A Speedy Comeback: Julia Barretto and Maris Racal Show How Fast Borrowing Can Be with Maya

If you’ve seen Julia Barretto and Maris Racal slap each other with money in their recent Maya video, you already know they make money moments unforgettable. Now, they’re back at it again. But this time, it’s about staying ready when life moves fast.

In Maya’s newest video, Julia and Maris tap into a reality familiar to many Filipinos: when you need cash, you often need it fast. Watch as they show how borrowing with Maya feels:

The visual gag is playful, but the message behind it is clear: getting a loan with Maya is fast, simple, and legit.

Making Lending Feel Relatable and Less Intimidating

By pairing two of today’s most relatable stars with an exaggerated, almost cinematic take on speed, the film reframes lending in a way that feels familiar rather than intimidating. Instead of complex terms or heavy explanations, the message comes through visually and instantly: when life happens fast, getting financial support doesn’t have to feel stressful.

This move is part of Maya’s continued push to make financial services more accessible, transparent, and relevant. As the #1 digital bank and leading fintech ecosystem in the Philippines, Maya brings together savings, payments, credit, and loans in one app, helping Filipinos feel more confident and in control of their money, whether they’re planning ahead or navigating everyday realities.

Fast Access, Real Options

Maya makes borrowing easier through its lending products, starting with Maya Easy Credit, which gives users quick access to a revolving credit line of up to P30,000 directly in the app. Designed for short-term needs, Maya Easy Credit comes with instant approval and quick access to funds, plus low fees and easy repayment, all without paperwork, collateral, or long waiting periods.

For bigger plans or more structured needs, Maya Personal Loan offers higher loan amounts of up to P250,000 with longer repayment terms of up to 24 months. It’s fully digital with a fast and hassle-free approval process. From application to approval, the process is streamlined, reflecting exactly what the film dramatizes: when you need funds fast, Maya gives you access to it– now.

What sets Maya apart, however, is that speed doesn’t come at the cost of responsibility. The platform encourages smart borrowing habits by rewarding users who make consistent and prompt repayments with better loan offers, easier access, and a smoother borrowing experience over time. Simply put: the more responsibly you borrow and repay, the easier it gets next time.

To learn more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788. 

SM Foundation Opens College Scholarship Applications for SY 2026-2027

Students from Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela can look forward to a brighter future as SM Foundation invites incoming college freshmen to apply for the SM College Scholarship Program for School Year 2026-2027 via online until February 28, 2026.

To qualify, applicants must be Grade 12 graduates from public high schools, as well as private school graduates who are Department of Education (DepEd) voucher recipients, or an Alternative Learning System (ALS) completer. Applicants must have a general weighted average of at least 92 percent (or its equivalent) in the first semester and a total annual household income not exceeding Php250,000.

The program covers the following fields of study: Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, and Electronics), Education (Elementary and Secondary); Accountancy, Digital Marketing, Internal Auditing, Financial Management, among others. Meanwhile, Architecture and Nursing are available only at National University (NU) campuses.

Interested applicants can check the requirements and submit their applications through www.sm-foundation.org.

Filinvest Group Earns Multiple Awards in 2025, Shaped by 70 Years of Enabling Dreams

From boardrooms to communities, from the spaces people live and work in, to the services they rely on every day, the Filinvest Group’s work continues to be recognized—reflecting the collective strength of its businesses and the shared values that guide them.

With businesses spanning real estate, banking, power and utilities, hospitality, sugar milling and infrastructure, the Group pursues sustainable growth across its portfolio while creating long-term value for stakeholders.

Over the past year, the Filinvest Group earned over a hundred local and international awards for good corporate governance, sustainability, and excellence in people, products, and services.

"At the heart of every recognition is a shared commitment to creating opportunities that matter to Filipinos and make a meaningful difference in their lives,” said Rhoda A. Huang, President and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation. “These awards reflect the work of our people, and we are grateful for their sense of purpose, which guides how we serve our customers and communities across generations.”

Filinvest Wins Double at HR Asia Awards 2025. In the photo (from L-R) are Bing Paraguas, FVP and Head of HR Strategy & COE of Filinvest Group; Francis Gotianun, Director of FDC and FSVP of Filinvest Hospitality Corp.; and Isabelle Gotianun Yap, Director of FDC and VP Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and Executive Director of EastWest receive the Group’s awards for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Best Companies to Work for in Asia – Philippines Chapter.

Among the awards were those that underscore Filinvest’s continued investment in building strong leaders and inclusive, value-driven workplaces.

The Group’s focus on leadership and people development was reflected in multiple recognitions received by Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) from the likes of HR Excellence Awards, HR Asia Awards, and topped with Stevie® Awards for Great Employers.

All four of the Group’s publicly listed companies—FDC, EastWest Bank (EWB), Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILT), and Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI)—were among the award recipients, including the Golden Arrow Awards from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), affirming the Group’s continued focus on transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.

In the power sector, FDC Misamis Power Corporation (FDC MPC) was recognized for its strong partnership with host communities and industry stakeholders, earning multiple commendations from the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, local schools, and civic institutions.

Wins from Banking and Real Estate

Among its multiple awards, EastWest Bank was recognized for its focus on digital and consumer banking, earning Best Digital Ecosystem and Platform from The Asian Banker Philippine Awards—highlighting the Bank’s efforts to enhance customer experience through accessible, technology-driven solutions.

EastWest representatives at the 2025 Asian Banking & Finance Awards in Singapore. In the photo (from L-R )are Carlo Mariano, Head of Regional Sales, Financial Markets Distribution Group; Gerald Abrogar, Head of Investment Banking; Ivy Uy, Head of Branch Banking Group; Jacqueline Fernandez, President; Martin Reyes, Head of Marketing and Cash Management; and Gio Cruz, Head of Corporate Sales, Cash Management.

In real estate, Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) earned Developer of the Year from the FIABCI Philippines Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards, underscoring its leadership and consistency in the industry. FLI was also named Best Developer Visayas and Best Developer Mindanao by Dot Property Philippines, reflecting its strong regional presence and performance.

Filinvest representatives receive the ULI Asia Pacific Award for Excellence at the ULI Summit in Bangkok. In the photo (from L–R) Belinda Bentley, Managing Director of 9Springs and co-chair of this year’s awards; Tracey San Pablo, Sr. Project Development Manager – Filinvest City; Bonna Crisostomo, Sr. Project Development Manager – Priming and Innovation; and Chris Law, Founding Director of Oval Partnership and co-chair of this year’s competition.

Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI) won Best Residential Renovation at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2025 for Fortune Hill (5-stars). FAI’s Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel was also recognized at the prestigious 2025 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence, earning the distinction of being the sole Philippine winner. Additionally, FAI received Gold Awards from the FIABCI Philippines Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards for the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel (Purpose-Built Category) and Filinvest City (Master Plan Category), highlighting Filinvest’s focus on thoughtful, people-centered design.

Service Excellence Across Hospitality

Filinvest’s hospitality portfolio took the global stage this past year, with Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan earning distinctions from the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025 and inclusion in the Michelin Guide – Hotels, while Enye by Chef Chele Gonzales, located within the resort, was named a Michelin-Selected Restaurant—affirming the Group’s commitment to world-class hospitality and dining experiences.

Crimson Mactan Resort and Spa Mactan’s Enye by Chef Chele Gonzalez received the prestigious Michelin Selection 2026 award. In the photo (from L–R) are Didier Belmonte, General Manager of Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay; Chef Javier Amador of Enye; and James M. Montenegro, Country Manager of Chroma Hospitality, received the award, recognizing Enye’s evolving legacy in redefining luxury dining across the Philippines.

Together, these recognitions reflect a shared standard across the Filinvest Group—principled leadership, thoughtful innovation, and a commitment to create lasting value—made possible by the people behind the work, every day.

Swoon-Worthy Eats for Valentine’s Day at SM

This Valentine’s Day, show your love the tastiest way you can—through food. SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan have pulled together a bunch of Cupid-approved treats, from limited-edition cakes to meals made for two. Whether you’re planning a date or just want to spoil your favorite people, these picks are ready to make your day a little sweeter.

V-Day Treats

Nothing says “I care” quite like a handful of pastries from Brownies Unlimited, Goldilocks, and Dunkin. They’re not just a cute treat—they’re a simple way to make someone smile. Grab a box for your partner, your friends, or family, and share the love, one bite at a time.

Heart-Shaped Cakes 

Go big on sweetness this year with a limited-edition Valentine’s Day cake from Mary Grace and Red Ribbon. It’s rich, festive, and almost too pretty to eat. Perfect for making your celebration feel extra special.         

Wines and Chocolates 

Set hearts ablaze with the perfect chocolate gift from SM Snack Exchange at the SM Store, and find great wine bottles at every price and for every preference at SM Market.         

Better Two-gether Combo 

Spread love with the Valentine’s Day Just for Two promo of Max’s Restaurant consists of 2 Chicken Combo Meals of your choice that come with a drink or soup. Remember, a happy tummy makes a happy heart. 

As the home of everyday celebrations, SM makes Valentine’s Day extra special. Visit SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan, and celebrate with great food, great company, and unforgettable sweet moments.

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. 

Pedal to the Top: 102 Young Cyclists from Luzon Take on the Push Bike Race at SM City Marilao

The roof deck of SM City Marilao Carpark turned into a wild playground as 102 young cyclists from different parts of Luzon, including Bulacan, Pampanga, Caloocan, Malabon, Isabela, Valenzuela, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac, showed up for the Push Bike Race, in partnership with South Push Bike Race Philippines.  

With the city skyline as a backdrop, the young cyclists, ranging from beginners to seasoned juniors, zoomed through a specially designed course that tested their speed, control, and determination.     

 

The race took over the Carpark roof deck, full of sharp turns and surprising twists—perfect for kids just starting out and those who already know their way around a bike.       

More than just racing, the event brought everyone together, promoting sportsmanship and a sense of community. Parents and guardians lined the edge, cheering, as the mall buzzed with play and a clear message on caring for the planet.

Through the Push Bike Race, SM City Marilao proudly serves as the Home of Everyday Celebrations, bringing people together through moments that matter—big and small. Rooted in the heart of Bulacan communities, every event celebrates life’s daily joys by creating meaningful experiences, offering exciting value, and fostering connections that feel close to home. From simple wins to shared milestones, every day at the mall is worth celebrating—together."