Globe ‘Just for You Goes Extreme’ with Fresh Customer Experiences to Connect, Care, and Delight!

“Connectivity means different things at different moments for every customer. Sometimes it’s about being able to reach someone when it matters, while other times it’s about making everyday tasks easier or simply enjoying more of what they love. Our goal is to understand those moments and make the Globe experience work around them, strengthening the systems and applications customers use, making them more dependable and reliable. Together with Globe, customers can progress further than they could ever do so on their own.” ~KD Dizon, Globe Chief Marketing Officer

Globe leaders at the latest The Blueprint by Globe, where the company unveiled new ways to make connectivity more convenient, rewarding and personal for customers.

Globe's The Blueprint, which launches in August, brings together new technologies, partnerships, and consumer experiences to enhance more personal moments. By focusing on connectivity with greater convenience and value catered to each individual customer, Globe is enhancing the overall experience.

This year's first two events, which explored the growing importance of connectivity and how it helps Filipinos work, learn, earn, relocate, and maintain relationships with those they love, are expanded upon in the most recent Blueprint.  This time, the focus is on making the most of that connection rather than just being connected, whether it be through easier access to services, more relevant offers, additional benefits, or experiences focused on what customers find enjoyable.

KD Dizon, Globe Chief Marketing Officer

917 GDay 2026, Globe's annual customer celebration, will return with more unforgettable moments and surprises that make customers feel valued. Globe also introduced the new Globe Circle, which recognizes customers who rely on Globe for mobile and home connectivity and gives them access to additional benefits, incentives, and experiences during their time with Globe.

As connectivity becomes more and more integrated with how people live, move, work, play, and explore, Globe also unveiled new offers in the areas of roaming, digital lifestyle partnerships, and home internet. Experiences with short-form entertainment platform ReelShort, fitness platform Strava, and Meta AI have given customers more ways to enjoy the things they love with their Globe connection. Additionally, new roaming and home internet options offer more flexibility and value whether they are traveling or staying connected at home.

Globe is also helping customers make more eco-friendly choices with Green GSM, an all-electric ride-hailing service that uses VinFast electric cars. Thanks to the initiative, consumers can now select a more eco-friendly form of transportation, and drivers can help make the switch to electric vehicles.

As TM celebrates its 25th anniversary, customers can look forward to a year-long celebration with extra rewards, everyday value, and shared experiences. Nationwide TeaM Fair caravans will bring games, activities, and prizes closer to communities, with Dionela and SB19 performing at the TeaM Fair Concert on September 12.

Together, these initiatives show how Globe is expanding the advantages that customers can obtain from their connectivity, from easier access and more customized value to experiences, rewards, and benefits that fit into their everyday schedules.

When considered collectively, these initiatives demonstrate how Globe is expanding the role of connectivity beyond access to enhance the everyday lives of its clients.

SONY CORPORATION

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net

 

*Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

Online Education (OEd) Brings Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum Online, Putting Career Readiness at the Center

As Philippine senior high school education moves into a new phase, Online Education (OEd) is positioning flexible online learning alongside a curriculum that is increasingly focused on practical skills, career pathways, and college and job preparation.

As Filipino students prepare for college and the workforce, OEd's Senior High School program is also changing.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, OEd will offer the Strengthened Senior High School (SSHS) Curriculum, which mirrors the framework under DepEd Order No. 17, s. 2026 as well as DepEd Order No. 009, s. School calendar for three terms. 2026.

The modification goes beyond simply updating the OEd curriculum. It gives students an additional way to get ready for an increasingly skills-driven economy by combining the flexibility of online learning with a more effective and career-focused Senior High School curriculum.

A New SHS for a Changing Future

One of the most noticeable changes is the shift to a three-term academic structure with 215 class days distributed throughout the school year.

Additionally, 180 instructional hours—60 hours per term—have been allotted to core subjects. The additional instructional time serves as a buffer against potential disruptions and guaranties that students complete the required learning competencies.

The revised structure also places a greater emphasis on electives and hands-on learning.

Academic Track students will take an elective in Grade 11, but Tech-Pro students will have much more time for hands-on learning (a Tech-Pro elective is allotted 330 instructional hours over three terms).

With a 320-hour requirement that enables the integration of recently introduced subjects while providing students with practical experience, Work Immersion remains a significant component of the curriculum.

The changes reflect a broader trend in senior high school, where students are shifting from simply completing courses to developing skills that will support them in their future academic and professional pursuits. More Choices and Clearer Career Paths

The revised curriculum also expands the conversation about what students can do beyond senior high school.

The updated fields represented in OEd's aligned programs include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Business and Entrepreneurship; ICT Support and Computer Programming Technologies; Creative Arts and Design Technology; Hospitality and Tourism; Sports, Health and Wellness; and Arts, Social Science, and Humanities.

These pathways can help students make connections between their Senior High School education and possible careers and industries, ranging from engineering, nursing, and technology to entrepreneurship, hospitality, tourism, creative industries, and sports.

Additional structural changes are also introduced by the curriculum. The former "Doorways" have been renamed Cross-Track options to allow for greater flexibility across learning pathways. In order to facilitate the progressive development of research competencies, Research Methods has also been divided into Research 1 and Research 2.

More Choices, Clearer Career Pathways

 

Students graduate from senior high school with an understanding of how education connects to future opportunities.

Where Flexibility Meets Career Readiness OEd's proposal is particularly relevant because education is moving away from the traditional classroom at the same time as the curriculum change.

OEd's online learning model allows senior high school students to pursue the enhanced curriculum with greater flexibility in where and how they study.

That can be particularly beneficial for students balancing work, family responsibilities, hobbies, or circumstances that make consistent attendance in class difficult.

OEd's approach combines two increasingly important priorities in Philippine education: better preparation for life after senior high school and greater accessibility in the delivery of that education.

For parents, the shift can also change the way Senior High School choices are evaluated.

Nowadays, it's more crucial to think about which learning pathway will best prepare a student for entrepreneurship, college, the workforce, or other opportunities than just which strand they should follow skills development. Building Education Around What Comes Next.

The revised curriculum is still being applied in a changing way. OEd's curriculum materials state that subject codes are still undergoing final review and development. Following curriculum development and validation, corresponding codes and additional technical information will be added.

However, the larger academic structure, subject distribution, and curriculum design already set the framework for implementation.

That distinction is very important. Senior high school is expected to do more than just act as a transitional institution between basic education and college. It must help young Filipinos identify their strengths, develop relevant skills, and make more informed decisions about their future.

OEd's Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum brings this objective into the context of online learning.

"NEW SHS" is the campaign's tagline. Instead of just changing the subjects or schedules, OEd is presenting the curriculum shift as a chance for students to reevaluate how Senior High School can prepare them for the future.

In an economy where industries, technology, and the skills that employers need are always evolving, education must be able to adapt.

The future of Senior High School may therefore be measured not simply by how much students learn, but by how well that learning prepares them for what comes after graduation. By combining the Strengthened SHS Curriculum with flexible online education, OEd is betting that students should not have to choose between an education that fits their lives and one that prepares them for their future.

Tap, pay, and go: BPI highlights effortless convenience of Google Pay for Android users

"We want our customers to experience the ultimate blend of convenience and modern lifestyle freedom. By linking their BPI Debit Mastercard to Google Wallet, our millions of Android users can turn their phones into a secure, all-in-one payment tool. It’s about making everyday purchases simpler, faster, and seamlessly integrated into your routine, backed by the trusted security of BPI." ~Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, BPI Head of Consumer Banking

Speed and security in a single tap: BPI Debit Mastercard holders can check out effortlessly by unlocking their Android device and holding it near any contactless payment terminal.

By integrating their BPI Debit Mastercards into Google Wallet, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is encouraging Android users to improve their everyday dining and shopping experiences. This gives customers even more flexibility in how they manage their daily transactions.

Google Pay is meant to complement BPI's existing payment methods, which include physical cards and QR scans via the BPI app, and offers an extremely fast "tap-and-go" lifestyle. Whether they are running grocery errands, getting coffee in the morning, or checking out online, customers can instantly finish transactions without ever opening a wallet or bag.

Since its April 15 launch, Google Wallet has made it easy for BPI Debit Mastercard holders to add their cards. Every transaction is protected by multi-layered security measures, ensuring that actual card information is never revealed to retailers.

How to Enroll BPI Debit Mastercard:

• Download and open the Google Wallet app on your NFC-enabled Android phone.
• Tap ‘Add a card’ and select ‘Payment card’ to add your card.
• Use your camera to scan your card or enter your card details manually.
• Agree to Google Pay and BPI’s Terms and Conditions.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your card via SMS One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
• Once your card is verified, it is ready to use with Google Pay.

Clients may use Google Pay anywhere contactless payments are embraced:

• In stores featuring contactless payment terminals
• In mobile apps that support Google Pay
• On websites offering Google Pay at checkout

As consumers embrace digital payment solutions, BPI urges everyone to adopt safe banking practices. BPI reminds clients that they should never divulge their passwords, CVVs, OTPs, PINs, or other account credentials to anyone, including those posing as BPI representatives. Reputable BPI representatives will never ask for this information.

BPI's commitment to empowering more Filipinos to use and access modern payment technologies is demonstrated by Google Pay's availability for BPI Debit Mastercard holders. Even as payment preferences shift, BPI is dedicated to offering secure, practical, and customer-focused solutions that support routine financial transactions.

For more information on how to add a BPI Debit Mastercard to Google Wallet and use Google Pay, visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/bank/digital-banking/digital-wallets.

Your EDSA Commute is Getting An Upgrade at My SM

SM malls are evolving to support access to key transportation points. (In photo: The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse and Pedestrian Bridge enhances pedestrian circulation and seamless access within one of Metro Manila’s busiest commercial and transport hubs.) 

For millions of Filipinos navigating EDSA, the daily commute could soon become safe, more seamless, and more convenient. As SM continues its transformation journey beyond its retail and shared spaces, its malls are also evolving to make getting to and from key transport hubs easier for commuters. 

In the coming months, mallgoers can look forward to improved connections through the SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse and Pedestrian Bridge and SM North EDSA MRT-7 link. The projects aim to shorten long walks to transportation hubs while giving commuters familiar, well-lit, and ventilated access and departure points.

The completion of the SM Megamall EDSA Busway link, which connects SM Megamall to the Ortigas station of the EDSA Bus Carousel, provides an accessible entrance and exit point for commuters. 

Prior to the completion of the elevated walkway, commuters had to pass through the congested MRT-3 footbridge to reach the EDSA Carousel. The new pedestrian bridge significantly shortens the long, inconvenient walk, allowing easier access and smoother commuter flow in the busy transportation hub.

The SM Megamall Busway Link features an elevated enclosed pedestrian bridge and concourse spanning EDSA.

The elevated walkway is fully covered, protecting commuters from rough weather conditions. The vast space has ramps and an elevator to ensure easy access for commuters, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Link provides commuters with easier access to the bus carousel platform, which offers northbound trips to Monumento and southbound trips to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

Meanwhile, the ongoing construction of the SM North EDSA–MRT 7 Link will provide commuters with seamless access to the Common Station linking MRT-3, LRT-1, the soon-to-be-operational MRT-7, and nearby establishments. Pedestrians can safely walk from hub to hub as the walkway will be fully covered to protect them from harsh weather conditions. 

These pedestrian walkways, done in coordination with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, are part of SM Supermalls’ broader initiative to create commuter-friendly facilities around their most-loved SM Supermalls. 

Under the MY SM Transportation e, the mall operator is reimagining the daily commute—not simply by improving access to transportation, but by creating safer, more comfortable, and more convenient journeys for everyone. By putting everyday commuter needs at the heart of these improvements, SM aims to make getting from one place to another a more seamless part of everyday life. 

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

SM City Baguio Shares the Love of Learning Through AI, Connecting Generations in the Digital Age

DICT-CAR begins an interactive AI learning session with young participants at SM City Baguio.

Recognizing the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in everyday life and the importance of making digital learning accessible to all generations, SM Supermalls, through SM City Baguio, partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR) to conduct a learning session on Artificial Intelligence for senior citizens and children at SM City Baguio.

The learning session brought together participants from different generations, providing them with an opportunity to discover how AI works, explore its practical applications, and better understand how emerging technologies can be used responsibly in their everyday lives.

Participants were introduced to the basics of Artificial Intelligence through interactive discussions and demonstrations designed to make the technology easier to understand and more accessible. The session also highlighted practical ways AI can support learning, creativity, information access, and other everyday activities while emphasizing the importance of using technology safely and responsibly.

Young participants listen attentively as DICT-CAR introduces them to the possibilities and practical applications of Artificial Intelligence during the learning session at SM City Baguio

More than simply introducing a new technology, the initiative reflects the importance of lifelong digital learning. As technology continues to evolve, SM City Baguio and DICT-CAR aim to help communities of all ages become more confident, informed, and responsible digital users.

Senior citizens actively engage in a discussion on Artificial Intelligence with DICT-CAR, gaining practical insights on how AI can be used safely and responsibly in everyday life.

Senior citizens actively engage in a discussion on Artificial Intelligence with DICT-CAR, gaining practical insights on how AI can be used safely and responsibly in everyday life.

Throughout the session, participants actively engaged with DICT-CAR resource speakers, explored the capabilities of AI, and learned practical ways to navigate emerging digital technologies. The interactive discussions also encouraged participants to ask questions and share their experiences, creating a learning environment where both young and older participants could discover technology together.

For mothers and their children, the session provided an opportunity to learn about AI together and better understand how emerging technology can be used at home and in school.

Joan Jimenez, who attended the session with her 10-year-old son, Jacob Jimenez, a Grade 5 student, shared how the activity gave children an opportunity to become more familiar with a technology that is increasingly becoming part of their everyday lives.

“Yung age ng mga bata ngayon, very common na yung AI. I think magandang opportunity sa kanila ito para ma-broaden yung knowledge nila at ma-experience din kung paano nagwo-work ang AI. I am very thankful kasi ino-open ng SM City Baguio ang mga ganitong opportunities para sa mga kids. I hope na mas marami pang ganitong programs. For us, despite the weather and the suspension of classes, we feel safe here at SM City Baguio while the kids are learning and participating in activities like this.” ~Joan Jimenez, who attended the session with her 10-year-old son, Jacob Jimenez, a Grade 5 student

She also appreciated having a safe and accessible venue where children could continue learning despite challenges such as class suspensions and unfavorable weather conditions.

10-year-old Jacob Jimenez raises questions during the AI learning session, exploring how Artificial Intelligence can support learning and creativity.

Her son, Jacob, was particularly interested in discovering how AI can be used beyond simple conversations and searches, sharing how his curiosity about the technology has already inspired him to experiment with it.

“I want to know more about AI because it is futuristic technology. I tried a game where you have to use AI, and I also made an app.” ~Jacob Jimenez, 10-year-old 

AI FOR ALL AGES – Senior citizens actively participate in the AI learning session led by DICT-CAR.

AI FOR ALL AGES – Senior citizens actively participate in the AI learning session led by DICT-CAR.

The session also encouraged senior citizens to embrace new technologies and discover that digital learning is not limited by age.

Senior participant Cheryl Alquiza proudly shows her certificate after completing the AI learning session led by DICT-CAR at SM City Baguio

Cheryl Alquiza, one of the senior participants, said the session provided valuable information that could help senior citizens become more aware of the risks they may encounter in the digital space.

“We learned so much information, and the experiences shared by someone who was scammed were a big help to us, especially us seniors. Sometimes, we are very vulnerable to scams. Hindi namin alam na puwede ka pala maloko through text and messages lang. Dapat aware din tayo, especially when using ATMs, because we learned that there are also things we need to be careful about when using them.” ~Cheryl Alquiza, one of the Senior Participants

She also emphasized the importance of staying alert when using digital and financial services.

The inclusive nature of the activity was also highlighted by Engineer Katherine Aguilar of DICT-CAR, who discussed Artificial Intelligence during the learning session. She noted how the participation of both children and senior citizens demonstrated that technology can serve as a bridge across generations.

“Maganda yung ginawa natin kasi from kids to seniors, it only goes to show na yung technology ay walang pinipiling edad. Very inclusive siya. SM City Baguio is not just for shopping or entertainment, but it is also a venue for learning. So we’re very happy that we have the venue provided by SM.” ~Engineer Katherine Aguilar, DICT-CAR

The stories of the participants highlight the value of creating learning opportunities that bring generations together. From children discovering new possibilities through technology to senior citizens gaining greater awareness of digital tools and online safety, the session demonstrated that digital literacy can be a shared learning experience for the entire community.

The initiative reinforces SM City Baguio’s commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities for the community. By bringing digital literacy programs closer to different generations, SM continues to support a more digitally inclusive community where everyone can participate, learn, and benefit from the opportunities brought by technology.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia's largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities come together.

Through "My SM," SM continues to evolve with the changing lifestyles and needs of Filipino communities, reimagining the mall experience through thoughtfully designed spaces, better connectivity, innovative digital conveniences, and meaningful experiences that foster connection and strengthen communities. My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.