SM’s data privacy efforts recognized anew at National Data Privacy Conference

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SM remains committed to ensuring and maintaining in-depth data privacy standards as a core component of corporate governance.

SM Retail, the retail arm of the SM Group, was recently awarded the NPC Seal of Registration Compliance Excellence Award for the Private Sector by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) during the National Data Privacy Conference.

The NPC Seal of Registration Compliance Excellence Award recognizes private sector organizations that uphold transparency and accountability through visible display of their NPC Seal of Registration across their operations and digital touchpoints.

“We are grateful for this recognition from NPC. We understand how critical data governance is in maintaining customer trust and loyalty. This award reflects the collective effort of the different business units across SM Retail to strengthen data privacy compliance and awareness,” shared Jonathan Ng, President of SM Retail.

SM Retail, the retail arm of the SM Group, received the NPC Seal of Registration Compliance Excellence Award for the Private Sector at the National Data Privacy Conference in Parañaque City. In photo are officers from the SM Retail Data Privacy & Protection Team, from left: Bernadette C. Salinas, Chief Data Officer; Atty. Mikhail Josef P. Soriano, Manager; Leyson N. San Juan, Data Protection Officer and AVP; Lorenz Victor D. Anyayahan, Senior Manager; and Luis Angelo D. De Castro, Senior Manager.

SM Retail was also recognized as a finalist for Privacy Initiative of the Year, a recognition of the company’s significant efforts in further educating its employees through data privacy learning channels, modules and learning sessions. These are key initiatives aimed at strengthening privacy awareness across the organization.

“These programs promote the responsible handling of personal data as part of everyday work using practical, retail-specific scenarios to make privacy more relevant and actionable for employees,” Ng further shared.

SM Retail’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) Leyson San Juan, was also named a Finalist for Data Protection Officer of the Year for the second consecutive year. These recognitions follow SM Retail’s Privacy Management Program Award win last year.

The awarding ceremony in Paranaque was held during the Privacy Awareness Week (PAW). PAW is an annual celebration dedicated to strengthening data privacy awareness and promoting responsible personal data processing in the Philippines.

Puregold Price Club and GCash for Business bring access to end-to-end digital financial tools to more Filipino sari-sari store owners, powering community hubs nationwide

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Puregold Price Club, Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with GCash for Business to accelerate the digitalization of sari-sari stores and expand access to digital payments and financial solutions among Filipino nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs).

(L–R) GCash for Business general manager Paul Albano; G-Xchange Inc. president and CEO Ren-Ren Reyes; and GCash for Business sales head Cleo Celeste Santos

Through this partnership with Puregold Price Club, GCash for Business aims to provide easier access to payment tools for merchants who were previously unable to use them and equip them with the right tools to accept digital payments, manage finances, and grow their business.

Sari-sari stores remain one of the most vital pillars of the Philippine economy, serving as accessible sources of essential goods in local communities across the country. Yet despite their reach, many NMSMEs continue to operate on cash-based systems that limit their ability to accept digital payments, such as QRPH payments and debit and credit cards; track transactions; manage cash flow; and access formal financial services.

Puregold Price Club and GCash for Business are directly addressing these gaps, bringing tools that are easy to access, scalable, and made for them.

“Our partnership with Puregold Price Club reflects a shared vision of empowering communities on the ground, by making digital payments and business solutions more inclusive, practical, and within reach," Ren-Ren Reyes, President and CEO of G-Xchange, Inc, the mobile wallet operator of GCash, shared.

Bringing digital solutions to the local economy

One of the key activations under this partnership took place at the Tindahan ni Aling Puring (TNAP) Convention 2026, one of the country’s largest annual gatherings of sari-sari store owners and small business operators.

The event introduced Puregold Price Club’s TNAP network of entrepreneurs to GCash for Business full suite of easy, simple, and convenient solutions, empowering business owners with flexible digital payment solutions that fit their needs and are functional, such as GCash SoundPay and GCash PocketPay.

GCash PocketPay turns an NFC-enabled Android smartphone into a POS machine, allowing merchants to accept credit card and QRPH payments anytime, anywhere. With GCash SoundPay, each payment transaction is secure with real-time payment confirmations you can hear. Beyond payment acceptance, the GCash for Business Portal provides a centralized platform where merchants can monitor transactions and manage their transfers to their suppliers, with no limits and no fees.

Through on-ground demos and onboarding support, merchants learned how to quickly set up and start accepting digital payments using GCash for Business devices. Doing so has enabled merchants to accept more payments, cater to their customers better, and open more opportunities, truly empowering them to grow.

“Puregold Price Club and GCash have worked hand in hand to empower our Tindahan ni Aling Puring members, who remain at the very heart of our mission. Through our partnership with GCash for Business, we are helping equip members of the Tindahan ni Aling Puring network with digital tools and payment solutions that strengthen their day-to-day operations, support their growth, and enable them to better serve their customers in an increasingly digital economy,” Puregold Price Club, Inc. President, Vincent Co, concluded.

The partnership also extends to Puregold’s retail operations, where GCash for Business solutions are being integrated to support in-store transactions, disbursements, and broader operational processes. This creates a more connected ecosystem between suppliers and the sari-sari stores they serve.

Puregold Price Club and GCash for Business are proactively championing digitalization among NMSMEs by making digital tools and solutions more accessible to businesses of all sizes — empowering even small businesses to adapt to changing consumer behavior, participate in the digital economy, and unlock more opportunities for long-term growth and financial inclusion.

Learn more about GCash for Business solutions for sari-sari store owners and MSMEs at https://gcash.com/business/msme.

Viral Grocery ‘Hacks’ Take Over PH Social Media as pandamart Deals Gain Buzz

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From Threads to Reddit, budget-conscious Filipinos are turning to pandamart for up to 50% off essentials and upcoming piso sale

From Threads posts highlighting sulit grocery finds to Reddit communities trading practical financial tips, more Filipinos are sharing digital “hacks” to help stretch household budgets. Among the deals gaining traction online are pandamart’s grocery promos, which users have been sharing as cost-effective ways to save on everyday essentials.

“Nag-trend na bigla tong pandamart dito sa Threads ngayong week & honestly in this economy? Sulit to!” one Threads user wrote online, while another posted, “This isn’t just a trend, this promo is a lifesaver in this economy!” after sharing a discounted pandamart grocery haul.

As rising everyday expenses continue to shape how households plan their weekly spending, many consumers are looking not just for discounts, but for smarter and more convenient ways to manage daily errands. For some, that means finding ways to skip unnecessary trips outside while still keeping the pantry stocked and the household running smoothly.

As part of the initiative, pandamart is offering up to 50% off on first-time orders for new users nationwide. The promo applies across all categories, including fresh produce, meats, frozen goods, snacks, drinks, and household essentials.

Available 24/7 through the foodpanda app, pandamart allows customers to order groceries any time of day for immediate delivery, whether they need dinner ingredients, weekly pantry restocks, or last-minute items.

“We’ve noticed more users sharing the promo online as a helpful way to save on everyday grocery needs, and that’s exactly the kind of experience we hoped to create,” said Joseph Wijesekara, Director of Q-Commerce at foodpanda Philippines. “We want pandamart to become a practical everyday solution for households looking for smarter and more convenient ways to manage their grocery needs.”

Aside from the newcomer discount, existing pandamart customers can also enjoy ongoing deals and added savings across the platform. Customers can get 5% off for purchases worth P599, 8% off for purchases worth P999, and 10% off for purchases worth P1,499. Meanwhile, pandapro subscribers can unlock bigger discounts, with 8% off for purchases worth P599, 10% off for purchases worth P999, and 15% off for purchases worth P1,499.

foodpanda shared that the savings initiative will continue beyond its current rollout after originally being introduced as a limited-time offer. Beyond the up to 50% off deals for first-time users, pandapro subscribers can also enjoy Buy One Get One offers and added savings across the platform, while select grocery items will continue to feature discounts of up to 20% off.

Sustaining the momentum, pandamart is set to launch its highly anticipated Dad’s ₱1 Sale just in time for Father’s Day.

From June 19 to 21 (or until supplies last), customers nationwide can score essentials for as low as ₱1, with no voucher code needed.

The Father’s Day Piso Sale aims to give families a seamless way to treat Dad without turning the celebration into another errand for him. Instead of asking him to drive, brave supermarket crowds, or carry heavy bags, families can handle the party prep with a few taps—allowing Dads to simply kick back and enjoy their day.

As online buzz around pandamart’s grocery deals continues to grow, the platform is also expanding its nationwide footprint, with more locations opening across the country and existing stores gradually transitioning to 24/7 operations—making the internet’s favorite grocery “hack” even more accessible for everyday essentials, late-night cravings, and last-minute celebrations.

Join the grocery hack everyone’s been talking about online. Download the foodpanda app now, grab your 50% newcomer discount, and start shopping smarter.

DDB Group Philippines Rebrands as GGC Group Asia

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Advertising agency powerhouse DDB Group Philippines has announced its rebranding as “GGC Group Asia,” marking its evolution into an independent creative force.

The move follows the decision of Omnicom Group, the holding company of marketing communications network DDB Worldwide, to retire the DDB brand globally by the end of the first half of 2026, following its acquisition of Interpublic Group in November last year.

Gil G. Chua, Group Chairman and CEO, GGC Group Asia (formerly DDB Group Philippines)

Established in 1992 through a groundbreaking partnership between New York-based DDB Worldwide and pioneering Filipino-owned agency Advertising Marketing and Associates (AMA), DDB Group Philippines had served as the local office of the DDB network in the country for more than three decades until the brand’s dissolution this year.

As GGC Group Asia, the company will continue to collaborate with Omnicom Group as needed, ensuring clients’ continued access to global marketing communications tools and resources.

Legacy and a Bold New Beginning

According to GGC Group Asia Chairman and CEO Gil G. Chua, whose initials inspired the company’s new name, the organization welcomed Omnicom’s global direction to retire the 75-year-old DDB brand while honoring the legacy built through decades of partnership.

“GGC Group Asia moves forward with deep gratitude for our long-standing partnership with Omnicom and DDB Worldwide — a relationship that elevated our standards, sharpened our thinking, and gave Filipino talent a global stage,” he said. "We are entering a defining chapter not by leaving something behind, but by fully coming into our own. We are embracing our future with full independence, full responsibility, and a renewed commitment to shared prosperity."

On a personal note, Chua said this new chapter also allows him to continue building a legacy in an industry to which he has dedicated much of his life.

“This rebrand is more than a change in name — it is a proud affirmation of the legacy, leadership, and vision that have guided our businesses through the years. It is incredibly rewarding and humbling to see my own initials become synonymous with the businesses that my family, our business partners, and I have passionately built, nurtured, and grown together over the years,” Chua said.

Further Rebranding and Integration of businesses

As part of this development, three of the group's integrated marketing communications (IMC) companies that also carry the DDB brand name, or that of its digital arm Tribal Worldwide, have also rebranded: DDB Philippines is now Velocity+, DDB MNL is now Alab MNL, and Tribal Worldwide Philippines is now The Tribe.

The group's other advertising-related companies shall continue to operate under their current names as follows: Optimax Communications (IMC), Agile Intelligence (data analytics), Ripple8 (PR), Touch XDA (media planning and buying), and Bent and Buzz (content and events management).

Alongside this transition, being integrated into GGC Group Asia are DDB Group's sister companies from the FCT Group, comprising business solutions firms, namely, FOSA, Caishen, Track Mnl, Xpress Move, Strawberry Jam, and PhilMovers.

With this integration, the GGC Group Asia will comprise 14 companies across 18 office locations nationwide, with a combined workforce of over 7,500 employees.

This strengthens the group's ability to deliver a full spectrum of solutions—from advertising, public relations, and media planning and buying to logistics and other marketing and sales support services. It also reflects the group’s growing capability to serve markets beyond the Philippines and throughout Asia.

No Changes to Leadership and Operations

The group clarifies that the rebrand will not affect leadership, talent, client relationships, or ongoing operations. All contracts and service agreements will remain fully in place.

“While our name evolves, our commitment to creativity, effectiveness, and strong client partnerships remains unwavering. Our clients and partners can expect seamless continuity of service and the same standard of creative and strategic excellence that has defined the organization from the very start," Chua said.

GGC Group Asia shall also continue to be guided by a commitment to building businesses that create not only profit, but also lasting impact — ensuring that business growth is aligned with the greater good of clients, talent, and the communities it serves.

Carrying Forward a Tradition of Excellence

Prior to the rebrand, DDB Group Philippines had established a strong track record, with the group and its agencies earning local and international recognition for creativity, effectiveness, and advocacy-driven campaigns developed in partnership with clients and non-profit organizations.

Among the group’s most notable achievements are the Philippines' first Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions and first Gold at the Advertising and Marketing Effectiveness (AME) Awards, both won in 2013; the Philippines’ only Gold award at Spikes Asia 2025; the “Best in Management of Business-Network Agency of the Year” award at the 4As Philippines AOY Awards in 2022; and multiple “Agency of the Year” recognitions at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards (2013, 2014, and 2019), and the PRSP Anvil Awards (2024).

DDB Group Philippines also received numerous accolades and certifications recognizing it as a "great place to work" or one of the “best companies to work for” from both local and international award-giving bodies, including the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards–Asia Pacific and Global, HR Asia, the International Stevies, Great Place To Work®, and the BusinessWorld Best Places to Work Awards.

This tradition of excellence and award-winning work will continue into its next chapter as GGC Group Asia.

Small Sips, Big Shifts: How Filipino Vitalisers Are Turning Ordinary Pauses Into Zest Moments

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Mornings today rarely ease you in. They begin with alarms that feel too early, inboxes already filling up, and to-do lists that seem to stretch endlessly. For many Filipinos, especially young professionals and students, this pace has morning and midday slumps feel like part of the routine.

But instead of simply pushing through midday slumps, a growing number are turning to small, intentional rituals to reset their mood and regain momentum. Simple pleasures like enjoying a zesty glass of Minute Maid Nutri+ are becoming part of how people reclaim their day, one moment at a time.

For this generation of vitalisers, wellness now comes in the form of smaller, more human-sized terms that are actually doable. No more lifestyle overhauls. Instead, small rituals like quick walk breaks or a few minutes of journaling is all they need to create space and regain a sense of control in otherwise packed schedules.

In these in-between moments, a new kind of habit is taking shape: the “zest moment.” It’s the little pause that refreshes, gently breaks the day’s monotony, and helps shift one’s mindset. It might happen in the morning before the day fully picks up, during an afternoon lull when boredom hits, or even in the middle of a busy stretch when everything starts to feel overwhelming. What makes it powerful is its simplicity. A brief reset can be enough to turn dull mornings into microments.

For many, these moments are anchored by something familiar and enjoyable—like a drink that feels both refreshing and uplifting. This is where Minute Maid Nutri+ naturally fits in. With its bright, zesty taste and the added boost of Vitamin C and fiber, it complements these small rituals without demanding extra effort. It becomes part of a routine that feels easy to maintain, whether paired with breakfast, enjoyed alongside meals, or taken as a quick break in between tasks.

“I used to rush through everything,” shared Bianca, a young marker in Quezon City. “Now, I make it a point to slow down, even just for a few minutes in the morning. I’ll play music, take a sip of something refreshing, and ease into the day. It sounds simple, but it really changes how I feel.”

That same idea carries through the day. A student describes stepping away from their screen during long study sessions to reset, while a freelance creative shared how brief pauses help restore clarity when ideas stall. Across different routines, the pattern is the same: small, consistent habits can create a noticeable shift in both mood and motivation.

In a world that often celebrates constant motion, these moments of pause are quietly becoming essential. They’re a reminder that staying productive is more than pushing harder; it’s also about knowing when to take a step back, even briefly, and recharge.

With Minute Maid Nutri+, those moments become easier to find and turn even the dullest mornings into something brighter. Perk up your vibe and feel the zest with Minute Maid Nutri+, now available in supermarkets near you.