The local activation forms part of Haier’s global campaign with PSG, which saw landmark outdoor screens light up across major cities worldwide on December 31, 2025. The campaign highlights the shared values of excellence, innovation, and leadership that define both Haier and one of football’s most successful clubs

Haier lights Up EDSA with Paris Saint-Germain Partnership to Welcome 2026

Global home appliance brand Haier welcomed the new year by bringing the spirit of world-class football to Filipino audiences, as a New Year television commercial featuring stars of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was showcased on a prominent EDSA billboard in Metro Manila.

Haier became an Official Partner of Paris Saint-Germain in September 2025 through a multi-year agreement running until 2028. The partnership aims to integrate football passion into everyday life by connecting PSG’s champion mindset with Haier’s smart home technologies and user-centric innovations.

The New Year TVC, now visible to thousands of daily commuters along EDSA, features PSG players delivering a festive greeting while reinforcing a champion spirit that resonates with Filipino fans, as global football continues to grow in popularity in the Philippines.

Driven by the same pursuit of excellence seen on the pitch, Haier designs its products around people—powered by technology and proven in daily use. This philosophy is supported by Haier’s global localization strategy, ensuring solutions are tailored to the needs and lifestyles of consumers in different markets, including the Philippines.

Through high-impact outdoor placements, digital campaigns, and global sports partnerships, Haier continues to strengthen emotional connections with consumers worldwide. As 2026 begins, Haier remains committed to delivering champion experiences through innovation, technology, and shared values—bringing global inspiration closer to Filipino homes.

Building on its presence in the Philippines, Haier’s New Year activation brings global football excitement closer to Filipino fans. By lighting up a key EDSA billboard, the brand connects world-class innovation with everyday life, reaching commuters and households alike.

The activation highlights Haier’s commitment to smart, user-focused solutions that make modern living easier and more enjoyable. From energy-efficient appliances to connected home technologies, Haier continues to design products that fit seamlessly into Filipino lifestyles.

With football growing in popularity in the Philippines, Haier’s partnership with Paris Saint-Germain inspires teamwork, passion, and excellence—values that the brand brings to homes across the country as 2026 kicks off.

Smart Ways to Avoid Overspending and to Keep Your Wallet Full for the Holidays

Mall hours have extended and every store seems to have a big 50% off sign. Christmas has transformed into this spending spree, often viewed as a dedicated time of the year to shop for gifts to give our loved ones. However, there are times when the pressure that comes with the season of giving is increasing people’s tendency to overspend—a common pitfall to starting the new year with financial burden.

Still, you don't have to deprive yourself to avoid overspending this season. Instead of a one-time big material purchase, invest in something more productive and that will strengthen your healthy financial habits for the next year. To help you keep your wallet full throughout the holidays, here are four ways you can try:

Create a holiday budget

While budgeting seems to be a very common practice among Filipinos, many still overlook other costs beyond just planning for gifts and noche buena groceries. It is also important to set limits for decorations, travel, entertainment, and even gifts that are helpful in having realistic expectations. This is the number one way to avoid spontaneous buys that may lead to inaccurate tracking of purchases, improper use of savings, or worse, having none at all.

Check the prices and track your total

Not just because an item is on sale, means it’s already worth buying. It is good practice to consider that heavily discounted items may be part of a seasonal clearance or may occasionally have minor packaging or display imperfections. Always compare the price and quality against similar items as this pause allows you to make more informed decisions and ensures the purchase aligns with your set budget.

Consider non-traditional/hand-made gifts

Sometimes, hand-crafted or non-traditional gifts carry more meaning than expensive, store-bought items. You can either opt for activities, DIYing gifts, or offer valuable gestures like a "One Home-Cooked Meal of Your Choice", or you can also support small local businesses that would genuinely benefit from your purchases. These practices cost little to no money but are surely high in sentimental value, reduces clutter, and perfect for those who already seem to have every material thing.

Set smart financial goals

Beyond spending, Christmas also offers a gift of time and rest, letting you use the holiday to reflect and pivot from seasonal spending to long-term saving. It is important to use this downtime to create a clear financial plan so you can fund future major milestones—be it your next holiday, or life investments such as buying a house, setting up a business, or building an emergency fund.

The fun in the season of giving should not come with the pressure and common misconception that equates material gifts with love or worth. It is important to reframe the holidays away from consumerism. By prioritizing sustainable financial habits during this time, you can easily safeguard your budget and proactively manage your money just in time for the new year.

As a financial partner for long-term growth, Tala equips customers with the right tools and knowledge to help them ultimately reach their financial aspirations, all accessible just by using 1 valid government issued ID and their Android phones. With its hassle-free approval with zero collateral, Tala empowers Filipinos to take on their financial decisions, helping them start or expand their business with capital they can use for growth.

Its convenient and flexible online credit also lets users have complete control over their repayment date, as well as the amount they want to borrow within their loan limit. This allows customers to choose when to repay from a period of 15 to 61 days, enabling them to strategically align the schedule with their upcoming cash flow, such as their monthly salary or annual 13th-month bonus.

Tala’s award-winning financial literacy program, TALAkayan, also guides customers in better saving and budgeting to achieve their life goals. This workshop is designed to make personal finance simple, practical, and relatable for the everyday Filipino, teaching basic financial management topics and how to avoid potential risks and scams.

You can check out its digital content with new episodes coming out every Saturday on Tala’s official pages, further expanding its reach and impact from TALAkayan’s successful on-the-ground workshop series. This is part of its commitment to make financial education even more accessible to Filipinos and to bridge the gaps in financial inclusion. Visit Tala’s social media platforms, tala.ph, or get the official Tala app to know more.

Andres Muhlach as Adie in Bagets The Musical

Andres Muhlach continues the legacy of Adie in Bagets The Musical

The young Muhlach takes on his father’s iconic role for Bagets The Musical.

Four decades since the original Bagets film became a hit, the legacy of Adie lives on as another Muhlach takes the spotlight in Bagets The Musical.

Andres Muhlach, fresh from his film debut in Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna, will step into the role once played by his father, Aga Muhlach, in the 2026 stage adaptation of the beloved 1984 classic.

He completes the new-generation Bagets barkada, alternating performances with fellow VIVA artist Mico Hendrix Chua.

With this final cast reveal, audiences are all set to relive the magic, friendship, and first-love thrills of their teenage years.

Andres Muhlach as Adie in Bagets The Musical

From Aga to Andres

It is a full-circle moment for the young star to breathe new life into Adie, the charming boy-next-door.

“I understand how big Bagets was, and still is, in the Philippines. It’s such a huge part of many Filipino childhood,” he says. “To be part of it, let alone play my dad’s role, feels surreal.”

The original Adie, Aga Muhlach, could not be prouder.

“When we first found out that I got his breakthrough portrayal, he was super happy for me,” he shares. “He was also excited to see how I’m going to approach the character.”

Making the role his own

Bagets The Musical marks Andres’ first major theater project. Nerves were real, he admits, but with thorough practice and workshops, he felt ready.

“It’s really about honing your talents,” he says. “Once you start learning more about yourself and your abilities, it just makes you more motivated—to perform, improve, and keep getting better.”

While some might call it following in his father’s footsteps, he sees it differently.

“I’d want this to be my own path,” he explains.

“At the end of the day, the hard work is on us, the new Bagets cast. What we put out isn’t because of what the original actors did, but because we want to create something worthy for today’s fans.”

His dedication was evident in his thorough preparation for the role. Muhlach trained extensively, entered auditions well-prepared, and sang before the panel, even though he had never done anything like it on the spot.

“Ever since I was little, I dreamed of seeing myself on the silver screen and on stage,” shares Muhlach. “Now it’s happening. I just feel blessed.”

The rising star has already built a resume that includes TV series like Ang Mutya ng Section E and Da Pers Family.

The heart of ‘Bagets The Musical’

Though he has played high school roles before, Bagets The Musical gives him a chance to show a different side.

“Playing Adie now is a completely new experience,” he says. “He’s still the charismatic, charming boy-next-door type, but his story feels more mature because of his love interest.”

Audiences can once again enjoy the thrills and mischief of student days with the barkada.

“Atasha and I studied abroad, but I enjoyed my time here more because I was with my best friends,” he recalls. “Nothing beats being close to the people who made student life bearable. That’s really at the heart of Bagets The Musical.”

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Joining Muhlach in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel, and Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee, and Mico Hendrix Chua as Adie.

The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc, The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim. Bagets the Musical is also supported through a partnership with Sun Life Philippines.

Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee shot on location at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts

Catch the Topee Fever with Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf

These two are set to steal hearts as they channel the barkada’s cool martial arts whiz.

The barkada gets an extra dose of cool with Topee, the martial arts ace and certified athletic heartthrob. Originally portrayed by J.C. Bonnin in the 1984 classic, Topee makes his stage debut in the 2026 production of Bagets The Musical, where Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf will take on the role. These young stars will spark high school kilig as they bring their own brand of charm and mystery to the beloved character.

Embodying Topee’s Hiligaynon roots with Jeff Moses

Jeff Moses is set to showcase Topee’s Hiligaynon roots in the upcoming Bagets The Musical, a detail that deeply resonates with his own background.

Born and raised in Negros Occidental, Moses knows the weight of distance and the bittersweet pull of home.

“Puli ‘ta Bacolod. Madalas ‘yun ‘yung sinasabi niya sa nanay niya (Let’s go home to Bacolod. That’s what he often tells his mother),” he shares. “Ako ramdam ko ‘yung bigat no’n kasi tuwing holidays na lang din ako nakakauwi sa’min. (I can really feel the weight of that because I only get to go home during the holidays).”

After signing with GMA Sparkle Artist Center, Moses moved to Metro Manila, where he began building a career in film and television.

He has since starred in Under a Piaya Moon, earning Best Actor at the 1st Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, and appeared in the television series Abot Kamay na Pangarap and Magpakailanman. He was recognized as Outstanding Youth of the Philippines in the 2023 Philippine Outstanding Men & Women Awards.

“Si Topee kasi mabait, mature, at tinatratong pamilya ‘yung mga tropa niya, (Topee is kind, mature, and treats his friends like family),” he continues. “Pero deep inside, may tinatagong vulnerability (But deep inside, he hides a vulnerability).”

Life does not make it easy for the beloved character. He is pushed to grow up fast, stand on his own, and figure things out.

“Kahit ganun, siguro ang gusto kong ma-realize ng mga manonood ng Bagets The Musical ay hindi mawawala ’yung pagiging young at heart natin (Even so, what I hope audiences take away from Bagets The Musical is that our being young at heart never goes away,) ” Moses concludes. “Pwede pa rin tayong sumaya o malungkot na parang bata (We can still feel joy or sadness like a child.”

The 24-year-old artist is looking forward to his first theater stint. He admits feeling nervous about performing on a stage with no take twos or edits, just raw, live acting.

Finding Topee in Sam Shoaf

Sam Shoaf has a fun side unknown to most people. He loves the ’80s—the music, the fashion, the bright, lively colors.

“Everything was just full of life back then,” he says.

It’s the same spark he saw in Topee when he first watched the coming-of-age classic.

“If he were alive today, I think he’d be the kind of guy obsessed with working out on TikTok, always on his phone but never missing the fun,” adds Shoaf.

This is the quality he shares with the character. The young artist is passionate about learning different forms of martial arts. His role in Ang Mutya ng Section E even gained popularity for its fighter edge.

“I see a lot of similarities between me and Topee,” he shares. “We love staying active, but at the same time, I think we both prefer keeping much of what’s going on in our lives to ourselves.”

Most teenagers, or even adults, have felt emotions that are hard to explain. These feelings are at the heart of Bagets The Musical.

“The story is about us,” he explains. “Just a different timeline, different variables, but the same plot.”

Having appeared on The Voice Kids Philippines and Your Face Sounds Familiar, Shoaf says he’s excited to bring that heart to the stage through acting, singing, and dancing.

Such vibrant production captures that messy, thrilling ride of growing up. It shows that the magic of adolescence never truly disappears; it simply evolves over time.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with more cast members to be revealed soon. Joining Moses and Shoaf in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, and Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel.

The musical is produced by Newport World Resorts in cooperation with VIVA Communications Inc. and The Philippine STAR, guided by the vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim. Bagets the Musical is also supported in partnership with Sun Life Philippines.

The Hidden Risks to Heart Health Go Beyond Diet and Lifestyle

The Hidden Risks to Heart Health Go Beyond Diet and Lifestyle

LAC Philippines Promotes Everyday Cardiovascular Protection for Filipinos

Caring for the heart goes beyond an annual reminder. While Filipinos recently marked World Heart Day, keeping it healthy is a daily priority. After all, related diseases to it continue to be among the country’s top health concerns and consistent leading cause of death in the Philippines.

Beyond well-known factors like diet, exercise, and smoking, new research points to less visible risks. A study by NYU Langone Health this year linked chemicals commonly found in plastics, called phthalates, to more than 350,000 cardiovascular-related deaths globally. With the Philippines being one of the world’s biggest consumers of single-use plastics, using millions each day, this adds another layer of urgency to protecting cardiovascular wellness.

Everyday Steps to Lower Heart Risks

Maintaining healthy habits is still the most effective way to reduce risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Routine screenings also play a critical role in catching conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol before they progress.

Furthermore, stress management through quality sleep, meditation, and mindfulness, along with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, form the foundation for overall wellness. Omega-3 fatty acids in particular help reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and support circulation, while antioxidants protect against oxidative stress.

For added protection, Filipinos can combine these healthy habits with targeted nutrition like LAC TRIMAX™ Omega Fish Oil + CoQ-10, a premium 2-in-1 supplement designed to help promote heart health and overall vitality.

Each softgel delivers 1355mg of purified fish oil concentrate, providing 949mg of omega-3 fatty acids (Eicosapentaenoic Acid & Docosahexaenoic Acid) that help maintain healthy cholesterol, blood pressure, and circulation, ensuring nutrients and oxygen are efficiently delivered throughout the body. It also contains 100mg of Coenzyme Q-10, a vital nutrient for heart muscle strength and energy production. Since natural CoQ-10 levels decline with age, supplementation helps restore vitality, reduce breathlessness, and keep the heart performing at its peak.

Additionally, LAC TRIMAX™ Omega Fish Oil + CoQ-10 aids brain function, joint flexibility, skin comfort, and mood balance which helps Filipinos stay energized, resilient, and full of vitality at every stage of life. Purified to remove contaminants and enteric-coated to minimize fishy aftertaste, it is also safe for long-term use with just one softgel daily.

Awareness of both lifestyle and environmental risks, combined with proactive daily habits, is still a key to protecting overall well-being as cardiovascular disease continues to be a major health concern in the country.

Its other brands include Xndo Food For Health. LAC Global is dedicated to ensuring consumers stay well, and live life to the fullest.

Website: LAC.com.ph

Instagram: @LACworldwidePH

Facebook: @LACworldwidePH

TikTok: @LACworldwidePH

Introducing the OG conyo boy, Arnel

Ethan David and KD Estrada join as the third member of Bagets The Musical’s favorite barkada

Ethan David and KD Estrada join Bagets The Musical

Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel shot on location at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts

Bagets The Musical shows no signs of slowing down its big barkada reveal.

This time, the excitement is at an all-time high as the original conyo makes his entrance. First portrayed by Raymond Lauchengco, Arnel is a polished teen torn between following his heart and meeting his mother’s expectations.

The 2026 stage production invites a new generation to rediscover the character through the performances of young stars Ethan David and KD Estrada.

Ethan David on embracing the challenge

Ethan David is exactly the performer the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) has been looking for.

A member of the P-pop boy group G.A.T., he also boasts a solid acting resume, with credits in TV series such as Seducing Drake Palma, Ang Mutya ng Section E, and Avenues of the Diamond.

“I did theater abroad, but since coming home, I’ve focused more on screen work than stage,” he shares. “On TV, subtle expressions can work,” he explains. “On stage, I have to make my movements bigger and project my voice for the audience.”

Ethan David

Rather than shy away from the challenge, he embraces it by stepping out of his comfort zone with vocal training and stamina-building exercises.

“Arnel’s always all-out for his friends,” adds David. “I want the audience to feel that energy and see he’s there for them, whether in big gestures or small ones.”

Such dedication reflects how deeply he connects with the character. The artist admits that he’s faced his fair share of conflicts about what he wants.

“Despite his flaws, I hope the audience sees how he musters up courage and motivates others to do the same,” he shares.

KD Estrada on becoming one with Arnel

There is no mistaking it: KD Estrada is a complete mirror of Arnel. The accent, the height, the vibe — everything about him exudes a well-mannered charm.

“When I auditioned, my number one pick was Arnel because I see myself in him,” he begins. “I’d say if he were real right now, he would be exactly like me.”

The beloved character is fun but responsible, chill but not one to give in to peer pressure

“I admire that about him. In the film, you can always see his hesitance,” he says. “That he just doesn’t do things because they’re ‘in’ or what you’re supposed to do.”

Arnel’s strength, however, comes with a cost. Estrada notes that he empathizes with the role’s struggles, especially the uncertainty it brings.

KD Estrada

“I’m grateful to have a strong support system at home,” he shares. “But I guess we all go through that phase where we don’t know whether to follow our own dreams or what other people want for us.”

Portraying such depth is not new to him. This is his second theater production, following his debut in PETA’s Walang Aray with screen partner Alexa Ilacad.

He has also appeared in several TV series, including Unloving You, Bola Bola, Run to Me, and his latest, Pira-pirasong Paraiso.

When asked about his favorite takeaway and the lesson audiences should remember, the artist answered without hesitation: "The friends that you make in high school are some of the best friends you’ll ever have.”

Arnel proves that the struggles of growing up never fade. With Ethan David and KD Estrada bringing him to life, his story of friendship, courage, and staying true to oneself continues to resonate across generations.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. More cast members will be revealed soon. Joining David and Estrada in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, and Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton.

The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.

Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Run For Wellness 2025: Unleashing Greatness beyond the finish line

Largest runner turnout of the Run For Wellness fun run by Southstar Drug and Maxicare

Run For Wellness 2025: Unleashing Greatness beyond the finish line

Running, more than a physical activity, is a pursuit of something greater: a healthier body and mind, a community, a sense of fulfillment or perhaps, overcoming a personal challenge. And in the process, it also provides valuable lessons that can be applied in your everyday life to unleash greatness such as taking better care of your body, recognizing big and small achievements, and going beyond your perceived limits.

This is the central theme of this year’s edition of Run For Wellness, an annual running event organized by Southstar Drug and Maxicare that encourages participants to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle through running.

Run For Wellness2025 celebrated a vibrant running community across two legs, welcoming beginners, seasoned runners, families, barkadas, running clubs, and fitness enthusiasts. The first leg, held on July 22 at UP Diliman, Quezon City, saw over 9,000 participants, while the second leg held last September 14 in Naga City had 2,713 participants joining the 3K, 5K, and 10K categories.

This combined effort resulted in 11,902 total participants, marking the largest runner turnout for a Run For Wellness series to date.

Continuing their advocacy as champions of health and wellness, Southstar Drug and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation donated Php 50,000 to Naga City’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office that was received by Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo during the awarding ceremony of Run For Wellness Naga.

[Left-right] Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. Chairman Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and CEO Stanley Co

“The record-high turnout of participants in this year’s Run For Wellness shows how more people are prioritizing their overall health and well-being by integrating running and exercise in their life. Aside from unleashing greatness, this is also our way of encouraging Filipinos to take the first step towards a better version of themselves and develop healthier habits in the long run,” said

“On top of providing the finest healthcare services, Maxicare supports Filipinos in their journey towards their best life through events like Run For Wellness, reaffirming our commitment to enabling a healthier future,” said Raymond Hernandez, Maxicare Chief Customer Officer.

Unleashing greatness continues beyond the finish line. Run For Wellness is just the starting point, a catalyst when it comes to prioritizing one’s overall health and well-being. Take all the valuable lessons running has taught you—the rest of the journey is yours to take!

(L-R) Michelle Ferolin, Head of Human Resources (Philippines); Pankaj Dhanuka, Co-founder, Chairman, Managing Director & CEO; Mark David, Country Head (Philippines), Sequential Technology International; and Manish Jain, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer.

Fusion CX Expands in Manila and Legazpi with 1,000 Seats Across Two facilities: Deepens Investment in its CX Operations in the Philippines

Fusion CX, a global customer experience and BPO leader with multiple delivery sites across the Philippines officially launch its new site in Metro Manila. It is located in the 7th Floor of 500 Shaw, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City with a capacity of 836 seats.

The Manila expansion comes on the heels of the Legazpi City launch, where the company has already begun nurturing regional talent into global CX leaders. With established operations in Cebu and Silang, the Manila and Legazpi centers now serve as pillars of Fusion CX's delivery strategy centered on inclusive growth, decentralized talent development, and technology -powered transformation .

The Fusion CX office is located at the 7th Floor 500 Shaw, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

500 Shaw Facility: Built for the Future, Inspired by People

The new Manila centers is tech-forward, and human-centric. Designed to empower employees and enhance client delivery, the facility blends infrastructure with an inclusive, people-first culture.

Key Highlights of the Manila Center:

1. AI Solutions Command Hub powered by Fusin CX's subsidiary Omind - delivering real-time agent assistance, conversational AI, accent harmonization, analytics, sentiment analysis, and automation.

- As Fusion CX looking for talents in other of the country, Filipino who applied and hired by the company will no longer have a problems with it comes to access. Omind will help employees when it comes to dealing customers in the US.

2. Multi-channel delivery zones optimized for seamless voice, chat. email and social media interactions.

3. Collaborative workspaces supporting continuous learning and employee engagement.

4. Infrastructure includes training rooms, boardrooms, and staff amenities.

Watch the video as Fusion CX introduce its growing local presence, vision, its people-first approach, and innovation.

Executives of Tala Philippines and Salve Ibañez pictured with members of the media, bloggers and influencers who joined the TALAkayan financial education workshop. This award-winning initiative is Tala's response to the need for enhanced financial literacy in the country.

Financial education for everyone: Tala Philippines extends TALAkayan’s reach in promoting financial literacy

TALAkayan, an award-winning series of financial education workshops, is the pioneering initiative of Tala Philippines in its mission to enhance financial literacy for the global majority. Implemented in partnership with Empower and Transform (EAT), the program aims to equip Filipinos with knowledge on the basics of personal finance and money management.

Tala Philippines is further expanding the reach and impact of TALAkayan by rolling out educational digital content that is practical and easy to understand from its successful workshop series. This is part of its efforts to make financial education even more accessible and share the value of financial education and literacy to Filipinos. Every week, a new video will be uploaded on Tala Philippines’ social media platforms that covers topics from viral saving challenges and everyday inflation hacks to understanding credit score and investing.

The financial literacy video series was launched during a special TALAkayan workshop conducted on July 8, 2025. Bloggers, influencers, and media practitioners participated in the interactive session led by financial guru Salve Ibañez who expounded on the concepts of goal setting, saving and budgeting, debt management, differentiating between good and bad debt, calculating one’s net-worth, retirement planning, and investing, and the importance of these in improving financial health.

At the end of the workshop, she stressed how anyone can greatly benefit from having access and knowledge about personal finance, and applying it in their day-to-day lives. This is the message Tala Philippines wants to bring out through the TALAkayan workshops and the video series—financial education is for everyone, no matter what age, occupation, gender or background you may have. It is a valuable tool that can impact lives for the better.

“You are not defined by when you started in your financial journey, but the steps you take to achieve progress,” Salve added.

To date more than 1,200 participants from various sectors, including microentrepreneurs, factory workers, 4Ps graduates, OFWs, jeepney drivers, and farmers, have already been engaged across 13 TALAkayan workshops. These were held in various locations in Metro Manila, Laguna, Quezon Province, Nueva Ecija, and Singapore.

“Our goal with the TALAkayan workshops and video series is to make financial education more accessible to many. Money management and other related concepts aren’t usually taught in schools but it’s fundamental in leveling the playing field and giving everyone a fair shot despite the inequalities we may face every day,” said Missy Santos, Marketing Director of Tala Philippines.

Tala provides the global majority with the equal opportunity to grow, both financially and personally, and transform their lives for the better by making financial services, particularly credit, more accessible and promoting financial literacy.

Learn more about Tala by visiting tala.ph and downloading the official Tala app.

About Tala
Tala is a global financial infrastructure company building the world’s most accessible financial services. Their financial services provide customers with flexible, convenient, online credit to help support the unbanked and underserved population. Tala has given more than 40 million loans totaling more than 6 billion USD to more than 10 million people across three continents. Customers have used Tala products to start and expand small businesses, manage day-to-day needs, and pursue their financial goals with confidence. Start your journey into financial freedom: https://tala.ph/borrow/.

Over 9,000 participants unleashed their greatness across three categories at the Southstar Drug and Maxicare 14th Run For Wellness

Greatness Unleashed: Here's How Runners Are Going Beyond Their Wellness Journey

Southstar Drug and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation’s Run For Wellness officially kicked off last June 22 at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, where participants unleashed greatness and filled the university grounds with buzzing energy as they celebrated each other's journey to wellness and healthier lifestyles.

The yearly anticipated running event’s first leg finished strong and drew over 9,000 participants, making it the biggest number of runner turnout both for a Run For Wellness leg and for a run held in UP Diliman. From first-timers to seasoned enthusiasts, everyone found their stride across the 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km categories and enjoyed a fun and relaxing run in the stretch of the known running hub’s rich greenery, rain or shine.

"For us, 'Unleashing Greatness' isn't just a theme," stated Thaddeus Sanchez, General Manager of Southstar Drug. "We believe everyone has the potential for a healthier and more active life, so we designed Run For Wellness to be that inclusive, impactful spark to help Filipinos discover and achieve their personal best in wellness."

From Left to Right: Maxicare Chairman Roberto Macasaet Jr, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. Chairman Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Equicom Group Chairman Antonio L. Go, University of the Philippines Diliman Vice Chancellor Jerwin Agpaoa, University of the Philippines President Angelo Jimenez, UP Diliman Health Service Director Olivia Basuel, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and CEO Stanley Co, Maxicare President and CEO Christian S. Argos, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc Group General Manager for Drugstore Segment Joanne Dawn Arceo, Southstar Drug General Manager Thaddeus Sanchez

To continue their advocacy on healthcare and wellness, Southstar Drug and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation donated Php 1,000,000 worth of equipment to UP Diliman’s Health Service and Security Departments, under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs. This was received by UP Diliman Vice Chancellor Jerwin Agpaoa, UP President Angelo Jimenez, and UP Diliman Health Service Director Olivia Basuel.

Meanwhile, one of the thousand participants who embraced the challenge is mom and content creator Marga Banaga, who joined the 5 km category. “This is my first official run, and I did it in 38 minutes. It was such a rewarding feeling because eleven months ago, I was 60 pounds heavier and I would not be able to do something like this,” she said. “The energy today, the crowd, and the community gave me the push. It was fulfilling completing the run and seeing how far I've come with my wellness journey.”

Among the attendees are experienced runners and athletes as well as influencers and celebrities known for their health advocacies, such as Gabbi Garcia, Sam YG, Jo Sebastian, Pat Rubin, Enjay Aba, Kath Figuracion, and more.

Kapuso It Girl, Gabbi Garcia, joined novice and experienced runners at the Southstar Drug and Maxicare 14th Run For Wellness at UP Diliman

“When it comes to wellness, I don’t pressure myself or treat it as a race. It’s more of a commitment to staying healthy. You view it as a change of lifestyle,” said Gabbi, who led the warm-ups for the 5 km race. “Thank you so much to Southstar Drug and Maxicare for these kinds of events where everyone can be one in wellness.”

Southstar Drug and Maxicare’s partner brands also joined the fun by setting up sampling booths at the Run For Wellness Race Village, where freebies and treats were offered to the finishers and participants.

"This event is a powerful reminder that taking charge of your health can be an enjoyable and communal journey," said Raymond Hernandez, Chief Customer Officer of Maxicare Healthcare Corporation.

Champions for wellness

The top three male and female participants who finished their respective categories with the fastest times were awarded medals and a cash prize. For Mea Gey Niñura, clinching the first place in the women’s 10 km category is an unexpected feat given that a lot of elite runners also joined this year’s Run For Wellness.

“I just ran my best,” said the former member of the UP Women’s Track and Field Team-turned personal trainer. She advised beginners and aspiring runners to just continue what they’re doing and stay motivated to achieve their fitness goals.

James Darrel Orduña, now a 2-time first placer in the Run For Wellness men’s 5 km category, is nothing but elated to get another podium finish. He trains for various competitions every day, and according to him, the fulfillment that comes with winning is one of his motivations to work harder.

“Consistency is really the key. I believe that if you love what you do, you can reach your goals as well,” he added.

Run For Wellness continues to be a great starting point for anyone looking to live healthier and more actively. With Southstar Drug and Maxicare at the forefront, the event built a community where people from all walks of life felt inspired to take charge of their well-being and find the confidence to unleash greatness on their own journey.

Catch the next leg of Run For Wellness in Naga City, happening in September 2025. More information about the start of registration will be up soon on Southstar Drug’s social media pages, so stay tuned!

Daddy O!