A Two-Decade Tradition of Dream-Building: SMDC's Path to Creating the Good Life

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) has always been a dream-builder for Filipinos, not just a real estate firm. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, SMDC looks back on 20 years of building homes, changing neighborhoods, and enabling Filipinos from all walks of life to realize their dream of homeownership. In keeping with the Sy family's goal of empowering people by providing them with access to high-quality living, SMDC has completed more than 183,000 residential units throughout the Philippines as of the end of 2023.

Bloom Residences in Paranaque is one testament to SMDC’s commitment to building homes that bring Filipino families together and give them a taste of The Good Life.

Living the Good Life

Jessica Bianca Sy, SMDC's Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy, is spearheading the effort today and making sure that the organization's vision changes to accommodate future demands. Jessica's leadership places a strong emphasis on developing communities where Filipinos can prosper for many generations, with an emphasis on sustainable living. 

"We’re not just building homes. We’re building sustainable communities where families can thrive for years to come, where every Filipino can live the life they deserve." ~Jessica Bianca Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SMDC

For two decades, SMDC has been building sustainable communities all over the Philippines. Style Residences in Iloilo City is its first development in the Visayas.

Legacy in Motion

SMDC's story is one of long-term vision and legacy. Henry Sy Sr. started it all by laying the foundation for something much larger with his dedication to giving Filipinos high-quality footwear. In order to guarantee that Filipinos could experience stability and pride via homeownership, Henry Sy Jr. went one step further and concentrated on building a nation of homeowners.

Today, Jessica Bianca Sy continues this legacy, working to ensure every Filipino has the opportunity to live the "Good Life" in a community built with sustainability in mind. As Jessica puts it, “Our focus is not just on creating spaces for people to live in, but spaces where they can build their dreams, forge lasting connections, and experience the Good Life.”

Next Stop: The Future

From high-rises to mid-rises to house-and-lot developments, SMDC has it all for discerning Filipino buyers. Cheerful Homes 2 offers a horizontal development with SMDC’s signature sustainable community features.

In the future, SMDC is still dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. With a persistent emphasis on developing thriving communities that represent the evolving needs of contemporary Filipinos, the future is bright. As the business develops, it becomes evident that SMDC's goal of giving people places to live, grow, and prosper—rather than just houses—will continue for many generations to come.

Bridgetowne Unveils “Wall of Victor”: a New Tradition of Collective Aspirations

The Victor Wall, a charming new custom that encourages Filipinos to unite in celebration of the holiday spirit, is being introduced by Bridgetowne Destination Estate, the mixed-use development that is changing the skyline of Metro Manila. Against the backdrop of the season of joy, hope, and giving, the wall will come to represent our shared hopes, thankfulness, and future wishes. Beautiful Christmas lights will be placed throughout the estate to heighten the festive mood and create a lively space for introspection and celebration.

A New Holiday Tradition for All Ages

Bridgetowne presents The Victor Wall, where families, friends, and guests can share their Christmas wishes, aspirations, and expressions of gratitude. The wall is inspired by ageless customs of love and connection around the globe, like South Korea's famous Love Lock Bridge. Biodegradable notes, each containing a personal wish or expression of gratitude, will be used to decorate The Victor Wall in the weeks preceding Christmas.

“In this season of love and giving, we wanted to create something that celebrates not just the holidays but also the shared spirit of community. With The Victor Wall, we invite everyone to take part in something truly special—an experience that blends the magic of Christmas with the power of shared dreams and aspirations.” ~Ms. Mybelle Aragon-GoBio, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Land Corporation, the developer behind Bridgetowne Estates

A Celebration of Christmas and Community

Leading influencers and well-known figures, such as Richard Juan, Gela Atayde, and Albert Nicolas, attended the private ceremony that marked the unveiling of The Victor Wall. These trailblazers were among the first to share their Christmas greetings, establishing a new custom that would quickly become a staple of Bridgetowne's holiday festivities.

The Victor, a magnificent statue that already serves as a community symbol of inspiration and aspiration, is the focal point of the custom. This strong character will now act as the background for an expanding custom that honors not only the spirit of Christmas but also the aspirations and hopes of a whole community.

The Victor Wall is a place where everyone can post their best wishes for the season and beyond, from friends sharing heartfelt messages of hope to families creating memories. This is more than just a holiday custom; it's a celebration of human connection, the delight of time spent together, and the hope that everyone will have a better future.

The Victor Wall will be a lovely way to look back on the past year and anticipate all of the opportunities that lie ahead in the coming year. Bridgetowne Estates takes pride in offering a place where dreams come true and the holiday spirit is embraced with love, gratitude, and unity.

About Bridgetowne

Bridgetowne Destination Estate is a dynamic, master-planned community that is reshaping the Metro Manila skyline. Combining luxurious residential living, innovative commercial spaces, and world-class amenities, Bridgetowne is a place where winners go to work, live, play, and inspire—creating a vibrant future where possibilities are limitless.

HUAWEI Philippines Teases HUAWEI MatePad 12 X, Stylish Tablet with PC-Level Power for Young Professionals

With the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X, the next-generation tablet from the MatePad series, Huawei has once again pushed the envelope of innovation, offering young Filipino users both style and productivity.

PC-level Experience for Young Professionals

The PC-level WPS Office for accurate office work and note-taking is one of the sophisticated productivity tools included with the Huawei MatePad 12 X. The PC-level WPS Office has become a strong competitor in the constantly changing field of productivity software for tablets, providing PC-level performance that is comparable to that of conventional desktop programs. PC-level WPS Office is revolutionizing how people and organizations handle document creation, spreadsheet management, and presentation design with its extensive feature set and intuitive interface.

Only Huawei MatePad tablets are eligible for the free PC-level WPS. Similar to a PC, the PC-level interface, interaction, and function enable a seamless transition between tasks. The tablet becomes more like a PC when paired with the NearLink-enabled Huawei Smart Magnetic Keyboard, making it the ideal travel companion for professionals. Its 66W Huawei SuperCharge capability and sturdy 10,100 mAh battery life allow users to continue working uninterrupted.

Unique Aesthetic, Casually Stylish

Customers have clearly responded favorably to the Huawei MatePad series' constant emphasis on catering to their needs as they look for tools for creativity, productivity, education, and entertainment. The HUAWEI tablet is ranked third among all tablet brands, according to the second quarter 2024 tablet shipments report published by third data agency Canalys on August 6. This accomplishment, which demonstrates Huawei's strong hardware and software capabilities, has solidified the company's place in the global tablet market.

The HUAWEI MatePad 12 X will come in a soft, muted green version that evokes the beauty of newly unfolded leaves and has a refreshing, natural feel. With a shimmering polish on the tablet's surface and a bold and unique color scheme, Huawei creates a distinctively beautiful and casually stylish device. The shimmering water effect points to a pearlescent finish, which, depending on the lighting and viewing angle, may have a distinctive, lovely color-changing effect. 

The tablet is also rumored to have a sleek rear camera, an all-metal device body, and an integrated seamless design. The camera module's sharp lines and gleaming gilded bezels make for a unified and eye-catching whole that contrasts captivatingly.

The HUAWEI MatePad 12 X's "X" alludes to the tablet's exceptional size, performance, and design. The device is anticipated to provide users with flagship-level smart features and cutting-edge apps like GoPaint and HUAWEI Notes thanks to its elegant all-metal body. For creators and students, the smooth integration with NearLink-enabled accessories, like the third-generation Huawei M-Pencil and the Huawei Smart Magnetic Keyboard, may make working, learning, and creating on the go easier than before.

The letter "X" could also mean "explore," positioning the tablet as a tool for creatives, students, and young professionals who are ready to push boundaries, express themselves, and pursue their passions.

‘Creation of Beauty’ Starts Here

Given that everyone enjoys creating, Huawei wants to give users the resources they need to let their creativity run wild. At its "Creation of Beauty" launch event in Dubai last year, Huawei announced their plan to develop high-end, globally appealing products that combine fashion and technology.

Earlier this year, they announced the HUAWEI GoPaint Worldwide Creating Activity in support of this initiative. The goal of the global digital art competition, the HUAWEI GoPaint Worldwide Creating Activity, was to encourage self-expression and creativity. Thousands of amazing entries have been submitted from all over the world, all of which were made with Huawei tablets and the GoPaint app. With a suite of creative tools for more intuitive, impromptu, clever, and effective creation, the GoPaint app serves creators. 

Express Yourself with Every Creation on the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X

In the Philippines, the Huawei MatePad 12 X will be sold on Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok, the Huawei Online Store, and Huawei Experience Stores all over the country. In order to receive PHP 3,000 off when they pay the remaining amount between November 28 and December 5, early birds can pay a PHP 1,000 deposit at Huawei Experience Stores between November 15 and November 27. Collect Early Bird Vouchers worth PHP 2,000 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok. between November 15 and December 31 and between November 28 and December 31 for redemption.

Stay tuned for the pre-order details and the official launch of the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X. To learn more, visit Huawei’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

About HUAWEI Consumer BG

HUAWEI's products and services are available in more than 170 countries and are used by a third of the world's population. Fifteen R&D centers have been set up in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India and China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is one of HUAWEI's three business units and covers smartphones, PC and tablets, wearables and cloud services, etc. HUAWEI's global network is built on over 30 years of expertise in the telecom industry and is dedicated to delivering the latest technological advances to consumers around the world.

For more information please visit: this page.

Innovative technologies for sustainable smart city and infrastructure development in the Philippines are highlighted by the U.S. trade mission

The mother company of NGA 911 Philippines/NGCS, the nation's provider of next-generation advanced emergency response, NGA 911 LLC, is in town on a trade mission with the goal of introducing cutting-edge goods, services, and solutions that will support the Philippines' sustainable urban development and economic expansion.

arranged by the United States. Commerce Department, with assistance from the U.S. Embassy, the Mission seeks to promote cooperation and information sharing between local stakeholders and mission representatives.

During a meeting with government representatives, twelve companies that provide state-of-the-art U.S. solutions for sustainable smart city and infrastructure development showcased and discussed cutting-edge infrastructure technologies for local business, industrial, and lifestyle applications.

Data-sharing that protects privacy, advanced engineering, construction, and project management solutions, mobile app data management and privacy behaviors, cyber security services, energy services, progressive and comprehensive rail industry solutions, graph-based AI technologies, and next-generation, advanced emergency response are among the businesses.

The trade mission, which will examine local governance practices and urban development strategies in the two countries, is a follow-up to the very successful Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila that was conducted last March on behalf of President Joe Biden and was led by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Manila and Clark City were the two stops it made in the Philippines.

Next-generation advanced command centers in Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan; and Cagayan de Oro City already have NGA 911 technology installed. NGA 911 LLC entered the country in 2018 with the goal of introducing state-of-the-art public safety solutions that are the norm in the US and Europe.

As more LGUs comply with Executive Order 56's directive to establish 911 as the national emergency hotline and establish a unified national emergency system utilizing cutting-edge, next-generation technology, other LGUs, including Cebu City and others in important cities, will soon follow.

Savor McDonald's New Holiday Delights, Available for a Short Time Only

Beginning on November 15, McDonald's Philippines will be incorporating holiday charm into its menu with exclusive, time-limited items. To bring out the kid in you this Christmas season, the fast-food chain's iconic McFlurry and larger, better Chicken McDo have been given a festive makeover. 

The Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo is a new and festive take on McDonald's classic Chicken McDo. It has a subtle glaze of sweet barbecue sauce, which provides the ideal balance of savory and smoky flavors. Two new McFlurry flavors will be available for dessert lovers to sate their holiday sweet tooth: the  Hazelnut McFlurry, a rich, crunchy chocolate treat that adds hazelnut indulgence to McDonald's popular Vanilla Soft Serve, and the Tiramisu McFlurry, a well-balanced blend of sweet coffee and cocoa flavors with hints of Malt Crunch. 

At the company’s launch of their holiday campaign, "Love Ko ang Pasko! Love Ko ang McDo!”

“These are the moments and little things that make the holiday season feel familiar yet special in every McDonald's store. First on the list is sharing feel-good moments over food at McDonald’s. This holiday season, our customers can look forward to bonding with friends and family over our special holiday offers.” ~Ashley Santillan-Delgado, McDonald’s Philippines Marketing Director

Customers can anticipate more festive promotions on the McDonald's App beginning November 16—it's time to go big and indulge. Consumers can anticipate holiday promotions that are impossible to refuse!  

• Php109 Holiday Deals running from November 16 –30 

o Double Holiday McFlurry LTO (Hazelnut and Tiramisu) where you can choose two of the same flavors or one of each! 

o Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo Meal with Mango Passion  

 

• Holiday Mega Deal from December 1–15 

o Enjoy the Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo Meal with any Holiday McFlurry for only Php159 

McDonald's is committed to giving every customer who enters the restaurant or drives through the Ride-Thru lanes a genuinely positive experience during the holiday season. These holiday specials and discounts can make any McDonald's meal a cause for celebration. This Christmas season and beyond, savor the Love Ko ang Pasko spirit at McDonald's, which unites friends, family, and festive flavors. 

For more information, visit McDonalds.com.ph, or follow https://www.facebook.com/McDo.ph on Facebook, and https://www.instagram.com/mcdo_ph/ on Instagram. 

About McDonald’s Philippines 

McDonald’s Philippines’ master franchise holder Dr. George T. Yang – who oversees and sits as Chairman for over 40 years -- founded and brought the first McDonald’s store to the country in 1981. Since then, McDonald’s in the Philippines has been a formidable player in the country’s quick-service restaurant industry, having grown a store network of over 750 nationwide. McDonald’s Philippines continues to aspire to make a difference in communities where it operates through its charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines. 

Cebu Pacific Offers Exclusive Seat Sale for Sapporo Flights

In keeping with the holiday spirit, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the top airline in the Philippines, is holding another seat sale in November, this time for the recently opened direct route to Sapporo, Japan (New Chitose).

Sale Period: November 13 – 19, 2024

Price: PHP 1,488.00 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges

Travel Period: January 16 – March 29, 2025

Travelers can anticipate taking part in a variety of winter activities as the promotion highlights the ideal time of year to visit Sapporo. Everyone can find something they enjoy, whether it's sledding and snowman building at Takino Suzuran Hillside Park or skiing and snowboarding at Teine Ski Resort.

CEB operates in 35 domestic and 27 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.

Cebu Pacific's Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: Cebu Pacific Air

X: @CebuPacificAir

Instagram: cebupacificair

Slimmers World and Huawei Philippines Collaborate to Offer a Dance Fitness Class Highlighting the Huawei Watch GT 5 Series

In collaboration with Slimmers World, a giant in the fields of slimming, health, fitness, and beauty, HUAWEI Philippines held a dance fitness class to further promote health. The recently released HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series was also featured in the dance class, which was held on October 31 at the Huawei Experience Store in SM North EDSA.

HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series: The Perfect Fitness Companion

At the beginning of the event, a Huawei Product Expert gave guests an overview of the new Huawei smartwatch's features and why it would be the ideal partner for any kind of exercise. A stylish smartwatch with cutting-edge fitness tracking features is the Huawei WATCH GT 5 Series. The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro 46mm and 42mm, as well as the Huawei Watch GT 5 46mm and 41mm, are the four models in the series. Nanocrystal ceramic and aerospace-grade titanium alloy are used to create the opulent and long-lasting finish of the Huawei GT 5 Pro models. 

With its AI-powered Running Coach, improved trail running navigation, free diving support with water resistance of up to 40 meters, and an upgraded Golf Mode (Pro Version) feature with over 15,000 global course maps, including over 100 in the Philippines, the most recent model of the Huawei WATCH GT Series is powered by the Huawei TruSense System and offers customized fitness features. Along with supporting more than 100 workout modes, including "dance," and other sports modes under the "custom" function, the watch also tracks users' daily movements with the Activity Rings feature. Timing, heart rate, calories, and training stress are among the fundamental dance data that are tracked by this feature. This feature allows you to record a variety of dances, such as ballet, jazz, Latin dance, belly dance, plaza dance, and more.

In addition to fitness features, watch users can keep an eye on their heart health with SpO2 and ECG monitoring, as well as Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis capabilities. The sophisticated Sleep Breathing Awareness function keeps track of users' sleep patterns and aids in the treatment of conditions like sleep apnea. A more comprehensive approach to personal wellness and management is now possible with the watch's Emotional Wellbeing Assistant, which tracks users' emotional states and is paired with the Pet Panda watch face, which shows an animated panda reflecting users' moods.

Slimmers World’s Dance Class with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series

Following that, guests were invited to join Slimmers World instructors Coaches Rochelle Eugenio and Karen Mallari for an exuberant dance class. A smartwatch was loaned to the first few attendees as a special perk, enabling them to experience the watch firsthand. During the session, participants used the Huawei Watch GT 5 Series to track their health and performance metrics while moving to the beat. 

HUAWEI offers a number of masterclasses and workshops, the first of which is the dance class with Slimmers World. For those interested in learning more about the painting app that is only available on Huawei tablets, HUAWEI will host a GoPaint Masterclass in November.

Upgrade Your Fitness with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series

Take your fitness journey to the next level with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series, now available on Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Prices start at PHP 12,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 46mm with black fluoroelastomer strap and HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 41mm with blue fluoroelastomer strap. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 46mm with blue woven strap along with the HUAWEI WATCH 41mm in brown woven and white leather straps, are valued at PHP 13,999. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 46mm with black fluoroelastomer strap is valued at PHP 17,999 while the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 46mm with titanium strap is valued at PHP 24,999. The price for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 42mm with white fluoroelastomer strap is set at PHP 22,999 and at PHP 31,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 42mm with white ceramic strap.

To learn more about the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series and to stay updated on the upcoming masterclasses and workshops from HUAWEI, visit Huawei’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

About HUAWEI Consumer BG

HUAWEI's products and services are available in more than 170 countries and are used by a third of the world's population. Fifteen R&D centers have been set up in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India and China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is one of HUAWEI's three business units and covers smartphones, PC and tablets, wearables and cloud services, etc. HUAWEI's global network is built on over 30 years of expertise in the telecom industry and is dedicated to delivering the latest technological advances to consumers around the world.

For more information please visit: this page.

The first flip phone with two 4K ProStable vlogging cameras priced under 30,000 pesos is the Infinix ZERO Flip

Glow-ups are an indication of empowerment and progress. Knowing what's best for you, such as being able to express yourself freely during these "Blossom" moments, is key. This is the goal of the new Infinix ZERO Flip, which will go on sale on November 19, 2024, and has amazing features that empower women to take control of their lives and realize their full potential.

The Infinix ZERO Flip is a vlogging phone that blends innovation through its partnership with GoPro and style with its Blossom Glow (Pink) colorway, which is WGSN's Smartphone Color of the Year for 2025. Being the first flip phone in the world to support 4K ProStable video recording on both the front and back, it gives women the ability to "GET IN NOW" and document life from all perspectives.

The future of style

The Infinix ZERO Flip's Blossom Glow version, which was inspired by WSGN's 2025 trend report, is a striking yet elegant shade that stands for elegance and timeless design. The flip phone becomes a fashion statement that appeals to empowered users due to the color selection. Similarly, the Rock Black version's understated yet sophisticated black color scheme appeals to customers with more traditional tastes.

A reliable vlogging buddy

With the Infinix ZERO Flip, users can record high-quality footage from any angle thanks to its dual 4K ProStable Vlog Cameras, which were developed in partnership with GoPro. With the support of ProStable Technology, it creates videos of a professional caliber that are clear and shake-free wherever they are filmed.

For all kinds of creators, the ZERO Flip is unquestionably an excellent vlogging partner that enables them to capture moments with accuracy and high quality. With its 120Hz refresh rate and Minimal Screen Crease, the 3.64" Cover Screen guarantees uninterrupted viewing of every detail. Additionally, the ZERO Flip can be easily converted into a full-screen device for various viewing options thanks to the phone's Zero Gap Hinge.

Glow up with the Infinix ZERO Flip if you're looking for a fashionable smartphone that encourages self-expression and vision. Users can further explore themselves through the ZERO Flip's lens thanks to the brand's innovative partnership with GoPro, which expands the possibilities for imaginative storytelling. In addition to reflecting the flip phone's current style, the use of Blossom Glow in its design also reflects the vibrancy that encourages its users to lead colorful lives.

ACT NOW to use the Infinix ZERO Flip to record your blossom moments from every perspective. For more news and details about this stylish flip phone, make sure to visit the website and like and follow Infinix's official Facebook page.

URC brands are still top picks among Filipino homes

According to the Brand Footprint report by brand consulting firm Kantar Group, six brands produced by food and beverage company Universal Robina Corp. (URC) continue to rank among the top choices among millions of Filipino households.

In the annual study, three of these brands—C2, Nissin, and Cream All—saw an increase in rankings.

Piattos is still one of the most popular food brands, and Great Taste is one of the top ten most popular brands in the entire FMCG and beverage industry. In contrast, Payless was listed for the first time among the top 20 food brands.

“We are happy to see that our well-loved brands are reaching even more Filipinos, delighting them with good food choices everyday. This report also inspires us to continue giving Pinoys products of superior quality and value. Indeed, Great Taste, C2,Piattos, Payless, Nissin and Cream All are just some of our brands loved by Filipinos across generations.” ~Mian David, URC’s chief marketing officer and managing director of URC International

The “consumer reach points” (CRP) metric, which is used in Kantar's Brand Footprint study, gauges a brand's strength by counting the number of customers who purchase it and how frequently. In essence, it displays the brands that are most successful at the point of sale.

“Filipinos are now spending more on FMCG, presenting a bigger opportunity for more brands to win. Among these brands, many of them are able to do so with improved penetration.” ~Mieke Bartholomeus, Strategic Insights Director at Kantar’s Worldpanel Division

With a 440m CRP, URC's Great Taste coffee came in at number eight among FMCG products and fourth in the beverage industry. The CRP of the ready-to-drink tea C2 increased by 25% to 32 million, placing it as the 14th most popular brand in the beverage industry.

In 2023, there were about 281,000 more households purchasing C2, and it was more prevalent in supermarkets, sari-sari shops, and market stalls. Nissin instant noodles rose to No. 16 in the food industry, while snack brand Piattos maintained its seventh-place position.

With a CRP of 74 million, Payless, another brand of instant noodles, entered the Top 20 brands in the category, ranking 50th among FMCG brands and 19th in the food sector.

While the still-small, recently released Payless Sakto is already generating traction for the brand, the core variant Payless Xtra Big remains a major attraction. Cream All rose to the 19th position in the dairy industry.

Worldpanel, a division of Kantar, offers retailers and brands a comprehensive, 360-degree view of global consumer behavior. Worldpanel continuously tracks consumer purchasing patterns in order to better understand people worldwide and develop the brands of the future. 

URC produces iconic brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy and Cream-O cookies, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. One of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, URC also has significant, and growing, presence in ASEAN. Its leading regional brands include Lexus, Tivoli and Fun-O.

Brands from food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corp. (URC) continue to be among the top choices among millions of Filipino households, according to brand consulting firm Kantar Group’s Brand Footprint report.

Ant International deploys AI to streamline and protect cross-border transactions for nearly 100 million SMEs worldwide

In order to improve and secure millions of cross-border transactions for merchants in more than 200 global markets, Ant International, a prominent global provider of digital payments and financial technology with its headquarters located in Singapore, has been stepping up its integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

“Integration of AI into the processing of cross-border transactions is of critical importance to further strengthening global trade and commerce, especially for SMEs who up to now can't afford real-time global settlement services. In deploying AI in merchant services, enhanced fraud detection and prevention against new scamming schemes like deepfaking is as important, if not more important, as increasing operational efficiency. We have safeguards in place to ensure human intervention if discrepancies arise between the new and old models. We avoid having blind faith in AI, maintaining checks to uphold accuracy.” ~Yang Peng, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International

AI-powered FX model to reduce costs

Ant International can now forecast currency exchange rates on an hourly basis in addition to daily or weekly ones thanks to artificial intelligence. With the help of this sophisticated AI model, which has been developed over many years, merchants can make accurate predictions for both inbound and outbound transactions, lowering transaction costs and freeing up resources for business expansion.

Hundreds of different models can be combined into a single, more accurate system by the new AI-powered FX model. But there are risks associated with processing millions of transactions every day using a single model.

AI-powered e-KYC to combat deepfake

Because these complex forgeries are getting harder for humans to spot, advances in generative AI, and in particular deepfake technologies, are presenting serious security challenges for financial institutions. Over the course of two years, Ant International has created an anti-deepfake electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) tool to combat AI-assisted cyberattacks. Mr. Yang claims that this tool has an interception success rate of over 99%.

New partnerships during SFF

On Tuesday, OCBC and Ant International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the goal of utilizing AI and innovations to enhance efficiency and transparency in order to achieve 24/7 real-time transactions between Singapore and Malaysia through Ant International's Whale platform.

In order to give foreign visitors their preferred payment services through domestic e-wallets, PayPay, the leading QR payment operator in Japan, announced an expanded partnership with Alipay+, Ant International's cross-border mobile payment and digitalization technology solution.

Cebu Pacific Rolls Out Another Piso Sale Ahead of Holidays

This November, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, will surprise everyone with two consecutive Super Seat Fests. This will mark the return of CEB's famous Piso Sale and encourage all Juan to give themselves or their loved ones the gift of travel this holiday season.

Seat Sale Period: November 7 – 11, 2024

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

Travel Period: June 1 to October 31, 2025

Travelers can anticipate a variety of experiences throughout the Philippines as early as this year, including exploring the rich historical sites of Iloilo and Bohol (Tagbilaran), the vibrant coral reefs of Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa, and going on exhilarating outdoor adventures in the eco-parks of Davao and General Santos.

Filipinos who have always wanted to travel to Japan or Singapore can now enjoy convenient flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, Davao, or Iloilo thanks to Cebu Pacific's improved international connectivity. Traveling abroad is now more alluring than ever thanks to CEB's affordable fares, which can take visitors as far as Melbourne, Sydney, and Dubai.

In the meantime, travelers who have immediate travel plans still have today to take advantage of Cebu Pacific's exclusive November deal. With a travel period from January 1 to March 31, 2025, passengers can purchase one of CEB's 750,000 domestic seats for as little as PHP 99 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges.

Travel Funds can be used by passengers to purchase additional items and make travel reservations. Other payment methods that CEB provides include e-wallets and credit or debit cards.

CEB operates in 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.  

Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale 

Follow Cebu Pacific's Social media Accounts:

Facebook: CebuPacific Air

X: CebuPacificAir

Instagram: cebupacificair

SM Mobilize Relief Efforts in Typhoon-Affected Communities

SM City Grand Central keeps the bayanihan spirit alive as it mobilizes relief efforts and extends immediate relief assistance to communities affected by the typhoon Kristine.

Following Typhoon "Kristine," SM Supermalls and SM Foundation Inc. coordinated relief efforts in Caloocan, Malabon, and Valenzuela at the same time through their Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program.

Families in Brgy 35 Maypajo in Caloocan city were happy to receive their relief packs distributed by the SM Foundation through SM City Grand Central. Under the program Operation Tulong Express, a total of 500 relief packs were distributed to Brgy 35 Maypajo in Caloocan City.

A heartwarming moment as a senior citizen receives a much-needed relief pack from SM City Valenzuela.

Truckloads of "kalinga packs" filled with rice, canned goods, noodles, and bottled water were distributed in Caloocan and Malabon by volunteers from SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM Savemore Malabon. Brgy was one of the hardest-hit barangays that received aid. 35 Brgy and Maypajo. Brgy. Tinajeros in Malabon City and 2 Sangandaan in Caloocan. In regions where there has been substantial displacement, 850 families received direct aid with the help of the local rescue team, offering vital relief. 

SM City Valenzuela conducts door-to-door relief pack distribution in Brgy.Viente Reales in Valenzuela City.

In the meantime, SM City Valenzuela distributed relief packs door-to-door in Brgy. Viente Reales, Valenzuela City, going above and beyond the call of duty. Individual home visits by volunteers made sure that those who couldn't get to relief centers had access to basic supplies. Two hundred families benefited from this customized distribution strategy. 

Volunteers from SM Center Sangandaan and SM Savemore Malabon were grouped, deployed, and sent to areas with the highest number of displaced families and recurring floodwaters, like Brgy 2 Sangandaan in Caloocan and Brgy.Tinajeros in Malabon City.

Rounds of relief operations were conducted by SM Center Sangandaan and SM Savemore Malabon in typhoon-stricken barangays in Caloocan and Malabon city. A total of 350 beneficiaries were given aid during the relief distribution.

The distribution of kalinga packs is a component of Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), a social program run by the SM Foundation in association with SM Markets and SM Supermalls. It seeks to meet community needs in times of disaster and emergency. Close collaboration with SM Supermalls staff and volunteers is required for its execution.