Sunday, October 4, 2026
One of Makati's best-kept secrets gets a refresh, inviting more people to discover a unique Japanese garden in the heart of the city.
Ten years on, the spirit of wa lives on. The renewed Tsuruki-en Japanese Garden stands as a lasting symbol of the partnership between Security Bank and MUFG.
Makati City, Philippines – A quiet green corner in the heart of Makati has been given new life for the community. Security Bank and MUFG Bank, Manila Branch Ltd. (MUFG) have restored the Tsuruki-en (Crane and Turtle) Japanese Garden at Washington SyCip Park, creating a refreshed urban retreat to the Makati community where one can recharge and connect with nature.
Set amid the city’s office towers and busy streets, the garden offers something increasingly precious in the city: a peaceful public tranquil space open to office workers, residents, families, tourists to pause, unwind, and soaking in the Japanese garden zen.
First unveiled in 2017 by Security Bank, MUFG and the late Washington SyCip, Tsuruki-en has become a distinctive green landmark and a shared place for the Makati community. Its renewal is timely as it marks the 10th year of partnership between MUFG and Security Bank and celebrates the enduring ties between Japan and the Philippines.
"The Tsuruki-en Garden is a special place that brings a sense of calm and reflection to the middle of a busy city," said Victor Lee, President and CEO of Security Bank. "As we celebrate ten years of partnership with MUFG, we are proud to renew this space and share it with the public. We hope more people will discover and enjoy this unique corner of Makati."
Inspired by wa, the Japanese idea of harmony and balance, the refreshed garden brings together stone, water, greenery and carefully shaped landscapes. Sustainable materials sourced in the Philippines help create a calm, welcoming setting that reflects the friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
Markers of a shared journey, honoring the vision, friendship, and collaboration behind Tsuruki-en.
“Refreshing Tsuruki-en is a simple but meaningful way to care for the city we share. We are honoured to mark this milestone with Security Bank by helping preserve a place where people can find calm, enjoy nature and feel welcome. It reflects the care, respect and shared purpose that guide our partnership and our commitment to the Philippines.” said Masami Yoshitake, Country Head of MUFG Bank, Manila Branch.
Representatives from Security Bank, MUFG, the Makati Central Estate Association (MACEA) and other partners came together for the rededication and a walkthrough of the renewed garden.
With its refresh complete, the garden is ready to welcome the community again — whether for a quiet break, a walk among the greenery or a visit to one of Makati’s hidden gems.
Through Project SUNRISE, 125 high school and college students in Cebu City as well as the municipalities of Alegria, Daanbantayan, Medellin, and Minglanilla receive financial assistance for expenses such as miscellaneous fees, uniforms, and school supplies. The program is renewed annually and will continue until all the scholars graduate from college.
Launched in 2020, Project SUNRISE aims to help address a persistent challenge in the Philippines where one in four youth is out of school.
The program also supports the students’ holistic development through additional courses, career development orientation, and soft skills training to help strengthen their future employability. Meanwhile, their families also receive post-disaster support, individualized aid, and parent learning sessions on child development and quality family life.
A MOA signing ceremony was held in Cebu City to mark the continuation of the collaboration, graced by Sun Life Philippines Country Head and CEO JJ Moreno as well as the Sun Life Foundation leadership including President Joy Castillo, Vice President Aleister Cruz, and Executive Director Kristine Millete. Children of Asia was represented by its Country Director, Barbie Romeo-Guardiario, and Deputy Country Director, Andre Frossard.
“We believe that education is one of the most powerful foundations for a brighter future,” said Castillo. “With Project SUNRISE, our aim is to empower Filipino youth and enable them to remain in school, feel supported, and build a future filled with possibilities not just for themselves, but also their families and communities.”
“Project SUNRISE is about giving students from underprivileged backgrounds the support and confidence to keep moving forward, even when circumstances are difficult. This year, with the earthquake and typhoon affecting Cebu, that support has been especially meaningful,” said Romeo-Guardiario. “By helping our scholars stay in school and develop their potential, we hope they will build a better future for themselves and have the confidence and sense of responsibility to give back to their families and communities.”
As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, Sun Life Foundation supports initiatives that expand access to education, promote health and well-being, and promote environmental sustainability in communities across the country.
Manila, Philippines (October 2, 2026) — HUAWEI is bringing smarter sports performance and proactive health management to the wrist with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series and HUAWEI WATCH D3, now available for pre-order in the Philippines starting at PHP 14,999.
HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series: Smarter Training Meets Premium Design
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series combines intelligent performance with premium craftsmanship, featuring an aerospace-grade titanium alloy case, a nanocrystal ceramic bezel, and sapphire glass on the Pro version. It also features HUAWEI's first-ever EasyCross strap, introducing an innovative tuck-under design that creates a cleaner profile and a snug, comfortable fit throughout the day.
Accurate and Comprehensive Sports and Health Tracking
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series helps users stay on course with the Sunflower Positioning System, enhanced by AI-XDR Positioning for precise GPS tracking even when signals are temporarily blocked. Complementing this is HUAWEI TruSense, which provides accurate cardiovascular health insights and other key wellness metrics.
Beyond everyday fitness tracking, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series brings together advanced sports performance and long-term wellness insights in one connected experience.
It features more than 100 sports modes, including advanced cycling plans and other outdoor sports, paired with detailed metrics tailored to different activities. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series also delivers the Diabetes Risk Study, while the Coronary Heart Disease Study is exclusively available on the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Pro.
AI That Gives Smarter Training with Battery That Keeps Up
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series turns performance data into actionable guidance through AI-powered features designed to support every user's fitness journey.
AI Workout Analysis provides coaching and recovery insights after each session, while the Physical Readiness score helps users understand whether their body may be ready to push harder or may benefit from recovery.
With up to 21 days of battery life, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series is designed to keep up with extended training and everyday use. It is also compatible with both iOS and Android.
HUAWEI WATCH D3: Accurate 24/7 Blood Pressure Monitoring for Comprehensive Cardiovascular Health Management
For users taking a more proactive approach to cardiovascular health, the HUAWEI WATCH D3 brings HUAWEI's latest health innovations into a slimmer, lighter, and more wearable design.
Building on HUAWEI's pioneering wrist-based Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) technology, the HUAWEI WATCH D3 introduces a more comfortable 24-hour blood pressure monitoring experience designed to make long-term monitoring less disruptive without compromising accuracy.
Its upgraded measurement schedule significantly reduces daily blood pressure inflations from 27 to just 7 while continuing to provide reliable 24-hour monitoring through its ultra-narrow airbag strap and internationally tested measurement technology.
The HUAWEI WATCH D3 provides a broader view of everyday wellness through Health Glance, which brings together multiple health metrics in one convenient view.
Users can also access CE-certified ECG and PPG, advanced health research features covering coronary heart disease and diabetes risk, and On-wrist Health Community, helping users stay more connected to their personal and family health management.
AI-Powered Insights for Everyday Health Management
The HUAWEI WATCH D3 extends beyond monitoring by helping users better understand and manage their daily health habits.
Multi-dimensional blood pressure reminders, Daily Blood Pressure Summary, and AI-powered Health Insights work together to transform daily readings into meaningful trends, helping users build greater awareness of their cardiovascular health over time.
Pre-Order Now and Enjoy Exclusive Launch Benefits
Customers can now pre-order the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7, HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Pro, or HUAWEI WATCH D3 and enjoy exclusive launch benefits.
Pre-order Offers
PHP 4,000 discount (applied to promo price)
Free HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 (worth PHP 1,999)
Free 1-Month HUAWEI Health+ Membership (worth PHP 129)
Free 1-Month HUAWEI Watch Face VIP (worth PHP 289)
2-Year Warranty (1-year standard + 1-year extended) worth PHP 1,999
HUAWEI Online Store
Up to PHP 5,500 early bird discount (October 2-10), HUAWEI WATCH GT 7, HUAWEI WATCH D3.
Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop
HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series: PHP 4,000 discount (October 2-10), Shopee, Lazada, TikTok
HUAWEI WATCH D3: PHP 4,000 discount (October 2-10), Shopee, Lazada, TikTok
Lazada Exclusive Offers for HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series
Starting October 2, customers who pre-order the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series via Lazada can enjoy additional benefits as part of Lazada’s Super New Arrival Campaign:
An additional PHP 400 discount when paying via GCash
FREE ClassPass credits for both new and existing users
FREE adidas bag worth approximately PHP 3,000 for the first 50 buyers during Lazada's Super New Arrival promo (only on October 7)
mWell Health Pass Gift Code
The first 100 customers at each participating HUAWEI Experience Store to claim their HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series or HUAWEI WATCH D3 orders will receive a free PHP 399 mWell Health Pass Gift Code. The mWell Health Pass Gift Code may be redeemed until December 31, 2026, and will remain valid for three months from the date of redemption.
Each mWell Health Pass Gift Code gives users a free 24/7 online doctor consult, which includes a free prescription, free medical certificate, and free lab referral, all easily accessible through their mWell Health ID.
This offer is available only at select stores:
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Megamall
HUAWEI Experience Store Market Market
HUAWEI Experience Store Glorietta
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Cebu
HUAWEI Experience Store SM MOA
HUAWEI Experience Store SM North EDSA
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Marikina
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Davao Ecoland
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Sta Rosa
HUAWEI Experience Store SM Pampanga
Pre-order now and experience HUAWEI's latest generation of smarter sports and smarter health. Visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram) for more updates.
Listen to the infectious pop-punk anthem about self-worth, self-respect, and finally walking away from the wrong kind of love
After delivering infectious pop-punk anthems via her previously released singles “Laguna” and “GAGA,” RAMONA returns with “Manloloko,” an unapologetic kiss-off that captures the messy, downward spiral of what used to be a picture-perfect relationship and the importance of self-worth.
Produced by Sam Marquez and timothy Run, with mastering by Emil Dela Rosa, “Manloloko” confronts the familiar cycle of falling for the wrong kind of person and the clarity that comes with the decision to walk away. The track makes its takeaway clear: staying in a relationship that repeatedly causes pain is neither an obligation nor a measure of love.
“It’s about knowing your worth, learning from heartbreak, and realizing that walking away from a ‘manloloko’ can lead you to someone who actually knows how to value you,” says RAMONA.
“Manloloko” borrows from the rawness of ’90s alternative rock and riot grrrl while incorporating the glossy immediacy and pop sensibilities of TRL-era pop music. The collision of these influences gives the track a bubblegum-punk edge: loud, catchy, confrontational, and unafraid to say exactly what needs to be said.
The song’s themes of leaving the past behind come to life in its accompanying music video, which features RAMONA as a runaway bride with nowhere in particular to go. Freed from the expectations and commitments she once believed she had to fulfill, she gradually embraces the uncertainty of the road ahead, eventually reveling in the newfound freedom of choosing herself.
From the get-go, “Manloloko” is a song about reclaiming agency. RAMONA turns the frustration of being deceived into an assertion of independence and a refusal to settle for relationships that diminish one’s value.
RAMONA’s “Manloloko” is out now on all major digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. The music video will drop on October 2, 2026, at 6:00 P.M.
The Ber months are officially here, which means your calendar, and probably your expenses, are about to get a lot busier. With more things competing for your budget, a little planning now can help you enjoy the season without feeling like all your expenses are hitting at once.
The move? Moneymaxx your way through the Ber months: start preparing early, make your money work harder, and get more value from the spending you’re already planning to do.
Here’s your guide to getting your money holiday-ready with Maya.
1. Start building your holiday fund now
You don’t need to suddenly stop eating out, cancel every weekend plan, or swear off online shopping until December just to have money for Christmas.
Instead of waiting for one big paycheck to cover everything, you can slowly build your holiday fund in Maya Personal Goals, where you can create up to five separate savings goals and earn up to 8% interest p.a., making it easier to organize your budget for gifts, travel, celebrations, or whatever else is on your holiday list.
Your Christmas budget gets built little by little, and earns while you save, while the rest of your money can still go toward actually enjoying the Ber months.
2. Make the money you’ve already set aside work harder
Your holiday fund doesn’t have to sit around doing nothing until you’re ready to spend it.
With Maya Savings, you can earn up to 15% interest p.a., credited daily, giving the money you’ve already set aside a chance to keep growing while you count down to the holiday break.
After all, Moneymaxxing isn’t just about spending smarter. It’s also about making your money work harder even when you’re not using it yet.
3. Decide what you want back from all that holiday spending
Once the holiday spending starts, ask yourself another question before reaching for a card: What do I want this purchase to give me back?
If cashback is your priority, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card lets cardholders earn up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% on most other purchases.
If you’re already thinking about where you want to go in 2027, the Maya Black Credit Card lets cardholders earn Maya Miles on their spending, including up to 10x Maya Miles at Maya Black Preferred merchants. Maya Miles can then be redeemed for travel and other lifestyle rewards.
4. Make your holiday spending anywhere in the Philippines count
Holiday spending happens everywhere: from the mall where you’re buying gifts and the restaurant hosting your barkada reunion to the neighborhood shop where you’re picking up something at the last minute.
With the Maya Card, you can earn 1% cashback on eligible purchases anywhere in the Philippines, giving you a simple way to get something back from the holiday spending you were already planning to do.
5. When the purchase is big, Make it Mini
Maybe your phone finally needs replacing. Maybe you’re buying an appliance for the house before relatives arrive. Or maybe you’ve found the big-ticket Christmas gift you’ve been planning for.
A bigger expense doesn’t automatically have to take one big bite out of your month’s cash flow. When the purchase is big, make it mini with Maya Mini Payments. Eligible purchases can be converted into 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly payments, giving you more flexibility to manage the expense alongside everything else on your holiday list.
Before converting a purchase, look at the months ahead and choose a repayment plan you can comfortably accommodate.
Moneymaxx beyond the holidays
The holidays may be one of the busiest spending seasons of the year, but Moneymaxxing isn’t about having a perfectly planned Christmas or cutting out everything you enjoy.
It’s about being more intentional with the money you already have: save earlier, make it work harder, get more from the spending you’re already doing, and manage bigger expenses on your terms.
To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.
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Saturday, October 3, 2026
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Driven by its commitment to inclusion, innovation, and social impact, GCash took home two Merit awards and one Excellence distinction at the prestigious 2026 Philippine Quill Awards.
The recognitions highlight the company’s tangible impact on Filipinos: from mobilizing 12,000 runners for climate action to reaching over 1.5 million people with engaging scam awareness campaigns on social media.
Turning everyday transactions into real trees
Transforming Everyday Digital Behaviors into Environmental Impact: Through GForest, routine actions like sending money, paying bills, and making transactions allow users to collect energy points to plant virtual trees. In turn, GCash, its partners and local communities plant real trees on the ground, helping restore critical ecosystems while supporting sustainable local livelihoods.
Cutting through scam tactics before they cause harm
GCash was also honored with a Merit Award in the Communication Skills Division (Audio/Visual) for its campaign against SMS spoofing scams. Faced with rising threats from International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher technology, the company turned a complex fraud tactic into a simple, memorable rule: “Basta may link, ‘wag mong i‑click! "Animated, bite‑sized videos made scam awareness instinctive, reaching more than 1.5 million users organically and driving a 22.6% engagement rate—over four times the industry benchmark.
A digital ecomovement brought to life by 12,000 runners and 128,000 trees
“Driving Collective Climate Action Through GForest and EcoRun.” was awarded the Excellence in Communication Management (CSR). This initiative bridged digital engagement with real-world impact. The initiative mobilized 12,000 race participants to fund mangrove restoration and plant 76,000 trees and mangroves nationwide. Supported by corporate sponsorships that contributed an additional 52,000 trees, the project reached a total of 128,000 trees, demonstrating how digital mobilization can scale into tangible environmental outcomes alongside NGOs, universities, and merchant partners.
The real measure of impact
Taken together, these campaigns show how communication can move beyond awareness to inspire measurable change.
“For us, these recognitions are not just about winning awards—they are about proving that communication can drive real, positive change in people’s lives,” said GCash vice president for corporate sustainability and communication Michelle Fernandez. “Whether it’s protecting families from scams or mobilizing communities for climate action, we see every campaign as part of a larger responsibility to make digital innovation meaningful for Filipinos.”
These recognitions reflect the role of communications in shaping everyday behavior, from encouraging safer choices and greater awareness of risks to promoting more responsible practices that benefit both people and the environment.
For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
Officials from the City Government of Muntinlupa and GCash formalize their expanded partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, reinforcing their shared commitment to making financial assistance more accessible and convenient for scholars and beneficiaries.
Officials from the City Government of Muntinlupa and GCash formally expanded their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), reinforcing the joint commitment to making financial assistance more accessible and convenient for scholars and beneficiaries.
The City Government of Muntinlupa is expanding its existing partnership with GCash to provide scholars and other beneficiaries with more flexible ways to access financial assistance, including the option to use GCash Cards alongside digital disbursement services.
This growth extends the city's financial disbursement system (FDS) partnership from select, limited scholarship programs to a broader student population, ensuring more scholars across Muntinlupa benefit from streamlined digital payouts.
Building on the city’s ongoing use of digital disbursements, the expanded initiative has introduced physical GCash Cards to college beneficiaries. The first batch of cards was distributed to 180 Colegio de Muntinlupa scholars in August 2026.
The GCash Card serves as an additional access method alongside the primary GCash app, giving students the flexibility to withdraw cash or pay via card terminals, even if they choose not to use the mobile app directly.
The initiative forms part of Muntinlupa's broader commitment to modernizing public service delivery and enhancing the distribution of government assistance through digital solutions.
By expanding available disbursement options, the city seeks to make financial assistance programs more efficient while ensuring beneficiaries have greater flexibility in managing the support they receive.
“The City Government of Muntinlupa remains committed to making education and social assistance programs more accessible to our constituents. Through this collaboration, we are helping ensure that government support is delivered in a manner that is convenient, secure, and responsive to our constituents’ needs,” shares City mayor Ruffy Biazon.
For many scholars and beneficiaries, having multiple ways to access financial assistance, whether through the GCash mobile app or the physical GCash Card, helps improve convenience and makes government support more accessible based on individual needs and preferences.
Meanwhile, GCash head of B2B sales, Cleo Celeste Santos, expressed gratitude for the continued trust of the City Government of Muntinlupa, noting that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to making financial assistance more accessible for scholars and beneficiaries. She added, “At GCash, we are honored to support the city's efforts to empower scholars and beneficiaries through digital financial solutions that provide greater convenience, flexibility, and inclusion.”
As Muntinlupa continues to invest in education and community development, the expanded partnership highlights how digital financial tools and physical payment cards can help local governments deliver assistance in ways that are more accessible, convenient, and responsive to the city’s needs.
For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.
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