Big Bad Wolf Books Kicks Off the BER Months with a Massive Book Sale Adventure in Filinvest Tent, Don’t Miss the Last Leg in the Metro

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Kick off the festive season early with amazing deals to fill your shelves with new books!

The BER months are here, and Big Bad Wolf Books is giving readers a festive reason to celebrate early! Running until October 13, 2025, at The Filinvest Tent in Metro Manila, this massive book sale brings over two million titles to Metro Manila’s South. From bestsellers and TikTok favorites to timeless classics and inspiring reads, every book lover can find something to kick off the season of giving in the best way possible—with stories to share.

Whether you’re starting your holiday shopping early or simply adding to your own collection, the Wolf is ready to help you hunt for the perfect reads and deals before the season rush begins.

Start the BER Months with New Reads and Early Gifts

As the Big Bad Wolf Books Sale enters its final days at the Filinvest Tent, now’s the time to get a head start on your BER-month book hunt.

From TikTok-famous novels like the ‘The Friend Zone’ by Abby Jimenez to interactive children’s stories like ‘JJ'S Busy Day (Cocomelon)’ by Maria Le, Big Bad Wolf’s shelves are stacked high with titles to match the warmth and wonder of the season:

JJ’s Busy Day

Author: Maria Le

Original Price: Php 1,150

BBW Price: Php 440

The Friend Zone

Author: Abby Jimenez

Original Price: Php 800

BBW Price: Php 340

The Korean Book of Happiness

(Hardcover)

Author: Barbara J. Zitwer

Original Price: Php 1,300

BBW Price: Php 500

The Night Road

Author: Kristin Hannah

Original Price: Php 850

BBW Price: Php 400

Joy at Work

Author: Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein

Original Price: Php 1,386

BBW Price: Php 400

The Brothers Hawthorne

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Original Price: Php 1,359

BBW Price: Php 560

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, laughter, or a spark of creativity, there’s a book waiting to set the tone for the months ahead. Every story is a small celebration — and every turn of the page brings the holidays a little closer.

From thoughtful presents to personal goals, these last days are the perfect opportunity to fill your shelves and your gift lists with stories that inspire, entertain, and comfort.

The season’s best book deals, from heartwarming novels and business bestsellers to children’s picture books and holiday-themed stories, are waiting to be discovered.

Hunt, Shop, and Win Big in the Raffle!

Shoppers can make their Big Bad Wolf Books Sale experience even more exciting with the limited-time raffle promo, where every P5,000 spent in a single receipt earns one raffle entry. Submit your receipt and entry at the Raffle Booth located in the Customer Service area.

Prizes up for grabs:

● Minor Prize: IKEA bookshelf with decals plus 100 books worth P300 each

● Major Prize: An iPad for the ultimate reading and digital experience

● Grand Prize: A 3-day getaway for two with hotel stay included

Winners will be announced on October 11, 2025, at 11:45 PM, so don’t miss your chance to hunt, shop, and win big before the Wolf howls goodbye!

Sharing Stories to Change Lives

Beyond the excitement of the sale, Big Bad Wolf Books continues its advocacy of promoting literacy and accessibility through its Red Readerhood Program.

Caritas Manila, is one of the country’s largest non-profit organizations dedicated to alleviating poverty through education, livelihood, and social services. Through the Red Readerhood booth at the sale, visitors can donate books directly to Caritas Manila, helping bring the joy of reading to families and communities in need.

Visitors can take part in this meaningful cause by purchasing any book at the Sale and donating it at the Red Readerhood Booth, located near the checkout counters. Shoppers simply select a book, pay and inform the cashier that it’s for donation, and drop it off at the booth where it will later be turned over to Caritas Manila.

To help more people understand the cause, Caritas Manila also has a dedicated booth at the event, where guests can drop by to learn more about the organization’s advocacy and ongoing programs that uplift communities through education and social development.

Through this simple yet powerful act, every visitor has the chance to share the joy of reading with families and communities in need. Each purchase and donation made at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale fuels this shared mission of changing the world, one book at a time.

Don’t Miss the Final Days of the Filinvest Sale

Big Bad Wolf Books’ Alabang sale is roaring through its final stretch, and this is your last chance to start the BER months with books, bargains, and boundless fun.

● Venue: The Filinvest Tent, Alabang

● Dates: Until October 13, 2025

● Hours: Monday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Friday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight

Admission is free, so bring your pack, bring your lists, and bring your holiday spirit — because the Wolf won’t be in town for long! For more information on upcoming sales and updates, visit Big Bad Wolf Books’ website or follow their official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

CICC, GCash strengthen alliance for intensified campaign against cyber fraud

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Recognizing the continuous need to safeguard Filipinos from rising online fraud and scams, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the lead agency under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) tasked with combating cybercrime, has forged a stronger alliance with leading finance app GCash to boost cyber protection for digital financial services.

(L-R) Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) director IV Alvin Navarro and undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso inks Memorandum of Agreement with Mynt, parent company of GCash represented by group head for new businesses Winsley Bangit, chief legal officer Atty. Maricor Alvarez-Adriano, and G-Xchange Inc., head of legal Atty. Gilbert Escoto

Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), this partnership strengthens incident response and information sharing. It also supports the government’s capacity-building programs to further enhance cyber resilience.

The agreement was signed by CICC Usec. Renato “Aboy” A. Paraiso, who was joined by Dir. Alvin M. Navarro and Dir. Rojun V. Hosillos, together with other CICC officials. Representing GCash were Mynt’s (parent company of GCash) group head for new businesses, Winsley Royce Bangit, chief legal and compliance officer, Atty. Maricor Alvarez-Adriano, G-Xchange Inc., head of legal, Atty. Gilbert Escoto, with the support of GCash head of advocacy, Atty. Mark Anthony Amurao, Mynt’s chief information and security officer, Miguel Geronilla, and vice president and head of corporate communications and public affairs, Gilda Maquilan.

Emphasizing the importance of public-private collaboration, Undersecretary Paraiso noted, “Cybersecurity is not the responsibility of the government alone—it requires strong collaboration with industry leaders like GCash. Through this partnership, we are sending a clear message to cybercriminals that we are united in protecting Filipinos and will relentlessly pursue those who seek to exploit our digital economy. Together, we are building a safer and more resilient cyberspace where trust and innovation can thrive.”

The collaboration comes at a time when digital platforms are increasingly targeted by fraudsters. With stronger cooperation between the government and the private sector, both CICC and GCash are committed to reinforcing user protection and building greater trust in the country’s digital ecosystem.

For its part, GCash has been taking proactive measures, successfully blocking over 4 million fraudulent accounts and taking down thousands of malicious posts. These efforts will be further strengthened and complemented by CICC’s expertise, enabling GCash to better protect users who rely on digital services for their everyday transactions.

The partnership represents a vital step in the ongoing efforts of GCash to achieve its vision of financial inclusion while securing its users. “This partnership with CICC also serves as a compelling reminder that we must continue improving and innovating to protect our customers from ever-present cyber threats and other types of scams,” Atty. Alvarez-Adriano said.

With its continued focus on safety and innovation, GCash, together with the government, affirms its role in enabling every Filipino to safely participate in the digital economy with confidence and peace of mind.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

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SM pilots Alfamart franchising to empower entrepreneurs and communities

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Alfamart Philippines, the minimart chain of the SM group, has recently launched its franchising program, opening doors for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow alongside its nationwide expansion.

Store opening in Chrysanthemum Village in San Pedro, Laguna with Alfamart COO Harvey T. Ong and Engr. Leovino C. Datario, the first franchisee of Alfamart, and wife Doris Datario

The pilot began in Laguna with two franchise-owned stores. The first franchise store was launched with Engineer Leovino C. Datario, a long-time Alfamart lessor, in October 2024. The second, opened in August 2025, was in partnership with Arles A. Uy, Jr., owner of AAU Corporation, which operates 15 Express Clean laundromat branches beside Alfamart stores. As of end-September, Alfamart has expanded to 2,337 stores nationwide.

“This reflects the SM group’s commitment to inclusive growth and entrepreneurship. By allowing tenants to evolve into franchisees, Alfamart is enabling MSMEs to scale alongside its own expansion, strengthening local communities and livelihoods,” said Harvey T. Ong, Chief Operating Officer of Alfamart Philippines.

Part of SM’s retail food business, Alfamart blends the convenience of a neighborhood store with the breadth of a supermarket — a format gaining strong traction across Southeast Asia, particularly among families and communities that value accessibility and affordability.

Alfamart Philippines is a joint venture between SM and Alfamart, one of the leading retailers with more than 21,000 mini-marts in Indonesia. Alfamart offers a wide assortment of products catering to daily needs including a selection of basic groceries, SM Bonus products, fresh and frozen goods, snacks, and personal care items at reasonable prices. For franchising inquiries, please email franchising@alfamart.com.ph.

realme Offers Up to P14,700 off on Select Smartphones this 10.10 Sale

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The Squad can enjoy exclusive discounts on select realme devices this October 10

realme is turning up the excitement this 10.10 with exclusive price drops on select smartphones, available via the official realme Shopee Store and TikTok Shop.

Fans can score great deals on some of realme’s most reliable devices, including the realme 15T 5G, realme 9 Pro+ 5G, realme C75, and realme C71.

Headlining the sale is the all-new realme 15T 5G, the latest addition to the 15 Series. It features a 7000mAh battery, 60W SUPERVOOC fast charging, and a 120Hz AMOLED Display for a premium entertainment experience. Built for durability, it also carries IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, offering reliable protection against water, dust, and accidental drops. Available in Flowing Silver and Suit Titanium, the realme 15T 5G (8GB+256GB) is now offered for only P12,869 (from P16,999), while the 12GB+512GB variant is priced at P14,999 (from P19,999).

For those seeking to upgrade to 5G performance at a lower price, the realme 9 Pro+ 5G offers flagship-level photography and seamless connectivity. It’s equipped with a Sony IMX766 OIS Camera, MediaTek Dimensity 920 5G processor, and 60W SuperDart Charging, enabling users to capture stunning shots and power through daily tasks with ease. Fans can get it for only P9,243 (down from P23,990) on Shopee.

Completing the lineup are the dependable realme C71 and realme C75, both designed for all-day performance and durability. The realme C71 features a 6300mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging, along with Military-Grade Shock Resistance and Daily Water Resistance, providing everyday protection. Meanwhile, the realme C75 features IP66, IP68, and IP69 dust & water resistance, as well as a 6000mAh battery with 45W charging support. Both phones are also equipped with a 50MP main camera, allowing users to capture moments in clear and crisp detail.

During the 10.10 Sale, the realme C71 (4GB+64GB) is priced at P4,454 (from P5,499), while the 6GB+128GB variant will be available for P5,219 (from P6,499). The realme C75 (8GB+128GB) also drops to P7,379 (from P8,999), and the 8GB+256GB variant to P8,456 (from P10,999).

Exclusive 10.10 deals are available on the realme Official Shopee Store and realme TikTok Shop, offering fans the perfect opportunity to upgrade their smartphone at a lower price with exciting discounts throughout the month.

To stay updated on realme sales and future promos, visit realme’s official website and Facebook page.

Michaela Celebrates 2 Decades of Timeless Style and Empowerment

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In 2005, Michaela opened its first boutique on Juan Luna Street, Binondo, Manila. A fashion company that started as a small boutique for women providing high-quality products, aiming to meet the high demand in the fashion industry, catering to different lifestyles and classes.

After a couple of decades of hard work, Michaela’s distinction: “women empowerment” marks every Filipina of all classes, and now, “gender empowerment” marks every Filipina at heart who is acknowledged and accepted by the Michaela community.

Reflection of Strength and Beauty

More than a label, Michaela is a reflection of its customers. Michaela caters to women who are actively pursuing their goals in life, embodying resilience, strength, and style whether a working mother, a student transitioning between academics and work, or a woman who is still discovering herself.

The brand’s collections are made to fit not just the lifestyle of every Filipina but also their values, as the company chooses materials that are durable and elegant. Michaela has stayed true to its commitment: quality and timeless designs.

Fashion with a Purpose

As the fashion industry evolves, so does Michaela. Over the past years, the brand has doubled down on sustainability, embracing vegan leather, eco-conscious production processes, and ethical sourcing. Michaela collaborates only with suppliers who share its dedication to reducing environmental impact, ensuring that beauty and responsibility go hand in hand. But the brand's mission goes beyond the product. Through its MCares initiative, the brand actively supports community programs and environmental campaigns. MCares reflects Michaela’s belief that true fashion doesn’t just look good; it does good.

Crafted by Heritage, Empowered by Women

Michaela was built on a foundation of excellence. Its founder, with a keen interest in designs, infused global expertise into every creation. This legacy lives on in every stitch, blending timeless design with the strength, elegance, and spirit of the Filipina woman. For 20 years, Michaela has stayed true to its philosophy: at Michaela, we make what every woman wants and deserves.

With a commitment to thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship, and empowering style, the brand has become a symbol of everyday luxury and lasting confidence. As Michaela celebrates this milestone, it not only honors the past but also embraces the future, continuing to design with purpose, lead with heart, and uplift women everywhere.

20 Years of Purpose, Powered by You

To commemorate this remarkable journey, Michaela is launching a nationwide anniversary raffle promo. Twenty lucky winners will take home exciting prizes, including the latest Apple Watch Series 10, iPad Mini, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, to thank the loyal customers who have made Michaela’s growth and success possible.

As Michaela looks forward to more years of success, its commitment remains stronger than ever not only to the fashion industry, but also to its social responsibility through its advocacy arm, MCares, which continues to make a positive impact not only in fashion but also in the lives of Filipinos. More than just a brand, Michaela strives to leave a lasting legacy of care, compassion, and progress, creating a ripple effect that touches the hearts of communities it serves.