UP Society of Management and Economics Students (UP SMES) is featuring Entrelympics 2025, a flagship national event that continues to shape the future of student entrepreneurship in the Philippines. Now in its fifth year, Entrelympics returns on May 3-4, 2025, at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), carrying the theme: “Moves That Matter: Navigating Markets Toward MSME Success.”
Organized annually by UP SMES, Entrelympics is a platform that brings together students, business leaders, and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) stakeholders from across the country. It fosters and promotes a deeper understanding of the challenges MSMEs face and the creative, data-driven strategies needed to help them thrive in the modern market.
This year’s theme emphasizes the significance of intentional, well-informed decision-making in navigating complex markets, especially relevant to MSMEs, which form the backbone of the Philippine economy. Entrelympics 2025 continues its mission to equip students with market literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and a problem-solving mindset through an engaging mix of educational and experiential activities. It is open to all senior high school and college students nationwide to invite young minds to step into the world of entrepreneurship with purpose and passion. The event is more than a competition, it’s a learning experience, a networking opportunity, and a space where meaningful moves are made.
As UP SMES celebrates five years of Entrelympics, the organization looks forward to continuing its legacy of nurturing students into future-ready leaders. With the support of partners like Gadgets Magazine, Entrelympics 2025 is poised to be its most impactful yet.
Based on recently released proprietary insights from TransUnion’s global intelligence network, the suspected digital fraud rate of digital transactions where the consumer was in the Philippines stood at 13.4% in 2024. This placed the Philippines as the second highest for the suspected digital fraud rate among markets analyzed – following India (19.0%) and preceding the Dominican Republic (10.9%).
Additional data from TransUnion’s H1 2025 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report showed that the suspected digital fraud rate in the Philippines was higher than the global level of 5.4% in 2024 – consistently exceeding the global rate for the fifth consecutive year going back to 2020, when TransUnion’s analysis began. The suspected digital fraud rate in the country also increased by 5% from 2023 – a stark contrast to the 8% decrease observed across the globe.
More Filipinos reported being targeted by fraud and suffering financial loss than global counterparts
Among consumers surveyed across 18 countries and regions between November and December 2024, over seven in every ten Filipinos (74%) reported being targeted by an email, online, phone call or text messaging fraud scheme in the last three months – much higher than 53% across the markets surveyed. Moreover, over one third (34%) of Filipinos reported losing money due to any of the above mentioned tactics from November 2023 to December 2024, surpassing the global rate of 29%. These trends showed that Filipinos are facing greater risks from fraud, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards to prevent financial losses.
“The average reported fraud loss among Filipinos last year according to our study was USD768, exceeding PHP44,700 in local currency. While these figures are lower than the median of USD1,747 (approximately PHP101,700) across global markets which TransUnion surveyed, the impact of falling victim to fraud remains significant,” said Yogesh Daware, chief commercial officer at TransUnion Philippines. “Considering average monthly wages in the Philippines, the losses constitute at least over two months of salary for most Filipino households.”
Communities was the industry with the highest suspecteddigital fraud rate in 2024
Based on TransUnion’s report, communities—including online dating and social media sites and forums—had the highest suspected digital fraud rate among industries for attempted transactions where the consumer was in the Philippines at 19.2% last year. These findings align with global trends as the industry also emerged with the highest suspected digital fraud rate (11.6%) worldwide. However, the suspected digital fraud rate from the Philippines in communities exceeded the global rate by 66%.
“The number of social media users in the Philippines amounts to 78% of the country’s population. The high volume of users interacting online opens doors for fraudsters to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Despite a decrease in digital transactions in communities globally and from the Philippines last year, our analysis showed a growth in the number of transactions suspected to be digital fraud. This tells us that fraudsters are ramping up their attacks by targeting more victims and diversifying their tactics,” added Daware.
Following communities, the retail industry emerged with the second highest rate of suspected digital fraud (13.0%) for attempted transactions where the consumer was in the Philippines last year, higher than 7.6% globally. Although financial services remained among the top three industries most targeted by suspected digital fraud in the Philippines at 6.3%, this rate has significantly decreased by 35% year-over-year (YoY), even as the number of digital transactions in that industry increased by almost one fifth (17%).
This improvement might be attributed to the ongoing efforts from both the public and private sector to combat fraud in that industry recently. The Philippine government has been intensifying its campaign against scams and mandated financial institutions and other stakeholders to establish cooperative mechanisms. In support of these directives, TransUnion also launched the Fraud Industry Council (FIC) in 2024 to help drive a collective initiative across the local banking industry to strengthen consumer protection.
Source: TransUnion TruValidateTM
“Almost all Filipinos that we surveyed were concerned with falling victim to fraud. While fraud remains a concern in the Philippines, we also see declines in suspected digital fraud in the financial services industry which run alongside intensified efforts from both the public and private sector. However, fraudsters are highly adaptable and constantly evolving their tactics to exploit unprepared victims. Businesses and consumers must remain vigilant to avoid deception. We look forward to seeing more partnerships across companies and even industries to further enhance fraud defenses, with increasing awareness, strengthened collaborations, and the friction-right fraud prevention technologies,” said Daware.
TransUnion came to its conclusions about digital fraud based on intelligence from TransUnion TruValidate.
Specific country and regional data in TransUnion’s H1 2025 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report includes Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zambia. Download the TransUnion report for more information and insights about global fraud trends.
Payoneer, the global financial technology company powering business growth across borders, is proudly celebrating two decades of transformation, innovation, and the entrepreneurs that embody ambition that transcends borders and boundaries. Payoneer has become a force in enabling millions of businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive in the global economy, delivering record-breaking volume and revenue in 2024, and with a strategy to expand, innovate, and lead the dynamism of cross-border trade.
20 Years of Global Impact and Innovation
Since its founding in 2005, Payoneer has been at the forefront of powering borderless trade, expanding from a mass payout solution into a comprehensive financial stack that fuels global commerce across industries, markets, and over 7,000 trade corridors.
In 2024, Payoneer powered annual transaction volume of USD80 billion, helping millions of businesses worldwide to scale faster and more efficiently. The company’s recent acquisition of Skuad, a global workforce and payroll management platform, is another significant step in its mission to provide an end-to-end stack of financial services and tools that enables businesses to grow seamlessly across borders.
Strengthening Entrepreneurship: Payoneer Partners with Endeavor
As part of its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs to shape industries and drive global economic growth, Payoneer—through the Payoneer Foundation—is investing USD2 million over the next three years to support Endeavor, the Global Network of Trust of, by, and for entrepreneurs. This first-of-its-kind partnership will support Endeavor’s new Organizational Growth Program, designed to accelerate the scale and impact of its global network of 2,900 entrepreneurs. This includes Endeavor’s elite Outliers – its fastest-growing, high-impact companies with median revenues close to USD100 million and USD42 billion raised in the past three years. In 2024 alone, Endeavor Entrepreneurs generated USD88.5 billion in annual revenue and created over 4 million jobs across 45 countries.
“For 20 years, Payoneer has been helping businesses turn ambition into achievement, wherever they are in the world,” said Nagesh Devata, senior vice president for Asia Pacific at Payoneer. “Entrepreneurs and small businesses around the world are leading the next chapter of global commerce. Payoneer’s global licenses, local expertise, and strong ecosystem relationships position us to continue to power trade from anywhere to everywhere, and lead the industry. Our partnership with Endeavor strengthens our mission to empower entrepreneurs and drive global commerce, reinforcing an environment of trust and opportunity across borders.”
“At Endeavor, we believe the best way to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems is by backing ambitious founders building great businesses in overlooked places around the world,” said Linda Rottenberg, co-founder and CEO of Endeavor. “When we support a founder in an emerging market, we don’t just fuel one company, we unlock their Multiplier Effect™, empowering them to train, mentor, and invest in the next generation. That’s why we’re especially thrilled to partner with Payoneer to help entrepreneurs around the world unlock their potential and reshape global entrepreneurship.”
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) participated in the SILAKBO (Sikad-Lakad-Takbo) Fun Run 2025, held at South Evozone, Nuvali in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna. This annual event, organized by Save Silang-Santa Rosa River Foundation, Inc. (S3R2) in collaboration with the City Government of Santa Rosa, is dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and awareness.
The objective of SILAKBO Fun Run is to raise funds for the protection and rehabilitation of Silang-Santa Rosa River which is the main source of water of cities in Sta. Rosa, Binan, and Cabuyao in Laguna and Silang in Cavite. Parts of the funds that will be generated from the run will be utilized in a Tree Planting activity that will be held in June 2025 during Arbor Day celebration.
As a board member of S3R2 and one of the SILAKBO Fun Run’s major sponsors donating PHP100,000 for the event, MMPC continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Apart from MMPC, the annual SILAKBO Fun Run is participated by other companies, organizations and fitness enthusiasts, aiming to raise awareness and support for the preservation of the Silang-Santa Rosa River. Thousands of participants took part in different race categories while promoting health and wellness, and environmental advocacy.
As a major sponsor of the event, MMPC had its own booth where its recently launched All-New Mitsubishi XFORCE was displayed. Approximately sixty employees of MMPC, led by its executive vice president for manufacturing division Manabu Higuchi, and vice president for safety, health, and environment department Marfel Ancheta, joined the fun run to show support for the advocacy. They also provided free merchandise and refreshments to all participants of the fun run afterward.
MMPC’s participation in the SILAKBO Fun Run 2025 is part of its ongoing CSR initiatives that focus on environmental protection, community development, and promoting a greener future for everyone. Taking part in initiatives like this is aligned with the company’s values of sustainability and community involvement.
On the hunt for a mobile ally that is fast, secure, and does not break the bank? The digital trifecta is real, thanks to the new Galaxy A06 5G. Whether you are grinding through class, side hustling, or just need something reliable for everyday life, you should not have to choose between performance and price.
The Galaxy A06 5G is built for those who want the speed of 5G without compromising on performance and security for extra cost. Equipped with Samsung Knox Vault, you can be sure to unlock the Galaxy of advantages working quietly in the background and get a seamless, protected experience from the moment you power on.
The Galaxy A06 5G is not just Awesome—it is Samsung Knox Vault-smart
In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, everything happens on your phone—from managing your financial transactions and logging into accounts to handling schoolwork and ID access. With so much riding on one device, top-tier security is not a luxury—it is a must.
The Galaxy A06 5G, powered by Samsung Knox Vault, offers advanced, hardware-based protection to keep your most sensitive information safe—because when your phone does everything, it needs to protect everything. It has smart protection for a generation that lives online. From unauthorized access prevention to features like Attestation Key—which helps lock down your data if your phone is lost or tampered with—Samsung Knox Vault offers peace of mind in a connected world. Plus, with a side fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking and customizable shortcuts, users get both security and convenience in one sleek device.
Another feature for password authentication is the Samsung Weaver. It boosts password security with a binary exponential back-off algorithm, slowing down access attempts after repeated failures to block unauthorized entry—making it significantly harder for attackers to guess or force their way in. It is an extra layer of intelligent protection to keep your data safe.
Not only that! It is backed by four (4) generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, plus four (4) years of security updates. Built for today’s fast-moving, always-connected lifestyle, the Galaxy A06 5G delivers awesome features with powerful protection. You stay up-to-date, secure, and in control—now and for the long run.
Run your Galaxy with the new Galaxy A06 5G
The Awesome smartphone that is for the movers and makers. With the Galaxy A06 5G, you are always one step ahead. Whether you are catching up on your fave series, grinding through ranked matches, or jumping between DMs and reels — the Galaxy A06 5G keeps up with your every move.
From studying, hustling, filming, editing and posting, on repeat—movers do not slow down, and neither does the Galaxy A06 5G. With the MediaTek Dimensity 6300chipset and 4GB of RAM under the hood, multitasking feels smooth—so you can switch seamlessly at an unmatched efficiency. And that6.7” display? It is all about immersive visuals, whether you are gaming, scrolling, or streaming your favorite series.
Designed for whatever the day throws at you, the Galaxy A06 5G offers IP54-rated protection from dust and splashes. And because waiting to charge is so last season, the Galaxy A06 5G powers through with 5,000mAh and 25W of Superfast Charging and gets you back up and running in no time—so your day does not miss a beat.
Maximize the Galaxy A06 5G to your advantage!
Ready to own your day? The Galaxy does not just keep up—it elevates your game. With Samsung, you can count on a Galaxy device that works for you, wherever you are. One UI 7makes your Galaxy phone feel like it is built just for you. Personalize everything to match your vibe and make your day flow effortlessly—get the experience you deserve without compromising on what matters most.
And for those searching for the right phone to power the hustle, the Galaxy A06 5G makes switching streamlined. With the Samsung Smart Switch, you can transfer everything—from contacts and apps to photos and settings from your old device to your new Galaxy—quickly and securely, so you can pick up right where you left off. And when you want to share moments,Quick Share delivers them to your loved ones in seconds.
Upgrade your vibe with the Galaxy A06 5G. Thinner than ever—now just 8.0mm—this sleek design is available in Awesome Light Gray and Awesome Blackis all about making a statement. Be cool and ready to turn heads at an exceptional value of PHP7,990 available at any authorized Samsung retail stores, authorized Samsung online stores, Samsung.com, and Samsung Experience Stores.
Get a free travel adapter with your Galaxy A06 5G purchase until June 30, 2025. Plus, enjoy flexible payment options like credit card, Home Credit, trade-in, and trade-Up. Even better? You can get 0% interest installments with Samsung Finance+.
As temperatures rise, so do cravings for ice-cold drinks, frozen treats, and easy, breezy meals. This summer, foodpanda is helping Filipinos chill out without splashing out, thanks to exclusive discounts on both food and essentials. foodpanda’s refreshing summer deals are designed to deliver not just comfort and convenience, but serious savings.
Stay Cool with Hot Deals
Thanks to exclusive promos and fast delivery, foodpanda users can enjoy their favorites without having to go out in the heat. With 20% off on meals from popular restaurants like Tim Hortons, enjoy a savory sandwich that you can pair with an iced coffee. Savor the flavors of their comforting summer favorites while keeping your wallets happy.
Extra Cool Savings with pandapro
foodpanda also understands how Filipinos crave ice-cold drinks in this weather. Now, pandapro members can enjoy even greater savings on their favorite summer chillers, whether they crave fruity refreshers or caffeinated drinks, with up to 30% off on selected summer coolers like Jamba Juice, CoCo, and Zus coffee.
Grocery Deals for Summer Feels
Beyond mealtime cravings, foodpanda makes sure homes are summer-ready with deep discounts on grocery must-haves. From summer snacks from URC and chilled drinks from Pepsi to necessities like sunscreen, foodpanda’s summer sale offers up to 50% off on a wide range of summer must-haves from pandamart, Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, Puregold, Watsons, Southstar Drug, and many more!
foodpanda’s summer offerings are more than just discounts—they make life easier, more affordable, and deliciously rewarding. So whether you’re cooling off after a long day, surprising friends with a sweet treat, or just skipping the supermarket sweat, foodpanda’s summer deals prove that the season’s best flavors taste even better when they come with a side of savings.
Alibaba has launched Qwen3, the latest generation of its open-sourced large language model (LLM) family, setting a new benchmark for AI innovation.
The Qwen3 series features six dense models and two Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) models, offering developers flexibility to build next-generation applications across mobile devices, smart glasses, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and beyond.
All Qwen3 models — including dense models (0.6B, 1.7B, 4B, 8B, 14B, and 32B parameters) and MoE models (30B with 3B active, and 235B with 22B active) — are now open-sourced and available globally.
Hybrid Reasoning Combining Thinking and Non-thinking Modes
Qwen3 marks Alibaba’s debut of hybrid reasoning models, combining traditional LLM capabilities with advanced, dynamic reasoning. Qwen3 models can seamlessly switch between thinking mode for complex, multi-step tasks such as mathematics, coding, and logical deduction, and non-thinking mode for fast, general-purpose responses.
For developers accessing Qwen3 through API, the model offers granular control over thinking duration (up to 38K tokens), enabling an optimized balance between intelligent performance and compute efficiency. Notably, the Qwen3-235B-A22B MoE model significantly lowers deployment costs compared to other state-of-the-art models, reinforcing Alibaba’s commitment to accessible, high-performance AI.
Breakthroughs in Multilingual Skills, Agent Capabilities, Reasoning, and Human Alignment
Trained on a massive dataset of 36 trillion tokens – double that of its predecessor Qwen2.5 — Qwen3 delivers significant advancement on reasoning, instruction following, tool use, and multilingual tasks.
Key capabilities include:
Multilingual Mastery: Supports 119 languages and dialects, with leading performance in translation and multilingual instruction-following.
Advanced Agent Integration: Natively supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and robust function-calling, leading open-source models in complex agent-based tasks.
Superior Reasoning: Surpasses previous Qwen models (QwQ in thinking mode and Qwen2.5 in non-thinking mode) in mathematics, coding, and logical reasoning benchmarks.
Enhanced Human Alignment: Delivers more natural creative writing, role-playing, and multi-turn dialogue experiences for more natural, engaging conversations.
Qwen3 models achieve top-tier results across industry benchmarks
Thanks to advancements in model architecture, increase in training data, and more effective training methods, Qwen3 models achieve top-tier results across industry benchmarks such as AIME25 (mathematical reasoning), LiveCodeBench (coding proficiency), BFCL (tool and function-calling capabilities), and Arena-Hard (benchmark for instruction-tuned LLMs). Additionally, to develop the hybrid reasoning model, a four-stage training process was implemented, which includes long chain-of-thought (CoT) cold start, reasoning-based reinforcement learning (RL), thinking mode fusion, and general RL.
Open Access to Drive Innovation
Qwen3 models are now freely available for download on Hugging Face, Github, and ModelScope, and can be explored on chat.qwen.ai. API access will soon be available through Alibaba’s AI model development platform, Model Studio. Qwen3 also powers Alibaba’s flagship AI super assistant application, Quark.
Since its debut, the Qwen model family has attracted over 300 million downloads worldwide. Developers have created more than 100,000 Qwen-based derivative models on Hugging Face, making Qwen one of the world’s most widely adopted open-source AI model series.
In just one minute, student teams from UP, La Salle, and Ateneo de Manila University stood before a panel of top tech leaders to pitch their boldest business ideas—no fluff, just vision and execution. What followed was a dynamic showcase of youth innovation at the Big 3 Startup Showdown, a hackathon bringing together the next generation of Filipino changemakers.
From an impressive pool of participants, three teams emerged as winners:
LittleBranch: The go-to portal for discovering over 1,000 exciting kids’ activities across the Philippines, helping parents find the best experiences for every child.
Quasar: The first all-in-one, AI-powered platform for automating loan approval services in the Philippines.
Venyu: the largest one-stop sport venue booking platform with over 1,000 courts in Metro Manila. Find, book, and play in minutes.
The final event of the Big 3 Startup Showdown was held at the Maya Headquarters, Launchpad Building, where student entrepreneurs delivered fast-paced pitches and high-impact solutions—proving that the country’s most exciting startups might just be brewing in the halls of its top universities.
Industry leaders joined the judging panel, including Maya chief product officer Mitch Padua, mWell CIO Albert Padin, Google Philippines customer engineer Loys Talip, and Gobi Core founding partner Carlo Delantar, offering critical feedback and real-world insights. The winning teams also earned a PHP30,000 cash prize each to support their upcoming participation in Geeks on a Beach 2025, a global beachside tech conference where game-changing ideas are pitched to global investors and thought leaders.
“We witnessed incredible ingenuity from these top universities—ideas grounded in real-world problems and driven by purpose,” said Mitch Padua, Maya Group chief product officer. “That’s the magic of young innovators: they’re not just coding apps—they’re crafting solutions. At Maya, we’re proud to champion that mindset. It’s exactly how we began—by daring to reimagine the way things are done.”
Education Remains Key
The Big 3 Startup Showdown was organized with the support of respected faculty from the participating schools, led by Prof. Bowei Gai (La Salle), with the support of Prof. Jose Emmanuel Reverente (UP), and Prof. Joseph Benjamin Ilagan (ADMU).
“This event isn’t just about winning pitches—it’s about opening doors,” shared Gai. “Ateneo, La Salle, and UP worked together on this event with the shared goal of giving students the chance to pitch to real VCs and product leaders and learn how their ideas can translate into real-world solutions. That experience alone is game-changing.”
While the event built countless bridges of opportunity for the participants, it also created a new network among the country’s top universities.
“It’s rare—and really special—to see students from UP, La Salle, and Ateneo come together like this. Events like this allow them to go beyond the classroom and see what it really takes to compete at a high level. They get to pitch not just to mentors, but to real investors who challenge them with tough, real-world questions,” added Gai.
“That kind of experience is invaluable—it pushes them to level up, think bigger, and build ventures that not only solve real problems but are also sustainable and investor-ready,” Reverente concluded.
Supporting the Next Generation
Maya proudly served as the main sponsor of the Big 3 Startup Showdown, providing the total cash prize pool awarded to the top three teams. More than just funding, Maya’s support was rooted in its mission to uplift young innovators, encourage bold thinking, and help translate fresh ideas into real-world impact.
The company also took the opportunity to showcase its payments and digital banking products and open internship opportunities, planting long-term seeds for collaboration between today’s industry leaders and tomorrow’s startup founders.
As Maya continues to power financial transformation nationwide, the company also continues to invest in the country’s most promising resource: its people.
Because at the heart of every great startup is the same thing that drives Maya—the belief that with the right tools and support, bold ideas can spark lasting impact.
The effects of the 7.7 magnitude earthquakes in Myanmar and the aftershocks in Thailand continue to be seen months after the events. The ultimate question is asked: Are we prepared for “The Big One”?
As one of the most vulnerable countries to disaster and climate risk, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), the leading integrated property developer in Southeast Asia, continues to reinforce its commitment to disaster resiliency and heightened climate action.
The role of education
To increase the capacity of readiness within the institution and its communities, SM Prime continues to advocate for emergency preparedness and the general public’s continued education.
SM Cares, SM Prime’s foundation arm, facilitates the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum to help mallgoers learn about emergency procedures, putting importance on staying calm to reduce panic and anxiety, basic first aid, life-saving techniques, and preparing senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) in an actual emergency.
Seniors and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are vulnerable during emergencies and disasters because of anxiety, health, and mobility limitations.
As the largest and fastest-growing residential sector developer, SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s disaster preparedness training, Ready to Rescue, covers essential topics from fire and earthquake drills to water safety and first aid training programs to help residents face an emergency should it arise.
SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s first aid and water safety training help residents respond effectively until first responders arrive.
Through SM Prime’s role within the private sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies Philippines (ARISE-Philippines), training and education opportunities on disaster risk reduction and resilience are made more accessible within the local network.
Together with ARISE Japan and India, two of the largest in the global community, knowledge sharing on the latest technologies in disaster risk reduction helps toward understanding large-scale disaster prevention and identifies opportunities for further improvement and response.
ARISE India, Japan, and the Philippines during the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR).
Collaborations for the climate
In a Climate Fresk Workshop with The Transmutation Principle, SM Prime, together with host SM Hotels, gathered friends from the corporate and non-profit sustainability space to learn more about the science behind climate change–its drivers, mechanisms, and consequences–including mitigation, adaptation, and circular economy principles.
“It was an exciting and valuable experience for us, given our advocacy for climate change resilience. The workshop succeeded in making it more accessible and relatable, particularly for individuals who are already aware of its effects on their respective industries,” says Oscar M. Lopez (OML) Center participant Charmaine Vitan.
The gamified workshop originated from a French non-profit organization and is based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports. Facilitated by local Philippine Freskers, it teaches the fundamentals of climate science – mapping key interdependencies between nature, biodiversity and human activities to ‘solve’ the complex narrative of climate change. The workshop was held at the SMX Convention Center Aura.
“It invited everyone—not just one sector—to collaborate and participate in fields of knowledge that are seemingly not connected at all. To quote a groupmate, the immediate causes and effects of market actions are clear, but the bigger picture is clear when we collaborate with one another,” says World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines participant Joaquin Campos.
Building a resilient tomorrow
Always ahead of the curve, SM Prime strategically looks beyond the current industry needs and focuses on what can reduce risk and build long-term value.
SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy addresses members of ARISE Philippines during the first annual general meeting for 2025.
For SM Prime, an Environmental, Social, Governance, and Resilience (ESG + R) strategy ensures that the company is building for the security of future generations. SM Prime continues to focus its efforts on infrastructure resilience, disaster risk management strategies, readiness and swift response, and capacity building to create institutional readiness and help educate and shape public awareness.
“Resilience is a way of life. It is a commitment to ensure that we act on our responsibility to care for others so that no one is left behind,” said Mr. Hans Sy, SM Prime executive committee chairman.
SM City Bacoor proudly presents the 52nd showcase of the iconic Chan Lim family of artists and painters. This extraordinary exhibit, running from April 27 to May 13, 2025, celebrates the blossoming love of moms through a fusion of timeless art and cutting-edge technology.
Located at SM City Bacoor’s Event Center, the exhibit offers visitors a captivating journey into traditional Filipino-Chinese culture.
One of the event’s highlights is a luminous tree, adorned with hand-painted hanging lamps and surrounded by moving flowers, butterflies, and live animations of waterfall and koi pond paintings—creating a breathtaking sensory display.
Traditional art comes to life as AI transforms this painting into a life-size koi pond projection.
Delicately painted and colorful spring flowers on scrolls are highlighted in the exhibit in celebration of motherhood and love for moms.
Dr. Alex Chan Lim shares his family’s vision of preserving Filipino-Chinese culture through art.
Featuring intricate pieces crafted by various family members and students from across the country and overseas, the Chan Lim Collection showcases their remarkable talent in storytelling, brushwork, and color composition.
Shoppers are delighted to see the collection of painted scrolls which were painted through the traditional Chinese paint strokes using watercolor.
Art transcending through generations, this young lady in in awe of the paintings displayed in the exhibit.
Also showcased in the exhibit are these intricately painted umbrellas captivating this mom and daughter art enthusiast.
A mother and child admire the vibrant, illuminated tree adorned with colorful lanterns in the exhibit.
Like petals unfolding to embrace the morning sun, Blossoms of Love celebrates the warmth, devotion, and strength of a mother’s love. Every stroke of art is inspired by the hands that have held us, the voices that have guided us, and the hearts that have loved us without bounds.
The 52nd Chan Lim Exhibit, located at SM City Bacoor’s Event Center at the Lower ground floor, runs from April 27-May 13,2025.
Don’t miss this heartwarming experience! Visit Blossoms of Love for Moms – Chan Lim’s 52nd Art Exhibit at SM City Bacoor from April 27 to May 13, 2025, and witness the enduring artistic legacy of the Chan Lim family. Showcasing their exceptional talent across generations, this exhibit seamlessly incorporates innovative technology while celebrating the beauty of motherhood.
Prepare to experience Performance Beyond Limits as the highly anticipated realme 14 Series 5G is now available nationwide. Designed for gamers, this latest generation brings cutting-edge performance and next-level visuals to the palm of every player who is ready to dominate the game.
The realme 14 5G is equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, GT Boost and Vapor Chamber Cooling System, all working together to ensure seamless gameplay and multitasking. It also features a 6000mAh Massive Battery and up to 26GB (12GB+14GB DRE) RAM and 256GB Massive Storage. Available in bold finishes: Mecha Silver, Storm Titanium, and Warrior Pink, the realme 14 5G is priced at PHP17,999 SRP.
Meanwhile, the realme 14T 5G offers immersive visuals with its 120Hz AMOLED Display, complemented by the same GT Boost, Vapor Chamber Cooling System, and 6000mAh battery, making it ideal for marathon gaming sessions. It comes in electrifying Lightning Purple and sleek Obsidian Black, with a retail price of PHP14,999 SRP.
Catch exclusive promos and discounts
The realme 14 Series 5G is now available in stores and online through realme’s official platforms, offering exclusive discounts and freebies during this special first-sale period.
From April 29 to May 11, every purchase of the realme 14 Series 5G at any realme Concept Store includes a premium audio accessory, the TechLife headphones G1 worth PHP2,199, for free until supplies last.
The Series will also be available online, beginning with an exclusive first drop on realme’s TikTok Shop. For those who were able to claim exclusive discount vouchers given out last April 11 to 28, now’s the time to check out to get the lowest price possible. Don’t wait too long, as the discount vouchers expire on May 5.
For those who missed the initial drop on TikTok Shop, the first selling period will continue from May 5 to 15 on both TikTok and Shopee, offering even more flexibility for online shoppers. The Squad can still get either device with huge discounts, including 800 MLBB Diamonds and 500 MLBB Diamonds as freebies for realme 14 5G and realme 14T 5G, respectively.
TikTok Shop and Shopee
Date
Freebie
realme 14 5G
May 5 to 15
800 MLBB Diamonds
realme 14T 5G
500 MLBB Diamonds
With powerhouse performance, bold aesthetics, and exclusive launch rewards, the realme 14 Series 5G is built for those who play to win and demand Performance Beyond Limits.
For more news and announcements from realme, follow the brand’s official website and Facebook page.
Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH)continues working towards its promise to ensure customers’ safe travels by updating its Roadside Assistance program. Under this, Hyundai owners who encounter problems on the road can avail of emergency towing, minor on-site repairs, and other personal auto-related services.
24/7 Emergency Towing Assistance is valid for any Hyundai model aged 13 years and below. This covers nationwide towing to the nearest Hyundai dealership. Furthermore, HMPH will now shoulder a maximum of PHP8,000 for regular towing assistance and up to PHP10,000 for flooded vehicles. Owners can also expect up to PHP3,000 free coverage for hotel accommodation to ensure safety in case of an emergency. New vehicle releases will automatically come with a 1-year Roadside Assistance enrollment under the updated terms.
“We at HMPH believe in caring for our customers. So, we aim to provide them peace of mind whenever they’re on the road. Our emergency services are now available to more Hyundai owners this year, encapsulating our commitment to being a valued mobility partner for our customers, through every journey.” says HMPH managing director Cecil Capacete.
To avail of Roadside Assistance, customers can call the Hyundai Contact Center at (02)-8868-8000 or 0917-868-9000.
Get ready to say “Aloha!” as SM North EDSA brings the spirit of Hawaii to life with Kokaua Town from Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch”!
Check out the supersized Kokaua Town at The Block Atrium, SM North EDSA.
Check out the supersized Kokaua Town at The Block Atrium, SM North EDSA.
From now until May 7, The Block Atrium at SM North EDSA has been transformed into a supersized tropical paradise, complete with vibrant island décor and a curated collection of adorable Stitch-themed merchandise.
Grab your Stitch merchandise before the highly anticipated premiere of the reimagined “Lilo & Stitch.”
Celebrate everyone’s favorite spacey troublemaker at this themed pop-up, with collectible merch, photo ops and more, before catching the live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, “Lilo & Stitch,” landing in cinemas in May 2025.
Stitch galore!
Stitch galore!
Do not miss the chance to immerse yourself in the ultimate summer escape without leaving the city. Head over to The Block Atrium, SM North EDSA, and experience the unforgettable charm of Kokaua Town brought to you by Disney Philippines and SM Fandom.
For more information, follow SM North EDSA’s official social media accounts and visit www.smsupermalls.com.
As Filipino consumers spend more time on mobile than ever, brands are facing an urgent challenge: standing out in a market overflowing with apps. From finance to retail to food delivery, downloads are surging — but sustainable growth now hinges on keeping users engaged, loyal, and coming back.
“We’re entering a phase where install growth is just the beginning,” said April Tayson, Adjust regional vice president for INSEAU. “Being the most downloaded app is not enough – it’s about being the most retained, most used, and most valued. At Adjust, we help brands measure and understand user behavior, optimize retention strategies, and make data-driven decisions that fuel long-term engagement and growth.”
According to Apps Performance Insights from Sensor Tower, finance apps in the Philippines reached nearly 200 million downloads in 2024, with credit and lending apps growing over 30% year-on-year. Retail apps like Temu have also seen strong growth, driven by gamified and discovery-based shopping. Additionally, the Philippines now leads Southeast Asia in food delivery app installs, capturing the largest share (23%) of Food & Drink app downloads and ranking second in average daily time spent on these apps.
Yet, despite rising installs, retention remains a hurdle for brands.
(FROM L-R): Manish Wali, Head Of Inside Sales APAC; Roel Santos, Coins.ph Digital Marketing Manager; Pavan Powar, SarisukiDirector – Strategy, Investor Relations and Marketplace; Valid Al-Zoabi, Salmon Head of POS Product; Meg Amat, UNO Bank Head of Marketing; Bruce Nguyen, Google Apps Growth and Acquisition Lead SEA.
Adjust’s Guide to Maximizing Retention and Engagement in the Philippine App Landscape
Supporting these trends, Adjust shared insights from its latest Mobile App Trends Report, highlighting that while global install growth is robust, real performance lies in deeper engagement and smarter measurement. Highlights include:
Finance app installs rose 27% YoY, with APAC accounting for a significant share at 41% YoY growth. To maximize engagement, brands personalize user experiences and apply regional targeting – supported by tools like deep linking and web-to-app tracking – to ensure users land exactly where expected within the app.
Shopping app installs grew 28% YoY but saw shorter session lengths, underscoring the trend toward faster, more efficient user experiences. Brands can streamline the shopping journey with AI-driven recommendations, reducing friction and improving conversion rates. Incrementality testing and advanced attribution modeling can also reveal which strategies drive true engagement and measure cross-channel impact.
Retention rates for both finance and shopping remain below 10% by day 30, indicating a strong need to increase post-install engagement. Brands can improve retention with tactics like gamified onboarding, personalized push notifications, and loyalty rewards. Audience segmentation and re-engagement tools support more precise retargeting campaigns, while omnichannel attribution and fraud prevention ensure accurate performance tracking and protect budgets from invalid traffic.
“In the Philippines’ fast-growing app market, brands must now shift their focus from growth alone to sustained performance,” Tayson added. “By leveraging data-driven insights, marketers can optimize the user experience, turning installs into loyal, long-term customers. This is how brands in the Philippines, and the rest of Southeast Asia, can win the long game.”
To explore more findings, industry best practices and learn more about Adjust, visit https://www.adjust.com
Fujifilm Philippines officially launched the instax WIDE Evo™, a hybrid, wide-angle instant camera, through a vibrant two-day exhibit titled “10:10 – Wider Stories to Tell” at Glorietta Activity Center, Makati, last April 26 to 27, 2025.
Following the global success of the instax mini Evo™, the instax WIDE Evo is a hybrid instant camera equipped with a wide-angle lens, offering users the ability to capture memories on a broader canvas and create standout masterpieces.
Wider Stories on Display
The special exhibit showcased the creative works of renowned Filipino photographers—Jilson Tiu, Geloy Concepcion, Aya Cabauatan, and Issa Barte—who used the instax WIDE Evo™ as a medium for storytelling. The two-day event also featured interactive installations, workshops, photo areas, and exclusive hands-on experiences with the new camera model.
Through a combination of 10 lens effects, 10 film styles, and the groundbreaking “Degree Control” function—which allows users to finely adjust light and color gradation across 100 levels—the WIDE Evo empowers photographers to create more than 100,000 unique expressions. Designed with analog-style operability, including dials for effects selection and a manual “Print Crank” for printing, the WIDE Evo blends classic craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
A dedicated mobile app further enhances the experience, letting users replicate favorite shooting styles from a global “Discover Feed” and directly print smartphone images via Bluetooth connectivity.
Artistic Expressions with the WIDE Evo™
Each participating photographer unveiled a personal exhibit at “10:10 – Wider Stories to Tell,” reflecting the expanded creative possibilities offered by the instax WIDE Evo™:
Jilson Tiu’s “Finding Home” explored his search for belonging across various landscapes, immortalizing moments from Manila, Taipei, and beyond.
Aya Cabauatan’s “Pag-uruli: Where the Horizons Meet” traced a personal journey of homecoming, weaving together landscapes and quiet portraits from Sorsogon and Manila.
Geloy Concepcion’s “Moments to Memories” captured fleeting yet profound moments with his family amid a life constantly in motion.
Issa Barte’s “Heritage of Humanity” presented reflections on memory, loss, and revitalization, inspired by her travels to Vietnam.
The exhibit drew significant crowds, offering visitors an inspiring glimpse into how the instax WIDE Evo™ can be a powerful tool for storytelling and personal expression.
Instax WIDE Evo™ Now Available
The instax WIDE Evo™ is now available at Fujifilm authorized dealers across the Philippines, priced at PHP22,599 SRP. Along with the launch, Fujifilm also introduced the newest instax WIDE film Brushed Metallics, available for PHP660 SRP per 10-sheet pack.
