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Get Closer to Your Dream Ride

Sunday, July 6, 2025

PSBank Auto Loan

Start the journey with PSBank Auto Loan

Whether it’s the daily commute, weekend errands, or family road trips, a reliable car gives you the freedom and confidence to go wherever life takes you. More than just a means of transportation, it’s an investment in convenience, safety, and peace of mind.

With PSBank Auto Loan, getting behind the wheel is simple, fast, and hassle-free.

Fast, Flexible, and Made for Everyday Life

Let’s face it: buying a new car is a big investment. That’s why having the right financing partner makes all the difference. With so much to manage in a day, car financing should be the least of your concerns.

Start your journey by planning ahead with the PSBank Auto Loan Calculator, which helps you estimate your potential monthly payments in just a few clicks. Once you're ready, you can apply for a PSBank Auto Loan online—and get a loan decision in as fast as 24 hours.

Managing your payments is just as simple.You can make payments through PSBank Mobile, PSBank Online, over-the-counter at any PSBank branch, or at 7-Eleven stores, among others.

And here’s a bonus: when you make advance or excess payments, you automatically earn rebates through the Prime Rebate feature. That means you can reduce your total loan amount, shorten your loan term—or even both.

Looking for more options? Check out PSBank’s Pre-Owned Cars at budget-friendly prices. You can either browse available units online, or drop by the PSBank Pre-Owned Auto Mart at 8003 Lands R Us Realty Compound, Manalac Ave., Bagong Tanyag, East Service Road, Taguig City. Units are available for viewing from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4:30pm.

Your Maaasahan Partner on the Road

For those balancing work, family, and everything in between, a dependable ride starts with a dependable partner—with help from PSBank Auto Loan with Prime Rebate to make it all possible.

Apply for a PSBank Auto Loan through PSBank Online Loan Application, or visit your nearest PSBank branch. For more information, visit www.psbank.com.ph or follow PSBank on Facebook.
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Ant International Launches Alipay+ Voyager, a Built-in End-to-End AI Travel Companion for Digital Wallet and Super App Users

Friday, July 4, 2025

 

● Alipay+ Voyager converts Alipay+'s agentic travel AI solutions into one multi-task interface for e-wallet and super app users

● OTA and travel merchant partners such as Agoda, Fliggy and Trip.com offer seamless, end-to-end traveller experience through Alipay+'s global partner apps, from trip planning, trip booking to product and service discovery

● Alipay+ plans to further deepen and expand its AI offerings for fintechs and super apps as a global wallet gateway for connectivity and growth.


With launch partners including Agoda, Fliggy and Trip.com, Ant International introduces Alipay+ Voyager, an AI travel companion integrated into digital wallets for the travel industry to simplify and enhance travel experiences for global consumers.

Alipay+ Voyager combines Ant International's agentic AI capabilities with the galaxy of cross-border travel services offered by OTA partners and 100 million global merchants in Alipay+'s partner ecosystem.

Through its one single AI interface embedded in e-wallets and super apps, Alipay+ Voyager assists travellers, via text or voice in their local language, to complete itinerary planning, booking, and purchasing in-destination merchant offerings with a seamless flow.

Alipay+ Voyager is first launched on three of Asia’s biggest mobile wallets, Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China) and GCash (the Philippines) ahead of the summer travel peak. It will roll out to more Alipay+ payment partners throughout 2025.

Alipay+, started as a cross-border payment technology solution, now helping 36 leading e-wallets and payment apps with 1.7 billion consumer accounts connect to over 100 million merchants. The Alipay+ Wallet Tech team has been working with e-wallet partners in emerging markets to develop payment, security and growth capabilities and solutions since 2015. Today, the team plans to further build out other agentic AI suites for different industries on Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, its main AI platform for fintechs.

Driving Global Connectivity and Growth in the Merchant-Wallet-Consumer Ecosystem

The online travel market is expected to grow 10% annually through 2032, with mobile already making up two-thirds of traffic. Travellers, especially Gen Zs, increasingly favour unique, hyperlocal experiences, using mobile-first, all-in-one solutions to uncover their best options.

Alipay+ Voyager has a number of distinct features:

● Intelligent end-to-end assistance from one single hub in familiar wallets: research, decision and action support before, during and after the trip

● Real-time global-to-local connections: seamless transitioning to local services like ride-hailing, public transport, shopping, dining and sightseeing;

● Purposeful, forward-looking curation: Voyager AI intuitively understands a user’s preferences, proactively solves problems when there are issues such as flight delays or bad weather, and surfaces hyper-relevant options in real-time before a traveller even asks, all within their home e-wallet;

● A new growth gateway for merchants and OTAs: captures multiple core markets through one easy deployment across the largest regional and global e-wallets.


“Travellers today are using more tech to enhance their trips, and there is a need for the industry to adapt and meet these new and emerging expectations,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “By integrating a proactive, always-on AI travel companion within digital wallets that consumers already use frequently, we’re empowering travel and wallet partners with new opportunities to engage travellers in a more relevant, personalised way, through every step of their journey.”

Gil Hazan, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Agoda, said: "At Agoda, we are committed to making travel more accessible and seamless for everyone. By integrating our extensive supply network as one of Asia's leading online travel platforms with Alipay+ Voyager's expansive wallet partnerships, we can offer travellers a more convenient and personalized booking experience. This collaboration enables us to reach a broader audience and provide tailored travel solutions that cater to the diverse needs of today's travellers."
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EastWest Trust and Asset Management Group Honored for Best Discretionary & Advisory Service Offering at Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2025


East West Banking Corporation proudly announces that its Trust and Asset Management Group (TAMG) has received the prestigious Best Discretionary & Advisory Service Offering award at the 2025 Global Private Banking Innovation Awards, marking another significant milestone in the Bank’s growing legacy of excellence in wealth and investment management.

Despite operating with a lean team of just 33 officers, EastWest TAMG manages an impressive asset base having achieved significant year-on-year growth in 2024. Over the past five years, TAMG has averaged better than market AUM growth, reflecting both disciplined investment strategies and consistent fund performance. This global recognition reinforces TAMG’s vision of delivering strategic, client-centric investment solutions that drive meaningful outcomes for both institutional and retail clients.

“This award is a reflection of the trust our clients place in us, and the discipline and innovation our team brings to every portfolio,” said Raul Victor De Guzman, Head of Trust and Asset Management Group at EastWest. “We are proud to deliver institutional-grade investment solutions that remain accessible, cost-effective, and tailored for the Filipino investor.”

EastWest Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management, Raffy S. Algarra Jr., shared his view on the recent recognition: “At EastWest, we believe that financial empowerment should be accessible to every Filipino. This award affirms that our approach, grounded in trust, deep expertise, and genuine accessibility, is resonating with clients. The success of our Trust and Asset Management Group speaks to the kind of value we strive to create, always in step with our customers and their goals.”

Driving Superior Investment Performance

Among its most notable accomplishments in 2024, four unit-linked insurance funds managed by TAMG for bancassurance partner EastWest Ageas outperformed their respective peer groups:

  • The Equity VUL Fund, which tracks the Philippine Stock Exchange Index, posted a remarkably low tracking error of 0.0079%, the best in its category.
  • The High Dividend Equity VUL Fund delivered a 19.23% return, outperforming its closest competitor by 711 basis points.
  • The Peso Active Equity VUL Fund beat its peer by 155 basis points with a return of 7.43%.
  • The Dollar Income Payout Fund generated a 7.05% return net of payouts, 349 basis points higher than its closest peer.

Innovation and Accessibility in Investment

TAMG’s comprehensive suite includes Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs), investment management accounts, fiduciary services, and escrow arrangements tailored for a wide spectrum of client needs, from institutional investors to individual clients planning their financial future.

In 2025 and beyond, EastWest TAMG plans to launch new investment products, including actively managed and PERA UITFs, gold investment options, and deeper integration with Komo, EastWest’s digital banking platform. This will make investment opportunities even more accessible, especially for a younger, digitally enabled market.

In parallel, the group is expanding its portfolio sales team and automating operational workflows to increase both client service levels and investment research capacity.

Market-Leading Efficiency and Value

Setting itself apart in a competitive market, TAMG also offers one of the lowest trust fees in the Philippine market at just 0.9%, compared to the average 1.7% charged by competitors. This efficient model allows clients to maximize returns, further strengthening TAMG’s value proposition.
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Allianz PNB Life Supports Zero Hunger Through Sustained, Strengthened Food Rescue Partnership


Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the Philippines, with 27.2% of Filipinos experiencing involuntary hunger according to a Social Weather Stations survey conducted on March 15 to 25, 2025.

This contrasts with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) 2024 Food Waste Index Report of 2.95 million tonnes a year, or 26 kilograms (kg) per capita of food waste in the Philippines. The Food Waste Index measures the amount of food and its inedible parts wasted in retail, food service, and households. The household sector worldwide accounted for 60% or 631 million tonnes of wasted food, followed by food service at 28% or 290 million tonnes, and retail at 12% or 131 million tonnes. This posts not only a challenge to overflowing landfills; the food waste materials also emit greenhouse gases that impact the environment.

Sustainable solutions to this inequity were discussed in the recent Zero Summit led by Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, a food rescue and environment foundation that rescues good quality surplus food and makes these available to vulnerable communities.

Sustainability as a strategy


With its unwavering commitment to sustainability and social impact, Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) continues its partnership with SOS Food Rescue Philippines. Gino Riola, AZPNBL Chief Marketing Officer, delivered the keynote message during the Zero Summit opening session.

AZPNBL is committed to operating as a responsible business, taking into account the impact of its activities on people and the environment. In his talk, “Sustainability as a Strategy,” Riola focused on the importance of making sustainability the core of every enterprise.

He encouraged other business leaders to start with Purpose. “Sustainability strategies must be grounded in the company's core purpose and values,” he explained.

He added that it is also important to link the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework to the business goals. This echoes the ESG triple bottom line principle: People, Planet, Profit. “Sustainability must be integrated into the business model, he added. “It should not be mere optics. Hindi pwedeng puro palabas lang, dapat may balik din o clear connection to the organizations mission for it to be sustainable. Sayang ang effort kung hindi rin lang maipapagpatuloy.”

Innovation and compassion

SOS Philippines Food Rescue Country General Manager Rachel Marie Q. Luna underscored the importance of partnerships in helping the advocacy reach more Filipinos in need. “It is in these partnerships that our mission is able to reach farther, respond faster and serve more communities.”

Luna proudly shared that through its partners and its food rescue ambassadors, it has already reached its year-to-date goal, with more than 2.5 million meals served. “At Scholars of Sustenance Philippines, we believe no one should go hungry while good food is being discarded. That is why we recover surplus and deliver it to those who need it most-creating a food system that is not only charitable but circular by design. One that transforms excess into access, waste into worth, and scarcity into shared abundance.”

“We are here today because of partners who help bring this vision to life-not just through generosity, but through action. Partners who give us the courage to move forward with quiet but steady confidence in tomorrow, and who show us that building harmony is more than an aspiration-it is something we can come home to.”

Since the launch of its partnership with SOS Philippines in 2023, AZPNBL has conducted food drives and volunteer activities among its employees, along with the donation of a truck that is used for food rescue missions. “We stand alongside those who believe that a better world is ours to make; that real, lasting impact grows from intention, care, and collaboration. And we are moved by those whose spirit to go further reminds us that progress happens when we push beyond limits and choose purpose, again and again,” Luna said.

The global focus of Allianz is on climate action. Riola said that this is reflected locally through Carbon footprint reduction initiatives in operations, its continued partnership with SOS Food Rescue Philippines, and the upcoming relocation to a certified green building in Makati. Riola adds, “Allianz is committed to sustainability—not just in protecting the future of its clients, but in ensuring the planet is ready for tomorrow.”
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GPCCI RTD Highlights Urgency for Integrated Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Care in the PH

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Integrated Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Care in the PH

The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), in partnership with the German Embassy Manila and Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, convened a multi-stakeholder roundtable discussion to address the pressing issue of cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) health and explore strategies for more integrated and patient-centered care.

The roundtable brought together leaders and experts from medical associations, patient advocacy groups, academic institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry. Discussions focused on aligning efforts across sectors and government agencies to respond to the growing incidence of interconnected cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions.

“Addressing CRM conditions is not only about clinical treatment. It is about equity, education, and empathy,” said Dr. Cherry Sevilla-Arenas, from the Philippine Heart Center on her keynote address. “Despite growing awareness, many patients continue to fall through the cracks due to uneven access and fragmented systems of care. If we want to move toward meaningful health outcomes, we must align our efforts—across government, industry, and communities—to prevent care fragmentation and ensure no Filipino is left behind.”

From the patient perspective, Mr. Ralph Degollacion of Healthy Philippines Alliance described the real-world implications of managing CRM conditions, including the emotional, social, and financial burdens that patients and families endure. He emphasized the persistent stigma and exclusion faced by many, rooted largely in the lack of universal access to high-quality, accessible health services, including early diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Rodney Jimenez of the Philippine Heart Association advocated for the institutionalization of interdisciplinary training through elective rotations and certification options in CRM care. He pushed for unified workflows, shared care plans, and integrated support roles as essential components in delivering consistent and effective patient care. He further advocated, along with other medical associations, for the establishment of disease registries and implementation of universal healthcare.

Offering the perspective of the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Greta Cortez of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines reflected on the evolution from fragmented disease awareness toward a more systemic understanding of CRM interconnectedness. She highlighted initiatives such as It Starts with U: Get CheCKD which aimed to provide health screening and disease awareness for chronic kidney disease and related CRM conditions.

According to a representative from the public health sector, strengthening the country’s healthcare system is imperative to effectively respond to the rising incidence of chronic illnesses and to increase resilience in the face of future public health challenges. They emphasized the need for culturally appropriate, high-quality care across all levels, as well as the continued provision of free consultations and medicines for common non-communicable conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

During the open forum, participants from across sectors raised key concerns and potential solutions to improving CRM care. Discussions touched on the importance of early intervention, unified data systems, community-level engagement, and integrated care models. Experts also emphasized the need for greater public awareness, improved workplace wellness, and continued collaboration between public and private stakeholders. The roundtable served as a platform to identify challenges while also reaffirming a collective commitment to systemic, long-term improvements.

“This roundtable served not only as a space for exchange but as a launching point for more unified action and healthcare delivery reforms for CRM.” says GPCCI President Ms. Marie Antoniette E. Mariano, reflecting from the conclusion of the event “Our goal is to help create bridges between patients, practitioners, business community, and policymakers, and we will continue to support efforts that bring impact to Filipino communities.”

In his closing message, Dr. David Klebs, Economic Counsellor of the German Embassy Manila, affirmed Germany’s support for CRM awareness and the importance of cross-sector partnerships. He emphasized the value of long-term collaboration to strengthen public health education, policy implementation, and holistic care.
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TP, Bacolod LGU Partner to Equip Future BPO Workforce with TESDA-Accredited Career Readiness Training


Global digital business services leader TP has formalized a strategic partnership with the Bacolod City Government to boost career readiness and job placement opportunities in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed for the rollout of the @SENSO Life Skills Academy Training Program at Bacolod City College (BCC), a move aimed at aligning local education with industry requirements.

The program—accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)—will integrate industry-based skills training directly into the BCC curriculum. This initiative targets students, graduates, and near-hires, preparing them for high-demand roles in the BPO industry through hands-on training, certification, and employment pathways.

Bridging Education and Employment in the BPO Industry

As outlined in the MOA, the @SENSO Life Skills Academy will feature:
  • Curriculum development tailored to BPO skill requirements
  • A 10-day simulation-based training module
  • Industry-led instruction and certification
  • Job placement support
  • Utilization of TESDA’s Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) framework and Micro-Credentials Program

“This partnership showcases TP’s commitment to investing in Bacolod’s future workforce,” said Maria Jesusa Gemarino, TP Bacolod Site Director. “By equipping students and near-hires with the in-demand skills needed in today’s BPO sector, we’re strengthening government efforts to create more career opportunities outside of Metro Manila.”

Government and Industry Alignment for Local Growth

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez emphasized the importance of this partnership in advancing the city’s economic ambitions. “We see this collaboration as a key step toward transforming Bacolod into a supercity through sustainable job creation and workforce development.”

This initiative builds on Teleperformance’s ongoing investments in government-academe-industry linkages. Earlier in 2025, TP signed similar MOAs with State University of Northern Negros (SUNN) and previously with BCC, supporting community empowerment, on-the-job training (OJT), and career development under the TP Launchpad program, its flagship university engagement initiative.

Jeffrey Johnson, Chief People Officer of TP Philippines, reiterated the broader vision behind these efforts: “With the strong participation of local government, academe, and industry, we are building more than just skills—we’re building stronger, more resilient communities.”

Why This Matters for Business and Education Leaders

This partnership exemplifies how cross-sector collaboration can drive inclusive employment growth in provincial cities while enhancing education-to-employment pipelines. By aligning academic programs with actual industry needs, initiatives like TP’s @SENSO Life Skills Academy can serve as models for other regions aiming to future-proof their local economies.
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EastWest Ageas Earns 2025-2026 Great Place To Work Certification

EastWest Ageas

EastWest Ageas is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work for 2025-2026. This prestigious award is based on employees' and financial advisors’ ratings of the company’s culture, in which EastWest Ageas earned a score 17 points higher than average in the Philippines.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation.

"Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that EastWest Ageas stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees."

“EastWest Ageas is honored to be certified as a Great Place to Work™,” shares Lois Dalida, Chief People and Culture Officer. “We are deliberate about our employees’ professional and individual growth, and this milestone will only push us to do more in building their better tomorrow with us.”

One of EastWest Ageas’ initiatives to create a positive employee experience is its hybrid workplace culture. The insurer’s leaders created the WFH 2.0 program, which balances the needs of the business and employees. The head office’s progressive workplace practice only requires employees to be on-site twice a week. This showcase of mutual trust and accountability has led to a more attractive workplace with a hiring rate improvement of 5% and an attrition rate reduction by 6%.

EastWest Ageas also offers financial advisors world-class training and support to help them thrive in their roles. As one of the fast-rising new players in the insurance industry, East West Ageas is also open to fresh ideas, allowing employees to take the lead in innovation.

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

HIRING!

Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit our careers page at: www.ewageas.com.ph

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