We gather at a time when the world is wrapped in tension and volatile fuel prices that have disrupted our economies and brought difficulties to our people. All these add to the challenges that we already face-from climate risks to digital divide to geopolitical uncertainty.

Now more than ever, our responses require more than just individual effort; they demand a unified, collective act and vision.

“Navigating Our Future, Together,” is, therefore, more than just the theme of our Summit. It captures the strength of our solidarity in facing the challenges ahead and charting the course of our shared future.

Let this Summit then serve as a moment for action when dialogue leads to results that benefit all of ASEAN.

Together, let us navigate the complexities of this time and forge a future that is secure, peaceful, stable, and prosperous for every ASEAN national.

Thank you to our fellow ASEAN members for the opportunity to chair this 48th Summit.

Mabuhay!

(Sgd.) FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.

PRESIDENT

Republic of the Philippines

Distinguished leaders and partners across Southeast Asia: welcome to the Philippines.

As we gather for the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, we come together as one region with a shared responsibility: to secure a brighter and more resilient future for all our peoples, especially in a time of uncertainty and rapid change.

As Chair of ASEAN 2026, the Philippines is guided by three priorities: Peace and Security, Prosperity, and People Empowerment. These reflect our commitment to keep our region stable, our economies growing, and our citizens at the center of progress.

But today’s challenges demand more from us. With tensions in the Middle East affecting us all, this Summit is an opportunity to deepen collaboration on the issues that matter most: energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals wherever they may be.

As host, the Philippines is determined to use this platform to advance concrete and sustainable solutions to current and future challenges in order to shape a better future for all. Let us match the scale of today’s demands with the strength of our solidarity. We aim not only to overcome these difficulties, but to emerge stronger than ever.

With unity as our anchor, ASEAN will continue to be a force for good in the world. May our partnerships remain steadfast, our institutions responsive, and our aspirations bold as we “navigate our future, together.”

Mabuhay!

(Sgd.) RALPH G. RECTO

ACTING EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Chair, 48th ASEAN Summit

National Organizing Council

The post President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto welcomes the leaders and partners for the 48th ASEAN Summit first appeared on Remate Online.

GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app, has intensified its crackdown on illegal merchants, blocking suspicious accounts and scam websites that impersonate official GCash payment pages to defraud users.

With rising transportation costs adding to broader economic pressures, GCash continues to strengthen its anti-fraud efforts as Filipinos become more deliberate with every peso they spend, underscoring the importance of staying vigilant against schemes and safeguarding their hard-earned money.

The rise of “quishing” scams

Recent monitoring has uncovered schemes where fake websites mimic legitimate GCash payment pages and use QRPh codes to collect payments. An example of a growing scam flagged by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is known as “quishing” or QR phishing.

In these schemes, fraudsters exploit QR codes to redirect users to malicious payment pages or steal sensitive information, while misusing official branding to appear credible and deceive users into completing unauthorized transactions.

In some cases, fraudulent QR codes are embedded in posters, emails, receipts, or messages. When scanned, these can redirect users to fake login pages for e-wallets or banks, or even to sites that install harmful software on their devices. As a result, users may unknowingly send money to illegitimate accounts, even if the transaction appears familiar or routine.

What to watch out for

GCash reminds users to stay alert for key warning signs before completing any payment:

• Suspicious website URLsthat imitate GCash domains (e.g., “gcash-payments.com”, “gcsh.payment.com” instead of the official “payments.gcash.com”)

• Mismatch in merchant identity, especially when the name displayed is random, incomplete, or unrelated to the actual business (e.g., “XJ82q” or “Merchant_123”)

• Payment pages that feel inconsistent or unfamiliar, despite using GCash or QRPh logos

If any of these signs are present, users should stop the transaction immediately.

Proactive enforcement and collaboration

GCash has blocked wallets linked to these activities and escalated fraudulent sites for takedown. The company continues to work closely with government partners to strengthen enforcement and disrupt online fraud.

These efforts build on GCash’s sustained anti-fraud and cybersecurity campaigns such as GSafe Tayo. In 2025, GCash, in collaboration with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), has blocked over 3,200 merchants linked to illicit activities, which are often used as channels for fraudulent transactions and scams.

“By proactively blocking unauthorized actors and reporting them to our regulators and authorities, we are helping protect Filipinos and maintain trust in the country’s digital financial ecosystem,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash.

“Scammers are evolving alongside digital payments,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash. “We have zero tolerance for these actors and are actively blocking and reporting them to protect our users.”

“Protecting users is at the core of our platform,” Geronilla added. “We will continue to strengthen our safeguards and work hand-in-hand with the government to keep the ecosystem safe.”

Protecting every peso
GCash urges users to verify website URLs and merchant details before completing transactions and to stop immediately if anything appears suspicious.

GCash users can report suspected scams through the GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by chatting with Gigi and selecting “I want to report a scam”, or by calling the official GCash hotline at 2882.

Users may also report incidents to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group at (02) 8414-1560 / 0998-598-8116 or [email protected], and to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via hotline 1326, mobile 0991-481-4225, or [email protected].

By staying vigilant and using trusted platforms, Filipinos can better protect their funds and ensure that every peso counts.

More information is available at 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.

For more information, please contact:

Gilda Maquilan
VP and Head of Corporate Communications
GCash
Email Address: [email protected]
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gcashofficial

The post GCash upholds zero tolerance on “quishing” scam, blocks fake illegal sites first appeared on Remate Online.

MANILA, Philippines, 20th April 2026 — Reinforcing its commitment to building active communities and developing the next generation of athletes, SM Supermalls is rolling out two exciting tournament experiences this season—the SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge and the first-ever PBF Youth Cup for aspiring bowlers.

SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge: Rallying communities through sport

SM Supermalls takes the spotlight with the fast-growing sport of pickleball through the SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge, a tournament series that brings together competition, teamwork, and community.

The series will feature five qualifying legs and one final across select SM malls: May 17 at SM City Bicutan, May 24 at SM City Sta. Mesa, June 7 at SM City Santa Rosa, June 28 at SM City Marikina, and July 5 at SM Center Muntinlupa. The finals will take place on July 12 at Four E-Com Center, SM Active Hub’s newest pickleball venue, featuring six courts.

Open to the DUPR 9 and DUPR 11 categories, the Trio Challenge introduces a unique format in which teams of three must include at least one woman—encouraging inclusivity, strategy, and stronger team dynamics.

Registration is priced at P5,700 per team.

Mounted in partnership with SM Active Hub, Paloo, Sports Central, Milo, Nature’s Spring, and Picklecrew PH, the tournament offers players more ways to stay active, compete, and connect—creating spaces where communities come together and thrive.

PBF Youth Cup: A new stage for rising bowling stars

Alongside pickleball, SM Supermalls continues to champion youth development through the PBF Youth Cup, launched in partnership with the Philippine Bowling Federation (PBF). The nationwide tournament gives aspiring bowlers a platform to compete, grow, and shine.

SM Supermalls continues to create spaces where young athletes can showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and pursue their passion—proving that where winning begins is within reach.

“Your most-loved SM Supermalls believes in nurturing the next generation of athletes. We are committed to providing them with a space to develop their abilities and give them opportunities to hone their talents—proving that winning begins at SM Bowling and SM Game Park,” said SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Sports and Leisure Joseph Francis Silva.

The tournament features two age divisions: 16 and below, and 17 to 21, with male and female categories. It will follow a single-player format across participating SM Supermalls branches.

Qualifying rounds run from April 8 to May 13, 2026. From there, all center champions will advance to the Center Finals, with the top bowlers advancing to the National Finals at SM North EDSA on May 31, 2026.

Top finishers will receive medals, exclusive goodies, and up to six months of free bowling at SM Bowling, while those who achieve a perfect game throughout the tournament will earn one year of free bowling.

“By bringing together communities and future champions, SM Supermalls continues to deliver a maxed-out experience—creating opportunities where athletes can grow, compete, and win,” Silva added.

For more information about the SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge and the PBF Youth Cup, visit the official SM Bowling and SM Game Park Facebook pages.

The post SM Supermalls serves up summer action with Pickleball Trio Challenge and PBF Youth Cup first appeared on Remate Online.

Dive into Summer Play with the SM Active Hub

The SM Active Hub sets the tone for a season filled with movement, connection, and fun. Fresh from celebrating its first anniversary with a series of activities across select SM malls last April 11 to 12, the community continues to build momentum with even more ways to stay active all summer long.

Whether you’re picking up a new sport or leveling up your routine, the SM Active Hub brings together experiences that make every visit more dynamic and engaging—giving you more ways to Gala To The Max this summer.

Join the Pickleball Mania

Pickleball takes center stage with a lineup of activities at SM Supermalls, from beginner-friendly clinics to regular tournaments and free-play sessions. Step onto the court, rally with fellow players, and enjoy the fast-growing sport in a lively and welcoming environment.

With guidance from experienced coaches, even first-timers can quickly get into the game, making every match an exciting way to connect and compete.

Dash into Summer Runs

From first-timers to seasoned runners, SM Supermalls’ summer runs offer something for everyone. With categories for all ages and skill levels, each event is a chance to stay active, celebrate milestones, and be part of a vibrant running community.

Finish strong and look forward to exciting rewards waiting at the finish line.

Play it your way this summer

From courts to open spaces, SM Supermalls brings even more ways to stay active and in the moment. Jump into games of basketball, volleyball, badminton, or table tennis, or take your skills further with karate, taekwondo, arnis, and gymnastics sessions happening across select malls.Glide, ride, and train your way through summer. Make every moment count and Gala To The Max at SM Supermalls.

For those looking for something different, you can hit strikes at the bowling lanes, glide into skating sessions, or sharpen your aim with archery and billiards. Cycling enthusiasts can take on biking activities, while football and soccer matches keep the energy going across the field. Even e-sports fans can get in on the action with competitive gaming experiences.

Whether you’re trying something new or sticking to your sport, it’s all part of a summer where you can move freely, play fully, and Gala To The Max.

Level up the fun at SM Game Park

Step into a world of non-stop action at SM Game Park, where friendly competition meets feel-good moments. From bowling and billiards to arcade favorites, it is the perfect spot to challenge your barkada or take a break in between activities. Whether you are aiming for a strike or chasing a new high score, every visit brings a reason to celebrate small wins together.

Rock your best Summer Fits

From workouts to weekend galas, SM Supermalls makes it easy to stay stylish and comfortable all season long. Discover activewear and essentials from Sports Central, Wilson, and Decathlon, perfect for keeping up with your summer plans.

Complete your look at the Summer Bazaar, where sweat-friendly gear, bucket hats, and must-have accessories come with exciting deals and promos.

The Groove Dance Showdown

For those who love to move, SM Supermalls transforms into a vibrant dance space filled with rhythm and energy. Join workshops, learn new routines, and take the spotlight as you bring your best moves to the floor.

Refresh your senses with Summer Coolers

After a full day of activities, cool down with refreshing treats that hit just right. Indulge in creamy gelato from Caramia or rich chocolate creations from Venchi, perfect for a well-earned break.

For something lighter, enjoy freshly brewed milk tea from Chi Cha San Chen or delicate Japanese treats from Warabi Mochi Kamakura. You can also go for a Filipino favorite with a twist at Bebang’s Halo-Halo or recharge with handcrafted drinks from Super Matcha.

The summer experience gets even better with the SM Coolers Fest 2026, happening from May 15 to 31 across participating SM malls. From halo-halo and fruit shakes to iced coffee and specialty beverages, the festival brings together a wide selection of refreshing treats from mall tenants and MSMEs.

Customers can also explore these favorites through SM Malls Online, making it easy to enjoy coolers anytime, anywhere. In select malls, Coolers Fest Market booths offer an expanded and vibrant on-ground experience.

From active moments at the SM Active Hub to refreshing breaks and everyday discoveries, everything comes together for a maxed-out experience made for kids, families, and barkadas.

Make it a summer to play, move, and chill—only at your most-loved SM Supermalls.

The post Play, move, and chill at SM Supermalls this summer Gather your crew for pickleball, runs, and refreshing coolers to beat the heat first appeared on Remate Online.

Building on the resounding success of last October’s inaugural International Series edition in the country, BingoPlus returns with an even deeper commitment, stepping up from presenting partner to title partner. Sharing a common vision to grow the game, the strengthened partnership looks to harness last year’s momentum and further advance golf in the country.

The debut event attracted a world-class field featuring former World No. 1 Dustin Johnson and Major champions, including Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel, delivering elite competition alongside a vibrant fan experience.

Now, as part of The International Series 2026 schedule, the BingoPlus Philippine Open gains enhanced competitive stature while adding further prestige to a tournament defined by its long and storied history. The elevation not only strengthens its legacy but also firmly aligns the tournament with the pathway to the LIV Golf League.

Adding a compelling storyline to the week, the event will feature two defending champions in the same field. Miguel Tabuena returns as a full-time LIV Golf League Wild Card and the home champion of International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus. The Filipino star is also a two-time winner of the Philippine Open, lifting the national title in 2015 and 2018. He could be joined by Julien Sale, the 2025 Philippine Open champion, setting up a unique clash on one of the country’s grandest stages.

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “Last year, The International Series demonstrated what a world-class event in the Philippines looks and feels like. The passion for golf in this country is unmistakable, as we saw from the crowds that came. Elevating the BingoPlus Philippine Open onto our 2026 schedule is a natural next step, strengthening a historic national tournament while creating greater opportunity for players through our global pathway.”

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, said: “The Asian Tour is delighted to see the Philippine Open elevated to The International Series. We have enjoyed a decades-long relationship with the Philippine Open and the National Golf Association of the Philippines and we are extremely glad to see that their National Open will now take its rightful place as the biggest golf event in the country. We visited the Philippines twice last year, and, following today’s announcement, it will be the case again this year. It all points to a key period of growth in one of our favourite destinations, evidenced by Miguel Tabuena becoming the first-ever player from the Philippines to take his place on the lucrative LIV Golf League, largely thanks to his performance at last year’s International Series Philippines. We thank the NGAP, LIV Golf, and Manila Southwoods for all their efforts.”

Jasper Vicencio, President of BingoPlus at AB Leisure Exponent Inc., said: “Through our partnership last year, we saw the impact The International Series can have on golf in the Philippines. We are proud to continue this journey and play a role in elevating the Philippine Open onto the global stage. Fans can look forward to a world-class tournament that blends elite competition with an exciting event experience at our National Open.”

Martin Lorenzo, President of the National Golf Association of the Philippines, said: “We are proud to see our historic Philippine Open elevated onto The International Series schedule and to welcome a world-class field to Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club. This presents a valuable platform for our local professionals to compete alongside leading international talent, while showcasing the strength and growth of Philippine golf.”

Robert John Sobrepeña, Chairman of Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, said: “We are honoured to host the 2026 BingoPlus Philippine Open at the Masters course of Manila Southwoods this November. I would like to thank the National Golf Association of the Philippines, the Asian Tour, and the LIV Golf-backed International Series for selecting Manila Southwoods as the venue for this prestigious event.

“Rest assured, the Club’s management will do everything possible to ensure a successful event and present the course in the best possible condition for world-class golf.

“Finally, we invite all golfers and the public to join us and witness this top-level competition as well as enjoy the golf course and the club’s facilities.”

—

About The International Series

Launched in 2022 following a landmark investment from LIV Golf, The International Series is a set of elevated events on the Asian Tour calendar, staged across multiple continents and co-sanctioned by both LIV Golf and the Asian Tour. With growing fields and expanding global reach, it has established itself as one of the most scalable pathways in men’s professional golf. The Series features elevated prize funds, world-class destinations and a defined route to the LIV Golf League, while also offering players from around the world meaningful opportunities to qualify for golf’s Major championships. 

At its core, The International Series is designed to grow the game by creating a platform for progression, where emerging homegrown talent can test themselves alongside established international stars and take the next step in their careers. From 2026, the Series will also add and elevate select National Opens, strengthening the calendar with high-performance proving grounds that deliver genuine opportunity within a truly international competitive environment.

The fifth season in 2026 will see The International Series tee off in Japan before travelling to Singapore, Morocco, India, Hong Kong, China, and the Philippines, with further events to be confirmed. The campaign will culminate with a dramatic finale in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the battle for a place on the 2027 LIV Golf League will be decided.

Over the past four seasons, events have also taken place in England, Scotland, Qatar, Korea, Oman, Macau, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Egypt.

About LIV Golf

Now in its fourth season, the LIV Golf League features 13 teams competing for both an Individual and Team title at premier golf courses across the world. As the first truly global golf League, LIV Golf is constantly innovating to set a new standard in sport and redefine the fan experience through the lens of music, culture, and entertainment, while growing the game of golf for a new era of players and fans around the world. Headquartered in New York and London, the League holds events in cities across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Africa, with broadcasts reaching nearly 900 million households in more than 200 international markets and territories. 

LIV Golf was designed to expand the sport on a global level, bring new audiences to the game, create new value within the golfing ecosystem, and enhance the game’s societal impact far beyond the course through the League’s Impact & Sustainability efforts.

In 2022, LIV Golf launched The International Series, which features 10 elevated events in world-class destinations. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, these events offer a pathway for leading professional and amateur golfers from around the world into the LIV Golf League and the Majors.

The Asian Tour 

The Asian Tour is celebrated as the most vibrant, youthful and diverse golf tour in the world. It has built a reputation for intense competition on the course and warm camaraderie off it.

The Tour, which was launched in 2004, is responsible for looking after the best interests of over 350 members, representing 35 countries managing a year-long schedule of events across five continents.

Since 2022, The International Series has featured prominently. Consisting of 10 upper-tier events integrated into the schedule, the landmark initiative provides a pathway to the LIV Golf League via The International Series Rankings.

The Tour is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region and a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours. It is an affiliate of The R&A and all sanctioned events qualify for Official World Golf Ranking points.

It controls its television production and distribution through Asian Tour Media (a joint venture with IMG) which broadcasts to over 100 countries worldwide. Rolex, Kweichow Moutai and Bluewater are the Tour’s three main partners.

The Tour also operates the Asian Development Tour – the popular feeder circuit that nurtures the next generation of stars. In 2018, it set up Asian Tour Destinations – an affiliate network with exclusive, world-class golfing venues across the region.

About BingoPlus

BingoPlus is the Philippines’ leading and most comprehensive digital entertainment platform. It has redefined digital gaming in the country. Launched in January 2022, it introduced the first-ever interactive, live-streaming digital bingo platform. BingoPlus is an affiliate of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. and is an advocate for responsible gaming. BingoPlus is licensed by the PAGCOR. For more information, visit www.bingoplus.com.

The post BingoPlus powers the Philippine Open onto The International Series stage first appeared on Remate Online.

MANILA, Philippines – Nagbabala ang ilang international health advocates at policy experts na ang pagbabawal sa smoke-free nicotine alternatives ay nagdudulot ng hindi inaasahang epekto kabilang ang paglaki ng illicit markets, pagbaba ng kita ng gobyerno mula sa buwis, at pagbabalik ng ilang gumagamit sa tradisyunal na sigarilyo.

Ayon sa ebidensya mula sa iba’t ibang bansa, ang mga pata­karang idinisenyo upang protektahan ang public health ay maaa­ring nagkakaroon ng kabaligtarang epekto—na nagreresul­ta sa mas mataas na smoking rates habang nananatiling matatag ang paggamit ng sigarilyo.

Sa Southeast Asia, patuloy na lumalawak ang illegal vape markets sa mga bansang may mahigpit na pagbabawal o li­mitasyon gaya ng Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam at Cambodia.

Sa Singapore, ipinagbawal ang vaping at may mabigat na parusa sa paglabag dito noong 2018 ngunit  ayon sa journal na Drug and Alcohol Review, patuloy ang “illegal vaping culture.” Sa Thailand, ipinagbabawal din ang e-cigarettes ngunit nananati­ling malawak ang availability nito, ayon sa ulat ng Bangkok Post noong Pebrero 2023.

Sinabi ni Dr. David Khayat, professor sa Pierre et Marie Curie University at dating adviser ni French President Jacques Chirac, na maaaring umabot na sa limitasyon ang mga dekada ng taxation at health warnings. Inihambing niya ang kasaluku­yang nicotine bans sa prohibition era ng Estados Unidos noong 1920s.

“When you try to prohibit it, what’s going to happen is mob, mafia, illicit trade and everything,” ang pahayag ni Khayat.

Ayon sa Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR) report, patuloy na kumikitil ng nasa 8 milyong buhay bawat taon ang tobacco, lalo na sa low- and middle-income countries.

Ipinapaliwanag ng ulat na ang mataas na buwis at outright bans ay maaaring magdulot ng impresyon na kasing panganib ng sigarilyo ang smoke-free alternatives. Ang “misperception of harm” na ito ay maaaring pumigil sa mga smoker na lumipat sa lower-risk alternatives habang itinutulak ang bentahan sa unre­gulated markets.

Ayon kay Dr. Lorenzo Mata Jr., presidente ng Quit for Good, hindi pa nagdudulot ng malaking pagbabago ang kasalukuyang global strategies laban sa paninigarilyo. “Smoking rates remain high, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where smokers are denied better alternatives to cigarettes due to the strategy promoted by the WHO. This also results in widespread smuggling and illicit trade.”

Ipinapakita ng datos ng World Health Organization na umabot sa 1.25 billion ang global tobacco users noong 2022, halos dalawang dekada matapos ipatupad ang Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Sa India, ipinagbawal ang vaping noong 2019 sa pamama­gitan ng Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act ngunit nananati­ling available ang mga unregulated devices sa informal markets. Ayon kay consultant cardio-endocrine physician Dr. Rohan Andrade Sequeira, limitado ang epekto ng nicotine replacement therapy para sa 250 milyong tobacco users sa bansa. “There’s no way out for these patients who are suffering from behavioral patterns of using tobacco or nicotine.”

Sinabi ni Kurt Yeo, international harm reduction advocate at co-founder ng Vaping Saved My Life (VSML), na nagiging mas mahirap ang smoking cessation sa ilang African countries dahil sa kakulangan ng cessation support at sa malawak na illicit cigarette trade.

Binanggit naman ni JP Solis, presidente ng Science and Innovation Nicotine Advocacy Group (SINAG), ang pagkakaiba ng policy approaches sa pagitan ng Western at Asian governments. Habang ginagamit ng United Kingdom at New Zealand ang vaping bilang bahagi ng cessation strategies, patuloy namang nagbabawqal ang maraming bansa sa Asia.

“These restrictions can often push consumers towards illicit products while discouraging the development of innovative and less harmful technologies. A balanced approach would protect consumers far more than blanket bans,” dagdag na wika nito.

Isang pag-aaral ng University of Queensland ang nagkum­para sa policies ng Australia at New Zealand. Habang mahigpit ang restrictions ng Australia sa nicotine vapes, pinapayagan naman ng New Zealand ang regulated adult sales. Natuklasan ng mga researcher na bumaba ng 10 percent bawat taon ang daily smoking sa New Zealand mula 2016 hanggang 2023—doble kumpara sa 5 percent decline sa Australia.

Ayon kay Dr. K. Michael Cummings ng Medical University of South Carolina, nakita naman sa United States, England at Sweden na ang access ng consumers sa lower-risk products sa regulated market ay magpabilis sa pagbaba ng cigarette use. RNT

The post Vape bans sa Southeast Asia nagpapalawak ng illicit trade first appeared on Remate Online.

SM Smart City AVP and Head of Corporate Communications and PR Rida Reyes Castillo (second from right) and Senior PR Manager Kirk Maurice Campos (far left) formally turned over the scholarship assistance to UPLB Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Janette Malata-Silva (center) with Office of Scholarship and Grants Coordinator Ivy Selarde (right).

Now in its third year, the program continues to support scholars taking up sustainability-driven courses, reinforcing SM Prime’s long-term commitment to nurturing sustainability champions for the country.

# # #

For further inquiries:
Kirk Campos
Senior PR Manager
SM Smart City Infrastructure and Development Corporation
[email protected]
+6329088885011

The post SM Prime sustains its commitment to future sustainability leaders first appeared on Remate Online.

The DigiPlus-owned online entertainment platform comes in as a Platinum Sponsor, adding more color to this year’s theme, “Blooming Without End.”

Panagbenga Festival, also known as the Baguio Flower Festival, is a month-long annual celebration in Baguio City held every February to honor the city’s blooming flowers and signify its recovery from the 1990 Luzon earthquake.

Kicking off its festival run is BingoPlus Panagbenga: Bloom Ti Saya on February 28 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Melvin Jones Grandstand.

The opening night promises a vibrant mix of music and live entertainment, bannered by performances from SexBomb Rochelle, Weng and Monic, The Bloomfields, Patrick Quiroz, 1621, and Chloe Redondo, along with some of the most recognizable content creators.

The celebration rolls on with the BingoPlus Bloom Live Baguio Mall Show from March 3 to 5 at the SM City Baguio Activity Center.

Mallgoers can look forward to another lineup of live performances featuring Lancer Carr, Bryan Chong, Kice So, Vince Maristela, Patrick Quiroz, Queen Dura, Larkin Castor, Alisson Shore, David La Sol, Althea Ablan, Jao, and Bont Bryan, turning the activity center into a festival stage.

Beyond the music, attendees need only watch the mall show for a chance to win up to PHP 300,000 in rewards, adding even more thrill to the Panagbenga experience.

Fun activities and a chance to win exclusive prizes also await festivalgoers when they visit the BingoPlus booths from February 28 to March 1, from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM, at the Melvin Jones Grandstand and from March 2 to 8, 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM in Session Road.

The excitement continues with the BingoPlus-Jagat Coin Hunt, running from February 27 to March 31. The online and offline treasure hunt invites participants to explore the city and the Jagat app in search of hidden coins, unlocking prizes along the way as Panagbenga blooms all over Baguio.

All BingoPlus activities are for entertainment purposes only. No gambling or wagering involved. Gaming is strictly for 21 years old and above. Keep it fun. Game responsibly.

About DigiPlus

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced the leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging interactive gaming and sports entertainment experiences. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information visit www.digiplus.com.ph.

The post BingoPlus to multiply the fun at Panagbenga Festival 2026 first appeared on Remate Online.

With BingoPlus serving as the tournament’s official sponsor, Cho fired an impressive 11-under-par performance to clinch the title and take home the lion’s share of the $500,000 prize. The tournament opened with 144 players and was trimmed down to 73 contenders by championship day, culminating in four days of high-level competition.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. CEO Tommy Hu was in attendance to watch the game and present the award to the champion.

“The strong support from BingoPlus is always a bonus for us. It was a very successful International Series last year, and I am glad that it has carried over to this tournament and also later in the year for another International Series,” said Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Thant.

“Last year, BingoPlus also sponsored our development tour, so we are well and truly part of the BingoPlus family and vice versa.”

Meanwhile, National Golf Association of the Philippines Secretary General Bones Floro underscored BingoPlus’ role in helping elevate the local golf scene, stressing the importance of strong partnerships in driving sports development.

“Our sponsors are our most valued partners for this event. As monumental as they may be, it will never happen without our partnerships and our sponsors,” Floro stated.

“We are definitely very thankful to BingoPlus. The more sports they support, the better, not just golf, actually. If they support more sports in the country, it can only do good. The more sports, the better.”

With BingoPlus continuing to lead the way in sports sponsorships in the Philippines, the future of local sports development remains on a steady and progressive path.

The post WOOYOUNG CHO CROWNED PGC CHAMPION, ORGANIZERS HAIL BINGOPLUS PARTNERSHIP first appeared on Remate Online.