Visa Pushes xPay Adoption in the Philippines with Banking Workshop

Visa Pushes xPay Adoption in the Philippines with Banking Workshop

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay set to change the way Filipinos pay

Cashless payments in the Philippines continue to grow at a rapid pace, with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reporting that digital transactions already make up more than half of retail payments. Riding on this momentum, Visa Philippines is preparing banks for the next big step: the adoption of xPays—digital wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Through a recently held enablement workshop, Visa worked with partners across Southeast Asia, including Google Southeast Asia, Vietcombank, and Starbucks Vietnam, to share global best practices on how banks can successfully integrate and scale these payment solutions for the local market.

What xPay Means for Filipinos

Unlike traditional e-wallets, xPays don’t store funds. Instead, they link directly to your existing credit, debit, or e-money accounts. Once you add your Visa card to Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay, you can tap and pay in stores, online, or through apps without pulling out your physical card.

The best part? Every tap is backed by Visa’s advanced security, giving Filipinos both convenience and peace of mind.

How Visa Makes Payments Safer

A major innovation behind these digital wallets is tokenization. Each time a Visa card is added to an xPay, the real card number is replaced with a unique digital token. This token, along with a dynamic cryptogram, is used to approve every transaction. The result? Your actual account number is never exposed to merchants or stored on your device—dramatically reducing the risk of fraud.

Visa has already issued over 10 billion tokens globally and enables 1.5 million merchants daily through its Visa Token Service (VTS). In 2023 alone, VTS drove a US$2 billion uplift for Asia Pacific merchants, while cutting payment fraud by more than 58%.

Global Learnings, Local Application

During the workshop, leaders from across the region discussed how xPays are shaping consumer behavior.

Nguyen Hong Thanh of Vietcombank shared how Vietnamese consumers embraced xPays since their rollout (Google Pay and Samsung Pay in 2022, Apple Pay in 2023).

Google’s TG Ramakrishnan highlighted strategic opportunities for banks to partner with tech providers.

Starbucks Vietnam’s Nguyen Bao Tram showcased how retailers benefit from seamless mobile payments.

Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro noted that digital wallets amplify Visa’s mission: “Each tap is protected by Visa’s network token technology, ensuring trust and security while advancing the Philippines’ digital payments landscape.” He emphasized that Visa is committed to supporting the BSP’s financial inclusion goals by enabling Filipinos to “pay and be paid with confidence.”

The Philippines’ growing digital economy makes xPays timely. According to Visa research, 97% of Asia Pacific travelers prefer to bring cards, while only 17% bring foreign currency. Yet, 44% of travelers in the Philippines still experience payment challenges such as merchant non-acceptance.

With xPays, these barriers can be reduced, improving the experience for both locals and international visitors. As digital retail payments in the country already account for 57.4% of transactions, the adoption of xPays will push the nation closer to the BSP’s 70% target by 2028.

The arrival of Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay in the Philippines is more than just a tech upgrade—it’s a step towards a more inclusive, seamless, and secure cashless society. For Filipinos who are always on the go, these solutions promise convenience at every tap. Keep an eye out for your bank’s announcements, because the next time you shop or travel, you may not even need to carry your wallet.

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HONOR and Alibaba Partner on AI Mobile Ecosystem

HONOR and Alibaba Partner on AI Mobile Ecosystem

A New Chapter in AI-Powered Smartphones

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it’s the future of how we live, work, and interact with technology. Two industry giants, HONOR and Alibaba, have officially signed a landmark strategic cooperation agreement in Hangzhou, China, with the goal of transforming mobile experiences through deep cloud-device AI integration.

This partnership aims to push the boundaries of what AI can do on smartphones, from personalized services to next-level convenience in everyday life.

What the Collaboration Covers

The cooperation between HONOR and Alibaba is multi-faceted and systematic, focusing on three key areas:

AI Agent Ecosystems – Creating intelligent services and applications across travel, tourism, e-commerce, mobile office, lifestyle, and entertainment.

AI Models and Capabilities – Joint development using Alibaba’s Qwen open-source model, tailored for on-device AI, multimodal experiences, and scenario-specific improvements.

MaaS (Model-as-a-Service) – Advancing text, image, video, and voice AI capabilities, and exploring new ways to integrate on-device and cloud models seamlessly.

By combining HONOR’s expertise in hardware and operating systems with Alibaba’s large-scale AI and service ecosystems, the partnership promises a globally leading “cloud-device integrated” experience.

Why This Matters to Users

The collaboration will bring AI beyond research labs and into everyday life. Through Alibaba’s multi-cloud platform (MCP), services like Ele.me (food delivery), Damai (ticketing), and Taopiaopiao (movie tickets) will be integrated into HONOR devices, giving users faster, smarter, and more efficient access to services.

This means that from ordering food to booking concert tickets, AI-powered agents will make tasks quicker, smoother, and more personalized.

The HONOR Magic8 Series: A Glimpse of the Future

The upcoming HONOR Magic8 Series is set to be the brand’s first AI-native smartphone, embedding many of the features and services born from this collaboration. Designed as a self-evolving AI device, it will showcase what’s possible when cloud intelligence and device capabilities converge.

The HONOR–Alibaba partnership signals how AI-driven industrial transformation is reshaping the tech landscape. With both companies leveraging their strengths in AI models, services, and ecosystems, this collaboration is more than just a business deal—it’s a vision for how AI can redefine mobile life.

For Filipino consumers and businesses, this reflects a growing global trend: devices are no longer just tools but intelligent partners that can support lifestyle, work, and commerce in ways that were once unimaginable.

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Gawad Madiskarte Marks Five Years of Celebrating Filipina Mompreneurs

Gawad Madiskarte Marks Five Years of Celebrating Filipina Mompreneurs

A Movement Rooted in Heart, Hustle, and Community

When the pandemic pushed many Filipinas to find new ways of supporting their families, a movement was born. What began as a lifeline has now flourished into one of the largest communities of women entrepreneurs in the country. This year, PLDT Home and Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) are celebrating five years of empowering mompreneurs through training, mentorship, and a thriving network of support.

With over 215,000 members and 25,000 mompreneurs trained since its inception, MMPH has become more than just a group—it’s a sisterhood of women building businesses that uplift families and strengthen communities.

Gawad Madiskarte: More Than an Awards Show

At the heart of this milestone celebration is the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, an annual recognition that honors exceptional mompreneurs who embody leadership, innovation, and compassion. Beyond trophies and titles, the awards serve as a powerful stage where inspiring women are seen, heard, and celebrated.

As PLDT COO and Technology Head Butch Jimenez emphasized, mompreneurs excel in three important arenas—home, self, and business. “At PLDT, we believe in the power of community, and our Madiskarte Moms exemplify this through their dedication and innovation.”

Categories That Celebrate Purpose and Impact

This year’s Gawad Madiskarte will once again honor inspiring women under two divisions:

Start-Up Mompreneurs – for businesses running at least six months

Scale-Up Mompreneurs – for businesses operating 13 months or more and DTI/BIR-registered

Core awards include:

Diskarteng Angat – for growth and innovation

Diskarteng May Puso – for social good and community impact

Diskarteng Eco-Friendly – for sustainability and environmental stewardship

Special recognitions also highlight digital creativity, peer recognition, and leadership icons.

Stories of Triumph That Inspire

Last year’s Diskarteng Angat – Scale-Up Division Award went to Heidie Ricca del Rosario, founder of HTP Clothing, who transformed a preloved clothing business into a thriving fashion brand employing community seamstresses.

Reflecting on her win, Del Rosario shared that the awards validated the hard work behind every business run by a mother. “Gawad Madiskarte allows us mompreneurs to be seen, heard, and celebrated. It fills our hearts to know the awards recognize that behind every successful business is a mom who made it happen.”

How to Join the 4th Gawad Madiskarte

Filipina mompreneurs with inspiring stories and impactful businesses are invited to apply for this year’s awards. Winners will receive cash prizes, capital support, and national recognition to help scale their ventures.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

Apply through the Madiskarte Moms PH Facebook Group or the official MMPH website.

Mompreneurs are not only running businesses—they are redefining success by weaving purpose, resilience, and compassion into every venture. Gawad Madiskarte proves that when Filipina moms are empowered, they don’t just change their families’ lives; they transform communities and contribute to nation-building.

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TP and TESDA Launch Near-Hire Training in Negros

TP and TESDA Launch Near-Hire Training in Negros

Bridging Education and Employment in the Philippines

The IT-BPM industry continues to be one of the country’s strongest job creators—but many near-hires still struggle to meet industry standards for communication and customer engagement. Recognizing this challenge, TP in the Philippines (Teleperformance) has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to roll out the Near-Hire Communication Training Program in Negros Occidental.

This initiative, registered under TESDA’s Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) framework, ensures that young professionals are not just trained but industry-ready—equipped with the practical skills to succeed in customer service roles.

What the Training Program Offers

The 10-day, TESDA-accredited course is designed to prepare near-hires for potential careers at TP while strengthening the local talent pipeline. The curriculum features two modules:

Communication 101 – Builds technical articulation, pronunciation, grammar, thought organization, and conversational confidence.

Call Center 101 – Prepares trainees for the contact center environment through call flows, scripting, active listening, empathy, and problem-solving.

By focusing on both technical and practical aspects, the program immerses participants in the realities of the customer service sector, setting them up for long-term success.

Voices from the Partnership

Jeffrey Johnson, Chief People Officer of TP in the Philippines, emphasized that the program is more than skills training. “This program goes beyond skills training, giving students a tangible gateway as they step into meaningful careers in the IT-BPM industry.”

TESDA also underscored the significance of enterprise partnerships. Director General Jose Francisco Benitez noted that EBET allows companies to directly shape the skills of future workers. “Enterprises can now dictate what skills and competences they need, and TESDA now needs to respond flexibly to the demands of today’s complex world of work.”

Meanwhile, Niña Connie Dodd, TESDA Negros Island Region Interim Regional Director, described the partnership as EBET in motion, bringing to life TESDA’s vision of an empowered, work-ready youth.

Customer service remains one of the most dynamic career paths in the Philippines, particularly in provinces like Negros Occidental where new opportunities can uplift families and local communities. By collaborating with Bacolod City College and TESDA, TP demonstrates how government, academe, and private industry can work together to provide more accessible pathways to employment.

This program is not just about landing jobs—it’s about building confidence, careers, and stronger communities.

The Bigger Picture

The Near-Hire Communication Training Program reaffirms TP’s reputation as one of the country’s top employers while showcasing TESDA’s ability to evolve with industry demands. For young Filipinos seeking careers in IT-BPM, this program offers a vital bridge between classroom learning and real-world success.

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Cobra Energy Drink and TESDA Empower Filipinos

Cobra Energy Drink and TESDA Empower Filipinos

More Than Just Energy: A Partner in Dreams

When you think of Cobra Energy Drink, you probably think of stamina for long workdays or powering through late-night shifts. But this time, Cobra proves it’s more than just fuel for the body—it’s also fuel for ambition and opportunity. Through its flagship initiative, “Tatag sa Pagtupad ng Pangarap Kasama ang TESDA Program,” the brand is giving Filipinos not just energy, but the tools to build a brighter tomorrow.

In partnership with TESDA NCR – PAMAMARISAN District Office and DOLE-TUPAD, Cobra recently helped 29 #TeamLakas beneficiaries receive free technical-vocational training, TESDA certification, and a “Panimula Kit” to kickstart their careers or small businesses. The program is especially meaningful for workers who were displaced, unemployed, or underemployed after the pandemic.

Stories of Strength and Hope

Every scholar’s journey was a reminder of resilience—the very spirit of lakas that Cobra celebrates.

Judy Baliwag Lomboy, a Bread and Pastry Production graduate, shared that her family and friends gave her the inspiration to finish. “Ako’y lubos na nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataon na maging matagumpay sa aking tinatahak na landas,” she said.

Jennelbel Amulat, who completed her Housekeeping course, now dreams of working abroad and starting her own business. She promised to honor the opportunity given to her: “Para sa kapwa kong #TeamLakas, laban lang tayo.”

Jonalyn Yarra Abogado, also a Housekeeping graduate, expressed gratitude for the training and support. She now juggles part-time work while preparing for overseas opportunities.

Each TESDA National Certificate they received symbolized more than a credential—it was a second chance, a pathway to financial stability, and a new chapter in life. The Cobra “Panimula Kit” further equipped them with the practical tools to transform skills into livelihoods.

Cobra’s Mission: Fueling Energy, Fueling Dreams

For Cobra, this initiative is a way to live out its core values of strength, resilience, and perseverance.

Assistant Brand Manager Jonsell Del Mundo shared how inspiring it was to see the scholars’ determination firsthand: “We witnessed how, with the right support, they could rebuild their confidence and take the first steps toward their dreams.”

Marketing Manager Apple de Belen also highlighted the company’s larger mission: “Through #TeamLakas, we are proud to help Filipinos not only gain energy for today but also the skills and opportunities that will change their lives for tomorrow.”

At its core, Cobra’s partnership with TESDA and DOLE shows that nation-building is not only about big policies but also about equipping individuals with the skills and confidence to thrive. For many Filipinos, the road to success is long and uncertain—but programs like this provide a powerful reminder that with strength (lakas), training, and support, every dream is within reach.

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Yabang Pinoy Marks 20 Years of Championing Filipino Pride with Inspiring Events and Collaborations

Yabang Pinoy Marks 20 Years of Championing Filipino Pride with Inspiring Events and Collaborations

A Movement That Sparked a Consumer Revolution

Filipinos are known for resilience, creativity, and community spirit—and for the last 20 years, one grassroots movement has helped channel all these into a call to action: Yabang Pinoy. What started in 2005 as a small group of passionate advocates has now become a nationwide movement that reminds us to live proudly Filipino in our everyday choices—sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa.

This 2025, Yabang Pinoy is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a series of events, collaborations, and initiatives that highlight the ingenuity of homegrown brands while planting seeds—literally—for a more sustainable future.

Honoring Two Decades of Advocacy

Over the years, Yabang Pinoy has built platforms that uplift local entrepreneurs, inspire young leaders, and give voice to Filipino creatives. Head of Projects & Partnerships JM Jose reflected that the movement’s greatest achievement is not just its programs, but the people who found their passion through it. Many former collaborators, advocates, and volunteers now carry the “Filipino First” mindset in their own work and communities.

Spotlight on Filipino Creativity

At its 20th anniversary press conference, Yabang Pinoy hosted “Filipino Brands in Focus,” a panel that featured trailblazing entrepreneurs.

One of them was Ann Poco, co-founder of lifestyle brand Gouache. What began as a single handmade camera bag with Marikina artisans has grown into a social enterprise creating stylish, functional carriers. To mark Yabang Pinoy’s 20th year, Gouache and the movement launched a collaboration line of bags where part of the proceeds will go to planting 100,000 Bitaog trees in La Union—a project that protects communities from flooding and coastal erosion.

Also in the spotlight was Ali Sangalang, co-founder of the witty lifestyle brand Linya-Linya. Known for turning everyday Filipino quirks into clever shirts, Ali has also ventured into music and design with Big Fuzz and Puddy Rock Studio. As part of the anniversary celebration, Linya-Linya introduced its Live Proud shorts, embodying Filipino identity in everyday wear.

Flagship Programs That Shaped the Movement

From its modest beginnings, Yabang Pinoy has grown into a powerhouse for promoting local products and culture. Its flagship event, the Global Pinoy Bazaar, started as a small community fair and has since expanded into major curated showcases of proudly Filipino goods. According to Director Patrick Joson, this event continues to bridge local entrepreneurs with consumers who value quality and national pride.

Other notable initiatives include:

• Philippine Cinema Sessions – sparking dialogue on the state of Philippine cinema.

• Y.A.B.A.N.G Camp – training youth leaders to uphold “Filipino First” values.

• 7107 – exploring hidden Philippine destinations while supporting grassroots livelihoods.

Upcoming 20th Anniversary Events

Filipinos looking to support local this season can look forward to Yabang Pinoy’s line-up of bazaars and sessions:

27th Global Pinoy Bazaar – Oct. 2–5, Glorietta, Makati

6th PH Cinema Session – Oct. 5 & 12, Linya-Linya HQ, QC

Global Pinoy Alabang Fair – Oct. 17–19, Alabang Town Center

28th Global Pinoy Bazaar – Nov. 20–23, Glorietta 2, Makati

29th Global Pinoy Bazaar – Nov. 27–30, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong

For 20 years, Yabang Pinoy has stood as proof that living proudly Filipino is not just about wearing local brands, but about embracing a lifestyle of nation-building. This holiday season, their message is clear: choose Filipino, shop proudly, and live proudly.

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MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Redefines Mobile AI, Gaming, and Power Efficiency

MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Redefines Mobile AI, Gaming, and Power Efficiency

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

The Next Flagship Chipset Sets a New Benchmark for Smartphones

Smartphones are no longer just for calls and selfies—they’ve become our cameras, gaming consoles, productivity hubs, and even AI assistants. That’s why every leap in mobile chipset technology is a big deal. And with the official launch of the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, the game has changed once again.

This new flagship platform isn’t just about raw speed—it’s about delivering smarter AI, console-class graphics, and longer battery life, making it one of the most exciting chipsets Filipino smartphone users can look forward to in 2025.

Best-in-Class Performance and Efficiency

The Dimensity 9500 adopts a third-generation All Big Core CPU design, combining one ultra core running at 4.21GHz, three premium cores, and four performance cores. This setup translates to 29% faster single-core and 16% faster multi-core performance compared to its predecessor, while also cutting power consumption by as much as 55% at peak performance.

For everyday users, this means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and a battery that lasts longer even under heavy use—perfect for those marathon video calls or binge-watching sessions.

A Leap Forward in AI Experiences

MediaTek senior VP JC Hsu highlighted how AI has become an essential part of modern life. He explained that the Dimensity 9500 is designed to make devices feel “smarter, faster, and more personal” without draining power.

This is made possible by the 9th-gen MediaTek NPU 990, equipped with Generative AI Engine 2.0. With up to 2x the compute power and 25% lower energy use, the chipset can handle advanced generative AI tasks like faster language model output, 4K ultra-high-resolution image generation, and more natural real-time interactions with AI assistants.

Console-Level Gaming on Mobile

Gamers in the Philippines will especially appreciate the Arm G1-Ultra GPU inside the Dimensity 9500. Offering 33% better peak performance and 42% more power efficiency, it supports double frame rate interpolation up to 120FPS and console-style raytracing.

On top of that, MediaTek’s close collaborations with major studios bring AAA-quality gaming to your phone, complete with immersive lighting effects in Unreal Engine 5. Imagine playing your favorite mobile RPGs or shooters with near-console visuals, but in the palm of your hand.

Cutting-Edge Imaging and Connectivity

Mobile photography also gets a big upgrade with the Imagiq 1190 ISP, supporting 200MP capture, RAW-domain pre-processing, and cinematic 4K 60FPS portrait videos. This is especially exciting for Pinoys who love to document everything—from food trips to travel adventures—with their smartphones.

Connectivity is just as advanced, with AI-enhanced Wi-Fi, Bluetooth call clarity, and 5CC carrier aggregation for faster mobile data. Network latency is reduced by up to 50%, while power efficiency improves by as much as 20%—a huge plus for always-on lifestyles.

When Will It Arrive?

According to MediaTek, the first flagship smartphones powered by the Dimensity 9500 are set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. With all its upgrades in AI, gaming, and power management, this chipset is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated mobile innovations of the year.

The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 isn’t just another processor—it’s a glimpse into the future of smartphones. For Filipinos who rely on their phones for work, play, and everything in between, this chipset promises a smarter, faster, and more immersive mobile experience. If you’re planning to upgrade in late 2025, keep an eye out for devices powered by this beast.

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