Wednesday, September 24, 2025

McDonald's Gives Everyone Access to Music and Happy Moments



K-Pop Filo fans, take note!  The Magic Door will formally open at McDonald's restaurants on September 26th, giving every fan and family the opportunity to explore the TinyTAN universe.  With the help of the adorable TinyTAN stars, McDonald's has developed a brand-new Happy Meal experience that invites everyone to rediscover their passion of play, music, and happy moments.


Feel-good fandom

TinyTANs are adorable cartoon characters that were made in reaction to the global K-Pop phenomenon known as BTS.  In addition to winning over fans all over the world with their undeniable cuteness, TinyTANs—who were developed to symbolize the unique personalities and upbeat feelings that BTS is renowned for—also offer fantastic fan experiences with their timely themes of love, hope, and self-belief.

Every TinyTAN Happy Meal unpacking is thrilling and full of surprises because it includes a digital K-Pop dancing game, a cool graphic collecting card, and figurines of TinyTAN characters RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, V, Jimin, and Jungkook.

Two TinyTAN Happy Meal collections will launch alongside the standard McDonald's Happy Meal promotions.  Each TinyTAN character will be dressed as their BTS counterparts from the well-known BTS Meal commercial in the first, the Throwback Edition, which will be available on September 26.  Each character will be dressed in McDonald's-inspired clothing in the October 17 release of the Encore Edition.  The fun doesn't stop there! 

By bringing back the renowned Cajun Sauce, which became well-known during the BTS Meal frenzy, McDonald's further improves the experience.  The rich, sweet, and slightly sour sauce is back and goes great with fries and McNuggets. It's the perfect addition to your TinyTAN Happy Meal toys.


McDo TinyTAN Timeline

To celebrate these releases and further improve the experience of Filipino fans, McDonald's is getting ready to introduce exclusive deals and promotions.  These include offering swap areas at certain McDonald's restaurants, reducing the McDelivery delivery fee by P7, providing drive-thrus with free TinyTAN wristbands, allowing collectors to receive their TinyTAN Happy Meal toy and donate their meal to the Ronald McDonald House of Charities, hosting a raffle where customers can win free tickets to Seoul, TinyTAN Mall Pop-ups, and more!  

More magical, feel-good offers, promotions, and events featuring K-Pop's smallest band and the return of the Cajun Sauce will soon be available at Dine-In, Drive-Thru, Takeout, and McDelivery.


For more information, visit McDonalds.com.ph, or follow @McDo.ph on Facebook, and @McDo_ph on Instagram. 

Beyond Borders: How Online Education Is Helping OFWs Achieve Their Dreams

“OEd understands the realities faced by OFWs. By adapting to their schedules and needs, we are giving them more than just an education—we are giving them the opportunity to fulfill lifelong goals and create brighter futures for their families.” ~said its leadership team


For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the desire to earn a degree is sometimes subordinated to the necessity of providing for their families abroad.  Online Education (OEd), the Philippines' first all-inclusive, flexible, and personalized online learning program, has made that goal possible.  By offering an educational paradigm that transcends borders, schedules, and circumstances, OEd, with its tagline "Flexible Education That Adapts to You," has become a lifeline for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).


Education Without Borders

In the past, time zone and distance barriers prevented people from pursuing higher education. Today, OEd removed those barriers.  In addition to other flexible undergraduate and graduate programs, such as DepEd-accepted Online Basic Education through Senior High School, OFWs can enroll in its fully online, CHED-accredited Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology programs.  Whether during breaks, after work, or on days off, students can access courses, turn in prerequisites, and attend virtual classrooms at their own leisure.


Why Flexibility is the Future of Education

Education That Is Adaptable to You Due to the rapid changes in the world, traditional classroom methods are struggling to fulfill the needs of modern learners.  Through the provision of a truly learner-first system that is accessible, flexible, and prepared for the future, OEd has fundamentally transformed Philippine education.


Meeting Learners Where They Are

Whether you are a high school graduate starting college, a contact center agent making the most of your study breaks, a mother juggling family responsibilities, or an OFW working thousands of miles away, OEd shows that education should adapt to the learner, not the other way around.  Students can choose how and when to study with both synchronous and asynchronous learning platforms, and they will still receive a top-notch education that has been approved by DepEd and CHED.


Powered by Technology, Driven by Purpose

In addition to its digital distribution, OEd's inclusive approach makes it revolutionary.  Through the use of state-of-the-art learning management systems, interactive modules, video lectures, and round-the-clock support, it ensures that any learner, regardless of background or circumstance, may succeed.  

This approach is consistent with global trends that show accessibility, flexibility, and lifetime learning are increasingly crucial elements of education that equip students for the future.  In this sense, OEd is a pioneer in the Philippines, proving that flexibility is not just a feature but the way of the future.


A Decade of Transformation, A Lifetime of Possibilities

After celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2025, OEd is now more committed than ever to expanding its programs and developing stronger relationships with the industry.  Its objective is very clear: it will help Filipinos both at home and abroad thrive in a world that is always changing by offering education that is adaptable, resilient, and transformative.

Students around the world enthusiastically agree with OEd's statement that education should be free, unrestricted, and accessible.



















About Oed
Online Education (OEd) is the Philippines’ pioneer in flexible and personalized learning, offering DepEd and CHED-accredited programs from Basic Education to Senior High.  From undergraduate degree programs to Post - Graduate Studies. Guided by its philosophy of “Flexible Education That Adapts to You,” OEd provides accessible, affordable, and quality education to learners in the Philippines and abroad.

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

American Standard marks 150 years of Everyday Moments with exclusive Wilcon raffle

“American Standard 150 Raffle Promotion is our way of celebrating this milestone and thanking customers who have supported us across the years.” ~Hermie Fernando Limbo, Country Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Philippines
Win with American Standard 150 Raffle Promotion


With its dependable kitchen and bathroom goods, American Standard has been a part of homes all over the world for 150 years, assisting families in creating environments that are full of life, comfort, and love.  With quality, innovation, and design that enhance daily life, the brand has endured through the ages, from mundane routines to treasured family moments.

In celebration of its historic 150th anniversary, American Standard is giving its devoted Filipino consumers a token of appreciation by holding the American Standard 150 Raffle Promotion at all Wilcon locations across the country.  Customers can enter to win American Standard items, a Xiaomi Mi Smart Electronic Bike, a Honda EM1 Electric Vehicle, and a Hybrid Car, among other desirable prizes.

Running until February 28, 2026, the promo entitles customers to one (1) raffle entry for every Php 10,000 single-receipt purchase of American Standard products at participating Wilcon branches. Exciting prizes include: 1 unit BYD Hybrid Electric Sedan, 1 unit Honda EM1 Electric Vehicle, 1 unit Xiaomi Mi e-bike, and 150 units of American Standard products (Duostix Hygiene Spray, Smart Washer Manual Bidet, and Neo Modern 3-Way Rain Shower).

Winners will be notified via their registered email and contact number and will also be announced on Wilcon’s official Facebook page. For complete details, visit Wilcon Depot PH.

To mark its 150th year anniversary, American Standard is also bringing together its valued trade partners, architects, designers, and media friends for a Special Partners’ Night themed “Inspired by Life.” The event will feature tributes to the brand’s heritage, inspiring showcases, and a glimpse into the future as American Standard ushers in a new era under its refreshed brand claim: “Life. Love. Home”.

For generations, American Standard has been a trusted companion in homes, supporting personal moments of self-care, family routines, and connections that matter most. As it steps into its next chapter, the brand remains committed to designing products that make everyday living better—continuing a legacy that began 150 years ago.
(DTI Fair Trader Permit No.: FTEB-234606 Series of 2025)

For more information, visit www.americanstandard.ph. Follow American Standard on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.



















ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD
American Standard is the industry leader in bathroom and kitchen products, providing an unmatched legacy of quality and innovation for almost 150 years. American Standard is passionate about improving daily living in ways big and small. From toilet seat innovations to best-in-class kitchen faucets, American Standard seeks to inspire people to create a home they will love every day.

ABOUT LIXIL 
LIXIL makes pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all, and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry leading brands, including LIXIL, GROHE, American Standard, INAX, and TOSTEM. Over 70,000 colleagues operating in 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day.

LIXIL Group Corporation (TSE Code: 5938) is the listed holding company for LIXIL’s portfolio of businesses.

Monday, September 22, 2025

Celebrate Without the Stress, Book Your Holiday Events Early at PHC Event Spaces

The Grand Atrium dressed up for a huge corporate event


The annual race for the ideal location is quickly approaching as the holiday season approaches.  Companies, event planners, and lifestyle brands are being invited by PNB Holdings Corporation (PHC) to reserve their desired dates in advance at the PHC Event Spaces, which are situated next to the World Trade Center at PNB Financial Center, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City.

Known for its elegant architecture and strategic location, PNB Financial Center offers three distinct indoor venues that cater to a wide range of event formats and guest capacities:

The Grand Atrium at PNB Financial Center

The Long Gallery located inside the PNB Financial Center


The Captain’s Hall (Buendia Hall) at PNB Financial Center


A magnificent venue that can hold 600–1,000 people, the Grand Atrium (Banking Hall) is perfect for big business gatherings, award ceremonies, and joyous galas.  With its modern and adaptable design, The Long Gallery can accommodate 200–400 people and is ideal for lifestyle events, product launches, and themed parties.  The Captain's Hall is an excellent option for executive functions, team parties, and private affairs since it provides a classy environment for 100 to 200 guests for more intimate meetings.

PHC promotes early reservations to avoid the hassle and constraints of last-minute planning as December quickly fills up.  In addition to guaranteeing your desired date and location, booking your venue in advance gives you plenty of time to work with caterers, stylists, and suppliers to ensure a smooth and unforgettable event.

PHC Event Spaces are designed to impress, combining convenience, prestige, and functionality in one central location. Whether you're hosting a Christmas party, a year-end celebration, or a holiday bazaar, these venues offer the perfect backdrop to bring your vision to life.

For inquiries and reservations, please contact the PHC Events Team at info@pnbholdings.com.ph or 0917-585-0140.

Sunday, September 21, 2025

SM Supermalls kicks off the 100 days to Christmas with kindness

The cutest Holi-Squad, liveliest Holiday Décor, and most exciting activities await at SM City Marilao.


The world’s longest Christmas season just got merrier because SM Supermalls is ringing in the holiday spirit as early as September!


The countdown to Yuletide season begins with Christmas Gobo Lights projections greeting shoppers at SM malls in Baliwag and Pulilan.


With sparkling decorations, joyous events, and touching surprises at all 88 malls across the country, SM Supermalls formally begins the 100-day countdown to Christmas.  Additionally, SM malls are adding a special touch to the holidays this year by commemorating "100 Days of Kindness," a national initiative that cheers up and encourages charity for millions of Filipinos.


Spread kindness and make everyday moments brighter

Christmas at SM has always been about togetherness, joy, and giving. This 2025, SM Supermalls highlights acts of kindness as the true spirit of the holidays. 


Shoppers kick off the holiday with joy at SM City Marilao.

Celebrate togetherness this holiday season at SM Center Pulilan.


Until December 25, SM will share videos of touching and motivational acts of kindness every day on its digital platforms as part of the "100 Days of Kindness" campaign.  Customers may experience unplanned acts of kindness during this campaign, such as nice greetings, pleasant surprises, and exquisite presents.   Everyone is reminded that even small deeds of kindness can make the season brighter when they make someone smile every day.


Join the grand holiday kickoff

SM Supermalls is ushering in the 100 Days to Christmas with a festive lineup of activities. Mallgoers nationwide will be treated to a joyful Holi-Squad Mall Greeting, a simultaneous meet-and-greet that brings early Christmas magic to every SM mall. 


Meet-and-greet the Holi-Squad on your next visit at SM City Baliwag.


When malls are decorated with the iconic Holiday Grand Red Ribbon, which represents happiness, harmony, and the authentic spirit of Christmas, they are turned into enchanted holiday destinations.  Customers will be ecstatic when the Happiest Holiday Décor is revealed, and this is part of the spectacular start.


Experience festive activities leading up to Christmas

The holiday festivities continue with a series of exciting events leading up to December. 

On October 20, SM Supermalls will begin to display their gorgeous mall centerpiece decorations, bustling holiday bazaars, Santa's chair for festive greetings, and special appearances by the Holi-Squad. 

On November 16, families and friends may put on their shoes for the Holiday Santa Run, a happy occasion that brings communities together at SM Run Hubs. During a coordinated confetti shower across many malls on December 6, 100 lucky customers will receive exclusive gifts from partner tenants as part of the enchanted Holiday Snowflakes Surprises.

Mall guests will be treated to uplifting performances by chorale ensembles on December 8, World Chorale Day, which will create a joyful environment. To make weekends even more memorable, SM will host the Happiest Christmas Weekends throughout December, complete with Santa meet-and-greets, thrilling busking sessions, and charming Christmas tunes for the whole family to enjoy.

This year, your beloved Bears of Joy will also receive a makeover!   From Joy's SM Besties, greetings.  One bear will be given to a child in need for every bear purchased, in an effort to bring warmth and comfort to those who long for the magic of Christmas.


The cuddliest collectibles are back and cuter than ever! Purchase the SM Besties of Joy and spread kindness this Christmas.


Shop, dine, and celebrate with special holi-deals

Shoppers can also look forward to SM Malls Online Holiday Deals from December 1 to 31, offering exclusive holiday gift specials and dining feasts perfect for gatherings with family and friends. Whether you’re ticking off your gift list or planning a memorable holiday meal, SM makes sure every celebration is filled with joy and convenience.

Celebrate the happiest, kindest Christmas yet at SM!

Celebrate the kindest Christmas yet at SM Supermalls.


With all these celebrations and surprises in store, SM Supermalls invites everyone to experience the happiest, kindest Christmas yet. From grand events to simple acts of giving, SM proves that the true magic of the season is found in kindness. 

The countdown has begun—because at SM, Christmas starts now!

To know more, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

Friday, September 19, 2025

Pusong Hero for Net Zero: 2,000+ Youth and Corporate Champions Set to Run for Climate Action in Batangas

“Business has a once-in-a-decade opportunity to convert climate risk into competitive advantage. Pusong Hero for Net Zero gives companies a concrete way to engage employees, support nature-based defenses, and reduce plastic leakage—now, not later.” ~Florian Gottein, Executive Director of ECCP


The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), in collaboration with National University (NU) and key corporate partners, will kick off the first leg of Pusong Hero for Net Zero: Run for Climate Action at NU Lipa and SM City Lipa.









More than 2,000 students, employees, and community members have already signed up for the run, which is the first in a 10-campus national series aimed at turning climate pledges into visible, measurable action.  The upcoming legs will take place in Dasmariñas and Laguna.


Climate and Business at a Crossroads

Climate change poses urgent challenges to Philippine firms, particularly those in the fast-moving consumer products and other consumer-facing industries.  Super typhoons, droughts, and rising sea levels disrupt supply chains, devastate infrastructure, and endanger populations.









However, with concerted action, the globe can still cut emissions in half by 2030.  Aligned with the UN-backed Race to Zero campaign—the world's largest alliance of non-state actors—Pusong Hero for Net Zero offers a practical starting point for corporate climate leadership.  As the Philippines' first and only Race to Zero Accelerator, ECCP brings together corporations, youth, and cities to translate pledges into results that protect assets, save lives, and support long-term growth.


Engaging Youth and Companies in Shared Action

The series is designed to:
  • Engage employees and inspire corporate teams
  • Strengthen brand trust with younger consumers
  • Co-invest in nature-based solutions that reduce flood risk, restore mangroves, and support food security

“Our students want to lead. This series channels their energy into disciplined, measurable action—from running for health to volunteering for river and ocean recovery, and building skills for the green economy.” ~Avelino D. Palupit, Executive Director of NU Lipa

Confronting the Plastic Crisis

The stakes are high: by 2025, the Philippines might become the world's leading ocean plastic polluter, endangering billions of people's access to seafood.  Seven of the world's 10 most plastic-emitting rivers are in the country, with the Pasig River alone contributing 6.4% of global river plastics to the ocean.

“We’re not asking for promises. We’re asking you to run with us—and invest in solutions that protect our homes, our oceans, and our future.” ~Tetsuya Yoshiko, President of the NU Lipa Community Extension Brigade









The One Mission, One Nation Ocean Clean-Up invites producers, retailers, importers, logistics operators, and waste managers to co-invest in river-to-sea waste interception, reverse logistics, and verified recovery—all while protecting mangroves and blue-carbon ecosystems that protect coastal communities and sustain fisheries.


Event and Partners

The Lipa City leg on 28 September 2025 at NU Lipa and SM City Lipa will gather over 2,000 runners while opening co-funding opportunities for the One Mission, One Nation Ocean Clean-Up. Current supporters include Republic Cement, TESTEX, Mega Prime Foods Inc., Audentes Technologies, and Fitbar Philippines, with campaign partners Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), the Bayo Foundation, and Spring Rain Global.


About the Organizers

About ECCP
The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines is a bilateral business organization promoting European–Philippine economic relations. As the country’s first and only UN-backed Race to Zero Accelerator, ECCP convenes companies, cities, and investors to Pledge, Plan, Proceed, Publish, and Persuade toward halving emissions by 2030 and achieving Net Zero.

About National University
Founded in 1900, National University is a leading private university network in the Philippines. Through Pusong Hero for Net Zero, NU empowers students to translate climate awareness into measurable, place-based action across campuses and communities.

About One Mission, One Nation Ocean Clean-Up
This multi-sector initiative restores Philippine rivers and oceans through nature-based solutions, waste interception, reverse logistics, and community livelihoods—with transparent monitoring, corporate co-funding, and youth participation.


Call to Action

FMCG and enterprise leaders are invited to join the next legs in Dasmariñas and Laguna—to co-fund recovery pilots, engage employees, and run beside the youth who are counting on us.

Co-Fund. Co-Run. Co-Protect our Oceans.

Globe Business G Fair 2025: Accelerating growth of a new generation of Filipino entrepreneurs

“This year’s G Fair was built on the momentum of past years by creating an ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs with tools, knowledge, and networks to thrive. It’s a space to celebrate homegrown talent while equipping them to succeed in the digital economy.” ~KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business


As part of Globe's tenth year of 917 GDay celebrations, Globe Business hosted G Fair 2025, a two-day event that celebrated Filipino craftsmanship and bolstered its support for local business owners.   The expo, which took place at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig from September 19 to 20, drew thousands of visitors and offered a lively environment where business and education coexisted.




Now in its third year, G Fair has grown beyond a pop-up show to become a full-fledged program.   This year's event was enhanced with a focus on empowering businesses for the future, in addition to providing helpful tools for digital transformation and sustainable growth through a dedicated SME Consultation Booth and several upskilling presentations and learning sessions.


(Photo from L-R): KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business; Grace F. Baluyan, Assistant Secretary, Regional Operations Group, Department of Trade and Industry.



The fairgrounds exemplified this dual purpose from the bustling shopping district to the dedicated educational facility. By presenting the best of Filipino workmanship through a vibrant assortment of thirty distinctively local products, each exhibitor served as a testament to the resilience of Filipino inventiveness. Visitors enjoyed delicious treats as well as featured businesses. Attendees supported local artists while also taking advantage of exciting events and unusual lottery prizes.


Social Enterprise Supporting Filipino Crafts






Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Products




Business Advocating for Locally-Made Products


 



Local Coffee and Desserts





Pet Essentials and Accessories



Local Arts and Creatives





Meanwhile, the G Fair Business Hub served as the hub for boosting entrepreneurs.   Business owners had the invaluable opportunity to interact with and learn from a diverse group of experts.   This includes partners from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Go Negosyo, as well as industry titans like GCash, Lazada, and TikTok.   Discussions focused on fintech, e-commerce, and social media, while merchant panels offered guidance on how to blend innovation and tradition while turning hobbies into sustainable revenue streams.







The event's thrilling atmosphere was enhanced with additional highlights that celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship.   The G Fair Awards recognized exceptional SMEs for their innovative ideas and commitment to advancing sustainability in their business practices.   The event featured amazing performances by up-and-coming artists FINIX and SYNC, and concluded with exciting raffle prizes from Philippine Airlines, GCash, and Lazada.




Following last year's remarkable attendance, G Fair 2025 further cemented its status as a catalyst for Filipino SMEs to grow and reach a larger audience.   The key digital tools needed for business owners to progress their digital transformation were expertly combined with the celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.   It demonstrates how successful it is to develop homegrown talent and provide them with the resources they need to succeed in the digital economy.



















ABOUT GLOBE BUSINESS
Globe Business, the enterprise arm of Globe, is a trusted partner specializing in driving digital transformation for businesses of all sizes. With expert guidance and powerful solutions, the company enables organizations to drive operational efficiency and achieve sustainable success. Through enhanced connectivity offerings, along with expanded services such as cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise applications, Globe Business empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and future-proof their operations. By connecting businesses, government, and communities, Globe Business facilitates seamless digital integration and fosters a thriving enterprise ecosystem.