SM expands scholarships for uniformed personnel

Tweet

The SM Group is expanding scholarship support for uniformed personnel and their families, reinforcing its push for accessible quality education as part of its broader strategy to support inclusive growth.

Through its education institutions, National University (NU) and Asia Pacific College (APC), the group is widening access to senior high school, undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly for communities with limited access to higher education.

National University  Asia Pacific College 

National University (NU) Las Pinas 

NU recently renewed its partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), providing up to 2,250 scholarship slots across its 15 campuses for qualified dependents and active personnel. NU is present in various cities and provinces including Manila, Laguna, Pasay, Makati, Quezon City, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Pampanga, Bacolod, Pasig, Cebu, Las Pinas, and soon in Davao.

The partnership also includes access to internship, training, and development opportunities aimed at improving employability outcomes.

Scholars may avail of a 20% discount on tuition and miscellaneous fees across all programs. The partnership also provides full scholarship to dependents of KIA (killed-in-action) uniformed personnel.

“We honor the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation. As part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Educational Benefit System Office (AFP-EBSO) community of schools, we are proud to help carry their legacy forward by supporting their families, especially their children, in pursuing quality education through scholarship opportunities,” said Mr. Rolando T. Averilla, Senior Vice President for Corporate and International Relations for NU.

A daughter of a Philippine Navy Marines officer, Jamaica Casiano, an 18-year-old first year student at NU Manila, shared that she “chose National University because it is a UAAP school known for its quality education and strong academic reputation. Being part of NU motivates me to strive harder and achieve my goals. My scholarship has relieved me from the financial burden of paying for my education, allowing me to focus fully on my studies.”

Asia Pacific College (APC), part of the SM Group, has supported 1,283 scholars from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police since 2006, helping them pursue degrees in IT, engineering, and business, programs designed to strengthen skills and open pathways for career advancement.

“Providing access to relevant, industry‑aligned education is not just an aspiration for us. It is something we actively deliver,” said APC President Dr. Ma. Teresita ‘Tata’ Medado. “Through this partnership, we meaningfully honor the service of our uniformed personnel by equipping them with education that strengthens their careers, uplifts their families, and enables them to serve their communities with even greater impact.”

Among the scholars is Lt. Junior Grade Charles Nakpil of the Philippine Navy, who graduated from APC in 2016 with a degree in BS Electronics Engineering.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity APC gave me,” said Lt. Nakpil. “The education I received at Asia Pacific College did not only strengthen me as a public servant; it also gave my family greater security and pride; and allowed me to serve alongside my colleagues with deeper confidence and competence. What I learned continues to guide how I lead, how I work, and how I support the communities we are sworn to protect.”

Separately, SM Foundation continues to support uniformed personnel through healthcare initiatives, including the provision of medical equipment and the development of healthcare facilities.

These efforts form part of SM's long-term focus on education as a lever for workforce development and broader economic participation.

These Three Food Concepts are Redefining Dining as an Experience, How GCash for Business Helps Bring Those Experiences to Life

Tweet

The local food scene has never been more exciting than in the past few years. With new concepts emerging and a constant demand for something fresh, business owners are constantly thinking about how to ensure they’re set for success.

The modern dining experience is holistic, and the most successful food entrepreneurs understand that every detail shapes how a brand is remembered. Today, it’s not just about what’s on the plate. It’s about every touchpoint before and after the meal – from how customers first discover a restaurant online, to how they’re welcomed, how efficiently they’re served.

Yet across today’s food scene, the experience is constantly challenged by a recurring issue: friction and delays in payment. For three food entrepreneurs, solving this has become central to building their businesses.

Designing the full experience with the customer in mind

For one of Manila’s coolest new gelato shops, Kariton, designing the experience begins with putting the customer first.

“The name Kariton comes from the street carts many of us grew up with, so when people walk in, I want them to feel an instant sense of warmth and curiosity. It should feel approachable, not intimidating, but once you taste our gelato, you’ll realize that it’s made with serious technique and high-quality, local ingredients,” Leon Taira, Global Partner of Kariton, explains.

Kariton blends Filipino culture and nostalgia with a fun, Australian-inspired charm to use gelato as a shareable way to introduce local ingredients and culture. But because gelato melts quickly, service speed is a priority. “Very early on, we realized that small details matter a lot. Things like queue flow, signage, temperature control, portioning, and how staff greet you. At the same time, we don’t want to rush the customer, and we want to make sure we have time to tell them our story and the stories in each scoop.”

This challenge of balancing convenience with staying true to their concept is something modern food businesses, including Mariell Chuateco-Tanchip and her team at Taste & Tell, are navigating, especially after expanding from their home business into their first physical store.

“We realized dining is about the entire journey — ambiance, service, speed, and even how customers pay. Even if the food is excellent, a slow or stressful checkout can change the entire experience,” she says. “Generosity is important to us. We never want guests to feel like they’re getting less. We want them to leave full, happy, and excited to come back,” she adds.

This is echoed by Patrick Santos, owner of Nolita Joe’s, whose service philosophy marries the best of New York-style dining – which is fast-paced – without sacrificing quality. For him and his team, it’s about balancing efficiency with what guests expect and deserve.

“It’s not unusual for guests to either rave about or get annoyed at the small things, so everything should matter. Even something as seemingly minor as waiting a bit too long for the bill to be settled or having limited payment options can affect the whole experience,” she points out.

To address this friction, all three businesses have since integrated GCash for Business and tools like the new GCash SoundPay to improve both speed and service flow, especially at checkout. GCash SoundPay is a payment device that enables instant cashless transactions through QR payments with real-time voice confirmation, helping both staff and customers confirm payments instantly, without slowing down service.

“It’s made things a lot more seamless. Less friction, faster turnover, and less stress for the team. It really helps during peak hours. Faster transactions mean more turnover and better customer satisfaction,” he explains.

Embracing new tools as part of the experience

Across all three concepts, one shift is clear in modern dining: technology is an essential part of hospitality. For Leon, removing friction is key to repeat visits. “Before being able to provide cashless payment options, the common issues we would face included not having exact change and delays during peak hours. These small frictions add up and can slow down the entire service flow and ultimately affect the chances for return visits.”

For today’s young restaurateurs, success is no longer just about serving great food. It’s about the experience around it, which requires understanding customer behavior, mastering operations, and designing a seamless experience from start to finish. Throughout their journey, they have found support in solutions like GCash for Business.

If you’re a young business owner, getting started with GCash for Business is your first step into your easy era. Create an account on the GCash for Business Portal. You can get started as a merchant using just your verified GCash account of at least 12 months to qualify for a Starter Plan. Order a GCash SoundPay device, then wait for your email confirmation on your GCash SoundPay delivery. For more information on how GCash helps empower businesses and explore other products to help your business, visit GCash for Business.

GCash rolls out programs to help make everyday transactions more affordable: zero fees for Middle East transactions, free health insurance, free offline cash in, and 50% off MRT-3 rides

Tweet

Filipinos can take advantage of zero transaction fees for Middle East transactions, free insurance, free offline cash-in, and 50% MRT-3 fare discount with GCash. These initiatives underscore the commitment of GCash to support Filipinos in navigating the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Extended zero fees for Middle East transactions via GCash

GCash has extended zero fees for transfers to and from the Middle East until April 30, 2026 to help ease the financial burden of its overseas Filipino users and their families amid the ongoing developments in the region and rising prices.

The super finance app has enabled Filipinos in affected areas to stay connected with loved ones and to receive assistance without added costs. This supports the national government's continuing efforts to prioritize the safety and welfare of overseas Filipinos.

Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan will not be charged for their bank transfers to the Philippines and other transactions, like GLoad and GBills. Waived transaction fees will be credited back to their GCash wallet automatically via in-app cashback. Users will receive an in-app notification confirming that the cashback has been successfully credited. No registration is required.

GCash users in the Philippines can also remit money to their loved ones in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman for free via GCash International Transfer.

Free offline cash-in from partner merchants

GCash is offering free and instant over-the-counter cash-in of up to PHP 8,000 per month in branches of select partners. This helps ease financial strain of GCash users, especially for commuters and drivers affected by rising fuel costs.

Users can conveniently cash in at partner outlets nationwide, including Puregold, Palawan Pawnshop, Lawson, SM, MRT stations, Uncle John's, and Robinsons.

Users may also avail of this free service via Action.Able, Ayannah, Bayad Center, DA5, Dayon, ECPay, eTAP, ExpressPay, Growsari, iBayad, LBC, Pay&Go, Perahub, RD Pawnshop, Southstar Drug, Tambunting Kristal, Tambunting Amazing Gold, TouchPay, TrueMoney, Villarica Pawnshop, and ZoomPay.

With zero fees and real-time processing, users can easily add funds to their GCash wallets for daily expenses and essential purchases.

Free health insurance in every load purchase

As an added layer of protection, GCash, through its digital insurance platform GInsure, gives free health insurance, underwritten by FPG Insurance, to eligible users every time they buy prepaid load for themselves through GLoad in the GCash app.

Insurance coverage in the country is improving, but the majority of Filipinos still have limited access or coverage. With millions already using the GCash app to buy telco load, GCash aims to make insurance protection more inclusive and attainable by offering this value-added service with mobile load purchases, especially valuable amid the ongoing oil crisis that has increased the cost of living for Filipinos.

When users buy mobile load for themselves for any telco brand in GCash, they get health insurance coverage for free. First, accidental death coverage worth PHP 10,000, which can accumulate up to a maximum of PHP 30,000 when making up to three separate eligible load purchases. Second, income assistance worth PHP 500 per day when they are hospitalized due to illnesses and accidents, up to a maximum of PHP 2,500 for 5 days. Third, disablement benefits worth PHP10,000, providing the user or their beneficiaries an additional safety net. The offer is available to GCash users every time they buy load.

For more comprehensive protection and added peace of mind, GCash also offers a wide range of affordable insurance products through the GInsure marketplace, with health coverage starting as low as PHP 69 per month, providing hospitalization benefits; and accident insurance available from as low as PHP 15, offering coverage of up to PHP 500,000.

50% MRT-3 fare discount via GCash

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has implemented a discounted fare matrix for single-journey tickets, stored-value cards, and cashless payments in response to rising consumer prices since March 23, 2026. As a partner, GCash has made this available on the app.

Passengers of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) can easily avail of the 50% discounted fare via the GCash app by using the GCash Commute QR, Tap to Pay for NFC-enabled Android phones, or GCash Visa Card. Commuters can go directly to the train platforms without lining up at the ticketing booth, making travel more convenient and seamless.

GCash payments have been up and running at MRT-3 since July 2025, and this cashless payment experience gives back as much as 30 minutes per day to commuters by making them skip the single-journey ticket lines during rush hours.

The goal is simple: to make everyday transactions more affordable, accessible, and seamless for Filipinos. GCash will continue to closely monitor developments in the region and assess the need for a possible extension of these financial relief measures as necessary.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

By Runners for Runners: HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, Developed with King of Marathon Eliud Kipchoge, Now Available for PHP 19,999

Tweet

 

HUAWEI redefines how runners train and perform with the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, the lightest and most accurate titanium smartwatch in its class. The device was co-developed with King of Marathon Eliud Kipchoge, the first and only human to have covered a marathon distance in under two hours.

Long advocate for running as a universal pursuit, his “No Human Is Limited” ethos reflects a belief that running belongs to everyone, not just elite athletes, regardless of pace or distance. The HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 was powered by this idea, bringing elite-level training intelligence into the everyday routines of both recreational and competitive runners.

“What made me collaborate with HUAWEI is that we have the same values. I can believe in creating movement in this world. If you move, you become healthy, and that's the real core. I want to make this world a running world through movement,” said the marathon legend. “Together—myself and HUAWEI—we are trying to package this movement for every citizen in the world.”

Powered by Kipchoge’s Experience, Built for Every Runner

Working with the DSM-Firmenich, Kipchoge’s running team, HUAWEI translated elite training insights into the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 through more precise, real-time metrics.

Workout data is captured at one-second intervals, enabling finer analysis and quicker adjustments. Running power, refined with input from Kipchoge’s team, goes beyond heart rate to measure actual mechanical output. It offers a clearer view of effort, efficiency, and form when paired with cadence and stride data.

The device puts equal importance on how that data is delivered. Key metrics like pace, effort, and split deviations are surfaced in real time, turning the watch into a pacing companion rather than a passive tracker.

With the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, accuracy remains central. The watch combines a 3D floating antenna system with dual-band satellite support across major global systems to improve signal stability in dense or obstructed environments.

When signals drop, an industry-first AI-assisted XDR positioning system uses motion data to maintain consistent tracking. This ensures precise and uninterrupted records of pace and distance. That precision feeds into the Intelligent Marathon Mode, which integrates pacing, environmental data, and physiological inputs to guide runners through race conditions.

Turning Running Data Into a Smart, On-Wrist Coach

The HUAWEI GT Runner 2 extends beyond tracking into recovery and training guidance. By analyzing heart rate variability, sleep, and training load, it recommends rest and intensity adjustments, helping runners avoid overtraining and sustain progress.

Kipchoge’s career has shown that progress is built on consistency and control. This collaboration attempts to bring that same discipline to the wrist, turning elite insight into something any runner can use, one stride at a time.

“Not everyone can access the best coaches in the world, but we are lucky to have HUAWEI—with the best people who have run marathons, 5k, 10k, and 21k—to coach you. Free of charge. All you need is the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2,” he expressed.

Experience the Lightest, Most Accurate Titanium Smartwatch Today

The HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 is now available for PHP 19,999. From April 24 to May 31, early buyers will receive a bundle of exclusives, including a PHP 2,000 trade-in token (redeemable in-store), an in-box fluoroelastomer strap (PHP 1,999), a HUAWEI FreeArc audio wearable (PHP 4,999), and a three-month HUAWEI Health+ membership (PHP 387). The bundle also includes a one-year extended warranty and two years of accidental damage protection (PHP 3,999).

From April 24, online shoppers can also claim a PHP 2,500 voucher via the HUAWEI Online Store, or a PHP 1,000 voucher through Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, available while supplies last.

Visit your nearest HUAWEI Experience Store or HUAWEI’s official website and social media pages to learn more.

Shell Offers Php5 Per Liter Fuel Discount to Support Motorists Nationwide

Tweet

Shell Pilipinas Corporation is implementing a Php5 per liter discount on all fuels from April 24 to 30, 2026.

Available at participating Shell stations nationwide, motorists may avail of the price off with a minimum purchase of Php 1,500 for four-wheel vehicles and Php 200 for two-wheel vehicles, with a maximum discount of Php 200 per transaction.

Customers may continue to get more value out of existing programs, including the loyalty programs, Shell Go+ and SMAC, which allow users to earn points on any purchase in stations that are good as cash, and the UnionBank Shell Power Card, which offers eligible customers with up to 5% rebate on fuel spend. Shell FuelSave also delivers better mileage and is available nationwide.

For the public transport sector, Shell participates in the diesel subsidy program of the Department of Energy, providing a Php 10 per liter discount for public utility vehicles (PUVs). Additional discounts for PUV and TNVS drivers are available in approximately 450 Shell stations nationwide.

For full mechanics and participating stations, customers may visit: https://www.shell.com.ph/P5perliter.

To get more updates and key events, follow Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s official website and social media channels (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn).