Enchanted Kingdom's COO takes oath as president of Laguna Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

Enchanted Kingdom, the Philippines' first and only world-class theme park, is now in its 30th year and remains a leading advocate for local industry development, with its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Cynthia R. Mamon, Ph.D., recently elected president of the PCCI-Laguna Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

The newly elected LCCI officers were inducted on February 16 at Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa, Laguna, led by Area Vice President Hoover Picar and Regional Governor Mary Ann Katigbak.

“We are committed to focus on Livelihood and labor concerns, Corporate sustainability, Community empowerment, and Innovation with integrity. These four principles support Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) South Luzon’s guiding principles as presented by AVP Hoover Picar, namely Volunteerism, Excellence, Service, and Integrity (VESI). Through these, we look forward to transforming the lives of the people working for our companies and the communities we serve.” ~Mrs. Cynthia R. Mamon, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer Enchanted Kingdom 

LCCI, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization made up of Laguna-based small, medium, and large businesses dedicated to fostering a stronger, more sustainable local economy as well as promoting growth, resilience, and competitiveness in the province's business communities.

Present during the induction ceremony were Department of Labor and Employment – National Conciliation and Mediation Board IV-A Director Cynthia Foncardas, Laguna Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEPIDO) Laguna Head Fatima Villaseñor, PCCI Los Baños President Grace Bondad Nicolas, PCCI Quezon City President Anne Marie Francisco, and PCCI Lipa City President Marites Jumarang. They were joined by past presidents of LCCI namely Atty. Rose Lynn Zara-Coloma, Marvin Adolfo, Virgilio Lorenzo, Richard Albert Osmond, and EK’s President and Chairman Mr. Cesar Mario O. Mamon.

An economic briefing by Prof. Ronilo Balbieran, economist at the University of Asia and the Pacific followed after the induction ceremony.

Even prior to this, EK has been a longstanding active member of LCCI, as Mr. Mamon also served as its president from 2006 to 2007.

Championing Tourism

Mrs. Mamon was also reelected as president of the Laguna Tourism Council (LTC), taking the oath of office among the other newly elected LTC officers on January 22 in Santa Cruz, Laguna, administered by Governor Sol Aragones.

LTC is a provincial multi-sectoral body made up of representatives from various government and business organizations, and it is one of the primary movers behind Laguna's development as a major tourism destination in the Philippines.

Since Dr. Mamon took over the role in 2023, LTC has collaborated closely with the Laguna provincial government, as well as other local offices and non-governmental organizations across the country, to promote tourism, culture, heritage, and the arts to both domestic and international audiences.

Aside from that, they help Laguna-based micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by providing platforms for them to present their world-class products and crafts at LTC's many events and partnerships held both within and outside of the province.

For more information and updates regarding these and EK’s initiatives towards industry growth, sustainability, and tourism, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts on Facebook and TikTok, and on Instagram.

BPI launches new eco-friendly Debit Mastercard made of 100% recyclable materials

BPI launches its new Debit Mastercard made from 100% recycled, PVC free plastic—promoting more sustainable everyday banking.

In an effort to promote more environmentally friendly banking options, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has introduced a new Debit Mastercard made entirely of recycled, PVC-free plastic. 

Customers who create an account through a BPI branch and current customers whose cards are about to expire or need to be renewed can get the new Debit Mastercard for free. For a typical Php 200 replacement price, those who want to switch to the new recycled, PVC-free card outside of their renewal window may do so.

BPI is one of the country's major debit card issuers, having more than 8.2 million cardholders nationally. The debut of the new eco-friendly BPI Debit Mastercard marks another milestone in the bank's efforts to provide Filipinos with more responsible and future-ready financial products.

“Reimagining the BPI Debit Mastercard to become an eco-friendly card is a testament to BPI’s commitment to its values of sustainability and innovation. At BPI, we want to connect more with our eco-conscious clients while also encouraging others to practice sustainable habits. By using sustainable materials for our card, we hope to make sustainable behavior the default option for everyone. The BPI Debit Mastercard is still the same card that our clients rely on—stylish, secure, and now more sustainable.” ~Jenny Lacerna, Head of Mass Retail, BPI

Clients can request a new card through the BPI app or online, then select their preferred branch for collection. All card requests made through these digital means will incur a cost of Php 200. Those replacing an existing card just need to block their current one in the BPI app to begin the replacement procedure. Cards are ready for pick-up at any BPI branch within two to six banking days, depending on location. Clients can also get assistance at any of our branches.

Beyond sustainability, the card has intelligent design innovations, such as a curved notch in the bottom left corner that allows users to identify and orient their card by touch, boosting accessibility and distinguishing it from other cards.

With the new card, BPI Debit Mastercard customers may continue to experience the trusted ease and security they rely on—secure payments online, in-store, and overseas; contactless transactions; simple access to cash via ATMs globally; and 24/7 account control via the BPI app.

BPI continues to advocate sustainability by introducing innovations such as the eco-friendly Debit Mastercard, while also providing Filipinos with practical, inclusive, and accessible financial options.

Samsung introduces the Galaxy S26 Series with the ‘Everyday with Galaxy AI’ Experience

Samsung set the tone for a high-tech lifestyle when it revealed the new Galaxy S26 Series and Galaxy Buds4 Series at the "Everyday with Galaxy AI" Mall Experience. The event, held in the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, allowed attendees to see firsthand how Galaxy AI integrates into a more polished and innovative daily routine.

From trying out new features in the experience zones to nostalgic live performances by OPM band Over October and #TeamGalaxy's Catriona Gray sharing her story on stage, this unique experience demonstrated how to inspire the type of wiser daily life you'll always want to pursue.

Catriona Gray, beauty queen, youth advocate, and TV personality #TeamGalaxy, joined the festivities and shared her excitement with how intuitive the Galaxy S26 Series feels. She highlighted the Galaxy AI features that make her daily life feel effortless and inspiring.

To finish off the night, Galaxy fans and die-hard supporters came to see OPM indie-pop band Over October, who created a casual, high-energy atmosphere with timeless hits like "Ikot" and "Dahan."

While enjoying their drinks at the Galaxy AI Café, the community found how Galaxy AI keeps life organized and secure, including Now Nudge, which provides more intuitive ways to get through your day, and the new Privacy Display, which guarantees sensitive information is only visible to you.

Everyone received a firsthand glimpse at the Creative Studio AI features, which enable users to develop a better eye for photography. Fans investigated how to improve their images using Generative Edit and Photo Assist, demonstrating how simple it is to smooth out any photo with a few taps. Aside from editing, the Nightography Experience Zone invited everyone to try the Nightography Video and Super Steady to capture cinematic video in dark environments with brilliant neon lights.

Visitors to the Life in Hi-Fi zone received their first hands-on experience with the Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro series, with many pleased by the premium design and how it feels both sleek and secure for all-day wear. Users that integrated Galaxy AI tried the Adaptive Controls, managing their music and calls with a single nod or headshake. With Live Translate and Ambient Sound, the Galaxy Buds4 Series proved to be the ideal companion for an immersive, uninterrupted audio experience.

At the Unbeatable Gaming Zone, gamers felt the sheer speed of the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26 and S26+, with smooth visuals and no lag, all while the improved thermal architecture kept the devices cool under duress.

The enthusiasm has reached the Pre-order Now zone. Those who went all-in on the Galaxy S26 Series received truly amazing rewards. Aside from exclusive on-site promotions and various payment options, the event culminated with the announcement of the grand raffle winners. One lucky winner received a brand-new BYD Seal 5 DM-i, while others acquired their tickets to the highly anticipated SEVENTEEN concert on March 21 by pre-ordering in certain retailers. It was the ideal "double win": an enhanced lifestyle combined with a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Samsung is also set to bring this experience to other locations soon! Visit the ‘Everyday with Galaxy AI’ in Pampanga from March 7 to 8 at SM City Clark and in Cebu from March 14 to 15 at SM Seaside Cebu for more exciting pre-order deals.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Series is available for pre-order until March 18 through samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores, Authorized Samsung Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com, and MemoXpress Online.

Pre-order now to instantly double your storage, a value of up to ₱14,000. Take advantage of incredible savings up to 18% and enjoy 0% installment plans for up to 36 months with major bank partners like UnionBank, BDO, BPI, Metrobank, HSBC, and PNB. Plus, find up to 14% off with 0% installment up to 24 months through Eastwest, Security Bank, HSBC, and Chinabank at authorized stores. Online shoppers can also grab up to 18% savings on cash price offers at Samsung.com until March 8, Abenson.com, Lazada, and Shopee.**

No credit card? With Samsung Finance+, you can save up to ₱15,000 with 0% processing fee and 0% installment for up to 24 months,* or choose Home Credit for a 36-month plan at a super low 1% add-on rate per month. For ultimate peace of mind, Samsung Care+ is offering 25% off on 2-year unlimited repair coverage for accidental and liquid damage, and replacements worldwide.

To find out more about the Galaxy S26 Series and Buds4 Series, visit:

• Galaxy S26 Ultra https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s26-ultra/buy/?modelCode=SM-S948BZVCPHL
• Galaxy S26+ https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s26-ultra/buy/?modelCode=SM-S948BZVCPHL
• Galaxy S26 https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s26/buy/?modelCode=SM-S942BZDQPHL
• Galaxy Buds4 Pro https://www.samsung.com/ph/audio-sound/galaxy-buds4-pro/buy/?modelCode=SM-R640NZDAASA
• Galaxy Buds4: https://www.samsung.com/ph/audio-sound/galaxy-buds4-pro/buy/?modelCode=SM-R540NZKAASA

For more information, follow SamsungPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/

A new era of competition: 36 top players enter the GameZone Tour finals

This year, GameZone, the biggest card game creator in the Philippines, will launch a redesigned GameZone Tour. 36 challengers will compete for a coveted title and a piece of the ₱10,000,000 prize pool. The GameZone Tour began with a successful start in 2024 as the Tongits Champion Cup (TCC). 

The competition was then relaunched as the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC), with two high-energy editions held a year later: the Summer Showdown and the September Arena.

Both competitions featured elite Tongits play, emphasizing precision, strategy, and high-level card game skill among the nation's best competitors. The Tongits Plus Champions Cup (TPCC) will debut as the first of GameZone Tour's four main seasons in 2026, intensifying competitiveness. 

The competition will feature 36 elite Tongits masters, with one set to be the Tongits champion. The winner would receive half of the ₱10,000,000 tournament prize fund, held on March 7 to 8 at PNB Financial Center in Pasay City.

The eligible players were chosen from a pool of GameZone Tongits players who competed in tough multi-stage, 8-week online qualifiers to choose the best of the best for the competition. All expenses, including lodging and travel support, will be covered for the 36 elite players as they prepare for the official start of the main war. 

Tongits Plus Champions Cup (TPCC) kicks off with a jam-packed Day 1 containing three rounds, starting with the Elimination Round, in which the top 12 finishers from a 36-player field advance outright. The remaining 24 contestants will advance to the Revival Round, where half of them will be given a second chance to join the initial qualifiers in the following stage.

The Promotional Round, which concludes the first day, will identify the top nine players who will proceed and continue their title quest on the final day of the event. Following the historic Day 1 of the tournament, Day 2 will begin with the Semifinal. 

This stage will see the nine remaining players compete for three prestigious berths in the final round. The Grand Stage, which concludes the TPCC, will proclaim the top tongits talented player of the event as champion, as well as give important prizes and final rankings.

A side tournament will also take place, apart from the main competition, where players will vie for a share of the ₱500,000 prize pool. 

Tongits fans can watch the action unfold on the main TPCC stage alongside other events via the GameZone official website: gzone.ph

Experience the Real GameZone, visit the official website to know more about the tournament: https://gzone.ph/promotionV2/detail/130.

About DigiPlus

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

Manila Water replaces over 160,000 meters in 2025

By end December 2025, Manila Water had replaced 168,806 water meters. This helped boost the company's efficiency measures by improving consumption accuracy and reduce water losses.

Manila Water maintained low non-revenue water (NRW) levels in 2025, thanks in part to the company's increased meter replacement activities and regular swift response to network leaks throughout the East Zone.

The water company's NRW was 13.55 percent in December, bringing the annual average to 14.27 percent. This achievement demonstrates the company's continued efforts to eliminate commercial and physical losses in its distribution network. 

The company's meter replacement program, which will be implemented on a wide scale in 2025, will contribute significantly to this performance. By the end of December, Manila Water had replaced 168,806 water meters.

The meter replacement program improves the company's efficiency metrics by increasing consumption accuracy and lowering water losses. These enhancements serve to ensure proper billing for consumers and reinforce the company's efforts to reduce NRW on a sustainable basis.

The company's swift leak reaction also plays an important role in reducing physical water loss. In December 2025, Manila Water repaired all 26 reported pipe bursts within 24 hours, resulting in a flawless monthly compliance rate. Throughout the year, staff completed repairs on all 613 mainline breaks within 24 hours, avoiding long-term losses and service delays across the network.

“Rapid field response, active leak detection, and replacing meters remain essential to keeping water losses low and ensuring service reliability across the East Zone. These operational measures directly support the company’s commitment to maintaining efficiency and sustaining improvements in NRW performance.” ~Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water’s Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director

Manila Water will expand its NRW reduction initiatives in 2026, including district metering enhancements, network pressure management, meter replacement, and leak detection activities. These measures are part of the company's larger plan to ensure water availability, improve service continuity, and strengthen the East Zone water supply network.

Celebrate Everyday Moments at SM Center Sangandaan

Everyday celebrations don't necessarily require elaborate arrangements. They frequently occur during coffee breaks, quick catch-ups, and shared chuckles at the end of a long day. This is where SM Center Sangandaan fits into everyday life. As the most popular mall in the region, it remains a familiar destination for simple pleasures, low-cost sweets, and easy bonding opportunities.

Much of this everyday appeal stems from its coffee and drink establishments. Cotti Coffee provides a premium yet pleasant setting that is equally suitable for serious work and extended talks. With globally sourced Arabica beans and pleasant drink options, it naturally becomes a destination for both productivity and relaxation.

Pickup Coffee is nearby and offers a relaxed and affordable atmosphere. Its simple menu makes coffee runs seem uncomplicated, but soothing non-caffeinated drinks and local delicacies transform quick stops into creative gatherings.

Dunkin' Donuts continues to be a popular choice for comfort food. A cup of coffee or iced chocolate with classic donuts is frequently the setting for group conversations, quick breaks, spontaneous reunions, and extended study sessions.

Aside from coffee, milk tea businesses and comfortable cafés across the mall encourage casual crawls and spontaneous hangouts. One drink quickly leads to another, and a brief break transforms into quality time together. SM Center Sangandaan is more than just a retail mall; it offers accessible dining, open spaces, and a calm ambiance. It is a place where every day victories are discreetly commemorated, as well as a gathering spot for everyday celebrations. So "gala to the max" and explore colorful finds, sample local delights, and soak up the communal excitement that makes festivities really unique at SM Center Sangandaan.

Dunk Into Flavor Once Again as McDonald’s Brings Back the Cheese and Chili Con Carne Dunks, Plus the Ebi Burger

McDonald's Philippines encourages customers to "dunk into flavor" once more with the reintroduction of the Cheese dip and Chili Con Carne Dunk, which begins February 18. The Ebi Burger, a fan favorite from 2025 that opened up new ways to enjoy other cherished McDonald's foods, returns this year.

“The return of both the Cheese and Chili Con Carne Dunks is McDonald’s way of digging deeper into the Pinoy sawsawan culture, which inherently invites sharing and creativity. Filipino culture encourages participation and individual creation in the way we consume our food, and this is exactly how our customers enjoyed the Dunks last year when they created new flavors and combinations with other favorites from our menu. The Ebi Burger is another product we’ve been wanting to offer again and offering it alongside the two Dunks would make for exciting new flavor combinations that we’re sure our customers will explore.” ~Ada Almendras-Lazaro, McDonald’s Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer

The two Dunks are both tasty and visually appealing. There's Cheese Dunk, a delicious and addictive cheese sauce. There's also the chile Con Carne Dunk, a savory sauce with rich, meaty tastes of chile, beef, and spices. Both excellently complement everyone's favorite cheeseburgers and other McDonald's dishes. 

The Ebi Burger is also returning this year, a timely offering from McDonald's during Lent. It's everyone's favorite crispy shrimp patty, now enhanced with thick, velvety cheese sauce for a creamy seafood pleasure.

Both the Cheese and Chili Con Carne Dunks, as well as the Ebi Burger, are available through dine-in, take-out, drive thru, and delivery via McDelivery, Grab Food or Food Panda. For more information about McDonald’s products and promos visit  www.mcdonalds.com.ph. 

For more information about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, McDo.ph on Facebook, @mcdo_ph on Instagram, and @McDo_PH on X.