Thursday, February 26, 2026

Why More Filipino Families Are Selecting Online Education (OEd) for Lifelong Learning and Senior High School



As education continues to evolve in response to changing family priorities, technology, and lifestyles, more Filipino households are reevaluating what outstanding learning looks like in the current era. As a result of that discussion, parents and students are increasingly using Online Education (OEd), particularly for its Online Short Courses and Online Senior High School (SHS), which are becoming more and more popular nationwide.

Many people have changed for reasons other than ease. It conveys a deeper belief that education ought to be customized for each learner, not the other way around.


Learning That Fits Real Life

OEd students often describe their learning experience as more personal and empowering than traditional classroom settings. With fully online access to lectures, modules, and exams, students can study at their own pace while managing other responsibilities at home.

Senior high school students in particular say that the flexibility has strengthened their self-discipline, helped them focus, and allowed them to review material when needed—skills that are becoming more and more crucial outside of the classroom. Adult learners taking short courses share this opinion, pointing out that OEd allows them to upskill or reskill without compromising their commitments to their employment or families.

Learning becomes an adventure that many children desire to continue rather than a usual activity.


Parents Prioritize Flexibility, Safety, and Continuity

A major factor in this change is the parents. One of the main reasons parents enroll their kids in OEd's Online Senior High School is flexibility. Families are better equipped to handle schedules, health concerns, and home duties when learning is available at any time and from any location—all without sacrificing academic achievement.

Another consideration is safety. Particularly for parents who want a familiar and safe atmosphere for their children throughout critical school years, home-based online learning offers comfort. OEd's planned curriculum guarantees that students stay on course for graduation and subsequent academic or professional courses.

Parents also stress continuity. With OEd's clear progression from Senior High School to higher education and skills-based programs, families can rest easy knowing that their children's educational path will be supported over time.


SHS and Short Courses Drive Enrollment Growth

OEd's Online Senior High School and Short Courses are two of its most well-liked offerings.

The SHS curriculum adheres to national academic requirements while offering courses via a flexible online environment. It educates students for college, the workforce, or entrepreneurship without the constraints of a typical classroom setting.

Meanwhile, the growing need for concentrated, experiential learning is met by OEd's Short Courses. These certificate programs are designed for individuals who want to learn specific skills, investigate new fields, or expedite the process of reinforcing their credentials. For many working professionals and adult learners, this format offers a helpful place to start for continuing education.

Together, these efforts demonstrate a broader trend: Filipinos are giving more importance to education that is adaptable, efficient, and in step with real-world needs.


Education, Reimagined—and Within Reach

Given the constant changes in learning environments, OEd positions itself as both an online school and a partner in lifelong learning. A shift in attitude, where education is seen as a long-term commitment, a family decision, and an individual investment, is shown by the rising enrollment in senior high school and short courses.

For parents and kids who want an education grounded in real-world experiences, the option is no longer remote.


To learn more about Online Senior High School and Short Courses, visit www.oed.com.ph
Inquire now and explore how flexible learning can work for you and your family.


Awaken your inspiration and prepare to be captivated at Philippine International Furniture Show!



At the Philippine International Furniture Show, which takes place at SMX Manila from March 5–7, homeowners, merchants, and furniture buyers can immerse themselves in a world of traditional pieces that capture Filipino culture as well as custom and contemporary craftsmanship. Learn why Manila is becoming more well-known worldwide.

Discover tales through opulent furnishings, beautiful handwoven patterns, and eco-friendly technology that is revolutionizing homes all over the world. Speak with designers personally to learn about new collections and limited-edition products that are only available at PIFS. The subject for this year, "Furniture in Motion, Heritage in Transition," honors the masters; each Filipino creation tells a story about customs and life's art.

Your complimentary access pass awaits! Experience the show by securing your pre-registration for FREE. Scan the QR code or visit: https://www.pifs.ph/registration 





The future of Philippine furniture design is evolving.

Are you ready to see how important crafting mastery is?  See the combined artistry of local and foreign Filipino designers at the next PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE SHOW and discover their invaluable, distinctive craft skills that elevate furniture above its cost.

Get ready to be captivated, challenged, and inspired! 

PIFS is happening from March 5-7, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

Register to visit at: https://www.pifs.ph/registration

Complimentary entry when you pre-register before March 4, 11:59 PM. 





The discussion continues. INTERIOR+DESIGN MANILA 2026, which will be held at SMX Manila from March 5–7, 2026, builds on the fascinating exploration of coastal identity and tropical mobility from the previous year and invites you to a brand-new masterclass in living. This year, we are focusing on a design idea that shifts the focus of the human experience from the beach to the interior of the house.

Learn about a design-driven renaissance that emphasizes reestablishing a relationship with nature and enjoying the beauty of the "imperfect" handcrafted touch. Whether you are here for professional education or personal inspiration, see how we are bridging the gap between our rich heritage and the global future of life-centered settings.


Follow your design calling. 

Pre-register to visit FREE until March 4, 11:59 PM: http://www.interioranddesignmanila.com/registration

The AMA School of Medicine participates in the third leg of the "Lab for All" Program in San Juan, La Union




The AMA School of Medicine (ASM/AMASOM) demonstrated its strong commitment to medical quality and community involvement by actively participating in the third leg of the global "Lab for All" program in San Juan, La Union. The Office of the First Lady is spearheading the initiative under the leadership of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Enhancing impoverished Filipino communities' access to essential health and social services is the main goal of her campaigning.

Through the "Lab for All" program, the First Lady continues to advocate for inclusive and people-centered governance, ensuring that local communities have access to vital government services. Her tireless efforts have improved access to digital services, livelihood support, social safety, and health care for families nationwide, particularly in underprivileged and remote areas.

ASM remains committed to producing medical professionals who are socially responsible and globally competitive as a proud member of the AMA Education System. In keeping with this objective, the ASM medical team provided free medical consultations, basic health screenings, and risk assessment services to residents of 41 San Juan barangays, assisting 1,476 patients and community members.

The activity was carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Local Government Unit of San Juan, La Union, and other participating organizations.




The organization's substantial contribution was made possible by the dedicated effort of ASM's faculty physicians, who are all members of the school's academic and instructional personnel. Along with Drs. Dean Michael Maniwa headed the medical mission with John Rey Gonzales, Jonathan Iledan, and Eric De Leon, who exemplified ASM's ideals of clinical excellence, professionalism, and compassionate care.

As evidence of ASM's growing international student body and commitment to multicultural medical education, four (4) medical clerks—international medical students enrolled at the institution—helped the faculty physicians. While assigned to the Risk Assessment Station, the clerks managed patient triage, preliminary screening, and cooperation with partner organizations, gaining hands-on experience in community-based healthcare delivery.

Their participation reflects ASM's strong emphasis on experiential learning, which develops students' teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and patient-centered competencies while enabling both domestic and international students to take part directly in national public health projects.

Through its continued involvement in the "Lab for All" project, the AMA School of Medicine reiterates its role as an essential partner in advancing the First Lady's objective of accessible, responsive, and integrated public services. It also strengthens ASM's position as a top medical school in the AMA Education System by fusing academic excellence, global perspective, and social responsibility.

Supporting the program's later stages, encouraging population health, preventative care, and cooperative public service, and producing qualified, compassionate, and community-focused physicians for the Philippines and the rest of the globe are all important priorities for ASM.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Skye Newman continues her ascent with bold new single ‘Walk’

“Walk is about taking back your power when a relationship is no longer serving you, putting your heels on and walking away.” ~Skye Newman, South London Singer-songwriter


The song evolves into a literary struggle as it recounts a moment that all listeners can relate to—when patience runs out and self-preservation takes over. Skye often takes a controlled but sharp approach, fusing emotional candor with dark comedy. The message of the song is to choose to keep emotional pain at bay rather than letting it devour you.

Skye Newman's first collaboration with Chrissi, ‘Walk,’ was penned by her longtime collaborators Boo and Luis Navidad. It continues Skye's history of turning life experiences into lyrics that are closely observed. The production's restraint allows the words to take center stage, while simultaneously preventing the plot from becoming more muted.

The lyrics of ‘Walk’ eloquently portray the unbalanced nature of a relationship. Skye skillfully communicates sentiments of annoyance, humiliation, and emotional exhaustion with her directness, which seems conversational and generally honest. She talks about standing up for someone at her own expense, seeking unrequited loyalty, and finally setting a strong boundary. She delivers her phrases without ostentation. Walking is frequently portrayed as a symbolic and literal way to reclaim control.

Skye Newman's continued ascent and the conclusion of a brief U.S. tour that includes dates in New York City and Los Angeles coincide with the release. She won BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2026, was nominated for Best Newcomer at the MOBO Awards, and was nominated twice for BRIT Awards Song of the Year and Breakthrough Artist. With more than 196 million plays worldwide, Skye is currently the 13th most streamed British female solo artist in the UK and the 71st worldwide in 2025. She is the only female UK artist to have three Top 20 debut singles in the last ten years.

Recent releases have cemented her presence in charts and culture. "Family Matters" peaked at number five, spending seven weeks in the Top 10, and is certified Gold, while "Hairdresser" peaked at number fifteen and remained on the chart for fourteen weeks, gaining Gold certification as well. Along with helping Lewis Capaldi around the UK and Ireland, Skye has amassed over 1.5 billion views on short-form videos, performed alongside Ed Sheeran in Ipswich, and toured the EU with Sienna Spiro. In December of this year, Skye Newman will go to Sydney, Australia, to open for Harry Styles on his Together Together tour.

In addition to her musical career, Skye was named one of the eight Artists to Watch in 2026 by British Vogue and One to Watch by ELLE UK. Furthermore, Skye called Maya Jama out of radio retirement last year for a special broadcast on Rinse FM, sparking a conversation that resonated deeply with fans.

Given that her upcoming "The Woman I Am" Tour sold out in a matter of minutes, ‘Walk’ is an important next step. Another clear indication from one of the most compelling up-and-coming talents in the UK is that they are unwavering, self-assured, and emotionally unafraid.

‘Walk’ is out now on all major platforms.


GCash extends support via cross-border transfers for Filipino nurses worldwide at PNAA Global Summit

“For many Filipino nurses, working abroad is driven by the hope of providing better lives for their families. Their everyday acts of support ripple outward, strengthening families and contributing to the broader Philippine economy.”  ~Joanne Hatulan, head of GCash Overseas
GCash Overseas head Joanne Hatulan at the PNAA Global Summit


GCash reinforced its support for Filipino nurses worldwide by sponsoring the 15th International Nursing Conference of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) and the Filipino Nurses Global Summit VI, a global event focused on education, collaboration, and a shared objective.

The two-day conference brought together Filipino nurses from the US and other countries to exchange viewpoints on the evolving healthcare landscape, pinpoint shared concerns, and spark conversations that may influence workplace customs, regulations, and policies that affect nurses worldwide. Additionally, it offered a networking opportunity, uniting nurses whose shared experiences are shaped by service, sacrifice, and being away from home.

Filipino nurses continue to battle on the front lines all around the world because of their unwavering commitment to patient care and the families they support back home. Through their employment abroad, they provide for houses, cover educational expenses, and handle daily needs. Their activities have an impact on local communities and the Philippine economy.

By enabling easy and affordable cross-border digital transfers with GCash Overseas, we make sure that their hard-earned money gets to their loved ones quickly and securely," he added.

With GCash's easier cross-border financial access, Filipinos living abroad can take care of their families and meet their daily needs even when they are far away. Fast, reliable digital transactions that help manage everyday expenses, fund education, and respond to urgent needs back home allow Filipino nurses working overseas to support their families with greater comfort and confidence.

With GCash now present in 145 countries and territories, Filipino nurses may use digital tools to communicate with their families. Nurses can provide immediate assistance by aiding with schooling, utility bills, or family situations with the aid of rapid bill payments to over 2,000 billers nationwide and limitless free padala. As seen by GCash's sponsorship of the PNAA Global Summit, Filipino nurses are frontline workers whose influence extends beyond national borders.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.



















About GCash
GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. Its mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

NUSTAR Online Integrates Culture, Lifestyle, and Premium Spirits at the Manila Gin Festival


NUSTAR Online ensures everyone stays refreshed at the Manila Gin Festival


Isang mahalagang milestone ang naabot ng NUSTAR Online sa pangakong nitong maghandog ng premium at makatotohanang karanasan sa ating mga kababayan. 

Ang luxury lifestyle gaming platform ng bansa ay nakiisa sa Manila Gin Festival. Ang pagsali ng NUSTAR Online sa pinakaaabangang pagdiriwang sa local lifestyle at spirits scene ay patunay na pagkilala sa estado ng brand sa parehong larangan.  Ginanap sa isang masiglang tanawin ng BGC Amphitheater noong ika-20 at 21 ng Pebrero 2026, ang dalawang araw na open-air festival ay pinagsama-sama ang mga mahilig sa gin, alagad ng sining at madla para sa isang pagtitipon na ipinagdiriwang ang lasa at kultura. 

Ang lugar na pinagdausan ng pagdiriwang ay nagbagong anyo bilang isang makulay na lugar ng pagtitipon kung saan ang cocktail tasting, live music at curated food experience ay ginawang masaya at kaaya-aya. Sa gitna ng pagdiriwang ay isang kahanga-hanga pagpapakita ng higit sa 45 premium spirits na itinatampok ang iba’t ibang halo ng lokal at pandaigdigang brand ng mga gin. Ang mga dumalong bisita ay inanyayahan na siyasatin ang lahat mula sa timeless gin classics hanggang sa modern, experimental blends at signature cocktails na itinatampok ang natatanging botanicals at pagkakayari.  

Ang mga bartender ay may mahalagang papel sa karanasang ito. Sila ang nagbibigay ng mga pananaw ukol sa profile ng lasa at mga teknik na nagpapa-angat sa bawat sandali ng pagtikim.

Habang ginaganap ang mga pangyayaring ito, handog ng NUSTAR Online ang kanilang on-ground engagement na sumasalamin sa premium ngunit abot-kamay na lifestyle positioning ng brand. Ang mga bisita ay tinanggap sa isang interactive space kung saan nasiyahan sila sa mga photo booth, nakatanggap ng tubig at nakasali sa mga raffle. Idagdag pa sa kanilang pananabik ay ang pagbigay ng NUSTAR Online ng gantimpala sa anim na masusuwerteng dumalo ng libu-libong halaga ng free gaming credits na nagpapatibay sa kultura ng brand na mapagbigay, batay sa karanasan ng pagbibigay gantimpala. 

Mas pinaangat ang pangkalahatang pagdiriwang ng full lineup of entertainment na siyang nagpanatili nang mataas na enerhiya sa kabuuan ng pagdiriwang. Ang mga live DJs, live bands, masiglang manonoood at mga artisan food stalls na talagang pinagisapang mabuti na ipares sa gin ay sinigurado na ang selebrasyong ito ay magdadala ng higit pa sa inumin. Nagbigay ito ng kompletong lifestyle experience mula simula hanggang katapusan.

Pinahaba pa ang selebrasyon, ang mga mahahalagang pangyayari sa pagdiriwang ay nakunan sa pamamagitan ng NUSTAR Online: Exclusives na siyang nagbibigay pahintulot sa mga manonood na muling bisitahin ang mga ala-ala, kwento na nagbigay kahulugan sa Manila Gin Festival. Itinatampok dito ang pokus ng NUSTAR Online sa pagsasalaysay at experiential content na nagpapataas sa mga pagdiriwang na nagpapalapit sa komunidad. 

Bilang pagpapatibay sa pangako na magkaloob ng gantimpala sa lumalagong manlalaro nito, pinalakas pa ng NUSTAR Online ang pananabik sa pagdiriwang na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatuloy ng 2M26 campaign na siyang nagbibigay sa mga dumalo ng pagkakataon na manalo ng dalawang motorsiklo at isang milyong piso kapag naabot ang 2 milyong tagasunod sa kanilang Facebook page. 

Ang programang ito ay sumasalamin sa pananaw ng brand na maghandog ng value-driven experiences na higit pa sa gaming. Ang programang ito ay patuloy pa rin, at binibigyan ang lahat ng oportunidad na manalo ng mga malalaking papremyo. 

Upang biswal na maranasan ang mga kaganapan, lifestyle moments at mga eksklusibong selebrasyon tulad nito, sundan ang NUSTAR Online sa @nustaronline at maging bahagi ng komunidad kung saan ang bawat karanasan ay idinisenyo para iangat ang paraan ng paglalaro at pagdiriwang. 


Tuesday, February 24, 2026

GCash promotes a dual-technology strategy to advance financial inclusion and cybersecurity at APSCA Next Generation Payments 2026

[L-R] APSCA Chairman Greg Pote, BPC Country Director Audrey Mae Peñaranda, BSP Payments Policy and Development Department (PPDD) Director Atty. Bridget Rose M. Mesina Romero, Deputy Director German S. Constantino, GCash General Manager and Head for Business Paul Albano, BSP-Financial Inclusion Office Deputy Director Cesar Augusto Jr. Villanueva, United Nations Development Programme 'Better than Cash Alliance' Southeast Asia Regional Lead Isvary Sivalingam, and Visa Product Management and go-to-market, QR Center of Excellence Director Vaibhav Jain.


The digital payments sector in Asia Pacific is at a turning point in its history, where it must choose between creating technologies that actually help people and chasing the next great thing. How QR and NFC technologies might be combined to increase access and fortify defenses against emerging threats is at the heart of this discussion.

Together with industry leaders, regulators, and innovators like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Visa, HSBC Holdings, EMVCo, Crunchfish, Netwrix, Paynet, Infineon Technologies, Entrust, and Fourdotzero, GCash investigated how identity and payment systems can change while still being safe, accessible, and applicable to a range of markets. This objective served as the framework for these talks at the Next Generation Payments 2026 conference of the Asia Pacific Smart Card Association (APSCA).


Building for sustainable merchant inclusion

BSP PPDD Deputy Director Atty. Tricia Defante-Andres, Bank Officer V Jan Marlon EvangelistaGCash Product Innovation Head Ferdie Perez, Visa Product Management and go-to-Market, qr Center of Excellence Director Vaibhav Jain and APSCA Chairman Greg Pote.


Paul Albano, general manager and head of GCash for Business, grounded the conversation in the realities of the 9.3 million nano, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the Philippines. Of these, 1.1 million are micro merchants and 8.1 million are nano merchants, two highly promising yet highly susceptible categories.

He underlined that inclusivity cannot be achieved solely through technology. Programs like the BSP's Palengke QRPh Plus Program, partnerships with the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), and the DigiCities Program with Start-up Village, Canva, and TikTok all contribute to the sustainable growth of MSMEs.

Albano also discussed how GCash Pera Outlet+ (GPO+) is transforming sari-sari stores into community hubs where digital transactions like as cash-in, cash-out, bill payment, and load purchases are replacing traditional goods.


Market timing over technology readiness

GCash Chief Information Security Officer Miguel GeronillaNetwrix APJ Vice President Terry BurgessEMVCo Engagement and Operations Director Oliver Manahan, and APSCA Chairman Greg Pote.


The topic of discussion changed from inclusivity to timing. Ferdie Perez, head of product innovation at GCash, explained why the company is taking a cautious approach to NFC adoption. Ten years ago, Alipay introduced QR payments, which currently account for 60% of digital transactions in the Philippines.

But with more than 300,000 tap-to-pay terminals utilizing NFC at the moment, infrastructure, merchant education, and cost adjustments are required. Eighty to ninety percent of the country's eighty million smartphone users have NFC-capable devices.

Despite this readiness, adoption has been sluggish. NFC and QR are complementary technologies that serve different markets and needs, and Perez emphasized that effective rollouts rely on aligning implementations with market realities.


Adapting defenses to evolving threats

The conversation was concluded by security. GCash's chief information security officer, Miguel Geronilla, explained how fraud has evolved with the growth of digital payments, moving from account takeovers to more intricate social engineering.

He recalled how GCash was the first to use biometric facial verification before it became a norm in the business. When unusual patterns emerge, he described how contemporary safeguards combine behavioral analysis, transaction monitoring, and real-time friction. He underlined that no single company can handle these problems alone and voiced support for the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which strengthens financial institutions' ability to trace and recover money across the ecosystem.

From merchant education and acceptance infrastructure to security frameworks that keep up with increasingly complex threats, the industry's ability to bridge practical gaps between capability and readiness will have a greater impact on the region's payment evolution than any single technological advancement, according to the discussions at APSCA.

The leading industry association for identification and payments in Asia, APSCA has a 25-year history of convening key decision-makers to address significant business and technological issues related to identity and payment systems.

By basing technological choices on market realities rather than ideals, GCash keeps creating payment solutions that satisfy the diverse needs of its millions of customers. This guarantees that rather than excluding particular market segments, innovation fosters financial inclusion.


For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.



















About GCash
GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. Its mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.