Ayala Malls is set to transform the Cebu retail landscape with the launch of Ayala Malls Gatewalk, a vibrant 56,000-square-meter lifestyle destination rising in Mandaue within Ayala Land’s Gatewalk estate. Poised to become the region’s next must-visit hub, the development will bring together an exciting mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and family-friendly experiences—all under one roof. Leading the lineup is a major milestone for the region: the first-ever IKEA store in the Visayas, making Ayala Malls Gatewalk a game-changing destination for Cebuanos and visitors alike.

Ayala Malls Gatewalk Cebu

More than just a shopping destination, Ayala Malls Gatewalk is shaping up to be a dynamic lifestyle hub at the heart of Mandaue. The four-level, fully air-conditioned mall will seamlessly connect to an office tower and a public transport hub, creating a vibrant mixed-use destination where work, errands, dining, and leisure come together effortlessly. But what truly sets Gatewalk apart is its vision to surprise and inspire. With an exciting mix of retail concepts, inviting public spaces, and thoughtfully designed architecture, the mall is being crafted as a lively destination filled with new experiences, hidden gems, and countless reasons to explore.

(L-R) Meean Dy, Ayala Land Inc President & CEO; Thadeo Ouano, Mandaue City Mayor; Ricardo Pinheiro  IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager; Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing and Hospitality; Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls Chief Operating Of

IKEA will be one of Ayala Malls Gatewalk’s key anchors, marking the Swedish home furnishings retailer’s first store outside Metro Manila and its debut in Cebu and the wider Visayas region. Spanning around 4,000 square meters, the store will bring IKEA’s well-designed, functional, and affordable home solutions closer to one of the country’s most important regional markets.

Ayala Malls Gatewalk CORTE

Beyond IKEA, Ayala Malls Gatewalk will introduce a new kind of mall experience for Cebu. A bi-level food hall will bring together new dining concepts and everyday favorites, while Shopwise will serve daily grocery needs. Two cinemas will add to the entertainment offer. At the heart of the mall will be a central outdoor courtyard with an oversized play feature inspired by one of Cebu’s most beloved natural icons, while the main entrance will welcome guests through the ARTrium, an interactive digital art hallway designed to make arrival feel like part of the experience.

Ayala Malls Gatewalk New Food Hall

“Opening a store in Mandaue City Cebu, at Ayala Malls Gatewalk, is a truly important milestone for us,” said Ricardo Pinheiro, IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager. “Cebu’s growing market, strong design interest, and role as a center for home and family life make it a natural location for our first store outside Metro Manila. Ayala Malls Gatewalk gives us the right setting to meet customers in a fresh, accessible, and highly engaging way. We are excited to bring IKEA closer to more Filipinos and to help serve the strong demand for well-designed, functional, and affordable home furnishings.”

“Ayala Malls Gatewalk represents a new frontier in retail for us, and a clear expression of our vision to create places that are experiential, relevant, and deeply connected to the communities they serve,” said Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls Chief Operating Officer. “Cebu continues to be one of the country’s most important growth centers, serving not only the city and province but the wider Visayas region. Our investment here reflects our long-term belief in its potential. With IKEA, new dining formats, entertainment, play spaces, and everyday conveniences coming together, Ayala Malls Gatewalk is designed to become one of the region’s most exciting new destinations.”

Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing and Hospitality

“This is a meaningful milestone for Ayala Land, and for our continuing commitment to Cebu,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing and Hospitality. “Ayala Malls Gatewalk reflects the kind of places we hope to build more of: places that make daily life easier, but also more joyful; places that bring people together, and give them new reasons to explore the city they call home. This is where everyday life gets a little more extraordinary. With IKEA joining us in Mandaue, we are excited to help create a destination that feels fresh, useful, and full of possibility for Cebuanos and for the wider Visayas region.”

Ayala Malls Gatewalk is set to open to the public in December 2026.

Ayala Malls is the premier lifestyle mall network in the Philippines, known for creating vibrant, well-curated destinations that bring together shopping, dining, culture, and community experiences. With over 33 malls nationwide, Ayala Malls continues to lead in elevating the Filipino retail experience by offering a diverse mix of global and local brands, innovative spaces, and enriching events that celebrate local creativity and inclusivity. As part of Ayala Land, the country’s leading real estate developer, Ayala Malls is committed to building dynamic, sustainable spaces where people can connect, thrive, and enjoy life’s everyday moments. For more information, visit www.ayalamalls.com or follow Ayala Malls on social media via facebook.com/AyalaMalls360 or @iloveayalamalls in Instagram.

POP MART is bringing its globally popular blind-box experience to Cebu City, marking another milestone in the brand’s growing presence in the Philippines. On June 5, the collectible toy giant will open its first-ever pop-up store in the Visayas at Ayala Center Cebu, expanding beyond its Metro Manila footprint and tapping into one of the country’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

POP MART Brings Global Blind-Box Phenomenon to Cebu

The Cebu debut will showcase one of POP MART’s most beloved characters, CRYBABY, offering fans in the region direct access to the brand’s highly sought-after collectibles and exclusive releases.

Cebu mall goers at POP MART Cebu

The launch follows a period of rapid expansion in Metro Manila, where POP MART has established locations in major shopping destinations including SM Megamall, SM Aura, SM North EDSA, and Mall of Asia. The move underscores the company’s confidence in the Philippine market as demand for character-driven collectibles continues to gain momentum among younger consumers.

Visayas is poised as an increasingly attractive growth market, supported by rising household incomes, a strong tourism rebound, and the continued expansion of the business process outsourcing sector. Cebu, in particular, has emerged as a key retail hub outside the capital, drawing both local and international brands seeking new avenues for growth.

POP MART in Cebu

Known worldwide for pioneering the blind-box retail concept, POP MART has cultivated a dedicated fan base through designer toys, limited-edition collaborations, and surprise-based purchases that transform shopping into an engaging collecting experience.

Moon Gelato at POP MART Blind-Box Phenomenon in Cebu

The Cebu expansion also reflects broader trends across Southeast Asia, where collectibles culture continues to thrive through vibrant fan communities, social media engagement, and sustained demand for exclusive merchandise.

For Cebu’s retail landscape, the arrival of POP MART adds another internationally recognized lifestyle brand to the city’s growing portfolio of experiential and trend-driven concepts. As consumers increasingly seek unique and interactive shopping experiences, the company’s entry into the market signals confidence in the region’s long-term retail potential.

As the year reaches its halfway point, many people start reassessing their finances. After months of juggling bills and daily expenses, sticking to a budget doesn’t have to mean giving up the meals and conveniences you enjoy. Instead, it’s about making smarter spending choices — finding practical, budget-friendly ways to make every peso go further while keeping your wallet in check.

Cebu Tasty Lechon

To help everyday consumers beat the midyear pinch, foodpanda’s Pro Weeks is back with budget-saving deals. From June 1 to 7, pandapro subscribers can unlock exclusive perks and discounts  across food delivery and groceries.

pandapro offers up to 50% off

Whether you’re ordering a solo lunch, stocking up the pantry, or feeding the whole family, Pro Weeks cuts down your expenses significantly, with up to 50% off on select restaurants such as Andoks, Shakey’s, Gong Cha, from June 1 to 7. Those savings also extend beyond meals, allowing pandapro subscribers to get up to 50% off on select pandamart items and up to 20% off on select Puregold items—helping users manage grocery restocks and household essentials more conveniently from home.

Cebu Tasty Lechon

Good Habits Coffee Cebu

Jafars Cebu

For those planning bigger orders, additional discounts make the experience even more sulit. From June 5 to 7, users can enjoy ₱200 off on select food and grocery vendors with varying minimum spends, adding even more value to barkada meals, family orders, or weekly restocks.

Ultimately, sticking to a budget doesn’t have to feel limiting. With bigger savings on food delivery, groceries, and everyday essentials, Pro Weeks shows that enjoying your favorites and staying stocked up can still be both convenient and budget-friendly.

As daily costs rise, making intentional, money-saving choices is the smartest midyear reset you can do.  Don’t let these budget-friendly perks pass you by – make your money work harder for you during this limited two-week savings event.

Novo Nordisk Philippines has partnered with Rose Pharmacy to strengthen obesity care and improve access to patient-centered weight management solutions in Cebu City and across the Visayas.

Novo Nordisk obesity care table at Rose Pharmacy Capitol Square Cebu City

The collaboration aims to help address persistent barriers in obesity care, including limited awareness and stigma, while making it easier for people living with obesity to connect with trained healthcare professionals and access more seamless support throughout their treatment journey.

Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines

“Obesity is a chronic, complex disease that requires sustained care and support,” said Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. “By partnering with Rose Pharmacy, we hope to help more Filipinos in Cebu and nearby communities access the right treatment and long-term care they deserve.”

Through Rose Pharmacy’s trusted retail network, patients will gain greater awareness of obesity as a medical condition and benefit from more convenient access to science-based, patient-centered care.

Michael So, General Manager of Rose Pharmacy and Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines

“We believe pharmacies play an important role in helping patients take the first step toward better health,” said --- Michael So, General Manager of Rose Pharmacy. “By working with Novo Nordisk, we hope to make it easier for more Cebuanos to access reliable information and the support they need to manage obesity with confidence and dignity.”

Rose Pharmacy Capitol Square Cebu City

This partnership forms part of Novo Nordisk’s broader Live Lighter movement, which aims to improve how obesity is understood and treated in the Philippines. As part of these efforts, Novo Nordisk continues to expand partnerships that integrate clinical expertise, patient support, and innovation, complemented by science-based treatments such as semaglutide-based GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies—helping more Filipinos live lighter, healthier lives.

Metrobank has launched Moneygurado, a campaign in line with its goal of instilling financial mindfulness among Filipinos and a docuseries that brings practical money guidance closer to Filipinos by grounding it in real-life stories, cultural realities, and everyday experiences.

Direk Joey Reyes, Audrey Cruz, and Digs Dimagiba exchange insights from the Moneygurado docuseries, deepening the conversation on financial mindfulness and building resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Derived from “manigurado,” which means “to make sure” in Filipino, Moneygurado blends “money” and “sigurado,” capturing the goal of being confident, informed, and protected in every financial decision. It brings together everyday money management and fraud awareness, while taking a different approach—starting not with rules or tips, but with real Filipino experiences that reflect how people think and feel about money.

This builds on Metrobank’s long-standing advocacy of helping Filipinos grow and take control of their finances by translating concepts into everyday behaviors: planning ahead, spending with intention, protecting what they have, and staying open to opportunities for growth. Moneygurado positions financial mindfulness as a practical mindset that empowers individuals to navigate uncertainty with greater clarity, confidence, and control.

Metrobanks's Moneygurado

This initiative comes at a time when financial pressures are becoming more pronounced. Rising fuel prices, increasing cost of goods, and shifting economic conditions continue to affect household budgets, reinforcing the need to move from reactive habits to more deliberate financial decisions—from “bahala na” to “sigurado.”

“Moneygurado is about helping Filipinos become more intentional with their money by understanding the ‘why’ behind their decisions,” said Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs Dimagiba. “By starting with real stories that reflect everyday realities, we make these conversations more relatable—and ultimately more actionable.”

Moneygurado Etymology

Moneygurado: A docuseries grounded in real Filipino experiences

At the heart of the campaign is the Moneygurado docuseries, which explores money through real-life Filipino stories, unpacking how culture shapes financial behavior across debt, spending, saving, and resilience.

Moneygurado Episodes

Instead of prescribing rules, the series examines how deeply rooted values—such as katatagan (resilience), hiya (shame), pakikisama (fellowship), and utang na loob (debt of gratitude)—influence how Filipinos save, spend, borrow, and give. While these values define identity, they can also lead to habits that put short-term social obligations ahead of long-term financial resilience.

The premiere episode, “Kapit Lang: The Filipino Way of Surviving,” features entrepreneur Audrey Cruz, founder of OnlyPans Taqueria in Poblacion, Makati. What began as a pandemic food delivery concept quickly grew into a thriving business—until a fire forced them to start over.

Her story highlights a familiar Filipino trait: katatagan or resilience. But it also underscores a deeper insight—survival alone is not enough without preparation. True financial resilience comes from intentional habits built before a crisis, not during it. By grounding insights in stories like this, Moneygurado reframes resilience from simply enduring challenges to preparing for them with purpose.

Upcoming episodes continue this exploration through different lenses: “Utang sa Pelikula: Self-Worth and Borrowing,” featuring director Jose Javier Reyes; “The Price of Hiya,” featuring historian Xiao Chua; and “Alkansya: The Filipino Art of Waiting,” featuring author Michelline Suarez.

While Moneygurado begins with stories, its purpose is to help Filipinos translate insight into action. Across the series, familiar financial behaviors are revisited through a more mindful lens—encouraging more purposeful borrowing, disciplined spending, goal-based saving, and a more intentional approach to resilience.

“Real progress starts when people see themselves in the story,” Dimagiba added. “Moneygurado is designed to meet Filipinos where they are—acknowledging their realities and helping them move forward with practical, meaningful actions.”

In the coming months, Metrobank will roll out additional Moneygurado episodes alongside accessible learning materials for students, families, and communities through its Earnest website, https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/moneygurado.

About Moneygurado 

Moneygurado is Metrobank’s financial mindfulness campaign designed to help Filipinos become more confident, informed, and protected in their everyday money decisions. Derived from the Filipino word “manigurado,” meaning to make sure of something, Moneygurado combines “money” and “sigurado” to reflect a mindset of intentional and secure financial behavior.

Bringing together financial mindfulness and fraud awareness, Moneygurado translates practical money concepts into relatable, real-life experiences—empowering individuals to plan ahead, spend with purpose, save consistently, and protect what they have. Through initiatives such as its docuseries and learning platforms, Moneygurado aims to make financial guidance more accessible, actionable, and grounded in the realities of Filipino life.

About Metrobank

Metrobank is the country's second largest private universal bank in terms of assets that empowers both retail and business clients with customized financial products and services fit to help reach their goals and full potential. To know more and get the latest on Metrobank, visit our website, https://www.metrobank.com.ph/home and follow our official social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Tiktok.

The spirit of resilience, family, and community came alive as young athletes took center stage at the IRONKIDS Davao 2026 race on March 21. In its second year of partnership with IRONKIDS, RLC Residences continues to champion its vision of nurturing future generations—not just within its developments, but across meaningful real-life experiences.

The Davao leg marked the first race of the 2026 IRONKIDS series, bringing together once again the RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team, first-time participants, and returning young athletes in an event filled with energy, determination, and heart. More than a competition, it became a celebration of growth—both for the children on the course and the families supporting them every step of the way.

The Pride in Racing at Home

For our Davao-based athletes, racing on home soil made the experience even more meaningful.

“It is very special and exciting, especially since it is happening here in Davao City. I’m proud to be a Davaoeño,” shared parent Rey Ko, whose sons Gavin and Greyson are both members of the RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team. 

Gavin placed 18th in the 9-10 years old category, while Greyson ranked 12th in the 6-8 years old category.

Another parent also emphasized the pride that comes with representing their hometown. 

“Doing triathlons is not new to Amir and Cyrus, but because of the pride that the race will be in Davao, we had extra loads of swimming time, biking time, and even running time,” shared their mother Fatima Buensuceso. 

Amir finished 6th among the 9-10-year-old participants, while Cyrus ranked 11th among the 6-8-year-olds. 

For Rey, there’s pride in seeing their children represent their community.

“As parents, we are very proud of them, especially as Davaoeños representing the RLC Residences Davao athletes,” she said.

Meanwhile, Gavin found joy not just in racing, but in the experience of being part of something bigger.

“Davao is very clean and safe. I really like the festivals, how supportive the people are, and the food is very yummy,” he said, capturing the vibrant spirit of the city.

Making Families Stronger through Sports 

Beyond the race, the event highlighted how sports can strengthen family bonds.

“The training becomes our family bonding,” shared Fatima, recalling how her kids motivated her to become a triathlete as well, and how this led them to align their schedules to train with one another. 

“Everything just comes easy,” she said of their setup. “What I like about this is that the two of them really support me as much as I support them,” she added. 

For Rey, her sons’ passion for the sport also had a positive influence on their family. 

“As a family, we became closer. We met new friends, we always support our child’s training, and we became stronger as a family,” she shared.

This reflects the heart of RLC Residences’ Raising Little Champions initiative—a movement that goes beyond athletic performance, focusing on character-building, confidence, and connection. 

Members of RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team, most of whom are residents of RLC Residences properties, have access to spaces designed to support active lifestyles within their own residences.

For those based in Metro Manila, they regularly hold in-house training sessions at The Trion Towers in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig under the guidance of professional coaches Ronald Molit and Alexander Martin. 

But for those living in the provinces, Molit and Martin continue to remotely coach and monitor their performance, making sure that they remain closely connected to the program and that distance does not limit their development and sense of belonging. 

This setup enables RLC Residences to stay true to their commitment to build a strong community among parents, children, and coaches with the shared goal of raising little champions. 

Lessons Learned Beyond the Race

For many families, the lessons learned through sport go far beyond the finish line.

“To develop discipline, perseverance, and determination—these are important for their future. Especially for us women, we need to be strong. If you love what you’re doing, you’ll want to achieve something bigger,” shared another parent Maridel Takei, whose daughter Ami, a member of RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team, placed 7th in the 9-10 years old category. 

RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team member Ami Takei during IRONKIDS Davao 2026.

Parents echoed the importance of focusing on growth over results.

“I always tell her, every race is an experience—it doesn’t have to be about winning,” said another Davaoeño parent Yne Pablo, reinforcing the values of resilience and continuous learning.

Her daughter, Xyrene, finished 34th among participants in the 9-10 years old age group. 

RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team member Xyrene Pablo with her mom Yne, posing with Bob the Bear before IRONKIDS Davao 2026 race day.

Fatima shared this sentiment: “It's very hard if you put pressure on winning without them enjoying what they're doing. If they enjoy what they are doing, for sure, it will lead them to winning the race.”

Some families also shared excitement about the evolving nature of the race. With new routes and fresh challenges, each IRONKIDS event brings something unique for young athletes to look forward to—further fueling their passion for the sport.

“It’s another race with a new route, so it was something exciting and it was something that we really prepared for and looked forward to,” Fatima said. 

Building Communities Where Champions Grow

Through initiatives like Raising Little Champions and its continued partnership with IRONKIDS, RLC Residences remains committed to building environments where children can thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially. From thoughtfully designed amenities to community-led activities, these spaces extend beyond the home, shaping well-rounded individuals and stronger families.

As the IRONKIDS 2026 series continues in Subic and Cebu, the Davao leg stands as a powerful reminder: when children are supported by their families and communities, they grow into champions—not just in sport, but in life.

Because sometimes, becoming a champion does not end in the finish line—it continues beyond the race.

BPI will become the first bank in the Philippines to bring Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars-themed offerings to its customers across Disney’s regional businesses – Disney Consumer Products, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Entertainment and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

As the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) marks 175 years of service to Filipino families, it opens a new chapter by entering into a strategic collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia and its affiliates.

Through this collaboration, BPI will become the first bank in the Philippines to bring together four of Disney’s regional businesses, introducing Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars-themed offerings to its customers across Disney Consumer Products, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Entertainment and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. 

BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco said the collaboration reflects BPI’s continued commitment to evolving the banking experience while remaining anchored in its core purpose of serving Filipino families.

“By bringing together BPI’s legacy of trust and financial empowerment with Disney’s timeless storytelling and characters that continue to inspire people in the Philippines across generations, we are creating more meaningful and engaging ways for our customers to connect with us. This collaboration is about helping families plan, dream, and experience more—while staying true to our mission of building a better Philippines, one family and one community at a time,” said Limcaoco. 

BPI customers may look forward to enjoying themed activations including: 

• Branded cards featuring designs inspired by fan-favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars stories, along with other themed premiums and offerings
• Special privileges for BPI cardmembers when purchasing Disney Adventure holiday vacations and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort experiences
• Special Disney+ promotions and rewards
• Special offers and events that will accompany select Disney film releases 

Said Alex Baillie, Vice President & General Manager, South Asia Pacific, Disney Consumer Products: “Great storytelling underpins everything we do at Disney, and we’re excited to bring Disney stories closer to home for fans and families in the Philippines. We look forward to collaborating with BPI to bring creative products to their customers, reaching people where they are and deepening Filipinos’ connection to Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.” 

[L-R] Eric M. Luchangco, Executive Vice President, Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, BPI; Maria Theresa “Tere” D. Marcial, President & Chief Executive Officer, BPI Wealth; Mariana Beatriz E. Zobel de Ayala, Director, BPI, and Senior Vice President, Ayala Land; Maria Cristina “Ginbee” L. Go, Executive Vice President, Head of Consumer Banking, BPI; Jose Teodoro “TG” K. Limcaoco, President and CEO, BPI; Disney’s Minnie Mouse; Mickey Mouse; Sarah Fox, Vice President & Regional General Manager, Southeast Asia, Disney Cruise Line; Simon Ho, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort; Geraldine Naidu, Director of Brand Commercialization and Market Lead, the Philippines, Disney Consumer Products; Ben Cox, Vice President, Partnerships, Direct-to-Consumer, Asia Pacific, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific; Ivan Lee, Vice President, Corporate Alliances, Asia Pacific, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific

Said Sarah Fox, Vice President & Regional General Manager, Southeast Asia, Disney Cruise Line: “The Disney Adventure is a gamechanger for cruising in Asia, introducing a uniquely Disney vacation experience where the ship itself is the destination. We look forward to creating more opportunities for guests in the Philippines to experience Disney Adventure cruises from Singapore, creating memories to last a lifetime for guests of all ages.” 

Said Simon Ho, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort: “The Philippines has long played a treasured role in the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s 20 years of history, with a passionate Disney fan base, millions of guests who have visited over the years, and our talented Filipino cast members who proudly represent their heritage. Through our collaboration with BPI and continued new offerings at the resort, we are excited to bring the magic closer to even more fans — whether visiting Hong Kong Disneyland Resort for the first time or returning as our dear friends and fans."

“Disney has long been part of cherished moments for many Filipinos,” said Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, BPI Head of Consumer Banking. “We are excited to join hands with Disney to bring that magic into new and unexpected spaces, creating delightful experiences that families and fans can enjoy in their everyday lives.”

The collaboration underscores BPI’s commitment to innovation and customer obsession, as the bank continues to reimagine how financial services can fit seamlessly into the lifestyles and passions of its customers.

As BPI continues to strengthen its position as a trusted financial partner for generations of Filipinos, the collaboration with Disney reflects the bank’s broader ambition to make banking not only reliable and secure, but also more rewarding, relevant, and memorable.

There is a special kind of energy that fills a neighborhood when people truly look out for one another. That warmth was on full display during Councilor Marty Romualdez’s recent visit to Barangay 42, where the day focused on the power of presence, conversation, and the genuine care that makes Tacloban feel like home.

The visit was a chance to move beyond the desk and meet residents right where they live. Through face-to-face consultations, the Councilor engaged in heartfelt conversations with residents to ensure every voice was heard and every story understood. This personal approach went hand-in-hand with the delivery of essential assistance programs designed to provide direct support and uplift local families.

These efforts were made possible by the seamless partnership between the city and the dedicated Barangay 42 Officials. By working together to streamline community services, these local leaders served as the heartbeat of the neighborhood, ensuring that support reached every doorstep. Every handshake and shared laugh reinforced a simple goal: ensuring that as our city grows, every family feels that support personally.

"Our work is all about the people," says Councilor Romualdez. "Seeing the kindness in this community reminds me that we are neighbors looking out for each other. We want to make sure everyone feels included in the bright future we are building together."

The visit ended with a renewed sense of hope and a shared promise for the days ahead. The trust shown by the residents is what keeps the momentum going. As the afternoon drew to a close, the feeling left behind wasn't just about a visit, but about a lasting friendship and the joy of working together for the common good.

foodpanda brings vacation vibes to your doorstep

Summer doesn’t always mean taking time off. For a lot of us, it’s just the usual rhythm—workdays, to-do lists, and catching little breathers wherever they fit. Still, even without a big trip planned, there are plenty of small, simple ways to let that summer feeling in.

If your days are spent working through the heat, those in-between moments start to matter more: a quick pause, something cold to recharge, or a meal you don’t have to think too much about. It’s not about taking time off, but finding small pockets of ease within the day.

In this way, summer isn’t so much about stepping away from everything—it’s about how you pause along the way. Little habits, like sipping an iced drink in the middle of a busy afternoon or treating yourself to a good meal after a long stretch of work, can bring that same easy, refreshing vibe. With handy options like foodpanda and pandamart, those small comforts are always within reach—no need to head out. So even on the busiest days, there’s still a bit of sunshine waiting for you.

To kick off the summer season, foodpanda is launching its Best Seller Campaign, which offers up to 30% off on selected menu items from well-loved restaurants like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Shakey’s, Domino’s Pizza, Conti’s, and more—making everyday meals feel more worth it.

At the same time, enjoying these summer moments at home doesn’t have to come at a high cost. If you’re ordering in, you can use the code SARAP to get ₱100 off at participating foodpanda restaurants (minimum spends vary). For pantry needs, pandamart offers up to 10% off on essentials, while PRO users enjoy up to 20% off and free delivery on food orders (capped at ₱49).

Whether it’s a favorite comfort meal or just filling your pantry with a few cool, easy essentials for the week, these small wins can make the summer rush feel a whole lot lighter. Because sometimes, summer isn’t really about where you go—it’s about how it feels. And more often than not, that feeling shows up in the simplest moments: in what we eat, how we slow down, and the little ways we choose to enjoy each day.

Metrobank, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, and Mastercard® have introduced the new Toyota Platinum Card, a credit card designed for the everyday Filipino motorist, helping them save on recurring financial responsibilities of owning a car, while earning rewards from their everyday expenses.

Host Carla Lizardo Sulit, together with Jax Reyes, Migs Bustos, and Gaby Dela Merced

The Toyota Platinum Card was developed in response to the rising costs of mobility-related expenses — from fuel, maintenance, toll fees and travel — and the need for practical, value-driven financial solutions.

"This launch isn't just about introducing a new card—it’s about keeping up with our customers’ evolving needs,” said Ramon del Rosario, Metrobank Consumer Business Sector Head. “Owning a car is a big milestone for many Filipinos, but it also comes with daily costs. The Toyota Platinum Card helps lighten that load with savings on fuel and toll fees, plus earning rewards points on everyday spending, so customers can make smarter financial choices.”

Echoing this commitment to customer value beyond the vehicle itself, Toyota Motor Philippines emphasized its broader role in supporting the motoring journey of Filipinos. “We believe that our responsibility goes beyond manufacturing vehicles.  Toyota aims to continue to improve the overall ownership experience and create value that supports our customers in their everyday lives,” said Mike Masamayor, Head for Customer First & Value Chain Operations.

Metrobank’s new Toyota Platinum

Through this collaboration, cardholders are empowered to live life in full drive — on and off the road — by addressing the everyday realities of vehicle ownership while enhancing lifestyle spending.

Cardholders enjoy:

• 3% rebate on toll fees and gas stations, here and abroad, with up to PHP 15,000 annual rebates on combined gas and toll fees spent
• Reward points for every PHP 20 spend

Toyota owners can further maximize the card’s benefits through enhanced rewards on Toyota-related transactions, including:

• 10% discount on genuine parts, accessories, and labor at Toyota dealers nationwide
• 0% installment for up to six months on Toyota dealer transactions
• Double reward points at preferred Toyota dealer
• 5% discount on Toyota Mobility rental locally

These savings and services help make daily commutes and weekend road trips lighter on the wallet and richer in experience here and abroad.

 With Mastercard’s extensive global network, the Toyota Platinum Card delivers seamless and secure acceptance for fuel, toll, travel, and rental spend — supported by innovative payments technology that helps more Filipinos access mobility wherever the road takes them.

Metrobank, Toyota, and Mastercard executives

“Mobility shapes how people participate in work, family, and community life. At Mastercard, we’re committed to making that movement more inclusive by ensuring more Filipinos can travel with confidence. Together with Metrobank and Toyota Motor Philippines, we’re enabling a more secure, rewarding, and accessible mobility experience for everyone,” said Mr. Jason Crasto, Country Manager, Philippines, Mastercard.

By easing the everyday costs of driving while rewarding lifestyle spending, the Toyota Platinum Card enables motorists to focus on what truly matters – the journey ahead and the people they travel with.

Start your engines and experience life in full drive, apply for the Toyota Platinum Card today by applying online here  or visiting your nearest Metrobank branch. Current Toyota Classic cardholders may upgrade to the new Toyota Platinum Card by reaching out to Metrobank Card Customer Service Hotline at (02) 88-700-700 or 1-800-1888- 5775 (domestic toll-free).

About Metrobank

Metrobank is the country's second largest private universal bank in terms of assets that empowers both retail and business clients with customized financial products and services fit to help reach their goals and full potential. To know more and get the latest on Metrobank, visit our website, https://www.metrobank.com.ph/home and follow our official social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Tiktok

Pre-order now and experience limitless possibilities with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, now with 0% interest, 0 downpayment.

Home Credit Philippines is making it easier for customers to experience the future of mobile intelligence with the new Samsung Galaxy S26 Series. A smarter and more affordable way to upgrade, Filipinos can get up to ₱29,000 off via pre‑ordering the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+, and S26.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series

This exclusive offer runs until March 17, 2026 for all Home Credit customers, with 0% interest and 0 downpayment on a 24-month installment plan.

The limited‑time offer makes Samsung’s latest Galaxy innovations more accessible to Filipino consumers, aligning with Home Credit’s broader effort to widen access to high‑value technology.

Customers looking for the most advanced Galaxy AI features can pre‑order the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra through Home Credit for as low as ₱3,349.00 on a 24‑month installment plan.

Choose the Galaxy that fits your lifestyle

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Series comes in Black, White, Sky Blue, and Cobalt Violet. And for customers who are constantly looking for more storage, Samsung also offers a memory upgrade to certain models. The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is being offered on flexible installment terms at 0% interest via Home Credit.

*These are the models where customers can avail from Samsung the additional memory upgrade.

**Monthly rate is inclusive of the processing fee.

Easy and convenient application, fast approval

Pre‑ordering the Samsung Galaxy S26 series through Home Credit is designed to be quick and convenient, with minimal requirements. Customers only need to present one valid ID, with approvals possible in as fast as one minute. Once approved via the Home Credit app, customers can immediately access the exclusive pre‑order offers for the Galaxy S26 lineup.

The offer is available across more than 10,000 Home Credit partner stores nationwide, where customers can view Samsung Galaxy models and receive in‑store assistance throughout the application process. Partner stores can also be located through Shoppingmall.ph.

Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the limited‑time pre‑order offers and secure the Samsung Galaxy S26 through Home Credit.

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. 

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).