Ajinomoto earns EPR certification from DENR for sustainability efforts and environmental stewardship

In photo are Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Chief Sustainability Officer Ernesto Carlos (middle); flanked by (L-R) DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Jonas Leones; DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla, President of Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS) Jess Reyes; and DENR OIC Assistant Secretary for Environment and Concurrent Director of the Environmental Management Bureau Jacqueline Caancan.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) was recently recognized with a Special Citation for Obliged Enterprises as part of the DENR's 2026 Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Recognition Program: Celebrating Achievements and Milestones.

At the heart of this achievement is APC's SariCycle® program, an innovative and adaptable plastic trash collection project that enables local micro-entrepreneurs, including Sari-Sari store owners, to play a leadership role in the community in reducing plastic waste and pollution. This program encourages small businesses to become environmental change agents by working together to provide recycling centers with cleaner, better sorted feedstock or materials for processing.

To fuel this program, APC collaborates closely with accredited partners such as Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST) and the Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (QC CCESD). Through these partnerships, APC demonstrates its unwavering commitment to sustainability by delivering impactful, collaborative, and inclusive initiatives. 

As an FMCG company, the DENR's accreditation affirms APC's approach of putting sustainability at the heart of their operations and empowering communities to take action with them. The prize serves as a reminder that when businesses and communities collaborate, sustainability becomes a shared achievement rather than a goal.

Furthermore, this accreditation validates APC's 2030 Roadmap, which aims to minimize its environmental effect by 50% while increasing 1 billion people's healthy life expectancy. 

Beyond regulatory compliance, APC believes that sustainability promotes healthier environments, empowered micro-enterprises, and thriving local economies. The corporation also sets the bar for good business practices in the country, proving that corporate leadership and national progress can coexist.

The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies.

 

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society.

 

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 36 countries and regions and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com. 

Cebu Pacific Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Piso Sale

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines' biggest carrier, continues to fulfill travel dreams on its 30th anniversary by reintroducing its famous Piso sale, providing travelers more opportunity to book affordable prices as the airline celebrates three decades in the sky.

Seat Sale Period: March 5 to 11, 2026

Price: PHP 1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges

Travel Period: November 1 – March 31, 2027

Travelers planning local getaways can fly to Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, and other destinations. Whether it's a fast city trip, a culinary experience, or an island escape, these locations offer easy access to some of the country's most popular leisure destinations.

International destinations include Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand, all of which are accessible via CEB's major hubs in the Philippines. From seeing temples and sampling local delicacies to shopping and touring new towns, these destinations—and many more within CEB's international network—provide lots to look forward to.

Throughout March, visitors may book flights to select destinations for as little as PHP 30 one-way base cost, excluding fees and surcharges. The travel time for this promotion is from April 1 to November 30, 2026.

CEB made its inaugural flight from Manila to Cebu on March 8, 1996. Since then, the airline has carried over 250 million people throughout its extensive local and international network, continuing to provide affordable and accessible flights.

CEB presently operates in 35 domestic and 26 overseas destinations throughout Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.  

Passengers can use Go Easy to enhance their travel experience by receiving discounts on check-in baggage and seat selection. Pre-ordered meals are also available online, with choices like Beef Adobo, Grilled Chicken Wrap, and Pinoy Spaghetti.

CEB accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, for flight reservations and add-on purchases.

Visit www.cebupacificair.com or book directly via the Cebu Pacific app to secure your seats now.

Cebu Pacific's Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cebupacificairphilippines

X: https://twitter.com/CebuPacificAir

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cebupacificair

GlutaMAX strengthens brand positioning with launch of 'Body PUTItivity' Campaign

After 18 years in the Philippine market, GlutaMAX has announced a new brand strategy with the launch of its current campaign, Body Putitivity, which reframes skin lightening as an act of personal agency rather than a reaction to enforced beauty standards. The redesign represents what corporate executives call a strategic development, reflecting how beauty debates have matured and how customers increasingly define empowerment on their own terms. 

At its core, Body Putitivity emphasizes that choosing brighter or more even-looking skin can be a legitimate form of self-care. It encourages people who are confident in their decision to improve their skin, emphasizing that such preferences are personal rather than comparison norms.

A repositioning shaped by changing conversations

In her keynote talk, Aiza Diuco-Sun, Executive Director of Strategy HealthWellnessLifestyle, Inc. marketing emphasized the need of clarity and conviction in the relaunch.

"This event marks the official relaunch of Gluta MAX. It is about clarifying who we are today and what we stand for moving forward. For 18 years, GlutaMAX has been a trusted name in skin brightening in the Philippines. Today, we are strengthening our voice. We are refining our message." ~Ms. Aiza Diuco-Sun, Executive Director for Strategy and Marketing of HealthWellnessLifestyle, Inc.,

The recalibration comes at a moment when beauty firms are having increasingly complex conversations about diversity, autonomy, and representations. Rather than avoid these talks, Gluta MAX has chosen to confront them directly, offering brightness as an option rather than a necessity.

An ambassador who embodies the message

Vanessa Tse Wing was introduced as the brand's newest ambassador, which was a highlight of the relaunch. Tse Wing, a decade-long GlutaMAX user, provides a diverse history as a former national titleholder, academic, and public worker. In her testimonial, she described confidence as being shaped by growth and intention.

"As a title holder, as a student, and now as a public servant, I've learned that confidence isn't about meeting expectations. It's about owning your decisions." ~Vanessa Tse Wing, GlutaMAX Brand Ambassador

Her statement echoed the campaign's ethos: purposeful self-care is an expression of self-respect. Notably, the brand shifted away from traditional "before and after" storytelling, instead emphasizing personal comfort and growing self-confidence.

Beyond messaging: reinforcing the system

During the launch, GlutaMAX revealed its campaign images and official jingle. The ideas of inclusivity and self-determination are reinforced. The brand also emphasized their Gluta MAX system, which includes NanoWhite Technology. A product intended for whitening and protection as part of a daily self-care routine. 

Attendees described the advertising as purposeful in tone—especially in how it addressed a delicate issue in public conversation. Conversations throughout the event revealed a common understanding: skincare preferences differ, and respect for those variations is essential in current beauty dialogue.

A timely message for a shifting market

More than a relaunch, Body Putitivity hits the market at a time Consumers are actively redefining what empowerment is. The campaign’s emphasis on cohabitation is embracing one's natural tone and choosing to Brighten can both come from confidence and indicate a strategic knowledge of changing expectations.

In a setting where discussions on skin tone can swiftly polarize GlutaMAX's emphasis on personal choice over prescription is measured and forward-thinking. By accepting multiple tastes without reducing any, the brand broadens its relevance while retaining its essential identity. If early acceptance is any indication, Body Putitivity may last beyond a single campaign cycle. It provides a framework for legacy beauty brands to be culturally aware while maintaining their category strength.

The message is simple: confidence is self-defined, and the freedom to choose is a component of that confidence.

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/