May 9, 2025

How to Make All Your #TravelGoals Come True This Year

Discover how you can unlock exclusive travel promos with the GCash Card

MANILA, Philippines –Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore – these are just some of the top destinations of Pinoy travelers last year. Whether it's a quick getaway, an adventure abroad, or a return trip to your favorite country, making your #travelgoals a reality starts with good planning.

With 2025 well underway and everyone eager to tick off the countries on their bucket lists, here are a few tips and tricks for a fun, stress-free, and memorable trip abroad while ensuring you always get the most out of your money.

Create a travel budget and track all your expenses

It is so easy to get carried away by the sheer excitement of traveling abroad. This sometimes leads us to make expensive mistakes, like booking overpriced hotels, plotting too many expensive activities in your itinerary, or buying too many clothes and goodies that cause you to exceed your baggage allowance.

While it’s great to splurge once in a while for a trip abroad, setting a budget can help you financially stay on track, and can help you prevent unexpected expenses. Who knows? You might just save enough to be able to go on another trip later in the year!

An easy way to keep an eye on your budget is by tracking all your expenses down in a notebook, an online spreadsheet, or an app – what matters is finding what works best to help you stay on top of your expenses so you can see where you can ease off of spending.

Research, research, and research

With a set budget in mind, your next planning focus would be finding the most ideal flights, accommodations, and tours. Now it’s time to do some research to find some options and see if they match up to your expectations. Researching for your trip can be as simple (and fun!) as reading blog posts and watching travel videos about your dream destination. You can also check out reviews of certain hotels, restaurants, and activities, to see if they’re worth booking or not.

Before you finalize anything, make sure you also take a look at online promos and discounts, because it’s usually cheaper to book in advance online, rather than when you get to your destination. Also, make sure the travel apps and websites you’ll be booking on are safe and legit!

Get exclusive deals with your GCash VISA Card

One way you can unlock exclusive travel deals is by paying with the GCash VISA Card. Available in 200+ countries and territories and over 80 million merchants, the GCash Card opens up endless possibilities - from the planning stages of your trip until you're at your destination.

Using your GCash Card to pay for hotel bookings at Agoda gives you an exclusive 8% discount on hotel bookings. Lifestyle and travel content creator Kara Rodriguez knows all about this convenient deal. During her recent stay with her mom in Cebu, she was able to take advantage of this discount on her hotel booking which offered all the things she was looking for to really connect with her! Check out her vlog here, and remember that with smart planning and your GCash Card always on hand, you can secure deals just like Kara did. 

But that's not all! You can also book hotel stays with IHG and use your GCash Card for up to 20% off in participating hotels in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Maldives, Laos, Japan, Micronesia, Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific Islands!

Enjoy your travel adventure

With your bookings finalized, time to pack your bags, grab your passport, and get your OOTDs ready. Take lots of photos and videos, check out your destination’s hottest food and culture spots, and make unforgettable memories. Most of all, don’t forget to bring the all-new VISA-powered GCash Card, with you for more convenient travels!

Easily order one without the need for required documents through the GCash app, turn your #travelgoals into a reality! To learn more, visit GCash at www.new.gcash.com/services/cards.

 

Ben&Ben Reconnects with Ed Sheeran at Off Limits Festival in Abu Dhabi Ahead of His New Single Release


Filipino award-winning band Ben&Ben shared another heartwarming moment with global superstar Ed Sheeran at the recently concluded OFFLIMITS Music Festival in Abu Dhabi.
“We felt the luckiest to be able to meet Ed Sheeran again in Off Limits Festival, Abu Dhabi. What constantly blows us away more than his generational talent and sheer musicality is the genuine, warm connection he makes with everyone he meets, including us.

He recalled how lovely it was for him to be able to perform for Filipinos. He also remembered us from when we met him here in Manila, which is very cool. It’s an honor to have been able to exchange stories with him again. We wish Ed all the best with his new album, Play!” – Paolo Guico, Ben&Ben

The band shared a lighthearted moment, revealing, “Mabango siya [Ed smelled good].” Their admiration for Ed’s effortless charm and presence was evident, with the band members recalling how his natural charisma and positive energy filled the room.
Ben&Ben graced the stage alongside international acts such as Ed Sheeran, Kaiser Chiefs, and OneRepublic at Etihad Park on April 26th. Adding to the memorable experience, the nine-piece band and Ed Sheeran were captured in a friendly photo together backstage.

Prior to the festival, the band posted a captivating cover of Ed Sheeran's recent release "Azizam," which garnered significant attention. Ed Sheeran himself acknowledged the cover by sharing it on his Instagram story, leading many of his dedicated fans to discover and express their admiration for Ben&Ben's musical talent on their social media pages.

This recent encounter in Abu Dhabi marks another special connection between the Filipino band and the British singer-songwriter. On March 9, 2024, Ben&Ben had the distinct honor of performing as a special guest during Ed Sheeran's "+ – = ÷ x Tour" at the SMDC Festival Grounds in the Philippines.

Recalling the cherished moments from their previous meeting, Ben&Ben took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a concise yet impactful summary:
“1. We met Ed Sheeran.
2. We did Karaoke with him.
3. We performed on his iconic round stage.
4. Our frontmen performed our song, Maybe The Night WITH Ed Sheeran and his amazing band."
Ed Sheeran has kicked off an exciting new era with the release of his latest single, "Old Phone," which dropped on May 1. He first teased the emotional track with a live snippet shared on Instagram, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. Now available on all major streaming platforms—including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music—the song sets the tone for what promises to be a bold new chapter.

That chapter continues with his upcoming album, Play, arriving on September 12, 2025. Moving on from his Mathematics series, Sheeran explores fresh creative ground, weaving together global influences—from Indian and Persian sounds to the Irish folk traditions of his roots—while staying true to the acoustic and lyrical style fans love. Written and recorded across the globe and finished in Goa, Play is as much about emotional healing as it is about rediscovering joy through music.


NEW SINGLE ‘OLD PHONE’
RELEASED ON 1ST MAY 2025

ED SHEERAN ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM ‘PLAY’
RELEASED ON 12TH SEPTEMBER 2025

May 8, 2025

Celebrate Mother’s Day the OPPO Way


This Mother’s Day, leading global smart device brand OPPO invites you to honor the women who have shaped our lives with love, strength, and unwavering care with its OPPO Mom’s Day Promo.

 

A Special Treat for Moms: The OPPO Mom’s Day Promo

Until May 9, 2025, customers who avail of repair services at participating OPPO Service Centers will have a chance to win a Mother’s Day Salon Package worth PHP 1,000 — because the women who take care of everyone deserve to be pampered too.

Let’s celebrate every mom — for all that she is and all that she gives the OPPO way.

Here’s how it works:

     Simply have your OPPO device repaired at any participating OPPO Service Center between May 4 to May 9 to earn a raffle entry.

     Five (5) lucky winners will be announced on May 13 via the OPPO Care-PH Facebook page and will be contacted by OPPO Care-PH for prize claiming.

     The prize is transferable, so you can give it to your mom, wife, or any special person that brings light in your life.

 

Participating OPPO Service Centers Nationwide:


  1. Ayala Fairview Terraces OPPO Service Center
  2. Baguio OPPO Service Center
  3. Bulacan OPPO Service Center
  4. CDO OPPO Service Center
  5. Davao OPPO Service Center
  6. Iloilo OPPO Service Center
  7. Laguna OPPO Service Center
  8. Lipa OPPO Service Center
  9. Lucena OPPO Service Center
  10. Legazpi OPPO Service Center
  11. Nueva Ecija OPPO Service Center
  12. Pampanga OPPO Service Center
  13. Santiago OPPO Service Center
  14. SM City Cebu OPPO Service Center
  15. SM Dasmarinas OPPO Service Center
  16. SM Gensan OPPO Service Center
  17. SM Manila OPPO Service Center
  18. SM North Edsa OPPO Service Center
  19. SM Masinag OPPO Service Center
  20. Tacloban OPPO Service Center
  21. Tuguegarao OPPO Service Center

 

Celebrate Mom with OPPO!

Make your Moms feel seen, celebrated, and spoiled with OPPO!

 

For more details about the OPPO Mom’s Day Promo, visit https://support.oppo.com/ph/ or follow OPPO Care-PH on Facebook,and TikTok.

 

To give your OPPO device the care it deserves, drop by the nearest OPPO Service Center or connect with us through our website, via Facebook.

 

From all of us at OPPO Philippines — Happy Mother’s Day!

 

May 7, 2025

Make her feel like the Best Mom with vivo! Buy any vivo phone to receive vivo Best Mom Award Certificate

In every Filipino family, a mother stands as the quiet force that holds everything together. She is the early morning wake-up call, the late-night listener, the tireless provider, and the unshakable source of strength. While her love often goes unspoken and her sacrifices unseen, her impact is immeasurable.

This Mother’s Day, vivo is shining a spotlight on every mom’s unwavering devotion through the vivo Best Mom Award, a nationwide initiative that honors the love, effort, and selflessness that mothers give every single day. The campaign invites families across the Philippines to express their appreciation in a meaningful, memorable way.

A small way to say a big Thank You


From May 9 until May 13, 2025, vivo invites families to take a moment to honor the most selfless woman in their lives.

All you need to do is buy any vivo phone, as every purchase comes with a vivo Best Mom Award Certificate for your mother. Find a participating vivo concept store near you here: https://www.vivoglobal.ph/vivo-best-mom-award-promo/.

To keep the love going, share this moment online with the hashtag #vivoBestMom and tag @vivo_philippines to receive exclusive vivo merchandise.


Capture mom's beauty with the vivo V50

A mother’s love is picture-perfect, and with vivo’s latest innovation — the vivo V50 with 50MP ZEISS All Main Camera — you can now capture that love in its purest form. As part of the celebration, moms are treated to a free professional-style portrait session using the vivo V50.

Equipped with ZEISS optics, the vivo V50 brings out natural beauty with true-to-life colors, soft bokeh, and elegant tones. The result? Timeless portraits worthy of the woman who’s given you everything. And yes, the portraits are completely free — a keepsake she can cherish forever.

Don't miss this heartfelt Mother's Day celebration

This May, vivo is reminding everyone that Mother’s Day is not just a date on the calendar - it’s a chance to show love, gratitude, and respect.

Through the vivo Best Mom Award, moms are seen, appreciated, and honored. So visit a participating vivo store today, and make your mom feel like the best in the world.

Stay informed of latest vivo news at https://www.vivo.com/en/about-vivo/news

DITO Dominates The Telco Landscape, Wins Rated #1 Mobile Network By Ookla For The Third Time

Filipinos have spoken- DITO is the mobile network they trust.


DITO Telecommunity continues to win the hearts of Filipinos as it is once again the Rated #1 Mobile Network in the Philippines by Ookla* the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. This marks DITO’s third consecutive win, proving that its commitment to delivering fast and reliable mobile experience and excellent customer service experience remains unmatched.

Eric Alberto, DITO Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and other executives received the award on March 3 at the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. This recognition reflects DITO's rapid rise as a true industry disruptor, offering innovative products that enrich customers' connectivity and overall experience.

DITO continues to raise the bar for excellent customer satisfaction

According to Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data from Q3-Q4 2024, DITO secured the highest rating among all mobile networks in the country with a total score of 3.7, surpassing Smart (3.3) and Globe (3.2). This three-peat achievement reinforces DITO’s growing impact in the telco industry as it continues to provide value-for-money products, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced customer experience.

"Being recognized as the Rated #1 Mobile Network for the third time is a testament to the trust placed in us. As a young telco, this recognition drives us to keep innovating, continuously improve our services, and empower the digital lives of more Filipinos. We remain committed to nation-building, investing in our infrastructure, and giving Filipinos the reliable connectivity and excellent customer service they deserve, " Alberto said.

Ookla’s Rated #1 Mobile Network award is determined by real user feedback collected through the Speedtest.net website and Speedtest app. After completing a network test, users rate their provider on a one-to-five-star scale in the "Rate Your Provider" section. The telco with the highest average rating versus all major mobile networks in the market earns the prestigious award.

Aside from the latest Ookla win, DITO was also hailed the Fastest Mobile Network by Opensignal in their latest report, further solidifying the young telco’s commitment to delivering top-tier connectivity and mobile services. With these back-to-back recognitions from trusted mobile analytics firms, DITO is indeed dominating and revolutionizing the Philippine telco landscape.

DITO products and services are available via the DITO App, DITO Experience Stores, authorized retail partners, Shopee, and Lazada. For more details, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or visit https://dito.ph/.

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