August 20, 2026

Mindanao’s EMCOR and GCash bring flexible and seamless cashless payment solutions to over 170 stores nationwide

Mindanao’s largest homegrown retailer integrates the GCash digital payment ecosystem across 174 branches nationwide, empowering millions of Filipinos with flexible, cashless shopping for appliances, furniture, motorcycles, and more.

(L-R) EMCOR CFO and treasurer Jocelyn S. Monungolh; president and COO Nelson M. Aparejo; GCash regional business unit head Maria Tania Kathrina G. Padilla; and EMCOR EVP administration Guilbert R. Olbez

EMCOR (Engineering and Machinery Corporation) and GCash have partnered to launch Scan-to-Pay options across the retailer's network and GBills, enabling monthly installments for customer purchases. For over 60 years, EMCOR has been a trusted name in helping Filipino families build better homes, offering an extensive range of home appliances, furniture, motorcycles, e-bikes, smartphones, laptops, and three-wheelers.

The partnership enables flexible financing for major purchases like furniture, appliances, and gadgets, making quality home essentials more accessible across income levels. By integrating embedded credit solutions into EMCOR’s customer base, the partnership helps more Filipinos invest in their homes and livelihoods with greater ease and less financial strain.

This shift toward digital payments not only improves the shopping experience but also enhances operational efficiency and security across all EMCOR outlets.

“Our mission at GCash is to bring safe, accessible digital finance to every household. This partnership with EMCOR ensures that paying for home essentials and settling monthly installments is effortless. We are proud to back EMCOR’s digital transformation and expand financial inclusion across Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao." said Tania G. Padilla, GCash regional business unit head.

Further, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to modernizing Philippine retail and accelerating the nation’s shift toward a cashless economy. The initiative is part of a broader GCash strategy to embed digital payment infrastructure into the everyday lives of Filipinos, driving habitual use of cashless transactions and expanding access to financial services in communities across Mindanao and beyond.

“EMCOR has always believed that the Filipino family deserves access to quality products and a stress-free shopping experience. Partnering with GCash is a natural extension of that commitment—our customers across 174 branches can now pay instantly through Scan-to-Pay or manage their installments remotely through GBills, right from their phones. This is more than a payment upgrade; it is about making the lives of Filipino families easier and giving them more time and peace of mind. We are excited to bring this seamless digital experience to our loyal customers in Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao,” shares EMCOR president and COO, Nelson M. Aparejo.

By combining EMCOR’s six-decade legacy of serving Filipino households with the strong digital ecosystem of GCash, the collaboration creates a retail experience that is not only more convenient but also safer, smarter, and more inclusive.

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

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at The Manila Hotel


As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, tables become gathering places once again for family reunions, friendly catch-ups, and celebrations with colleagues. The Manila Hotel welcomes the season with thoughtfully prepared dining experience and handcrafted mooncakes that honor one of the year’s most cherished traditions.

Available at Red Jade from August 1 to September 30, 2026, the Mid-Autumn Festival Set Menu invites guests to gather over a sumptuous feast that celebrates abundance and togetherness. Served for both lunch and dinner, the menu is priced at Php 3,588 nett per person, with a minimum of five diners.

The menu features an assortment of Dim Sum, Braised Pit Lobster, Fried Whole Lapu-Lapu with Zhenjiang Honey Glazed Sauce, and other Chinese specialties prepared for the occasion, culminating with The Manila Hotel’s handcrafted mooncakes—a sweet finale to the festive meal. Prestige Card holders may also enjoy 20% off the set menu for groups of five to ten diners. To complete the celebration, guests may add Php 1,800 for a bottle of Suntana Summer Rosé to complement the menu’s rich yet balanced flavors.

Beyond the dining table, the celebration continues with The Manila Hotel’s signature mooncakes, available at Red Jade and Delicatessen. A seasonal favorite symbolizing gratitude and good fortune, this year’s selection features Single Yolk Red Bean, Single Yolk Pure White Lotus, Milk Golden Sand House, Black Sesame with XO Dried Conpoy.


Presented in an elegant gift box containing four pieces of mooncakes, the Mooncake Box is priced at Php 3,888 nett. Inspired by the iconic facade and architecture of the Grand Dame, the beautifully designed box serves as a keepsake long after the festivities have ended. Guests who pre-order a Mooncake Box on or before September 15, 2026 may enjoy the 30% Early Bird Offer, reducing the price to Php 2,721.60 nett. Pre-ordered boxes may be claimed beginning September 16, 2026. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-263867, Series of 2026.

Individual mooncakes are also available for Php 388 nett each starting September 1, 2026.

"The Mid-Autumn Festival is about bringing people closer together. Through our festive set menu and signature mooncakes, we hope to create meaningful moments for families and friends while honoring a tradition that has been cherished for generations," said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.




For orders and reservations, guests may call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, message +63998 950 1912, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

Jollibee wants Filipinos to taste the thrill of spice


For Filipinos who believe fried chicken tastes even better with a little kick, Jollibee is turning up the heat with Spicy Chickenjoy, putting the spotlight on a familiar favorite with a flavor profile designed to deliver more than just the sting of spice.

Jollibee Spicy Chickenjoy combines its signature crispy, juicy chicken with a blend of spices, bringing a noticeable kick to every bite. Rather than treating spiciness as a test of endurance, the brand is framing it as another layer of flavor to enjoy.


“Spiciness should not simply be about tolerating the heat. It should be about enjoying what the spice brings to the overall flavor experience. With Spicy Chickenjoy, we want Filipinos to discover that spicy can be exciting, flavorful and, most importantly, delicious,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines.



The move also comes as spicy flavors continue to gain a place among Filipino food preferences. According to research, 13 percent of surveyed adult Filipinos, or roughly one in eight, identified spicy as a taste preference. While the findings do not suggest that spicy food appeals to everyone, they point to a notable group of consumers who enjoy the added flavor and heat that spicy food brings.

Jollibee is bringing that flavor story to life with Alexa Ilacad, an actress, singer and performer known for her energetic personality and strong connection with younger Filipino audiences. Her naturally lively and expressive persona makes her a fitting face for Spicy Chickenjoy, particularly for a campaign that seeks to portray spice not as something intimidating, but as something fun, exciting and full of character.


For Ilacad, whose public persona often combines confidence, playfulness and youthful energy, the partnership gives Jollibee a way to personify the product's fiery personality while keeping the focus on the enjoyment that comes with every bite.

With Spicy Chickenjoy, Jollibee is ultimately asking consumers to look at spicy food beyond the question of how much heat they can handle. The bigger question, it suggests, is how much flavor they can enjoy.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

2GO Brings Cebu Business Community Together to Strengthen Connectivity for Tourism and Trade

CEBU CITY, Philippines2GO, the country’s leading integrated transportation and logistics provider, gathered members of the Cebu business community, industry experts, and policymakers for a strategic forum dedicated to leveraging stronger connectivity that can sustain the region’s momentum across trade, tourism, and economic growth.

(From left) Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions; Ethel Concepcion, Head of 2GO Corporate Marketing and Communications; Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development; Mr. Felix Taguiam, Regional Governor for Central Visayas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; President Regan Rex King of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding; and Francis Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel

In partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and in coordination with the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Region VII, 2GO hosted a dialogue with key regional stakeholders to discuss Central Visayas’ economic outlook and the vital role of modern supply chain networks in linking businesses to markets and travelers to key destinations.

“We want to hear your pain points and identify your areas of growth so we can co-create solutions together,” said 2GO Marketing Business Unit Head Ethel Concepcion, underscoring the company’s dedication to sustained dialogue and collaborations that enable long-term progress for regional trade and tourism sectors.

“When connectivity improves, businesses can move products faster and more efficiently. Tourism destinations become more accessible, supply chains build resilience, and new markets open,” said CCCI President Regan Rex King. “A stronger Cebu requires stronger connections, and those links begin with meaningful cross-sector alignment.”

The partnership reflects the shared commitment of 2GO and CCCI to foster a holistic economic framework. Through its expansive multimodal network, 2GO bridges trade routes across the Philippines, while collaborating with local organizations to unlock regional opportunities.

Highlighting the region's trajectory, DEPDev Region VII Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro presented an outlook emphasizing Central Visayas' transition toward a more diversified and interconnected economy. Ranked as the country's fourth-largest regional economy in 2025, Central Visayas is advancing toward modernized transit and freight infrastructure, backed by 90 strategic high-impact projects (SHIPs) scheduled in 2027.

The forum held an executive panel titled “Strengthening Connectivity for Tourism, Trade, and Regional Growth,” featuring insights from King alongside 2GO leaders Francis John Chua (Travel), Faye Allonzo (Forwarding), and Sharon Musngi-Ngo (Sea Solutions).

With logistics playing a pivotal role in accelerating regional development, 2GO reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with commercial enterprises, government bodies, and trade groups to build reliable connections across Central Visayas.

Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series Drives Record-High Foldable Pre-Orders in Southeast Asia and Oceania

Almost 6 out of every 10 Galaxy Z8 devices sold during pre-order period is a Galaxy Z Fold8

Samsung West Lake store in Hanoi city

Samsung Electronics has achieved a record high volume of pre-order sales in Southeast Asia and Oceania with the launch of the Galaxy Z8 series. Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra devices have increased by almost 60% compared to the Galaxy Z Fold7. With the pre-order period ending on August 13 in the region, consumers here have a few days left to enjoy pre-order benefits.

Since its unveiling, the Galaxy Z8 series has seen positive consumer response across the globe and similarly in Southeast Asia and Oceania, demand for the new devices has been robust. The Galaxy Z Fold8 has currently emerged as the most popular option in the region, accounting for almost six in every ten Galaxy Z8 devices ordered. This strong performance reflects clear consumer preference for the new form factor.

In the Philippines, the Galaxy Z Fold8 has emerged as Samsung’s best-selling foldable ever within the pre-order period and accounts for almost 60% of Z8 orders since July 22. At its peak, nearly one Z8 series unit was sold every minute within the pre-order period.

Samsung Experience Store in Taguig City, Philippines

Built on seven generations of accumulated foldable technology and expertise, the new Galaxy Z series introduced an even more powerful foldable lineup and drew significant attention from the outset.

By color, Graphite and Lavender were the most popular among Southeast Asia and Oceania consumers who went for the Galaxy Z Fold8, while Violet Shadow and Graphite were preferred for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. Pink and Graphite were the top color picks for the Galaxy Z Flip8.

The Galaxy Z Fold8, optimized for immersive viewing of content popular among younger consumers — including short-form videos, webtoons, games and e-books — led demand. This fresh form factor supports immersive viewing, reading and gaming on the 4:3 main display and at just 201g, it is Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, appealed to consumers who prioritize productivity with its large-screen experience. Its expansive 8-inch main display offers more room for multitasking and an upgraded camera system helps users capture richer detail, color, and clarity. The Galaxy Z Flip8 is designed for those who value maximum portability – it is Samsung’s sleekest Flip ever released – and self-expression. With a reimagined FlexWindow, users can access apps, insights, actions and assistance directly on the cover screen.

Alongside the Galaxy Z8 series, Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 for more effortless health and wellness management. Built for outdoor adventures, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is built for users looking for long-lasting endurance while the Galaxy Watch9 is designed to be an everyday health companion. Together with the new Galaxy Z series, the latest Watch line-up strengthens Samsung’s AI ecosystem, delivering more connected experiences across phone and wrist.

Customers at Galaxy Z8 Series Pop-Up Event in Malaysia

Customers are responding positively to attractive benefits and promotions in the region. Early adopters can enjoy exceptional value when they pre-order the new Galaxy Z Series until August 13.

Customers can double their storage and save up to PHP 7,000, receive up to PHP 14,000 through eligible trade-ins, and enjoy Samsung Care+ free for three months (worth PHP 3,297) for added peace of mind.

Every eligible Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8 purchase also includes a six-month trial of Google AI Pro, unlocking even more advanced AI-powered experiences.

Complete the Galaxy experience with Samsung’s latest wearables. The new Galaxy Watch9 delivers smarter everyday wellness and productivity, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 offers Samsung’s most advanced smartwatch experience with premium durability for active lifestyles.

Those who pre-order the 256GB variant of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, or Galaxy Z Flip8 can enjoy PHP 3,000 OFF on select Galaxy Wearables. Meanwhile, customers who purchase a participating Galaxy Watch9 or Galaxy Watch Ultra2 until September 30 can also receive a PHP 2,000 discount on a participating Galaxy smartphone.

To make upgrading even more rewarding, Samsung is also offering up to 50% trade-in value, up to PHP 16,000 in guaranteed savings, and up to PHP 3,000 in exclusive vendor discounts, making it the perfect time to experience Samsung’s most advanced foldables yet.

The new foldable devices also support Smart Switch, which enables wireless data transfer through a QR code without requiring a separate app installation, and Quick Share, which makes sharing between iOS and Galaxy devices more convenient.

Discover the next generation of foldable innovation and pre-order the new Galaxy Z Series today:

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra – https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold8-ultra/buy/

Galaxy Z Fold8 – https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold8/buy/

Galaxy Z Flip8 – https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip8/buy/



*Offers may vary per store. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. 262261, 261885, 261334, 260761 Series of 2026.

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