IKEA Philippines Marks Historic ‘Store of the Year’ Win; Launches Hall of Fame to Honor Co-Workers and Customers

Outperforming hundreds of exceptional IKEA locations worldwide, IKEA Pasay City has been named IKEA Store of the Year 2025 — a prestigious honor bestowed upon only a handful of stores across the globe. This victory marks a historic first for the Philippines, and to celebrate this showcase of Filipino excellence on the international stage, IKEA Pasay City rolled out its signature blue carpet for a special tribute.

The recognition was awarded for the store’s outstanding retail performance, rooted in a profound understanding of Filipino homes and lifestyles. The team designed an immersive, welcoming in-store experience that truly resonates with local customers, turning routine shopping into something meaningful and enjoyable. 

“When we won Store of the Year, we were speechless — in the best possible way,” shared Daniel Rivero, Store Manager of IKEA Pasay City. “This is an incredible achievement for our entire team here in the Philippines. Their passion, dedication, and spirit of togetherness shine through in everything they do. This recognition is not just an award; it is deeply affirming and emotionally rewarding for every single one of us.” 

On May 14, 2026, IKEA Pasay City transformed its iconic Swedish Restaurant into a celebratory Hall of Fame, dedicated to honoring the hard work and achievements of its remarkable co-workers. A special “Champion’s Walk” runway featured a gallery celebrating outstanding Filipino achievers, while the event was elevated by the presence of distinguished guests: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, and renowned chef Josh Boutwood.

With this win, IKEA Pasay City has secured a permanent place in the global Store of the Year Hall of Fame. As an additional tribute, IKEA Philippines will send 12 team members on a special learning journey to the IKEA Headquarters in Älmhult, Sweden. This trip will deepen their connection to the brand’s heritage, culture, and core values.

The IKEA Philippines Mindset: Performance with Heart

For Ricardo Pinheiro, Country Retail Manager of IKEA Philippines, the store’s commercial success tells only half the story. “I warmly congratulate IKEA Pasay City for standing out by showing the world what it means to combine strong performance with genuine heart,” he said. “What impresses me most isn’t just the results — it is our mindset: an unwavering commitment to people, our values, and excellence in every part of our daily work.”

IKEA Pasay City bridges Swedish heritage and Filipino culture perfectly. The brand understands exactly how Filipinos live, design their homes, and spend time with family — and has tailored every part of the store experience to match. It pays close attention to how customers prefer to shop, prioritizes the well-being and growth of its co-workers, and turns consistent, caring service into a mark of distinction. The store has also made food a central part of the IKEA experience, focusing on great taste, affordability, and efficiency that fits the Filipino lifestyle.

“Our team believes that retail excellence is simply about doing ordinary things extraordinarily well, every single day,” Pinheiro added. “We prioritize people first, understand how our customers truly live and shop, and treat food, care, and consistency as essential parts of what we offer. These are the principles we practice — and continue to learn from — every day at IKEA Pasay City.”

The team also excels in the small details that make a big difference. Through a refined approach to guiding customers toward complementary products in both the showroom and Market Hall, the store raised its average number of items sold per transaction to nearly 17 — a remarkable industry benchmark.

By the close of 2025, IKEA Pasay City achieved yet another milestone: it sold more home furnishing products than any other IKEA store in the world. This achievement is the result of disciplined operations, smart routines, and a sharp insight into customer behavior — proving that the store can scale excellence at an impressive pace.

For a store built on the promise “to create a better everyday life for the many people,” the title of Store of the Year feels not just deserved, but deeply meaningful.

The celebration extends to customers, too. From May 14 to 31, 2026, IKEA Pasay City is running its special Winning Offer promotion, featuring discounts on selected furniture and home décor items.

For more details, visit IKEA.ph and follow IKEA Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Converge ICT Soulutions Inc. Hits ₱11.2 Billion 1Q 2026 Revenue, Surpasses 3 Million Subscribers

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG) reported sustained growth in the first quarter of 2026, with total revenues reaching ₱11.2 billion. The company also surpassed a major milestone, as its subscriber base rose 14% year-on-year (YoY) to 3.09 million, driven by a sharp increase in prepaid fiber internet users.

Strong Subscriber Growth Led by Prepaid Fiber

As of end-March 2026, Converge’s total subscriber base stood at 3.09 million, with prepaid fiber service Surf2Sawa (S2S) emerging as a key growth engine. The S2S subscriber base skyrocketed 86.7% YoY to 674,000 customers, reflecting strong demand for flexible, accessible connectivity options. 

“We are focused on expanding our fiber footprint, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao, to serve more Filipinos with world-class connectivity,” said Converge Co-Founder and CEO Dennis Anthony Uy. “Our enterprise customers will also benefit from the completion of our national digital infrastructure, which sets the stage for delivering cloud and data-heavy services.”

Enterprise Business and Infrastructure Expansion

Converge’s Enterprise segment maintained its strong momentum, with revenues growing 16% YoY to ₱2 billion in the first quarter. This growth is supported by the recent completion of the company’s future-ready national digital infrastructure—a comprehensive ecosystem that includes an extensive fiber backbone, satellite network, international subsea cable systems, cable landing stations, and scalable data centers. The infrastructure is designed to accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge technologies and solidify the Philippines’ position as a vital node in the global digital economy.

Solid Financial Performance

For the first quarter of 2026, Converge reported a net income of ₱3.02 billion. Its EBITDA rose 3.3% to ₱6.9 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 61.8%, while Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) reached 15.6% by the end of the period.

“Despite geopolitical turmoil affecting the local economy, we have been able to insulate much of our operations from these challenges,” said Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Uy. “Our financial performance in the first quarter remains steady, and we assure our subscribers—now over 3 million strong—that we are actively improving our response to network issues.”

The company’s total cash capital expenditure (capex) for the first quarter amounted to ₱2.9 billion. Converge maintains its full-year capex guidance at ₱18 billion to ₱23 billion, as announced earlier this year.

“Our capex will primarily fund the continued expansion and reinforcement of our network to deliver reliable services and prepare for future demand,” explained Converge Chief Finance Officer Robert Yu. “As we anticipate growth in both consumer and enterprise segments, we are focused on building resilient infrastructure to support evolving customer needs and deliver more digital services.”

Continued Leadership in Broadband Performance

In April 2026, Converge once again secured the majority of Ookla’s broadband performance awards for the second half of 2025, including Fastest Fixed Network, Best Fixed Network, Best Video Experience, and Lowest Latency. This marks the third consecutive year that Converge has led the country’s broadband performance rankings.

“While challenges remain, we are seeing steady improvements in outage frequency and repair speeds,” noted Converge Chief Operations Officer Benjamin Azada. “The number of subscribers affected by network issues has declined, and our customer support response and handling times are also improving. We are investing in network upgrades and proactive maintenance to ensure these metrics continue to get better.”

Maximize the Final Weeks of Summer: Smart Picks & Exclusive GCash Deals

Summer may be drawing to a close, but there is still plenty of time to enjoy fun moments with your barkada. Whether you are finally booking that long-awaited group staycation, committing to your fitness goals, or planning a home potluck, the best way to make the most of the season is to spend wisely 

One simple way to do this is by using GCash to access special discounts and privileges. You can easily tick items off your summer bucket list while getting great value from every purchase! If you need a little push to turn your plans into action, here are some ideas to help you spend smarter and gather your friends for one last memorable summer stretch.

Host One Final Barkada Feast Before Everyone Gets Busy

What truly makes summer unforgettable is the company you keep — and sharing a meal is one of the best ways to enjoy time with your favorite people. Why not organize one last food trip, snack run, or gathering before the season ends?

- Jamba Juice: Enjoy a limited-time summer treat perfect for sharing. Buy two 12oz smoothies for only ₱245 when paying via GCash — that is a savings of up to ₱145 on selected flavors.

- Angel’s Pizza: Get a free serving of Saba Con Yelo with every single-receipt purchase of at least ₱800, valid for dine-in and takeout orders.

- Tien Ma’s: Receive a complimentary dessert when you spend a minimum of ₱500 — because no shared meal is complete without a sweet finish.

Stock Up on Summer Essentials While Sales Last

Before the season wraps up, it is the ideal time to buy any items you still need. Whether it is new sandals, travel organizers, or last-minute beauty products, take advantage of ongoing promotions. Here is what you can save on:

- Lazada: Get an instant ₱100 off when you check out using GCash during these sale periods: May 4–7 and June 5–8. A minimum spend of ₱2,500 is required.

- TikTok Shop: Enjoy an extra ₱50 discount on purchases worth ₱1,500 or more when you select GCash as your payment method, available from May 18–24.

Turn Fitness Goals Into Group Activities

Summer is the perfect season to stay active. If you have been trying to get your friends to join you for weekend runs or fitness classes, these offers will make your invitation even more appealing.

- Nike: Upgrade your workout gear and get 10% off when you spend at least ₱12,000 and pay via GCash in-store.

- Bench: Score ₱150 off everyday activewear and basics with a minimum purchase of ₱2,000.

- Power Mac Center: Spend ₱30,000 or more (with at least ₱10,000 paid through GCash) and receive a free, limited-edition PMC x Laut Wrist Strap with Puffer Pouch.

- The Loop: Purchase items worth ₱20,000 or more (with at least ₱10,000 paid via GCash) and get a free pair of Belkin earphones.

Plan a Quick City Getaway

You do not need to travel far for a great summer trip. Sometimes, a simple staycation within the city is all you need to feel refreshed and relaxed. 

- Klook: Enjoy 10% off hotel bookings when you spend a minimum of ₱8,000 and pay using GCash.

- Trip.com: New users can get up to ₱400 off eligible bookings with a minimum spend of ₱5,000 when paying via GCash.

These savings make group planning much easier, since everyone gets to enjoy the experience while spending less!

Make Summer Spending Easier With GCash

Summer always seems to fly by faster than we expect, but you still have time to create wonderful memories with your barkada. With these exclusive deals, every plan you make becomes even more worthwhile. Download the GCash app today, and make the most of every remaining day of the season!

First Ingredient: A Guide to Children’s Milk

Consumers who look beyond bright logos and bold claim marks to read the fine print on product labels are already ahead when it comes to nutritional literacy. This habit reflects awareness, understanding, and a deeply held belief: making an informed choice matters far more than simply making a purchase.

This principle is especially meaningful for mothers. A discerning parent can cut through marketing clutter to focus on what truly counts. The most important rule every Filipino mother should remember to identify quality is simple—always check the ingredient list.

The “First Ingredient” Rule: Your Ultimate Benchmark

The key to decoding milk labels lies in understanding the order of ingredients. Under regulations set by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all milk products must list ingredients in descending order by weight.

This means the very first item on the list is not just another ingredient—it forms the nutritional foundation of the entire formula. If the list begins with terms like milk solids, skimmed milk powder, or hydrolyzed protein, the product has typically gone through multiple stages of high-heat processing. While common in the industry, this method may result in the loss of certain nutrients during manufacturing.

In contrast, when Fresh Milk is listed as the primary ingredient, it means the product uses a single-step processing method. This approach minimizes nutrient breakdown, preserves the natural structure of proteins, and retains more active nutrients—nutrients that are often lost when cow’s milk is heated repeatedly, stored, and rehydrated later to create formula powder.

The Advantage of Fresh Milk Formula

FEIHE, the dairy company behind AceKid Activegro, prioritizes Fresh Milk as its core ingredient. The milk follows a streamlined “freshness pathway”: it goes directly from milking to powder form in just two hours. This rapid process locks in natural nutrients right at the source.

AceKid Activegro also contains no added sucrose or maltodextrin, delivering goodness that comes naturally from the milk itself.

When choosing milk powder for your child, keep these three steps in mind:

1. Look past the packaging and read the full label.

2. Check the ingredient list carefully.

3. Make sure Fresh Milk is listed as the very first ingredient. 

By focusing on what comes first on the ingredient list, Filipino mothers can move past marketing noise and choose a milk formula that is genuinely best suited for their children.

ASC Ref No. F0056N042126A

AceKid Activegro is intended for children aged 3 years and above. It should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Your Ultimate Summer Playground: SM Bulacan Malls' "Gala To The Max" Fun

Get in the game at SM City Marilao's 'Summer Play' hangout spots for a total Gala To The Max experience.

SM Supermalls is turning up the heat this summer, transforming SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan into vibrant, activity-filled destinations! Get ready for engaging activities, eye-catching installations, and refreshing comfort, all designed for your ultimate "Gala To The Max" getaway.

Introducing "Summer Play," the SM Bulacan malls invite shoppers to step into dynamic, sports-themed spaces that spark movement and creativity. These zones are perfect for discovering new experiences, unwinding, and capturing memorable moments with loved ones.

Indoor fun hits different this summer at SM Center Pulilan.

An unforgettable summer escape awaits at SM City Baliwag.

"Summer Play" goes beyond mere attraction; it's crafted to foster family bonding and provide spontaneous hangout spots for friends. It truly demonstrates how even a short mall visit can evolve into an extraordinary "Gala To The Max" adventure.  

SM City Marilao levels up the season with sports-themed spaces made for play.

SM City Baliwag brings the ultimate Gala To The Max energy this summer with vibrant installations for everyone.

Make summer more fun with squad and Gala To The Max at SM Center Pulilan.

Whether you're looking for sun-drenched photo opportunities outside or cool, refreshing play areas indoors, SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan offer the best of both worlds.

With their engaging environments and lively atmosphere, SM Bulacan malls continue to be the premier destination for fun, connection, and unforgettable "Gala To The Max" experiences.

Converge Strengthens Community Footprint with New Customer Hubs in Bohol, Palawan

Boosts connectivity and customer support in key island markets 

IN PHOTO (From left): Converge OIC and Head of Consumer Business Group JP Aguilar, J Fiber Internet Services Corp. CEO Jonathan Uy, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, Bohol 1st District Rep. John Gesneel Yap and Converge AVP and Regional General Manager for Visayas and Mindanao Demetrio Montes

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is accelerating the nationwide expansion of its customer service footprint with the opening of new business centers in Bohol and Palawan. This initiative further reinforces its commitment to deepen engagement in local communities and improve customer access to digital services. 

Upgraded Hub to Serve Over 100,000 in Bohol

In partnership with managed services provider J Fiber Internet Services, Converge has inaugurated its upgraded business center at Lite Port Center in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. This enhanced customer hub is expected to serve over 100,000 residents in the city and nearby towns, as well as the province’s growing business sector.

“The new, bigger, and better business center in Tagbilaran reflects Converge’s continued momentum,” said John Paul Aguilar, SVP and Officer-in-Charge of the Consumer Business Group. “Guided by our founders’ vision to leave no one behind, we are strengthening our local presence to better understand customer needs and ensure reliable connectivity reaches every home.”

The launch event was attended by J Fiber CEO Jonathan Uy, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, and Bohol First District Rep. John Gesnel Yap.

J Fiber CEO Jonathan Uy expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We want to connect the whole of Bohol with Converge because this province has so much beauty to show the world. We are going to wire the entire province, as reliable connectivity is essential to support and grow industries such as BPO and tourism. In turn, this can help open more opportunities for Boholanos. And for us at J Fiber, we will strive to give the level of customer service that Boholanos deserve. This is just the start.”

Expanding Reach in Northern Palawan

Converge has also strengthened its presence in Palawan with a newly opened business center in the municipality of Roxas, located along Sandoval Avenue. 

Converge has recently launched a customer service hub in Roxas, Palawan through its managed service provider Optimus Fiber Solutions Inc. IN PHOTO (from left): Converge AVP & Head of National SME Edgard Allan Susano, Optimus Fiber Solutions Inc. CEO Eladio Quizon, Municipality of Roxas Mayor Pedy B. Sabando, Converge SVP and Head of Enablement Bryan Christopher King Kay, and Converge Regional Commercial Manager Arlan Rea

Through managed services provider Optimus Fiber Solutions Inc., the company is expanding its reach in northern Palawan, a region known for its tourism potential and home to approximately 70,000 residents.

Pedy B. Sabando, Municipal Mayor of Roxas, welcomed the initiative, citing the importance of enhanced digital infrastructure in strengthening the municipality’s economic and service capabilities.

Strengthening Customer Access Nationwide

Converge business centers serve as critical customer touchpoints, providing essential services such as bill payments, technical support, plan upgrades, and new service applications. These hubs also support prospective subscribers through consultations and onboarding.

These latest openings build on the company’s aggressive nationwide rollout strategy, which saw at least 17 new business centers launched in 2025 alone. This expansion particularly targets emerging and high-growth areas where on-ground support is essential. 

Converge business centers are vital touchpoints for customer services, offering subscribers different transactions, including bills payment, technical issues reporting, plan upgrades, and repair requests, among others. 

Sustained Industry Leadership

Converge continues to lead the Philippine broadband market, retaining its position as the country’s fastest and best internet provider for the second half of 2025, based on independent analysis by Ookla. The company ranked highest across key metrics, including speed, reliability, and video experience.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also recognized Converge as the country’s leading broadband provider, citing its superior average speeds, low latency, and consistent network performance as of December 2025.

6 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day at SM Supermalls in the East

1. Strike a Pose at the All for Moms Photo Spots

Start your day by capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Every mall features a specially designed Mother’s Day Floral Installation at the main atrium. Adorned with vibrant blooms, these charming spots serve as the perfect backdrop for timeless family portraits. 

2. Game On: Pickleball at SM City East Ortigas

If your mom loves staying active, skip the usual brunch and head to the newly opened Pink Paddle Club at the SM Active Hub in SM City East Ortigas. Launched just this April, it’s the trendiest way to bond and have fun together. Book a court easily through the SM Malls Online app, and enjoy a high-energy morning before exploring the rest of the mall.

3. Enjoy a Heartwarming Family Feast

Nothing brings the family closer than a shared meal. 

- SM City Taytay: Visit La Casetta de Britt and take advantage of exclusive Mom’s Day food bundles and offers.

- SM City East Ortigas: Treat her to a premium steak meal at Yappari, or gather the whole group at Du Hsiao Yueh — they have a special Family Feast set curated perfectly for parties of 5 to 6 people.

- SM Center Angono: For a cozy and sweet coffee date, stop by Zullo and pick out delightful pastries and desserts made just for her.

4. Movie Date with a Stylish Twist

Take Mom to SM Cinema for a relaxing afternoon out. This year, make the moment extra special with The Devil Wears Prada 2 Limited Edition Snack Combo, available for only ₱250. It comes with a collectible popcorn bucket — a lovely keepsake perfect for any mom who loves movies and style.

5. Show Your Gratitude with a Thoughtful Gift 

Give her the gift of ease and convenience. Surprise her with a brand-new iPhone from Power Mac Center. More than just a present, it’s a tool that simplifies her daily routine and lets her capture every beautiful moment and memory with the family in stunning photos and videos.

6. Grab the Sweetest Treat to Cap the Day

End your celebration on a delicious note. Choose between Caramia’s new Caramella Bella Cake or the Bouquet Vanilla Cream Cake from Max’s Restaurant. Beautifully crafted to look like fresh floral bouquets, these cakes double as a stunning centerpiece — ideal for one last family photo before heading home.

Whatever you have planned, make this year’s celebration truly mom-umental. Give her a fully memorable, maxed-out Mother’s Day experience — only at your favorite SM Supermalls in the East.