Tuesday, March 25, 2025
GCash president and CEO Oscar "Renren" Reyes Jr., and National Privacy Commission commissioner Atty. John Henry Naga
GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, has signed an agreement with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to enhance data privacy awareness and provide data privacy-related educational resources across the Philippines in support of the Commission’s mandates. In line with its mission to provide secure and accessible financial solutions, GCash aims to inform and educate its users on data privacy by utilizing the app’s features to effectively reach more Filipinos.
According to Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-Xchange, Inc., “This MOA with NPC underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards of data privacy and security, strengthening the trust and confidence of our users.”
“We look forward to implementing robust measures in increasing awareness on data privacy by providing the tools and knowledge that Filipinos need to make informed decisions in safeguarding their personal information. Through public-private collaborations, we aim to foster a secure digital environment for all,” said NPC commissioner Atty. John Henry Naga during the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA).
The MOA aims to elevate data privacy education and promote compliance with the Data Privacy Act (DPA). As part of the agreement, GCash will incorporate NPC-provided privacy awareness and educational materials into the app's Privacy Choices feature, allowing its users to learn about the DPA.
To further support the mandates of the NPC, the NPC’s Registration Portal (https://privacy.gov.ph/pips-and-pics/register/) will be integrated and linked to the GCash app. This will be a game-changing compliance feature, enabling seamless registration for entities processing personal data.
The agreement between the NPC and GCash reinforces GCash’s vision of creating a secure digital landscape and promoting financial inclusion. By equipping users with privacy tools and educational resources, the collaboration aims to empower individuals to navigate the digital economy securely and confidently.
Beyond its collaboration with the NPC, GCash is also working with key government agencies such as the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (DICT-CICC) to fight online fraud and scams.
These collaborations further strengthen GCash's commitment to creating a secure digital landscape for its users.
While the internet provides kids with access to a wealth of educational materials, creative tools, and opportunities for connection, parents still need to guide their children to safely navigate the online world.
This is why Smart is strengthening its campaign for responsible digital parenting and child protection. Recently, it gathered parents who are also content creators for a ‘Family Day’ at its flagship store in Mandaluyong City to discuss and share their best practices when it comes to guiding their kids every time they go online.
The event coincided with the launch of the Smart Junior Plan, a first-of-its-kind postpaid plan designed to enable parents and their children to stay connected while providing access to a curated suite of kid-friendly apps and a safer browsing experience with PLDT and Smart’s Child Protection Platform.
Here are some insightful parenting tips mommies and daddies can adopt to keep their children safe in the digital space:
1. Set limits to screentime and guide them on what sites are safe to visit.
Louise Santos(@mommypracticality) has sons aged 8, 14, and 21. While her two boys in high school and college can now discern which sites are safe and not, her youngest son’s use of gadgets is still regulated.
“We really talk about the sites that they can visit or not,” she shares. “That also applies to us because we have to teach by example.”
For her part, preschool teacher Celine Cornejo (@teachercelineph), who has two boys and one girl aged 2, 10, and 12, restricts her children from using their mobile phones during school nights and only allows them access on a Friday, after school, until the weekend. “Kaya kapag Friday, excited na sila.”
Meanwhile, model-turned-host Kelly Misa-Fernandez (@kellymisa) shares her nine-year-old son has had access to the Internet since he was five “but very restricted.” “We would always be watching what he would consume online and nowadays since he has school and we want him to focus on school, weekends lang pwede, unless it’s a chill week,” she says.
2. Tell kids not to talk to strangers online.
Celine also taught her children not to share their personal information such as their names, address, contact details, and passwords. On top of this, she told them her boys, who are old enough to use gadgets to “never ever talk to strangers.”
“I always remind my kids that there are people out there, they pretend to be kids, that chat with you, but in reality, they are adults,” Celine shares.
3. Teach kids that not everything they read online is true.
Celine also had a tough discussion with her kids about looking up online on her health condition. “When I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, my husband and I talked to our kids. We told them that, ‘I know you guys are smart kids, but I know you tend to consult Dr. Google’,” she recalls.
“So, I told them that whatever you read online, it doesn’t mean that it will apply with my condition because each patient is unique. And Dr. Google, of course, is not my doctor. I have the best oncologist that they can talk to or consult with, or if they have any questions, they can ask us, their parents, so for our family, our digital measure also overlaps with our social net and emotional support,” she adds.
4. Connect before you correct.
Louise also underscored the importance of building trust with her children. “We go back to having a very honest, open communication where they see us, as parents, as their safety net. Parang tayo ‘yung safe place nila na they can call us on anything, everything kasi before you correct your children, you should first connect,” she said.
Events host Eri Neeman (@erineeman), who has an eight-year-old son, echoes Louise. “Kasi how can your children come to you kung takot siyang pumunta sa’yo? Like kung may masamang mangyari kasi parati mo siyang pinapagalitan, walang connection, walang relationship, how would I feel confident na pwedeng kausapin si Mommy, si Daddy?” Eri says.
He adds that parents also need to be self-aware and assess the parenting styles they might have inherited from their parents. “How can we heal and nurture this person kung ‘yung inner child natin hindi pa healed? Kasi you can’t pour from an empty cup, ‘di ba?”
5. Embrace technology and have fun with your kid in the digital world.
Robin Cruz, one half of the father-and-son duo of @anythingarticulated on TikTok, says that he uses the digital world to strengthen his bond with his eight-year-old kid, Gabe. “We do unboxing ng mga toys, ‘yun yung bonding namin. Ang rule lang namin, during lunch and dinner, no gadgets are allowed,” he shares.
“Na-su-supervise naman namin ano ‘yung nilalaro niya at pinapanood sa YouTube,” Robin says, who adds that him being an Elementary Education graduate also has prepared him for teaching his child, not only in academics, but also in having discipline for following rules.
Kelly relates to Robin, saying that she also geeks out with her kid. “So, when it comes to the games he plays, he likes Mario Bros. and I grew up with Mario Bros. ‘Buti na lang he likes it, hindi ko talaga pinilit, but he’s like obsessed,” she happily shares. Kelly also learned that her son is into ’80s music when she checked her Spotify playlist, another shared interest with her kid. “So parang it’s a positive spin for me, I take it in a very positive way, but I am aware na may mga scary things out there.”
Mommy content creator Ulya Nikita (@ulyanikitaa), who is navigating parenting as a young mom using digital tools, loves the idea that her six-year-old son can now chat with her online. “Parang kinikilig ako when I get a notification - what? That’s my baby!”
Ulya admits that she found playing with her son challenging at first. “As an adult, kids’ games can be repetitive, so I always look for different ways to enjoy playtime, like instead of traditional play I like looking for video games we can play together instead.
She also emphasizes having a direct line with your kid can give you peace of mind while recalling the time she could not contact her son’s adult companion. “There was a time I could not contact his companion, and it sent me panicking. So for your small child to be able to have access to a mode of communication to you, the parent, I feel like it is so, so important,” Ulya says.
Sign up for a Junior Plan now
Available as a supplementary line to Smart Postpaid subscribers on Plan 999 and up, the Junior Plan comes with monthly 10 GB open access data, Unli All-Net Calls and Texts, and unlimited access to the online learning platform Khan Academy, streaming apps YouTube [Kids] and Spotify, messaging apps Messenger [Kids] and Viber, and popular mobile gaming app Mobile Legends – all for only P499 per month.
The Junior Plan is made safer with Smart’s Child Protection Platform, a cybersecurity solution that works 24/7 to block access to illegal sites and links with inappropriate and abusive material, ensuring a more secure online experience for children.
In 2024, the Child Protection Platform blocked 1.6 million malicious sites and 1 million attempts by the users to try to access those sites. Smart has also blocked more than 1 million mobile numbers involved in phishing, SMShing, and Vishing activities.
“Technology is ever-evolving, and we recognize that Internet access comes with both benefits and risks, especially to children as vulnerable end-users. As a responsible provider of connectivity, we aim to undertake safety-by-design in our products. With our Smart Junior Plan, our goal is to keep families connected, while continuously promoting child protection and helping parents ensure a safer and better digital experience for their kids.”, said PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios.
The Junior Plan is backed by Smart’s superior mobile network, which empowers subscribers to upload and download heavy files in seconds, browse the web instantly, stream videos seamlessly, and enjoy lag-free mobile games. Know more about the Junior Plan at www.smart.com.ph/Postpaid.#
Monday, March 24, 2025
(P&G Cabuyao Plant in Light Industry and Science Park, Cabuyao Laguna)
Cabuyao, Laguna – For 30 years, the Procter & Gamble (P&G) Plant in Cabuyao, Laguna, has been at the forefront of producing trusted household brands such as Pampers, Ariel, Tide, Downy, Joy, Safeguard, and Whisper. More than just a manufacturing hub, the P&G Cabuyao Plant serves as a growth engine for P&G Philippines' business, producing and shipping superior products to delight consumers from a center of world-class operational excellence.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
Established in 1994 as P&G’s largest capital investment in the Philippines at the time, the Cabuyao Plant started producing Pampers and Whisper pads. It quickly expanded its operations to manufacture a wide range of trusted P&G products, including Ariel, Tide, Olay, and Secret. Today, it plays a critical role in supplying P&G products to ASEAN markets, as well as to key markets like South Korea.
“It has been an immense honor to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the P&G Cabuyao Plant, especially with the presence of many senior employees who were there at the groundbreaking and continue to make significant contributions to our business, embodying the ‘Built to Last’ spirit of the site. This milestone is a testament to the operational excellence and dedication of our Manufacturing and Physical Distribution teams, whose commitment to superiority, innovation, and quality has made P&G a trusted name in Filipino households. It not only reflects our achievements in growing iconic brands but also underscores our commitment to developing local talent and contributing to the country’s economic growth,” says Giuseppe Messina, P&G Senior Director and Cabuyao Plant Manager.
Milestones of Growth
The Cabuyao Plant has evolved from being a local facility into a key regional hub for P&G.1994: The plant was launched as P&G’s largest Philippine investment, and immediately started manufacturing Whisper sanitary pads and Pampers diapers.2010: Expanded manufacturing capabilities with the addition of Downy, Joy, Safeguard, and Ariel, showcasing adaptability to meet diverse consumer needs.
- 2010: Becomes a key ASEAN export hub, setting global manufacturing standards.
- 2019: Expands distribution center capabilities.
- 2023: P&G invests in a new Pampers export line, boosting production capacity to meet rising demand.
Cultivating Filipino Talent
Today, the Cabuyao Plant employs over 600 highly skilled Filipinos. Talent development is prioritized through programs that enhance employees' expertise in strategic decision-making and leadership. Working at the P&G Cabuyao Plant provides both current employees and aspiring supply chain professionals with comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring they gain hands-on experience in essential skills such as product supply chain management, logistics, and operations. Employees are exposed to industry-leading best practices, allowing them to learn and implement advanced technologies and processes that set benchmarks in the field. Additionally, the collaborative environment at the P&G Cabuyao Plant fosters cross-functional teamwork, enabling employees to work alongside various departments and gain a holistic understanding of how the supply chain impacts the overall business.
“Ever since then, our people are our greatest asset,” says Messina. “We manufacture superior products to serve consumers, grow the skills and careers of our organization, and contribute to our community.”
With a proven track record of developing top talent, the Cabuyao Plant has emerged as a key talent hub for P&G, with many of its leaders advancing to global roles. Its engineers have been assigned across Asia, Europe, South America, and North America. This enables international exposure and experience and has made the P&G Cabuyao Plant a launchpad for global talent.
Driving Economic Impact
As the Philippine economy continues to grow, P&G's recent investments in its Cabuyao Plant have linked the Philippines to the global value chain for manufacturing and distributing essential goods across Asia. These investments benefit local communities by generating new jobs and supporting local suppliers and logistics providers.
“By expanding our capabilities and strengthening our supply chain, we are poised not only to meet the increasing local and regional demand but also to contribute to sustainable economic growth that benefits communities and the country,” concludes Messina.
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Eraserheads surprise fans with an intimate live performance at sold-out ‘Combo On The Run’ screening
The iconic alt-rock band is set to visit select cinemas during its limited run
Photos by Lawrence Del Rosario
QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Moviegoers were in for a special treat as the legendary Filipino rock band Eraserheads delivered a surprise live performance during a sold-out screening of Eraserheads: Combo On The Run at a mall last night.
The multi-awarded band wowed the unsuspecting audience with a six-set song, performing some of their biggest hits, including “Superproxy,” “Combo on the Run,” “Alapaap,” “Spoliarium,” “Pare Ko,” and “Magasin.”
The pop-up performance was part of an initiative to reward devoted fans and rekindle the magic of in-theater experiences, encouraging audiences to support moviegoing culture in an era dominated by streaming.
As previously announced, the band is set to make select appearances in cinemas in the coming days to further fuel the excitement for the documentary film’s nationwide run.
Now open in more than 150 theaters nationwide, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run has received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. Billboard Philippines praised the film for being a “testament to the relatable human experience of finding healing and reconnecting with those who were once close to us.” Meanwhile, Pelikula Mania gave it a 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling it a “perfect tribute to an original Pinoy music icon.”
Directed by Diane Ventura, the documentary offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Ang Huling El Bimbo reunion concert of 2022, unfolding against the turbulent backdrop of political division and the lingering uncertainty of the post-pandemic era. Featuring rare footage and never-before-seen interviews, the film takes audiences on a captivating odyssey through the band’s stories history, challenges, and triumphs.
Adding to the excitement, the film teased the moviegoers and fans during the end credits when it announced details of the band’s upcoming show, ERASERHEADS: ELECTRIC FUN MUSIC FESTIVAL. Set to be staged at SMDC Festival Grounds in Pasay City on May 31, 2025, the upcoming event promises to be another epic celebration of the band’s enduring legacy.
Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is brought to you by DVent Pictures and WEU, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
For ticket availability and screening schedules, visit your local cinemas. Eraserheads: Combo On The Run will be available on theaters nationwide from March 21-23, 2025.
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Friday, March 21, 2025
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ERASERHEADS: ELECTRIC FUN MUSIC FESTIVAL is set to take place at SMDC Festival Grounds on May 31, 2025
Eraserheads: Combo On The Run expands to over 150 cinemas nationwide and counting!
The Eraserheads have set the stage for something big.
Fans who have stayed until the end credits for Eraserheads: Combo On The Run film were treated to an electrifying surprise: an announcement of an upcoming concert that promises to be even bigger than their last one.
Aptly titled ERASERHEADS: ELECTRIC FUN MUSIC FESTIVAL, the outdoor event will take place at SMDC Festival Grounds in Pasay City on May 31, 2025. While details remain under wraps, early bird tickets will go on sale exclusively via PalawanPay starting March 24, 2025.
Adding fuel to the excitement, the band also teased a brand-new song in the end credits, sparking speculation about an upcoming release in the future. If confirmed, this would mark the Eraserheads’ first new material in over a decade, following 2014’s “Sabado” and “1995,” which were later reissued on limited-edition vinyl with exclusive remixes in 2021.
Eraserheads: Combo On The Run will be screening in more than 150 cinemas nationwide and has already received glowing reviews from early screenings. Rappler called it “pure nostalgia juice that no fan can resist” in their spoiler-free review of the film, while GMA News spoke fondly of the material, calling it a “history lesson on an important chapter of Pinoy pop culture.”
Directed by Diane Ventura, the docu-film offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential bands in OPM history.
As if the surprises are not enough, the Eraserheads will also be making a live, surprise performance at an undisclosed cinema during the documentary’s theatrical run, from March 21 to 23, 2025. Fans can also catch them at the launch of Rolling Stone Philippines LIVE! on March 21, 2025, where they’ll grace one of the three covers of its maiden issue.
With a major concert, potential new music, and a groundbreaking documentary, 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Eheads fans. Stay tuned for more details.
Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is brought to you by DVent Pictures and WEU, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
The National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines convened a diverse group of stakeholders for the event “From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Innovations.” As a science and technology-driven public-private partnership, the NRC unites national and local governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to advance the interconnected objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Agreement, New Urban Agenda, and other global commitments.
Held as the 2025 Resilient Local Government Unit Program (RGLUP) Colloquium, the event showcased progress and updates from participating cities and municipalities in the NRC’s Adopt a City (AAC) Initiative. This initiative enables corporations to move beyond disaster relief, investing in risk reduction through preparedness funding, prevention, pre-disaster recovery planning, and long-term resilience programs. By empowering local governments, AAC promotes collaborative efforts to build safer, more resilient communities.
National Resilience Council (NRC) Co-Chairman for the Private Sector Hans Sy, in his message of support, reiterates that resilience is a continuous journey and is a collective responsibility to build on progress, promote innovation, and ensure lasting impact.The colloquium also welcomed NRC’s private and public sector partners, with notable participation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of National Defense, and the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network. The event opened with inspiring messages from NRC Co-Chairman for the private sector and SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, NRC Vice Chairman for civil service organizations and Zuellig Family Foundation President Austere Panadero, and NRC Vice Chairman for the scientific organizations and academe and Director of the Manila Observatory Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ.
National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr., NRC Vice Chair for the academe Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin SJ, NRC Co-Chair Hans Sy, and NRC Vice Chair for civil service organizations Austere Panadero listen as participants of the Adopt-a-City Initiative present their progress towards disaster resilience.Cities in the AAC’s Prepare phase—Baguio, Iligan, Mandaue, and Tiwi, Albay—presented their innovative disaster resilience strategies. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized, “Baguio’s resilience journey highlights the power of collaboration and national support.” Meanwhile, cities in the Adapt and Transform phase, the initiative’s next stages —Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bataan, Manila, and Ormoc—highlighted their advanced strides. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez shared, “I am very proud to say that because of Project Transform, together with our esteemed partners, Ormoc City is always on track in terms of environmental stewardship and resilience.”
At the National Resilience Council (NRC) Colloquium, local government units in the Adopt-a-City Initiative deliver a public narrative and take part in a panel discussion with leading resilience experts.
Public officials take the opportunity to proudly expound on the programs developed together with the support of the National Resilience Council (NRC) and other partners.A highlight of the event was the launch of the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss), a tool designed to strengthen local government capabilities in disaster resilience. Drawing from the NRC’s mission, the colloquium underscored the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving transformative change. By bridging sectors and promoting innovation, the NRC and its partners are paving the way for a resilient Philippines.
The National Resilience Council (NRC) Board launches the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss) at the colloquium together with representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of National Defense, the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network, and the City Mayor of Baguio, Hon. Benjamin Magalong, and Mayor of the Municipality of Tiwi, Albay, Hon. Jaime Villanueva.
More than 150 members, partners, supporters and participants of the National Resilience Council (NRC)’s programs came together to celebrate the achievements of local government units in the realm of disaster risk resilience.
It’s lights off once again for Earth Hour! On March 22, GH Mall and Estancia Mall will join the global cause from 8:30PM to 9:30PM. As we unplug to heal our precious planet, GH Mall and Estancia have also arranged meaningful healing events for our well-being.
From 7:30PM to 8PM, meditate during the Sound Healing activity, The holistic practice uses sounds and vibrations from singing bowls and gongs to encourage relaxation and reduce stress. Continue the momentum with Gentle Flow Yoga from 8PM to 8:30PM, which is great for beginners as it focuses on slow and thoughtful movements for stress relief.
Once the lights go off, it’s time to bust out your creative moves during the one-hour Butterfly Dance. Glow in the dark while hitting graceful dance steps, which will create the illusion of neon butterflies fluttering in the night. This is great for people looking for a fun and easy workout, made even more beautiful with the Earth Hour celebration.
Ortigas Malls wants to take care of its shoppers and the environment through activities that support wellness and sustainability. GH Mall and Estancia Mall’s multipurpose spaces make it possible to have fun while taking positive steps benefiting everyone.
Celebrate Earth Hour this Saturday at GH Mall’s East Wing Atrium and Estancia Mall’s G/F East Wing from 7:30PM to 9:30PM. You deserve a healing weekend!
All these events are exclusive to Ortigas Community Card holders. Register for free via the OrtigasMalls+ app or any Ortigas Malls concierge, so you won’t miss exclusive events and perks. For more information and updates, follow GH Mall on Facebook and Instagram.
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