BanKo makes saving smarter with high-growth, accessible deposits

 BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., A Savings Bank (BanKo), the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), continues to strengthen its suite of savings solutions with TODO Savings, a digital-first account designed to help Filipinos grow their money while keeping it accessible anytime.

Launched in May 2022, TODO Savings is tailored for salaried individuals, professionals, and entrepreneurs aged 30 to 55 within the middle to upper income segments.

“Filipinos today are becoming more intentional about how they manage their money,” said Rod Mabiasen, Jr., President of BanKo. “They want solutions that offer both growth and flexibility. TODO Savings responds to this need by providing competitive returns while ensuring that their funds remain within reach.”

In 2025, TODO Savings account holders surpassed 125,000, contributing to BanKo’s total depositor base of 1.4 million. During the year, BanKo also recorded a nearly sixfold increase in total deposits from the previous year.

TODO Savings offers up to 5% interest per annum on balances starting from Php 5,000 up to Php 1 million, allowing clients to maximize their savings potential compared to traditional accounts. It comes with no lock-in period, enabling account holders to access their funds anytime without restrictions.

The account is designed for simplicity and ease of use, allowing clients to conveniently open an account through the BanKo mobile app using just one valid ID. With no maintaining balance and no deposit cap or maximum account limit, it lowers the barrier to entry while offering greater flexibility for users. Clients also enjoy free unlimited InstaPay transfers of up to Php 250,000 per day, along with 2% cash back on mobile load transactions, making everyday banking more convenient and rewarding.

Accountholders also receive a FREE BanKo ATM card, providing convenient access to their funds and supporting everyday transactions. Clients are also given a FREE GeneriKard, which grants a 5% discount on imaging and laboratory services, as well as hospital room accommodation across all Healthway Network clinics and hospitals, helping make essential healthcare more affordable and accessible for everyday needs.

TODO Savings supports individuals who want to take control of their financial journey without complexity. By combining competitive interest rates, ease of access, and a seamless digital experience, it empowers clients to build their savings with confidence.

“At BanKo, we believe that financial progress should be both achievable and sustainable,” Mabiasen added. “Through TODO Savings, we are helping Filipinos make smarter financial decisions and move closer to their goals—whether for emergencies, future plans, or everyday security, dahil sa BanKo, may ngiti ang bukas mo.”

Since 2016, BanKo has supported over 400,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. In 2025, it disbursed over Php 23.7 billion loans that continue to fuel grassroots enterprise and local economic development. Beyond financing, BanKo’s on-the-ground relationship managers, called BanKoMares and BanKoPares, provide guidance and support to help clients sustain and grow their businesses.

To learn more about TODO Savings, visit BanKo’s official website at https://www.banko.com.ph/pang-araw-araw/todo-savings.

KNOWLEDGE CHANNEL FOUNDATION FOSTERS LEARNING AMID HABAGAT SEASON THROUGH DEPED TV PROGRAMMING

Students can continue to enjoy engaging learning at home despite class suspensions during the habagat and typhoon season through high-quality, curriculum-based video lessons from DepEd TV powered by Knowledge Channel, accessible via free TV.

In line with the Department of Education's Order No. 014, s. 2026 on guidelines regarding learning continuity during emergencies, the DepEd TV powered by Knowledge Channel initiative was revitalized to ensure students continue their engaging educational activities even at home.

Knowledge Channel's programming via DepEd TV is aligned with the nationwide curriculum for various grade levels from Preschool to Grade 10, with shows on various class subjects airing daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. Programs cover topics on Early Childhood Development and Preschool, Junior High subjects, and Alternative Learning System (ALS) lessons.

Apart from its curriculum alignment, its programming ensures quality video lessons as reviewed by teachers, education specialists, and subject matter experts, alongside extensive focus group discussions with students to ensure that the shows' topics are easy to understand.

Among its featured programs is "Wikaharian," which helps children develop foundational Filipino reading skills through engaging activities and value-laden stories. Also in its lineup are fun musical sessions in "Musikanthan," math lessons made easy in "MathDali," and fundamental English reading exercises in "Ready, Set, Read," among others.

DepEd TV powered by Knowledge Channel is a collaborative initiative by Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc., DepEd, and Solar Learning, transforming household TV sets into accessible learning companions. It is available nationwide on digital free TV (BEAM Ch. 31, SBN Ch. 21), direct-to-home satellite (Cignal, GSat, and SatLite), cable (SkyCable, SkyTV, and Cablelink), and via Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA) cable operators. Visit the DepEd TV microsite for more updates.

For programming updates, video lessons, and news on Knowledge Channel, follow its official pages on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, and YouTube, or visit knowledgechannel.org.

For other updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit corporate.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

CASIO Philippines brings quiet luxury to G-SHOCK with the new Luxe Black 2100

CASIO Philippines has dropped the new G-SHOCK Luxe Black 2100, a four-piece collection that brings a quieter, more refined expression of style to one of G-SHOCK’s most recognizable silhouettes. The new series is now available at G-SHOCK stores and authorized dealers nationwide and online through the CASIO G-SHOCK website, Shopee, TikTok, Lazada, and Zalora pages.

The Luxe Black 2100 Series arrives at a time when fashion in the Philippines is moving away from overt displays of status in favor of pieces defined by restraint, versatility, and considered design. That shift is tied to a broader local move toward sustainability-minded design, with Filipino designers and brands placing greater emphasis on longevity, craftsmanship, and quality over disposability. For G-SHOCK, the shift opens up a new way of expressing toughness.

"More than just an aesthetic, quiet luxury is a mindset, and Luxe Black is G-SHOCK's answer to it,” said Sena Kuroda, Regional Sales Manager of the Timepieces Division at CASIO South East Asia. “We're keeping the durability the brand has always been built on, but expressing it through material and finish instead of visual volume. It's a sign of where G-SHOCK is headed: toughness that can flex with how people actually want to dress, not just one fixed look.”

A quieter take on the iconic 2100

At the center of the Luxe Black 2100 Series is the idea that toughness does not always have to be loud.

G-SHOCK has long been recognized for bold and unmistakably rugged designs. Luxe Black keeps that foundation intact, but pares back the visual volume. Matte black dials, minimized reflection, redesigned hands and indexes, and carefully placed metallic elements create a watch whose details are meant to reveal themselves gradually rather than command attention immediately.

It is a more restrained interpretation of the familiar 2100 silhouette, shaped by the same thinking that has driven the broader interest in understated luxury: confidence expressed through precision, material, and finish instead of excess.

For the modern tastemaker, that translates to a G-SHOCK that sits more naturally within a considered wardrobe. Its monochromatic treatment allows the watch to move between casual everyday dressing and more polished looks while retaining the durability and function that define the brand.

Four interpretations of Luxe Black

The collection includes four models across the GM-2100LXB and GA-2100LXB lines.

The GM-2100LXB-1A (₱17,010) and GM-2100LXB-1A9 (₱15,710) feature a hairline-finished metal bezel with black ion plating, paired with a newly designed matte black dial. Silver- or gold-toned accents provide understated contrast, while redesigned hands and indexes add a more refined finish to the familiar octagonal 2100 silhouette.

For a lighter everyday option, the GA-2100LXB-1A (₱9,430) and GA-2100LXB-1A9 (₱9,430) feature a matte-finished octagonal bezel and band with a redesigned matte black dial. Metallic vapor-deposited indexes introduce subtle depth, while the lightweight resin construction keeps the watches easy to incorporate into everyday wardrobes.

 

Both the GM-2100LXB and GA-2100LXB models retain the core performance features associated with G-SHOCK, including shock resistance, 20-bar water resistance, stopwatch and timer functions, world time across 48 cities, the Hand Shift feature, double LED Super Illuminator lighting, and up to five daily alarms.

That same shift toward sustainability-minded design carries into the materials: the collection incorporates bio-based resin in key bezel and band components, helping reduce environmental impact while preserving G-SHOCK’s signature toughness and reliability.

Quiet strength for the modern tastemaker

Luxe Black reflects a broader shift in how statement pieces are being worn. Rather than relying on obvious branding or visual excess, the collection leans into a more measured kind of presence, where proportion, finish, and versatility do more of the talking.

That approach gives G-SHOCK room to explore a different side of its identity. The toughness remains, but its expression becomes more refined: less about visual aggression and more about restraint, precision, and elevated detailing.

For a brand built on durability, the Luxe Black 2100 shows how G-SHOCK’s definition of strength can shift alongside changing tastes. Rather than departing from the 2100’s established identity, the collection reframes it for a more fashion-conscious moment, where function, restraint, and personal style increasingly overlap.

The G-SHOCK Luxe Black 2100 Series is now available at CASIO and G-SHOCK stores nationwide and through the CASIO Philippines online store.

Across Cebu, Every Lechon Tells a Different Story

At the 10th Cebu Lechon Festival, different localities show that Cebu lechon is not made from one recipe alone.

Cebu lechon may look familiar on the table, but ask the people who prepare it and the differences quickly come out. One town uses more lemongrass. Another adds coconut vinegar. Some still prefer bamboo for roasting, while others rely on closely guarded ingredients to keep the meat tender and the skin crisp.

A mouthwatering lineup of signature roasts from across Cebu takes center stage at the grand launch of the festival.

These hometown touches are part of what visitors can discover at the 10th Cebu Lechon Festival at The Mactan Newtown. The event brings together lechon makers from across Cebu, giving each participating locality the chance to present the ingredients, methods, and flavors that define its roast.

My Paparts Lechon serves up what many consider the definitive Lapu-Lapu lechon experience. Ronan Murillo, owner of My Paparts lechon and 2026 Cebu Lechon Festival Best Lechonero, attributes their signature taste to two key steps: "We add pineapple tidbits to our seasoning for a hint of natural sweetness, and we spread the charcoal evenly so every inch roasts at the same pace," Murillo notes. The careful process yields juicy, flavorful meat beneath skin that stays extraordinarily crisp for more than four hours.

A cheerful wave from lechonero Ronan Murillo meets Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan, setting the tone for a flavorful celebration at the Great Cebu Lechon Market.

In Alcoy, much of the work comes down to controlling the fire. The heat must remain steady so the meat cooks all the way through without burning the skin. Even larger lechons are roasted carefully to achieve crisp, golden-brown skin and well-cooked meat. Alcoy Tourism office staff Michelle Catulpos shared that “Lemongrass, onions, and garlic provide the familiar aroma, with a generous amount of lemongrass giving the roast its distinct fragrance.”

Alcoy’s food story also goes beyond lechon. The municipality is home to local delicacies such as bibingka, torta, tostado, and budbud domino, giving visitors more reasons to explore the flavors found in southern Cebu.

Alcoy brought its best to the festival launch, showcasing a prized lechon that outsized all the rest.

Argao keeps its preparation closer to a traditional provincial style. Argao Lechonero James Labajo, the Sugbuanon Paksiw Wars 2026 champion, shared that he uses “Shoka,” a vinegar brand from Argao in cooking lechon, giving it a distinct flavor. He adds that seasoning must be tuned to the pig’s age and weight, with cooking lasting anywhere from two to three hours.

Argao lechonero James Labajo carefully crafts his championship-winning dish during the Sugbuanon Paksiw Wars 2026.

Barili brings a different element to the process by using the traditional bamboo instead of the modern steel roasting rod. “As it heats over the fire, the bamboo gives off its own aroma, which becomes part of the finished lechon," said Barili Tourism office staff Joemar Saban. The recipe uses locally sourced ingredients and a lighter hand with seasoning, allowing the pork and the roasting process to carry much of the flavor.

The Municipality of Barili showcased incredible craftsmanship, bagging the Best Booth Award at the Great Cebu Lechon Market.

Patience is everything," says Michael Rosal, a local lechonero from Samboan. For a 30-kilogram pig, Rosal takes two and a half to three hours over the charcoal, keeping it at a careful distance so the heat never gets too intense. To give his lechon its signature touch, he incorporates Samboan’s local rum into his blend of seasonings—a trick he relies on to tenderize the meat and release a rich fragrance as it slow-roasts.

Performing the traditional tadtad, Samboan lechonero Michael Rosal (left) and his team chop into a hot lechon to offer festivalgoers a crispy bite.

The feast continues through August 31 at Mactan Newtown Road 4, featuring local eats, regional treats, and curated finds.

Beyond creating vibrant destinations, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and The Mactan Newtown weave culture and heritage into every experience. Through inclusive events and community-centered festivals, they provide a stage where Cebuano identity, tradition, and togetherness can truly thrive.

For festival updates and the latest announcements, visit facebook.com/MactanNewtownMegaworld and facebook.com/TMN.OfficialTownshipPage.

Lenovo Brings Single Point of Accountability to Cyber Resiliency

As organizations in the Philippines accelerate AI adoption and digital workplace transformation, many are finding that cyber resilience is undermined not by a lack of security tools, but by growing operational complexity and threat sophistication. According to recent research, 90% of IT leaders acknowledge gaps in their ability to defend against AI-driven threats.

The need for resilience is becoming more urgent as Philippine enterprises modernize across sectors such as banking, healthcare, retail, business process outsourcing, government, and the public sector. The Department of Information and Communications Technology’s National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 identifies cyber resilience as a national priority, while the National Privacy Commission requires personal information controllers and processors to maintain security incident management policies and submit annual security incident reports. For local organizations, this makes cybersecurity not only an IT priority, but a business continuity, data protection, and compliance imperative.

While security investments continue to grow, many organizations face a different challenge: fragmented accountability. Security operations remain highly distributed and siloed, making it increasingly difficult to coordinate response efforts, maintain end-to-end business continuity, and recover quickly when incidents occur.

To help organizations address this challenge, Lenovo is expanding its global Security Services portfolio with a revamped cyber resiliency framework and end-to-end security offerings designed to provide a single point of accountability, help organizations reduce security complexity, cut system downtime by up to 50%, and lower remediation costs by up to 40%.

"Security leaders don't need more tools. They need greater confidence that their people, devices, and data remain protected, and clear accountability when issues arise," said Rakshit Ghura, Vice President and General Manager, Digital Workplace Solutions, Lenovo. "When cyber incidents occur, organizations are often left coordinating across multiple vendors, platforms, and support teams. By bringing trusted devices, leading security technologies, expert managed services, and market-leading alliances together under a single operational model, Lenovo helps customers reduce complexity while strengthening resilience, so they can focus on their business and serving customers."

“As AI adoption accelerates across the Philippines, organizations are facing a new reality where cyber resilience is no longer just about having more security tools, but about ensuring that people, devices, data, and operations remain protected even when threats become more sophisticated,” said Michael Ngan, President and General Manager, Lenovo Philippines. “For local enterprises, especially those in sectors such as banking, healthcare, government, education, and business process outsourcing, the ability to respond quickly, maintain continuity, and recover with confidence is becoming critical. Lenovo’s end-to-end cyber resiliency framework helps organizations simplify security operations by bringing trusted devices, leading security technologies, expert services, and ecosystem partners together through a single accountable model.”

Lenovo's approach has been recognized by industry analysts and independent organizations, including recent recognition in the 2026 Fortress Cybersecurity Awards across cyber resilience, application security, and AI security categories.

According to ISG Research, Lenovo Security Services combines hardware trust, multi-layered protection, and AI-enabled operations within a unified framework that helps organizations improve resilience, maintain business continuity, and reduce operational disruption.

Delivering Managed End-to-End Resilience at Scale

As part of the portfolio expansion, Lenovo is launching Security Services with Absolute, a fully managed end-to-end resilience offering designed to help organizations maintain critical security controls across distributed workforces without increasing demands on internal IT teams. The service enables essential security controls to automatically recover when disrupted, reducing manual intervention and helping organizations maintain consistent protection across complete environments.

The offering is supported by Lenovo's global 24x7x365 Security Operations Center (SOC), where security specialists continuously monitor end-to-end activity and help organizations identify and respond to emerging threats. By combining firmware-level resilience, managed operations, and expert security oversight, Lenovo helps organizations strengthen end-to-end resiliency while reducing operational burden on internal teams.

Extending Visibility and Control Beyond Traditional Security Boundaries

Lenovo is also introducing Lenovo ThinkShield TraceLock, powered by Absolute Security, to help organizations maintain visibility and control of lost, stolen, or disconnected devices that may fall outside the reach of traditional endpoint management and security tools.

Conventional endpoint security depends on an active operating system or network connection. When devices are powered off or disconnected, they can become operational blind spots. ThinkShield TraceLock uses built-in cellular connectivity to let IT teams remotely locate, wake, and wipe devices, helping organizations protect sensitive data and reduce risk when hardware is lost or compromised.

The solution helps organizations strengthen compliance efforts, maintain control of sensitive corporate data, and support security policies even when endpoints are offline.

ThinkShield TraceLock is particularly valuable for organizations operating in highly regulated industries, including healthcare, financial services, government, business process outsourcing, and the public sector, where maintaining control over sensitive data and meeting compliance requirements are business-critical priorities.

ThinkShield TraceLock will be available beginning July 1 on select ThinkPad devices.

A Unified Approach to Cyber Resilience

As cyber threats evolve, resilience is increasingly defined not by the number of security tools an organization deploys, but by how effectively an organization’s security posture is when different capabilities work together to prevent disruption, maintain continuity, and, if needed, accelerate recovery.

Lenovo’s end-to-end cyber resiliency framework helps organizations maximize the value of existing security investments through Identity and Access Management, Data Protection, Extended Detection and Response, Visibility and Risk Management, and Security for AI. Lenovo’s cyber resiliency framework integrates with leading technology providers including Absolute, Cisco, Google, Microsoft, SentinelOne, and Veeam. Rather than requiring customers to coordinate across multiple providers for threat management and security incidents, Lenovo’s AI-enabled SOC delivers a coordinated operational model that combines end-to-end resilience, ongoing protection, and recovery through a single accountable relationship.

The result is a more integrated approach to cyber resilience that helps organizations reduce complexity, improve operational efficiency, and pursue digital transformation initiatives with greater confidence.

For more information on Lenovo’s framework for end-to-end cyber resiliency, read the eBook here.

Basta Baon, Bounty Fresh: Melai Cantiveros Shows Why Baon Can Be an All Day, Every Day Thing

For Filipinos, baon has always been more than just packed food.

It can be a lovingly prepared meal from home, a quick bite tucked into a bag for a busy day, or even something extra meant to be shared with friends. In many ways, baon is part practicality, part comfort, and a whole lot of Filipino love.

Now, Bounty Fresh is showing that baon isn't just for lunch, it can be for breakfast, merienda, dinner, and in-between moments when hunger calls.

It’s saying that baon is an “All Day, Every Day” treat that is  convenient to prepare, delicious and nourishing and versatile enough to keep you energized throughout the day.

“Baon has always been part of Filipino life, but today, it goes beyond the traditional packed lunch. Basta Baon, Bounty Fresh wants to show today’s busy Filipino families that delicious and nutritious food can be convenient and accessible throughout the day—for breakfast, lunch, merienda, dinner, or any moment in between,” said Stephanie Balois Guerrero, Vice President - Head of Marketing of Bounty Plus Inc.

Melai makes the “impossible” possible

Bringing the brand’s “All Day, Every Day” campaign to life is well-loved actress and host, Melai Cantiveros, who returns as the face of Basta Baon, Bounty Fresh!.

Beyond the cameras, the Prinsesa ng Masa is also a busy mom balancing hosting, shoots, personal appearances, and family life. Amid her packed schedule, making sure her husband and two daughters have delicious and nutritious meals remains a priority.

In the campaign's new digital video, Melai finds herself in a hilariously impossible situation: cooking inside a van.

While preparing a full meal on the road may be impossible, the film lands on a much more relatable truth for busy Filipino families: preparing delicious and nutritious baon doesn't have to feel impossible.

With Bounty Fresh's wide range of easy-to-prepare food choices, families can put together satisfying meals for different occasions—from morning rush to school or office lunch breaks, to afternoon cravings and family dinners.

Melai, whose signature humor, authenticity, and experience as a busy working mom make her a natural fit for the campaign, makes the playful premise more relatable.

“My schedule is talagang over-over busy,” Melai shared. “That’s why I need to stock up on meals that are easy to prepare, fresh and filling, taste delicious, and nakaka-energize the whole day. I’m always looking for food na hindi boring—yung mae-excite yung family ko sa breakfast, lunch, or dinner, whether they enjoy it at home or as a packed meal. Of course, dapat healthy and nutritious din.”

Melai, who starred in Bounty Fresh's “Laman ng Isip” video ad, returns to help take the baon conversation beyond the traditional lunchbox by introducing a diverse portfolio of treats designed for different meals, cravings, and occasions throughout the day.

There are Easy Everyday Faves consisting of marinated chicken tapa and tocino alongside chicken cut-ups, chicken popcorn, chicken nuggets, pork adobo cuts, ground beef and more.

There are Better-For-You Faves like cage-free specialty eggs, No Antibiotics Ever chicken varieties in big portions or cut-ups—providing more wholesome options for everyday meals. 

There are Shareable Faves for mini feasts meant for sharing, like Bounty Fresh Gourmet Chicken, K-Fried Chikin, Saucy Torikaraage, Pork Sisig, and Beef Samgyeopsal to bring exciting flavors to the lunch bag or table and make everyday meals feel a little more special.

The All Day, Every Day campaign reinforces one simple idea: there's always a Bounty Fresh option for every baon moment.

For Pinoys, food has always been one of the simplest and best ways to show care. Now the comfort and TLC of a good baon is no longer just limited to lunchtime.

From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, Bounty Fresh makes baon possible—all day, every day.

Bounty Fresh products are available at leading supermarkets nationwide and online at bountyfreshmarket.ph.

There are more Basta Baon, Bounty Fresh ideas, recipes, product updates and more at @bountyfreshph on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Smile Train Philippines Champions Cleft Awareness Through Beyond the Smile Community Fair

Every child deserves the confidence to smile, speak, and dream without limits. With this in mind, Smile Train Philippines brought together children, families, healthcare partners, advocates, and communities on August 14 for Beyond the Smile, a community fair for cleft awareness.  

The event served as a day of learning, connection, and empowerment that highlighted comprehensive cleft care and inspired more Filipinos to champion inclusion.  It featured a range of engaging activities, including an educational kiosk that helped visitors better understand cleft conditions and comprehensive cleft care, cleft care discovery sessions showcasing Smile Train's life-changing services, a patient support and referral desk that connected families to available care, and a fireside chat where patients, families, healthcare professionals, and advocates shared stories of hope and resilience. Through these activities, attendees gained a deeper understanding of cleft conditions, helped dismiss common misconceptions, and discovered how they could contribute to building a more inclusive community.

The need for greater awareness remains significant

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cleft lip and palate are among the world's most common birth differences and are highly treatable, yet many families continue to face barriers to accessing timely, comprehensive care.

That is why Beyond the Smile is a call to action to ensure that no child is left behind. It calls for greater collaboration to expand access to quality cleft care while fostering more inclusive communities where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

“Clefts affect far more than a child’s outward appearance; it impacts even basic functions like breathing and eating, and even their well-being as they grow into adulthood. Comprehensive cleft care includes essential treatments beyond cleft surgery, such as nutritional support, speech therapy, specialized orthodontics and dental work, hearing care, and psychosocial counseling – all important towards ensuring people with clefts not just live but thrive,” said John Manuel Flores, Smile Train’s Area Director for Southeast Asia. 

“Children with clefts also need systems of support that continue long after treatment,” Flores added. “With families, healthcare professionals, schools, and communities working together, we create communities where every child feels accepted, included, and supported. That is why every conversation, every partnership, and every act of understanding helps bring us closer to a future where every child born with a cleft has access to the care they need and the opportunity to live without limits.” 

How Smile Train is Making it Happen

For many families, receiving a cleft diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Through Smile Train’s network of local hospital partners and healthcare professionals, the organization helps ensure that children receive comprehensive cleft care and address their needs at every stage of their journey.

Recognizing that awareness begins beyond healthcare settings, Smile Train Philippines also partnered with the REX Education Foundation Inc. (REFI) to expand cleft education through literacy and community-based initiatives. The partnership helps equip children, schools, and local communities with a better understanding of cleft conditions while promoting empathy, acceptance, and inclusion.

"Education has the power to shape not only what children know, but also how they see and treat others," said Dominic Leandre D. Buhain, Vice Chairman of REX Education Foundation Inc. "Through our partnership with Smile Train Philippines, we hope to foster greater understanding of cleft conditions at an early age, helping nurture classrooms and communities where every child feels respected, included, and empowered to thrive."

How Everyone Can Help

Beyond the Smile encourages Filipinos to become advocates for children with clefts by learning more about the condition, challenging misconceptions, supporting affected families, and helping create communities where every child feels welcomed and valued. Small acts of understanding and inclusion can make a meaningful difference in a child's confidence and quality of life.

Smile Train Philippines invites every Filipino to celebrate not only transformed smiles but also transformed lives. Every act of awareness, every conversation, and every show of support help build a future where children born with clefts are embraced for who they are and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.

Together, we can create a world where every smile is welcomed, every voice is heard, and every child is empowered to dream.

ROMERO RETIRES FROM AFP RESERVE FORCE, CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE AND HUMANITARIAN WORK

In a letter of relinquishment of duties and retirement addressed to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Reservist Brig. Gen. Michael “Mikee” Romero formally relinquished his duties as wing commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve Northern Luzon and retired from the AFP Reserve Force, effective August 19, 2026. 

Romero expressed his gratitude to the AFP leadership and the men and women with whom he served. “It has been a profound privilege and honor to serve our country alongside the dedicated men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Romero said. “I am deeply grateful for the trust, friendship, camaraderie, and opportunities afforded to me through my service.” Romero’s involvement with the AFP has included both legislative advocacy and service in the Reserve Force. 

During his time in Congress, Romero was among the champions who co-authored measures in 2018 that improved the salaries and benefits of military and other uniformed personnel. These measures contributed to the 58.7-percent average increase in basic pay for military and other uniformed personnel implemented that same year. He also championed allocating approximately ₱22 billion in the national budget to acquire three new C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft for the Philippine Air Force, strengthening the AFP’s strategic airlift, humanitarian assistance, and disaster-response capabilities. 

As a reservist, Romero participated in more than 60 voluntary engagements involving civil-military operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. These activities included food assistance, medical and dental services, educational support, and aid to communities and families in need, reaching more than 20,000 Filipinos. These efforts covered communities in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea and Mavulis and Itbayat in Batanes, as well as Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Dinagat Islands, Zamboanga, North Cotabato, Bulacan, and Pampanga. “Those experiences strengthened my belief that genuine service is ultimately measured not by rank or position, but by what we can do for our people and our country,” Romero said. 

Romero also served as chairman of the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines (ARRAPI), where he advocated for broader citizen-soldier participation in national defense, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response under the Philippine Total Defense framework. Under his leadership, ARRAPI expanded to more than 5,000 members nationwide. 

Among its initiatives was the mobilization of unit trucks that helped rescue and evacuate flood victims in Bulacan. The organization also delivered portable laboratory diagnostic equipment to hospitals serving the remote island communities of Mapun and Taganak in Tawi-Tawi and facilitated ₱12 million worth of medical supplies for field units. ARRAPI also organized the 2025 AFP National Reservist Convention at One Ayala Mall in Makati City, bringing together more than 4,500 reservists on-site and approximately 48,000 participants online from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

Romero welcomed the AFP validation process and expressed full confidence in the institution’s procedures, saying he respects and supports any review or verification of records in accordance with official AFP processes. He reiterated that all medals, decorations, badges, and distinctions conferred upon him are properly reflected in official AFP records and may be verified through the appropriate offices. 

As he concluded his service in the Reserve Force, Romero urged fellow reservists to remain ready and committed to the AFP’s mission and to continue serving the country beyond rank or position. “My service in uniform may come to an end,” Romero said. “My duty to our people, our sovereignty, our flag, and our country will endure.”

Robinsons Malls Unleashes a Month of Heroic Family Adventures this August

Communities are built by everyday heroes. They are the parents, teachers, friends, and neighbors whose acts of kindness and bravery make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

This August, Robinsons Malls celebrates these everyday heroes by creating experiences that bring families and communities together. From family-friendly adventures and creative play to educational activities, every experience is designed to strengthen family bonds, create lasting memories, and inspire the next generation of everyday heroes.

Kick off the adventure with Heroes Assemble, where kids can enjoy superhero parades, face painting, interactive games, musical shows, action-packed activities, and surprises designed for the whole family.

Let your kids learn life-saving skills through free hands-on training at RAcademy: Heroes in Training from August 14-30 at your nearest Robinsons Malls! 

At Robinsons Malls, heroism goes beyond make-believe. Through RAcademy: Heroes in Training, children discover that being a hero starts with courage, compassion, and helping others. In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Robinsons Malls introduces children to essential life skills such as first aid, emergency preparedness, public safety, and self-defense. By making learning engaging and accessible, Robinsons Malls empowers young Filipinos to learn practical life skills and become everyday heroes in their own homes, schools, and communities.

Enjoy 45% OFF on movie tickets at select Robinsons Movieworld branches until September 25.

The adventure doesn't stop there. Families have even more reasons to visit Robinsons Malls with exciting offers, including 45% off movie tickets at participating Robinsons Movieworld branches. Spider-Man fans can also look forward to an exclusive meet-and-greet with everyone's favorite friendly neighborhood superhero at select malls, making every movie outing even more memorable.

For generations, Robinsons Malls has been where communities gather not only to shop, but to celebrate milestones, create traditions, and spend meaningful time together. This August, Robinsons Malls invites families to celebrate the hero in everyone by creating experiences that inspire courage, spark imagination, and bring communities closer. Because being a hero isn’t limited to history books or the big screen, it lives in everyday moments of kindness and compassion that shape stronger families and communities.

As the nation celebrates National Heroes Day this August, Robinsons Malls shines the spotlight on everyday heroes through a month of fun, learning, and family adventures.

Calling all heroes! Make this August an adventure to remember at Robinsons Malls. To learn more about the lineup of activities, visit Robinsons Malls, follow Robinsons Malls on Facebook and Instagram, or download the RMalls+ app.