SM Center Sangandaan offers FREE AI Skills Session

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how people study, work, and conduct business, SM Center Sangandaan plans to assist members of the community in better understanding and navigating the technology through a free upskilling session focused on practical AI applications.

The learning session, titled "AI for All," will take place on September 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the 2nd floor of SM Center Sangandaan, which is adjacent to KKV.

The session's goal is to make artificial intelligence more accessible by moving beyond technical jargon and focusing on how AI can be applied in everyday work, business, productivity, and career advancement.

Participants will learn about the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and prompt engineering, as well as practical AI applications in the workplace, business, and productivity. The session will also cover responsible and ethical AI use, assisting learners in understanding not only what the technology can do, but also how it should be applied.

The program will also introduce participants to IBM SkillsBuild, which will offer them additional learning resources as they continue to develop their skills in an increasingly digital workplace.

The free learning session is part of SM Supermalls' ongoing effort to bring accessible skill development and career opportunities closer to Filipino communities.

As AI becomes more prevalent in various industries, learning how to use it can provide students, job seekers, working professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs with another tool for navigating new opportunities.

Because "Your next skill could open your next door," SM Center Sangandaan encourages the community to take the first step by learning something new, understanding emerging technologies, and becoming more prepared for the future.

The AI for All session is made possible by the collaboration of SM Supermalls, DICT, and IBM SkillsBuild, which brings together industry and learning partners to make digital skill development more accessible to the community.

For registration details and additional information, interested participants should scan the QR code found in the official event materials or visit the SM Center Sangandaan's official Facebook page for the most recent event updates and announcements.

Infinix XPAD 30 Pro Is Set to Redefine the Ultimate Entertainment Experience on September 8​

A new era of tablet performance is about to begin. The upcoming Infinix XPAD 30 Pro, which will be available on September 8, 2026, is expected to raise the bar for what users can expect from a tablet in this price range. Designed for users who demand more from their daily entertainment, the XPAD 30 Pro combines powerful performance, an immersive high-definition display, smart AI-powered features, and an ultra-slim design.

Beyond entertainment, the XPAD 30 Pro includes AI-powered learning and productivity features that allow students and professionals to balance school and light office work. It is designed to meet the needs of both everyday learning and work, from AI note-taking and generating graphs or visuals for presentations to attending remote meetings.

Power Up Your Entertainment

The Helio G200 Ultimate Processor powers the XPAD 30 Pro, providing gaming-optimized performance for smooth, responsive gameplay with less lag.

Whether you're playing your favorite games, streaming content, or switching between apps, the XPAD 30 Pro is designed to provide the power required to keep up with an entertainment-focused lifestyle.

The XPAD 30 Pro is already making waves in the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) and Aurora Gaming, where its gaming performance is being tested in intense MLBB action. With exclusive game-optimized features and a large, immersive display, the upcoming tablet is designed to provide players with a clearer, more engaging view of the battlefield, from spotting enemies to landing attacks.

With performance at its core, the XPAD 30 Pro is shaping up to be one of the strongest-performing tablets in its price segment.

Experience Every Detail 

Performance is only a part of the experience. The XPAD 30 Pro also includes an 11-inch 2.5K Eye-Care Display, which provides sharp, detailed visuals for your favorite entertainment.

From watching movies and videos to browsing your favorite content, the high-definition display is intended to make every scene more immersive while also providing an eye-care viewing experience for extended periods of time.

The display, combined with its powerful processor, creates the ideal environment for an immersive entertainment experience no matter where you are.

The Infinix XPAD 30 Pro in Twilight Purple

A Smarter Way to Enjoy Content Is Coming

The XPAD 30 Pro elevates entertainment with its AI-powered all-scenario experience, which is intended to make every moment more convenient, creative, and engaging.

With AI-powered features, users can get information about the entertainment content they're watching with a single tap, turn spontaneous ideas into content with AI-powered creation tools, and easily follow along with their favorite videos thanks to AI-subtitled video streaming.

Whether you're learning more about what you're watching, creating content on the fly, or watching videos in multiple languages, the XPAD 30 Pro integrates AI into everyday entertainment for a smarter, more seamless experience.

Big Performance. Slimmer Form.

Despite packing powerful capabilities, the XPAD 30 Pro maintains an ultra-slim and lightweight design at just 6mm thin and 476g.

The sleek form factor makes it easy to carry and comfortable to use throughout the day, whether you're gaming at home, streaming while relaxing, or taking your entertainment with you on the go.

Get Ready to Level Up Your Entertainment

With its powerful Helio G200 Ultimate Processor, immersive 11-inch 2.5K Eye-Care Display, AI-powered experience, and 6mm ultra-slim, 476g lightweight design, the XPAD 30 Pro is poised to deliver the performance and features users require for an elevated entertainment experience.

More importantly, Infinix is positioning the XPAD 30 Pro to provide strong performance at an exceptional value, making it an appealing option for users seeking the best-performing tablet in its price range.

The XPAD 30 Pro comes in three stylish colors: Twilight Purple, Titanium Silver, and Anthracite Grey, and is ready to deliver powerful performance and an enhanced entertainment experience right to your fingertips.

Don’t miss the launch and join the TikTok Shop Launch Event on September 8 and be among the first to discover what’s next for tablet entertainment.

About Infinix

Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more—building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

For more information, please visit: https://ph.infinixmobility.com/

The Comfort Food Fix: Familiar Favorites at SM City Marilao Foodcourt

Kwek kwek all you can at Eggspert.

There's something comforting about familiar food, whether it's a warm bowl of lugaw on a rainy day, a delicious kwek-kwek for a quick merienda, or a favorite snack to munch on in between errands. These simple cravings come together at your favorite SM City Marilao Foodcourt to make each meal a little more enjoyable.

Ultimate comfort food staples at Lugaw Republic.

For those seeking something warm and nourishing, Lugaw Republic offers comforting goodness that will make you feel right at home. Meanwhile, Eggspert's street food-inspired egg recipes provide a flavorful fix perfect for merienda or a quick bite. Are you craving something savory?  PotDog's dimsum on a stick is a tasty snack, while Noodlemix's fried noodles are a filling meal that comes with delicious sauces.

From quick bites to satisfying comfort meals, there’s always something delicious waiting at the SM City Marilao Foodcourt.

And for those who adore a handheld favorite, Fariñas Ilocos Empanada offers savory Ilocano classics— perfect for enjoying while taking a break from a busy mall day.

PotDog makes for an easy-to-enjoy snack.

Noodlemix’s fried noodles paired with savory sauces is a perfect choice for quick meals.

Bite into Fariñas’ signature crispy Ilocos Empanada, freshly prepared with its distinct golden-orange crust and savory filling.

Whether it's a quick snack, a satisfying meal, or simply a longing for something familiar, SM City Marilao Foodcourt offers comfort food staples that make every visit feel a bit more like home.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

When Innovation Meets Everyday Life at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion

Technology has become an integral part of everyday Filipino life, from how we work and communicate to how we care for our health and make our homes more comfortable. As these lifestyles evolve, it becomes increasingly important to find practical solutions that make daily tasks easier, healthier, and more convenient.

From September 17 to 19, Filipinos can discover how Taiwan innovation fits into these familiar moments at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2026, located at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. The pavilion, themed "Empowering a Smarter Future," will showcase 24 Taiwan Excellence-awarded brands in four categories: Intelligent Technology, Smart Life, Smart Healthcare, and Consumer Electronics. Together, the showcase provides a glimpse into how technology can become a useful part of modern life.

Meet Familiar Faces at the Pavilion 

Adding to the experience, Filipino celebrities Ivana Alawi and Dimples Romana will appear in the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2026. Their presence provides a familiar Filipino perspective while demonstrating how technology and innovation can naturally integrate into modern lifestyles.

Visitors can also expect FuBear, Taiwan Excellence's brand ambassador, to appear throughout the three-day event and interact with attendees at the pavilion. FuBear's job is to share Taiwan's best products, technology, and eco-friendly lifestyle with the world.

Innovation Designed Around Everyday Life 

Technology does not always imply something complicated or futuristic. It can sometimes be as simple as finding a smarter and more convenient way to manage daily tasks, making your home more comfortable, staying connected, or having better tools to support personal well-being.

These everyday needs are reflected in the products displayed at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion. The Intelligent Technology category highlights solutions for creating smarter environments, whereas Smart Life focuses on products that improve daily comfort and convenience. Smart Healthcare showcases solutions that use innovation to promote health and wellness, whereas Consumer Electronics features technologies that are appropriate for today's connected lifestyles.

Rather than just displaying new technologies, the pavilion allows visitors to see how these Advancements can be incorporated into everyday routines. From discovering useful technologies for the home, Exploring devices designed for health and connectivity, the experience provides a closer look at how Taiwanese brands are developing products to meet the changing needs of consumers.

A Closer Look at Taiwan's Award-Winning Innovations 

The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion will bring together products from participating Taiwan brands, allowing Filipino consumers to explore different technologies in one space. 

On September 17, representatives from participating Taiwan companies and organizations will also share messages highlighting Taiwan's continued focus on innovation, international collaboration and the development of products that meet the needs of consumers around the world. 

Visitors can also take part in interactive activities and experience selected products through hands-on experiences and even win amazing instant prizes! This allows them to move beyond simply viewing the technologies and gain a better understanding of how these innovations can be used in everyday settings. 

For more information and updates on the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2026, follow Taiwan Excellence on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

AHEAD and Pru Life UK partner to help Filipinos invest in quality education

AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center has partnered with Pru Life UK, one of the Philippines' leading life insurers, to provide eligible Pru Life UK customers, agents, employees, and select family members with exclusive discounts on AHEAD's college entrance test review programs, tutorial services, and supplementary classes. 

Education is one of the most important investments that a family can make. While financial planning helps to protect a child's future, quality education allows them to shape it. By combining the two, AHEAD and Pru Life UK hope to make quality educational support more accessible to Filipino families.

For over 30 years, AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center has helped over 250,000 students prepare for college entrance exams and achieve academic success through its comprehensive review and tutorial programs. AHEAD, one of the Philippines' leading review centers, provides specialized UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) review, Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) review, De La Salle College Admission Test (DCAT) review, and UST Entrance Test (USTET) review programs, as well as personalized tutorials for students from kindergarten to college.

"This partnership reflects our belief that investing in education is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children. By working with Pru Life UK, we hope to make our programmes more accessible to families who are actively planning for their children's future. Together, we are supporting not just academic success, but lifelong opportunities." ~Rossana Llenado, Founder and President of AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center

Pru Life UK is one of the Philippines' leading life insurers, demonstrating its commitment to protecting Filipinos' financial future and well-being for all lives and futures.  

 

Pru Life UK was founded in 1996 and now operates over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, with the largest life insurance agency force of over 33,000 licensed agents. 

  

Pru Life UK provides a wide range of tailored solutions that help customers make their promises to their loved ones a reality by demonstrating that they can rely on PRU to meet their unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life, health, accident, disability, and investment-linked insurance.

“At Pru Life UK, we believe protection is about helping families prepare for life’s important milestones. This partnership with AHEAD allows us to extend meaningful value to our customers, agents, employees and their families by giving them access to educational support as they plan for the future.” ~Kathryn Cajucom, Vice President and Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications

How to avail of the exclusive offer?

Active Pru Life UK customers, including policyowners and life insureds, agents, customers, and select family members such as spouses, children, and siblings, can take advantage of this exclusive offer. To use the benefit, eligible individuals must fill out the online enrollment form in the AHEAD benefit section of the Pru Life UK Rewards & Promo website. The webpage also contains additional information on eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions, and terms and conditions.

As students prepare for increasingly competitive entrance exams, access to high-quality academic support is more important than ever. Through this collaboration, AHEAD and Pru Life UK reaffirm their shared commitment to assisting families in planning for every stage of their children's future, from financial security to educational achievement.

As AHEAD and Pru Life UK form this strategic partnership, both organizations remain committed to assisting Filipino families in planning for the future, whether through financial security, educational excellence, or the opportunities that come with both.

Because every great future begins with thoughtful preparation.

Think AHEAD.

About Pru Life UK

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

 

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of over 33,000 licensed agents. 

  

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

Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 850,000 individual policyholders and more than 50,000 insured group members, and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of FY 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.   

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

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

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

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

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

Notes: 

*New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year  

Please use "Pru Life UK" when referring to the company.

Delicious and nutritious soup recipes with Ajinomoto Philippines

Rainy Habagat nites evoke a desire for hot and hearty soup, which you can easily prepare in minutes after a long work or school day.

Skip the slow cooking process without sacrificing flavor with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, a popular flavor enhancer that is widely used to enhance the deliciousness of vegetable recipes, meat dishes, sauces, broths, soups, and much more. 

Give vegetables, meats, and seafood a mouthwatering, savory boost with a "tak, tak, tak" of MSG, the purest form of umami. MSG does not provide additional calories, unnecessary color, or complex flavors. It adds depth of flavor while lowering your sodium intake because MSG contains only about one-third the sodium found in table salt.

Here are two easy soup recipes from Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC)’s Cookmunity website to bookmark for the rainy months:

• Egg Drop Soup

This comforting soup is ideal for cozy evenings and evokes cherished childhood memories as well as the joy of being safe at home with family. One sip and a burst of umami can relieve stress and rehydrate the body.

Ingredients

• 6 cups (1500ml) Water
• 1/2 cup (65g) Carrots, cubed
• 2/3 cup (80g) Corn kernel, canned
• 2/3 cup (80g) Green peas, canned
• 3 Tbsps. (30g) Cornstarch
• 5 Tbsps. (75ml) Water for slurry
• 1 pack (11g) AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning
• 4 pcs. (200g) Eggs, beaten
• 1 Tbsp. (15ml) Water for egg mixture
• 1 tsp. (5g) Salt
• 1/2 tsp. (3ml) Sesame oil

 

Procedure

1. BOIL. In a pot, boil water. Once boiling, add carrots, corn and green peas. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Once vegetables are cooked, add cornstarch slurry.
2. SEASON. Add AJI-NO-MOTO® and salt then mix well. In a bowl, whisk eggs and water. Add egg mixture to the pot gradually while mixing. Turn off heat and add salt and sesame oil.
3. SERVE. Transfer onto serving bowls and enjoy. Can be garnished with spring onions.

• Molo Soup

Molo soup, a beloved Filipino classic that is meaty and garlicky, can be enhanced in flavor with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. This savory broth calms the senses and offers comforting nourishment.

Ingredients     

• 1 3/4 cups (375g) Pork, ground
• 1/2 cup (100g) Potato, minced
• 1/4 cup (35g) Carrots, minced
• 1/2 pc. (30g) White onions, minced
• 1 pc. (50g) Egg, beaten
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 20 pcs. Molo wrapper
• 2 Tbsps. (30ml) Cooking oil
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Red onions, minced
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Garlic, minced
• 4 cups (1000ml) Water
• 1 1/2 Tbsps. (20g) AJINOMOTO® Chicken Powder
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Soy Sauce
• 1 pack (11g) AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning
• 3 Tbsps. (20g) Spring onions, chopped
• 2 Tbsps. (10) Toasted garlic

 

Procedure

1. MIX. In a large bowl, mix pork, potato, carrots, white onions, egg, and salt.
2. MOLD. Take 1 tsp. of the mixture and place it in the middle of the molo wrapper. Dampen the molo wrapper with beaten egg to seal. Repeat until finished.
3. SAUTE. In a pot, heat oil to sauté red onions and garlic until fragrant.
4. SIMMER. Add water and AJINOMOTO® Chicken Powder, wait for it to simmer.
5. UMAMI-MIX. Add soy sauce and AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and stir.
6. SIMMER. Add molo dumplings onto the pot. Cook for 5-8 minutes.
7. SERVE. Transfer onto serving bowl and garnish with spring onions and toasted garlic.

Tap, pay, and go: BPI highlights effortless convenience of Google Pay for Android users

Speed and security in a single tap: BPI Debit Mastercard holders can check out effortlessly by unlocking their Android device and holding it near any contactless payment terminal.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is giving customers even more control over how they manage their daily transactions, encouraging Android users to improve their shopping and dining experiences by linking their BPI Debit Mastercards to Google Wallet.

Google Pay is intended to complement BPI's existing payment options, which include physical cards and QR scans via the BPI app. It introduces an ultra-fast "tap-and-go" lifestyle. Customers can complete transactions instantly without ever having to open a bag or wallet, whether they're getting coffee in the morning, running errands at the grocery store, or checking out online.

"We want our customers to experience the ultimate blend of convenience and modern lifestyle freedom. By linking their BPI Debit Mastercard to Google Wallet, our millions of Android users can turn their phones into a secure, all-in-one payment tool. It’s about making everyday purchases simpler, faster, and seamlessly integrated into your routine, backed by the trusted security of BPI." ~Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, BPI Head of Consumer Banking

Since April 15, BPI Debit Mastercard holders can easily add their cards to Google Wallet. Every transaction is protected by multi-layered security features, which ensure that actual card information is never shared with merchants.

How to Enroll BPI Debit Mastercard:

• Download and open the Google Wallet app on your NFC-enabled Android phone.
• Tap ‘Add a card’ and select ‘Payment card’ to add your card.
• Use your camera to scan your card or enter your card details manually.
• Agree to Google Pay and BPI’s Terms and Conditions.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your card via SMS One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
• Once your card is verified, it is ready to use with Google Pay.

Clients may use Google Pay anywhere contactless payments are embraced:

• In stores featuring contactless payment terminals
• In mobile apps that support Google Pay
• On websites offering Google Pay at checkout

As more customers adopt digital payment solutions, BPI encourages everyone to practice safe banking practices. BPI reminds customers not to share their OTPs, PINs, passwords, CVVs, or other account information with anyone, including those claiming to represent BPI. Legitimate BPI representatives will never request this information.

The availability of Google Pay for BPI Debit Mastercard holders demonstrates BPI's commitment to making modern payment technologies accessible and useful to more Filipinos. As payment preferences evolve, BPI remains committed to providing secure, practical, and customer-centric solutions for everyday financial transactions.

For more information on how to add a BPI Debit Mastercard to Google Wallet and use Google Pay, visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/bank/digital-banking/digital-wallets.