October 22, 2026

Missed the Primary Market Window? Why You Should Still Consider Investing in RTBs via GBonds

Buy and sell guaranteed, low-risk investments like RTB32 with just a few taps on GCash

High-yielding, low-risk investments don’t pop up every day, so it’s best to strike when the opportunity presents itself. The Bureau of the Treasury recently issued the 32nd tranche of Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB 32), offering a rare opportunity to secure a 6.875% p.a. gross yield directly backed by the government.

While its primary offer period has officially concluded, the good news is you haven't missed out. RTB 32 is actively available in the secondary market for trading directly through GBonds on GCash. Standard transaction and convenience fees now apply, but the 6.875% p.a. gross yield still makes it a compelling option for building long-term wealth.

If financial jargon makes your eyes glaze over, think of RTBs this way: the government needs funds for national development. They borrow from you and are obligated to give your capital back, plus guaranteed interest, at maturity.

Here are the reasons why investing in RTBs remains an investment worth looking into:

· You’ll surely get your money back (until the maturity date)
Investing can feel daunting because of the market's unpredictable ups and downs. Stock prices and fund returns move with the market, but RTBs work differently. Its rate is fixed when you buy, which means you get guaranteed returns without staying up at night checking the market, as long as you hold it until the maturity date.

RTB 32 has a 2.5-year term, maturing on April 12, 2029. Hold it until then, and you get your full capital back, plus your guaranteed earnings.

· You can exit when life happens
Unlike traditional time deposits or other government-backed voluntary savings programs like MP2, which strictly lock up your funds or penalize early withdrawals, trading RTB32 on the secondary market means liquidity. If you need funds before the 2.5-year maturity, you can sell or cash out RTB32 via GBonds. Just keep in mind that you'll sell at the prevailing market price, which may be higher or lower than what you paid — and standard convenience and transaction fees will apply.

· You receive interest every quarter
Unlike fixed-income products that pay out at the end of the term, RTBs provide interest payments every quarter throughout the bond’s term. You can choose to reinvest those returns, add them to your savings, or use them for other financial goals.

· No need to stress over losing your investment
RTBs are securities issued directly by the Philippine government, which means the state is legally obligated to return your principal along with your interest. This makes RTBs a relatively low-risk way to grow your money. For Filipinos looking to diversify their portfolio beyond savings accounts, government securities can provide another way to put their money to work while earning fixed interest.

· You don’t need a massive amount to invest
RTBs are designed to be affordable for everyday Filipinos – without the need for large capital and complex paperwork. With RTB 32 on GBonds, you can start with a minimum of ₱5,000.

Buy and Sell RTB32 via GBonds on GCash


GCash users can buy and sell RTBs on their GCash app through GBonds, a marketplace that allows users to invest in government bonds with FREE top-ups and withdrawals and standard fees for buying or selling bonds.

Getting started and purchasing your first bond is easy. First, register by heading to the Invest tab on the GCash dashboard, selecting the GBonds icon, and answering the Risk Profile Questionnaire. Approval will take one (1) business day.

Once approved, tap ‘Top Up’ on your GBonds dashboard, enter your desired amount, which includes the minimum investment and fees, and confirm. Finally, to buy an RTB, select the desired RTB, click Buy, enter your total investment amount and fees, and confirm your order to buy your bond instantly.

To invest via GBonds, you must be a fully verified GCash user aged 18 or older with a verified email address, an updated KYC profile (within the past 3 years), and not a US resident or citizen.

Growing your wealth doesn't have to mean taking big risks, especially when rare opportunities for high-yielding, guaranteed earnings are on the table. Take charge of your financial goals today by locking in your guaranteed quarterly earnings—and let your money do the hard work for you.

Ben&Ben’s Leaves (Reimagined) submitted for 2027 Grammy Awards consideration

The song carries special meaning for the band and its millions of followers, with its message of healing, forgiveness, and second chances


Ben&Ben plays to a sold-out Smart Araneta Coliseum at their Saranggola: The Concert where Leaves (Reimagined) was part of the setlist (PHOTO BY: JAIRA MOLO)

Multi-awarded folk-pop band Ben&Ben has submitted Leaves (Reimagined) for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards under the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category.

According to the band, bagging a Grammy Award has always been one of their dreams. They are thankful to be given the chance to take the first step toward this dream through the submission of Leaves (Reimagined) for consideration of the Grammy organization’s voting members.

Leaves (Reimagined) holds special meaning for Ben&Ben frontman Paolo Benjamin, who wrote the song, as it has helped him make sense of and overcome past hurts.

“Someone very close to me in the past hurt me in a very unexpected way, and I was faced with the choice to forgive or part ways. I chose to forgive,” he reveals. “This song will always hold deep meaning for me. It has been God’s way of saving me from my darkest thoughts countless times in the past, until now.”

“I hope that this grown-up version of the song will make people realize that forgiveness is an act that sets ourselves free, even if it’s extremely hard to do sometimes. Because as the new version says, it’s those closest to us that can hurt us the most. I hope that it encourages people to never give up on selflessly loving, even if it can get painful,” he adds.

The submission was made via the band’s label, Sony Music Entertainment Philippines. First Round Voting runs from October 12 to 22, and will determine the nominees across 100 categories. The official nominees will be announced on November 16, with the 2027 Grammy Awards taking place on February 7, 2027.

Ben&Ben recently released Nine, an album that they described as a love letter to their listeners and a celebration of their friendship. It features nine tracks, including reimagined versions of songs from the different stages of their journey together, including Leaves (Reimagined), as well as 2026 hit Saranggola and new song Harinawa.

The band played all tracks from Nine at their sold-out Saranggola: The Concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum earlier this month.

Why Michelin-starred chefs are obsessed with your go-to Taco Bell order


If you have always loved Taco Bell for its bold flavors and undeniable craveability, you are in excellent company. While you might see your favorite order as the ultimate, unpretentious comfort food to cap off a long day, some of the world's most elite, Michelin-starred culinary minds view it as an absolute masterpiece of food engineering!

According to a recently published Wall Street Journal article titled “Top Chefs Have a Confession: They Love Taco Bell,” top high-end restaurant chefs in the US are openly confessing their deep obsession with the brand. These culinary masters praise the Taco Bell’s menu for achieving what they call the elusive "perfect bite", a precise, scientific harmony of contrasting textures and temperatures that even luxury, fine-dining establishments struggle to execute consistently!


Whether you are craving that specific crunch after a long day or celebrating the weekend with your crew, you have already been appreciating that exact same world-class flavor formula.

The article further highlights how these elite chefs rave about the clever balance between hot, seasoned beef and crisp, cool toppings, meaning that great food design doesn't have to be complicated. These food experts have effectively validated what Filipino foodies have been championing all along, that choosing Taco Bell is an appreciation for comfort food that simply hits the spot every single time!

The good thing is you know where to go whenever you’re in the mood for your go-to Tex-Mex fare! With Taco Bell's strong, highly accessible footprint across Metro Manila’s premier commercial and lifestyle hubs, satisfying your cravings is easy! You can find your flavor fix at on-the-go branches located in Gateway Mall and Cyberpark Tower in Araneta City, Cubao; Trinoma and SM Fairview in Northern Quezon City; SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City; Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City; Venice Grand Canal in Taguig City; and Ayala Circuit and One Ayala in Makati City!

Visit your nearest Taco Bell branch and dive straight into flavorful offerings like the Crunchwrap Supreme, Gordita, and Chalupa.

You can visit these branches anytime to experience an entire lineup of bold, crave-worthy products that hit those exact same high-level flavor profiles. Aside from the beloved Crunchwrap Supreme, you can dive into their other flavorful offerings like the pillowy, golden-fried Chalupa and the tender, ultra-meaty Gordita, among many others.


So, the next time you place your order at Taco Bell, hold your up head high because you are eating exactly like the world's best foodies!

Visit your nearest Taco Bell store for dine-in and take-out orders, or have your favorites delivered straight to your doorstep via the 8911-1111 hotline, Taco Bell Philippines’ official website at tacobell.com.ph, or through official delivery partners Grabfood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary)!

Don't miss the latest updates, offers, and deals from Taco Bell by following and giving the brand a like on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

October 21, 2026

HONOR Play 10 Arrives in the Philippines for Only PHP 6,999

The latest HONOR smartphone combines a 5,000mAh battery, 90Hz FullView Display, and an octa-core processor to deliver practical features for everyday use

Global AI devices provider HONOR Philippines introduces the HONOR Play 10, a smartphone designed to keep users connected and entertained throughout the day. Priced at PHP 6,999, the device combines practical performance, a long-lasting battery, and a large, smooth display to support everyday needs, from browsing social media and messaging to watching videos and enjoying casual entertainment.

Here are three key features that make the HONOR Play 10 a practical companion for everyday use:

Performance: Smooth Everyday Use

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 octa-core processor and an Android Go experience, the HONOR Play 10 is built for everyday essentials, from using daily apps and browsing social media to enjoying casual entertainment. It comes in 3GB RAM + 64GB storage and 4GB RAM + 128GB storage configurations to suit different user needs.

Battery: Power for Everyday Needs

With its 5,000mAh battery and 10W charging, the HONOR Play 10 is designed to keep up with daily activities, giving users more time to stay connected and entertained with fewer charging interruptions.

Display: Bigger, Smoother Viewing

The 6.74-inch HD+ HONOR FullView Display with a 90Hz refresh rate provides a spacious viewing experience for watching videos, browsing, and scrolling through social media. Whether catching up on content or staying connected with friends, users can enjoy a smoother viewing experience throughout the day. 

It also features a clean, modern design with rounded corners and straight edges. Measuring approximately 8.55mm thin and weighing around 189g, it is designed for comfortable everyday handling. 

The HONOR Play 10 comes in Midnight Black and Ocean Cyan and is available in the Philippines for PHP 6,999. It offers a practical smartphone option for users looking for essential features at an accessible price. The device comes in two configurations: 3GB RAM + 64GB storage and 4GB RAM + 128GB storage.

Customers can purchase the HONOR Play 10 through authorized HONOR stores nationwide, Globe Telecom stores, and HONOR’s official online stores on Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Shopee.

For more information about HONOR Philippines, you may visit: https://www.honor.com/ph/. To stay updated on launch announcements, product information, and exclusive offers, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive launch updates, product information, and more. #HONORPlay10 #HONORPhilippines

A visual journey of memory and light: Richmonde Hotel Iloilo unveils “Dumdumanon” by artist Babak Niaraki


ILOILO CITY, PHILIPPINES — In celebration of the Iloilo Arts Festival this October and in support of Iloilo Business Park’s recognition as the city’s Center of Arts and Culture, Richmonde Horel Iloilo recently launched Dumdumanon: Seeing Iloilo—Moments of a City, Seen and Remembered, a striking solo photography exhibition by multimedia artist Babak Niaraki.

Derived from the Hiligaynon word that means to remember or recollect, Dumdumanon showcases the essence of shared memories across the curated photographs. Being an Iranian artist who has found his home in Iloilo City, Niaraki uniquely and affectionately captures an outsider-turned-insider experience of life in the regions, covering familiar scenes from the colorful pageantry of the Dinagyang festival to the quiet, unscripted moments of local living.

Niaraki’s photos take spectators on an immersive and emotion-filled visual journey with images so vibrant one can feel the rhythm of the sadsad, the busy noise of the Central Market, and the refreshing breeze and tranquility of the coastal waters. But more than this, the collection invites them to appreciate the rich mosaic of people and places that define the very soul of this growing city.


Art Meets Enriching Experiences

For Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, hosting Dumdumanon serves a dual purpose: it honors Niaraki’s exceptional artistry while reinforcing its commitment to enriching guest experiences with authentic local culture.

"Just as Babak’s photos effortlessly bridge the gap between Iloilo’s high-energy celebrations and its quiet, soulful rhythms, Richmonde strives to elevate every facet of a guest's stay—delivering memorable hospitality not only through grand gatherings, but also in serene retreats," Lucille Pedroso, Richmonde’s Assistant Director of Sales shared. “So, we invite everyone to visit the hotel to reminisce and rediscover Iloilo anew through Babak’s lenses.”

Dumdumanon runs until November 6, 2026 at the hotel lobby. The large format prints on exhibit are also available for sale. For inquiries, call Richmonde Hotel Iloilo at (6333) 328 7888 (63) 917 580 9058.


Multimedia artist Babak Niaraki poses with Richmonde Hotel Iloilo officers and staff at the launch of his photo exhibit.

Dumdumanon: Seeing Iloilo—Moments of a City, Seen and Remembered photo exhibit runs until November 6, 2026 at the lobby of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.

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