Manulife Investments Philippines Launches Semiconductor Fund to Capture AI-Driven Growth Opportunities

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• Manulife IM’s new UITF provides Filipino investors access to one of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors by providing exposure to the global semiconductor industry

• Manulife Global Semiconductor Opportunities Equity Feeder Fund aims to capitalize on structural growth drivers by actively identifying companies at the forefront of semiconductor innovation and the artificial intelligence (AI) value chain

• Manulife IM delivers a forward-looking investment solution, designed to help Filipino investors build wealth and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital economy

Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation (Manulife Investments Philippines) announces the launch of the Manulife Global Semiconductor Opportunities Equity Feeder Fund, a sector-focused unit investment trust fund (UITF) that aims to capture abundant opportunities in the semiconductor industry, an industry powering the use of artificial intelligence and next-generation technologies.

The Semiconductor Fund is a global equity feeder UITF designed to maximize total return by investing in a collective investment scheme (CIS), the Target Fund. The Target Fund aims for capital appreciation by allocating at least 70% of its net assets to equity and equity-related securities of leading semiconductor companies globally. This strategic approach positions investors to capture growth potential across the semiconductors and artificial intelligence value chain.

Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines.

"The Manulife Global Semiconductor Opportunities Equity Feeder Fund empowers Filipino investors to participate in one of the most transformative technology trends shaping the global economy, " said Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines. “Semiconductors serve as the foundation of modern innovation and power artificial intelligence, automation, and digital connectivity. As demand for advanced technologies increases, this new UITF provides our customers with access to leading companies driving progress across the semiconductor and AI value chain. It reflects our commitment to offering forward-looking investment solutions that help Filipinos build wealth, reach their financial aspirations, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

According to Manulife Investments, as the technology sector converges with every part of our daily lives, the semiconductor sector holds enormous growth potential. The semiconductor market is expected to surpass US$1 trillion by 2030[1], presenting significant opportunities for investors seeking capital appreciation through exposure to this rapidly expanding sector. Furthermore, while mega-cap players remain dominant, we believe there are compelling opportunities in under-researched semiconductor companies with differentiated technologies and strong competitive moats. An active management approach allows the Target Fund to navigate market cycles and invest in semiconductor leaders positioned for long-term success.

The Manulife Global Semiconductor Opportunities Equity Feeder Fund is the newest addition to Manulife Investments’ Philippines' suite of UITFs. It is designed for potential long-term capital appreciation, providing Filipinos with more options to grow their wealth according to their objectives and risk profiles. Investors may access the Fund for as low as US$100 or PHP1,000, offering an affordable way to participate in the future growth opportunities of the semiconductor industry.

Investors may open a UITF account online through Manulife iFUNDS, a secure digital investment platform that makes it easy and convenient for investors to manage their UITF investments. For more information on fund options that best suit different investment goals, contact a Manulife Wealth Specialist or visit www.manulifeim.com.ph.

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[1] McKinsey on Semiconductors, as of March 2024

CARD Indogrosir, GCash bring SoundPay innovative payment tool to MSMEs

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GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app, has teamed up with CARD Indogrosir, a hybrid local retail chain that caters not just to retail customers but also wholesale clients. Through this partnership, GCash is rolling out SoundPay devices in all CARD Indogrosir stores, enabling faster and more efficient transactions.

(L-R) GCash account manager Vance Ching, B2B commercial head Martin Limgengco, business group head Jong Layug, CARD Indogrosir executive vice president Frederick Torres, and general manager Jeffrey Rilles

Powered by a compact device that emits a distinct audio cue upon a successful payment, SoundPay allows merchants to confirm transactions instantly—no need to check phones or request screenshots. This scan-to-pay system is especially useful in areas with limited connectivity, where reliability and speed are essential.

These devices are already available in 29 branches of CARD Indogrosir, with plans to add 44 more before the year ends, and expand this to a total 200 stores by next year.

For GCash users, SoundPay delivers a more intuitive, secure, and modern payment experience. For merchants, it streamlines operations, reduces delays, and supports smoother interactions with both bulk buyers and walk-in customers.

By integrating SoundPay into CARD Indogrosir’s retail network, GCash is enabling more businesses to adopt digital payments with confidence and ease.

"This partnership is about meeting users where they are and making payments work better for everyone. SoundPay brings speed, simplicity, and trust to everyday transactions," said Jong Layug at group head of GCash for business.

“At CARD MRI, we believe that inclusive growth begins with empowering the smallest entrepreneurs – our Sari-sari store owner members. Through our partnership with GCash and SoundPay, we are not only modernizing payments but also creating opportunities for every member of the CARD community as well as the general public to grow, compete, and thrive,” said Frederick Torres, EVP for CARD Indogrosir.

As SoundPay begins its rollout, GCash continues to lead the way in building financial systems that are not only innovative but inclusive—enabling merchants and customers to transact with greater ease, trust, and relevance—one tap at a time.

CARD Indogrosir is a joint venture between CARD MRI—the largest microfinance institution in the Philippines—and Indonesia’s Indogrosir under the Salim Group. It was founded in 2023, aligned with CARD MRI’s ultimate goal of eradicating poverty in the country, as it helps support Filipino micro-retailers by giving them access to wholesale pricing, logistics solutions, and much-needed financial services—making it a strategic partner in the inclusive innovation push of GCash.

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

TYREPLUS Opens Outlet in the Philippines at Chino Roces, Makati

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TYREPLUS, one of the world’s largest one-stop centers for car maintenance services with over 2,100 stores in 15 countries, proudly launches its newest outlet in the heart of Makati at Chino Roces Avenue. This location marks the first TYREPLUS store in the Philippines to operate on solar energy—reinforcing Michelin’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in mobility solutions.

• New location provides comprehensive car and motorcycle services, including a free safety check for all customers

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Strategically positioned in one of Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares, TYREPLUS Chino Roces offers a wide range of automotive and motorcycle care services, featuring a complimentary safety diagnostic check for all customers, a first-of-its-kind offering among similar outlets nationwide.

“The launch of TYREPLUS Chino Roces reflects our ambition to provide accessible, reliable, and sustainable vehicle care in the Philippines. By offering essential top-tier services, we are reimagining car care with a strong focus on safety and quality to ensure the best quality for our customers,” said Jonathan Khong, Michelin Philippines Country Director.

Comprehensive Vehicle Services – All Under One Roof

TYREPLUS Chino Roces delivers an extensive range of services for both passenger vehicles and motorcycles, including:

For Passenger Cars:

· Tires and tire-related services (wheel alignment, balancing, rotation, etc.)

· Oil change

· Brake inspection and servicing

· Battery testing and replacement

· Suspension system services

· Vehicle accessories (e.g., windshield wipers)

For Motorcycles (available in selected stores):

· Tire fitting, balancing, and repair

· Oil change

· Brake and battery services

“What sets this outlet apart is our free vehicle safety diagnostic check,” added Thomerson Yao, Tireserve Ventures Inc. President, franchisee of TYREPLUS Chino Roces. “We want every customer, whether they're getting a tire rotation or an oil change, to leave with peace of mind, knowing their vehicle has undergone a full safety check in line with Michelin’s international standards.”

Roadmap to Nationwide Expansion

The Chino Roces launch is part of a broader TYREPLUS expansion roadmap that aims to open 30 stores across the Philippines by 2028, with an initial focus on Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.

Sustainability at the Core

In line with Michelin’s global commitment to reduce its environmental footprint, TYREPLUS Chino Roces is equipped with solar panels to support the brand’s long-term vision of delivering sustainable mobility solutions while lowering emissions and operational impact.

TYREPLUS Chino Roces

Address: 2174 Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, 1230 Metro Manila, Philippines

Contact Number: +63 933 861 7306

Opening Hours: 9:00AM - 6:00PM (Monday - Sunday)

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About TYREPLUS

TYREPLUS has been helping car-owners both individuals and corporates in 15 countries, maintain their vehicles to the highest standards. Our professional tire and car service centers offer quality services, as well as international brands. Our skilled, professional auto mechanics take care of any needs and concerns you may have.

We understand that nothing is more important than the safety of our customers, and nothing is more important to you than the safety of your family. Therefore, we take the utmost care in providing only the highest quality products recommended by experts, with exceptional service provided by our highly-qualified and knowledgeable professionals who will provide an in-depth consultation and thorough inspection of your vehicle. (www.tyreplus.com)

STRAP Demands Accountability as Transgender Day of Remembrance Nears Pioneer Transwomen Coalition Condemns Media Misgendering and Sensationalism in Transfemicide Cases

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The nation’s leading pioneer trans rights organization, the Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP), alongside political organization Ladlad Partylist 2 and advocacy group Verde Creatives, announced a crucial roundtable discussion on November 17, 2 PM at Dark Roast Coffeehouse located in 107 Maginhawa Street, Teacher's Village, Quezon City, addressing the devastating role of media misgendering and sensationalism in reporting cases of transfemicide.

Titled "MEDIA, MISGENDERING, AND MEMORY: HOW STORIES OF TRANSFEMICIDE ARE TOLD," the event, strategically timed during Transgender Awareness Week (November 13–19), just prior to the global Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), calls for an immediate halt to journalistic practices that reinforce judicial impunity. The coalition asserts these practices are enabled by the Philippine government's decades-long failure to pass comprehensive legislative protections.

The Crisis of Post-Mortem Erasure

The roundtable is necessitated by a severe crisis of anti-trans violence, with advocates noting that at least 50 transgender or gender nonbinary individuals have been murdered across the archipelago since 2010, a number believed to be significantly higher. STRAP highlights that the media's consistent use of former names and incorrect pronouns — known as deadnaming and misgendering — in reporting these murders constitutes a final, systemic act of violence and historical erasure.

"Every time a transpinay is murdered, the refusal of certain media outlets to use her affirmed name and gender acts as a second, systemic execution," stated a representative from STRAP. "It is the final act of erasure, enabled by the lack of Legal Gender Recognition (LGR) in this country. Our roundtable is a demand to end this dehumanizing practice, ensuring that when we honor our sisters on TDOR, we recognize their truth and hold the systems that failed them accountable."

The Call for Legislative and Journalistic Overhaul

The systemic failure is traced directly to the legislative inertia in Congress. The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill has been pending for over 20 years without passage. This decades-long delay conveys a message of institutional indifference that allows discrimination and violence to flourish.

The lack of LGR legislation is specifically identified as the root cause that allows official state misgendering in police and court documents, which the media then adopts, thereby institutionalizing the erasure of the victim's identity.

Ms. Bemz Benedito, Chair of Verde Creatives and a trailblazing transgender leader and former congressional nominee for Ladlad Partylist, emphasized the political cost of inaction.

“We should not be defined by our bodies nor should our sexual orientation and gender identity define our capabilities, skills and strengths. Yet, when media sensationalizes our deaths, they strip us of that dignity. The violence we face is a direct consequence of a state that refuses to pass the SOGIESC Bill. The death toll demands immediate implementation of protective laws and a complete overhaul of how trans lives and deaths are treated in the public sphere.”

By convening during this critical week, the coalition aims to reconnect the fight for modern trans rights with the nation's indigenous history, citing the pre-colonial reverence for gender diverse spiritual leaders like asogs and babaylans, whose acceptance was suppressed by colonial forces. The fight for ethical reporting is thus framed as a fight for cultural recognition and decolonial justice.

THE COALITION DEMANDS:

The Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP), Ladlad Partylist, and Verde Creatives issue the following non-negotiable demands to the Philippine Government and the Media Industry:

To the Government and Legislature:

1. Immediate passage of the SOGIESC Equality Bill to criminalize discrimination based on SOGIE.

2. Enactment of Legal Gender Recognition (LGR) legislation for trans and intersex people.

3. Inclusion of trans women in Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) laws and initiatives to ensure access to gender-based violence protections.

To the Media Industry:

1. Mandatory adoption of ethical reporting guidelines that require the use of the victim’s affirmed name and pronouns, prohibiting deadnaming [Image].

2. Cessation of sensationalism that focuses on graphic or irrelevant details of the victim’s personal life, instead directing coverage toward systemic failures and accountability.

Transgender rights are fundamental human rights. This truth is absolute. When we commemorate those among us whose lives were stolen by bigotry, our purpose transcends grief — it becomes invincible action. Through the ages. like all victims of systemic oppression elsewhere, we forge our collective rage into strategic decisions, into unstoppable mobilization.

To our allies: Our demands are yours; join us in this struggle and you always do, and fight shoulder-to-shoulder with us.

To those in power: Your choice is simple: acknowledge our truth, implement justice, listen and act now, or we will dismantle every obstacle you build each time you create them.

"We are not asking for a future where every transgender person can live freely and authentically. We are taking it. We will secure that victory. And we shall prevail."

HONOR Foldable and Magic Series Price Drop Happening This Lazada Super Brand Day Sale!

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Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR Philippines is joining the Lazada Super Brand Day Sale this November 20–21, 2025, offering up to 48% off on HONOR devices. Amazing deals await, including the HONOR Magic V3 for only Php 71,199 (from its original price of Php 89,999) and the HONOR Magic6 Pro for Php 43,799 (from its SRP of Php 59,999).

Aside from the huge price cuts, HONOR is giving away up to Php 11,990 worth of freebies, such as FREE JBL Soundgear Frames, HONOR Watch GS 3, HONOR Earbuds II, and Bluetooth Speaker II.

“This is the first time we’re doing this! You can now get the foldable phone of your dreams, the HONOR Magic V3, with a whopping Php 18,000 price drop, or get our other handsets for an even more affordable price—as low as Php 3,949,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

Don’t miss this limited time offer and get your hands on your dream HONOR device while supplies last. Shop now at the Lazada Super Brand Day Sale from November 20–21, 2025: https://bit.ly/HONORSuperBrandDay.

Never miss the latest updates—visit HONOR’s official website at www.hihonor.com, or follow their social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.