La Union LGU and GCash team up to enable cashless payments for eco-tourism fees in San Juan, La Union

Tweet

Tourists can now pay the PHP 50.00 environmental fees in San Juan, La Union via GCash

As part of its ongoing push for sustainable tourism and environmental protection, the Municipality of San Juan, La Union, has partnered with GCash, the country’s leading finance app, to launch a cashless system for collecting eco-tourism fees. This convenient and simpler payment option will help ensure cleaner beaches, improved waste management, and stronger support for the town’s growing tourist economy.

San Juan, known for its surf culture and scenic beaches, faces challenges in collecting environmental fees due to its open layout and multiple beach access points. This has often led to missed payments and limited funds for keeping the town clean and well-maintained.

Using GCash’s Scan-to-Pay (STP) feature, tourists can conveniently pay the ₱50 environmental fee by scanning QR codes available in over 200 local establishments, such as hotels, cafés, and resorts, as well as in six designated Environmental Fee Hubs across the town.

Soon, QR codes will also be placed directly at key tourist spots and entry points to encourage on-the-spot payments and improve accessibility. This seamless, cashless system is designed to integrate smoothly into the visitor experience.

“This partnership reflects our shared goal of keeping San Juan clean and sustainable,” said Mayor Arturo Valdriz. “It gives both locals and tourists a simple way to help protect our environment,” San Juan Mayor Arturo Valdriz said.

The digital system makes payments more convenient for visitors. It helps the local government track collections in real time, improving transparency and ensuring the funds go directly to environmental programs like waste management and beach cleanups. With the partnership now in place and early results positive, the municipality plans to expand the program to more locations, further supporting the town's environmental efforts.

“With GCash, every eco-fee helps preserve the beauty of San Juan’s beaches and landscapes for future generations,” San Juan Tourism head Ezikiel Lanuzo said.

By streamlining digital payment solutions, GCash, together with its partners in local government, champions communities and promotes sustainability — one scan at a time. Building on the success of this initiative, the Public Sector team of GCash is looking to scale the program by partnering with more local government units across the country, supporting their efforts to adopt easy, convenient, safe, and secure e-payment solutions.

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

For every player, a safer game: DigiPlus, BingoPlus Foundation mark Problem Gambling and Gaming Awareness Month with tools and training

Tweet

In the fast-growing digital gaming landscape, few players are committed to safety as they are to fun. This Problem Gambling Awareness Month, DigiPlus Interactive Corp., through its social development arm BingoPlus Foundation, reaffirms its industry leadership in responsible gaming, highlighting its pioneering use of in-app safeguards, real-world financial education, and company-wide mental health training to protect and empower Filipino players.

On May 19, 2025, DigiPlus’ CSR arm, BingoPlus Foundation, alongside key public and private organizations, led the call for responsible gaming at the 2nd International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Gaming Addiction held at the Quezon City M.I.C. Center, Philippines. In photos (from left to right): Youth Group Representative Dr. Rica Fatima Arias; Jay Valderama of Rehabilitation and Treatment Center; Dr. Lorolie Vinluan RGC from UP Diliman; Quezon City Healthcare Director Dr. Ramona Abarquez; Municipality of Sta. Rosa, Laguna Representative, Ms. Elvira Marcelo; Solaire Resort Representative, Mr. Hexell Tulod; Ms. Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation; Ms. Tersita Castillo, President and Chairman of Seagulls Flock Organization; Quezon City Mayor, Honorable Joy Belmonte, PAGCOR Chairman/CEO, Mr. Alejandro Tengco; and Mr. Atty. Jesi Howard S. Lanete, Assistant Secretary Department of Interior and Local Government.

With over 40 million registered users and more than 130 physical sites, DigiPlus is the country’s largest integrated digital entertainment ecosystem. But behind its scale is a human-first approach to gaming - one rooted in empathy, protection, and shared responsibility.

At the core of this commitment is GameSmart, a responsible gaming program grounded on the three pillars: prevention, education, and intervention.

A three-pillar framework: Prevention, education, and intervention

Through advanced in-app tools: custom time and spending limits, facial recognition, and e-KYC protocols, DigiPlus empowers players to take control of their own habits while shielding minors and at-risk groups from exposure. These aren’t just features, they are built-in guardrails designed to make responsible play second nature.

One of the foundation’s most impactful efforts is the “Pusta de Peligro” campaign, a public advocacy drive that reframes “Petsa de Peligro”, a term familiar to everyday Filipinos, as a moment to pause and reflect on responsible choices.

The Pusta De Peligro campaign launched across social media, TV, radio, billboard ads, speaks directly to cultural and financial realities. By tapping relatable moments before payday, it encourages players to evaluate whether it’s the right time to play or save for another day.

Education happens where it matters most: in the everyday moments of playing and decision-making. The Foundation’s “Tamang Laro, Tamang Panalo” campaign delivers financial coaching to both jackpot winners and targeted sectors in barangays, teaching practical skills like budgeting, debt management, and saving smart. From livestreams to barangay halls, the message is the same; real fun means being in control.

On May 6, 2025, BingoPlus Foundation kicked off the “Tamang Laro, Tamang Panalo” Barangay Caravan at Barangay 686, Paco, Manila, where low income families and target sectors in barangay learned practical tips on budgeting, spending wisely, managing debt, and saving smart-empowering them to make a better financial decisions for a more secure future. This continues the series of learning sessions initiated since 2024, transitioning from a hybrid webinar to a grassroots program.

Intervention is available when players need it most. DigiPlus has begun training frontline staff and customer service teams to spot red flags and offer mental health first aid. In partnership with organizations like Seagulls Flock, the Foundation is building systems that emphasize compassion, not punishment - ensuring no player feels alone when facing risky behavior.

In partnership with Seagulls Flock Organization, BingoPlus Foundation held its first-ever “Basic Training on Problem Gambling for First Responders” on April 21–23, 2025. The three-day session equipped DigiPlus customer service representatives with critical knowledge and tools to recognize red flags, offer empathetic support, and promote responsible gambling among users—reinforcing the company’s commitment to accessible mental health care and responsible gaming at every touchpoint.

Beyond compliance

Beyond its compliance with regulations, DigiPlus believes that understanding the human story behind every player is the key to long-term, sustainable entertainment. Through BingoPlus Foundation, the company brings responsible gaming efforts to where its customers live, work, and play – across stores, digital platforms, and communities.

These efforts are just part of a broader ecosystem of care. BingoPlus Foundation has allocated ₱150 million in 2025 toward social programs under four pillars: Technology Education, Accessible Healthcare, Community Resilience, and Responsible Digitalization. Responsible gaming is not a one-off campaign - it’s embedded across everything DigiPlus does.

“Problem gambling is real - but so is the power of technology, education, and community to prevent it,” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation. “At DigiPlus, we don’t just check compliance boxes. We’ve built an ecosystem that protects players, empowers families, and multiplies the good across every corner of the country.”

Looking Ahead

DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation are expanding their efforts even further. This year, the Foundation will launch new digital learning modules, host community dialogues, and scale partnerships with LGUs, schools, and healthcare professionals to build a wider safety net for players.

Because as we play, we can protect. As we win, we can uplift. And as we grow, we can multiply the good- together.

#YourPadToSuccess: OPPO Pad SE coming to the Philippines soon

Tweet

Leading global smart device brand OPPO is gearing up to launch the OPPO Pad SE in the Philippines.The device is set to empower Filipinos who want to achieve success, whether it's in their budding careers or in academics.

The OPPO Pad SE, is packed with innovative features, offers productivity on-the-go and an immersive entertainment experience.

Designed for your everyday success

Long days demand long-lasting devices and the OPPO Pad SE is built to push your productivity to the next level while offering comfort with its massive 9,340 mAh, the largest in its price point.

Ideal for catching up with work or winding down after a long day, the OPPO Pad SE features a large 11-inch LCD Eye-Care Display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and up to 500 nits of brightness. Its Matte Display Variant has an Anti-Reflective Matte Display which gives its users a paper-like reading and writing experience.

Crafted for smart and seamless experiences

If you value efficiency and maximizing your device’ tools to accomplish more, the OPPO Pad SE is just the right tablet for you. It supports real-time file transfers, drag-and-drop file sharing, and seamless app switching with features like Content Sync and App Relay.

You can also complete tasks with ease and channel your creativity with Google Gemini integrated into the OPPO Pad SE. From generating content to providing real-time assistance, its AI tools offer smart support for work, planning, and more.

Be ready to be more productive

Prepare yourselves to have a more optimized daily experience with the OPPO Pad SE, available soon in Starlight White and Twilight Blue across all OPPO’s e-commerce platforms and stores nationwide!

Stay tuned for more details about the OPPO Pad SE and visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph, Facebook and TikTok pages.

International ballet stars showcase a mesmerizing Swan Lake for Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year

Tweet

Time and experience shape dancers into artists, and for Katherine Barkman, San Francisco Ballet’s First Soloist, her homecoming to Ballet Manila is both a tribute to her roots and a testament to her growth. Returning to the stage where her professional journey began, she takes on the challenging dual role of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake, alongside one of the ballet world’s most celebrated names: Esteban Hernández, principal dancer of San Francisco Ballet.

More than just a guest artist—Esteban Hernández is a phenomenon. A trailblazer from Guadalajara, Mexico, Esteban trained at The Royal Ballet School and rose to global acclaim for his technical brilliance and expressive storytelling. As a principal dancer of the San Francisco Ballet, he has captivated audiences worldwide. Filipino audiences first witnessed his charm and virtuosity as Basilio in Don Quixote 2023. Now, he returns in a role of royal gravitas—as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake.

“Esteban is the complete package,” says Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde. “Last year, his performance as Basilio was simply perfect. But Siegfried is a very different character—elegant, noble, restrained. He has been a principal dancer for quite some time now, so his depth of experience, technique, and artistry will work all very well for him as Prince Siegfried.” She adds, “Esteban and Katherine have already danced Swan Lake together, so I think that they will, as a principal couple, be very effective in their roles.”

For Katherine, this return is deeply personal. Once a principal dancer of Ballet Manila, she trained under Macuja Elizalde for over three years before joining The Washington Ballet and later the San Francisco Ballet. Now taking on Swan Lake’s duality with deeper insight, she reflects: “With experience comes more fearlessness. I take more risks—I would rather my dancing be exciting to watch than safe and predictable.”

A former principal dancer of Ballet Manila, Katherine trained under the guidance of Lisa Macuja Elizalde herself for over three years, before moving to Washington Ballet, and eventually, San Francisco Ballet.

Now back to where her professional ballet career began, Katherine reflects on her growth as she embodies the dual role of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan): “I feel like my approach to the characters has shifted the most,” recounts Katherine. “With experience comes more of a fearlessness. I take more risks – I don’t worry so much if it’s perfect or not. I would rather my dancing be exciting to watch than safe and predictable.”

While Katherine has already previously worked with Esteban, sharing the same stage together once again, this time for Ballet Manila, is a special moment for her. She shares, “Esteban is an amazing partner and someone I just love working with. It’s rare to dance with someone who challenges and encourages you in such an honest way. I was happy Ballet Manila got to experience his Don Quixote - but I’m just so excited I can be here this time and share Swan Lake together.”

With her strong foundation from Ballet Manila, Katherine approaches the demanding dual role with deep awareness, relying on her technique to convey the proper emotions for each character. “If there’s one thing I truly believe, it is that technique is to be used to express emotion. Every step should say something.”

For Lisa Macuja Elizalde, having played the role of Odette and Odile during her prima ballerina days gives her full awareness of how intricate it is to mount a full-length Swan Lake. “It is a very Russian ballet, so the dancing needs to be technically strong and artistically sound. But our dance company practices the unique Vaganova training, so the over-all strength of the legs and backs of the dancers are developed by the technique, allowing the dancers to hold poses well, jump high and turn fast. This is ingrained and practiced with the dancers in daily class and translates into everyone, especially the swan corps de ballet, moving as one onstage.”

On Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year, Macuja made sure to pull all the stops to cast two pairs of powerful main leads. Aside from Katherine and Esteban, audiences will see another take on the main characters with Ballet Manila’s principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro portraying Odette and Odile and San Francisco Ballet’s company artist Nathaniel Remez playing Prince Seigfried.

She also looks forward to the chemistry of Abigail and Nathaniel, adding “What I am also excited about is Nathaniel’s impending partnership with Abi. She will learn and grow so much in her interpretation of Swan lake when she explores the choreography with a new partner like Nathaniel who, height wise, is perfect for her.”

Catch all performances from Katherine Barkman and Esteban Hernandez on May 30, 2025 at 8PM, May 31, 2025 at 5PM, and June 1, 2025 at 5PM, and matinee performances with Abigail Oliveiro and Nathaniel Remez on May 31, 2025 and June 1, 2025 at 1PM.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

"Streamlined II" highlights the enduring legacy of National Artist Arturo Luz

Tweet

Renaissance Art Gallery proudly presents the second iteration of “Streamlined: The Art of National Artist Arturo Luz” at the Art Center, SM Megamall. Curated by artist-critic Cid Reyes, the “Streamlined II” exhibition showcases Luz's rich and enduring legacy, highlighting his unwavering commitment to impeccable design and disciplined use of color.

In 1951, distinguished art and literary critic Recaredo Demetillo noted, “I must draw attention to the work of Arturo Rogerio Luz. His forms are alive and distinguished; he understands abstraction and austerity, the sense of space and balance. He distorts with intuitive rightness and grace. In other words, he is a real artist.”

At just 17 years old, Luz, declared National Artist in 1997, was already exploring painting and was drawn to form's simplicity and essential nature.

His first work was a portrait of his mother, the renowned interior designer Rosario Dimayuga Luz. As a figurative painter, Luz was inspired by Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo, known for his spare and elongated forms.

This influence led Luz to develop his own vocabulary of shapes using plastic lines. He also drew significant inspiration from Swiss artist Paul Klee, who famously described line as “taking a dot for a walk.” This inspiration culminated in Luz's linear depictions of cyclists, musicians, and carnival performers, including acrobats and jugglers, as well as still lifes featuring boxes, Oriental ceramics, jars, bowls, and shells.

By limiting his choice of subjects, Luz could delve into the elegance of visual simplicity, precision, and spatial balance. He began to favor non-traditional materials such as burlap and laminated plywood, and at one point even used broken tiles to create a mosaic for a church altar floor.

Eventually, Luz transitioned to pure abstraction through collage, which compelled him to create compositions without representational subjects. This allowed him to focus on the planar qualities of form and surface and the visual tension that arises from achieving a perfectly balanced composition.

In the early 1980s, Luz expanded his subject by traveling throughout Asia and India. His experiences during this pilgrimage inspired many works that featured imaginary landscapes filled with temples, palaces, fortifications, and battlements — all transformed into linear symphonies of monochromatic tones accented by earthy colors like chrome yellow, dark mustard, cardinal red, burnt sienna, bronze, and brown.

Arturo Luz also demonstrated his administrative skills in the 1980s by managing his eponymous Luz Gallery, the Museum of Philippine Art, the Metropolitan Museum, and the Design Center of the Philippines.

Of paramount significance is Luz's transformation of the native artistic sensibility from festive and flamboyant to restrained and dispassionate.

A limited edition monograph with design and layout by Dopy Doplon and photography by Wig Tysmans will be available to accompany the exhibit.

“Streamlined II” runs from June 3 until June 16 at the Art Center, SM Megamall, 4/F Bldg. A at the corner of EDSA and Julia Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

Website: renaissanceartph.com

Instagram: instagram.com/renaissanceartph

Facebook: Renaissance Art Gallery

#renaissanceartph

#renaissanceartgallery