SOCIAL MEDIA

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AIA Philippines CEO Wins Executive Champion Award

Saturday, September 27, 2025


A Milestone for Leadership in the Insurance Industry

The Philippines has another reason to celebrate on the global stage—Melita Teo, CEO of AIA Philippines, has been recognized as Executive Champion of the Year at the 10th Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisers Awards in Singapore. This award honors leaders who go beyond business performance, championing the growth of insurance advisers while driving industry innovation and impact.

Leading with Purpose and People First

For Teo, who stepped into leadership in 2024, the honor is not just personal but collective. She shared that the award reflects the dedication and passion of One AIA, the entire workforce behind the company’s success.

“Every success we achieve at AIA comes from the heart, dedication, and lasting relationships our teams build in the communities they serve,” Teo said. “This recognition is proof of our shared purpose to empower more Filipinos to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”

Transforming Distribution and Driving Innovation

Under Teo’s leadership, AIA Philippines has undergone a bold transformation:
  • Reshaping its distribution strategy to ensure sustainable growth
  • Positioning BPI AIA as a leader in bancassurance
  • Launching digital transformation programs, such as AI-powered training, upgraded sales platforms, and affordable digital insurance products like BPI AIA PamilyaProtect and InstaProtect

These initiatives empower AIA’s Life Planners and Bank Sales Executives with better tools, efficiency, and productivity.

Social Impact Beyond Business

Teo’s leadership also goes beyond numbers. Among her initiatives are:
  • AIA Healthiest Schools, launched in 2024, which has already reached 7,200+ students and educators nationwide
  • AIA Net Zero, reinforcing the company’s sustainability commitment
  • Championing employee engagement, which earned AIA Philippines certifications as a Great Place to Work®, Best Place to Work, and multiple honors at the 2025 HR Asia Awards

These recognitions prove that AIA’s purpose-driven approach is resonating not only with customers but also with employees and communities.

Recognition on the Regional Stage

The Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisers Awards, now in its 10th year, continues to spotlight industry leaders who raise the bar in insurance. With Teo’s recognition, AIA Philippines strengthens its role as a trusted partner for Filipino families, combining innovation, purpose, and care to serve nearly 2 million policyholders and insured members.

Looking ahead, Teo pledged to keep investing in technology, training, and wellness programs so AIA Life Planners can continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of Filipinos.

This recognition is not just a win for AIA Philippines but also a proud moment for the country, showcasing how Filipino leadership is shaping the insurance industry across Asia. For Filipinos looking for a partner in long-term financial security and wellness, AIA Philippines proves that it leads with both innovation and heart.

Learn more about AIA Philippines’ mission and solutions by visiting AIA Philippines
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Breaking Taboos: TRUST Launches New Campaign in the Philippines


A Fresh Chapter for a Trusted Brand in Sexual Health

For more than 30 years, TRUST, the commercial brand of DKT Health, Inc., has been a household name for affordable, reliable sexual health products in the Philippines. But this 2025, the brand is taking things to a whole new level. On September 25, 2025, TRUST unveiled its new identity and mass media campaign during a vibrant launch event at Monarch Manila, signaling a bold shift toward inclusivity, empowerment, and progressive conversations about sexual and reproductive health.

TRUST’s Reimagined Vision: More Than Just a Brand

The event kicked off with a heartfelt message from Denise R. van Dijk, President and CEO of DKT Health, Inc., who reflected on TRUST’s long journey. She emphasized that the new direction is more than a visual upgrade—it’s a deeper commitment to normalizing sexual health conversations and respecting every choice.

“For over thirty years, TRUST has been at the forefront of helping Filipinos take charge of their sexual health. Today, we renew that promise with a vision that goes further,” van Dijk shared.

Breaking Taboos with “Ang Normal Mo, Normal ‘Yan!”

At the core of TRUST’s repositioning is the campaign “Ang Normal Mo, Normal ‘Yan!”—a message that encourages Filipinos to embrace their choices without shame. Whether it’s pursuing intimacy, choosing parenthood on your own terms, or navigating non-traditional relationships, the campaign challenges taboos and empowers individuals to speak freely.

To spread this message, TRUST rolled out billboards, print ads, train ads, TV and radio commercials, and digital content now available across YouTube and social media.

A Celebration of Creativity and Inclusivity

The launch wasn’t just about new visuals—it was also a celebration of inclusivity. Maxie Andreison, winner of Drag Race Philippines Season 3 and TRUST’s brand ambassador, gave a dynamic performance of her song “Halika Na Lika Na,” which also serves as the anthem of the brand’s newest commercial. The night wrapped up with a celebratory toast and photo opportunity with executives, partners, and guests.

TRUST as a Social Enterprise

More than being a commercial brand, TRUST highlighted its identity as a social enterprise. During a fireside chat, Gil Cadiz, Director of Marketing at DKT Health, Inc., explained how every purchase of TRUST products goes beyond personal protection—funding free reproductive health products and services for underserved Filipino communities.

“Our goal is to bring light to these sexual and reproductive discussions and make them part of everyday life,” Cadiz said. “With TRUST as a social enterprise, we go beyond being a commercial brand and extend resources to those who need them most.”

Guests were also invited to take part in an interactive photowall, writing down what sexual and reproductive health choices they believe society should normalize—turning the campaign’s message into a shared call to action.

A Movement for Every Filipino

Closing the event, TRUST reaffirmed its mission to provide access, education, and protection for all. The brand invites Filipinos to join in breaking the silence, embracing diversity, and making conversations on sexual and reproductive health a normal part of life.

Learn more about TRUST’s advocacy, product guides, and nearby clinics at TRUST.ph. Stay updated by following TRUST on Facebook.
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Holcim Circular Explorer Wins ESG Award

Thursday, September 25, 2025


Holcim’s Circular Explorer Wins Silver at ESG Edge Impact Awards 2025

Sustainability took center stage at the inaugural Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards 2025, and Holcim Philippines emerged as one of the standout winners. The company’s Circular Explorer, a first-of-its-kind solar-powered catamaran that tackles marine plastic pollution, bagged the Silver Prize for Waste Management & Responsible Consumption, Production, and Manufacturing under the Environment category. This recognition is not just a win for Holcim but also a milestone for the Philippines’ fight for a greener, more circular future.

Celebrating ESG Champions

The Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards, organized by the Inquirer Group of Companies (IGC), shines a spotlight on organizations advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Held at the Inquirer Media Resource Plaza in Makati, the awards recognized projects that prove sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.

Holcim’s Circular Explorer stood out for its pioneering efforts in promoting circularity. More than just a cleanup vessel, the catamaran doubles as a hub for collaboration between industries, government agencies, and local communities.

Circular Explorer: More Than a Vessel

Unlike traditional marine clean-up initiatives, the Circular Explorer goes beyond simply collecting plastic. It runs on solar power, recovers waste from waterways, and sparks conversations about responsible consumption. By promoting education, innovation, and systemic change, the project aims to inspire long-term environmental solutions across the country.

Nathalie Inductivo, OIC-Sustainability Manager and Project Coordinator of Circular Explorer, shared that the award is a powerful motivation: “The Circular Explorer embodies Holcim’s commitment to sustainability, and this recognition drives us to continue accelerating solutions for a greener, more circular Philippines.”

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

The awards are part of the broader advocacy of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC), co-founded by IGC alongside Malaysia’s Star Media Group and Indonesia’s KG Media. Together, these organizations are building regional momentum around sustainability through education, engagement, and community-driven action.

Holcim’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Jill Iris Ramos, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility: “With the Circular Explorer, we aim to show that collective action can protect marine ecosystems and inspire communities to adopt sustainable practices.”

A Win for the Planet

This recognition not only highlights Holcim’s role in advancing the country’s sustainability agenda but also encourages more organizations to embrace circular solutions. By combining technology, education, and community action, projects like the Circular Explorer prove that meaningful environmental impact is possible when stakeholders work together.

The Circular Explorer’s success at the ESG Edge Awards is a timely reminder that sustainability is not a buzzword—it’s a call to action. For Filipinos who care about protecting our seas and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations, this project is proof that innovation and collaboration can make real change happen.
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PSBank Celebrates 65 Years of Banking


PSBank Marks 65 Years of Simple, Reliable Banking for Filipinos

Not many banks can say they’ve grown alongside Filipino families for six and a half decades. This year, Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) celebrates its 65th anniversary, a milestone that highlights its enduring promise of “Simple lang. Maaasahan.” From its very first branch in Plaza Miranda in 1960 to its digital-first services today, PSBank has been a trusted partner in making everyday banking easier and more accessible.

From Plaza Miranda to Nationwide Growth

When PSBank opened its first branch in Quiapo, Manila—the heart of commerce at the time—banking was a tedious process filled with paperwork and limited only to big business districts. PSBank changed that by offering services ordinary families could access, making it a trailblazer in inclusive banking.

Over the years, it stayed true to its brand of simplicity and reliability, guided by malasakit—a uniquely Filipino value of genuine care. This philosophy continues to drive its growth across 250 branches and more than 500 ATMs nationwide.

Innovations That Put Customers First

Staying relevant in an increasingly digital world, PSBank has consistently introduced customer-friendly innovations:

PSBank Mobile App – open a savings account anytime, anywhere, with no minimum deposit and no maintaining balance.

Digital Onboarding – just a valid ID, a smartphone, and a selfie are enough to start banking.

Cardless Withdrawal – withdraw cash from any PSBank ATM without a physical card.

Mobile Check Deposit – a convenient way to clear checks digitally.

Online Loan Applications – apply for car or personal loans anytime through their website.

These innovations are designed to make financial services more inclusive, helping Filipinos manage their money with ease and confidence.

Strong Performance and Reliability

PSBank’s focus on customer-centric solutions has also fueled its financial success. In 2024, the bank posted a net income of ₱5.21 billion, its highest ever, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. More than the numbers, PSBank remains a key partner in helping Filipinos finance their homes, vehicles, and small businesses.

As PSBank President Jose Vicente L. Alde shared, the 65th anniversary is about honoring customer trust and looking ahead to a future where banking remains simple, reliable, and meaningful.

The Future of Simple Banking

Looking forward, PSBank plans to further strengthen its lending business in auto, home, and SME loans, while enhancing operational efficiency and digital processes. Whether through branch banking, digital platforms, or 24/7 customer support, PSBank is committed to giving Filipinos fast, reliable, and caring service.

From passbooks and long queues in the 1960s to today’s instant digital transactions, PSBank has stood the test of time as a true partner in every Filipino’s financial journey. As it enters its 66th year, PSBank proves that banking doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be reliable.



If you’re looking for a dependable banking partner that understands your needs, PSBank remains one of the most trusted names in the industry.
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Manila Hotel Wins Tourism Pillar Award


The Manila Hotel Wins Tourism Pillar Excellence Award at Philippine Tourism Awards

When you think of iconic Filipino hospitality, one name always comes to mind: The Manila Hotel. Recently, this legendary landmark received the Tourism Pillar Excellence Award at the first-ever Philippine Tourism Awards organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT). The recognition highlights more than a century of service, heritage, and innovation—qualities that continue to shape the country’s tourism industry.

A Recognition of Heritage and Excellence

The Department of Tourism, under Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, launched the inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards to honor institutions and individuals that have set the standard for excellence, sustainability, and innovation in Philippine tourism. Among the distinguished awardees, The Manila Hotel stood out for its pivotal role in shaping tourism and preserving Filipino hospitality for generations.

Marvin Kim Tan, Vice President for Sales and Marketing of The Manila Hotel, expressed pride in receiving the award, saying it reaffirms the belief that true hospitality is found in memorable experiences—from a heartfelt welcome to personalized service at every step of a guest’s stay.

More Than a Century of Filipino Hospitality

Since opening its doors in 1912, The Manila Hotel has been a witness to Philippine history and a host to countless distinguished guests, from world leaders to local luminaries. With over 500 rooms, 22 function rooms, and celebrated dining outlets like Café Ilang-Ilang and the Champagne Room, the hotel continues to be a venue where tradition meets modern luxury.

Its location beside Kilometer Zero in Rizal Park also makes it a cultural gateway—just steps away from Intramuros and the National Museums. Beyond lodging, the property offers wellness facilities, a Heritage Museum, and an Art Gallery that celebrate both the past and the present of Filipino artistry.

A Symbol of Filipino Pride

The Tourism Pillar Excellence Award is more than just a plaque for the hotel’s walls—it is a testament to its enduring mission to be the “true heart of the Philippines.” For Filipinos, this recognition is a reminder that our hospitality is not just service, but a legacy we share with the world.

For anyone looking to experience world-class service infused with Filipino warmth, The Manila Hotel remains a must-visit destination. Whether for staycations, events, or simply enjoying its historic ambiance, this award-winning institution continues to set the gold standard for Philippine tourism.

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Visa Pushes xPay Adoption in the Philippines with Banking Workshop


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


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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