Ajinomoto Philippines Marks a Milestone with Tarlac Factory Construction

L-R: Kenji Muranishi, Project Manager of Production Restructuring Department of Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation; Daizaburo Koga, President of Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation; Makoto Tanabe, Senior Vice President of Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation 

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) is developing its third factory at TARI complex, Tarlac City's newest and most future-ready industrial-anchored mixed-use complex. APC recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction project, which has a total capital expenditure of around Php 9.1 billion. 

The upcoming building represents a significant expansion for APC as it ramps its operations to meet the changing needs of Filipino consumers. It is a key step in strengthening the company's market position in the Philippines, which has lasted over 60 years. The factory is positioned to increase production capacity, improve supply chain efficiency, and support the company's overarching aim of providing high-quality and accessible food items.

“The development of a third factory reflects our long-term commitment to innovation in the Philippine Food industry and the communities we serve. It’s also part of our continuing effort to fulfill our founding purpose to help Filipinos ‘Eat Well, Live Well’. We are strengthening our capability to consistently deliver high-quality flavored seasoning, cooking sauces, and breading mixes that enable Filipinos to experience the joy of cooking delicious, nutritious and affordable meals.” ~Daizaburo Koga, APC President

All things considered, APC's decision to construct a third factory is in line with the Ajinomoto Group's 2030 global objective of increasing one billion people's healthy life expectancy and lowering environmental impact by 50%.

Aboitiz Economic Estates, the developer of TARI Estate, and CCT Constructors Corporation, APC's development partners, provided help for the groundbreaking of the company's Tarlac facility. 

BPI makes corporate collections easier with mobile check deposit capability

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) expands its digital cash management capabilities with the Express Check Deposit function on BPI BizLink, which allows business clients to deposit checks more rapidly through a safe and streamlined digital process. 

BPI BizLink is a corporate banking system that allows enterprises, SMEs, and corporations to handle cash flow, payments, and collections in a single platform. The app is part of BPI's growing digital banking ecosystem, which is expected to grow significantly in 2025, with a 23% rise in total enrolled corporate clients over the previous year.

The Express Check Deposit function on BPI BizLink is part of BPI's larger push toward digitalization, allowing businesses to shift from conventional, manual deposit methods to a more streamlined digital workflow. By eliminating the need for physical bank visits and laborious processing, BPI allows businesses to manage collections more easily.

The function is a variation on the Mobile Check Deposit facility, which enables authorized agents assigned by the Company to deposit checks using a mobile device, with transactions securely transferred over BPI BizLink. Companies can use the BizLink app to deposit checks on their behalf through their chosen agents. Authorized agents will be granted Maker or Multi-role access to the BizLink app to carry out the function.

Once access has been activated, authorized agents can download the new BPI BizLink app and use the Express Check Deposit feature through the following easy steps:

1. Log in to BPI BizLink account. 
2. Go to Menu > Collections and tap Check Deposit. 
3. Read the instructions carefully and tap Start Deposit. 
4. Take a clear photo of the front and back of the check. 
5. Enter additional check details. 
6. Choose the account where the check will be deposited to then Submit for processing.

As an added security measure, authorized agents are restricted from viewing account balances or accessing any other BizLink features.

This transition from manual to digital processing also allows businesses to employ resources more efficiently. Treasury teams can reduce the time and labor required to prepare and physically deposit checks, allowing them to focus more on supporting company operations.

This is especially useful for businesses with large-scale operations where efficient collection management is essential. CDO Foodsphere, Inc. (CDO), one of the country's top food manufacturers, has implemented the Express Check Deposit capability as part of its efforts to improve treasury operations for nationwide distribution and supplier payments. CDO now has manufacturing facilities in Valenzuela City and Malvar, Batangas, with a nationwide distribution network for its products.

CDO Foodsphere, Inc. is known for brands such as CDO Karne Norte, Funtastyk Young Pork Tocino, San Marino Corned Tuna, Idol Cheesedog, CDO Premium Holiday Ham, and Danes Cheese.

“Express Check Deposit has enhanced our operational efficiency and strengthened our cash flow management. With faster deposit of our collections, we are able to minimize borrowing costs, better manage liquidity, and optimize investment opportunities that generate additional income for the company.” ~Charmaine Ong, Senior Vice President of Corporate Purchasing and Treasury of CDO Foodsphere, Inc.

The platform’s real-time deposit confirmation, secure digital transmission, faster crediting timelines, and user-friendly interface also support improved monitoring and reconciliation of collections.

“The system’s reliability and detailed reporting capabilities support stronger audit tracking and governance. It allows our team to focus more on strategic financial initiatives rather than routine administrative tasks.” ~Judith Pascual, Vice President of Treasury and Corporate Governance of CDO Foodsphere, Inc.

For BPI, initiatives such as mobile check deposit reflect the Bank’s continued efforts to work closely with corporate clients as their operational needs evolve.

“BPI continues to look for ways to make banking processes simpler and more efficient for our corporate clients. As more companies adopt digital capabilities, we are also working to onboard other clients who can benefit from these solutions. Our relationship managers work closely with clients throughout the process to help ensure these are integrated smoothly into their operations.” ~Louie Cruz, Institutional Banking Head of BPI

Learn more about BPI BizLink at https://www.bpi.com.ph/sme-banking/cashflow-management/bizlink.

TECNO Unveils Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 Jointly with Lonely Planet in Philippines

Calling on TECNO CAMON users nationwide to capture real life moments under the theme "Seeing is Believing" — with global travel awards and filipino special  prizes up for grabs.

TECNO, the AI-driven revolutionary technology brand, and Lonely Planet, the world's leading travel guiding company, today announced the co-hosted Shot On CAMON Contest 2026, the third edition of TECNO's annual worldwide photography competition. Rooted in a shared spirit of inquiry and creativity, the collaboration broadens the contest's scope beyond technology to recognize the people, locations, and stories behind each shot. Through expert co-judging, co-branded material, and photo-essay-style storytelling, TECNO and Lonely Planet hope to inspire consumers all over the world to see more, feel more, and tell richer visual stories. Three Lonely Planet photographers will submit original images shot on the CAMON 50 Series, and one will serve on the final-round jury panel with TECNO's imaging team.

“Great photos are not just about equipment – they are about how deeply the photographer can immerse themselves in a destination. TECNO’s technology makes that immersion easier, helping users stay present, observe more closely and capture meaningful moments as they happen. We are excited to partner on Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 and look forward to seeing how photographers around the world bring their journeys to life.” ~Melissa Killian, Vice President of Integrated Marketing at Lonely Planet

This year's contest, themed "Seeing is Believing," runs from May 15 to October 11, 2026, and invites smartphone photographers from around the world to capture true, beautiful, and unrepeatable events using the TECNO CAMON 50 Series. In an increasingly AI-driven year, the theme is TECNO's call to appreciate the authenticity of real life through photography, recognizing different skin tones, ephemeral emotions, and real-world observations. Even the contest's AI category begins with a real photograph, inviting people to begin with genuine observation and personal expression.

TECNO Philippines Welcomes Kelvinmarkulit as CAMON Photography Ambassador

To further fuel local interest in authentic mobile photography, TECNO Philippines has named Kelvinmarkulit, a highly respected Filipino visual storyteller known for his raw, unfiltered depictions of everyday Filipino life, as the official CAMON Photography Ambassador for the Philippine leg of the contest. Kelvin will play a variety of roles, including co-creating a call-out video to encourage Filipino producers to enter the competition, working as a regional judge to determine the country's most captivating entries, and participating in the exclusive winner's journey. His collaboration with TECNO is more than just a celebrity endorsement; it sends a strong signal to Filipino photographers that local stories, shot with honesty and emotion, can compete on a global scale.

Five Creative Categories That Celebrate New Ways of Seeing

The five categories of Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 are designed to inspire different ways of seeing, encouraging participants to capture real moments, emotions and perspectives from everyday life and travel.

• Faces·Unfiltered – This category celebrates authentic portraits that reflect people as they really are, capturing diverse skin tones and individuality in a quiet close-up, a candid street portrait, or a moment shared between friends.
• Night·Unveiled – This category invites participants to capture the atmosphere, mystery and emotion that emerge after dark, from neon-lit streets and reflections after rain to still moonlit scenes and late-night city life. 
• Culture·Unscripted – This category focuses on capturing the rhythm of a place as it naturally unfolds, whether through festivals, crafts, food moments or unplanned interactions between people.
• Snapshot·Unspotted (Telephoto Special) – Participants are invited to capture distant details that reveal something surprising, intimate or easily overlooked, from textures on far-off peaks to a fleeting expression within a crowd.
• AI·Unimagined (AI Gallery Special) – First capture a real-world photo with a TECNO phone, then transform it into an artistic style using TECNO’s AI Gallery. Both the original photograph and the AI-styled image must be submitted together. This category is designed to explore how AI can extend creative expression while keeping real-world photography as the starting point. 

“‘Seeing is Believing’ is both a creative brief for our contestants and a reminder that the most powerful images begin with real life. Through Shot On CAMON Contest 2026, we hope to inspire users around the world to observe more closely, express themselves more freely and celebrate the beauty of authentic moments through photography.” ~Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO

Awards, Honors and How to Enter

To honor extraordinary innovation, the Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 will offer excellent work throughout its major award tiers with both cash and rare vacation rewards presented by Lonely Planet. Selected winners will travel on a guided voyage to see the wonders - experiencing is believing, and miracles can only be experienced firsthand.

As part of the competition, one excellent photographer will receive the TECNO Photography Master prize ($8,000). In addition, five winners will be chosen for the Gold Prize ($3,000), five for the Silver Prize ($2,000), and five for the Bronze Prize ($1,000). Ten candidates will also be chosen as TECNO Friends and given a CAMON 50 Series Smartphone. As an added incentive, the TECNO Photography Master and the five Gold Prize winners will be invited to a personalized trip to the Philippines.

Special "Filipino Special Award" – Exclusive for Philippine Participants

In addition to the global rewards, TECNO Philippines will launch the Filipino Special Award to honor and promote local creative talent. Philippine users can submit photographs (normal entries) or videos (via Instagram/Facebook Reels and TikTok). While video uploads are considered informal entries and so ineligible for worldwide prizes, they are automatically considered for the Filipino Special Award. Six additional winners will be chosen as CAMON Photography Endorsers in the Philippines, with each getting a Lonely Planet Bespoke Trip Trip and a CAMON 50 Series smartphone. The results are as follows: five winners from image submissions (any of the five contest categories) and one winner from video submissions. This particular award demonstrates TECNO Philippines' dedication to recognizing domestic visual storytellers, whether they capture a moment in time or bring it to life through motion.

How to Enter

To enter, participants should post photos with a visible TECNO device watermark on Instagram using the hashtags #ShotOnCAMON2026 #TECNOCAMON50Series and #TECNOPhilippines, then submit high-resolution versions via email at shotoncamon@tecnomobile.com or through the ShotOnCAMON Gallery on TECNO’s Philippines official website. All entries must be original content and duplicate submissions will be disqualified. Winning works will be showcased in global media exhibitions, the TECNO annual photo book, and across TECNO’s official platforms.

For full contest rules and details, visit Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 or follow on Instagram.

About TECNO

TECNO is an innovative, AI-driven technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

Herbalife Partners with HyveSports & Women’s Fitness Asia to Make Fitness More Accessible Across the Philippines

Herbalife, a leading health and wellness company, community, and platform, has announced a year-long partnership with HyveSports and Women's Fitness Asia to power some of the country's largest running and fitness events in 2026.

The relationship demonstrates Herbalife's commitment to supporting everyday fitness groups, where many Filipinos begin their active lifestyles, while also expanding its presence at large-scale, community-driven events around the country.

Kinki Lau, General Manager of Herbalife Philippines, stated that the relationship shows a common goal of making wellness more accessible and sustainable.

“We see more people looking for ways to stay active, but consistency is often the challenge. Through this partnership, we aim to support communities across the country by making fitness more accessible, engaging and be part of everyday life. By connecting with people through large-scale events like this, we can help inspire consistency and empower more individuals to stay active over the long term.” ~Kinki Lau, General Manager of Herbalife Philippines

Julius Em, CEO of HyveSports and Justine Cordero-Em, Founder of Women’s Fitness Asia Philippines, echoed this, emphasizing the partnership’s role in creating more inclusive and engaging fitness experiences.

“At HyveSports, our goal has always been to get more people moving in a way that feels fun and inclusive. With Herbalife, we can take that even further by supporting Filipinos not just during events, but throughout their fitness journey. Together, we’re making it easier for more communities to stay active.” ~Julius Em, CEO of HyveSports and Justine Cordero-Em, Founder of Women’s Fitness Asia Philippines

The agreement was officially revealed at The Music Run Manila 2026, which returns to Filinvest City Events Grounds in Alabang. More than 4,000 runners will participate in the 5K and 10K events, which blend music, movement, and entertainment via DJ-powered racing zones and a post-run festival experience.

As part of the event experience, Herbalife set up an on-site refreshment and hydration nutrition and recovery booth, where thousands of attendees could sample products, shakes, and engage in wellness activities.

Building on the momentum, Herbalife will continue to support a series of major mass participation events organized by HyveSports through 2026, including ColorFest Carnival Run, Electric Night Run, Trifactor & Amazon for Triathlon & Duathlon races, and other large-scale fitness experiences expected to attract tens of thousands of participants across the country.

Herbalife hopes that by hosting these activities, more Filipinos will be able to stay active and develop habits that would benefit their daily lives.

VYBE by BPI expands cash-in network through M Lhuillier Partnership

L-R: Christian Villegas, Digital Channels Head, BPI; Atty Joyce Robin, Sales Partnerships and Business Development Head, M Lhuillier; Eric Faustino, Digital Partnerships and Ecosystems Head, BPI

To bring digital finance closer to regular Filipinos, VYBE, the Bank of the Philippine Islands' (BPI) e-wallet, is expanding access through a new partnership with M Lhuillier, allowing free cash-in transactions at over 3,000 branches countrywide.

Users can cash in at any M Lhuillier branch, allowing them to take full advantage of VYBE features like as seamless digital payments, free fund transfers to other banks and e-wallets, reward points, and other everyday financial services.

“This initiative reinforces BPI’s commitment to financial inclusion. By making cash-in services more accessible through a trusted partner, we are helping more Filipinos take their first step toward adopting digital financial tools in their daily lives.” ~Eric Faustino, Head of Digital Partnerships and Ecosystems at BPI

VYBE users may cash in their e-wallets at M Lhuillier through three simple steps: 

1. Fill out Kwarta Padala form and give the amount
2. Get the transaction receipt from the cashier
3. Check your VYBE e-wallet and see the credited amount

“At M Lhuillier, our focus has always been on meeting customers where they are. As a ‘Tulay ng Pilipino,’ we are committed to bridging Filipinos to essential services. Through this collaboration with VYBE, we offer a simple and reliable way for customers to access digital financial solutions through our extensive branch network.” ~Michael L. Lhuillier, President and CEO at M Lhuillier

The agreement represents VYBE's ongoing efforts to make digital financial services more inclusive and broadly available, assisting more Filipinos in transitioning from cash to digital via simple, accessible, and familiar channels that they already trust.

VYBE by BPI is an all-in-one e-wallet app that aims to make daily transactions more lucrative and convenient. Users may use the app to pay with QR Ph, transfer funds for free to other banks and e-wallets, earn and redeem loyalty points, and access a variety of digital financial services all through a seamless mobile experience.

Concepcion creates shared value by exceeding 100% plastic offsets and driving livelihoods in local communities

Concepcion Industrial Corporation Sustainability Champions. at the 2025 PCX PULSE Sustainability Conference

Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC), the nation's leading provider of home and business solutions, continues to redefine responsible corporate citizenship by proving that true sustainability must have an impact that extends beyond business. Its subsidiaries include Concepcion Carrier Air Conditioning Company (CCAC), Concepcion-Durables, Inc. (CDI), and Concepcion Midea Inc. Cortex Technologies Corporation (CTC) and the Philippines (CMIP) successfully diverted 885,000 kg of plastic waste throughout the last year.

Concepcion empowers the Aling Tinderas in local communitiesto lead the change against plastic pollution in partnership with PCX

This annual milestone highlights CIC's proactive approach to environmental sustainability. CIC, in collaboration with PCX, has gone above and beyond traditional environmental compliance. This agreement assures that for every kilogram of plastic produced by the corporation, an equal or higher amount is recovered, converted into reusable materials or energy, and reintegrated into the country's circular economy. CIC is happy to be among a small group of companies that continuously meet or exceed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) plastic offsetting mandates.

While the environmental measurements are important, the ultimate success of CIC's effort is determined by its grassroots social impact. The Aling Tindera network is at the heart of this mission, transforming regular sari-sari stores into community collection hubs. This program retrieved more than 107,000 kilos of diverted waste directly from local areas. This initiative does more than just remove plastic from the streets and oceans; it also promotes economic resilience by allowing female micro-entrepreneurs to raise environmental awareness in their communities while earning a sustainable, supplemental income. 

For many of these women, participating in this “waste-to-cash” ecosystem has provided a  tangible pathway to financial stability and growth. Aling Belen, a program partner, highlighted  how the initiative secures her family's future: “Dinadala ko po siya sa pangangailangan ng  aking mga anak sa eskwela (I use this for my children's school needs).”

 Similarly, Aling Lorme reflected on the opportunities the program unlocked for her family's  business: “One week lang, puno na ang site namin dahil maraming nagbebenta sa amin ng  mga plastic bottles, sachet at PET bottles. Nakapagpundar na kami ngayon ng tindahan ng  school supplies. Kung wala itong Aling Tindera, hindi namin ma-eexpand ang aming  tindahan (In just one week, our site is full because so many people sell us plastic bottles and  sachets. We’ve since been able to establish a school supplies store. Without Aling Tindera,  we wouldn’t have been able to expand our business).” 

These stories bring CIC's overall sustainability vision to life. By combining large-scale investments in recycling infrastructure with community-level empowerment, collected plastic waste is converted into recyclable products, helping to create a circular economy and drastically reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and oceans. 

CIC demonstrates through these collaborative activities that responsible manufacturing is more than just reducing harm; it is also about creating shared value. Every kilogram of plastic redirected results not just in a cleaner environment, but also in new prospects for Filipino households.

BingoPlus Night 2026: Step into the Next PLUS promises electrifying, elevated performances

A-list celebrities and performers will be in attendance at BingoPlus Night

May 19 will be a night to remember as BingoPlus, the number one and most trusted online entertainment platform, holds the BingoPlus Night 2026: Step into the Next PLUS, with a star-studded roster of performers and hosts at a beautiful ballroom location in Pasay City.

BingoPlus' invited icons to promise a night of electrifying energy for their fans from top to bottom of their setlists, setting up an evening that no one should miss with multiple livestreaming options at Bingoplus.com, the BingoPlus App, and the official BingoPlus Facebook, X, and YouTube pages.

P100 million worth of prizes is up for grabs for BingoPlus users

A Lineup to Remember, with a PLUS

Not to be outdone by her contemporaries, Asia's Unkabogable Phenomenal Superstar Vice Ganda headlines the night with a performance that will compel everyone to take the floor and dance with someone.

Meanwhile, BingoPlus endorser Kim Chiu transports fans to a world of luxury, complete with precious stones, expensive bags, and other heartfelt aspirations.

Legendary rock icons are also gracing the stage, with Ely Buendia sending everyone flying over the heavens, Bamboo serenading with tunes that bring back memories of childhood, and Parokya Ni Edgar keeping the music going all evening.

Nina will seek to understand the mysteries of love during her set, while Darren will perform a melodic blend of his own songs and operatic medleys from the past and present.

Yeng Constantino also contributes her voice, ever grateful to her fans, while Julie Ann San Jose tries to ascend and climb the entertainment levels with her set. Furthermore, Anthony Jennings will pay tribute to his Filipino roots with a local jam, ensuring that the event has a Pinoy heart throughout.

Are you confused about what this all means? Fans will have to tune in to find out, and to keep up with the latest event updates, use the official hashtags #BPNight2026 and #StepIntoTheNextPlusWithBP.

What BingoPlus can reveal now is a whole new Lucky Draw promotion to heighten the excitement and joy surrounding BingoPlus Night 2026.

To match the glitz of the gala, BingoPlus is offering a gigantic P100 million super pool to its faithful players, who will receive one spin for every P500 bet placed from May 13 to May 26. Lucky players can win up to the P500,000 Grand Jackpot in addition to various game bonuses, free spins, and real prizes. Meanwhile, VIP gamers receive a separate tier of luxury gifts.

BingoPlus Night 2026: Step into the Next PLUS is supported by Diamond sponsors Pay & Go, MannyPay, APEX Ventures / Mineski Global, Platinum sponsor Coins.ph, Gold sponsors Avolution Inc., Carousell, Fulitech Philippines Inc., and AdSpark Inc., and special thanks to DigiPlus: Entertainment for Good, the DigiPlus Foundation, CasinoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone.

About DigiPlus

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

About BingoPlus

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