s best-in-class suite of affordable, mobile-first insurance and investment solutions. These include life insurance, medical cost protection, and investment-linked plans—all designed to put financial control directly in the hands of customers. Like booking a flight or managing a savings account, buying funeral protection can now be done anytime, anywhere.
With funeral expenses in the Philippines typically exceeding PHP200,000, Singlife’s latest product provides straightforward, flexible coverage in the face of a very real financial risk.
The Protection You Leave Behind
Protect from Funeral Costs offers a lump sum cash benefit, providing your family with the flexibility to honor your final wishes in their own way. Whether it’s for a modest ceremony or a more elaborate farewell, your loved ones can decide how to use the money without being locked into a fixed package from a funeral service provider. The product was designed with key features to give customers a convenient and easy way to plan for their funeral expenses.
Customizable and affordable protection: You can choose coverage from PHP100,000 to PHP500,000. Premiums are pocket-friendly, starting at just PHP447 per month, with payment terms of just 5 or 10 years—and your coverage lasts until age 120.
Built-in Financial Needs Analysis: Not sure how much coverage you need? This feature helps you estimate how much your family may need based on your preferred funeral type, casket, memorial lot, number of viewing days, and expected guests. Since most people don’t realize how much a funeral can cost, this unique tool empowers you to plan ahead and ensure your family won’t be caught off guard.
Yearly coverage boost: Keep your policy active and enjoy additional coverage* each year at no extra cost, helping you stay ahead of inflation and rising funeral expenses. Coverage boosts come from non-guaranteed dividends, and their performance depends on market conditions.
Spouse and child coverage: Extend protection to your spouse or life partner under one plan. Starting from the second policy year, you also have the option to enroll your child for coverage at no extra cost—no need to buy a separate policy for them.
Waiver of premiums due to disability: If you become permanently disabled during your premium payment period, you won’t have to worry about future payments—your premium payments will be waived but your coverage will remain active and in force.
Cash value and loan access: Over time, your policy builds cash value, which you can borrow from starting in the fourth year, giving you extra financial flexibility when needed.
Immediate cash assistance: Your beneficiaries will receive 10% of the cash benefit in advance upon submission of the policyholder’s death certificate and beneficiary’s identity verification. This helps cover urgent funeral expenses while the remaining amount is released upon claim approval.
A Final Act of Protection. A Lifetime of Love.
In a country where insurance penetration remains below 2%, Singlife Philippines is challenging the status quo by offering simple, relevant solutions that meet Filipinos where they are—on their phones, and in real life.
With Protect from Funeral Costs, the company transforms what used to be a taboo topic into a powerful expression of love and foresight. Because even if you can’t be there, your protection still can be.
Protect from Funeral Costs is now available exclusively in the Singlife Plan & Protect App, downloadable on the App Store and Google Play. Check how much coverage you need using the financial analysis tool and get an instant PHP300 in free Singlife Credits to help jumpstart your journey to financial independence.
Because love doesn’t stop—even when life does. Click here to learn more about Protect from Funeral Costs.
As threats to telecom infrastructure escalate—from cable theft to cyberattacks—the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC) is evolving into a full-fledged national defense body, uniting telcos and state forces in a historic security push.
To achieve this, the council is eyeing to expand its membership beyond the private sector to include key government and law enforcement agencies such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
The NTSC is an industry-wide alliance of corporate security professionals representing the country’s major telecommunications companies, including PLDT Inc., Smart Communications, Inc., Globe Telecom, DITO Telecommunity, Converge ICT Solutions, ABS-CBN/Sky Cable, tower companies, and other stakeholders. In a recent consultation forum, NTSC members joined military and police officials to explore ways to enhance collaboration for law enforcement and emergency response.
Leading the discussions were Col Wilfredo Gonio (Ret), head of security central command and administration center at PLDT; Col Romeo Basco (Ret), director of security at DITO Telecommunity and NTSC chair; Lt Gen Ramiro Manuel Rey (Ret), VP & head of security at Converge ICT Solutions; Joselito Tan of Globe Telecom security; and Leodivico Bungubung, VP for corporate security at ABS-CBN/Sky Cable, who discussed the threats they face in their respective operations, including theft and vandalism, fraudulent activities and cyberattacks with the government representatives present.
“The task before us is not just technical—it is strategic and national in scope. We need to move from isolated reactions to coordinated responses, from reactive risk management to proactive intelligence-sharing and policy alignment,” said Smart chief operating officer Anastacio Martirez in his keynote message. “Let us remember that no single entity, government or private, can address these threats alone. But together, through trust, coordination, and shared responsibility, we can build a more secure digital future for the Filipino people.”
“In addition to the expansion of the council’s membership, we at the NTSC are also eyeing the development of a coordination framework for threat response with our partners in government, as well as establishing regular consultation schedules for improved information sharing, enhanced security measures for critical infrastructure, and better rapid response protocols, especially in the event of emergencies,” said PLDT’s Col Gonio. “We will also support joint training and awareness programs against cyberattacks,” he added.
“More than just a corporate responsibility, network security is a cornerstone of nation-building,” said Butch Jimenez, PLDT chief operating officer. “At PLDT, we commit to work hand in hand with our industry peers and government partners to secure our telco infrastructure and ensure a robust and resilient network, which is vital to economic progress.”
The NTSC was spearheaded by the PLDT Asset Protection and Security Risk Governance (APSRG) team in June 2021 for the mutual protection of telco infrastructure nationwide. PLDT and Smart’s stepped-up asset protection initiatives support PLDT’s mission to deliver reliable service and advance the Philippines’ sustainable development by securing critical telecom infrastructure, and thereby ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for homes, businesses, education, and emergency response. These efforts align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, promoting resilient infrastructure and technological progress through strategic security measures and strong community partnerships.
If you’re looking to build up a compact and high-powered charging system, look no further. The Anker Laptop Powerbank (25K, 165W, Built-in and Retractable Cables) and the Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime) ensure you never miss a deadline, wherever your work may take you.
Whether you work remotely or in the office, it is essential that your workspace is equipped to accommodate all your devices. Everyone has different setups, some using more devices than others. However, one thing remains constant: the demand for powerful and reliable charging solutions.
Power meets mobility with the Anker Laptop Powerbank
The Anker Laptop Powerbank (25K, 165W, Built-in and Retractable Cables) is built for professionals who are constantly on the move. With portability in mind, it’s compact and lightweight yet very powerful, with a 25,000mAh battery capacity that can charge up to four devices simultaneously through its four ports. It’s ideal for digital nomads, ensuring you stay productive without compromising on performance.
With its 165W total output, you can conveniently charge your laptop, tablet, phone, and earbuds all at the same time while catching up on tasks at an airport lounge or a cafe.
It’s also the ultimate travel companion, compliant with CAAP Guidelines for Air Travel (based on CAAP Memo FOD-APD-2023-008), making it safe to bring on board.
While it’s often annoying to carry lots of tangled and disorganized cables when traveling, the Anker Laptop Powerbank (25K, 165W, Built-in and Retractable Cables) offers both a 15 cm long integrated USB-C cable and a 70 cm long retractable cable to keep everything in order.
For added convenience, the powerbank also has a smart screen that displays real-time power status, battery life, and temperature, ensuring safe and efficient charging.
Anker Multiport Charger – The Ultimate Desk & Travel Companion
If your work requires a more powerful charging hub that can charge multiple devices efficiently and still be portable enough to accompany you on your travels, Anker provides the perfect solution with the new Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime) and Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime).
Its multiple ports allow you to charge laptops, tablets, phones, and more at full speed. Now, you can get rid of all the chargers and wires that are cluttering up your workspace. With its sleek and minimal design, you also have the option to take it anywhere you go.
The Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime) is equipped with GaNPrime technology for worry-free charging. It delivers faster and smarter charging for all your devices, even when they are all connected together. It’s also equipped with a smart control dial to instantly adjust the power output to ensure each device charges at the optimal speed, while its activeShield™ technology optimizes this and prevents overheating to protect the devices.
The Future of Charging: Intelligent, Powerful, and Compact
Anker continues to set new standards in charging technology by combining power with portability in its chargers, such as the Anker Laptop Powerbank (25K, 165W, Built-in and Retractable Cables) and Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime). With smart, powerful and compact devices, Anker is redefining the way busy professionals can stay charged wherever they go and wherever work takes them.
Now available, the Anker Laptop Powerbank (25K, 165W, Built-in and Retractable Cables) and Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime) may be purchased on Anker’s official stores and online platforms.
Shop now on Shopee, Lazada, and on anker.ph. Follow Anker’s official pages on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
Solitaire, a leading brand of interactive flat panels and video conferencing products, proudly unveils the PTK 208. It is a next-generation 4K PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera designed to transform video conferencing in meeting rooms, conference training rooms, classrooms, and huddle spaces. With powerful features such as AI-driven smart tracking, gesture and voice control, and advanced audio-visual intelligence, the PTK 208 redefines the way modern organizations communicate and collaborate.
Engineered for excellence, the PTK 208 delivers exceptional image quality powered by an 8.3MP 1/2.8″ CMOS sensor, supporting 4K Ultra HD resolution. Every frame is rendered with stunning clarity and true-to-life color, making it ideal for high-stakes executive meetings, engaging virtual classrooms, or global conferences.
Regarding the launch, Dr. Ramya Chatterjee, chief of Solitaire brand business & CEO & director of Prointek Global Innovations, said,“With the PTK 208, we are not just launching a camera, we are delivering a powerful enabler for the future of communication. This product exemplifies our commitment to intelligent design, seamless user experience, and meaningful innovation for the modern workplace and digital learning environments.”
A standout feature of the PTK 208 is its AI-powered functionality. Auto-tracking, gesture recognition, and voice control allows the camera to intuitively follow the speaker, enabling presenters to move freely and interact more naturally without the need for manual adjustments.
On the audio front, the PTK 208 is equally impressive, boasting a four-microphone digital array capable of capturing sound from up to 10 meters. Enhanced with Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), Automatic Noise Suppression (ANS), and Automatic Gain Control (AGC), it ensures crystal-clear, uninterrupted sound in both mid-sized conference rooms and training halls.
Designed for versatility, the PTK 208 features a 10x optical zoom, Type-C and HDMI outputs, and a 3.5mm audio jack, along with flexible mounting options that include desktop, tripod, and ceiling installations, making it adaptable to nearly any professional or academic environment. Additionally, with an IR remote control and intuitive on-screen navigation, even users with minimal technical expertise can operate it effortlessly. Its sleek, modern design reflects Solitaire’s commitment to combining functionality with aesthetics.
Each unit of the PTK 208 comes pre-packaged for instant setup, ensuring a seamless unboxing experience. It is ready to use straight out of the box and this makes it an ideal solution for businesses and institutions looking to upgrade their communication infrastructure quickly and effectively. Whether empowering executive meetings, enabling dynamic teaching, or streamlining international collaboration, the Solitaire PTK 208 stands out as a smart, reliable, and stylish ally in today’s digital workspace.
Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, recently forged a partnership with De La Salle University (DLSU), one of the Philippines’ leading academic institutions, to equip students with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technologies. This collaboration reinforces Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to addressing the growing talent gap in AI and related fields in the Philippines.
Addressing the Philippines’ AI Talent Gap
The collaboration, part of the Alibaba Cloud Academic Empowerment Program (AAEP), aims to empower DLSU students and faculty by providing specialized training, certifications, and hands-on learning experiences in AI and cloud computing.
According to the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS), the country faces a significant talent shortage in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity, underscoring the urgent need for continuous talent development.
“As AI and cloud computing reshape industries and create new opportunities, we are excited to collaborate with Alibaba Cloud to empower DLSU’s students as vital contributors to our economy and national development,” said Shirley Chu, assistant dean for external affairs and Lasallian Mission, DLSU College of Computer Studies, “This partnership will provide our students with the tools and experiences needed to excel in these critical fields.”
Empowering the Next Generation of AI and Cloud Professionals
The AAEP initiative collaborates directly with accredited educational institutions to provide resources for students, educators, and researchers. Through this partnership, students and educators from DLSU will benefit from industry-relevant AI and cloud computing courses, hands-on labs, and opportunities to earn Alibaba Cloud certifications.
“Alibaba Cloud is dedicated to bringing digital intelligence to academic institutions in the Philippines, through our academic empowerment program,” said Allen Guo, general manager for the Philippines, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. “We are excited to partner with DLSU, a prominent institution known for its exceptional technological expertise. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our efforts to cultivate a skilled digital workforce that meets the evolving demands of the labor market.”
Comprehensive Training for Skill Development
The partnership introduces a series of training programs aimed at engaging the entire university community, including students from computer science and other disciplines. The program launched in April 2025 with its first session, AI Learning Journey, offering participants an introduction to AI fundamentals and Alibaba Cloud’s AI infrastructure, services, and solutions.
The next session, starting June 2025, will focus on practical cloud computing technologies. Through hands-on lab sessions, students will gain experience with core cloud deployment concepts and infrastructure management. These workshops are particularly valuable for computer science students looking to develop technical implementation skills.
In addition to these sessions, students will have access to online public lectures on AI and cloud computing, regularly provided by Alibaba Cloud Academy. Through this comprehensive approach, participants gain both foundational knowledge and practical expertise, equipping them to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.
Looking Ahead: Building a Skilled Digital Workforce
This collaboration marks a significant step in Alibaba Cloud’s mission to cultivate a skilled digital workforce in the Philippines and beyond, addressing the critical talent gap in AI and cloud computing.
Alibaba Cloud Academy, the company’s training and certification division, supports this initiative with over 250 online and offline certification courses and over 270 online hands-on labs in 19 languages. So far, it has trained over 500,000 individuals globally, with strategic partnerships spanning over 110 universities and educational organizations across 23 countries and regions.
Get ready for a dazzling spectacle at the heart of Manila! The National Museum is set to host the Circle of Light, a breathtaking art installation that’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a beacon of hope for communities across the Philippines.
Imagine this: over 3,500 handcrafted solar lamps, each telling a story of sustainability and Filipino ingenuity, will transform the open area of the National Museum of Natural History into a mesmerizing Circle of Light. This stunning display, aiming for a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the largest display of solar powered lamps this July 1, is Sun Life Philippines’ way of celebrating its 130th anniversary with a bang – and a whole lot of heart.
From July 2 to 9, 2025, visitors can wander through this luminous wonderland, marveling at the interplay of light and shadow. But the real magic happens after the exhibit closes. These beautiful lamps will find new homes in Talim Island and areas in Region IV-A, bringing much-needed illumination to students and communities living off the grid.
The National Museum, known for its commitment to showcasing Filipino heritage, sees this collaboration as a blend of art, science, and social responsibility. “Through the Circle of Light, the National Museum is able to showcase its shared dedication with Sun Life of supporting creative, green, and sustainable advocacies and presenting them through this illuminating installation,” Jorell Legaspi, deputy director-general for museums for the National Museum of the Philippines, said.
The Circle of Light also highlights the solar expertise of global changemaker Liter of Light and local pottery advocate Odangputik Art Space.
Liter of Light co-founder and board director Ami Valdemoro recounted how their hand- built solar lights are guided by three principles: to utilize readily available and local materials, teach green skills, and create livelihoods for the communities served. “Likewise, Sun Life’s Circle of Light initiative fulfills those principles,” she said. “We are all united in the idea that everybody can make a difference, and we will soon have 3,500 examples of what we can do when we give our time and talent to a meaningful project.”
The program also fosters cultural appreciation for the art of ceramic pottery. Lin Bajala, co- founder and curator of Odangputik Art Space explained, “Ceramic pottery isn’t easy.
Through our community gatherings, we help people understand that this is an interdisciplinary collaboration between art and science. In a way, the Sun Life Circle of Light is helping us build cultural appreciation for this type of art.”
For its part, Sun Life expressed gratitude for the support for Circle of Light. “It’s remarkable how Circle of Light has brought together organizations and volunteer lamp-builders within the Sun Life community in pursuit of a noble mission. Together, we are turning science into art, and art into hope,” Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Sun Life Philippines chief client experience and marketing officer said. “It not only mirrors the trust that Sun Life has received over the years but it also stands for our commitment to make more lives brighter for the next 130 years and beyond.”
To know more about Circle of Light, visit www.sunlife.co/CircleofLight or follow @SunLifePH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay updated on the program.
