HONOR Philippines Continues to Expand Operations in Manila, Opens Bigger New Headquarters, HONOR Fam is getting bigger!

Tweet

Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR Philippines secured another major milestone as it opened its larger new headquarters in Manila. The tech giant has shown rapid growth over the past three years, and with

its successful campaigns, it’s no surprise that it has expanded so quickly.

“We’re very excited to share that we’re expanding our operations in the Philippines. As our team and projects continue to grow, this upgrade will give us the room we need for better service and even bigger collaborations,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

Get HONOR gadgets now!

The holidays just got merrier with HONOR Holideals 2025! Whether you’re gifting or upgrading, HONOR has wrapped up the best deals just for you. Get the foldable phone of your dreams — the HONOR Magic V5 — or check out the viral HONOR 400 series, as well as the HONOR X7d and HONOR X9c 5G.

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/.

Pamasko ni GCash – Get discounted MRT-3 rides when you use GCash to pay

Tweet

Enjoy PHP 5 off every trip with the GCash Murang Sakay promo!

The busiest time of the year is here, and navigating the holiday rush—especially with long lines for tickets—is about to get more challenging. Mag-MRT nalang! And as a way of saying thank you to their users, may pamaskong handog si GCash to encourage MRT-3 commuters to try its new payment options!

With GCash, skip the cashier line for single-journey tickets, and go straight to the MRT Fast Lane! PLUS – With the Murang Sakay promo, get PHP 5 off your fare when you use any of the three new GCash payment methods at MRT-3 stations from December 8–22.

No need to register for the promo — the discount is automatically applied upon fare deduction. Note: P28 is initially deducted upon entry, and the change will be returned to your GCash wallet after you exit.

If you haven’t tried it yet, here are the three convenient ways you can pay for your MRT-3 rides with GCash, helping you skip the line at the cashier queue for a single journey ticket and access a dedicated MRT fast lane:

GCash Tap to Pay using your phone

If you’re using an NFC-enabled Android phone, your device is your ticket for a seamless entry and exit pass.

To get started, it's a quick, one-time activation:

1. Simply tap Settings on your phone.

2. Turn on the NFC feature.

3. Log in to your GCash account.

4. Select Tap to Pay and agree to the Terms & Conditions.

Once activated, you can now pay for your MRT-3 rides quickly – Just login to GCash then tap your phone on the turnstile upon entry to proceed to the train platform. Upon exit, do the same steps, and the correct fare, along with the PHP 5 discount, will be automatically deducted from your account.

Tap your GCash Visa Card

Even with a spotty signal or low battery, you can still breeze through your MRT-3 ride using your GCash Visa Card. It works like the traditional MRT-3 ticket system, where you can tap the card upon entry and again during exit. After you exit, the exact fare (minus the PHP 5 discount) will be charged, and any remaining balance from the hold will be credited back to your GCash wallet.

To use this convenient feature, order a GCash Visa Card in the app by tapping the Cards icon in the home screen.

Upon receiving your Card, make sure your GCash Visa Card is linked to your GCash account:

1. Tap 'Cards' in the GCash app.

2. Select 'Link my Card,' then input the One-Time Pin (OTP) and submit.

3. Enter the last 4 digits of your card and your virtual account number, then submit.

What’s great about the GCash Visa Card is that you can use it in other stores, locally and abroad, not just in the MRT! Plus, it’s linked to your GCash account, so you just have to cash-in in the app, without having to line up in the MRT station to reload or buy a single-journey ticket Card!

Scan your GCash Commute QR

You can also enjoy the convenience of cashless commuting by generating a Commute QR code on your GCash app. This will serve as your digital ticket without the need to input any station details.

Here’s how to use Commute QR:

1. Tap Commute on the GCash app to activate once.

2. At the start of the trip, tap Commute to generate QR – You may download it or take a screenshot.

3. At the GCash fast lane, position your phone towards the scanner.

4. Once scanned, you're all set to board the train.

Upon exit, just scan the same QR code again. The exact fare, with the PHP 5 discount applied, will be automatically deducted from your account. For Globe and TM users, this feature works even without mobile data.

Don’t miss this chance to save while enjoying a faster, more convenient commute. Whether you're tapping, scanning, or using your GCash card, getting around the city this holiday season just got easier — with an extra treat to boot!

Ready to power up your commute journey? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.

_____________

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-242342 Series of 2025

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-242986 Series of 2025

Recognizing the vital role of sari-sari stores and local enterprises: GCash, DTI, TESDA, and Tagum City come together at TindaNow Mindanao Summit 2025 to celebrate and empower the backbone of our economy

Tweet

Over 2,000 NMSMEs attended the TindaNow Mindanao Summit 2025- a day of digital financial literacy, learning about GCash for Business, and the new GCash Pera Outlet Plus.

In collaboration with the Local Government of Tagum City, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Tagum City Council of Women Foundation Incorporated (TCCWFI), the Philippines’ leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem GCash, gathered over 2,000 nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs) at the TindaNow Mindanao Summit 2025 to introduce digital innovations that help strengthen and grow their businesses — from smarter operations enabled by GCash for Business (G4B), to expanded earning opportunities through the upgraded GCash Pera Outlet Plus, and accessible lending support via Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash.

The day-long summit placed a strong focus on equipping NMSMEs with tools that can help them grow their businesses more confidently in an increasingly digital marketplace. It also introduced the new GCash Pera Outlet Plus, which transforms neighborhood retailers into local cash-in and cash-out hubs, enabling small business owners to earn additional income by facilitating load purchases and bill payment services for their communities.

L-R) DTI division chief Erick Cezar Elipian, GCash CXM governance training head JJ Pacheco, mindanao account manager inbound sales Angela Pupos, head of sustainability CJ Alegre, TCCWFI president Alma Lim Uy, GCash vice president and head of public sector Cleo Celeste Santos, Fuse Financing Inc. head of B2B lending Kevin Yu, GCash mindanao regional sales head Abran Tinagan, Mindanao Channel distribution manager Mikee Esguerra, and TESDA senior specialist Lythelle Ramos.

This was complemented by access to formal lending through Fuse Financing Inc. guided by the principle that lending should be a tool, not a burden. By offering transparent and structured credit, Fuse allows small business owners to invest in inventory, expand operations, or enhance services under fair terms. Ultimately, MSME owners can grow their businesses more sustainably while avoiding predatory lending.

This initiative comes at a time when many MSMEs continue to face challenges in accessing financial services and digital tools that can help them grow. In DTI 2023 figures, data show MSMEs accounted for 99.63% of all registered businesses in the Philippines. In Mindanao alone, MSMEs generated 986,186 jobs, representing 76.45% of total regional employment. Yet, as of end‑March 2025, loans to MSMEs were only 4.63% of banks’ total loan book versus the 10% mandate (8% for micro/small, 2% for medium). Solutions like GCash Pera Outlet Plus and formal lending through Fuse Financing, Inc. provide practical, accessible tools to help MSMEs manage finances, expand operations, and grow sustainably.

The summit was attended by key officials led TCCWFI president Alma Lim Uy, City councilor Arthur Ong , City councilor Vreni Gem Caasi, DTI division chief Erick Cezar Elipian, together with GCash vice president and head of public sector Cleo Celeste Santos, GCash head of sustainability CJ Alegre, Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, head of B2B lending Kevin Yu, and CXM governance training head JJ Pacheco.

“This summit with GCash is more than just an event; it is a commitment to ensure that every community in Tagum that no matter how small the enterprise is, becomes part of our growing digital and economic landscape,” Mayor Rey Uy said in his message delivered by Councilor Uloy Ong, the Committee chairperson for Tourism, Sisterhood Ties, and International Relations.

“As we embrace digitalization in partnership with GCash, we are opening doors to new opportunities: wider markets, faster transactions, safer payments, and more efficient business operations. Digital tools empower even the smallest enterprises to compete and to shine,” he added.

TCCWFI President Alma Uy stressed the importance of digitalization to thrive and scale sustainably, especially for NMSMEs.

 

TCCWFI president Alma Uy stressed that digital transformation is vital to empower the entrepreneurs to sustain business and strengthen business resilience to adapt in modern times. “This initiative reinforces our advocacy for digital and financial inclusion, empowering entrepreneurs to embrace digital payment systems, online business tools, and financial innovation, especially since Gcash has tools tailored to NMSME,” Uy said.

DTI undersecretary Blesila Lantayona said in her message delivered by Davao del Norte division chief Erick Cezar Elipian that this summit is an opportunity for NMSMEs to expand their horizons, embrace digital transformation, and explore new pathways for growth and competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic and globalized economy.

She added that the initiative of GCash is aligned with the DTI MSME Development Plan 2023-2028, which emphasizes digital adoption, technological innovation, and business resilience to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity.

Transforming community stores to upgraded financial hubs

A pivotal moment of the summit was the introduction of the new GCash Pera Outlet Plus Dagdag Kabuhayan Program. This upgraded initiative offers small store owners a clear pathway to generate significant supplementary income by establishing their shops as essential community financial hubs.

During her speech, Santos highlighted that this initiative is part of the work of GCash in supporting community enterprises and extending financial progress to underserved sectors.

“We aim to give every community entrepreneur the tools and confidence to grow through practical financial education and safe, accessible digital solutions,” Santos said.

GCash for Business (G4B) also introduced digital solutions like SoundPay and Pocket Pay that streamline payment collection, boost operational efficiency, and help businesses formalize and scale.

Highlighting the importance of digital adoption, the summit featured financial literacy lessons on money management, online safety, and using digital finance to build long-term resilience for small businesses.

“At GCash, we are dedicated to supporting every Filipino, ensuring they have the tools to start, grow, and expand their businesses through digitalization. Our financial literacy program is specially designed for small businesses, equipping them with the knowledge they need to thrive. We make it simple, accessible, and seamless for them to implement these insights through our innovative digital products,” Alegre noted.

Meanwhile, Yu led a session on responsible capital access, outlining loan options that help entrepreneurs restock, expand, and reach new markets. He emphasized how accessible credit can bridge long-standing gaps for NMSMEs that often face financing barriers and are traditionally sidelined by other formal institutions.

Through the strategic convergence of financial literacy education, accessible platforms like the new GCash Pera Outlet Plus and GCash for Business, and responsible lending from Fuse, GCash is fundamentally equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools required to adapt, thrive, and sustain their operations.

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

PlayTime Connects with Filipino Gaming Community at the Philippine Game Show 2025

Tweet

PlayTime lit up Philippine Game Show 2025 with its signature Filipino flair, thrilling thousands of gamers, cosplayers, and pop-culture fans who flocked to SMX Convention Center Aura for an unforgettable weekend.

___________________________________

A burst of world-class, Filipino-powered excitement took place at the nation's premier gaming 

and pop-culture celebration.

_________________________________

As one of the event’s entertainment partners, PlayTime’s interactive brand booth quickly became a hotspot and crowd favorite, keeping the convention’s attendees engaged. Throughout the three-day convention, PlayTime brand ambassadors hosted fun mini-games, giving each booth visitor a chance to win instant prizes. No one was left empty-handed, as each received exclusive merch.

Philippine Game Show was a congregation of gamers and cosplayers to express their creativity and their passions for their favorites games and characters.

The event also featured local and international artists who performed popular songs in well-loved anime series and games.

 

Mister Pilipinas PlayTime and Mister Cosmopolitan 2025 1st Runner Up Kenneth Marcelino, together with PlayTime Binibini 2025 Jercy Raine Cruz added more star power to the packed Philippine Game Show convention.

Adding star power to the celebration, Mister Pilipinas PlayTime and Mister Cosmopolitan 2025 1st Runner Up Kenneth Marcelino, together with PlayTime Binibini 2025 Jercy Raine Cruz, made special appearances at the PlayTime booth. The two were also invited up onto the stage to join the intermissions and give further entertainment to event attendees. Their presence boosted on-ground engagement and amplified PlayTime’s commitment to spotlighting Filipino talent across entertainment, lifestyle, and culture, more so in the cosplay and gaming space.

“PlayTime is about supporting and creating communities that champion passion, creativity, and Filipino talent,” said Krizia Cortez, Director of Public Relations, PlayTime. “Our partnership with and presence at this year’s Philippine Game Show reflects our commitment to evolving as a full entertainment brand—one that connects online fun with real cultural experiences that resonate with every individual.”

PlayTime at the Philippine Game Show strengthened its growing foothold in the local entertainment landscape, marking yet another milestone in its mission to support endeavors that celebrate Filipino creativity across all entertainment forms - whether gaming, cosplay, music, fashion, or film.

With a strong turnout, star-powered highlights, and organic fan engagement, PlayTime sets the stage for more on-ground entertainment experiences that the Filipino audiences should look out for in the months ahead.

Celebrate a Bright and Flavorful Christmas at Discovery Samal

Tweet

Discovery Samal welcomes the most wonderful time of the year with Lumina: Glimmers of an Enchanted Christmas, a celebration that brings people together through festive flavors, heartfelt gatherings, and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones.

Flavors that Light Up Christmas

At Discovery Samal, the holidays are best spent around the table where families and friends gather to laugh, reminisce, and savor the season’s most comforting dishes.

This year, Morning Catch and Haribar Lounge set the stage for memorable reunions with a Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet on December 24, served from 6 pm to 10 pm for Php 3,500 net per person. Guests can indulge in familiar holiday favorites such as roasted specialties, rich stews, and classic Filipino treats, prepared to bring the warmth of home to every plate.

At The Bistro, the celebration takes on a touch of culinary theater. Its 12 Days of Christmas Set Menu, a twelve-course dinner priced at Php 4,800 net per person, transforms Christmas Eve into an evening of flavor and storytelling. For a more relaxed but equally festive dining experience, guests may enjoy a four-course holiday set dinner offered nightly from December 1 to 31 for Php 3,000 net per person, perfect for intimate dinners and friendly gatherings.

To make every table complete, the resort offers slow-cooked Christmas Ham (Php 5,800 net) finished with a caramelized glaze, along with traditional desserts such as Fruit Cake (Php 760 net) and Log Cake (Php 910 net), nostalgic touches that turn every bite into a memory.

Sweets that Spark Holiday Joy

There’s a playful side to Discovery Samal’s offerings, seen in its collection of handcrafted confections. French Macarons come at Php 390 net, while Chocolate Pralines are boxed either as six pieces for Php 600 net or twelve pieces for Php 1,050 net.

Christmas Cookies, shaped and decorated with bright colors, are offered at Php 330 net, and the Gingerbread House comes at Php 1,700 net. A Wine Hamper is also available for Php 1,500 net. Christmas Hamper sets bring these small luxuries together: Set A priced at Php 3,500 net and Set B at Php 2,500 net.

Your Island Retreat for the Holidays

For those who wish to turn Christmas into an unforgettable escape, Discovery Samal transforms into a true island home for the holidays.

From cozy suites to sprawling villas, each stay promises comfort, connection, and celebration, complete with round-trip boat transfers, airport pickups, breakfast for two at Morning Catch, and access to the pool and beach areas. Every reservation also includes entry for two to the Christmas Eve Dinner Party, making it the perfect getaway for couples and families to celebrate together under the island’s twinkling lights.

Rates vary depending on the suite or villa: the Junior Suite starts at Php 34,385 net per night, the Premiere Suite at Php 40,669 net, the Executive Suite Garden at Php 41,997 net, the Executive Suite Beach at Php 44,353 net, and the Samal Suite at Php 45,581 net.

Larger accommodations include the Executive Suite Premier at Php 48,037 net, the One Bedroom Suite at Php 46,665 net, the Premiere One Bedroom Suite at Php 51,721 net, the One Bedroom Villa at Php 62,773 net, the Two Bedroom Villa at Php 106,757 net, and the Three Bedroom Villa at Php 142,145 net.

Discovery Samal’s holiday program brings together pieces of a celebration shaped to slow things down and make room for the moments people tend to remember. For more information, send a message to reservations@discoverysamal.com and fb@discoverysamal.com, or call +63 84 308 2998.