These stories took center stage at the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival, where coffee farmers, local roasters, artisans, and entrepreneurs from across the Philippines gathered to celebrate coffee, culture, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

Organized by the Coffee Heritage Project, together with SM for MSMEs, Manila Coffee Festival, Coffee Expo Manila, and public and private sector partners, the three-day festival transformed SM Megamall into a vibrant showcase of Philippine coffee—bringing together more than 300 local brands and 150 exhibitors while connecting visitors with the people behind every cup.

Welcoming guests during the festival opening, Royston Cabunag, Assistant Vice President and Head of SM Communities at SM Supermalls, underscored SM’s commitment to supporting Filipino entrepreneurs through meaningful opportunities. 

“At SM Supermalls, we believe our role goes beyond providing places where people shop. Through our SM for MSMEs program, we create platforms where MSMEs can be discovered, local brands can flourish, and communities can thrive.”

One of the festival’s highlights was the recognition of Filipino coffee producers on the global stage through the Agency for the Valorization of Agricultural Products (AVPA) in Paris, France. Among those honored was Felipa Lyn Delusen Villicana of Sagada, Mountain Province, recipient of the prestigious Gourmet Gold Medal (Hors Catégorie) for Coffee Bean Excellence. Reflecting on the recognition, Aling Felipa shared: “Ang lupa sa amin at ang mga tao ang nagpasarap ng aming kape. Biyaya po iyan talaga.” 

Her story echoed the festival’s central message—that behind every great cup of coffee are communities whose hard work, traditions, and passion deserve to be celebrated.

For Daniel Maches, co-founder of Banolmi Enterprises in Mountain Province, coffee farming also means protecting the environment for future generations. 

“We are encouraging communities to plant coffee while at the same time protect the rainforest and natural ecosystems.” 

Meanwhile, Justina Alcosaba Pari-an, Chairwoman of the Rempes Modern Farmers Agricultural Cooperative in Maguindanao and recipient of an AVPA Silver Medal, shared how improving quality has transformed their livelihood. 

“Sa pamamagitan ng tamang proseso, tumaas ang kalidad at halaga ng aming kape. Ngayon, tunay na itong nagbibigay ng pangkabuhayan sa aming komunidad.”

The festival also showcased how Philippine coffee continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs. For Raven Salvador, owner of After Hours, what started as simple curiosity eventually grew into a thriving business. 

“I got curious about coffee, and that curiosity turned into a passion. I started learning more about it and eventually combined that passion with my dream of starting a business. So far, so good.”

Throughout the festival, visitors enjoyed coffee tastings, artisan demonstrations, cultural performances, educational talks, and the popular Meet the Makers sessions, where they connected directly with the farmers, roasters, and entrepreneurs behind the products they brought home. 

Through initiatives like the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival, SM for MSMEs continues to support Filipino entrepreneurs by creating platforms where local products, craftsmanship, and homegrown stories can be discovered by more communities.

More than a celebration of coffee, Biyaya honored the people behind every cup—bringing together farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and partners with a shared commitment to preserving Philippine coffee heritage while creating opportunities for local communities to thrive.

Because behind every great cup of Philippine coffee is a community worth discovering.

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About SM Supermalls – MSMEs

SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 89 malls nationwide—continues to maximize the MSME experience by creating opportunities that are relevant, inclusive, and built around what Filipino entrepreneurs need most. As the country’s most preferred and loved retail destination, SM champions entrepreneurship by supporting MSMEs across different stages and sectors—serving distinct business tribes through market access, visibility, mentorship, and platforms for sustainable growth. By connecting communities, showcasing homegrown talent, and enabling innovation, SM helps MSMEs grow in ways that are personal, purposeful, and impactful. To be part of this journey, visit msme.smsupermalls.com or email [email protected].

The post SM for MSMEs Celebrates Philippine Coffee Communities through Biyaya Festival first appeared on Remate Online.

MANILA, Philippines, 17th July 2026 — Some of the best conversations don’t happen around a dining table—they happen over coffee.

From catching up with friends after work and studying for hours to discovering a hidden café or simply taking a well-deserved break, coffee has become more than a daily ritual for Filipinos. Every cup tells a story, and every café becomes a space where people connect, create memories, and discover new experiences.

This July, SM Supermalls celebrates the country’s thriving coffee culture through Coffee Fest 2026, bringing together coffee festivals, specialty cafés, local roasters, homegrown brands, and immersive experiences for coffee lovers nationwide.

Whether you’re searching for your next favorite café, supporting local coffee entrepreneurs, or simply looking for a new place to unwind, Coffee Fest 2026 invites everyone to sip, discover, and Gala To The Max at your most-loved SM Supermalls.

Kick off the country’s biggest coffee celebration

The festivities ran from July 17 to 19 at SM Megamall, where the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival, Manila Coffee Festival, and Coffee Expo Manila came together for three days to celebrate Filipino coffee—from farm to cup.

Attendees met local farmers, artisan roasters, brewers, and coffee entrepreneurs while discovering how every cup supported sustainable livelihoods and the future of Philippine coffee.

Tickets were made available through the event’s official ticketing platform.

Coffee N’ Chill: Your Third Space for Coffee Stories

The celebration continues from July 20 to August 2 as Coffee N’ Chill transforms participating SM Supermalls into welcoming third spaces where every coffee break becomes a chance to slow down, connect, and discover something new.

Following the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival, select coffee purveyors will also bring their signature brews to participating SM Supermalls from July 24 to 26, giving more communities the opportunity to experience homegrown coffee brands.

Across participating malls, guests can look forward to:

–Coffee N’ Chill Bazaars featuring specialty cafés and local coffee brands

–Coffee & Clicks Instagram-worthy photo spots

–Exclusive coffee deals through SM Malls Online Swipe Deals

–Coffee tasting sessions and pop-up experiences from participating coffee merchants

–Special activities and promotions at select SM Supermalls, including SM Mall of Asia and other participating malls

Whether you’re meeting friends, working remotely, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, Coffee N’ Chill offers a maxed-out coffee experience at your most-loved SM Supermalls.

Discover the country’s largest collection of cafés and coffee experiences

Whether you’re café hopping with friends or searching for your next go-to brew, your most-loved SM Supermalls offer coffee experiences worth discovering.

SM Megamall

Explore elegant brews at Latitude Bean + Bar, where signature drinks like the black sesame-infused Remedios and comforting Nakpil showcase creative coffee craftsmanship. Nearby, Cooper’s Coffee Haus serves crowd favorites like the Honey Oat Latte and creamy Matcha Latte.

The Podium

Pair world-famous churros with signature coffee creations at San Ginés, then discover Australian-inspired coffee with a Filipino twist at Panco Cafe, home to favorites like the Tiramisu Latte and Citrus Brew.

SM North EDSA

Enjoy homegrown flavors at Calle Cafe by Don Gabriel, known for its signature Salted Series and Filipino classics, or try playful coffee creations at Dot Coffee, featuring favorites like the Dirty Horchata and Cereal Milk.

SM Mall of Asia

From the witty coffee creations at Candid Coffee and the crowd favorites at Dot Coffee to the bold Vietnamese brews at Cong Caphe, every visit offers something new to discover.

S Maison

Indulge in handcrafted cookies paired with rich coffee at DC Delights, or enjoy French-inspired espresso beverages at Lartizan.

SM Southmall

Relax at WildHeart Flower Shop + Cafe, where thoughtfully crafted coffee and floral surroundings create the perfect place to slow down.

SM Aura

Cap off your café crawl with premium Australian coffee at Toby’s Estate or explore Thai-inspired coffee creations at Greyhound Café.

The perfect blend of coffee, community, and culture

This Coffee Fest 2026, discover why SM Supermalls has become the country’s favorite third space for coffee lovers. From immersive festivals and specialty cafés to homegrown coffee brands and meaningful community experiences, every visit is an opportunity to discover new flavors, support Filipino coffee makers, and create memories over every cup.

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast or simply searching for your next favorite café, enjoy a maxed-out coffee experience and Gala To The Max—only at your most-loved SM Supermalls.

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About SM Supermalls

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

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

The post SM Supermalls brews up the country’s biggest coffee celebration with Coffee Fest 2026 first appeared on Remate Online.

For many Filipinos, the smartphone has become the center of everyday life. It’s where people work, create content, play games, manage finances, stay connected, and capture life’s biggest moments. As mobile technology continues to evolve—with AI-powered features, professional-grade cameras, immersive gaming capabilities, and smarter connected experiences—choosing the right device has become more important than ever.

Recognizing this shift, SM Cyberzone launched the Cyberzone Mobile Expo —a nationwide showcase designed to help consumers discover, compare, and experience the latest in mobile technology, all in one trusted destination.

The first leg of the Cyberzone Mobile Expo successfully kicked off at SM North EDSA on July 11–12, welcoming thousands of shoppers eager to explore the newest smartphones, exclusive event offers, and interactive experiences from some of the biggest names in mobile technology.

More than just a mobile sale, the Cyberzone Mobile Expo transforms smartphone shopping into an immersive experience. Visitors can compare devices side by side, test the latest AI-powered features, experience mobile gaming performance firsthand, discover creator-ready camera phones, and receive expert guidance from brand specialists before making their purchase. Whether upgrading to a flagship smartphone, searching for a device built for gaming, finding a reliable everyday companion, or exploring the latest wearables and accessories, shoppers can discover technology solutions tailored to every lifestyle and budget.

This year’s Cyberzone Mobile Expo is co-presented by DITO Telecommunity, reinforcing the importance of fast, reliable connectivity in today’s increasingly mobile-first world. As smartphones become more powerful, experiences such as AI-powered productivity, cloud gaming, high-definition streaming, video calls, and content creation rely on dependable mobile networks. Together, Cyberzone and DITO are helping consumers unlock the full potential of today’s mobile technology.

Joining the Mobile Expo in partnership with Salmon, Cyberzone also makes smartphone upgrades more accessible through flexible payment solutions, allowing more Filipinos to own the latest devices with greater affordability and convenience.

Adding another layer of excitement to the event is Razer Gold, the official Game Top-Up Partner, which brought the gaming community together through a dedicated Gaming Lounge available throughout both days of the expo. The interactive space gave visitors a chance to connect, play, and experience mobile gaming in a fun and engaging environment. On Day 2, the excitement culminated with a Mobile Legends tournament, drawing aspiring players, gaming enthusiasts, and spectators for an action-packed competition that further showcased Cyberzone as a destination for both technology and gaming communities.

Participating brands Vivo, TECNO, HONOR, Infinix, UGREEN, and DataBlitz also showcased their latest innovations through product demonstrations, exclusive promotions, and hands-on experiences, giving shoppers even more reasons to discover what’s new in mobile technology.

The strong turnout during the opening weekend reflects the growing demand for hands-on technology experiences. Rather than relying solely on online reviews and product specifications, visitors were able to explore the latest innovations firsthand, compare features across multiple brands, ask questions directly to product experts, and make informed purchasing decisions with confidence.

“Technology is evolving faster than ever, and choosing the right smartphone has become more important than simply choosing the latest one,” said Patrick Pacla, Vice President for Operations and Marketing (Sponsorship and Cyberzone) of SM Supermalls. “The Cyberzone Mobile Expo is designed to help Filipinos discover what’s new, experience the latest innovations firsthand, and shop with confidence through our trusted retailers. Together with our partners DITO Telecommunity and Salmon, we’re creating a more connected, accessible, and rewarding mobile shopping experience for everyone.”

As the Philippines’ largest and most trusted technology destination, SM Cyberzone continues to bring together the country’s leading technology retailers and global brands under one roof. Through its network of authorized retailers, shoppers are assured of genuine products, reliable after-sales support, and the confidence that comes with #TechAssured shopping.

Following its successful kickoff at SM North EDSA, the Cyberzone Mobile Expo continues its nationwide tour with its next stop at SM City Laoag on July 18–19, 2026, followed by SM City Santa Rosa on July 25–26, 2026, bringing the latest smartphones, exclusive deals, immersive experiences, a maxed-out experience, and trusted shopping to even more communities across the country.

Whether you’re upgrading your device, exploring the latest AI-powered innovations, discovering your next gaming smartphone, or searching for the perfect mobile companion that fits your lifestyle and budget, the Cyberzone Mobile Expo offers one destination where you can discover, compare, and shop with confidence—all while enjoying a maxed-out experience designed for every kind of mobile user.

#Cyberzone #TechWeLikeZoneWeLove

The post Experience the Latest Smartphones, Exclusive Deals, and a Maxed-Out Tech Experience at the Cyberzone Mobile Expo first appeared on Remate Online.

Featuring a unique three-player team format, the tournament fostered strategic team play and elevates the level of competition.  Teams competed in the DUPR 9 and DUPR 11 divisions, with categories determined by the combined Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of the three players of each team.  Throughout the tournament, players demonstrate exceptional skills, teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship in every match. 

Paddling up an outstanding performance, Team Zone, emerged as the first SM Active Hub pickleball trio Challenge DUPR 11 champions.

The players bring their A-game to the court, every serve, every rally, every point- it’s game on!                                               

The Grand Finals marked the culmination of five qualifying legs held across SM Bicutan, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Marikina, and SM Center Muntinlupa. A total of 89 teams competed in the qualifying rounds, with the top 32 teams advancing to the Grand Finals.  

SM Active Hub’s first-ever Pickleball Trio Challenge brought together players in a celebration of friendly competition, camaraderie, and the growing pickleball community.

Team Boss K, composed of Keane, Sunshine and Prince claimed the championship title in the DUPR 9 category, while Team Zone, composed of Glorie, Zacky and Renzo, emerged as DUPR 11 champions. The winning teams advanced to the Grand Finals from the SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Marikina qualifying events, respectively. Both teams earned the distinction of becoming the first champions of the SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge. 

SM Active Hub’s first-ever Pickleball Trio Challenge brought together players in a celebration of friendly competition and camaraderie. 

The event also featured two Grand Parades of Finalists, one for each category, symbolizing the growing pickleball community in the country with SM Active Hub at the forefront of the sport’s development. 

The DUPR 11 grand finalists and members of the pickleball community gathered in the  Grand Parade of Finalists, celebrating the spirit of the competition ahead. 

This milestone tournament reinforces SM Supermalls’ commitment to promoting active lifestyles and fostering a thriving pickleball community. As the largest pickleball destination in the country, your most loved mall, SM provides opportunities for Filipinos to engage in sports, embrace health and wellness, and build meaningful connections with others.

The Grand Parade of DUPR 9 Finalists bring together athletes and enthusiasts in celebration of the tournament and the growing pickleball community in the metro. 

As pickleball gains popularity among Filipinos of all ages, SM Sports and Leisure Center is set to open more pickleball courts in the coming months, making the sport more accessible to many communities in the country. 

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About SM Sports and Leisure Center 

With the mission of revolutionizing fitness and sports engagement in the country, SM Sports and Leisure Center (SLC) is dedicated to max out the sports experiences of Filipinos—whether through fun bonding moments or high adrenaline competition. Its commitment is to building spaces Where Winning Begins, conducive for bringing out the best in every moment, play, and routine. 

The post THE FIRST-EVER SM ACTIVE HUB PICKLEBALL TRIO CHALLENGE CONCLUDES WITH THRILLING GRAND FINALS first appeared on Remate Online.

“For SM, we believe thriving communities help build a resilient nation and supporting these communities requires sustainable efforts–that is social equity,” said SM Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin. “Even before Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards became industry requirements, SM has embraced sustainable practices to share value beyond our business.”

After celebrating its 40th anniversary last year, SM Supermalls has continuously transformed its mall portfolio with new launches and redevelopments. Supporting this is the SM Green Movement, and a holistic commitment to sustainability and to engage its surrounding and partner communities through three equity pillars. 

SM continually invests in environmental stewardship and disaster resilience to enhance its properties. SM malls are not only designed with sustainable-designed features that help preserve and maximize resources but are also equipped with disaster-resilient structures that help protect communities during calamities. Energy, water, and waste are utilized and managed efficiently in its malls and facilities that encourage alternative transportation to support clean air surround its spaces.

The malls continually evolve into hubs for community empowerment through accommodating and considerate spaces that strengthen the agency of Filipinos to care for the environment and their neighborhood. Led by its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, SM Supermalls develops programs and places in line with its pursuit of becoming a truly inclusive Mall for All.

Lastly, through SM Communities government services, jobs, and support for Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises are made more accessible through the nationwide reach of its 90 malls. Job Fairs easily connect Filipino jobseekers to employers from various industries, with government services and upskilling opportunities made available in the same venue, being hired on the spot becomes a reality.  Grassroots enterprises are likewise connected to diverse customer markets and supported through programs and tools that help them scale their business for success. 

“Our purpose remains to be of service to our customers and surrounding communities. SM deepens this commitment by ensuring our service is meaningful and generates value for Filipinos now and in the decades to come,” said Agustin.

Incubating crucial dialogues on sustainable innovation

Together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), SM is mounting the second edition of the national Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX) this coming August 5, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Aura.

Through public private partnership, SM, DOST and other national government agencies lead crucial industry dialogues on fostering impactful sustainability innovations across various sectors. 

The theme, “Bayanihan Innovation for a Green and Resilient Philippines,” SUSTEX 2026 will showcase the future of nation-building through sustainable solutions featuring cutting-edge technologies, an enhanced circular economy, and in-depth discussions on energy innovation and disaster risk reduction. The annual forum showcases innovative technologies, fostering multi-sectoral collaboration, and promoting sustainable solutions that contribute to a more resilient, and future-ready Philippines.

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About SM Supermalls 

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences. As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 8 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM. 

About SM Green Movement

Sustainability has been a lifelong pursuit for SM. Since the 1990s its malls have been designed with environmental sustainability and disaster resilience in mind to support the growth of communities across the Philippines. Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

The post For SM Supermalls, sustainability translates to social equity first appeared on Remate Online.

Ayon ito sa bagong pag-aaral ng tatlong public health researchers, ipinagpalagay ang pagbaba sa malaking bahagi ng tobacco harm reduction strategies.

Ang pag-aaral, inilathala noong June 2026 sa peer-reviewed medical journal The Lancet Regional Health , binigyang diin ang dramatikong progreso ng New Zealand: bumulusok ang adult smoking rates matapos ang 2018, na may taunang pagbaba, sumirit mula 3.5% hanggang 17.9%—”a fivefold acceleration.”

“Joinpoint regression analysis confirms this period as a statistically significant acceleration in decline compared with earlier trends,” ayon sa pag-aaral ng “New Zealand’s accelerating smoking decline: lessons for tobacco harm reduction.”

Ang pag-aaral ay iniakda o sinulat nina Robert Beaglehole at Ruth Bonita, pawang mga professors emeriti sa University of Auckland, kasama si Ben Youdan, isang independent health advisor.

Iniugnay ng mga researcher ang pagbaba sa mahalagang pagbabago noong 2019, gaya ng pagsirit sa vaping at ang hakbang ng Ministry of Health na suportahan ang vapes bilang hindi gaanong nakakapinsalang opsyon at landas palayo sa paninigarilyo.

Pinangunahan ni Beaglehole, dating director ng World Health Organization (WHO), binigyang diin ng team na ang pagtaas ng vaping ay katulad ng mabilis na pagbagsak ng paglaganap ng paninigarilyo.

Iginuhit ng mga mananaliksik ang malinaw na linya sa pagitan ng vaping at smoking, ipinunto na ang nikotina ay hindi responsable para sa karamihang tobacco-related diseases. Inirekumenda ng mga ito na ang public health strategies ay dapat na nakatuon sa pagputol o pagbawas sa pagkakalantad sa combustible tobacco, itinuturong dahilan para sa karamihan sa pinsala.

Natunton naman sa pag-aaral ang tobacco control trajectory ng New Zealand simula noong 2004, kung saan pinagtibay ng bansa ang WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) at ipinatupad ang mga hakbang kabilang na ang ‘ smoke-free areas, warning labels, at tax hikes”, ang paglaganap ng paninigarilyo ay bumagsak sa panahong ito, subalit sa mas mabagal na taunang rate kaysa sa post-2018 na pagbaba.

Binigyang diin ng pag-aaral na, kahit wala ang post‑2018 slide, ang pananaw ng New Zealand na ‘Smokefree 2025’ ay mananatiling hindi maaabot na ilang dekada.

Ang paninigarilyo sa New Zealand ay naging matatag sa ilalim ng 7%, unang-una na sa hanay ng mga matatanda, long-term smokers at disproportionately na nakaapekto sa Māori. Binigyang diin na ang Māori smoking rates ay bumaba sa 50% sa loob ng anim na taon.

Ang mga natuklasan ay nagmumungkahi na kapag pinagsama ang tobacco control measures at harm reduction strategies ay maaaring mas maging mabilis ang progreso tungo sa pagkabawas sa paninigarilyo.

“Maintaining a clear focus on reducing harm from combustible tobacco will be critical to sustaining progress as smoking prevalence declines,” ang winika ng mga may-akda sabay sabing “Further progress will require compassionate and targeted equity-focused interventions and a coherent regulatory framework that covers all nicotine products in proportion to the risks they incur.”

The post Smoking rates ng New Zealand, bumulusok; binigyang kredito ng pag-aaral ang smoke-free products, harm reduction first appeared on Remate Online.

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.

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