Converge collabs with volunteer groups to bring green initiatives, health services to Aeta community in Pampanga

Converge returned to Brgy. Sapangbato in Angeles, Pampanga for a tree-planting initiative in support of the local government’s watershed reforestation program. Employee-volunteers from Converge with the members of The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Kandili Chapter and Inner Wheel Club of Taguig sowed over 300 seedlings to also strengthen livelihood opportunities for the farmers in the community.

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. recently engaged with an Aeta community in Angeles City, Pampanga, through a day of tree-planting and outreach activities aimed at creating lasting, positive impact at the grassroots level.

The members of the The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Kandili Chapter during the tree planting activity. 

Working alongside socio-civic group The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Kandili Chapter and the all-women volunteer organization Inner Wheel Club of Taguig, Converge sowed 300 fruit bearing seedlings in the Sapangbato Watershed. 

The doctors from the Inner Wheel Club of Taguig as they give a health education session on proper oral hygiene.

The initiative supports the local government’s watershed reforestation efforts while also helping strengthen the livelihood opportunities of farmers in the community.

The said organizations distributed vitamins and medicines, clothes, and grocery items to the members of the community, helping address their immediate needs. 

After the tree planting, the said organizations also conducted a medical mission to bring essential health and dental services directly to residents. Members of the Inner Wheel Club of Taguig gave a health education session on proper oral hygiene, provided basic dental care services, and distributed hygiene kits to community members as part of the outreach.

In addition to these, Converge and the Philippine Eagles also distributed grocery packs, medicines and vitamins, including garments to help address the immediate needs of the families in Sitio Target, Sapangbato.

“This initiative reflects our shared goal of supporting communities in ways that respond to their needs. By working together with other organizations, we were able to do so much for the environment, for the people’s livelihoods, and also in promoting the health and well-being of the community, all in one meaningful effort,” said Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado. 

The engagement of Converge with Sitio Sapangbato builds on an earlier effort where 1,000 mandarin and coffee seedlings were sowed by its employees last year as part of its Women’s Month celebration, led by the mentors and mentees of its women’s leadership program, Grace Under Pressure: MentorSHE.

Overall, Converge planted a total of 4,700 seedlings for the watershed in 2025 in partnership with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Angeles City, Pampanga.

The sustainability commitment of Converge includes a strong focus on creating positive community impact, which the company fulfills by engaging with marginalized communities through the capabilities of its business.

GH Mall ignites the Lunar New Year with 2nd Lion Dance Competition

Celebrate culture, skill, and spectacle this Lunar New Year at GH Mall’s South Wing Atrium!  On February 8, 2026, the 2nd Lion Dance Invitational Competition returns, now recognized as a Gold Winner in the IBA Stevies 2025, solidifying its reputation as one of the country’s most prestigious lion dance events.

In partnership with Pawchester and Huang Lion & Dragon Dance Group, GH Mall transforms into the ultimate arena for the nation’s most elite lion dance troupes. The competition will feature two thrilling divisions, each competing for a ₱50,000 grand prize:

• Junior Division: A showcase of exceptional young talents and rising stars
• Pro Division: High-intensity, heart-stopping performances by seasoned masters

Experience gravity-defying stunts, booming drum rhythms, and a vibrant display of Filipino-Chinese cultural pride. Whether you’re a tradition enthusiast or just seeking world-class entertainment this Lunar New Year, this is the event to witness.

Don’t miss your chance to see this award-winning spectacle live on February 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the GH Mall South Wing Atrium. Bring your cameras, gather your friends, and immerse yourself in a performance that has captivated audiences nationwide. 

NUNS LADY BULLPUPS BUILD ON RVL NATIONAL, INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AS SPRINGBOARD FOR UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

National University–Nazareth School (NUNS) Lady Bullpups face Bacolod Tay Tung in both the National and Invitational Finals, with NUNS emerging as the new Rebisco Volleyball League champions.

VOLLEYBALL is indeed life for the National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) Lady Bullpups.

After all, it didn’t take long for the Lady Bullpups to return to action from the Christmas break as they started their 2026 volleyball calendar season on a high note by winning the 2025 Rebisco Volleyball League (RVL) National and Invitational Finals recently.

Coming off their UAAP Season 88 girls’ championship conquest over Far Eastern University-Diliman last December 14, the Lady Bullpups came back with renewed focus as they saw action in the RVL NCR regional finals on January 9.

A day later, NUNS faced the same FEU-D team in the regional title game and put up an encore to earn the right to represent Metro Manila in the 12-team National Finals that began just a week later on January 17. 

The Lady Bullpups’ road to the National and Invitational Finals had the makings of another championship.

NUNS star outside spiker Diza Berayo gave everyone a glimpse behind the scenes during Lady Bullpups practices in her vlog as one of the RVL Student Storytellers, tasked to document their team’s RVL journey on and off the court. RVL Student Storytellers’ vlogs are shared by the Rebisco Volleyball and RVL Facebook pages (https://www.facebook.com/RebiscoVolleyballPH).

In Berayo’s vlog, she chatted with graduating teammates captain and setter Rihanna Navarro, libero Atasha Doroja, and outside hitter Akeyla Bartolabac, who all expressed their excitement over their last opportunity to play in the RVL National Finals.  

More importantly, Berayo asked coach Ray Karl Dimaculangan about his goals for the team as they headed into the RVL National Finals with just four days of training. 

“Una, Rebisco Nationals, manalo, and then… maka-gain ng momentum sa mga future tournaments, and matuto yung mga players,” Dimaculangan said. 

National University Nazareth School — RVL National Finals champions

The Lady Bullpups checked all those boxes as they reclaimed the RVL throne after winning their first in the 2022 edition of the country’s biggest 18-and-under girls’ volleyball tournament, now backed by top insurance provider Allianz.

NUNS dethroned Bacolod Tay Tung in the national title game, 25-15, 29-27, 25-20, last January 22 to put an end to Bacolod’s two-year reign and take home a ₱100,000 prize, while the losing finalist pocketed ₱50,000. 

Bacolod Tay Tung High School — 1st Runner-Up, RVL National Finals

Facing off again in the Invitational Finals title game two days later, NUNS made sure its conquest of the Western Visayas champion was no fluke as the Lady Bullpups posted another straight-sets win, 25-23, 26-24, 25-15, to complete a nine-game sweep of both tournaments this season.

Malaysia’s Sarawak Volleyball Association bagged the bronze medal in the four-team Invitational Finals after a 25-20, 25-22, 25-12 victory over Perfect Set, a fellow guest team made up of promising Filipino-American spikers in the US. 

De la Salle Lipa, on the other hand, shrugged off a slow start to survive University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), 21-5, 25-22, 25-11, 25-21 in the National Finals battle for third place for a ₱25,000 prize.

Davao City National High School, the only team to win a set against NUNS in the National Finals, rounded out the Top Five teams. Iligan City National High School, California Academy, Holy Trinity College, Linao National High School, and Immaculate Conception Academy finished sixth to 10th spots, respectively. 

Bacolod may have lost its championship, but the Western Visayas champion still paraded some of the best individual players after Rhose Viane Almendralejo was crowned National Finals MVP to lead the National and Invitational awardees.

The 5-foot-9 outside hitter later also bannered the 2025 RVL Select 21, a compilation of the tournament’s best players in each position who will have a chance to undergo a valuable training camp and practice with Rebisco flagship professional clubs the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

Pintig ng Pinas: The Biggest Nationwide Sagip CPR Rollout, Empowering Every Filipino Heartbeat

A heartbeat is something we often take for granted—until it stops. 

In the Philippines, heart disease remains the leading cause of death. Studies show that most cardiac arrests occur at home and in the presence of a family member. These are moments when loved ones are closest—yet often feel powerless simply because they have never been trained to respond.

In many cases of sudden cardiac arrest, survival does not depend on hospitals or doctors alone. It depends on the person standing nearest—the bystander who knows what to do and understands that even two hands can mean the difference between life and death. 

This urgency is at the heart of Pintig ng Pinas, Bell-Kenz Pharma’s biggest activation to date of its Sagip CPR (Hands-Only CPR) advocacy. In celebration of February as Heart Month, Sagip CPR is staging a nationwide rollout of back-to-back Hands-Only CPR training sessions across Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Since its inception in August 2025, Sagip CPR has trained thousands of students, teachers, parents, uniformed personnel, local government units, and community volunteers—ordinary Filipinos equipped with a simple yet lifesaving skill. Under Pintig ng Pinas, Bell-Kenz Pharma will conduct around 15 Hands-Only CPR training sessions within February alone—making it the most extensive rollout since the program began.

Heart health took center stage on October 10, 2025, in Malolos, Bulacan, as La Consolacion University held a lifesaving training for students and fisherfolk communities. 

As the largest Sagip CPR initiative to date, Pintig ng Pinas brings together partners from the public and private sectors, local government units, health advocates, civic and medical associations, and volunteers who share a common goal of strengthening community response during cardiac emergencies. The program also supports broader national efforts to improve emergency preparedness and public health awareness.

By scaling up Hands-Only CPR education across the country—from Metro Manila and Central Luzon to Nabua (Camarines Sur), Polangui (Albay), Panay Island including Iloilo City, Roxas City (Capiz), Aklan and Antique, as well as General Santos City and North Cotabato in Mindanao—Bell-Kenz Pharma is not just teaching a technique, but helping build confidence, readiness, and shared responsibility within communities.

Hands-Only CPR focuses on continuous chest compressions that help maintain blood circulation during cardiac arrest until professional medical help arrives. The approach is particularly recommended for cardiac emergencies and has gained wider adoption in recent years, as it does not require mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 

“This initiative reflects a deeper understanding of healthcare and the collaboration needed to generate meaningful impact. Medicines save lives—but so do prevention, education, and rapid response, “ said Patrick Larraga, Corporate Branding and PR Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma. 

Being a Kaagapay sa Kalusugan, Bell-Kenz Pharma’s commitment to quality healthcare goes beyond the pharmacy shelf. Through Sagip CPR, it extends into classrooms, barangay halls, workplaces, and homes—where real emergencies happen.”

Students and staff of Mabini Academy in Lipa, Batangas gained vital hands‑only CPR skills during the Sagip CPR Program with the Philippine Heart Association Southern Tagalog Chapter on November 21, 2025.

Pintig ng Pinas underscores that nation-building can begin with something as fundamental as teaching people how to respond when a heartbeat falters—keeping someone alive until help arrives.

In a time when healthcare challenges can feel overwhelming, Sagip CPR offers a practical reminder: saving lives does not always require complex technology or specialized equipment. Sometimes, it begins with knowledge, preparedness, and the willingness to act.

“Our vision is clear,” said Dr. James Cayetano, President of the Bell-Kenz Foundation. “We want Filipino households to have at least one person who knows how to respond during the critical first minutes of cardiac arrest. By equipping ordinary Filipinos with CPR skills, we are strengthening the country’s first line of response during cardiac emergencies. Sagip CPR is more than a campaign; it is a call to action across the country.”

For more information about Pintig ng Pinas and the Sagip CPR advocacy, visit bell-kenz.net

Around 4,500 Runners and Pets Join Home Credit’s Takbo #ParaSaLife 2026 Manila Leg for Wellness

Home Credit continues its push for overall  as the run enters its second year

Close to 4,500 runners and pets gathered at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds on February 1 for the Manila leg of Takbo #ParaSaLife 2026, Home Credit Philippines’ flagship wellness run, marking the event’s second year.

The run, organized in partnership with the country’s elite race organizer RUNRIO, featured race categories for runners of all levels, including a 1KM Pet Run, 3KM, 5KM, and 10KM distances. Beginners, seasoned runners, families, friends, and fur parents took part in the morning event, which highlighted fitness, community, and overall well-being. 

Sponsors and Partners Behind the Success

The Manila Leg was supported by Slimmers World, Park Access and Security Bank, Home Credit’s gold sponsors which backed the event’s focus on fitness, health, and financial well-being. Pocari Sweat served as the official electrolyte drink, while Citadines Bay was the official hotel partner. Cignal and Pilipinas Live joined as the run’s official media partner. 

Additional partner brands provided race-day support through wellness booths and post-run activities.  These included ECPay, M Lhuillier, Dermesse,  Xiaomi, Hey! Salad, Fit Bar, MILCU, Leslie’s, Salonpas, Cristalino, Unilever, Rexona, Chef on a Diet, Locally, Birch Tree, Skintec, Everest Appliances, Meralco PowerGen, Rope PH, and DITO, which all contributed to a vibrant race village experience.

A Day of Wellness and Community

Beyond the races, participants joined warm-up sessions, recovery activities, and interactive booths throughout the venue. Finishers received tote bags containing hydration drinks, snacks, wellness items, and daily essentials from Home Credit and its partners. 

"Overall wellness is key to achieving financial confidence," said Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of Home Credit Philippines. "Through Takbo #ParaSaLife, we celebrate the importance of caring for ourselves. Every step, every goal, and every run strengthens not only the body but also the confidence to make empowered decisions in life and finances. When people are healthier and more balanced, they are better equipped to pursue their goals and do more #ParaSaLife."

Next Stop: Cebu

Following the strong turnout in Manila, Takbo #ParaSaLife 2026 heads to Cebu on March 29 at Citi de Mare, again in partnership with RUNRIO, Security Bank and Park Access. This leg will feature the same race categories and wellness-focused activities for runners and pets in Cebu. Registration is still ongoing at  https://bit.ly/49nCWDZ, 

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph, or get the Home Credit App from Google Play, the App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.  

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Your New Comfort Food Era Starts at Frankie’s & Bloom & Baker at SM City Marilao

 

Hungry? SM City Marilao just got a whole lot tastier. Frankie’s and Bloom & Baker have landed, and honestly, food lovers in Bulacan should be celebrating. These two spots take comfort food up a notch—think big, bold flavors and desserts that just feel good.

Frankie’s pulls you in right away. Their wings are the kind you dream about, and the mains? Hearty, generous, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. Whether you’re wrapping up a shopping spree or just looking for a laid-back meal, Frankie’s nails that balance between familiar and new. The kind of place you find yourself craving again and again.  

Then there’s Bloom & Baker, just around the corner, and the vibe totally shifts. It’s calm, cozy, and smells like fresh pastries. If you love soft breads, cakes, or a good cup of coffee, this is your stop. You can hang out and soak it all in, or grab a box of treats to bring a little bit of sweetness home.  

Frankie’s and Bloom & Baker together? They turn a regular mall trip into something special. Suddenly, SM City Marilao feels warmer, friendlier, and a whole lot more delicious.

Jollibee Group Champions Sustainability and Community Impact at Danao Commissary in Cebu

Sustainability by Design. An on-site wastewater treatment facility at the Danao Commissary treats all wastewater to meet environmental standards, helping safeguard local water resources. The system was built into the facility’s design from the outset, reflecting the Jollibee Group’s commitment to sustainability by design.  

The Jollibee Group highlighted the sustainability-driven design and community impact of its Danao Commissary in Cebu, underscoring how responsible manufacturing practices are embedded into the company’s operations as part of its Joy for Tomorrow global sustainability agenda. 

“Designed with sustainability at its core, our Danao Commissary integrates environmental initiatives directly into everyday operations, supporting the Jollibee Group’s commitment to scaling our manufacturing and logistics footprint responsibly,” said Michael T. Ong, President, Manufacturing and Logistics, Jollibee Group. 

Two sustainability features stand out at the facility. The Danao Commissary is powered by 99% renewable energy, primarily geothermal supplied by First Gen, complemented by on-site rooftop solar panels. This transition significantly reduces the commissary’s carbon footprint while ensuring a reliable energy supply for operations. 

The Danao Commissary also integrates responsible water management systems to support sustainable operations and protect local water resources. The facility is equipped with a rainwater collection system that helps reduce reliance on freshwater, alongside a dedicated on-site wastewater treatment facility that ensures all wastewater generated is treated and that effluent discharge meets required environmental standards before release.

Solar panels installed across the roof of the Jollibee Group’s Danao Commissary help power the facility with 99% renewable energy, complementing its shift to geothermal electricity. The installation reflects how sustainability features were built into the facility’s design to support efficient, low-carbon operations.

In total, 31 sustainability initiatives were incorporated into the facility, drawing from proven practices already implemented across the Jollibee Group’s manufacturing and logistics network. These initiatives align with the Planet pillar of the Jollibee Group’s Joy for Tomorrow agenda, which focuses on waste reduction and water and energy efficiency, ensuring that sustainability is built into operations as the business grows. 

Beyond environmental performance, the Danao Commissary creates shared value for the local community through employment, skills development, safe operations, and environmental stewardship. To date, the facility has generated close to 500 jobs, with over 60% of employees coming from the local Danao community. Once fully operational, it is expected to support up to 800 jobs, providing sustained livelihood opportunities for the surrounding areas.

“The commissary is designed with safety as a core priority, integrating systems and standards that protect our employees and support a secure working environment. Team members also gain exposure to modern manufacturing and logistics practices, helping build transferable skills and long-term employability,” Ong added.

Jollibee Group Foundation Programs

Complementing these efforts are long-standing community programs of the Jollibee Group Foundation in Cebu and nearby areas, which reinforce the sustainability impact of the Danao Commissary. In Cebu, the Foundation operates Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Central Kitchens, including two in Mandaue City and one in Danao, supporting the Department of Education’s School-Based Feeding Program by providing nutritious meals to undernourished public elementary school students. These kitchens help address child hunger while promoting food safety, efficiency, and community ownership. 

From left, Gisela Tiongson, President, Jollibee Group Foundation; William Tan Untiong, Chief Business Officer, Jollibee Group, and Chairman, Jollibee Group Foundation (3rd from left); and Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and CEO, Jollibee Group (2nd from right), join volunteers in preparing meals at a Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Central Kitchen in Mandaue, Cebu. The kitchen supports the Philippine Department of Education’s School-Based Feeding Program through safe, standardized meal preparation.

The Foundation also runs the Access, Curriculum, and Employability (ACE) Scholarship Program, which supports underprivileged youth in Cebu through technical-vocational and food service–related education. The program equips young people with industry-relevant skills and prepares them for employment, including opportunities within the food service and manufacturing sectors.

ACE scholars from Don Bosco Technical Vocational, supported by the Jollibee Group Foundation, pose with Jollibee Group leaders during the Danao Commissary inauguration in Cebu. The Access, Curriculum, and Employability (ACE) Scholarship Program equips underprivileged youth with industry-relevant skills to prepare them for employment opportunities.

Together, these initiatives reflect how the Jollibee Group integrates sustainability into both its operations and community engagement. Through its Joy for Tomorrow agenda, the Group designs facilities responsibly, manages resources efficiently, and operates safely, ensuring that growth strengthens the business while minimizing environmental impact.

By creating jobs, building skills, supporting nutrition and education, and prioritizing environmental stewardship, the Jollibee Group continues to scale with purpose—delivering long-term value for both the business and the communities it serves. 

Jollibee employees from the Visayas volunteer as storytellers at Opao Elementary School in Mandaue, Cebu, using children’s books developed by Jollibee to support early literacy and values formation. The employee-led sessions reflect the Group’s commitment to education and community engagement.

A joyful moment as students interact with the Jollibee mascot during a feeding and storytelling activity supported by the Jollibee brand and the Jollibee Group Foundation at Opao Elementary School in Mandaue, Cebu. The activity pairs nutrition support with values-based learning through children’s books developed by Jollibee.