Alden Richards' untold “Plan B” story

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At a time when kids his age were enjoying their teenage years, Alden was forced to deal with the harsh realities of life after his mother passed away from pneumonia in 2008.

"It happened when I was in high school. Mama got sick. Just like that, she was gone. My world suddenly stopped. Our savings were quickly depleted. I had to quit school to help my family earn a living." -  actor and BDO brand ambassador Alden Richards sadly recalled.

Like many Filipino families who relied solely on their savings, Alden and his family—still reeling from their grief—soon found themselves unable to cope with their daily maintenance expenses and unforeseen financial obligations resulting from the loss of his mom. This life-altering event impressed upon Alden the importance of cherishing every moment with his loved ones. Likewise, it taught him the value of planning and preparing for the future, and to ensure that a well-crafted Plan B for life was in place.

As soon as he started earning from his career, Alden wasted no time in finding an appropriate financial protection program to serve as his Plan B for life. On one of his bank visits, he learned that his BDO branch actually had a BDO Life Financial Advisor who could help him craft a Plan B for his needs.

"I miss you, Mom."

Actor and BDO brand ambassador Alden Richards looks longingly at the picture of his late mother.

Alden’s Plan B for life

"I’m now worry-free because I know my loved ones will be okay even if something happens to me," the award-winning actor said. "With life insurance, your plans will continue no matter what happens," he added, emphasizing that life insurance enables families to look forward to a secure future amid life’s uncertainties.

Alden highlighted the ease in availing of financial protection from BDO Life, thanks to the bank's expansive branch network.

"With BDO Life, it's so convenient. They have financial advisors in BDO branches who are always there for you, finding ways to protect you and your family," he said.

Life’s challenges made easier with a trusted partner

Life insurance should be every breadwinner’s priority. It is just as important as any other basic necessity. If anything happens to you, your life insurance policy ensures that your family will be able to continue the lifestyle that you accustomed them to have. It also allows them to pursue their future aspirations without worry.

“When you realize how the benefits of life insurance help make your family’s plans a reality, then you appreciate that owning one is not an option but a responsibility—one responsibility that is not routinely extinguished because of death,” said BDO Life President and CEO Renato A. Vergel De Dios.

“We are the 'Plan B' called upon to respond when your Plan A fails. Our mission is to deliver a service that provides you peace of mind knowing that life will be made easier and more comfortable for those you very much care for,” he added.

BDO Life helps you navigate life’s challenges with a wide range of insurance products to provide you and your family a secure future.

Start your Plan B with BDO Life today. Just visit the nearest BDO branch and look for the BDO Life Financial Advisor. You can also visit BDO Life’s website at www.bdo.com.ph/bdo-life to explore life insurance solutions and get premium quotes based on your financial goals and budget.

A New Era of Women-led Music: Tanaw Collective to release debut single “Landslide” ahead of February Concert

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Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas forge new paths forward with exciting collaborative projects, including new music releases in the future

Ahead of their much-anticipated repeat concert next month, Pinoy rock queens Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas have officially launched Tanaw Collective—a supergroup that celebrates the power of women-led collaborations. This new initiative will explore exciting ventures including collaborative music releases, live performances, and other creative projects that amplify female voices in the music industry.

In addition to the serialized Tanaw shows, the six-piece force will release their first official single “Landslide,” on Friday, January 31, 2025 across all digital music platforms worldwide. A stripped-down reimagining of the iconic Fleetwood Mac classic, the song was self-recorded by the artists, and mixed/mastered by Angee Rozul. Fans can expect to hear a special arrangement of “Landslide” live at the Tanaw: The Repeat concert, taking place at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on February 9, 2025 (Sunday), at 8:00 PM.

The reunion concert, which serves as a heartfelt celebration of the enduring bond between these iconic artists and their dedicated fans, will feature new interpretations of their beloved original songs, complemented by symphonic backing from The Manila String Machine on select cuts. Tanaw: The Repeat marks a significant moment for these women, whose individual and collective careers have shaped the Pinoy rock scene for decades.

The title TANAW (translated as “to gaze” or “to look out”) captures the reflective essence of the event. Whether revisiting the past with gratitude or looking ahead with excitement, this concert embodies both personal journeys and the collective sisterhood that binds these powerful voices. For Acel, Aia, Barbie, Hannah, Kitchie, and Lougee, Tanaw: The Repeat is more than just a reunion; it’s a chance to share new, meaningful musical expressions that honor their legacies while forging new paths forward.

Presented by Newport World Resorts, Tanaw: The Repeat is co-presented by GNN and Wow Fiesta, with official hotel partner Holiday Inn Express. Major sponsors include JB Music, Ming’s Pei Pa Koa Candy, David’s Salon, Apartment8, and Globatronics, while minor sponsors include Greenwich, Palladium, UGEC, Payaba, and Meiji Chocolates.

With less than 100 tickets remaining, fans are encouraged to secure their seats now by visiting: https://tanawtherepeat.helixpay.ph.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable musical experience.

Mapping Manila’s Chinese Temples at Yul Servo Nieto’s Directions VI

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On January 15, 2025, the Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel hosted the opening reception of Directions VI, a solo exhibition of Filipino contemporary artist and City of Manila Vice Mayor, honorable Yul Servo Nieto. The event celebrated the fusion of artistry and heritage, as Nieto unveiled a collection of works inspired by Filipino-Chinese traditions and culture.

Mapping Manila’s Chinese Temples at Yul Servo Nieto’s Directions VI

(L-R) Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan, Manila City Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, The Manila Hotel's Vice President for Sales and Marketing Marketing Marvin Kim Tan 

The event commenced with a warm opening remarks delivered by The Manila Hotel vice president for sales and marketing, Marvin Kim Tan, highlighting the institution’s commitment to supporting local art and culture. Following this, the artist delivered a speech sharing his inspiration behind the art pieces and announced that proceeds from the sales will go towards purchasing vital medical equipment—such as wheelchairs, nebulizers, hearing aids, blood pressure monitors, and walkers—to be donated to those in need. Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan also delivered a few words before joining Vice Mayor Nieto and Marvin Kim Tan for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, marking the exhibit’s official launch.

Directions VI at the Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel, a solo exhibition of Filipino contemporary artist and City of Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto

In Directions VI, Nieto reinvents his signature metal art pieces with elements of modern Cubism, Cartography or the art of map-making, and Assemblage art. Moving beyond his earlier focus on planes, lines, and negative space, he now incorporates everyday objects—bolts, nuts, screws, and hinges—as symbolic markers. These striking pieces pay tribute to Manila’s cultural richness and include depictions of Manila’s Chinese temples and historic districts like Binondo and San Nicolas.

The exhibition’s centerpiece, Temple Splendor, reimagines Chinese temples with golden nuts arranged on a grid-like map of Manila. Complementing the wall-mounted works are two free-standing sculptures—Nest of Healing and Icons of Heritage. Forged from bronze and gold-plated alloys, these pieces explore themes of healing and cultural preservation.

As the Chinese New Year draws near, Directions VI pays homage to the rich traditions of Manila’s Chinese temples. These vibrant hubs of cultural activity come alive with lion and dragon dances, incense lighting, and offerings of lucky foods—time-honored practices that reinforce familial and cultural unity.

Nieto’s latest creations highlight the significance of safeguarding these cherished traditions while exploring new dimensions of artistic expression.

Directions VI is now on display at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery. Admission is free. For interested buyers, call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, or email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

Philippines to Host ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026

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Johor Bahru, Malaysia – In a significant milestone for Philippine tourism, The Philippines represented by Secretary of Tourism Christina Garcia Frasco formally accepted the chairmanship of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 during a ceremonial handover held at the Johor International Convention Center on January 20, 2025. The symbolic gavel was handed over to Secretary Frasco by Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture marking The Philippines' commitment to host this prestigious event.

The ATF is set to include the highly anticipated ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, which will convene in the province of Cebu in January 2026.

Meanwhile, the preparatory meetings leading to the most prestigious gathering in ASEAN will be held in Manila and Boracay.

“As the Philippines takes on the Chairmanship of ASEAN 2026, I invite you to join us in the Philippines for the 29th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu on January 2026. It will be an opportunity not just to discuss policies, but to witness firsthand the immense potential for sustainable tourism growth in the region,” Secretary Frasco said.

She highlighted the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people, along with the rich culture and stunning natural beauty that Cebu has to offer.

Secretary Frasco emphasized that “Cebu is a hallmark of unity — evincing what can happen when communities, businesses, and governments come together to create a tourism model that is both profitable and responsible”.

“The Philippines, with its spirit of hospitality and deep sense of community, stands ready to open its pristine shores to all of you, where we will write a new chapter of the ASEAN story: a legacy of unity, sustainability, and prosperity for all,” she added.

Aside from the ASEAN meetings, a TRAVEX trade show, and various conferences will also be hosted by the Philippines as part of the ATF 2026.

The Philippines' upcoming hosting of the ATF follows the country's successful mounting of the 36th UN Tourism Joint Commission Meeting for the Asia Pacific and South Asia, as well as the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism.

Philippines as Vice Chair

Alongside her participation in the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025, Secretary Frasco served as vice chair at the 28th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, which was attended by tourism ministers from ASEAN member states Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Timor Leste, and Vietnam, as well as representatives from Russia, Japan, India, and South Korea.

As the lead country coordinator for the development of the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) Post-2025, Secretary Frasco presented updates and recommendations to fellow ministers aimed at fostering a tourism sector that drives equitable and sustainable economic growth for all.

“The ATSP envisions a tourism landscape that not only stimulates economic progress but does so in a manner that is equitable and sustainable. Our focus extends beyond quantity to quality – prioritizing convenience and safety in tourism, promoting longer stays and increased spending, all while safeguarding our natural resources and honoring our heritage and culture,” said Secretary Frasco.

She also emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to work with its ASEAN neighbors to build a sustainable tourism industry, “where tourism is not only about counting visitors but measuring their spending, contributions, and impact upon our communities, driven by the primordial principle of preserving the unique cultures and ecosystems that make the ASEAN a truly special place to visit.”

The Tourism Chief of the Philippines also called ASEAN a “family.” “United by a shared vision for the mutual prosperity of our nations, we perpetuate the notion that tourism is a force for good: transforming lives, sustaining livelihoods, forging friendships, creating memories etched in the hearts of all who come upon our streets and shores.”

Watsons end 2024 with 1,166 stores, continues to expand its community pharmacy format

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Further expanding into community pharmacy, Watsons Philippines opened more than 50 stores outside of Metro Manila.

Watsons Philippines, a leading health and beauty retail brand under the SM Group, concluded 2024 with 1,166 stores, as part of its strategic expansion. The company opened 80 new stores last year, with more than 50 of these outside Metro Manila.

The Watsons brand also opened its 8,000th store in Asia at the Mall of Asia last year, led by Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group. She shared how the opening of the 8,000th store marks a significant milestone in their global expansion, “The Philippines has been selected for this momentous occasion because it’s one of the fastest-rising economies in Asia and a strategic market for AS Watson. This vibrant and highly potential market has a young demographic that increasingly focuses on health and beauty, aligning perfectly with Watsons’ expertise.”

Expanding into community pharmacy

Since its first store opened in 2002, Watsons Philippines has grown significantly through a joint venture between the SM Group and Hong Kong-based A.S. Watson & Co. Ltd. The brand continues to enhance its presence nationwide, making healthcare and beauty products more accessible to Filipino consumers.

Last year’s new store openings include key cities and municipalities in Visayas and Mindanao, reflecting Watsons’ commitment to reaching communities in need.

A recent study by Bain and Company, titled “Asia-Pacific Front Line of Healthcare 2024,” reveals that about 85% of consumers in the region prioritize healthcare maintenance, with 51% willing to increase out-of-pocket spending for improved health outcomes and experiences.

Jared de Guzman, Customer Director at Watsons, emphasized the brand's focus on community pharmacies. “Watsons is not only expanding in malls but is also committed to establishing a strong presence in local neighborhoods,” De Guzman said. “By the end of 2024, we have 400 community stores throughout the Philippines, ensuring accessibility and convenience for our customers.”

Watsons began its community pharmacy journey in 2015 with its first store in Pateros. Today, the brand operates in three formats: Watsons Pharmacy, with more than 1,000 locations in various settings; SM Beauty in 76 SM Stores; and LOOK, a multi-brand outlet at SM Aura and SM Mall of Asia.

De Guzman highlighted the significance of these community pharmacies as a growth driver. “Our community stores bring essential healthcare products closer to home, catering to the convenience sought by our busy shoppers. They have become vital destinations for health, beauty, and wellness needs.”

Watsons continues to serve a diverse consumer base, from health-conscious individuals to trendsetting beauty enthusiasts, reinforcing its position as a trusted provider in the health and beauty sector.