PCPPI Chief ESG Officer Joins BSP Leadership and Sustainability Summit Panel

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Officer Atty. Carina Lenore Bayon spoke on a panel at the 2025 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Leadership and Sustainability Summit, where she discussed "Greening Institutional DNA."

During the panel, Attorney. Carina explained how PCPPI integrates sustainability into its operations and culture by incorporating ESG concepts into its basic business practices. She focused on practical ways to operational efficiency, circularity, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting workplace sustainability.

The annual BSP Leadership Summit brings together BSP leaders to increase strategic alignment, facilitate information exchange, and build leadership capability, all while fostering cross-departmental collaboration and peer learning.

SIP & WIN AT SM

For coffee lovers, mornings are important and at SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, and SM Center Sangandaan, this routine activity now has an exciting twist.

Following the success of Morning Beats and Brews, SM returns attention to café culture with the Sip & Win Promo, a campaign aimed at individuals who see coffee as more than just a beverage but as an essential part of their lifestyle.

From specialty brews to everyday favorites, every coffee break now has the chance to win. Shoppers can earn one (1) e-raffle entry for every ₱500 worth of single or accumulated purchases from participating tenants. Each drink brings you closer to winning a Suzuki S-Presso GL MT, turning routine coffee errands into truly remarkable experiences.

The Sip & Win Promotion, which runs until April 10, invites caffeine enthusiasts to relax, discover new café favorites, and enjoy the vibrant coffee scene at SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, and SM Center Sangandaan. Whether you prefer a strong espresso, a creamy latte, or an iced pick-me-up, your coffee breaks may provide a delightful surprise.

Because at SM, coffee is more than just a part of your day. It's an experience worth cherishing and appreciating. Visit SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, or SM Center Sangandaan now!

Myth Avenue Gaming, Fancy United secure the 2026 Predator Shield

The Asia-Pacific Predator League concluded in New Delhi, India. What began with 24 VALORANT and Dota 2 teams from 14 regions around Asia-Pacific ended with only the best of the best taking home the Predator Shield. 

To many people's surprise, rising Vietnamese squad Fancy United defeated fan favorite BOOM Esports on Day 1 of the event, winning the trophy and a $65,000 part of the prize pool. Young shot Hoàng "Twilight" Minh Dũng was an unstoppable force for the Vietnamese, racking up an amazing 40 kills during their series versus BOOM Esports. Twilight's efforts earned him the tournament MVP title and a $10,000 cash reward.

In Dota 2, Myth Avenue Gaming defended their Predator Shield against in-form REKONIX, who had earlier on Day 2 bested the Philippine squad InterActive Philippines. The series went all the way as the two squads proved equal in skill and mettle. The deciding Game 3 was a 41-minute brawl that showcased Myth Avenue Gaming’s dominance, allowing them to take home the Predator Shield anew and $65,000. Myth Avenue Gaming racked up 44 kills in the deciding game, with offlaner ‘egxrdemxn’ showing everyone why he deserved to be the MVP and take home $10,000. 

Philippine grit in full display

Throughout the South Asian LAN, Philippine teams went all out. Xipto Esports, lead by former Team Secret stalwart Emmanuel 'Emman' Morales, was instrumental in the VALORANT team's success, carrying the banner all the way to a Top 4 finish. Meanwhile, despite being a late addition to the Dota 2 roster, InterActive Philippines delivered some unexpected results.

Xipto Esports defeated APAC Predator League Philippine Champions Oasis Gaming in the event. Oasis Gaming went eliminated with a 1-2 record in the Group Stage, while Xipto Esports won their difficult Group C assignment. Xipto Esports lost to BOOM Esports in the semifinals, which featured international VALORANT superstar and former VCT Masters winner Nikita 'd3ffo' Sudakov. While they were unable to hoist the Predator Shield this time, Xipto Esports demonstrated their latent potential.

Indonesia’s REKONIX was InterActive Philippines’ (IAP) obstacle to reaching the grand finals. REKONIX was the team that sent IAP to the Lower Brackets, so IAP didn’t need any extra motivation to send the Indonesians packing in New Delhi. The match was a tightly contested affair that went all the way to three games. In the Winner-Take-All Game 3, a Slardar and Anti-Mage draft misfired for IAP, and REKONIX secured their Grand Finals slot.

At the conclusion of the tournament, it was officially announced that APAC Predator League 2027 will be held in Vietnam.  

For more information and updates about the Predator League, follow Predator Gaming on Facebook or visit the official website www.predator-league.com. 

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs over 7,800 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

Pru Life UK expands climate resilience and community support efforts in Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island residents received gift packs as part of Pru Life UK’s annual gift-giving tradition.

Pru Life UK, a leading life insurer, renewed its commitment to the Bantayan Island community in Cebu through Ulan Alang sa Bantayan, the company's climate resilience initiative, as well as its yearly gift-giving activity. 

Ulan Alang sa Bantayan, which will launch in 2024, intends to educate communities and build long-term resilience to the effects of climate change, with a particular emphasis on water security. During the program's first year, Pru Life UK donated two rainwater harvesting systems to its sponsored villages, providing over 500 families with a consistent 2,000-liter supply of clean water. To ensure long-term support for the communities, training sessions on correct system use and maintenance were also provided.

As part of its annual gift-giving tradition, the company expanded the initiative this year by providing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) training and distributing gift packs. Pru Life UK also piloted a new financial literacy curriculum for adults designed by Prudence Foundation, Prudential plc's community investment arm.

“Ug alang kanako, dako kaayo og impact ang WASH program, labi na sa tubig tungod kay ang tubig maoy naghatag og kinabuhi alang kanatong tanan, ug naghatag og limpiyo sa atong matag usa. Ug labaw sa tanan, dako kaayo ikatabang kanato, ingon nga paglimpiyo sa atong kaugalingon, ug labaw sa tanan, personal hygiene alang kanato. Dako kaayo ni'g ikatabang tungod kay kon limpiyo ang atong kaugalingon, limpiyo sab ang atong palibot. (For me, the WASH programme has a huge impact, especially when it comes to water because water gives life to all of us and provides cleanliness for each one of us. Above all, it greatly helps us in cleaning ourselves and maintaining personal hygiene. This is very important because when we are clean, our surroundings are also clean.” ~Mr. Rolly Giducos, Community Leader from Maricaban, Santa Fe on Bantayan Island, one of the community beneficiaries)

Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer, Calvin Kohchet-Chua together with PRUVolunteers, the ASSIST team, and beneficiaries from the Maricaban and Sulangan communities of Bantayan Island, Cebu.

Pru Life UK's assistance for Bantayan Island began when the Prudence Foundation developed a multi-year relationship with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to help locals rebuild their houses following Super Typhoon Yolanda. When the housing initiative was completed in 2017, the company continued its annual outreach, which has since evolved and expanded through the Ulan Alang sa Bantayan program, which was developed in collaboration with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) to align with its larger climate and health advocacy efforts.

“Our work in Bantayan reflects our belief that progress is built through trust and shared responsibility. As Ulan Alang sa Bantayan grows, so does our dedication to helping communities prepare for the future with confidence and security.” ~Calvin Kohchet-Chua, Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer

Calvin Kohchet-Chua - Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer

Pru Life UK continues to represent what it means to be a trusted partner in protection by establishing long-term partnerships and programs that address both current and long-term needs.

About Pru Life UK

Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.  

 

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of close to 38,000 licensed agents. 

  

Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.   

Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 930,000 individual policyholders and more than 85,000 insured group members, and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of Q3 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.   

Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, with a legacy of more than 175 –years of safeguarding the future of millions of families for this generation and generations to come.   

Pru Life UK is headquartered in 9/F Uptown Place Tower 1,1 East 11th Drive, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its main customer center is located in G/F Cluster 2, Uptown Parade, Megaworld Blvd. corner 36th street Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its customer center contact details are: +63 (2) 88875433 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-107785465 (for domestic toll-free via PLDT landline), email: contact.us@prulifeuk.com.ph. 

The PRU customer center processes customer concerns based on applicable timelines provided by the law. Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ for the list of its branches and more information. 

Pru Life UK is legally permitted to provide financial products or services in the Philippines as regulated by the Insurance Commission. 

The Insurance Commission’s head office is located in 1071 United Nations Avenue Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Their Cebu District office is located at Unit 17, Ground and Second Floors, The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, while their Davao District office is in Door 2 & 3, 3rd Floor of YAP Building Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City. Visit www.insurance.gov.ph/contact-us/ for more information. 

AirAsia Philippines Launches Flights to Vietnam from ₱888​

AirAsia Philippines begins 2026 with a significant expansion of its international network, including the opening of two new flights to Vietnam. This network expansion strengthens AirAsia's expanding foothold in Southeast Asia and provides more economical options for Filipino visitors to visit the region.

Guests can book flights from Manila to Hanoi and Da Nang with initial one-way base tickets starting at ₱888, exclusive of fees and surcharges, until February 1, 2026, with travel dates from March 20 to October 25, 2026.

Both routes will begin on March 20, 2026, giving customers plenty of time to plan and book affordable seats for their next overseas trip.

“The addition of Vietnam to our route network highlights AirAsia Philippines’ commitment to growth and leadership in the budget travel market. Our hope is to give Filipino travelers  more choices, better value, and easier access to exciting destinations in Southeast Asia. We also aim to bring more tourists to the Philippines to contribute to economic growth.” ~Capt. Suresh Bangah, CEO and President of AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia Philippines will operate four weekly flights to Hanoi and four weekly flights to Da Nang on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with convenient afternoon to evening departure times.

About AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Founded in 2001, AirAsia has stayed true to its purpose and tagline "Now Everyone Can Fly". The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations. Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world's first global low cost network carrier. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net zero target by 2050. In 2023, it avoided 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its narrowbody regional network through 20+ efficiency measures, saving US$40 million in fuel and over US$388,000 in shadow carbon costs.

Manila Water strengthens water and wastewater advocacy through Lakbayan

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through its flagship advocacy program Lakbayan, which provides educational facility tours designed to give participants an in-depth look at the Company’s water and wastewater facilities.

Manila Water, an East Zone concessionaire, is strengthening its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through its flagship advocacy program, Lakbayan, which offers educational facility tours that provide participants with an in-depth look at the company's water and wastewater facilities.

This campaign seeks to raise awareness of the importance of water and encourage responsible consumption among communities, partners, and stakeholders.

Lakbayan provides participants with a unique opportunity to experience the full water cycle, from raw water supply and treatment to distribution and wastewater management. Visitors visiting Manila Water's cutting-edge facilities can learn firsthand about the processes that maintain a safe, clean, and reliable water supply, as well as the systems that treat wastewater before returning it to the environment.

Since its debut in 2006, Lakbayan has brought together thousands of students, local government entities, and private businesses to create a better knowledge of the water cycle and our joint role in protecting this critical resource. In 2025, Manila Water, headed by its Advocacy Managers and Facility Managers, held 65 Lakbayan excursions, with 2,151 people participating.

Participating organizations included the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DILG-National Capital Region, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Government of Makati, Sangguniang Kabataan of Quezon City, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Pateros, San Agustin Seminary, University of the Philippines, Technological University of Philippines, Mariano Marcos State University, Western Mindanao State University, and other public and private schools.

“Water is a finite resource and its responsible use is a shared obligation, yet it is often overlooked. Lakbayan allows us to share the science, innovation and our dedication behind every drop. Our goal is to inspire individuals and organizations to take meaningful action, whether through simple daily habits or large-scale programs, to conserve water and protect the environment. Every effort, big or small, creates a ripple of impact.” ~Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through its flagship advocacy program Lakbayan, which provides educational facility tours designed to give participants an in-depth look at the Company’s water and wastewater facilities.

The show focuses on Manila Water's advocacy for water conservation and environmental protection. By demonstrating the complexities and necessity of water and wastewater management, Lakbayan encourages participants to become sustainability advocates in their own communities.

Manila Water welcomes all stakeholders to experience Lakbayan. For schedules and reservations, interested parties may email info@manilawater.com.

Acer Expands Connectivity Product Lineup with New Predator 5G CPE, Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Routers, and Mobile Hotspot

New Predator Connect X7S 5G CPE, Acer Connect Ovia Wi-Fi 7 mesh routers, and Acer Connect M4D 5G Mobile Wi-Fi deliver ultra-fast, secure connectivity for gaming, home, and on-the-go use.

Acer has expanded its connectivity product portfolio with four new networking devices that deliver next-generation Wi-Fi 7 and 5G capabilities to new use cases. The new lineup includes the Predator Connect X7S 5G CPE, the Acer Connect Ovia T360 Wi-Fi 7 Dual-Band Mesh Router, the Acer Connect Ovia T520 Wi-Fi 7 Tri-Band Mesh Router, and the Acer Connect M4D 5G Mobile Wi-Fi, all of which are designed to provide fast, stable, and secure connections for smart homes, gamers, hybrid workers, and frequent travelers.

Predator Connect X7S 5G CPE: 5G and Wi-Fi 7 for Gaming and Entertainment

For gamers and performance-oriented customers, the Predator Connect X7S 5G CPE provides 5G connectivity with downlink rates of up to 4.67 Gbps, allowing it to handle more demanding gaming and streaming scenarios even in areas with poor fiber connectivity. It supports tri-band Wi-Fi 7 (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands) to provide minimal latency and excellent throughput across the house.

Advanced Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and Wi-Fi 7 speeds of up to 5,764 Mbps improve responsiveness by using multiple bands to stabilize connections while many devices are active. The device supports Hybrid Quality of Service (QoS), which works with the Intel® Killer™ Prioritization Engine to optimize bandwidth for latency-sensitive and bandwidth-intensive applications including online gaming, video streaming, and cloud services.

The Predator Connect X7S 5G CPE supports Nano-SIM-based 5G or 4G LTE and comes with numerous antennas for robust signal reception. It can use its mobile connection as the primary link while also providing the option to switch to a backup 2.5 Gbps Ethernet WAN, ensuring uninterrupted access for gaming, streaming, and smart home control.

Acer Connect Ovia T360 Dual-Band and T520 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Mesh for Smart-Home and Small-Office Coverage

The Acer Connect Ovia T360 dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router provides high-speed access across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It can cover up to 90 m² per node, making it ideal for apartments or smaller households that require stable everyday coverage. The Acer Connect Ovia T520 tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router adds a 6 GHz band alongside 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, with each node covering up to 110 m² for larger living spaces or environments with more devices connected at the same time. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 speeds of up to 5,764 Mbps for heavier streaming and gaming workloads.

Both routers are designed to improve Wi-Fi coverage and reduce dead zones in homes and small offices, resulting in more consistent connectivity from room to room. Both support Wi-Fi 7 features such as MLO, which reduces latency and increases speed by accessing several bands simultaneously.

Their clean industrial designs blend nicely with modern environments, and specialized WAN and LAN ports enable high-speed cable connections to smart TVs, game consoles, and desktop PCs. In a multi-mesh design, additional nodes can be added as needed to enhance coverage, with automatic node switching facilitating a more seamless roaming experience as users move from room to room.

Acer Connect M4D 5G Mobile Wi-Fi: High-Speed Connectivity Anywhere

The Acer Connect M4D 5G Mobile Wi-Fi is a small, portable hotspot that can connect up to 16 devices at once via dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHZ + 5 GHz). It is intended for users who require dependable, high-speed internet on the go, whether they are traveling for business, commuting, attending events, or sharing access with friends, family, or colleagues.

The Acer Connect M4D has a battery life of up to 15 hours of average use while sharing its connection, which allows for a complete working day away from fixed power. It supports a variety of SIM formats, including Nano-SIM, eSIM, and Virtual SIM, allowing for 5G access across multiple operators and regions. It can also operate in Wi-Fi Internet Service Provider (WISP, Wi-Fi Extender) mode, connecting to an existing Wi-Fi AP (access point) and redistributing internet connectivity to other devices. Users can keep numerous eSIM profiles and swap providers as needed while traveling, allowing them to stay connected while they move between locations. The Acer Connect M4D enables USB tethering on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux operating systems.

With a supplied docking station, the Acer Connect M4D can function as a tiny home or business router, complete with an RJ45 LAN connector for wired devices. The docking station supports 5G NR to LAN and WAN (switchable via the screen) capabilities. On the security front, the device offers advanced WPA2/WPA3 encryption, firewalls, SIM lock, screen PIN lock, and VPN use to protect data. The Acer Connect M4D is designed to help customers stay connected and secure with no effort by automatically delivering software updates over-the-air (OTA).

Security and Simple Control Across the Predator and Acer Connect Ovia Lineup

The new Predator and Acer Connect Ovia devices prioritize simplicity of control and security. All three products may be managed via the Acer Connect app, which allows users to set up, adjust, or add mesh nodes, review connected devices, and configure guest access all from their smartphones. They also offer a standard set of security features, including as WPA3 encryption, VPN support, parental controls, and firewall settings, to protect home networks and linked devices from online threats.

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

About Acer 

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs nearly 12,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

© 2026 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.