DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence

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DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s premier digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, achieved a major milestone in corporate governance excellence by earning its first-ever Golden Arrow Award. The recognition was conferred on October 23 during the awarding ceremony organized by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the Philippines’ Domestic Ranking Body (DRB) for the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).

DigiPlus received a 2-Golden Arrow Award, one of the five levels of distinction granted to publicly listed companies that demonstrate outstanding corporate governance performance.

The Golden Arrow Recognition is among the Philippines’ most prestigious corporate honors, recognizing companies that lead in transparency, accountability, and integrity. Anchored on the ACGS framework, it evaluates how effectively organizations uphold shareholder rights, engage stakeholders, promote sustainability, ensure transparency, and maintain strong board oversight in alignment with both local and international governance standards.

Representing DigiPlus at the Golden Arrow Awards 2025 were (L-R) Celeste Jovenir (VP of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications, and Sustainability), Atty. Carol Padilla (Corporate Secretary), and Atty. Kristine delos Reyes (Chief Legal and Compliance Officer).

“Earning our first Golden Arrow affirms DigiPlus’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco. “We are proud to be recognized among the country’s most trusted publicly listed companies and remain focused on creating long-term value for our shareholders, stakeholders, and the customers and communities we serve by leading with transparency, accountability, and integrity.”

Since 2023, DigiPlus has continued to strengthen its commitment to sustainability, transparency, and accountability by adopting globally recognized reporting frameworks, including the Integrated Reporting Framework, SASB Standards, GRI Standards, and the TCFD Recommendations. These standards have guided the Company to deliver more comprehensive and relevant disclosures—highlighting how it creates value, addresses industry-specific ESG issues and stakeholder expectations, and manages climate-related risks. DigiPlus publishes its annual Integrated Report on its corporate website, demonstrating its dedication to providing accessible and timely material information.

The 2025 Golden Arrow Recognition marks a significant milestone in DigiPlus’ ongoing journey toward good governance and sustainability, underscoring its role as a pioneer in digital entertainment and an advocate of stronger corporate governance in the Philippines.

Halloween Adventure Meets Anime Magic at Eastwood Richmonde’s Kiddie Cosplay Party

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Kawaii meets creepy at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s “Anime After Dark: Halloween Kiddie Party” happening on October 25, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the hotel’s 3/F Ballroom and 2/F Amberley-Belmont Rooms. Inspired by the exciting and colorful universe of Japanese animation, this year’s celebration invites guests to enter a whimsical and spirited dimension where they can channel their inner ninjas and mecha pilot, or favorite Pokemon and Studio Ghibli characters as the hotel’s resident cosplayers roam the venue, bringing the world of anime to life.

Anime After Dark’s Snack Buffet

With tickets priced at PhP 1,799nett per adult or child, the entire family is sure to enjoy an afternoon of fun and fantasy with interactive games and activities any aspiring demon slayer in training will love. 

From the delectably filling snack buffet, amazing magic show, and energetic live entertainment, to the scary Infinity Maze Adventure, mask painting booth, and loot bags filled with sweet treats, the event promises to be an action-packed Halloween bash. Boys and girls who come in their best anime getup will get the chance to be crowned best little cosplayers of Richmonde and will win hotel gift certificates.

For an extra thrilling holiday, families can book a spook-cation at Eastwood Richmonde’s best value rates and inclusive of special perks like room upgrade, late check-out, discounts on food & beverage orders, and 20% off on tickets to Anime After Dark. Simply contact Room Reservations at (632) 8570 7777 or (63) 917 531 6867, or email stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com.

So get your capes, wands, and katana swords ready and transform into the Super Saiyan, Sailor Guardian, or Pokemon Master of your dreams and party anime-style this Halloween at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel. For inquiries and ticket purchases, call (632) 8570 7777 or (63) 917 821 0333, or email fb@eastwoodrichmonde.com.

Add to cart or add to scares? URC’s interactive Halloween live selling lets you control a horror story

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This Halloween, horrors lurk in every corner. Some would decorate their house with different kinds of ghosts, ghouls, skeletons, and other supernatural creatures, along with friendly Jack o’ Lanterns. There are others who might be streaming scary movies as early as now to really bring in the spooky vibe.

Score up to 30% discount when shop for your favorite snacks and drinks via URC’s “Dead Selling III: Livestream ng Lagim” this October 23.

Your TikTok feed also isn’t safe from jump scares. As everyone prepares for the Halloween season with their favorite snacks and creative costumes, you can have your own interactive experience with “Livestream ng Lagim,” the third run of Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) “Dead Selling” activity, starting on October 23, 2025.

This three-episode online live selling event will feature spooky ghost stories and must-grab deals which includes up to 30% discount on select URC goodies. Starring in each episode are popular TikTok creators with ghost characters waiting to curse them throughout the stream. Livestream ng Lagim will let you play as the co-director who decides if the streamers get saved or plunged deeper into the darkness. With every purchase of popular URC products, like C2 Cool and Clean, Great Taste White, Jack ‘n Jill Presto Creams, and Nips, before each flash sale ends, viewers get to choose what happens next in the stream. The streamers’ fate is in your hands, so choose carefully.

It’s about to get spooky with URC’s interactive live selling activity, “Livestream ng Lagim,” 

this October 23, 2025.

Horrors aside, this is also the perfect time to stock up on the Halloween treats to give away to kids and friends with URC’s delightful range of snacks and drinks. These are also great for your horror movie marathons with loved ones. Keep an eye out for 24 flash deals with up to 30% off, and free shipping and discount vouchers. The more you buy, the more you can save.

Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) “Dead Selling” activity in 2024 featured Filipino mythical creatures as livesellers who offered an exciting horror experience to customers.

URC’s Dead Selling is an award-winning initiative that bagged the Bronze prize in Creative Commerce at the 2024 Kidlat Awards. Just like its first two runs, the upcoming Livestream ng Lagim will be an experiential shopping activity that will make you add to cart or add to the scares.

Be part of this interactive horror experience! Catch the three Livestream ng Lagim episodes on URC’s TikTok on October 23 (from 5pm to 9pm), 28 (from 5pm to 9pm), and 30 (from 8pm to 12 midnight). See how these modern-day ghost stories will end.

For more information on how you can make your Halloween extra special, visit URC’s website and like their official Facebook page.

Security Bank Economic Forum 2025: Navigating tariffs, trade, and ASEAN’s next moves

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Now in its 15th year, the Security Bank Economic Forum continues to be a premier platform for business and investors to understand trends driving growth and opportunity across ASEAN. This year’s theme, “Trump, trade, and the impact on ASEAN,” zeroes in on how shifting US trade and tariff policies are reshaping the region’s economic outlook and influencing strategies for resilience and growth.

[From left] Mimi Ong, business journalist and TV host; Cirilo P. Noel, Chairman; Curtis S. Chin, former U.S. Ambassador to the ADB and Senior Advisor for Global Markets at Milken Institute; Dr. Cielito F. Habito, former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary; and Sanjiv Vohra, President and CEO at the Security Bank Economic Forum 2025.

“Global shifts—from U.S. trade policies to geopolitical tensions—continue to reshape the flow of goods, capital, and talent. For Philippine businesses, these translate into real challenges such as supply chain disruptions and investment uncertainties,” said Cirilo P. Noel, Security Bank Chairman. “At Security Bank, our BetterBanking promise means going beyond financial services to empower clients with insights that help them navigate complexity, adapt with resilience, and seize opportunities,” he added.

The forum featured thought leaders offering timely perspectives on the evolving global landscape.

Curtis S. Chin, former U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank and Senior Advisor for Global Markets at the Milken Institute, explored how US trade and tariff policies under President Donald Trump are influencing ASEAN economies, and redefining partnerships.

“As geopolitical tensions rise, businesses must understand both the risks and opportunities of this new era. Tariffs and trade are not just economic issues—they shape the future of cooperation and competition in the region,” said Chin. “However, we should never forget that progress in any nation is ultimately up to its own leaders, its own citizens, its own businesses, its own communities, its civil society. Whoever is president of the United States or any other outside nation should be no excuse for not moving forward.”

Mimi Ong together with former Ambassador Curtis Chin and Dr. Cielito Habito during the panel session discussing the implications and the ways forward as ASEAN and the Philippines navigate global uncertainty.

Dr. Cielito F. Habito, former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, unpacked the implications of shifting global policies on the Philippine economy—emphasizing strategies for resilience and inclusive growth.[ZC1]

“Many see opportunities for the Philippines along with the clear threats from tectonic shifts in the global financial and economic landscape, but in the end, we could well be our own worst enemy in navigating through all the changes happening,” Dr. Habito said. “We need fundamental policy and institutional reforms to avoid the real threats to the nation’s future arising from self-inflicted weaknesses, especially in our most basic assets: our people and our land.”

“Uncertainty is not an excuse to stand still. It’s a call for clarity, agility, and purpose.,” said Sanjiv Vohra, Security Bank President and CEO. “Forums like this embody our BetterBanking promise—bringing together ideas, connections, and strategies that help clients thrive amid change.”.

The 15th Security Bank Economic Forum reaffirms the Bank’s commitment to fostering dialogue that drives informed decision-making. By convening global and local experts, the Bank continues to provide actionable insights that equip businesses to navigate volatility with confidence and purpose.

BetterBanking means being ready for what’s next. Learn more at www.securitybank.com. 

[ZC1]Text in highlight are subject to change as we’re still waiting for the outline of the speakers.

Mars Philippines Reinforces Commitment to End Pet Homelessness Through #TwoLivesChanged Initiative

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Mars Petcare launched the second Global Adoption Weekend in the Philippines through a partnership with Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) at the 10th Anniversary Run Fur Life. The signature event gathered over 1,000 participants—both humans and dogs—to celebrate the bond between pets and pet parents while raising funds for homeless and shelter animals.

Every adoption story begins with a simple act of compassion — one that changes two lives forever. This belief lies at the heart of Mars Philippines’ advocacy as it continues to inspire more Filipinos to open their homes to shelter pets through the global Mars Global Adoption Weekend (GAW). Now in its second year and spanning more than 20 countries, the initiative puts a spotlight on how the bond between humans and animals leads to healing, happiness, and mutual transformation.

In the Philippines, Mars partners with Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) to further its long-standing commitment to responsible pet ownership and ending pet homelessness. For over three decades, Mars has worked closely with local NGOs, veterinarians, and communities to create programs that not only care for animals in need but also strengthen the connection between pets and people.

Strengthening a Shared Mission for Pet Adoption

“Adopting a shelter pet changes two lives. It’s not only the pet’s life that is transformed, but the human’s as well. This Mars Global Adoption Weekend, Mars Philippines is proud to champion adoption by donating more than 30,000 daily pet meals to our shelter partners. In October 2025 anyone can help fill the bowl of shelter pets in the Philippines with Mars #TwoLivesChanged campaign at Shopee, Lazada and TikTok. Mars will donate meals for shelter pets with every purchase of PEDIGREE® and WHISKAS® products in our official stores*,” shares Ms. Deng Osite, Sales Director, Mars Petcare Philippines.

The partnership with AKF continues to evolve beyond awareness into action. Together, Mars and AKF built www.WeR4HappyTails.com, a portal that connects potential pet parents with adoptable cats and dogs from partner shelters across the country. The site also promotes responsible pet ownership — a vital part of ensuring that every adoption truly becomes a lasting change for both pet and parent.

“This year marks a decade of AKF Run Fur Life, and we are proud to celebrate it with our long-standing partner, Mars Philippines. Together, we’ve built initiatives such as www.WeR4HappyTails.com, a portal that connects future pet parents with adoptable cats and dogs from partner shelters,” adds Atty. Heidi Marquez-Caguioa, Program Director of Animal Kingdom Foundation. “The site not only promotes responsible pet ownership, but also helps families find the furry companions who will change their lives forever. It’s the perfect moment to take that step and welcome a new companion and get #TwoLivesChanged”.

Two Lives Changed: A Movement of Mutual Transformation

The message behind #TwoLivesChanged is deeply resonant today. As pets take on greater importance in people’s emotional and social lives, particularly among younger generations, the movement underscores a growing truth: pets and people are better together. According to the 2025 Mars and CALM PAWS survey, 83% of people worldwide say their pet has improved their mental wellbeing — a reminder that adopting a pet is more than a kind act; it’s an investment in mutual happiness and healing.

While adoption rates in the Philippines remain low, Mars believes every single adoption creates ripples of change. Through sustained partnerships and educational initiatives, Mars and its collaborators continue working toward a world where every pet has a home — and every home has a pet to love.

 

#MarsPetAdoption #MarsPetAdoptionSEA #TwoLivesChanged #GlobalAdoptionWeekend #Pedigree #MarsPetcare #ABetterWorldforPets